Day 1
Vancouver
Fly into Vancouver and transfer independently to your hotel – the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure, exploring the city and dining in one of the fantastic restaurants.
Overnight: Georgian Court or similar
Day 2
Your Expedition Begins. Set sail from Vancouver
At the pier, your expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen awaits. Settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and familiarise yourself with life on board before attending the mandatory safety briefing.
Day 3
Cruising Queen Charlotte Sound
Wildlife spotting along the Inside Passage.Today sail the legendary Inside Passage, a protected coastal route stretching more than 930 miles through North America’s Pacific Fjordland.
Leaving the shelter of the fjords,enter the open waters of Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait, with Haida Gwaii providing some protection from the Pacific swell. As you cruise, keep watch for marine life — humpback, orca, fin and minke whales, as well as Pacific white-sided dolphins, are often seen here.
Day 4
Unspoiled Misty Fjords
A wilderness where wildlife thrives
Part of the vast Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine realm of towering evergreens, cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Naturalist John Muir once called it one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Weather permitting, you’ll explore this wilderness with the Expedition Team by small boat or kayak, gliding quietly through dramatic fjords.
Misty Fjords teems with wildlife. Scan the shoreline and forests for black and brown bears and moose, while the waters reveal salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Look skyward for herons and Bald Eagles.
Day 5
The Totems of Klawock
Discover Klawock’s Native heritage
Today we visit Klawock, set on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. Home to around 700 residents, the town is renowned for its impressive collection of totem poles.
A centre of Lingít culture, the island was originally known as Taan, meaning “sea lion”. At the Totem Park, you’ll see 21 beautifully carved poles — some faithful replicas of those that once stood in the winter village of Tuxecan.
Day 6
Fjords of Southeast Alaska
Exploring the scenic bays of Chatham Strait
Begin the day scanning the pristine waters of Frederick Sound for whales. Today is an exploration day, allowing the Captain and Expedition Team to select the best destination based on conditions.
We may venture out in expedition boats to explore secluded coves and forested shorelines along the 150-mile-long Chatham Strait, or enjoy kayaking if conditions allow. Wherever we roam, watch for Bald Eagles, bears and humpback whales, all common in this wildlife-rich region.
Day 7
Icy Strait Expedition Day
Embrace the thrill of wild Alaska
Another day of exploration awaits as we enter Icy Strait and investigate its rugged islands and islets. Plans will be shaped by weather conditions and wildlife activity to ensure the best possible experience.
Using our expedition boats, we may approach rocky shores and potentially make a landing for a guided nature walk. As we near the open sea, the coastline becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering rock pinnacles and sea caves. Keep watch for whales, sea lions, orcas and Bald Eagles.
Day 8
Glaciers of Icy Bay
Wildlife in glacier-fed waters
Today we explore Icy Bay, named for the three glaciers — Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall — that calve ice into its waters. If conditions permit, you’ll experience this icy landscape up close by expedition boat or kayak.
From the bay, admire the jagged silhouette of Mount St Elias, renowned for its dramatic vertical relief. Rising over 18,000 feet, it is the second-highest peak in the United States.
In the Gulf of Alaska, we’ll search for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and harbour seals, frequently spotted in these nutrient-rich waters.
Day 9
Historic Valdez
A story of resilience and recovery
Today we visit Valdez, a region once defined by the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 but now celebrated for its remarkable recovery. Extensive restoration efforts have allowed the coastline and ecosystems to rebound — a powerful example of nature’s resilience.
At the Valdez Museum, discover exhibits showcasing Native Alaskan art and culture, Gold Rush history, and the legacy of Alaska’s Bush Pilots. As we explore the area, keep an eye out for beavers, moose and bears.
Day 10
Tidewater Glaciers of Prince William Sound
Witness nature’s raw power
Today is devoted to glaciers. Prince William Sound is home to around 150 glaciers, including 17 dramatic tidewater glaciers that spill directly into the sea. Your Captain will select the best site based on conditions.
We’ll approach the glaciers as closely as safety allows, exploring by expedition boat or kayak when possible. From the water, you may spot humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and harbour seals inhabiting this frozen wilderness.
Day 11
Seward’s Stunning Beauty
Journey inland to Anchorage
Your expedition cruise concludes in Seward, Alaska’s only deep-water, ice-free port with road, rail and air links to the interior. As we sail into Resurrection Bay, keep watch for beluga whales, which are often seen in these waters — a memorable farewell to an extraordinary journey.
