Highlights
- Watch ice plunge into the water at Holgate Glacier
- Marvel at pristine tundra and massive volcanoes as you look for the brown bears of Katmai National Park
- Be on the lookout for rare birdlife in the Semidi Islands, an uninhabited archipelago
- Strike out towards the seldom-visited Aleutian Islands, exploring World War II ruins and pristine wilderness areas
- Reach Russia’s breathtaking Kamchatka Peninsula, surveying bears amid lakes and volcanoes on a private helicopter flight
- Meander between the Kuril Islands, where the air is laced with adventure and isolated volcanic landscapes hide a plethora of wildlife
- Finish your journey on Japanese shores as you tour the glorious former fishing town of Otaru
We were all spoilt from day one and all made to feel that Captain's Choice were continually focused on our well being and on our enjoyment.
Col Bradford - Ancient & Holy Lands, 2016
Where we visit
Please note: on this expedition cruise, all landings will require guests to board the ship’s Zodiacs, subject to weather conditions. Due to the spontaneous nature of a Silversea Expeditions cruise with Captain’s Choice, this itinerary should be considered a guide only. This tour requires a moderate degree of physical fitness.
Full Itinerary
Arrive Anchorage, Girdwood (USA)
Day 1: Tuesday 12 June
Upon arriving in Anchorage, we transfer to Girdwood. A a warm Alaskan embrace, hotel Alyeska welcomes us.
Our first meal is a hearty home-style dinner, paired with ocean, valley and glacier views.
Girdwood
Day 2: Wednesday 13 June
Up with the lark, a scenic tram ride whisks us to the top of Mt Alyeska. Survey the scenery, including Turnagain Arm and seven hanging glaciers. Visit the Roadhouse Museum.
Enjoy a free afternoon. Or join our Your World experience.
- Explore Portage Glacier. Cruising its frosty lake, dodge icebergs and watch fractures of ice tumble.
Anticipation peaks at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.
Seward
Day 3: Thursday 14 June
From porcupines to grizzlies and otters, we meet Alaska’s unique species from the land and sea at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Alaska Sealife Centre.
We embark Silver Explorer this afternoon at the port of Seward. After a safety briefing, meet crew members and fellow intrepid travellers over an introduction and dinner.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Chiswell Islands
Day 4: Friday 15 June
Edge into Kenai Fjords National Park and see the remarkable spectacle of ice calving into the ocean. Holgate Glacier is one of the best locations to observe this extraordinary event.
During lunch, we sail towards the Chiswell Islands, part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Here we are immersed in nature as we head out in Zodiacs. Seals follow in our wake. Horned and tufted puffins toddle along the shoreline.
Katmai National Park
Day 5: Saturday 16 June
Today we visit Katmai National Park. 15 active volcanoes gasp atop meandering tundra, home to the state’s largest brown bear population. On a Zodiac cruise along Kukak Bay, we stop to watch brown bears angling for salmon.
Back on board, we discover sea otters and more brown bears near Geographic Harbour and Amalik Bay.
Semidi Islands, Chignik
Day 6: Sunday 17 June
This morning is set aside to simply enjoy nature. Explore an uninhabited archipelago, Semidi Islands, and its millions of seabirds. Large colonies of horned puffins, common murres, northern fulmars and jaegers adorn sandy beaches.
During the late afternoon we visit the remote fishing village of Chignik. With less than 100 inhabitants, this town retains an air of seclusion. The population doubles in summer when the fishing improves.
Unga Island
Day 7: Monday 18 June
We reach the volcanic Aleutian Islands. Once studded with gold and hollowed by prosperous mines, today, Unga Island is a ghost town. Explore the ruins of the abandoned church amongst petrified wood forests - we may find great horned owls nesting in its roof. Later, we take a Zodiac cruise.
Dutch Harbor
Day 8: Tuesday 19 June
Like the Russian traders of old, we continue to navigate the Aleutian Islands. Dutch Harbor is the busiest commercial fishing port in Alaska. Here, discover relics of its brutal World War II past and a Russian Orthodox Church.
At Sea
Day 9: Wednesday 20 June
On a day at sea, sharpen your photography skills with our photographer. Watch for wildlife with our marine biologist.
Kiska
Day 10: Thursday 21 June
Hike along the rugged eastern coast of Kiska. Here, admire the remains of an authentic Shinto shrine from World War II.
Attu Island
Day 11: Friday 22 June
While waves wash over our ship in the early morning, perhaps attend a lecture, or grab your binoculars and scan the surrounding waters for marine life.
We arrive at Attu Island, an ornithologist’s paradise, by noon. Here we can discover a plethora of distinct birds. Search for the peregrine falcon, Lapland longspur and Aleutian cackling goose among frosty grass and ivory mountains.
At Sea, Cross Date Line (Lose A Day)
Day 12-13: Saturday 23 June - Sunday 24 June
On a leisurely day at sea, we cross the International Date Line and enjoy a glass of Champagne as we jump through time.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Russia)
Day 14: Monday 25 June
Named after two sailing ships used by Vitus Bering on his expedition, we truly feel as though we are following his journey as we dock in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, set along the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East. Discover the town’s centre. Or, join our Your World discovery.
- Take a helicopter to Kurile Lake, set in a crater of a Kamchatka volcano. Watch bears fish for spawning salmon then bathe in the Khodutka Hot Springs.
Russkaya Bay, Utashud Island
Day 15: Tuesday 26 June
From the rocky shoreline of Russkaya Bay, old shipwrecks rest. Rusty shells and ghostly reminders. Legends completely intact. We cruise the rivers in a Zodiac and hike through leafy forests ashore. In the afternoon, we visit the cluster of islets belonging to Utashud Island. Green grass clings to gentle slopes, and steep cliffs tumble down to the sea. Spotted seals and sea birds are fascinating to admire in their untouched home.
