Catalyst is a historic yacht with a warm wood interior that takes guests back to a time when craftsmanship was the rule, not the exception. Her original 1932 Washington Diesel engine is the only one like it in the world.
Alaska’s Eastern Passages
Cruise Alaska's Eastern Passages aboard the 11-guest Catalyst, a lovingly restored historic wooden research yacht. Go in search of glaciers, whales and abundant wildlife. As seen in National Geographic Traveler Magazine's Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime.
Jun
Jul
Aug
FROM
$7,150
USD
PER PERSON
/
Over 8 days the Alaska’s Eastern Passages cruise offers a diverse experience of Southeast Alaska aboard the intimate 11-guest Catalyst yacht. See everything from fishing towns to wilderness solitude and islands to glacial fjords. This small ship’s goal is to provide the most remote wilderness experience possible, with up-close wildlife encounters while enjoying the amenities of this ship. Navigate through ice-filled fjords, visit a tidewater glacier, search the shores for brown bears and enjoy the peaceful silence as the Catalyst stops her engines to watch and listen to humpback whales. Kayak up a narrow inlet that John Muir called “an ocean-filled Yosemite” and follow bear trails through rich estuarial meadows.
Ship-based bear viewing at the famous Pack Creek Zoological Reserve is a goal on every departure, with select high-season 2025 dates offering land-based viewing. Listen for wolves, wind through icebergs, paddle beside 5,000-foot granite faces, go in search of moose, hike a glacial moraine and more. Alaska’s glacial wilderness supports a diversity of wildlife as varied as the landscape. On water, there is the probability of sighting humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and Stellar sea lions as well as numerous seabirds. On terra firma, look for black bears, brown bears and mountain goats. These amazing nature and wildlife opportunities qualify this itinerary for our handpicked selection of Alaska family cruises.
Alaska’s Eastern Passages itinerary cruises between Juneau and Petersburg, Alaska; offering a main southbound route and a reverse northern route. As with all small ship Alaska cruises, while there is a general planned itinerary, each trip differs depending upon the time of the tidal currents, the weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities and the wishes of the guests on board. The Catalyst averages three to four hours of travel per day, allowing plenty of opportunity for exploring by foot and by kayak. The routes and anchorages are chosen to provide the best available opportunities to experience the rich and diverse environment of this temperate rainforest.
This trip was featured in National Geographic Magazine’s Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime. If you want to experience remote Alaska with an intimate crew, or experience it with your own group via our private Alaska yacht charters, then Alaska’s Eastern Passages is your small ship cruise!
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruise options and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
Southeast Alaska's Eastern Passages Itinerary
Juneau, AlaskaPetersburg, Alaska
The 8-day Alaska’s Eastern Passages Cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska, and cruises southbound to end in Petersburg, Alaska.
Passengers are welcome to come on board at 11:00am, stow gear and get familiar with the vessel. Following a brief safety orientation, the ship will be underway by 11:30am, headed south down Gastineau Channel and out into Stephens Passage. After a full lunch, the crew will introduce themselves and share their roles aboard Catalyst. After cruising south for several hours, turn east and enter Endicott Arm, probably seeing the first icebergs while crossing the sometimes turbulent entrance bar into the inlet. Spend the first night anchored along the shore, not far inside the inlet. Listen for wolves howling as the long northern twilight fades from orange to purple to black, turn in, excited about the adventure ahead.
Catalyst will navigate through ice-filled fjords to enable guests to visit a tidewater glacier and search the shores for brown bears, and Catalyst will stop her engines so guests may watch and listen to humpback whales. Kayak up a narrow inlet that John Muir called “an ocean-filled Yosemite” and follow bear trails through rich estuarial meadows. Each trip varies depending on the weather; some highlights may include:
The Brothers Islands
The Brothers are a group of small islands positioned in the middle of Frederick Sound. Be alert for humpback or orca whale sightings. This is one of the prime summer feeding grounds for the migratory humpback and it is rare to not encounter a pod. Catalyst may shut down her engine and just drift, in order for guests to watch the feeding orca. Later Catalyst will drop the hook in an idyllic anchorage, where the sounds of breathing whales, Steller sea lions hauled out close by, or the screech of an eagle are heard across the water. Here explore a temperate rainforest and test your kayak skills, discovering sea creatures in exposed tide pools.
