Discover Southeast Alaska

Day 1: Arrive in Juneau, AK – Embarkation

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Welcome to Juneau, Alaska’s remote and rugged capital. Despite its isolation, Juneau is alive with culture from its Tlingit heritage to its vibrant local art scene and historic gold mining past.

For those arriving by the suggested time, visit the Alaska State Museum to view artifacts and art objects that tell the tale of Alaska’s history, including extensive ethnographic exhibits of the cultures of Alaska’s native people.

Later transfer to the port to board the Chichagof Dream. As embarkation begins unpack and become familiar with your stateroom and the ship’s welcoming public spaces.

Gather for your first dinner on board taking the opportunity to become acquainted with your Expedition Leader, ship crew and fellow travel companions.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 2: Icy Strait

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As the Chichagof Dream glides through Icy Strait enjoy prime viewing on deck while spotting for wildlife including orcas, Steller sea lions, seals, porpoises and magnificent humpback whales.

For those seeking additional activities perhaps join a skiff ride or hiking excursion on land. The crew will lead skiff rides and land excursions, offering deeper insight on the surrounding flora and fauna and the area’s geography.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park

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Today explore awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park, where colossal glaciers meet rugged mountains and a temperate rainforest. Here scientists have found exposed rock that’s believed to be more than 200 million years old. Discover the park’s ecological richness and learn about the geological forces that shaped this icy wonderland.

Marvel at the face of Margerie Glacier—a 21-mile-long river of ice that stretches down from the towering peaks of the Fairweather Range. Rising nearly 250 feet above the waterline, Margerie is one of the park’s most active tidewater glaciers, frequently calving massive chunks of ice with a thunderous roar that echoes across the fjord. Be mesmerized by the deep blue hues of the ice and the ever-changing patterns of crevasses and jagged pinnacles.

Further into Glacier Bay National Park is the astounding Johns Hopkins Glacier. Unlike many other glaciers in the region, this massive ice sheet is actively advancing, fed by an extensive network of tributary glaciers that snake down from the towering peaks of the Fairweather and Takhinsha Mountains. The steep, sheer walls of the inlet create a dramatic amphitheater& where you can often witness the glacier’s dynamic movement in a setting untouched by human development. The inlet is also a vital pupping ground for harbor seals, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing.

Continuing to Bartlett Cove visit the park lodge and visitor center or participate in a guided forest walk. Watch for puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, mountain goats, bears and eagles, and enjoy Alaska’s spectacular scenery.

Back on board enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres and convivial conversation in the lounge before another specially crafted dinner featuring Alaskan cuisine.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 4: Tracy Arm Fjord

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Venture into Tracy Arm Fjord, a spectacular 30-mile-long fjord that’s part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness and host to hundreds of waterfalls. Carved by glaciers over thousands of years, the narrow waterway is framed by sheer rock walls that rise more than 3,000 feet above sea level. Famed naturalist and conservationist John Muir visited Tracy Arm Fjord during his travels in Alaska in the late 19th century and was deeply moved, calling this area “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.”

This afternoon set off on a skiff ride to further explore the various bays and coves (conditions permitting).

This leisure time is also an opportunity to take advantage of the ship’s open wheelhouse policy. Visit the captain and officers on the bridge, view the charted course, hear ship-to-ship communications and listen to stories from experienced Alaskan mariners.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 5: Petersburg | Frederick Sound

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This morning step ashore in Petersburg, a charming fishing village with deep Scandinavian roots. Founded in the late 19th century by Norwegian immigrant Peter Buschmann, who established a cannery and sawmill, the town quickly grew into a thriving fishing community thanks to its prime location near the rich fishing grounds of Frederick Sound. The abundant icy waters allowed fishermen to keep their catch fresh, fueling a booming seafood industry that still defines Petersburg today.

Unlike many Alaskan coastal towns Petersburg was never a major cruise ship port, which has helped preserve its authentic small-town atmosphere. Strolling through downtown admire the Norwegian-inspired architecture, colorful murals and traditional decorative folk painting adorning the buildings.

Beyond its cultural charm Petersburg offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. The surrounding waters of Frederick Sound are among the best places in Alaska to observe humpback whales, which frequently display dramatic behaviors perfect for viewing and photography. Watch as these majestic giants tail-lob, lunge-feed, slap their massive pectoral fins, breach the surface, and execute graceful dives that reveal their iconic barnacle-studded flukes.

After lunch on board or in town take a skiff ride across Wrangell Narrows for a beautiful hike on the Petersburg Creek Trail leading you to historical points where you’ll uncover the town’s fishing heritage and its significance in shaping Alaskan culture.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 6: Hidden Falls

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After breakfast experience a rare tour of Hidden Falls Hatchery for an up-close look at one of Alaska’s most productive salmon enhancement facilities. This hatchery plays a crucial role in sustaining the region’s commercial, sport and subsistence fisheries by releasing millions of salmon smolts annually. Gain insight from the knowledgeable staff about the hatchery’s operations as they explain how the facility raises and releases chum, coho and Chinook salmon. Also learn about the salmon life cycle, from egg collection and incubation to rearing and release.

Before dinner gather for an enlightening discussion with your onboard naturalists, whose deep knowledge and passion for Alaska’s wilderness provide a deeper understanding of the locations and cultures you’re witnessing. With their extensive knowledge of the region’s ecology, wildlife and cultural history, they’ll share fascinating stories and answer your questions about the natural wonders you’ve encountered. This lively and informal gathering is a guest favorite, as it offers a chance to reflect, learn and engage with the experts who make your journey even more memorable.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 7: Eastern Baranof Island | Lake Eva

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Spend the morning cruising through the Peril Strait to Hanus Bay. In the afternoon enjoy free time at Lake Eva to take a guided hike or join a skiff excursion (conditions permitting).

During the final evening on board gather together for a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner to celebrate your adventures touring this remarkable Alaskan wilderness.

Overnight: Chichagof Dream

Day 8: Sitka – Disembarkation | Depart Sitka

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After breakfast disembark the Chichagof Dream. Guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. Guests with late afternoon flights will have access to a hospitality room to store luggage while enjoying leisure time in Sitka.

If you reserved an additional night in Sitka, take a complimentary shuttle to your accommodations.