Cruising throughout the night, we awoke to the sheer granite walls of Tracy Arm rising thousands of feet over our heads. The cloudy sky started beneath the peaks of the surrounding mountains in the fjord, and more clouds appeared whilst we approached Sawyer Island. We were lucky to have an open path as the ship maneuvered through the ice towards South Sawyer Glacier. All our guests were able to spend at least an hour at the gorgeous face of the glacier. We got as close as is legally possible. The sun was shining behind the glowing blue ice as we crossed back and forth. Pupping season fully underway, we were able to view mother harbor seals nursing their young on floating blocks of ice. We were lucky enough to sit in awe multiple times as massive calving events sent ice crashing into the water below, echoing through the fjord.

After cruising during lunch, we arrived at the beautiful Williams Cove to kayak and hike the shore along bear trails. Signs of wildlife were abundant, including evidence of bears and moose throughout the rainforest, along with a playful flock of white-winged scoters that kept us company from a distance. This was, of course, a bittersweet day, as it was our last day before guest disembarkation tomorrow. We enjoyed one last evening of humor filled recaps over drinks and another delicious dinner before the guest slideshow. After reminiscing over the memories made, we all retreated to the bow, cocktails in hand, for one last wave goodnight from a humpback’s tail.

Photo by Luke Manson