Wood Spit & Dawes Glacier
Watching for whales, pass Wood Spit, the terminal moraine of Dawes Glacier, where a hike will introduce you to the fascinating geology of this glacial area, its Tlingit culture and gold rush history. The spit is frequented by deer, wolf, nesting bald eagles and an array of water birds. At the face of Dawes Glacier, Catalyst will linger for awhile to witness the calving and booming of the burgs.
Ford’s Terror
A seldom visited anchorage, Ford’s Terror is surrounded by 5,000-foot granite faces. The mist hanging to the precipices makes it feel like the vessel is suspended in time. Here, kayak through the tidal rapids (at slack water of course) and paddle into the majestic inner fjord. Hike the highlands of Ford’s Terror’s unique, glacial-caused ecosystem of alpine, bog and forest and view the raging tidal rapids from above. After the hike, head out the Endicott Arm watching for bear, moose, wolves and whales. Possibly stop for a walk through a brown bear-frequented meadow before continuing north. In the evening, enjoy a final night with fellow shipmates and share images and memories of the week.
A few hours’ travel brings the ship to Petersburg, where it will be tied up at the dock in time to catch the morning flight to Juneau and on to Seattle, or to get settled into your room in town so that you can explore this Scandinavian fishing village in more detail.
Included
Accommodations; excursions; entrance fees; leadership; crew; all meals indicated in itinerary; local guides and permits, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.
Exclusions
The cost of air flights, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to force majeure: including, without limitation, pandemic, act of God, governmental regulation or order, weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond our control.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 151 days – 50% of deposit
150 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 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 Alaska’s Eastern Passages Cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU), and ends in Petersburg, Alaska (PSG). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 9:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary, for the 11:00am boarding and 11:30am casting off. Plan flights to depart Petersburg no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8, following the 10:00am disembarkation. Guests are welcome to drop off luggage to the ship earlier in the day if needed. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.
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, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, glacier viewing, whale watching and wildlife observation.
Room Configuration
A single cabin (Cabin 4) is available. There is a 50% single supplement for single travelers in a double cabin. Cabin 5 sleeps up to 4 guests and is ideal for families with children. Please inquire with an AdventureSmith Specialist for discount pricing for the third and fourth person booked into Cabin 5.
Families & Children
Children should be at least 12 years old to enjoy this cruise. Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Whole-boat charters can accommodate younger guests.
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 discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
Reverse Southeast Alaska's Eastern Passages Itinerary
Petersburg, AlaskaJuneau, Alaska
The 8-day Reverse Alaska’s Eastern Passages Cruise begins in Petersburg, Alaska, and travels northbound to end in Juneau, Alaska.
Catalyst will be moored either on “D” float in the South Harbor or in North Harbor. The dock access ramp for South Harbor is located on the Crane Dock; in North Harbor it is adjacent to the Harbor Master’s Office. Because we don’t know in advance where the ship will be assigned moorage, please call the Harbor Master at 907-772-4688.
Passengers are welcome to come on board at 12:30pm, stow their gear and familiarize themselves with the vessel. At 1:15 pm you will be underway, headed north out Wrangell Narrows and into Frederick Sound. Enjoy a full lunch and have an orientation and safety meeting. About a two-and-a-half-hour run, your first night’s anchorage will be Scenery Cove in Thomas Bay. Tides permitting, a skiff ride and hike will provide a unique opportunity to explore Baird Glacier’s cobbled outwash plain. The evening might be spent introducing everyone to kayaking.
Catalyst will navigate through ice-filled fjords to enable guests to visit a tidewater glacier and search the shores for brown bears, and Catalyst will stop her engines so guests may watch and listen to humpback whales. Kayak up a narrow inlet that John Muir called “an ocean-filled Yosemite” and follow bear trails through rich estuarial meadows. Each trip varies depending on the weather; some highlights may include:
The Brothers Islands
The Brothers are a group of small islands positioned in the middle of Frederick Sound. Be alert for humpback or orca whale sightings. This is one of the prime summer feeding grounds for the migratory humpback and it is rare to not encounter a pod. Catalyst may shut down her engine and just drift, in order for guests to watch the feeding orca. Later Catalyst will drop the hook in an idyllic anchorage, where the sounds of breathing whales, Steller sea lions hauled out close by, or the screech of an eagle are heard across the water. Here explore a temperate rainforest and test your kayak skills, discovering sea creatures in exposed tide pools.
