Sail a 7-night expedition through Prince William Sound. Discover advancing tidewater glaciers, active ice fields, the coastal town of Cordova, and rich wildlife on an unforgettable wilderness journey.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights on board. Starts: Seward, Alaska, United States Ends: Seward, Alaska, United States Language: English speaking voyage
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
The experience is not only about nature, but about the people who live in the places we visit.
We are always welcomed by the locals and respectfully wander around their towns and villages, shareing their lifestyle for a few moments.
Cultural shows and folcloric dances and arts are part of the hightlights of this encounters.
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
One of the most popular and effective ways to tour around those places that by land are inaccesible, and in the process enjoy the wildlife of the place.
Journey deep into Alaska's backcountry on an active 7-night expedition through Prince William Sound, a singular destination defined by massive tidewater glaciers, rich marine life, and coastal wilderness. Departing from Seward into the heart of Chugach National Forest, this journey offers immersive exploration far removed from crowded cruise routes. Travelers will navigate among dynamic ice fields including Chenega, Tigertail, and Columbia Glacier—the widest tidewater glacier in the region—exploring ice-choked coves by kayak and skiff beneath soaring 4,000-foot peaks.
The itinerary showcases quintessential Alaskan backcountry encounters, from visiting the isolated fishing town of Cordova to hiking Eyak ski hill and exploring Knight Island under special permits from the Chugach Alaska Native Corporation. Guests will observe Meares Glacier—a rare advancing tidewater glacier—hike alongside moraines, visit a salmon hatchery at Esther Island surrounded by black bear habitat, and marvel at the steep valley glaciers of Barry Arm. Led by expert naturalists, each day combines active adventures, bushwhack hikes, and peaceful wilderness connection.
Highlights:
Kayaking and skiff tours near actively calving tidewater glaciers like Columbia and Chenega.
Visit to the remote, roadless fishing community of Cordova and Copper River Delta.
Guided hikes and bushwhacks along pristine coastlines in Chugach National Forest.
Up-close wildlife encounters with black bears, sea lions, harbor seals, and whales.
Exploration of Meares Glacier, one of Alaska's few advancing tidewater glaciers.
Day 1: Seward, Alaska Embarkation
Beginning of the journey
Arrive at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and join the motorcoach transfer to Seward. Board Safari Explorer, meet your crew, attend safety briefings, and enjoy a farm-to-table welcome dinner as the expedition begins.
Day 2: Icy Bay Glaciers
Glacial waterways and hiking
Wake up in Icy Bay surrounded by 4,000-foot peaks and views of Chenega, Tigertail, and Tiger glaciers. Explore by skiff and kayak in sheltered coves, or hike to the face of Tigertail Glacier to learn how ice reshapes the land.
Day 3: Knight Island
Chugach wilderness exploration
Explore Knight Island under permits from the Chugach Alaska Native Corporation. Scan for whales, seals, and sea lions before choosing your activity: kayaking along glacially carved coastlines, beachcombing, skiff cruising, or joining a guided bushwhack hike.
Day 4: Cordova, Alaska
Coastal fishing town and mountain hikes
Discover roadless Cordova, accessible only by air or sea. Enjoy a historic walking tour to the Copper River mouth and local museum, or take a challenging hike up the Eyak ski hill for elevated views of the sound.
Day 5: Columbia Glacier
Massive ice calving and island kayaking
Begin at Columbia Glacier, the massive, highly active tidewater glacier calving icebergs into surrounding waters. Explore carefully by skiff or kayak. In the afternoon, visit Glacier Island (Jackson Hole) for open paddles, skiff tours, and shore bushwhacks.
Day 6: Unakwik Inlet & Meares Glacier
Advancing glacier and tranquil coves
Visit Meares Glacier, a rare advancing tidewater glacier, exploring by kayak, skiff, or side-glacier hike. Spend the afternoon in a quiet U-shaped bay enjoying bushwhacks and kayaking in calm waters, followed by an evening presentation.
Day 7: Barry Arm and Esther Island
Hatcheries, wildlife, and farewell celebration
Visit Esther Island to tour a salmon hatchery and learn about local species amid black bear and sea lion habitat. Cruise Barry Arm in the afternoon to view steep valley glaciers, concluding with a Farewell Dinner and photo slideshow onboard.
Day 8: Seward, Alaska Disembarkation
Final disembarkation
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard with fellow guests. Disembark in Seward and take the scenic motorcoach transfer along Seward Highway back to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
Itinerary
Day 1: Seward, Alaska Embarkation
Beginning of the journey
Arrive at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and join the motorcoach transfer to Seward. Board Safari Explorer, meet your crew, attend safety briefings, and enjoy a farm-to-table welcome dinner as the expedition begins.
