DISCOVERY VOYAGES    Cruise Report Alaska   DISCOVERY Passenger Capacity: 12 Built: 1958; refurbished Length: 65 ft. Elevator: None Officers: American Staff and Crew: American Wheelchair  Access: No

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• Itinerary: There are 5,7 and 9 day cruisesall running in Alaska’s  Prince William Sound from May through September. Passengers fly to Anchorage, then take Alaska Railroad to Whittier. The five-day cruises are roundtrip from Whittier, and the seven-day land/cruise package goes between Whittier and Cordova. Cruises go to lesser traveled, more intimate areas of  inside 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 intimate and protected bays, fjords or harbors. Also beginning in Mid September a special whale watching trip in the Montague Straits.
• Cabins: 6. Cabins have upper and lower berths. Five have portholes, one does not. There are two bathrooms with hot shower.
• Dining: There is open-seating dining in the lounge, buffet style, with meals featuring freshly caught seafood such as salmon, halibut, oysters, shrimp and rockfish. Bread and rolls are freshly baked. Fruits are purchased organically grown when possible. Beer, wine and some bar liquors are complimentary. With advance notice special dietary needs such as vegetarian, low fat, low sugar and low salt can be accommodated.
• Dress: Totally casual. Bring a parka, gloves, knit hat and long underwear for glacier close encounters. Also bring hat and foul-weather cover for rain protection, or you can use a variety of raincoats and rainpants provided. You can bring your own rubber boots or use those provided. Don’t forget a pair of binoculars and lots of film.
• 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. The upper deck has a lounge and dining area with windows. Guests are welcome in the wheelhouse. Equipment includes zodiacs, kayaks and fishing equipment. There is kayaking, halibut fishing, glacier viewing, shoreside hikes and wildlife viewing. There are cruises specifically focussed on spring birding and on photography. Small groups go in 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. Passengers can explore coves and fjords in kayaks. One stop is near a colony of tufted puffins, another at an oyster farm, another to a hangout for sea lions. Lunch is served at Eagle Bay near the 300-ft. high Cascade waterfall, and there is a hike at Sheep Bay Lagoon and to the top of  Sahlin Falls. Optional flightseeing and river rafting trips are available.
• Typical Rates and Special Deals: The per person fare is $2,050 for the five-day cruise, $2,750 for seven-day land/sea package and $2,200 for nine-day spring wildlife cruise. Shore excursions are included in the fare.  Customized charters are frequently arranged for families, film crews, researchers and other special interest groups.

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