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Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea Expedition 2027

Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea Expedition 2027

From AUD $9,772

Description

Wild Alaskan adventure Sail from Whittier to Vancouver on this expedition cruise through the southeast region of Alaska. Famed for its incredible scenery, our route takes us into Prince William Sound and Icy Bay, and we’ll be on the lookout for wildlife species along the way as diverse as orcas, whales, bears and Bald Eagles. Activities such as kayaking, hiking and expedition boat cruising will bring you into close contact with nature.
Uncover deep-rooted history Seeking out culture, just as much as nature, will be our aim as we experience a warm welcome from the local native peoples of Klawock and Alert Bay. Here, we’ll see an impressive collection of totem poles and watch a Kwakwaka’wakw dance performance by the T’sasala Cultural Group. We’ll also explore historic Haines, framed by the mighty Chilkat and Takshanuk Mountains, as well as the immense Tongass National Forest before ending our journey in British Columbia’s Vancouver.  

Trip Name
Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea Expedition 2027
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 140 metres Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2019 MS Roald Amundsen is a modern expedition ship named after the legendary Norwegian polar explorer who first reached the South Pole. Built in 2019 at Kleven Yards in Norway, the vessel is purpose-designed for voyages in polar and remote waters, combining exploration capability with a strong focus on environmental performance. As one of the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, she uses battery-assisted electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20 percent, setting a new standard for more sustainable expedition travel. With a capacity of 490 guests, she serves as a comfortable and efficient base camp at sea for journeys to some of the planet’s most extreme and spectacular regions. Onboard, Scandinavian design principles define both public spaces and accommodation, using natural materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool to create a calm, functional, and refined atmosphere. All cabins are outside-facing, with around half featuring private balconies, while selected suites offer private outdoor hot tubs. Key facilities include a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck, a Science Centre at the core of the expedition experience, multiple dining venues inspired by regional flavours, and comprehensive wellness amenities including a gym, sauna, spa, infinity pool, and hot tubs. Together, these features position MS Roald Amundsen as a technologically advanced and thoughtfully designed vessel, built to support immersive exploration without compromising comfort or environmental responsibility.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 A first taste of awesome Alaska
 Enjoy a drive through spectacular sceneryAfter arriving at the airport in Anchorage you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Whittier, a small, picturesque fishing town of just a few hundred residents, nestled between towering mountains and the deep blue waters of Prince William Sound.Surrounded by dramatic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and lush temperate rainforests, it serves as a gateway to the sound – a haven for kayakers, photographers, and adventurers drawn to its pristine fjords and abundant wildlife.Once you board MS Roald Amundsen, settle in and take your time to get to know the ship before listening to the safety briefing. Your adventure is underway!To get the most out of your stay, we recommend joining our pre-voyage option.  
Day 2 - Day 2 Tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound
 Get ready to experience nature’s raw powerToday is a day all about glaciers. Prince William Sound is home to 150 of these amazing rivers of ice, including 17 incredible tidewater glaciers. Your Captain will choose the best location for the day based on the conditions.We’ll get as close to the glaciers as we safely can, taking our small expedition boats into the fjord or even exploring by kayak if conditions permit. From the water, you might catch sight of humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and harbor seals, all of which inhabit this icy wilderness. 
Day 3 - Day 3 Glaciers of Icy Bay
 Spot wildlife in these glacier-fed watersToday is an exploration day in Icy Bay. Three glaciers – Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall – each feed ice into the bay’s waters to give it its name. If conditions allow, you’ll explore in our small expedition boats or by kayak, immersing you in the remarkable beauty of this icy landscape.  From Icy Bay, you can admire striking, jagged Mt. St Elias. Known for its steep vertical relief, it is the second tallest peak in the US and third tallest in the US and Canada at over 18,000 ft. In the Gulf of Alaska, we’ll scout for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and harbour seals which are often seen in these waters. 
Day 4 - Day 4 Icy Strait expedition day
 Embrace the thrill of wild Alaska Today is another day of exploration as we sail into Icy Strait and take a closer look at some of the islands and islets. As ever – we will gauge the weather and other conditions to decide upon the best location.  Using our expedition boats, we may get close to some of the rocky shores here, with the possibility of a landing and nature walk. The coast in this region grows more rugged the closer we get to the open sea, with rocky pinnacles and sea caves galore.  In the evening we’ll pass by Point Adolphus, located on the northern tip of Chichagof Island across from Glacier Bay National Park. The nutrient-rich waters are known for attracting humpback whales and other marine life, so be sure to get out on deck and have your camera ready.  
Day 5 - Day 5 Łingít crafts in Haines
