Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell and Misty Fjords
5 nights
National Geographic Sea Bird
15 Jul '26Cruise overview
Experience the pure power of primal wilderness on this compact, six-day expedition along the untamed southern regions of Southeast Alaska. Witness the electric blues of iceberg-dotted LeConte Bay and navigate narrow channels like Behm and Blake, as well as Walker Cove in Misty Fjords. Board Zodiacs to explore Prince of Wales Island and take kayaks and paddleboards into salmon-studded waters to trace the rugged, wildlife-rich shorelines of Kupreanof Island.
Itinerary
Ketchikan, Alaska
Arrive in Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, spread at the base of forested slopes on Revillagigedo Island. Known as the “salmon capital of the world,” it’s famous for colorful buildings and abundant fishing boats and canneries. Embark National Geographic Venture in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is famous for its colorful totem poles, rainy skies, steep–as–San Francisco streets, and lush island setting. Some 13,500 people call the town home, and, in the summer, cruise ships crowd the shoreline, floatplanes depart noisily for Misty Fiords National Monument, and salmon-laden commercial fishing boats motor through Tongass Narrows. In the last decade Ketchikan’s rowdy, blue-collar heritage of logging and fishing has been softened by the loss of many timber-industry jobs and the dramatic rise of cruise-ship tourism. With some effort, though, visitors can still glimpse the rugged frontier spirit that once permeated this hardscrabble cannery town. Art lovers should make a beeline for Ketchikan: the arts community here is very active. Travelers in search of the perfect piece of Alaska art will find an incredible range of pieces to choose from.The town is at the foot of 3,000-foot Deer Mountain, near the southeastern corner of Revillagigedo (locals shorten it to Revilla) Island. Prior to the arrival of white miners and fishermen in 1885, the Tlingit used the site at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek as a summer fish camp. Gold discoveries just before the turn of the 20th century brought more immigrants, and valuable timber and commercial fishing resources spurred new industries. By the 1930s the town bragged that it was the “salmon-canning capital of the world.” You will still find some of Southeast’s best salmon fishing around here. Ketchikan is the first bite of Alaska that many travelers taste. Despite its imposing backdrop, hillside homes, and many staircases, the town is relatively easy to walk through. Favorite downtown stops include the Spruce Mill Development shops and Creek Street. A bit farther away you’ll find the Totem Heritage Center. Out of town (but included on most bus tours) are two longtime favorites: Totem Bight State Historical Park to the north and Saxman Totem Park to the south.
Read More
Cruising Behm Canal, Alaska
Wrangell, Alaska
Sumner Strait, Alaska
LeConte Glacier, Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
Category 1 - Main Deck
#300-305: Conveniently located between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two single beds and a large window. All cabins feature a closet, two nightstands, and a sink/vanity with a large mirror outside the bathroom. Note: Solo occupancy cabins are available in categories 1 and 2 only. Shared accommodation can be arranged at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2 only.
Amenities
- Twin
- Vanity Area
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Ship features
National Geographic Sea Bird blends rugged expedition capability with the warmth and camaraderie of a small ship.
- 62-passenger capacity for an intimate expedition experience
- Shallow draft for access to narrow rivers and hidden bays
- Fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards
- All outside-facing cabins with windows
- Open Bridge policy for guest interaction
- Single-seating dining room serving regional cuisine
- Lounge for lectures, briefings, and evening socialising
- A library and wellness specialist onboard
- Expert-led shore excursions and enrichment talks
- Sustainable operations and locally sourced ingredients
