Alaska | Tour Code: 14707
This isn’t just a cruise, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s wildest show. Glide past towering glaciers, watch whales breach just off the bow, and spot bears wandering the rugged shoreline. With a small ship and big adventure, you’ll explore Alaska up close, untamed, and unforgettable!
Highlights
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Explore the wild your way with opportunities to hike, bushwhack, paddleboard, and take skiff rides through Alaska’s untamed landscapes
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Hike and kayak in Thomas Bay, a breathtaking wilderness steeped in the legends of the Kushtaka
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Explore the isolated LeConte Glacier, a serene escape where mega ships don’t tread
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Search for humpback whales, orcas, seals, bears, and more as you explore Alaska’s rich wildlife habitats
Overview
This itinerary offers the quintessential UnCruise experience aboard the Wilderness Legacy, the largest and most active expedition vessel. Journey deep into the heart of Alaska, where towering glaciers crack and tumble into icy waters, humpback whales breach in the distance, and bears roam the rugged coastline. Navigate secluded fjords, paddle through serene inlets, and step ashore in remote wilderness untouched by time, with exclusive access to Glacier Bay National Park and expert guides leading the way.
This itinerary immerses you in Alaska’s backcountry like no other — from bushwhacking through the Tongass National Forest to kayaking among glaciers and wildlife-rich waters, every day is filled with awe-inspiring moments, up close and truly wild. Discover adventure without compromise aboard an intimate UnCruise small-ship expedition, venturing where larger vessels cannot go, from hidden coves and glacier-touched fjords to pristine beaches, all while enjoying personalised service and expert naturalist guidance.
All meals are included in your fare, from early-riser breakfasts, coffees and teas, to afternoon cookies, happy hour hors d’oeuvres, and plated dinners, ensuring a seamless, all-inclusive experience that allows you to focus entirely on the extraordinary scenery, wildlife encounters, and authentic connections with nature and local culture. This is Alaska as it was meant to be experienced.
Inclusions
- 7 nights onboard Wilderness Legacy
- Kayak, paddleboard, and skiff in remote Inlets
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
- Experienced Expedition Team
Itinerary
The Legacy is a unique vessel designed for adventure, featuring carved wooden cabinetry, a spacious Owner’s Suite, and the Sea Dragon, a portable launch for kayaks and paddleboards. With expansive viewing decks, she is built for exploration and announces her arrival with a signature whistle.
Four decks offer comfort and adventure. The bridge deck includes sunbathing areas, two hot tubs, and the highest bow view. The upper deck has a mid-level bow view, while the lounge deck offers the largest indoor lounge and bow viewing platform. The main deck features a gourmet dining room.
The lounge is the largest in the fleet, ideal for wildlife spotting, photo sharing, and games. The dining room serves plated meals with unlimited beverages and accommodates all dietary preferences with advance notice.
Onboard Features: Custom Sea Dragon kayak launch platform, bow-mounted underwater camera, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, on-deck hot tubs, fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a DVD and book library.
Aboard the Wilderness Legacy, your adventure begins with a warm welcome and a chance to settle in after your first day exploring Juneau. Enjoy a cocktail or a glass of Champagne before dinner as the captain and crew introduce themselves and outline the exciting journey ahead, marked by a celebratory toast. As the ship sets sail, listen out for the whistles—they come from Captain Dan’s family collection… time to hit record!
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
Experience the tranquillity of Hobart Bay as your day begins with a peaceful kayak through calm waters or an energising hike led by our naturalists, revealing the region’s unique flora and fauna. In the afternoon, take your pick from hiking, kayaking, or a skiff tour to explore even more. As evening approaches, relax on deck for wildlife spotting, enjoy a happy hour in the lounge, or sit in on an engaging presentation by our expert guides.
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
Experience the breathtaking beauty of LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. This awe-inspiring landscape offers an up-close encounter with one of Alaska’s true wilderness highlights. Unlike larger cruise ships, which are too big to navigate the shallow entrance, we have exclusive access to this remarkable fjord. Spend the day exploring by kayak or small boat, and if conditions allow, step ashore to wander among icebergs resting on the beach.
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
Mist drapes the air as the gentle exhale of a whale stirs you from a well-earned rest. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay just as the summer sun begins to break through, lifting the fog. Then, a distant roar, the rush of water carving through the forest, marks your arrival at Cascade Creek, a breathtaking series of waterfalls. A favourite among the crew, this rare, accessible trail in Southeast Alaska offers hiking options for all skill levels. After exploring the forest, return to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay. With unmatched water access, wrap up the day with a kayak to a salmon run or a skiff tour in search of bears.
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
The west side of Kuiu Island serves as the playground for the day. This is black-bear territory, and Kuiu Island is home to the densest population of this iconic species on the planet. Nestled in a bay, the calm waters are inhabited by the smallest marine mammal on Earth, the sea otter. Rafts of otters drift by, completely unbothered by any presence, and just as adorable as expected. Humpback whales patrol the reefs, hunting for schools of herring, with resident bubble-netters being a rare and thrilling sight. The cold, nutrient-rich waters offer more than just above-water activities. Give snorkelling a try (with the warmest wetsuits known to man, there’s no need for concern) and dive into an entirely new universe as the most diverse population of sea stars on Earth is revealed, something many find surprising. For a moment, the chill of the water fades as the experience transforms into what can only be described as a 'cold-water tropical reef.' The Pacific becomes the wildest touch-tank imaginable.
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
Seek out the elusive Coastal Brown Bear along this rugged coastline. The eastern side of Chichagof Island boasts three specific areas offering exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Using his expert knowledge, your Captain will position you in the best spot, which may change throughout the day. This adventure could include the chance for hikes ashore, kayaking, skiff rides, and hopefully watching brown bears from our small boats and kayaks. The bear population is plentiful in this region. The day wraps up as we set sail, with guests sharing their experiences and photos with fellow travellers.
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
This national park spans 3.3 million acres (slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut). Take a moment to appreciate the scale. Most visitors only experience a small portion of the park, but not you. You’ll venture further, exploring areas that 99% of visitors never reach. Hike across the outwash field of glaciers flowing down the Fairweather Mountain Range, with the refreshing breeze from the nearby snow and icefields invigorating you. As the day draws to a close, it’s time for the Captain’s Dinner. But that’s not all, you’ll also enjoy a slideshow showcasing the incredible experiences from the week.
Overnight stay onboard Wilderness Legacy
Welcome back to Juneau. Savour your final breakfast aboard and take a moment to check every nook and cranny of your cabin. Bid farewell to the crew as you disembark, capture that last family photo, and wave goodbye until the next adventure.
Additional Information
FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.
