Alaska's Prince William Sound

A Glacial Wonderland

 

^{Alaska's Prince William Sound is a secluded body of nutrient-rich water surrounded by the picturesque Chugach Mountain Range and National Forest. The many miles of wilderness shorelines are home to the most extensive system of tidewater glaciers descending from the highest coastal mountain rand in North America.  This Sound, gradually carved by millions of years' glacial action, is filled with deep and narrow tributary fjords, secret passageways, islands, and rocky shores.}

Our small-ship, 3- or 4-night cruises are perfect to explore these remote coastlines and hidden inlets. Our Captains are experts at guiding our vessels close to icy cliffs and intricate shorelines.  The plankton-rich waters provide the food chain for sea otters, humpback whales, brown bears and a multitude of birds. With our free style of cruising, slowing down to linger and quietly observe nature at its own speed is a must.

In this realm of towering cliffs and calving glaciers, you will discover places few roads can reach.  From the impressive College Fjord to the thriving hamlet of Cordova, famous for the legendary Copper River salmon, your voyage will be one of adventure among the hidden treasures of Alaska's coast.

Exploration in the Wilderness
Prince William Sound is small-ship heaven. Large ships can dock at Seward, outside the sound. But inside Prince William Sound, only small ships such as Spirit of Alaska can properly explore this gorgeous, wild area. Narrow passages, some with navigation channels only 200 feet wide, lead to cliff-walled fjords ending in hanging glaciers. Secluded coves provide peaceful anchorage, for an evening in the splendid wilderness.

Delightful surprises abound here, too. Whiskery sea otters peer up at you from the waters, as they dine on shellfish and crab. The curved fins of orca whales slide by, close enough to see their wake. You might pull up to a floating oyster farm, to sample shellfish fresh from the sea, and meet the "farmer" in person - who is delighted to welcome her only visitors all week.