Day 2: Icy Bay Glaciers
Glacial waterways and hiking
Wake up in Icy Bay surrounded by 4,000-foot peaks and views of Chenega, Tigertail, and Tiger glaciers. Explore by skiff and kayak in sheltered coves, or hike to the face of Tigertail Glacier to learn how ice reshapes the land.
Day 3: Knight Island
Chugach wilderness exploration
Explore Knight Island under permits from the Chugach Alaska Native Corporation. Scan for whales, seals, and sea lions before choosing your activity: kayaking along glacially carved coastlines, beachcombing, skiff cruising, or joining a guided bushwhack hike.
Day 4: Cordova, Alaska
Coastal fishing town and mountain hikes
Discover roadless Cordova, accessible only by air or sea. Enjoy a historic walking tour to the Copper River mouth and local museum, or take a challenging hike up the Eyak ski hill for elevated views of the sound.
Day 5: Columbia Glacier
Massive ice calving and island kayaking
Begin at Columbia Glacier, the massive, highly active tidewater glacier calving icebergs into surrounding waters. Explore carefully by skiff or kayak. In the afternoon, visit Glacier Island (Jackson Hole) for open paddles, skiff tours, and shore bushwhacks.
Day 6: Unakwik Inlet & Meares Glacier
Advancing glacier and tranquil coves
Visit Meares Glacier, a rare advancing tidewater glacier, exploring by kayak, skiff, or side-glacier hike. Spend the afternoon in a quiet U-shaped bay enjoying bushwhacks and kayaking in calm waters, followed by an evening presentation.
Day 7: Barry Arm and Esther Island
Hatcheries, wildlife, and farewell celebration
Visit Esther Island to tour a salmon hatchery and learn about local species amid black bear and sea lion habitat. Cruise Barry Arm in the afternoon to view steep valley glaciers, concluding with a Farewell Dinner and photo slideshow onboard.
Day 8: Seward, Alaska Disembarkation
Final disembarkation
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard with fellow guests. Disembark in Seward and take the scenic motorcoach transfer along Seward Highway back to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
All gourmet meals made with local ingredients onboard.
All beverages, including spirits, wine, and craft beer.
Port taxes and fees included.
Motorcoach group transfer between Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Seward dock.
Daily guided kayak, skiff, and nature hiking excursions.
Historic walking tour in Cordova and Chugach National Forest access permits.
Use of expedition gear (kayaks, life vests, trekking poles).
EXCLUSIONS
Gratuities for onboard crew.
International or domestic main airfare.
Personal travel insurance.
Unspecified pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations.
Our Compass Cabin comes with one queen bed. Enjoy an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes for your comfort.
Navigator $11,200 $9,520
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Navigator
Our Navigator Cabins come with a fixed queen (B3, B8, B10, B12, B14) or your choice of a fixed queen or two twin beds (B7, B9, B11, B13). Enjoy an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes for your comfort.
Trailblazer $12,400 $10,540
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Trailblazer
Cabins B15 and B16. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Admiral $14,600 $12,410
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Admiral
Cabins B1, C1, and C2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Jr Commodore $16,800 $14,280
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Jr Commodore
Cabin B2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Commodore Suite $18,500 $15,725
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Commodore Suite
Cabins A1 and A2. Separate sitting area with a step-out balcony. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Our Compass Cabin comes with one queen bed. Enjoy an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes for your comfort.
Navigator $11,200 $9,520
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Navigator
Our Navigator Cabins come with a fixed queen (B3, B8, B10, B12, B14) or your choice of a fixed queen or two twin beds (B7, B9, B11, B13). Enjoy an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes for your comfort.
Trailblazer $12,400 $10,540
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Trailblazer
Cabins B15 and B16. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Admiral $14,600 $12,410
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Admiral
Cabins B1, C1, and C2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Jr Commodore $16,800 $14,280
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Jr Commodore
Cabin B2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Commodore Suite $18,500 $15,725
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Commodore Suite
Cabins A1 and A2. Separate sitting area with a step-out balcony. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Our Compass Cabin comes with one queen bed. Enjoy an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes for your comfort.
Navigator $11,200 $9,520
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Navigator
Our Navigator Cabins come with a fixed queen (B3, B8, B10, B12, B14) or your choice of a fixed queen or two twin beds (B7, B9, B11, B13). Enjoy an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes for your comfort.
Trailblazer $12,400 $10,540
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Trailblazer
Cabins B15 and B16. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Admiral $14,600 $12,410
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Admiral
Cabins B1, C1, and C2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Jr Commodore $16,800 $14,280
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Jr Commodore
Cabin B2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Commodore Suite $18,500 $15,725
Ship: Safari Explorer | Cabin: Commodore Suite
Cabins A1 and A2. Separate sitting area with a step-out balcony. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.