Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land Expedition 2027
Alaska’s wild fjords
Join us on an adventure from Vancouver to Whittier as we venture deep into Prince William Sound, showing you majestic scenery, traditional Alaskan culture and temperate rainforest wildlife. We’ll sail the Inside Passage and the Alaskan Panhandle, noted for their deep fjords, icy glaciers and towering mountains. As we sail, we’ll be on the lookout for whales and orcas, as well as shore animals including bears and moose.
Rich cultures unveiled
The southeast region of Alaska is known for its enchanting vistas and its mix of cultures. We’ll be stopping off at communities where Łingít, Haida, and Chugach people live, as well as places where other cultures – among them Russian, Norwegian and Spanish – have left their indelible mark. With several days set aside for pure exploration, you’ll have the opportunity to walk, sail and kayak in some of the most soul-stirringly beautiful places that wild Alaska can offer.
Highlights
• Experience rugged wilderness, the glaciers of Icy Bay and Prince William Sound, and see the dramatic landscapes they helped form.
• Seek out wildlife such as bears, humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, Dall’s porpoise, harbour porpoise, Sitka black-tail deer, bald eagles, rare Kittlitz’s Murrelets and moose.
• Visit authentic Alaskan communities in Klawock and Valdez.
Set sail from Vancouver
Your adventure starts in Vancouver. A bustling and beautiful seaport city set against steep mountains.
Vancouver's various neighbourhoods buzz with world-class farm-to-table cuisine. Wander Gastown, Vancouver’s Victorian quarter or walk around beautiful Stanley Park, which offers a view of the city and a glimpse of the stunning nature you’ll see on the voyage. Why not arrive early and take advantage of everything Vancouver has to offer.
Your expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen awaits you at the pier. Settle in and take your time to get to know the ship before listening to the safety briefing.
Look out for marine wildlife as we cruise the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage coastal route takes us through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long.
We’ll be sailing outside of the protected fjords into open waters, up Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait. This is a day at sea, and our passage is somewhat protected from the open ocean by the island of Haida Gwaii. As we sail, look out for wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, fin whales, minke whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Revel in a wilderness where wildlife thrives
Part of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreen trees, roaring waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. The revered naturalist John Muir described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.
Weather permitting, you'll join the Expedition Team to tour Misty Fjords in our small expedition boats, or explore in a kayak.
Misty Fjords is rich in wildlife. As we explore, scan the shores and forests for black and brown bears, as well as moose. These waters are home to Pacific salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Skywards, you might spot herons and Bald Eagles.
Discover Klawock’s Native heritage
Today we visit Klawock, beautifully situated on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. The small town has a population of around 700 and is known for its array of totem poles.
A centre for Łingít culture, the original name of the island was 'Taan' meaning sea lion. At the Totem Park you’ll see 21 exquisitely carved examples, some of them replicas of the originals that stood in the winter village of Tuxecan.
Explore the scenic bays of Chatham Strait
Start your day looking out for whales in the pristine waters of Frederick Sound. Today is an exploration day, so the Captain and Expedition Team will use their expertise to choose the best destination.
We might take to the water in our expedition boats and investigate the secluded coves and forested shorelines of the 150-mile-long Chatham Strait, or perhaps opportunities for kayaking will present themselves if the conditions are right. Wherever we explore, keep a lookout for wildlife as Bald Eagles, bears and humpback whales can be spotted in this region.
Embrace the thrill of wild Alaska
Today is another day of exploration as we sail into Icy Strait and take a closer look at some of the islands and islets. As ever – we will gauge the weather conditions and wildlife spotting opportunities to decide upon the best location.
Using our expedition boats, we may get close to some of the rocky shores here, with the possibility of a landing and nature walk. The coast in this region grows more rugged the closer we get to the open sea, with rocky pinnacles and sea caves galore. Keep an eye out for whales, as well as sea lions, orcas and Bald Eagles.