Wood Spit & Dawes Glacier
Watching for whales, pass Wood Spit, the terminal moraine of Dawes Glacier, where a hike will introduce you to the fascinating geology of this glacial area, its Tlingit culture and gold rush history. The spit is frequented by deer, wolf, nesting bald eagles and an array of water birds. At the face of Dawes Glacier, Catalyst will linger for awhile to witness the calving and booming of the burgs.
Ford’s Terror
A seldom visited anchorage, Ford’s Terror is surrounded by 5,000-foot granite faces. The mist hanging to the precipices makes it feel like the vessel is suspended in time. Here, kayak through the tidal rapids (at slack water of course) and paddle into the majestic inner fjord. Hike the highlands of Ford’s Terror’s unique, glacial-caused ecosystem of alpine, bog and forest and view the raging tidal rapids from above. After the hike, head out the Endicott Arm watching for bear, moose, wolves and whales. Possibly stop for a walk through a brown bear-frequented meadow before continuing north. In the evening, enjoy a final night with fellow shipmates and share images and memories of the week.
A slower start allows time to pack and savor your last few hours aboard Catalyst. Reach Juneau in time to catch a flight to Seattle or to explore Alaska’s capital city.
Included
Accommodations; excursions; entrance fees; leadership; crew; all meals indicated in itinerary; local guides and permits, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.
Exclusions
The cost of air flights, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to force majeure: including, without limitation, pandemic, act of God, governmental regulation or order, weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond our control.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 151 days – 50% of deposit
150 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 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 Reverse Alaska’s Eastern Passages Cruise begins in Petersburg, Alaska (PSG) and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Petersburg by 11:00am on Day 1 of the reverse itinerary, for the 12:30pm boarding and 1:15pm casting off. To confirm the ship’s location, please call the harbor master at 907-747-3439. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8 of the reverse itinerary, following the 10:00am disembarkation. Guests are welcome to drop off luggage to the ship earlier in the day if needed. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.
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, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, glacier viewing, whale watching and wildlife observation.
Room Configuration
A single cabin (Cabin 4) is available. There is a 50% single supplement for single travelers in a double cabin. Cabin 5 sleeps up to 4 guests and is ideal for families with children. Please inquire with an AdventureSmith Specialist for discount pricing for the third and fourth person booked into Cabin 5.
Families & Children
Children should be at least 12 years old to enjoy this cruise. Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Whole-boat charters can accommodate younger guests.
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 discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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M/V Catalyst is a historic 11-guest (Alaska) or 12-guest (Pacific Northwest) yacht with a warm wood interior that takes guests back to a time when craftsmanship was the rule, not the exception. She has decades-old varnished wood paneling, heavy beamed ceilings and glowing mahogany trim and furniture. The slow pulse of her original 1932 Washington Diesel engine, the only one like it in the world, makes the Catalyst a living creature, with a strong iron heart. The pace of a Catalyst cruise is relaxed and unhurried, but the original excitement of exploration and discovery remains on board. Catalyst’s welcoming and nurturing spirit continues to inspire those who find sanctuary aboard her as a lifetime of memories are created.
Why Sail Aboard Catalyst
Choose a cruise aboard the Catalyst for a boat and crew with lots of character. The historic wooden vessel has been thoughtfully restored, true to her 1930s heritage. Unique to Catalyst is her ability to be quiet, equipped with electrical systems that enable up to 12 hours at anchor without running a generator. Guests can further enjoy the sounds of whales blowing in the distance, thrushes singing in the surrounding forest, sea turtles breathing in the nights’ cove, or water cascading down nearby cliff faces. Catalyst’s experienced crew and thoughtful itineraries make each departure a truly authentic nature cruise. This unique ship is one of our popular Alaska yacht charters and can offer private charter cruises everywhere she sails.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Catalyst firsthand. Read our dedicated Catalyst Ship Review, written by our founder and president who sailed aboard the ship in Alaska. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Catalyst, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help you compare the Catalyst with other small cruise ships offering U.S. cruises, Pacific Northwest cruises and Alaska small ship cruises. Let us be your ultimate resource to discover if Catalyst is the best yacht for your travel needs.
Common Areas Aboard Catalyst
Aboard this small ship are a bow deck, covered side decks and a covered aft deck, all offering perfect opportunities for wildlife and landscape viewing. A spacious galley and a warm wood-paneled salon, each with a table and two benches, provide gathering space and a place to enjoy the excellent food and company the ship shares.
