DISCOVERY VOYAGES - Alaska

M/Y DISCOVERY

Passenger Capacity: 12
Built: 1958; refurbished
Length: 65 ft.
Officers: American
Staff and Crew: American

  • Itinerary:  There are 5, 6 and 11-day cruises in Alaska's Prince William Sound from May through September. Passengers fly to Anchorage to take Alaska Railroad to Whittier. The 5 and 6-day cruises are roundtrip from the port of Whittier, and the 11-day Spring Birding land/cruise package goes between Cordova and Whittier. Cruise the less traveled, more intimate areas of passages and fjords, including Barry Arm and Harriman Fjord. Itinerary is flexible to take advantage of seasonal highlights, wildlife sightings and guest interests. Nights are usually spent at anchor in quiet protected bays, fjords or harbors.

  • Cabins:  6. Cabins have upper and lower berths. Five have portholes, one does not. There are two shared bathrooms with hot shower.

  • Dining Open-seating dining, with meals featuring freshly caught salmon, halibut, oysters, shrimp and rockfish. Breads are freshly baked. Fruits are organically grown. Beer and wine are complimentary. With advance notice special dietary needs can be accommodated.

  • Dress:Always casual. Bring parka, gloves, knit hat and long underwear for glacier close encounters. Also bring hat andrain protection or you can use a variety of raincoats and rain pants provided onboard. You can bring your own rubber boots and walking sticks or use boots (possibly the right size) provided for rainforest walks.

  • Facilities and Activities: The vessel is named after one of Captain Cook's ships and was originally built for use by Presbyterian missionaries to Alaska. There is a lounge and dining area. Guests are welcome in the wheelhouse. Fishing equipment provided. There is kayaking, halibut fishing, glacier viewing, hiking and wildlife viewing. There are cruises specifically focused on spring birding, photography and whale watching. Small groups take zodiacs on trips to shore that are customized to the interests and abilities of the passengers, some walks being leisurely strolls along the shores and others physically challenging hikes (your choice). Enjoy exploring coves and fjords in kayaks. One stop is near a colony of tufted puffins, another at an oyster farm, and another for sea lions. Lunch is served at Eagle Bay near the 300-ft. high Cascade waterfall to hike Sheep Bay Lagoon and to the top of Sahlin Falls. Optional flightseeing and river rafting trips are available.
  • Fares: $3,650 for a five-day cruise, $4,000 for six-day land/sea package and $5,550 for a 13-day spring birding cruise. Each of these fares also includes two nights bed and breakfast in Anchorage. Shore excursions included in the fare. Discounts for some voyages in May and September. Customized charters are frequently arranged for families, film enthusiasts, researchers and other special interest groups. (Rates always subject to change) 

Contact: pamela@smallcruiseships.net or (303) 504-0400 - USA & Canada (888) 321-0103. International Calls Welcome.