SITKA, Alaska — The addition of its newest expedition vessel, the Kruzof Explorer, earlier this year led Alaskan Dream Cruises to reimagine the boundaries of where it could take guests to explore in Alaska’s Inside Passage. The result is three newly designed itineraries for 2020, pushing into the most remote edges of Southeast Alaska, such as the communities of Klawock and Yakutat. Travelers won’t be used to seeing these and other ports of call — Pelican, Lituya Bay, Dall Island, Baranof Warm Springs — on cruise itineraries.
“Travelers continually ask to go off-the-beaten path to push further into Alaska’s culture and remote wilderness and that’s what Alaskan Dream does best. We show guests ‘true Alaska,’” Alaskan Dream Cruises Director of Sales Douglass McLatchie said. “It’s exciting to have the Kruzof Explorer in our fleet now and to have the capabilities to comfortably sail into these seldom-explored parts of Southeast Alaska.”
A 128-foot, 12-guest expedition vessel, the Kruzof Explorer offers a large outer deck for wildlife viewing, spacious staterooms with ensuite bathrooms and large, landscape windows, as well as an expansive dining room, bar and lounge area with panoramic views. It is outfitted with a sport fishing boat, a high-speed Zodiac, kayaks and paddleboards for guests to use on daily adventures. It will sail on the following itineraries in 2020.
- Seven-night “Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness, and Wildlife” spends three days in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. With extended time in the park, travelers can kayak in secluded Dundas Bay, trek ashore near a glacier and spend time watching for whales, puffins, Stellar sea lions, bears, wolves and moose, in addition to visiting the popular Margerie Glacier. The one-way cruise sailing between Sitka and Juneau also explores West Chichagof Island and Pelican, a small community adjacent to prime fishing grounds. From $9,995, the itinerary is available on eight sailings from May to Sept.
- Nine-night “Remote Alaska Adventure” sails between Sitka and Ketchikan, immersing travelers in the southern half of the Inside Passage around Prince of Wales Island, the Alaska Native community of Klawock and remote Dall Island. The itinerary is not complete without a day in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a chance to view bears viewing along the shore of Admiralty Island National Monument, a day sailing through the dramatic cliffs and glaciers of Tracy Arm-Fjords Terror Wilderness and a dip in the natural hot springs at Baranof Warm Springs. From $12,495, the itinerary is available on six sailings from May to Aug.
- 12-night “Alaska’s Grand Coastal Discovery” traverses the entirety of the Inside Passage from Ketchikan to Glacier Bay and continues north into the Gulf of Alaska, ending in the small fishing village of Yakutat, also known for its surfing. The itinerary is packed with time exploring remote bays and other tiny communities, like Metlakatla, Pelican and Kasaan. Visit Alaskan Dream’s exclusive property on Fin Island, spend two days in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and take in both Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier, and Malaspina Glacier, roughly the same size as the state of Rhode Island. From $14,995, the itinerary is available on two sailings in July.
Also new in 2020, the Alaska Native-owned, small-ship cruise line’s largest vessel, the 76-passenger Chichagof Dream, will be sailing on the nine-night guest-favorite itinerary “Alaska’s Inside Passage Sojourn.”
- Nine-night “Alaska’s Inside Passage Sojourn” is an extended itinerary that allows passengers to explore Southeast Alaska, from its northern end in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to its southern end in Metlakatla. Call on a unique collection of rarely visited towns and Alaska Native villages where guests experience the three Southeast Alaska indigenous cultures — Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. From $5,995 per person, the itinerary is available on 14 sailings from May to Sept. on the Chichagof Dream.
Additional itineraries for 2020 include:
- Seven-night “Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Adventure” is Alaskan Dream Cruises’ signature itinerary with an update. The cruise features premier wildlife viewing; remote wilderness exploration in Thomas Bay; a full day in Glacier Bay National Park; and excursions in Pelican, a small fishing village, and Wrangell, one of the oldest towns in the state. From $5,795 per person, this cruise is available on 18 departures from May to Sept. on the Alaskan Dream.
- Seven-night “Become a True Alaskan Family Cruise” is geared toward multi-generational groups and families to share the wonders of Alaska, including an overnight stay in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Voyages feature an onboard Youth Expedition Leader, who leads activities, exploration and educational programs about Alaska. From $4,795 per person, this itinerary is available on four departures in June and July on the Baranof Dream.
- Seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” was introduced in 2019 for active cruisers seeking more time in wilderness areas and a higher level of activity. The cruise features daily adventures like hiking rainforest trails, kayaking in a glacial fjord, a trek to the Baird Glacier in legendary Thomas Bay, exploration of Baranof Island’s “Waterfall Coast” and more. Sailing one way between Sitka and Juneau, guests also visit Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. From $3,795, this itinerary is available on nine departures from May to Sept. on the Admiralty and Baranof Dream.
Cruise fares are per person based on double occupancy and include accommodations on the ship, all meals during the sailing, scheduled shore excursions, airport transfers, use of recreational equipment, a complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner and exceptional onboard services. All alcoholic beverages are included with Deluxe, Vista View and Suite bookings. 2020 itinerary details can be found online at www.alaskandreamcruises.com.
With nearly 50 years of experience in the region, Alaskan Dream Cruises is uniquely qualified to deliver an immersive, culturally focused vacation. Owned and operated by an Alaskan family with Alaska Native heritage, Alaskan Dream Cruises develops itineraries and experiences for guests based on the family’s relationships in local communities, favorite destinations and personal experiences. Onboard naturalists share the biology, geography and ecology of the Inside Passage, while True Alaskan guides are well versed in the lifestyle, legends and practices of Southeast Alaska’s indigenous cultures. Additionally Alaskan Dream Cruises chefs highlight local ingredients on the menus each day including wild Alaska seafood such as crab, halibut, shrimp and king salmon, while the ships’ bars are stocked with Alaska beers and spirits.
Alaskan Dream Cruises offers a casual expedition atmosphere and a local’s view of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Members of the Alaska Native Tlingit clan, the Allen family, launched the company in 2011, instilling authentic cultural exploration into every itinerary. The Sitka-based Allen family also founded Allen Marine, Inc., a boat building company, in 1967 and Allen Marine Tours, which offers day cruise tours to travelers in Alaska’s Inside Passage. For more information, please visit www.alaskandreamcruises.com.