 Discover a flourishing artistic heritageNear the head of the Lynn Canal lies the frontier town of Haines, which was originally home to the Chilkat Łingít people. They are renowned for their weaving skills, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark woven into intricate designs, and here, you’ll see excellent examples of their work. Haines has a flourishing art scene, with galleries and workshops showcasing totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures. Taking home some Alaskan arts and crafts is a great way to support local creators. The beautiful landscapes here are also ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. 
Day 6 - Day 6 Southeast Alaska exploration day
 Witness ancient forests and abundant wildlifeExplore Alaska in true expedition style on today’s exploration day in this magical corner of the Inside Passage. This is an area where old-growth forest dominates, meaning there’s abundant wildlife and a spine-tingling feeling of wild nature.  Conditions permitting, we’ll take to the water in our small expedition boats and seek out secluded coves and thickly forested shorelines. Try and catch a glimpse of some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, including bears, Bald Eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and moose. If it’s safe to do so, we might land and explore the shore. 
Day 7 - Day 7 Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm
 See the lesser-known gems of Holkham BayHolkham Bay is home to two beautiful fjords – Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Our aim is to visit either of the two, depending on the changing ice conditions. The Captain will decide which offers better exploration options on the day, but in either case, we can expect jaw-dropping scenery and bountiful opportunities for spotting wildlife.  At the end of each fjord, fresh icebergs calve from the glaciers against a stunning backdrop of rocky cliffs. This area is a breeding ground for harbour seals, who are often seen on the floating ice. You might also see whales, bears and even mountain goats, so keep your camera at the ready.  
Day 8 - Day 8 Fjords of Southeast Alaska
  Explore the scenic bays of Chatham Strait Start your day looking out for whales in the pristine waters of Frederick Sound. Today is an exploration day, so the Captain and Expedition Team will use their expertise to choose the best destination. We might take to the water in our expedition boats and investigate the secluded coves and forested shorelines of the 150-mile-long Chatham Strait, or perhaps opportunities for kayaking will present themselves if the conditions are right. Wherever we explore, keep a lookout for wildlife as Bald Eagles, bears and humpback whales can be spotted in this region.  
Day 9 - Day 9 The totems of Klawock
 Discover Klawock’s Native heritageToday we visit Klawock, beautifully situated on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. The small town has a population of around 700 and is known for its array of totem poles.A centre for Łingít culture, the original name of the island was 'Taan' meaning sea lion. At the Totem Park you’ll see 21 exquisitely carved examples, some of them replicas of the originals that stood in the winter village of Tuxecan.  
Day 10 - Day 10 Unspoiled Misty Fjords
 Revel in a wilderness where wildlife thrivesPart of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreen trees, roaring waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. The revered naturalist John Muir described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.  Weather permitting, you'll join the Expedition Team to tour Misty Fjords in our small expedition boats, or explore in a kayak. Misty Fjords is rich in wildlife. As we explore, scan the shores and forests for black and brown bears, as well as moose. These waters are home to Pacific salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Skywards, you might spot herons and Bald Eagles. 
Day 11 - Day 11 Canada’s Inside Passage
 See sublime scenery as we sail the Inside Passage The Inside Passage coastal route takes us through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long.Our smaller expedition ship allows us to reach areas that larger vessels can’t, meaning you’ll get to explore lesser-travelled channels with breathtaking scenery. Keep your cameras and binoculars at the ready to catch sight of whales, including humpback, fin, minke and perhaps even orca. In Princess Royal Channel keep a lookout for the elusive Kermode Bear. 
Day 12 - Day 12 Meet the Kwakwaka’wakw
 Receive a warm welcome in Alert BayWe arrive at Alert Bay, a scenic village on Cormorant Island, north of Vancouver Island. Here we'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community – to be welcomed by them is a real privilege.  At the U'mista Cultural Center, you'll see elaborate totem poles, paintings, carvings, ceremonial masks and other meaningful artifacts The island’s sheltered waters attract a huge array of wildlife the Yellow-billed Loon, with its distinctive speckled back, is a particular highlight. Keep an eye out for orcas and humpback whales close to shore.  
Day 13 - Day 13 A taste of Vancouver
 Disembark in British Columbia’s iconic city Your expedition ends in Vancouver, a beautiful city at the foot of the Rockies. Wander Gastown, Vancouver’s Victorian quarter or walk around beautiful Stanley Park, which offers a view of the city and a glimpse of the stunning nature you’ll see on the voyage. Vancouver has a flavour all its own – and so does its global cuisine. Before your onward journey, we recommend you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy for a taste of the city's buzzing atmosphere.  
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-202712-06-2027AUD $9,772Polar Outside. From
31-05-202712-06-2027AUD $10,847Arctic Superior. From
31-05-202712-06-2027AUD $15,635Expedition Suite. From
21-06-202703-07-2027AUD $10,186Polar Outside. From
21-06-202703-07-2027AUD $11,307Arctic Superior. From
21-06-202703-07-2027AUD $16,298Expedition Suite. From
12-07-202724-07-2027AUD $10,186Polar Outside. From
12-07-202724-07-2027AUD $11,307Arctic Superior. From
12-07-202724-07-2027AUD $16,298Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Experience the wilderness of Tongass National Forest with your knowledgeable Expedition Team.
    • Witness nature’s power first-hand with three days of glacier exploration in our small expedition boats.
    • Learn about Łingít and Kwakwaka’wakw culture from the Indigenous villages while visiting native communities in Alaska and British Columbia.

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