Alaskan Dream Cruises Adds Two New 2018 Itineraries, Including ‘Alaska’s Spring Wilderness & Wildlife Safari’

Alaskan Dream Cruises is getting a head start on the 2018 season with the addition of a five-night “Alaska’s Spring Wilderness & Wildlife Safari” cruise in March and April. The Alaska Native-owned, small-ship cruise line is also introducing two special departures of its seven-night “Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Adventure” that will sail round trip from Juneau.

Following the lead of its motto “True Alaska with True Alaskans,” Alaskan Dream Cruises staff will be sharing one of Southeast Alaska’s best-kept secrets with travelers this spring during the “Alaska’s Spring Wilderness & Wildlife Safari,” sailing round trip out of Sitka. As Pacific herring concentrate in Sitka Sound, humpback whales, eagles and humans alike congregate to enjoy the seasonal wonder of the herring migration. Many locals prefer this season over any other time of year, with its crisp mornings, lengthening daylight hours, and flora and fauna springing to life.

With five departures from mid-March through mid-April on the 10-passenger Misty Fjord, the five-night expedition provides guests with optimal wildlife viewing and photography opportunities in Sitka Sound. As with all Misty Fjord itineraries, routes are not strictly defined on this expedition. A knowledgeable local captain and experienced, onboard naturalist will choose the best activities based on each day’s unique circumstances and guest interests.

Highlights will include a chance for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, such as humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, eagles, and more. Kayak, paddleboard, and hiking excursions will also be an integral part of the expedition. Guests may visit rustic mineral pools at Goddard Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in healing tubs, hike in spectacular forest areas or pay a visit to St. Lazaria Wildlife Refuge, an offshore volcanic island that is home to multiple seabird species. Travelers may even have the possibility of witnessing the spirited and competitive commercial herring fishery.

This intimate exploration of Sitka Sound includes a stateroom on the vessel, all meals, excursions, a pre-cruise tour of Sitka, and airport transfers. Departures are scheduled for March 17, 24 and 31, and April 7 and 14.

“As locals, we anxiously await the spring season every year. Residents know about the amazing wildlife, including humpback whales, that follow the herring migration during this time,” said Alaskan Dream Cruises Senior Vice President Jamey Cagle. “We’re thrilled to offer an itinerary that will immerse guests in a unique and exciting time here in Sitka that few Alaska travelers are able to experience.”

The two new sailings of the seven-night “Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Adventure” will sail round trip from Juneau, scheduled for June 22 and Aug. 24. These departures give guests the chance to spend two days in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve with the opportunity for small-group hikes onshore in the park. The round-trip departures out of Juneau also allow for more extensive exploration of Alaska’s capital city before or after the cruise.

Other highlights of the seven-night “Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Adventure” include opportunities to explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska, as well as exploration of the Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness, a place famous naturalist John Muir referred to as "a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” This itinerary also includes a feast of king crab, prime rib, and Alaska salmon at an exclusive, company-owned island lodge. This private retreat provides peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in an idyllic wilderness setting.

These new departures' cruise fares include a stateroom on the Admiralty Dream, all meals, excursions, pre-cruise activities in Juneau, and airport transfers.

With vessels ranging from 10-74 guests, Alaskan Dream Cruises offers a casual atmosphere and an insider’s view of Alaska’s Inside Passage. The company was launched in 2011 by the Allen family, members of the Alaska Native Tlingit clan. The 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 AlaskanDreamCruises.com.

Image Courtesy Alaskan Dream Cruises