Alaska Fjords & Glaciers
This 8-day cruise between Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, features a visit to Misty Fjords National Monument and many opportunities to explore the back passages and narrow waterways of the most remote areas of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. Board 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer or 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer to view massive glaciers and fjords and experience true Alaskan wilderness.
This 8-day Alaska Fjords & Glaciers small ship cruise features glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys, whales and Alaska’s backcountry. Dawes Glacier gleams, the hanging waterfalls of verdant Tongass National Forest mystify, towering fjord cliffs give perspective and full days are spent choosing your own adventure via hikes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard excursions, skiff rides and more. Activities for all levels enable up-close exploration of “The Yosemite of the North,” Misty Fjords National Monument.
Activity options suited to varying ages and activity levels make this an ideal option among our Alaska family cruises. Guides keep watch to help spot harbor seals and their pups, shore birds, black bears, mink, eagles, orca, porpoises, seals, otters, Sitka deer and mountain goats along Tracy Arm, Fords Terror, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, the Blashkee Islands and Behm Canal.
The main 8-day Alaska Fjords & Glaciers cruise begins in Juneau and ends in Ketchikan. There is also a reverse itinerary that begins in Ketichikan and ends in Juneau. Sail aboard the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer or 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer, venturing farther than 99 percent of visitors, having the time and flexibility that a small ship provides to sail into small coves and seek out wildlife viewing opportunities.
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.
Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan Itinerary
The 8-day Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise travels southbound, beginning in Juneau and ending in Ketchikan, Alaska.
The smell of the sea hits you as you walk down the gangway to the ship. Meet your captain and crew as you familiarize yourself with your home for the next week. In the lounge, a welcome cocktail and champagne toast await you as you prepare for the grand stories yet to be written about the coming week. As your ship pushes off the dock, get out on deck with a pair of binoculars (there is a pair in your cabin for your use this week) and start the search for spouts!
Overnight, you’ve sailed into a new dimension. Sheer granite walls propel themselves thousands of feet above milky blue waters as the Discoverer glides between massive icebergs. Deep, U-shaped valleys tell the story of the last Ice Age and Harbor Seals haul out on the ice with this year’s recruitment of pups. Endicott Arm is a spectacular place to get outside and feel the air get cooler the deeper you travel into Endicott’s wilderness. The ship slows down as it approaches a massive wall of blue ice that blocks the end of the fjord–Dawes Glacier is your destination for the day. Bundle up and jump on a skiff tour for an intimate visit with one of the most active tidewater glaciers in Southeast Alaska.
Humpback whales are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Stephens Passage. You’re in for a boot-sucking, paddle-smacking day of adventure with your guide team. Routes are all mapped, so make your choice and make a move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow, spotting sea stars and shore birds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle or hike into the legendary Tongass.
Thomas Bay’s glacial landscapes are marked by moraines, muskegs and mud. In this playground, paddle or skiff on water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. You’ve come a long way as this is the backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness. In the distance, a symphony of water emerges—the resonant flow of Cascade Creek, cutting through the forest in a mesmerizing display of waterfalls. Count the navigational markers as you get a peek into life as only local Southeast Alaskans can relate to. Wrangell Narrows boasts abundant bright red and green navigation lights guiding your way—that may be why it’s aptly nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane.”
The Blashke Islands, located off the southern coast of Alaska, form an enchanting archipelago renowned for its rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. Carved by glaciers and shaped by the relentless forces of nature, these islands boast dramatic landscapes characterized by towering cliffs, fjords and dense forests. This is your playground today. A full day of choose-your-own-adventure fun. Hiking, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling and full day yak-n-whack excursions. Get ready for a full day!
In Behm Canal, it’s all remote waterways and the isolated Tongass National Forest coves, streams and bays. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike near clear, rushing streams. Opportunities to flex your photography skills for enticing forested shots of Southeast. Wildlife abounds! On land black bears, mink, eagles—in the water porpoises, seals and otters go about their business. Go about yours on a guided paddle in tiny, deserted waterways that feed into the canal.
There are places on the planet that completely overcome you, this is one of them. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water, sheer 3,000-foot cliffs, sea birds, bears and Sitka black-tailed deer all find safe haven here. Choose your own adventure strategy in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay, where you can paddle, skiff to the base of a waterfall for fjord released shower, or sit and float to take it all in. Whatever you choose, you’ll find out why the affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is well deserved. As a fitting end to your Alaskan journey, share a farewell dinner with your captain, celebrating the week’s adventures and capturing memories with a photo slideshow presented by your dedicated guide team. It’s the perfect conclusion to a week in the wilds of Southeast.
Your ship and crew members are hard to say goodbye to, but your time together ends here in Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the World, there are more adventures to be had—ask your crew for suggestions as you depart and wave goodbye to your crew—new friends made along the way who can’t wait to see you again!
