Epic Coastal Alaska aboard National Geographic Orion

Arrive in Vancouver this afternoon and embark National Geographic Orion. (D)

Navigate northward along the pristine coastline in search of whales, dolphins, bear, deer, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of clouds drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as we sail through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs. (B,L,D)

Explore the rocky coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and go ashore to beachcomb and discover the fascinating intertidal zone with our naturalists. Set sail on the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales and pods of killer whales gliding through the clear water around our ship. Fix your binoculars on the banks of Kuiu Island to spot moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. (B,L,D)

Today, maneuver past the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face and get caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Take advantage of spectacular photo ops, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor. Our experienced captain will read the ice and bring us as close as possible to the glacier, where we’ll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. In the afternoon, visit the small Alaskan fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town or explore downtown on your own. (B,L,D)

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It’s not uncommon to observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping, and variations on feeding—as we fill the deck and listen to the play-by-play from our expert naturalists. If schedules allow, we will be joined by our conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation who will come aboard and speak about the local whale population. (B,L,D)

This morning, step ashore in Peril Straits in the morning where we follow bear trails and salmon streams. The still waters are excellent for kayaking. In the afternoon, explore the former capital—Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center and stroll the forested trails of the Sitka National Historical Park. Rich in history, the 113-acre park features roughly 20 majestic Haida and Tlingit totems scattered along the scenic coastal trail. (B,L,D)

Located on the outer coast of Chichagof Island, this wilderness offers a rugged, wave-pounded coastline open to the mighty Pacific Ocean as well as quiet, protected bays and inlets ideal for exploring by ship, kayak, and Zodiacs. Western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees blanket the area along with muskeg and river estuaries, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. (B,L,D)

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay; or hiking in the lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies. (B,L,D)

Start the morning in the Gulf of Alaska, transiting up the coast to Yakutat Bay. The scenery along the way is rugged and beautiful. Be on the lookout for a glimpse of Mt. Fairweather (over 15,000 ft.). Late in the day, we will enter the bay and head toward the face of Hubbard Glacier. This mammoth sheet of ice is more than six miles wide at its face and is contained within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Depending on ice and conditions, we may deploy our Zodiacs to explore. (B,L,D)

This uninhabited island is best known as the location where members of Bering’s Great Northern Expedition of 1741 set foot in Alaska. Here, naturalist Georg Steller found a jay now named for him and recorded over 150 plants new to science. Conditions permitting, we hope to make a landing to explore this small, jagged island and to cruise by Zodiac near Cape St. Elias and its lighthouse. (B,L,D)

Spend the day exploring majestic Prince William Sound which is filled with glaciers and ringed by the Chugach Mountains. Immerse yourself in the incredible beauty as we take advantage of the best conditions and opportunities that arise that day. (B,L,D)

Wake up in Kenai Fjords National Park, known as an iconic location in the region and, for many, a challenging place to visit. The day will be spent exploring the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay by ship and Zodiac. Throughout the day, be on the lookout for horned and tufted puffins, marbled murrelets, black oyster catchers, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and fin, minke, and killer whales who make their summer home in the park. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Seward and transfer by motorcoach to Anchorage for your return flight home. (B)

Arrive at Anchorage and transfer by motorcoach to Seward to embark the National Geographic Orion. (D)

Wake up in Kenai Fjords National Park, known as an iconic location in the region and, for many, a challenging place to visit. The day will be spent exploring the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay by ship and Zodiac. Throughout the day, be on the lookout for horned and tufted puffins, marbled murrelets, black oyster catchers, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and fin, minke, and killer whales who make their summer home in the park. (B,L,D)

Spend the day exploring majestic Prince William Sound which is filled with glaciers and ringed by the Chugach Mountains. Immerse yourself in the incredible beauty as we take advmaatage of the best conditions and opportunities that arise that day. (B,L,D)

This uninhabited island is best known as the location where members of Bering’s Great Northern Expedition of 1741 set foot in Alaska. Here, naturalist Georg Steller found a jay now named for him and recorded over 150 plants new to science. Conditions permitting, we hope to make a landing to explore this small, jagged island and to cruise by Zodiac near Cape St. Elias and its lighthouse. (B,L,D)

Start the morning in the Gulf of Alaska, transiting up the coast to Yakutat Bay. The scenery along the way is rugged and beautiful. Be on the lookout for a glimpse of Mt. Fairweather (over 15,000 ft.). Late in the day, we will enter the bay and head toward the face of Hubbard Glacier. This mammoth sheet of ice is more than six miles wide at its face and is contained within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Depending on ice and conditions, we may deploy our Zodiacs to explore. (B,L,D)

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Stellar sea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay; or hiking in the lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies. (B,L,D)

Located on the outer coast of Chichagof Island, this wilderness offers a rugged, wave-pounded coastline open to the mighty Pacific Ocean as well as quiet, protected bays and inlets ideal for exploring by ship, kayak, and Zodiacs. Western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees blanket the area along with muskeg and river estuaries, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. (B,L,D)

This morning, step ashore in Peril Straits in the morning where we follow bear trails and salmon streams. The still waters are excellent for kayaking. In the afternoon, explore the former capital—Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center and stroll the forested trails of the Sitka National Historical Park. Rich in history, the 113-acre park features roughly 20 majestic Haida and Tlingit totems scattered along the scenic coastal trail. (B,L,D)

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It’s not uncommon to observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping, and variations on feeding—as we fill the deck and listen to the play-by-play from our expert naturalists. If schedules allow we will be joined by our conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation who will come aboard and speak about the local whale population. (B,L,D)

Today, maneuver past the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face, getting caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Take advantage of spectacular photo ops, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor. Our experienced captain will read the ice and bring us as close as possible to the glacier, where we’ll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. In the afternoon, visit the small Alaskan fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town or explore downtown on your own. (B,L,D)

Explore the rocky coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and go ashore to beachcomb and discover the fascinating intertidal zone with our naturalists. Set sail on the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales and pods of killer whales gliding through the clear water around our ship. Fix your binoculars on the banks of Kuiu Island to spot moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. (B,L,D)

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of clouds drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as we sail through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs. (B,L,D)

Navigate northward along the pristine coastline in search of whales, dolphins, bear, deer, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark in Vancouver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)