ALASKA’S PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

Wake up in the glacial waterways of Icy Bay. Flowing down from the 4,000-foot surrounding peaks, Chenega, Tigertail, and Tiger glaciers are all options this morning. Hop in a skiff, and if conditions are right, kayak in a remote cove tucked into the shoreline. Your expedition team shares how glaciers sculpt and alter the landscape on a daily basis. Feel the essence of this land of the Chenega people, meaning “beneath the mountain,” as you weave through these deserted islands by kayak, skiff, and yacht. (BLD)

Tuck into the southern reaches of Prince William Sound, exploring its sculpted islands. Some call it “gunkholing”—nosing around the next cove—and there’s plenty to see. Search for whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds from the bow or opt to kayak or beachcomb for a closer look at island life with natural and cultural history notes from your guides. (BLD)

Accompanied by guides, head out for a hike below Sheridan Glacier this morning with an afternoon on your own to explore Cordova. Or, join your shipmates on a walking tour of this tiny fishing town at the mouth of the Copper River. With a population of 2,300 and no roads connecting to other towns, Cordova is only accessible by air or water. Take in the town’s Native history by nature walk, hard charger hike, an Eyak Tribe cultural program, or Prince William Sound Science Center exploration before settling back on board for a quiet overnight anchorage. (BLD)

Options aplenty this morning. Hike, kayak, skiff, or try your hand at standup paddle boarding in a quiet cove before a hearty lunch back onboard. Next up: towering icebergs born from the approaching Columbia Glacier. Winding its way 32 miles back through Chugach Mountains and with constantly changing conditions, your captain finds the best route to view this massive glacier. (BLD)

Arctic terns and bald eagles, harbor seals resting on icebergs, and the massive Meares Glacier as your backdrop, Unakwik Inlet is the perfect place to dip your paddle in the water for a kayak. Or, join a skiff tour to get farther faster in glacier country. This is wilderness at its wildest. Feel the mountains closing in as you cruise through Esther Passage. View a fish hatchery and learn about Alaska’s salmon species. Tonight, join your expedition leader for an interpretive presentation before a relaxing soak in the hot tub under the fading sun. (BLD)

Day of the grand finales. Big mountains, big ice, and big smiles as we wind down our adventure in the company of all that is quintessentially Alaska. Sea otters float on their backs on beds of kelp. Watch them lounge before diving and rising with puffins in search of food. Take it all in from a kayak or skiff before capping off your week with a celebratory Farewell Dinner and slideshow. (BLD)