Included
Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages; group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts; taxes and port fees.
Exclusions
Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature.
Payment & Cancellation
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. 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:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of 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. 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 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 main Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU), and ends in Ketchikan, Alaska (KTN). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 4:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Ketchikan no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple- and quad-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.
Families & Children
Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.
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 Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan Itinerary
The 8-day Reverse Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise travels northbound, beginning in Ketchikan and ending in Juneau, Alaska.
Arrive in Ketchikan and be met with a warm welcome, that’s a good start. Enjoy time to take in the city after checking in at the hospitality area. Upon boarding, grab a glass of bubbly as the ship pushes off the dock. Set sail for Misty Fjords National Monument.
There are places on the planet that completely overcome you, this is one of them. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water, sheer 3,000-foot cliffs, sea birds, bears and Sitka black-tailed deer all find safe haven here. Choose your own adventure strategy in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay, where you can paddle, skiff to the base of a waterfall for fjord released shower, or sit and float to take it all in. Whatever you choose, you’ll find out why the affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is well deserved. As a fitting end to your Alaskan journey, share a farewell dinner with your captain, celebrating the week’s adventures and capturing memories with a photo slideshow presented by your dedicated guide team. It’s an amazing kickoff to the week.
In Behm Canal, it’s all remote waterways and the isolated Tongass National Forest coves, streams and bays. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike near clear, rushing streams. Opportunities to flex your photography skills for enticing forested shots of Southeast. Wildlife abounds! On land black bears, mink, eagles—in the water porpoises, seals and otters go about their business. Go about yours on a guided paddle in tiny, deserted waterways that feed into the canal.
The Blashke Islands, located off the southern coast of Alaska, form an enchanting archipelago renowned for its rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. Carved by glaciers and shaped by the relentless forces of nature, these islands boast dramatic landscapes characterized by towering cliffs, fjords and dense forests. This is your playground today. A full day of choose-your-own-adventure fun. Hiking, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling and full day yak-n-whack excursions. Get ready for a full day!
Wrangell Narrows boasts abundant bright red and green navigation lights guiding your way—that may be why it’s aptly nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane.” Thomas Bay’s glacial landscapes are marked by moraines, muskegs and mud. In this playground, paddle or skiff on water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. You’ve come a long way as this is the backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness. In the distance, a symphony of water emerges—the resonant flow of Cascade Creek, cutting through the forest in a mesmerizing display of waterfalls. Count the navigational markers as you get a peek into life as only local Southeast Alaskans can relate to.
Humpback whales are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Stephens Passage. You’re in for a boot-sucking, paddle-smacking day of adventure with your guide team. Routes are all mapped, so make your choice and make a move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow, spotting sea stars and shore birds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle or hike into the legendary Tongass.
Overnight, you’ve sailed into a new dimension. Sheer granite walls propel themselves thousands of feet above milky blue waters as the Discoverer glides between massive icebergs. Deep, U-shaped valleys tell the story of the last Ice Age and Harbor Seals haul out on the ice with this year’s recruitment of pups. Endicott Arm is a spectacular place to get outside and feel the air get cooler the deeper you travel into Endicott’s wilderness. The ship slows down as it approaches a massive wall of blue ice that blocks the end of the fjord–Dawes Glacier is your destination for the day. Bundle up and jump on a skiff tour for an intimate visit with one of the most active tidewater glaciers in Southeast Alaska.
After breakfast this morning, bid adieu to your new pals before disembarking and transferring to the Juneau airport or extend your hotel stay or land tour.
Included
Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts; taxes and port fees.
Exclusions
Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature.
Payment & Cancellation
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. 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:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of 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. 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 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 Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise begins in Ketchikan, Alaska (KTN) and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Ketchikan by 4:00pm on Day 1 of the reverse itinerary. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8 of the reverse itinerary.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple- and quad-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.
Families & Children
Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.
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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The 76-guest M/V Wilderness Discoverer is capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. Retrofitted specifically for wilderness exploration, this small expedition ship features a shallow draft and hull design allowing for easy access to Southeast Alaska’s wildlife-rich shores and glacially fed inlets. Her specially designed stern makes her an ideal launching pad for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions.
Wilderness Discoverer Review
AdventureSmith Explorations' Wilderness Discoverer review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard the Wilderness Discoverer firsthand. Please read our Wilderness Discoverer review below then contact our experts to compare the Wilderness Discoverer with other small cruise ships and yachts offering small ship Alaska cruises.
