That Prince William Sound
is one of the most thrilling
places on earth is conventional
wisdom.
Most people, though, see it from big cruise ships, which huff and puff into the Sound, passengers peering down from the upper decks on a few brave seals, watching from afar as the Columbia Glacier snaps and crackles. Then the ship awkwardly turns about and goes home. We have a different approach. Our ship— a staff favorite for the summer— is the snug, steel-hulled little motor yacht Discovery, as nimble as the big ships are ponderous, allowing us to weave in and out of bobbing icebergs as they calve off dinosauric glaciers, to anchor beside delicate shores, and to walk in the sitka spruces, hemlocks, and teeming wildflowers of the world’s northernmost temperate rain forest. Instead of fleeing, Dall porpoises adopt the Discovery as a playmate, orcas and humpback whales slip alongside us, and the Sound’s fantastic bird colonies are unperturbed.
The 12-passenger Discovery is operated by the exceptional Dean Rand, whose “passion for the Sound never ceases,” says our Brady Binstadt, “even after 25 years of living in it. Being with Dean is a true treat.” Our unique itinerary and Dean’s cheerfulness make our five-, six-, and seven-day voyages hugely memorable. The Discovery’s agility and the skipper’s alertness allow us to respond to unexpected highlights, so the following itinerary is a sample. (A couple of notes: First, we concentrate firmly on Prince William Sound, unquestionably the most enticing section of the Alaskan coast. Second, we have arranged many private charters of the Discovery with individually crafted itineraries—to “great acclaim,” adds Brady.)
Most people, though, see it from big cruise ships, which huff and puff into the Sound, passengers peering down from the upper decks on a few brave seals, watching from afar as the Columbia Glacier snaps and crackles. Then the ship awkwardly turns about and goes home. We have a different approach. Our ship— a staff favorite for the summer— is the snug, steel-hulled little motor yacht Discovery, as nimble as the big ships are ponderous, allowing us to weave in and out of bobbing icebergs as they calve off dinosauric glaciers, to anchor beside delicate shores, and to walk in the sitka spruces, hemlocks, and teeming wildflowers of the world’s northernmost temperate rain forest. Instead of fleeing, Dall porpoises adopt the Discovery as a playmate, orcas and humpback whales slip alongside us, and the Sound’s fantastic bird colonies are unperturbed.
The 12-passenger Discovery is operated by the exceptional Dean Rand, whose “passion for the Sound never ceases,” says our Brady Binstadt, “even after 25 years of living in it. Being with Dean is a true treat.” Our unique itinerary and Dean’s cheerfulness make our five-, six-, and seven-day voyages hugely memorable. The Discovery’s agility and the skipper’s alertness allow us to respond to unexpected highlights, so the following itinerary is a sample. (A couple of notes: First, we concentrate firmly on Prince William Sound, unquestionably the most enticing section of the Alaskan coast. Second, we have arranged many private charters of the Discovery with individually crafted itineraries—to “great acclaim,” adds Brady.)
Day 1: Arrive Anchorage • Day 2: Anchorage to Whittier by van, board the Discovery, sail to Port Nellie Juan
• Day 3: to Icy Bay, watching for orcas and humpbacks, overnight at Long Channel • Day 4:
visit Cascade Waterfall, sample oysters at Eaglek Bay, set course through Esther Passage to College
Fjord • Day 5: Cascade, Berry, and Coxe Glaciers, anchor in spectacular Blackstone Bay • Day 6:
Blackstone Bay, depart midday for Whittier, return to Anchorage by van, arriving in evening • Day 7: Depart Anchorage
Prince William Sound
Trip Details
Departures:
7 or 8 days from Anchorage
Activity Type:
Small Boat Cruising
,
Walking
Trip Price:From $3650
- Departures May - September
7 or 8 days from AnchorageActivity Type:
Small Boat Cruising
,
Walking
Trip Price:
From $3650
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