Great Adventure Trips

Small Ship Active Cruises on Alaska's Inside Passage

A small ship cruise to Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage is an unmatched way to combine a love of adventure with a love of the sea. Take in Alaska’s peaks and glaciers, the wonder and wildlife that are the hallmarks of the Alaskan wilderness. Kayak among icebergs. Hike pristine, remote forests. Go eye to eye with whales. And brave the cold for a polar bear swim. Or just take it easy by following your sauna with an hour-long massage. Our flexible journeys allow you to tailor your Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise experience to your interest and activity level.

Our Inside Passage cruise itineraries are designed to avoid the typical Alaska tourist-clogged towns in pursuit of up-close encounters with nature in a world where it is common to see whales, bears and sea lions all in the same day. Our goal is to get you deep into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness and let you truly experience the adventure of a lifetime. Our unique Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise excursions offer you adventures expertly tailored to suit your skill level. Take an exhilarating kayaking adventure with one of our experts, go fishing with expert guides, join a small group and hike into splendid remote areas. Whatever level of activity you’re looking for, we’ll show you the exciting wildlife and wilderness of the Inside Passage like no one else can.

The 2011cruises sold out before the start of summer, so book early for 2012!

Western Coves Cruise

Eastern Coves Cruise

Ultimate Adventure

FAQ

Prepare to be pampered by our experienced, authentically kind, all English-speaking crew. With a three-to-one passenger/crew ratio, we pride ourself on the people we bring onboard – the finest chefs, most knowledgeable crewmembers, experienced expedition leaders and leading naturalists. One of the primary features of our “un-cruises” is our ability to cater to individual needs, so whatever it is you desire, please don’t hesitate to ask.

The small ships of are expedition ships capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. The shallow draft and hull design allow easy access to Southeast Alaska’s wildlife-rich shores and glacially-fed inlets and serve as ideal “launching pads” for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. The interior spaces offer contemporary colors and brushed metals that complement the wilderness outside and both the public and private spaces are loaded with special amenities. The Wilderness Discoverer accommodates 68 passengers and the Wilderness Adventurer accommodates 57.

We provide only the finest, most reliable gear for optimum Alaska adventure and exploration. From kayaks to backpacks, we take into account both the needs of the landscape and the wants of our passengers. For those who add on fishing excursions, which are offered several times during the voyage, a fully outfitted fishing boat with top-quality gear allows for world-class fishing in remote wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska. Expert Alaska adventure crewmembers are always available to instruct guests on proper and safe use of kayaks or other equipment.

There is an open upper deck, a dining room, bar, lounge, exercise room and jacuzzis on board each ship.

The Pathfinder, Trailblazer and Navigator cabins are all pretty much the same size (about 90 sq. ft.), but the Explorer cabins are much larger
(160 sq.ft.) Some cabins are set aside for singles and some can be converted into triples.

Deposit & Final Payment A deposit of $600 per person is required to secure a reservation. The deposit/payment must be received within three business days of your reservation. Reservations are not confirmed until a deposit is received.

Final payment must reach our office 60 days prior to your cruise departure or in full at the time reservations are confirmed if less than 60 days prior. If this payment is not received in time, your space may be released; rebooking will then be subject to final availability. Deposits may be made by personal check, wire transferor credit card. Late Reservations and Changes We welcome late bookings (made 60 days or less before departure), however they do require special services. Full payment is required for late booking before reservations can be confirmed. A charge of $50 will be made if you request a change in your travel arrangements after the final payment due date, or 60 days prior to departure. However there is no charge for additional components before electronic documentation.

Cancellations: Guests who must cancel their cruise for any reason, including medical or family reasons, are subject to the following cancellation fees.

Stateroom Booking Cancellation Policy
Days prior To Departure Per Person Cancellation Fee
Up to 91 days 50% of initial deposit
90 to 61 days Forfeiture of full deposit
60 to 46 days 50% of gross fare
45 to 31 days 75% of gross fare
30 to 0 days 100% of gross fare

Included in your fare:
Educational programming = interpretive lectures, guest speakers, narrative
All meals aboard the ships
Kayaking, guided hiking, and small boat exploration
Onboard Expedition Leaders
Airport transfers

Not included in your fare:
Airfare to and from your home city
Liquor, beer, wine
Discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare
Travel insurance
Optional pre- or post-night hotel stays or land extensions
Fishing excursions, caving, jet boat trips or guided overnight trips
Port charges, taxes and fees

Documentation Electronic documents including any needed vouchers for prepaid services, and the day-to-day itinerary will be provided approximately three to four weeks prior to departure. Reservations must be paid in full before documents will be e-mailed. Please note that late final payments may delay your receipt of electronic documents.

Tour Omissions By Traveler No refund is made for any tour or activity, transfer, meal or accommodation which is voluntarily omitted by the traveler or is due to airline delays or other acts beyond the control of operator.

Operator is responsible for loss or damage (other than normal wear and tear) to baggage only when under the direct control of our employees. Our liability will not exceed $200 per guest. At other times, including on air flights, transfers, or in hotels, baggage loss or damage is subject to those operators' policies.

Additional Costs En Route Inclement weather and other conditions beyond the control of operator may prevent or delay travel. If, as a result, the traveler must book additional hotel accommodations or transportation, all added costs are the responsibility of the traveler, not that of operator. We will attempt to reschedule any of these arrangements subject to availability.

Operator reserves the right to make changes in the published itineraries as necessary for the safety of the passengers and crew, to meet schedules, and for other reasons, and to substitute vessels of similar or superior quality.

Children's Policy Our small ships and style of cruising are designed to bring you up-close to the scenic beauty of our adventure destinations. Children receive exposure to nature that is unique and engaging. Kayaking, hiking and activities organized by the crew keep children enthralled. For families with kids under 12, private charters or "Family Discoveries" departures provide an excellent family bonding experience. It is the parents' or guardians' responsibility to supervise their children.

Gratuities Gratuities are a personal matter and are entirely at the discretion of the traveler. Typical gratuities for excellent service on the cruise are 5 - 10% of the fare.

Smoking Smoking is allowed on outside decks away from doors and windows only. Smoking is not allowed inside the vessels at any time.