Hurtigruten Expeditions Alaska's Inside Passage - Fjords of the Great Land

11-day itinerary

Day 1: Vancouver

Commence your expedition cruise journey in the bustling city of Vancouver, a city set against strikingly beautiful mountains.

While here, experience what the city has to offer including Gastown – Vancouver’s Victorian Quarter, as well as the Vancouver Lookout for outstanding panoramic views of the region.

Day 2: Your expedition begins

After an included breakfast at your hotel, immerse yourself in the wonders of Vancouver while on a scheduled tour of the city’s key highlights. Following this, travel to the pier to board your MS Roald Amundsen cruise ship, and be sure to familiarise yourself with the ship’s excellent range of facilities before preparing for your experiences in Alaska.

Day 3: Queen Charlotte Sound

Soak up the incredible surrounding scenery as the MS Roald Amundsen sails through the great North American Pacific Fjordland and cruises around Queen Charlotte Sound.

Keep a keen eye out for the rich variety of iconic wildlife in the region, including whales, dolphins and orcas to name but a few.

Day 4: Misty Fjords

Misty Fjords is an idyllic wilderness of evergreens, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Found within the Tongass National Forest, the Fjords were described by famous writer, John Muir, as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.

If the weather is suitable, the onboard team will take you out on small expedition boats to search for mountain goats, moose and bears, whilst passing the plethora of marine life inhabiting the waters including, otters, sea lions, orcas and harbour seals.

Day 5: Discover Klawock’s Native heritage

Located on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island, the charming town of Klawock is home to the largest collection of totem poles in Alaska.

You’ll have the opportunity to see some of these unique creations while exploring Totem Park, before returning to the ship and preparing for the following day’s experiences in Frederick Sound.

Day 6: Fjords of Southeast Alaska

Embark on a full day of exploration as you begin by scanning for elusive whales in the serene waters of Frederick Sound. The Captain and the onboard Expedition Team will continually monitor conditions to decide on the most optimal landing sites.

Weather permitting, you may have the unique opportunity to board smaller expedition boats and investigate the secluded coves and forested shorelines of the 150-mile-long Chatham Strait.

Day 7: Icy Strait Expedition Day

Today, the journey continues to the islands of Icy Strait. Once again, the onboard crew will observe the conditions to ensure that any explorations are carried out as efficiently as possible. Potential landing sites include George Island, Inian Islands and Idaho Inlet, with there being an opportunity to get up-close and personal with nature as you take out expedition boats to land on the rocky shores.

Day 8: Glaciers of Icy Bay

Icy Bay is home to three titanic glaciers: Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall, which regularly plunge deep into the freezing waters below. The Captain and onboard Expedition Team will continually monitor conditions and if they are acceptable, you’ll be able to explore more in small expedition boats and kayaks, drinking in the breath taking natural beauty of this vast landscape.

Practice your photography skills by capturing images of the abundant wildlife in the area, including humpback whales, orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and harbour seals lazing on floating chunks of ice are often seen in these waters.

Day 9: Historic Valdez

Despite the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill which occurred in 1989, Valdez’s coastline has made a remarkable recovery – a testament to the work done to heal the damaged ecosystems.

During today, you’ll gain interesting insights into the region’s history and see exhibits of Native Alaskan art and culture, while on a visit to the Valdez museum.

Day 10: Tidewater Glaciers of Prince William Sound

Home to a staggering 150 striking glaciers, Prince William Sound will be the next destination on your exhilarating expedition cruise. Navigating the conditions as safely as possible, you’ll be able to sail on small expedition boats through the fjord, whilst catching glimpses of humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and harbor seals.

Day 11: Ending in Seward

Your unforgettable expedition cruise journey unfortunately comes to its conclusion in Seward.

Want to experience more of what the region has to offer? Why not join an optional post-programme to visit the remarkable Denali National Park – home to America’s highest peak.

MS Roald Amundsen