Atlasov Island
Day 16: Wednesday 27 June
We reach the Kuril chain today, a fascinating stretch of over 30 volcanic islands that separates the southern end of the Kamchatka Peninsula and Hokkaido in Japan.
The perfectly symmetrical volcanic peak of Alaid on Atlasov Island rises out of the Sea of Okhotsk. Here our Zodiacs land on a beach stained black from lava and we walk to explore the volcano, the highest of the Kuril Islands. We see remains of the Taketomi tufa cone and what’s left of the women’s prison.
Yankicha Island
Day 17: Thursday 28 June
We visit one of the most impressive islands of the Kuril chain, Yankicha. The tip of the extinct volcano allows a flood of ocean water into the hushed lagoon, brilliant blue
in colour, which is only accessible by Zodiac at high tide. In the warm mist of hot springs and simmering fumaroles, the volcano’s deepest beauty is only open for those who brave the adventurous journey within.
Chirpoy Island
Day 18: Friday 29 June
Northern fulmars and kittiwakes adorn the sky of volcanic Chirpoy Island. Early this morning, our Zodiacs take us along the misty jagged outline in search of sea lions and orcas.
Tyuleniy Island
Day 19: Saturday 30 June
Meaning ‘seal’ in Russian, Tyuleniy is an island that is home to tens of thousands of northern fur seals and steller sea lions. A visit at the height of breeding season shows a rare
shore, painted brown and black with the sleek creatures.
Korsakov, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Day 20: Sunday 1 July
On our final day in Russia, we imagine life in the former Japanese prefect capital, Korsakov. Explore the town centre then drive to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the capital of the island. Here we take in a traditional performance of Cossack song and dance.
Back on board this evening, attend the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Reception.
Depart Otaru (Japan)
Day 21: Monday 2 July
Disembark Ship
Disembark Silver Explorer and spend the day exploring Otaru. Glorious in its time as a major fishing port, original storehouses still garnish the bustling canal district. After a tipple at Tanaka Sake Brewery we visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido.
Our tour ends in Sapporo this afternoon. We hope to see you again on your next Captain’s Choice adventure.
Everything has been Considered & Included
Reaching the world’s frontiers is no easy feat. And let’s face it, adventure and roughing it is so last century. That’s why all the legwork has been done for you; everything mundane sits behind the scenes. We’ve searched the seven seas for the finest expedition ships to usher you to the edges of the planet, where you’ll never have to carry a map. Or your luggage. You’ll certainly never have to find small change for tips.
Travel without the hassles
Everything is included - your Silversea cruise, luxurious accommodation, all dining and drinks, travel insurance and every sightseeing trip including Your World experiences. Yes, even taxes and transfers.
Our Luggage Valet service is also included. Simply pack your bags (or ask your butler to pack them for you) and leave them in your suite. We pick them up and make sure that they arrive safely at your next hotel. We also provide home-to-airport-to-home transfers. And just in case, a doctor travels with us too.
As you’d expect, Silversea expedition vessels include plenty of luxe touches beneath their tough exteriors. You’d be right in thinking the food and wine offering is pretty special. A fully stocked in-suite mini-bar, plush bed linen and a choice of mattress comes as standard. While a snug parka for polar expeditions, Wi-Fi and an included laundry service is all part of the package.
We go even further to include exclusive travel and touring arrangements prior to your cruise – and often at it's conclusion too.
With Captain’s Choice, there are no hidden costs, or optional extras. Because that would be breaking our promise of travel without the hassles.
Your World Experiences
Making landfall in a new and exciting destination is one thing. But getting under its skin to see its true colours is something altogether different – something very few of us will ever experience. Which is why we’ve curated an exclusive collection of included experiences called Your World. It’s your invitation to take part in rare and amazing events other travellers could only ever dare dream of.
Though you may have visited a destination previously, a Your World experience is likely to surprise you with an aspect of the location you’ve never considered before.
It's not what you know
Your World Hosts are made up of a Tour Manager, Tour Hosts and a doctor, who will accompany you for the duration of your tour. Additionally, English-speaking local guides join you in many locations. Aboard your cruise, a dedicated Silversea Expedition Team will escort all excursions, while onboard experts give immersive talks about the regions you visit and niche topics that may spark your interest.
A place to call home
Away from your fine ship, Captain’s Choice has chosen only the very best purveyors of hospitality each destination has to offer. Residences are benchmarks of luxury, usually in a central location. More often than not, they have a history to tell. You might find yourself, on one night, in a magnificent castle turned luxury hotel, standing proudly on its own island. The next, tucked away in a private residence favoured by royals and dignitaries alike.
Local Flavours
Every meal is a chance to discover something new and delicious. When you’re not on board your ship, you’ll often be dining among locals, where the ambience, as much as the flavours, makes meals memorable. And on special nights, you can expect gala dinners at spectacular locations closed off exclusively for us. There’s not a boring meal to be found.
Silver Explorer
Small in stature but big on comfort, Silversea’s Silver Explorer has been designed specifically for navigating the waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both polar regions. A fleet of Zodiac vessels allows guests to visit off-the-beaten path locations and an Expedition Team brings insight to each adventure. Be pampered with butler service, watch passing ocean scenes from your suite and indulge in impressive cuisine inspired by the destinations you visit.
Adventurer & Explorer Suite
Occupying different locations, these suites feature two portholes (Adventurer) or a view window (Explorer); sitting area; and a marbled bathroom with a bath/ shower combination.
