Discover Alaska: What a Day is Like on Expedition
Alaska holds the promise of discovery, and a voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will take you far beyond the busy ports and piers to roadless places where glaciers sparkle, mountains soar and epic wildlife roams—bears and bald eagles, harbor seals and humpbacks. You’ll be immersed in pure wilderness, experiencing this fascinating destination from every angle without another ship or soul in sight. From kayaking among dazzling icebergs to savoring a crab feast dinner, here's what any given day might look like on an expedition to the Last Frontier of America.
Breakfast: Savor Your Meal, Soak in a View
Epic scenery is everywhere in Alaska, and at a fjord-side breakfast, you might be treated to views of tumbling waterfalls or electric-blue icebergs as you enjoy fresh bread and pastries, a made-to-order omelet or other hot dishes from the buffet.
Photo: David Vargas
Morning Excursion: Exploring at Water Level
Join a naturalist aboard a Zodiac and speed toward a glistening glacier that peeks through a bend in the fjord. Or board a kayak or paddleboard and glide across these iceberg-studded waters, on the lookout for otters, bald eagles and harbor seals.
Photo: David Katz
Talks and Photo Tips
Head to the lounge for a talk on smartphone photography by your National Geographic certified photo instructor. Stick around for a naturalist presentation on their topic of expertise, such as the dynamics of area orca pods.
Photo: Andrew Peacock
Lunch: A Fresh Catch
Ship chefs use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, including locally grown produce and fresh-caught fish. Savor an Alaska-inspired lunch, like a grilled salmon sandwich or a salad featuring harvested wild berries.
Photo: Doug Scaletta
Afternoon Excursion: Rainforest Walk
Put your new photo tips to the test during a walk through Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Snap photos as you stroll amid blooming wildflowers, or choose a path less traveled, bushwhacking through thick brush.
Photo: Sean Neilson
Afternoon Talk: Ice Cream Sundae Glaciers
Back on board, young travelers in the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program have the chance to watch as a naturalist uses ice cream sundaes to demonstrate how glaciers form and change—then they’re invited to take a bite out of the delicious display.
Photo: Jill Neiderberger
Downtime: On Whale Watch
With free time, take advantage of the ship’s amenities: read up on regional flora in the library, visit the open Bridge or stand on deck to watch for whales. You may spot humpbacks engaged in a uniquely Alaska behavior: cooperative bubble-net feeding. When conditions are right, a naturalist drops a hydrophone so you can listen in on the whale communications.
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
Ready for Recap
Gather in the lounge for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, followed by the nightly recap and a preview of tomorrow’s activities. Today’s presentation features your undersea specialist, who shares footage from the day’s dive of the surprisingly colorful creatures that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters.
Photo: Marco Ricca
Dinner: Crab Feast
A culinary event that always earns rave reviews is the Dungeness crab feast—a mouth-watering taste of Alaska’s wild bounty, washed down with local craft beers.
Photo: David Vargas
Adventures Under the Midnight Sun
Take advantage of the summer’s lingering sunlight to capture golden hour photos or look for wildlife. If you’re traveling later in the season, you may have a chance to spot the northern lights painting the night sky.
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
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