7-night Exploring Muir's Wilderness

Type of Vessel

The fleet of small ships features expedition vessels, boutique yachts, and a replica turn-of-the-century coastal steamer - each one uniquely suited and equipped to provide an unbelievable experience. The shallow draft makes each vessel capable of nimble exploration and gives access to the places bigger ships cannot go. Public and private spaces are loaded with amenities and designed for casual comfort. The 22- to 88-guest vessels are ready for action and equipped with top-of-the-line kayaks, paddle boards, hiking poles, binoculars, snorkeling gear and wet suits, and many even feature a custom-built kayak launch system.

Safari Endeavor (also sails on Safari Explorer so ship details may vary)

Aboard this spacious expedition vessel, three decks offer ample outside vantage points for taking in daytime sights and the sparkling night sky with new friends. Interior spaces including the intimate lounge, cask wine bar, and cozy library provide comfortable and relaxing spaces to sit back with a book and glass of wine, gather for presentations, or to share experiences from the day. The fully-stocked, marble-topped bar in the lounge is a magnet for activity and mingling.

Ready for adventure at a moment's notice, the Safari Endeavour is fully loaded with adventure equipment: kayaks; paddle boards; inflatable skiffs; hiking poles; yoga mats; and snorkel gear and wetsuits; plus, a hydrophone for listening to below-surface sounds and a bow-mounted underwater camera. For those moments when attention turns to relaxation, the vessel comes equipped with two hot tubs, fitness equipment and yoga mats.

Itinerary

Day 1: Juneau, Alaska - Embarkation: Accompanied by your new travel companions, the captain and crew welcome you aboard then set sail bound for Icy Strait!
Day 2: Icy Strait: It'll be an action-packed first day! In some of the richest whale waters of Southeast Alaska, join the captain on the bridge or go on deck with your expedition team watching for the telltale blow of humpbacks. These nutrient-rich waters are also home to porpoise, sea lions, and other wildlife. Later today, set your eyes on shore for possible bear sightings "lumbering about for an afternoon nosh" as you explore the remote coastline by skiff and kayak. Take in the evening solitude with a relaxing soak in the upper deck hot tub or a tranquil view from the bow.
Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park: It's a day John Muir would've delighted in, but the majesty of Glacier Bay National Park is all yours to relish in today. Covered entirely by ice, as recently as 1795, discover the glaciological history of the park on a guided hike at Bartlett Cove. A National Park Ranger steps on board helping to spot colonies of guillemots, puffins, and cormorants on South Marble Island and sharing Glacier Bay's history and greatness as you cruise deeper into the park. Explore Muir's legacy of glaciology in the perfect "classroom" at the tidal edges of the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Dress warmly, and ward off the chill as you enjoy an up-close view of their towering blue ice faces.
Day 4: Chatham Strait/Kuiu Island: The options are aplenty - it's Captain's Choice today. Stretching for 150 miles within the Tongass National Forest and chockfull of mysterious hidden coves, the narrow and deep passageway of Chatham Strait separates the Baranof Islands on the west with Kuiu to the east. Life teems below the surface and above's you set out uncovering the gems of this untouched wilderness, take a tally of all that you spy by kayak, paddle board, or skiff. Enjoy a nightcap in the lounge with your fellow shipmates and trade stories of the many discoveries you made.
Day 5: Thomas Bay: The Coast Mountain Range rises above Thomas Bay, sheltering the glacial landscapes of this remote wilderness. It's a magical place, and led by your expedition team you can test your paddling skills, or opt for some R & R and hot cocoa on a skiff tour of the fjord. Uncover myriad sea life on an intertidal shore walk, or hike inland learning about the rainforest that blankets Southeast Alaska.
Day 6: Port Houghton: Port Houghton is synonymous with the wildest Alaskan wilderness. As Muir did on his explorations in the late 1800s, feel the immensity of this cove's remoteness. Calm as glass water. Misty mountains. And while you won't likely come across other humans, you're sure to cross paths with blue heron, bald eagles, harbor seals, oystercatchers, or black bear. Hike along a lushly vegetated river, or if it's low-tide investigate tide pools. Navigating by your internal compass or with a guide, kayak and paddle board along the towering fjord or explore the wilds of a salt chuck. It doesn't get more remote than this!
Day 7: Endicott Arm/Fords Terror: Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. Navigate ice bergs by skiff for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier view. As you glide through Endicott Arm you'll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller "bergy bits." Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Fords Terror. Join the captain for a farewell toast during dinner, and afterwards, your expedition team provides an entertaining recap of your week's adventure.
Day 8: Juneau - Disembarkation: After a delicious breakfast, wish your travel companions fair winds. You'll be transferred to the Juneau airport, your UnCruise hotel stay or land tour.

