Hurtigruten Expeditions Alaska's Inside Passage - Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

13-day itinerary

Day 1: Spectacular Seward

After arriving in Anchorage you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards Seward, to kick-start your Alaskan adventure. Transfer to the MS Roald Amundsen cruise ship once you reach Seward, and take time to familiarise yourself with your home for the next two weeks.

Day 2: 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 3: 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 breathtaking 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 4: 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 5: Łingít crafts in Haines

Described by many as the ‘Valley of the Eagles’, your expedition will be heading to the frontier town of Haines, located at the head of the Lynn Canal. Originally referred to as Deishu, meaning ‘end of the trail’ by the native Chilkat Tlingit people, Haines is now an exciting hub for arts and design work. In particular, weaving is a popular practice in the region, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark being beautifully woven into intricate designs for you to marvel at.

The area’s excellent galleries and workshops encapsulate the vibrant art scene, with authentic totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures being available to purchase while on your visit. Be sure to also take advantage of the stunning landscapes round here by enjoying a hike or by scanning for wildlife, immersing yourself in the region’s sheer natural beauty.

Day 6: The wonders of the southeast

Prepare to enter full adventure mode as you discover Southeast Alaska’s fabled waterways within the Inside Passage.

Depending on suitable weather conditions, the Expedition Team will take you on small expedition boats to witness isolated coves, iceberg-filled bays, as well as shorelines with dense forests and vegetation. Keep a keen eye out for the bountiful wildlife in the area, including whales, bears, otters, and bald eagles.

Day 7: Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm

Located in the heart of Holkham Bay, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are two stunning fjords which are lesser-known to many people. Huge icebergs plunge deep into the icy waters at the end of each fjord, set against a breathtaking backdrop of rugged cliffs. Due to its specific climate, the region creates a perfect habitat for a plethora of wildlife including harbour seals, whales, bears and mountain goats, so be sure to keep a lookout to experience this unique ecosystem.

As ever, your onboard Captain will be guided by the interchangeable conditions, and they will decide on the most suitable fjord for exploration, along with the Expedition Team.

Day 8: Chatham Strait

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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Canada’s Inside Passage

The expedition will then sail through Canada’s iconic Inside Passage on your eleventh day. The coastal route will take you through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected waterway being over 930 miles long, with its outstanding scenery on display during your transit.

You’ll be exploring secluded channels which are rarely visited while on your journey, soaking up the breathtaking settings as you scan for the wide variety of wildlife in the region.

Day 12: Meet the Kwakwaka’wakw

Upon arriving at Alert Bay, gain insights and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community. A secluded village located on Cormorant Island, north of Vancouver Island, Alert Bay is an alluring region with rich cultural heritage, whilst also being a hub for authentic design and creativity.

Make the most of this unique opportunity to meet the welcoming Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community, and be sure to visit the U’mista Cultural Center. While here, marvel at the detailed totem poles, paintings, carvings, ceremonial masks and other meaningful artifacts.

The island also harbours a wide variety of wildlife, including the Yellow-billed Loon, as well as the often elusive orcas and whales which occupy the surrounding waters.

Day 13: Vibrant Vancouver

Your exhilarating expedition cruise will conclude in the bustling city of Vancouver. There is something for everyone in one of Canada’s youngest cities. Indulge in the city’s global cuisine as you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy as you immerse yourself in the region’s wonderful atmosphere.

Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, is certainly worth experiencing, with a hike up the Vancouver Lookout uncovering some of the best views of the city, including the picturesque Stanley Park, Granville Street, as well as the beautiful West End beaches.

MS Roald Amundsen