Built in 1992 by Blount Boats in Rhode Island and refurbished with pride in 2011, the Wilderness Discoverer is a classic adventure cruise ship. She is one of two sister ships, alongside 86-guest Wilderness Legacy, to feature triple-occupancy options in her cabins. She has comfortable cabins, stylish common areas, excellent service and delicious meals. But what sets her apart from other Alaska small ships is her program of off-vessel activities designed to explore up close and in style. An experienced crew of guides and naturalists specialize in getting guests away from the ship safely and efficiently. The EZ Dock kayak launching platform eliminates the most challenging part of a paddle: getting in and out of the kayak. And with 25 two-person kayaks on board there are plenty of chances to explore. Choose the Wilderness Discoverer if you are seeking an affordable and active adventure cruise with a friendly crew and great cabin configuration options for families.
Common Areas Aboard Wilderness Discoverer
Among several comfortable and spacious social areas aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, the highlight may be the lounge, which is designed to evoke the feeling of a National Park lodge or neighborhood pub. Interior spaces aboard the Discoverer offer contemporary colors and brushed metals that complement the wilderness outside. She carries a bit of Alaska wherever she sails, exemplified in the beautiful bar top and tap tower made from a yellow cedar log found in Peril Strait. The full promenade deck allows ample space for watching wildlife or meeting with friends. The dining room has an open format that blends into the lounge, with a full-service, complimentary bar in between. The Wilderness Discoverer is equipped with Starlink WiFi, although connection may be unavailable in more remote areas and is typically only available in the evenings. Cell phone reception may be available when the ship is in more populated areas; a satellite phone is available (added cost) for emergencies.
Dining Aboard Wilderness Discoverer
The Wilderness Discoverer offers guests a casual-style dining experience with open seating that accommodates all guests at once. Exceptional meals created by the skillful chefs use locally sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors of your destination. Each day includes an early-riser breakfast of fresh fruit, baked-onboard pastries and breads, and a full breakfast complete with specialty items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic dishes. Breakfasts and lunches are served buffet-style, while dinners are elegantly plated. Buffet meals give guests the flexibility to enjoy healthy and delicious options on a flexible schedule between activities and wildlife sightings. Dinners offer a choice of entrées, including fresh seafood and meats. Vegetarian dishes are available and special dietary needs can be met with advance notice. Hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour feature a variety of appetizers, and desserts are varied and plentiful. A variety of hot and cold beverages are available around the clock, and liquors, wine and microbrews are included.
Activities Aboard Wilderness Discoverer
The Wilderness Discoverer features a flotilla of stable two-person sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a stern-mounted kayak launch platform and swim step (perfect for a polar plunge), and inflatable skiffs for remote explorations by water. Adventure gear is available for use, including hiking poles, and snorkel gear and wetsuits at an additional cost. There are two open-air hot tubs, exercise equipment and yoga mats for morning stretching classes. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics. Educational opportunities come in many forms: hearing engaging naturalist-led lectures in the lounge, watching and listening to whales via underwater hydrophone and bow camera, and engaging with local peoples. Nighttime fun like charades, trivia or a talent show add to the sense of camaraderie.
Crew & Guides Aboard Wilderness Discoverer
Wilderness Discoverer's enthusiastic and knowledgeable crew creates a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and offers exceptional service. The crew takes great pride in spiffing up the efficient, warm and inviting ship. The 27 crew members are sure to become great friends. On select departures, expert onboard naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Wilderness Discoverer
The Wilderness Discoverer holds 76 passengers and features 38 comfortable staterooms across three decks. Her four cabin categories include: 8 Navigator, 16 Trailblazer, 10 Pathfinder and 4 Admiral cabins. All were refurbished in 2011 and feature lower berths: some with a twin berth, others with a sofa to accommodate a third guest. Each cabin includes a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, conditioning shampoo and body wash, air conditioning, ample storage space and electrical outlets, flat-screen TV with DVD player, iPod docking station, binoculars, reusable water bottles and a view window (no portholes).
The 60-passenger M/V Wilderness Adventurer offers the ultimate in small ship comfort and adventure while exploring Alaska. Sailing with a maximum of 60 guests, the Wilderness Adventurer features 30 staterooms and three public decks, providing an intimate and personal experience. The vessel's small size and shallow draft allow her to explore regions of Alaska's Inside Passage unreachable by most other vessels.
Why Sail Aboard Wilderness Adventurer
Choose the Wilderness Adventurer if you are seeking an affordable and active expedition. The Wilderness Adventurer is the quintessential adventure cruise ship, with a history of pioneering Alaska coastal cruises. She offers comfortable cabins, stylish common areas, excellent service and delicious meals. She is not luxurious or particularly modern but is comfortable, casual and uniquely ready for adventure. What sets her apart most is her program of off-vessel activities designed to explore up close and in style. An experienced crew of guides and naturalists specialize in getting guests away from the ship safely and efficiently. The EZ Dock kayak launching platform eliminates the most challenging part of a paddle: getting in and out of the kayak.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Wilderness Adventurer firsthand, and can help you compare this expedition vessel to others offering small ship Alaska cruises. Our company has a long history with this ship, and she remains one of our favorite platforms for exploration in Alaska. Read our dedicated Wilderness Adventurer Ship Review written by one of our specialists, or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Wilderness Adventurer, including deck plans and a photo gallery. We’ve been aboard many Alaska ships and can be your ultimate resource to discover if this ship the best choice for your travel needs.
