Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure
Cruise Prince William Sound aboard the 8- to 12-guest classic yacht Sea Star, bookended by scenic day trips along the renowned Alaska Railroad, on this round-trip Anchorage southcentral Alaska adventure.
On this 5- or 7-day Prince William Sound cruise and rail adventure, experience the Last Frontier in secluded Southcentral Alaska. Round-trip Alaska Railroad trips via Anchorage bookend this Prince William Sound cruise out of Seward or Whittier. Both on land and by sea, extraordinary areas and scenic views leave lifelong memories.
Watch for thunderous calving tidewater glaciers, leaping humpback whales and orcas, ambling black bears and myriad seabirds, among other wildlife. Explore sea caves and peaceful coves. Practice photography from the ship and on land, paddle a sea kayak, learn from the ship’s naturalist on guided hikes, or simply relax on board your classic yacht.
Passage is aboard the 8- to 12-guest Sea Star, a 1960s-era yacht kept in mint condition. Step back in time aboard this lovingly maintained ship and immerse in her private yacht feel during this intimate Prince William Sound cruise. Teak accents, cozy accommodations, gourmet food and a passionate crew add to the experience. Our Adventure Specialists can also arrange private Alaska yacht charters aboard Sea Star for your family or special group of 12 or fewer. With a shorter itinerary and child discounts, this trip makes our list of Alaska family cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.
Round-Trip Whittier Prince William Sound Cruise Itinerary
The round-trip Whittier Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure begins and ends with an Alaska Railroad train ride, connecting Whittier and Anchorage. Spend 5 or 7 unforgettable days exploring Southcentral Alaska. This route showcases dramatic coastlines, hidden sea coves and breathtaking sights of towering cliffs and quiet, picturesque coves and bays perfect for peaceful anchoring.
At the Alaska Railroad train depot in Anchorage, Alaska, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad train to Whittier. During this scenic train ride, experience picturesque coastal views of Turnagain Arm and maybe catch a glimpse of feeding beluga whales. As the train twists through the Chugach mountain range, look for moose, bear, bald eagles, mountain goats, glacial rivers, waterfalls and backcountry glaciers. Perhaps the staff will share insights into local history and wildlife along the way.
In Whittier, disembark the train and meet the Sea Star crew, who will assist with luggage on the short walk to the yacht. Embark the ship, settle into your cabin and depart on an amazing Prince William Sound cruise.
Each day after a hearty homestyle breakfast, explore the western seas and fjords of Prince William Sound. Cruise through a wonderland of icy fjords and protected passages, visiting awe-inspiring locations like Esther Passage, Icy Bay, Columbia Bay and Unakwik Inlet. You’ll witness the jaw-dropping power of nature as the Chenega, Meares and Columbia Glaciers calve, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into the sea before your eyes. Journey through Port Nelle Juan with high granite mountains and Night Island Passage where humpback and orca whales are frequently seen—an unforgettable experience!
But the magic doesn’t stop at the ice—this region teems with life. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring bald eagles, black bears ambling along the shore, curious river otters, and the comical charm of sea otters floating in rafts throughout the sound. Watch Steller sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops and sunlit beaches, and feel the thrill as sleek Dall’s porpoises and harbor porpoises dart playfully through the waves—sometimes with the Doll’s surfacing just beneath the ship’s bow wake 5 feet below you! And of course, don’t be surprised if a humpback whale surfaces nearby—a truly unforgettable sight.
Every day, choose sea kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, or simply relax on board. The ship’s flexible schedule enables easy wildlife viewing. As evening falls, tuck into serene, secluded coves where the silence is broken only by the sound of distant waterfalls or the occasional call of an eagle. With each day full of discovery and wonder, this is more than a cruise—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan expedition.
Arrive back in Whittier during the last day of this Alaska glacier cruise. Take time to explore this small quaint town. Maybe tour the Prince William Sound Museum, walk the waterfront, or enjoy a coffee before boarding the evening train for a different scenic route back to Anchorage, where the trip comes to an end.
Included
Adventure Class round-trip train ticket between Anchorage and the port of call to embark and disembark the ship; all meals, snacks, beverages including wine and/or beer served with dinner; all bedding and linens; all guided activities including sea kayaking and shore excursions; all equipment including sea kayaking gear, hiking poles and binoculars; rubber boots used during land excursions.
