Embark in the heart of Seattle with the Olympic Mountains, majestic Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline as the backdrop. Meals: D

The San Juan Islands are the gems of northern Washington State and today we explore them with the freedom of no specific plan. We explore this archipelago of some 170 idyllic forested islands with varied coastlines offering wonderful opportunities to observe seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and orcas as sea birds form patterns in the sky overhead. Meals: B,L,D

We arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Once the ship is secured, we make our way to the U'Mista Cultural Centre, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks. We then walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance movements. Back on board we head to Johnstone Strait. Johnstone Strait is one of the foremost viewing areas for orca whales in the entire Northern Hemisphere and since nineteen whale pods are known to spend part of the year here, there is a chance of exciting whale watching. Meals: B,L,D

You'll feel like a true explorer as we continue northward looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. This is an area where vast sections of untouched coastal rain forest still exist and where an expedition ship proves to be the perfect vessel. We'll explore any intriguing bay or inlet we happen upon, or reverse course to follow a sighted whale pod. Meals: B,L,D

Misty Fiords National Monument, often referred to as "Yosemite of the sea" for its sheer majesty, is 2.3 million acres of pristine wilderness that will leave you with exquisite memories of your stay in Alaska. Head out on a personal kayak reconnaissance or take a Zodiac cruise beneath glacier-carved cliffs with saw-tooth tops. Float past sheer cliffs and icy waterfalls. Meals: B,L,D

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald eagle which you may see keeping watch atop a tall spruce. As for whales, it's not uncommon here to see herds of up to 30 humpbacks or orcas. We'll then get to observe fascinating behaviour - breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding. We may also see Steller's sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands and dozing. Once ashore, we'll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail, accompanied by our Naturalists. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for appreciating this area close up. Meals: B,L,D

Whale sightings may make for some exciting diversions en route to Sitka. Sitka has a strong Russian heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church with its onion domes right in the middle of town. Gaze up at the grand totem poles throughout Sitka National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, we have views of species normally seen in the wild - bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Sitka's oceanfront setting is framed by the volcanic peak of Mount Edgecumbe and a string of small islands. The crystalline waters of Sitka Bay abound with sea stars and translucent moon jellyfish. Meals: B,L,D

Today we have the luxury of no specific plan. We may go ashore to beachcomb, explore forest trails or cruise the shore of Admiralty Island, where the brown (grizzly) bear is found and bald eagles nest. When kayaking, we always offer choices. If you're looking for exercise and excitement, choose a more strenuous course. If you want scenery and relaxation, you'll have the option to paddle slowly - exploring, poking into little inlets and relishing the quiet and up-close, personal view. Meals: B,L,D

We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. You'll see glaciers that end abruptly at the water's edge and observe them "calving" - tons of ice crashing into the sea - accompanied by an exhilaratingly thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as Harbour seals and Steller's sea lions are some of the creatures we may observe in these icy waters. You may have the opportunity to see not only one, but two kinds of puffins: the Tufted and the Horned puffin. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. Meals: B,L,D

Our day begins on the waters off Point Adolphus, a favoured area for marine mammals. Keep watch on deck and you may find yourself rushing to the side as a pod of whales begins lunge-feeding right off our bow. As we watch with awe, our Naturalist lowers the hydrophone and we're not only watching the whales, we're listening in on their communications. When questions come up, as they surely will, our marine mammal expert can tell you everything you want to know and more. Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, disembark in Juneau, Alaska's state capital. Here we'll visit the Alaska State Museum, viewing its fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska's native peoples and natural history. Explore on your own before flying from Juneau to Seattle. Meals: B