All Inclusive

Cultural Encounters - Wildlife - Narrative Interpretation - Meals - Non-Alcoholic Beverages - En Suite Facilities - En Suite TV / DVD - iPod/MP3/Universal Dock - Hair Dryer - Book / DVD Library - Casual Atmosphere - Attentive Service - Fitness Equipment - Wellness Program - Open Bridge - Included Park Permits - Transfers

Guest Services

Travel is inspiring... the places, the people you meet, the shared experiences, and with UnCruise Adventures, the attentive, personalized service of the crew and the unparalleled access and ambience aboard the boutique yachts, expedition vessels, and replica coastal steamer. Your crew calls you by name and quickly knows your preferences, making you feel right at home. And by the end of your cruise, you and your fellow travelers will feel like family.

Food and Dining

Every meal is handcrafted by executive chefs to ensure innovative, nutritious, and delectable dining experiences that highlight flavors of the region. Depending on the vessel you're on, you might find yourself in a setting reminiscent of a cozy neighborhood pub, a rustic turn-of-the-century saloon, an intimate wine bar, or an upscale lounge. Premium spirits, fine wines, and carefully crafted microbrews are served aboard the vessels - on many of the itineraries, they are included in your fare and specialty coffee and teas are always available. Many of the vessels feature sustainable cask wines on tap and the rotating list of selections varies by destination. Sip on a craft cocktail mixed with homemade bitters or seasonal local ingredients. Soak in the on-deck hot tub with a cold microbrew or glass of champagne. Perk up with cold-brew coffee, or sample beer, wine, whiskey, or tequila at the occasional tasting. Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced locally for freshness and regional authenticity, as well as to support the communities where they travel and to protect and preserve the oceans. Committed to sustainability throughout all aspects of their business, they are proud to be the first cruise partner of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program.

Onboard Activities/Events

A main lounge or salon (with a varied selection of board games, books, and DVDs), observation decks ideal for close-up wildlife viewing and relaxing under the stars, and open bridge policy welcomes you to visit with your captain and mates.

Shore Excursions

The places you visit play a starring role throughout every journey. While this list isn't exhaustive of every nook-and-cranny you'll explore along the way, these are highlights of key ports and places.

View glaciers - Dawes and, Grand Pacific, Margerie, or Johns Hopkins; Park Ranger joins you for your day in Glacier Bay; Whale watching in Icy Strait; Forest hike at Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove; Unmatched birding and wildlife viewing; Kayak, paddle board, and skiff exploration in Port Houghton and Chatham Strait; Intertidal shore walks and hikes at Port Houghton and Thomas Bay.

Staterooms or Cabins

There are five cabin categories aboard the Safari Endeavour: Master; Commander; Captain; Admiral; and Commodore Suite. Depending on the category, singles, doubles or triples can be accommodated. Common to all cabins are: Flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station; air conditioning; desk and chair; private bath with shower; generous storage and closet space.

Spa

The spa includes a large on-deck hot tub (Alaska only), fitness equipment and yoga mats.

Fitness

Relaxing in the on-deck hot tub, laps around the deck, a workout on the fitness equipment or on-deck yoga.

Family Info

Bring the whole family and share a journey across generations - they welcome kids from age 8 to 98 (and beyond!) to experience magical wilderness, wildlife, history, and cultures together. On the adventure and river cruises, a unique smorgasbord of activities presents opportunities for building family bonds and creating lifelong memories. Reconnect and discover. Activities include: play "I-spy" with breaching whales and leaping dolphins; in costume, re-enact Oregon Trail pioneers; make native masks with arts-and-crafts; "ante up" playing cards in the lounge; ask your captain 20 questions on a visit to the bridge; "polar bear plunges" ; be an explorer on skiff expeditions; paddle board races with cheers from the bow; snorkeling with playful sea lions; father/daughter, mother/son, and grandparent/grandchild kayak paddles; tide pool "treasure"hunts; good-natured "giddy-ups" on a burro ride; hikes with a naturalist; story-telling and smores around a beach bonfire; paint faces with soft glacial mud, and more.