Common Areas Aboard Wilderness Adventurer
Wilderness Adventurer’s layout is designed to maximize social spaces, observation areas and comfortable places for dining and relaxing. The full wrap-around viewing deck allows guests to move freely around the entire perimeter of the ship for viewing and photographing wildlife. A large indoor area on the Main Deck includes the dining room, a spacious lounge and a full-service, complimentary bar. The Sun Deck is an ideal space to enjoy morning yoga classes and afternoon cocktails. The Wilderness Adventurer is equipped with Starlink WiFi, although connection may be unavailable in more remote areasand is typically only available in the evenings. Cell phone reception may be available when the ship is in more populated areas; a satellite phone is available (added cost) for emergencies.
Dining Aboard Wilderness Adventurer
The Wilderness Adventurer offers guests a casual-style dining experience in the dining room on the Main Deck, featuring exceptional meals. Seating is open and accommodates all guests at once. Chefs use locally-sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors of each destination. Each day includes an early-riser breakfast of fresh fruit, onboard-baked pastries and breads, and a full breakfast complete with specialty items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic dishes. Dinners offer a choice of entrées, including fresh seafood and meats. Vegetarian dishes are available and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour feature a variety of appetizers, and desserts are varied and plentiful. Hot and cold beverages are available around the clock, and liquors, wine and beer are complimentary.
Activities Aboard Wilderness Adventurer
The Wilderness Adventurer features a fleet of 19 two-person sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable skiffs for remote explorations. Adventure gear is available for use, including hiking poles, and snorkel gear and wetsuits at an additional cost. A stern-mounted EZ Dock launch platform makes on- and off-boarding kayaks easy. The swim step is a perfect jumping-off point for a polar plunge. Join naturalist guides on a hike or a paddle to explore Alaska up close.
The Sun Deck features a hot tub, fitness equipment and yoga mats for stretching classes. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics. Educational opportunities come in many forms: engaging naturalist-led lectures in the main lounge, watching and listening to whales via the underwater hydrophone and bow camera, and relaxing with a book about the people, places and wildlife of Alaska.
Crew & Guides Aboard Wilderness Adventurer
Wilderness Adventurer's cheerful and knowledgeable crew creates a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and offers exceptional service. The mantra on board could be: word hard, play hard, relax, repeat. The 25 crew members embody the "WAVE STRONG" mentality of easy-going fun, and they are fiercely loyal to their small ship. On select departures, expert onboard naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Wilderness Adventurer
Three cabin categories aboard the Wilderness Adventurer include 10 Navigator, 16 Trailblazer and 4 Pathfinder cabins. All cabins are newly refurbished with contemporary interior colors to complement the wilderness outside and are equipped with lower berths. All include a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, conditioning shampoo and body wash; flat screen TV with DVD player; iPod docking station; binoculars; reusable water bottles and a view window (no portholes).
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The Wilderness Discoverer is capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. The revolutionary EZ Dock launching platform makes it easy to get in and out of her 25 two-person kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
The Wilderness Adventurer's small size and shallow draft allow her to explore regions of Alaska's Inside Passage unreachable by most other vessels. A full wrap-around viewing deck and EZ Dock launching platform provide immediate and intimate access to nature.
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Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Expert Review: Alaska Fjords & Glaciers Aboard the Wilderness Discoverer
AdventureSmith's Lis reviews her 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Ketchikan aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer.
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Expert Review: UnCruise Alaska
All you need to know before you take an Alaska UnCruise. Read this review to hear from an expert’s eye what sets this operator's cruises apart from others in Alaska.
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
Choose from a variety of other AdventureSmith Alaska trips to extend your journey, combine cruise itineraries, or opt for a cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise. The Alaska Fjords & Glaciers itinerary can be combined with the Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise itinerary for the 15-day Alaska Fjords & Glacier Bay Cruise—Ultimate Expeditionoperating between Juneau and Ketchikan with no repeated landing sites. Please inquire with an Adventure Specialist for further details. The 2026 Denali Adventure by Rail & Trail with Fairbanks is a pre-cruise escorted land tour featuring a hosted day in Fairbanks, wilderness lodge stays in Denali National Park and Talkeetna Mountains, and hotel overnights in Fairbanks and Anchorage. This tour takes you through the Talkeetna Mountain and Denali National park by coach, rail and trail, and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking and panning for gold. This land package aligns with Saturday cruise departures; cruises departing on other days require additional hotel night(s). This extension begins operation on May 30, 2026 and the final departure is September 5, 2026; June 6 and August 22 departures are unavailable.
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