History Aboard Catalyst
Catalyst's storied history is part of what makes this ship and her itineraries so appealing. She was the University of Washington's first oceanographic research vessel. In 1932 Thomas G. Thompson began a personal crusade to establish a school of oceanography at the university. With the help of a $60,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, he started both the school and the construction of Catalyst. The Catalyst launched as the most state-of-the-art research vessel of her time. She was completed in June of 1932 and took her maiden cruise through the Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska and served as research ship for scientists and students for many years. During WWII the Navy conscripted the vessel, mounted a machine gun on top of her pilot house and racks of depth charges on her stern. She spent the war years patrolling the Aleutian Islands for Japanese submarines.
The Catalyst was built to last, constructed of white oak, Alaskan yellow cedar, Douglas fir, teak and Australian ironwood. After the war, the Catalyst was handsomely refit. Over the next 40 years, she was used for everything from delivering mail to mining supplies and being used as a floating dentist's office. As a floating marine laboratory she won national acclaim; more importantly, she touched the lives of all who knew her and continues to do so today.
In 1984 she was restored to being the passenger ship Catalyst and began operating tours; she has been doing so under our operator partners Pacific Catalyst II, ever since. Refurbishments in 2013 included: rebuilt bulwarks on the starboard and stern; a rebuilt stern; Port Oxford cedar beams to strengthen her frame; a Cabin 5 redesign; and a "stern lift" to put the steering gear below decks and arrange a more comfortable sitting area on the back deck.
Dining Aboard Catalyst
Food is a sacred thing aboard the Catalyst. The philosophy aboard is that food aids and abets the spirit of community on the vessel, nourishing guest (and crew) along with the beauty of the scenery, the activities of the day and the pleasure of each others’ company and life stories.
Food is prepared from fresh, natural ingredients, including produce that is purchased from local Alaskan or San Juan farmers and fishermen. The chef avoids processed foods; using organic, fresh ingredients instead. A sample menu may comprise of: smoked chicken sausage, kale and sweet potato stew and garlic scape pesto spiral biscuits or seared halibut with wild mushroom vinaigrette, brown rice risotto and asparagus. Guests can enjoy local Washington wines and fair-trade, shade-grown coffee from beans that have been roasted locally following their purchase from small co-ops around the world. In this way the Catalyst supports local communities, embracing the idea of eating locally and using green practices whenever possible. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary aboard the Catalyst.
Activities Aboard Catalyst
The Catalyst is a perfect base camp for exploration, with daily off-vessel activities offered. Six double sea kayaks and three single sea kayaks are enough for the entire complement of passengers to experience naturalist-led kayak tours. The Catalyst carries a 12-foot aluminum skiff and a 17.5-foot inflatable utility boat to explore up close and ferry guests ashore for hikes. The Catalyst also holds permits to visit specific areas only offered for small groups. Aboard the Catalyst wildlife viewing is primary; watch humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, sea otters, moose, bears and more from the viewing decks; listen to the whales underwater with the ship's hydrophone; enjoy the ship’s viewing aquarium and microscope; learn from the presentation projector and two laptop computers, one for navigation, one for digital pictures from the boat’s camera; and use one of the twelve pairs of binoculars for guests.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Catalyst
Catalyst’s classic accommodations include cozy private staterooms. Despite stateroom capacity reaching beyond 11 guests, the Catalyst keeps an intimate feel by only offering bookings for up to 11 guests in Alaska, and up to 12 guests in the Pacific Northwest. Cabin #1 is on the main deck and can be accessed from the main salon. Cabins #2-5 are located below deck and are accessed by steep stairs. Likewise Cabin #6 is on the upper deck and accessed by a steep outside stairway. Cabins #4 and #5 have shared bathrooms while all others have private bathrooms with a sink, toilet and shower en-suite. All cabins have portholes except Cabin #6, which has a porthole plus two windows. Regular 110-volt electrical outlets are in each cabin.
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Expert Review: Slow Travel in Alaska
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Expert Aboard: Catalyst Ship Review
Read firsthand insights about this historic wooden vessel cruising Alaska and the Pacific Northwest from our experts who have been aboard. Learn all there is to know about the top notch crew, creative cuisine and more.
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