Spot wildlife in these glacier-fed waters
Today is an exploration day in Icy Bay. Three glaciers – Guyot, Yahtse, and Tyndall – each feed ice into the bay’s waters to give it its name. If conditions allow, you’ll explore in our small expedition boats or by kayak, immersing you in the remarkable beauty of this icy landscape.
From Icy Bay, you can admire striking, jagged Mt. St Elias. Known for its steep vertical relief, it is the second tallest peak in the US and third tallest in the US and Canada at over 18,000 ft.
In the Gulf of Alaska, we’ll scout for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and harbour seals which are often seen in these waters.
Learn about the rich history of Valdez
Today you’ll see a region that was in the news for all the wrong reasons when the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in 1989, but which today has made a remarkable recovery. After significant clean-up efforts, the coastline has largely recovered — a testament to what can be done to heal damaged ecosystems.
On a visit to the Valdez Museum, you’ll see exhibits of Native Alaskan art and culture as well as artifacts from the Gold Rush era, and learn about the history of Alaska’s Bush Pilots. As we travel around this region, look out for wildlife such as beavers, moose and bears.
Get ready to experience nature’s raw power
Today is a day all about glaciers. Prince William Sound is home to 150 of these amazing rivers of ice, including 17 incredible tidewater glaciers. Your Captain will choose the best location for the day based on the conditions.
We’ll get as close to the glaciers as we safely can, taking our small expedition boats into the fjord or even exploring by kayak if conditions permit. From the water, you might catch sight of humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and harbor seals, all of which inhabit this icy wilderness.
Disembark in Whittier
Your expedition cruise ends in Whittier, a small, picturesque fishing town of just a few hundred residents, nestled between towering mountains and the deep blue waters of Prince William Sound.
Surrounded by dramatic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and lush temperate rainforests, it serves as a gateway to the sound – a haven for kayakers, photographers, and adventurers drawn to its pristine fjords and abundant wildlife.
From here you will be transferred to the airport in Anchorage.
To get the most out of your time here, we recommend joining our -post-voyage option.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 140 metres
Passenger Capacity: 530
Built: 2019
MS Roald Amundsen is a modern expedition ship named after the legendary Norwegian polar explorer who first reached the South Pole. Built in 2019 at Kleven Yards in Norway, the vessel is purpose-designed for voyages in polar and remote waters, combining exploration capability with a strong focus on environmental performance. As one of the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, she uses battery-assisted electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20 percent, setting a new standard for more sustainable expedition travel. With a capacity of 490 guests, she serves as a comfortable and efficient base camp at sea for journeys to some of the planet’s most extreme and spectacular regions.
Onboard, Scandinavian design principles define both public spaces and accommodation, using natural materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool to create a calm, functional, and refined atmosphere. All cabins are outside-facing, with around half featuring private balconies, while selected suites offer private outdoor hot tubs. Key facilities include a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck, a Science Centre at the core of the expedition experience, multiple dining venues inspired by regional flavours, and comprehensive wellness amenities including a gym, sauna, spa, infinity pool, and hot tubs. Together, these features position MS Roald Amundsen as a technologically advanced and thoughtfully designed vessel, built to support immersive exploration without compromising comfort or environmental responsibility.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• On board lectures
• Daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, talks and more
• Full board dining, including breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine and beer
• Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails available across the day and evening
• All-day coffee, tea & soft drinks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• Our interactive science programme, Science Centre and activities both on and off the ships
• Access to sauna, hot tubs, fitness room and more
• Professional photos from the onboard photographer
• Opportunities to engage with and support local communities and environmental initiatives through Hurtigruten Foundation.
• Take home expedition jacket and reusable water bottle
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
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• Transfer from the ship in Whittier to the airport in Anchorage after the expedition cruise
Exclusions
• Travel Insurance
• Luggage Handling
• International Flights except where included in the Air Package Holiday Price
• Optional Excursions
• Premium Drinks (included for Suites guests)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