Exclusions
Lodging in Anchorage; hard liquor; recreational fishing licenses; gratuities; airfare unless specified; airport and other travel taxes and/or fees; airport transfers; fees for possible required COVID-19 testing prior to entry into Alaska (Alaska Safe Travels: https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers) or in any other state or country; baggage fees; failure of any transportation system; travel, medical or insurance of any kind; passports and visa fees; medical costs; illness and/or hospitalization costs; immunizations; purchase or loss of personal items; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a cruise due to weather or any third party services; political disputes; or any other causes or conditions beyond operator’s control; float plane transfer to/from the vessel Sea Star due to late arrival or early departure.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date or by March 1 of the same year, whichever date comes first. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – full refund
181 to 91 days (or before March 1 of cruise year) – 20% of total trip cost cancellation fee + 3rd party costs
90 to 0 days (or on/after March 1 of cruise year) – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The round-trip Whittier itinerary begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage prior to Day 1 of the itinerary, as the train ride on Day 1 begins early. Plan to depart Anchorage anytime after the final day of the itinerary, as the return train ride arrives late in the evening.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, land treks, glacier viewing, whale watching and wildlife observation.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book the Sandpiper, Kittiwake or Osprey cabins may do so at 1.5x the per-person listed rate based upon availability.
Families & Children
Kids 10 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children of any age are welcome aboard full boat charters. A parent or a legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Save 20% per child aged 10 to 17.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s/expedition leader’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising and land tours unique.
Seward/Whittier Prince William Sound Cruise Itinerary
The Seward/Whittier Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure begins with an Alaska Railroad train ride from Anchorage to Seward, and ends with a different scenic train route from Whittier to Anchorage, or reverse. Spend 7 unforgettable days exploring Southcentral Alaska.
At the Alaska Railroad train depot in Anchorage, Alaska, board the world-famous Alaska Railroad train to Seward. During this scenic train ride, experience picturesque coastal views of Turnagain Arm and maybe catch a glimpse of feeding beluga whales. As the train twists through the Chugach mountain range, look for moose, bear, bald eagles, mountain goats, glacial rivers, waterfalls and backcountry glaciers. Perhaps the staff will share insights into local history and wildlife along the way.
In Seward, disembark the train and meet the Sea Star crew, who will assist with luggage on the short walk to the yacht. Embark the ship, settle into your cabin and depart on an amazing Prince William Sound cruise.
Each day after a hearty homestyle breakfast, explore the western seas and fjords of Prince William Sound. Cruise through a wonderland of icy fjords and protected passages, visiting awe-inspiring locations like Esther Passage, Icy Bay, Columbia Bay and Unakwik Inlet. You’ll witness the jaw-dropping power of nature as the Chenega, Meares and Columbia Glaciers calve, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into the sea before your eyes. Journey through Port Nelle Juan with high granite mountains and Night Island Passage where humpback and orca whales are frequently seen—an unforgettable experience!
But the magic doesn’t stop at the ice—this region teems with life. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring bald eagles, black bears ambling along the shore, curious river otters, and the comical charm of sea otters floating in rafts throughout the sound. Watch Steller sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops and sunlit beaches, and feel the thrill as sleek Dall’s porpoises and harbor porpoises dart playfully through the waves—sometimes with the Doll’s surfacing just beneath the ship’s bow wake 5 feet below you! And of course, don’t be surprised if a humpback whale surfaces nearby—a truly unforgettable sight.
Every day, choose sea kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, or simply relax on board. The ship’s flexible schedule enables easy wildlife viewing. As evening falls, tuck into serene, secluded coves where the silence is broken only by the sound of distant waterfalls or the occasional call of an eagle. With each day full of discovery and wonder, this is more than a cruise—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan expedition.
Arrive in Whittier during the last day of this Alaska glacier cruise. Take time to explore this small quaint town. Maybe tour the Prince William Sound Museum, walk the waterfront, or enjoy a coffee before boarding the evening train for a different scenic route back to Anchorage, where the trip comes to an end.
Included
Adventure Class round-trip train ticket between Anchorage and the port of call to embark and disembark the ship (Gold Star Service upgrade available $145 per person in 2026); all meals, snacks, beverages including wine and/or beer served with dinner; all bedding and linens; all guided activities including sea kayaking and shore excursions; all equipment including sea kayaking gear, hiking poles and binoculars; rubber boots used during land excursions.
Exclusions
Lodging in Anchorage; hard liquor; recreational fishing licenses; gratuities; airfare unless specified; airport and other travel taxes and/or fees; airport transfers; fees for possible required COVID-19 testing prior to entry into Alaska (Alaska Safe Travels: https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers) or in any other state or country; baggage fees; failure of any transportation system; travel, medical or insurance of any kind; passports and visa fees; medical costs; illness and/or hospitalization costs; immunizations; purchase or loss of personal items; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a cruise due to weather or any third party services; political disputes; or any other causes or conditions beyond operator’s control; float plane transfer to/from the vessel Sea Star due to late arrival or early departure.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date or by March 1 of the same year, whichever date comes first. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – full refund
181 to 91 days (or before March 1 of cruise year) – 20% of total trip cost cancellation fee + 3rd party costs
90 to 0 days (or on/after March 1 of cruise year) – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The round-trip Whittier itinerary begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage prior to Day 1 of the itinerary, as the train ride on Day 1 begins early. Plan to depart Anchorage anytime after the final day of the itinerary, as the return train ride arrives late in the evening.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, land treks, glacier viewing, whale watching and wildlife observation.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book the Sandpiper, Kittiwake or Osprey cabins may do so at 1.5x the per-person listed rate based upon availability.
