Alaska: Gay Cruise & Expedition

Hello and welcome to Seattle! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin with a Group Meeting followed by a Welcome Dinner.

Today we are Alaska-bound! After an included breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our included flight to Ketchikan, located on the forest-covered slopes of Revillagigedo Island and known as “salmon capital of the world” for its bustling fishing industry, numerous boats and canneries, and colorful waterfront buildings. If time and flight schedules permit, there may be an option to catch the Lumberjack show, where bearded, muscled fellers demonstrate their chainsaw mastery and axe-throwing skills in a performance that harkens back to the pioneer days (extra cost). This afternoon, we’ll board the National Geographic Sea Bird, our well-appointed expedition vessel, for a cocktail and a warm welcome from the ship’s Captain and crew before setting sail. Tonight, we’ll gather for our first dinner aboard the ship.

Early risers are in for a treat! Catch a breathtaking sunrise over the dramatic cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, which tower more than 2,000 feet above us. We’ll enjoy breakfast as we cruise through stunning landscapes, observing wisps of clouds drifting down the winding waterway and enveloping the verdant peaks to create the ethereal vibe that defines the region’s name. Later, we’ll embark on a Zodiac or kayak excursion to get up close to the lush, forested shores and the numerous impressive waterfalls cascading down the steep cliffs. This intimate exploration offers a closer look at the pristine beauty and natural splendor of Misty Fjords. Lunch and dinner will both be served aboard.

Note: All guests can not be accommodated in kayaks at the same time.

This morning, we’ll have breakfast before docking in the quaint town of Wrangell, the ancestral home of the Tlingit people for thousands of years. We’ll have the option to embark on a thrilling jet boat journey up the Stikine River, or alternatively, explore the town itself, which features notable sites such as Chief Shakes Tribal House, a significant cultural landmark, and Petroglyph Beach, where ancient rock carvings were left by early inhabitants. After lunch back onboard, we’ll navigate through the Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, two less-travelled waterways on the back side of Wrangell Island. These secluded routes offer a rare opportunity to see a more untouched and tranquil side of the region, away from the well-worn tourist paths. Tonight, we’ll enjoy another fantastic dinner aboard.

Rise and shine! After breakfast, grab a spot on deck because we’ll be entering the magnificent Wrangell Narrows, a rare waterway accessible only to smaller vessels that leads into the Sumner Strait. Keep your eyes peeled for orcas and humpback whales surfacing, as well as playful sea otters. After lunch, we’ll have the option to go ashore to follow bear trails through lush forests while our naturalists provide insights into the rainforest ecosystem along the way. Grab a pair of binoculars (included on board) to spot wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, black bears, wolves, and bald eagles, which frequent the shoreline in search of the abundant salmon. Tonight, we’ll gather for another scrumptious dinner.

Today, our expert Captain will assess the area and steer us toward LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm, both home to some of Southeast Alaska’s most active glaciers. These glaciers frequently calve, sending icebergs into the bay where they become trapped in shallow moraines and along the shorelines. Once we’ve arrived at the best location for Zodiac excursions, we’ll be treated to dramatic views of rarely-seen ice formations. Our certified photo instructor will also be along to help you capture the stunning scenes. This evening, we’ll share stories over a Farewell Dinner on board.

This morning, we’ll arrive in scenic Juneau, situated on the banks of the Gastineau Channel at the base of two mountains. After an included breakfast, we’ll bid our Captain and crew a fond farewell and be transferred to the airport for our included flight back to Seattle. 

Note: If you wish to opt-out of the Juneau to Seattle flight, please get in touch with our team. Out Adventures does not have a finishing point hotel in Juneau, and all arrangements must be made independently, including private airport transfers.