Families & Children
Kids 10 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children of any age are welcome aboard full boat charters. A parent or a legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Save 20% per child aged 10 to 17.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s/expedition leader’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising and land tours unique.
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The 8- to 12-guest Sea Star is a classic yacht cruising Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound and Inside Passage. Built in 1965 and lovingly maintained, Sea Star offers a step back in time with modern comforts and safety. Her slower cruising speed, beautiful teak decks, inviting salons and dedicated crew invite guests to experience Alaska with the feel of a private yacht. Twin Caterpillar diesel engines propel the Sea Star at a casual pace, perfect for taking in wildlife, while ocean-voyaging stabilizers ensure a smooth ride. Sea Star effortlessly navigates Alaska's numerous passageways, channels and inlets due to her small size. And guests enjoy peaceful nights tucked into small coves with the generator turned off.
Sea Star Ship Review
The following Sea Star review includes a detailed description of this classic Alaska small ship including a photo gallery. Our expedition ship experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Alaska. Find the detailed ship description below. Then contact our experts to compare the Sea Star with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises and private Alaska yacht charters.
Choose the Sea Star for her classic yacht feel, ample space across two decks, covered walkways and large open bow area—ideal for wildlife spotting. With a slower pace and maintained 1960s charm, Sea Star treats her guests to a private experience of Alaska's amazing coastlines. And with only four cabins, the Sea Star Alaska yacht is an ideal option for families, small groups, or travelers who simply want an intimate experience cruising Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.
Sea Star Yacht History
The Sea Star was built in 1965 by the Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Designer J.B. Hargrave of West Palm Beach designed this classic small ship to be a luxury pleasure craft for the rich and famous. The yacht was initially named Aquarius under her first owners Mr. and Mrs. Jon Dimmick, and featured in Motor Boating Magazine. She was the largest all-welded aluminum yacht of her time and has been maintained to mint condition ever since.
Onboard Facilities
The Sea Star classic yacht stretches from bow to stern, offering numerous social areas for guests to relax. Covered walkways offer protection for the elements, while a large uncovered bow area, complete with a large settee, invites travelers to feel the wind in their hair or partake in group activities such as on-deck yoga classes. A roomy pilot house, open to guest visits, mixes modern navigation technology with classic wooden stylings and wraparound windows with a commanding view to what lies ahead.
Dining & Lounges
At ship center is the main salon living area, with wide viewing windows, engaging games, and community-minded, comfortable seating enough for the full complement of travelers. At the stern of Sea Star, the large dining salon offers a delightful setting for daily meals, as well as an always-open water, coffee and tea station.
Additionally, the wet bar with sink and refrigerator is kept stocked with cold beverages. The menu features a selection of quality meats and Alaskan seafood, fresh vegetables and herbs (organic when possible), delicious pastries, fine wines and beer. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
Wraparound view windows keep the outdoors at top of mind during meals or casual refreshments. And a classic mix of white beadboard and teak wooden furniture and accents adds to the classic 1965 charm of this yacht. A large cushioned settee acts as a resting place while a large wooden dining table and chairs invites all on board to sit and enjoy each delicious gourmet meal.
Activities & Expeditions
Every Sea Star departure comes with off-ship explorations of Alaska's astounding wilderness. Guests are treated to shore hikes, sea kayaking, exploration by rigid inflatable boats, and countless opportunities for photography. Whale watching, glacier viewing and naturalist presentations on board are also a highlight of any cruise aboard Sea Star.
Sea Star carries four tandem kayaks and one solo guide kayak. The ship's two tenders are rigid inflatable boats, one 10-foot and one 17-foot; the larger boat carries 9 passengers at a time on excursions. Rubber boots are provided to each guest and binoculars on board enhance opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Crew & Guide
The Sea Star yacht is crewed by a small group of enthusiastic mariners. Her experienced captain has been piloting ships for many years, and doubles as the ship's electrician and engineer, ensuring a safe and smooth cruise. The first mate also acts as the ship's naturalist guide, with years of Navy training and accreditation as a Wilderness First Responder and Alaska Certified Expert. A second mate joins the crew on Sea Star's Inside Passage departures, adding another hand towards navigation and engine maintenance. Finally, the Sea Star classic Alaska yacht is also crewed by a talented chef and a dedicated deckhand.
Sea Star Cabins
The Sea Star yacht offers four guest cabins, each unique. Common to each cabin is its own private bathroom (with separate toilet and either tub or shower), screened porthole windows that open, drawers and cabinets ready to hold clothing and luggage, and fine linens, pillows and towels. Find our detailed cabin info below and ask our experts for cabin recommendations.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
Step back in time aboard the classic Sea Star, a 1965-built private yacht that treats her guests to itineraries along Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound and Inside Passage.
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