Arctic & Alaska

Alaska’s Inside Passage (Eastbound)

8 Days aboard National Geographic Quest . From AUD $9,309pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Do more than just see Alaska—be an active participant in all that it has to offer. Voyage into majestic fjords, come face to face with glaciers, and kayak along the coast in search of marine life. Learn about whale behavior and watch for breaching and spy-hopping humpbacks and orcas. Enjoy a full day immersed in the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Hike through lush forests and muskegs, kayak into secluded inlets, and cruise by Zodiac among electric blue icebergs and curious wildlife
  • Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Glacier Bay's outer coast during a full day of exploration.
  • Discover Alaska's seldom-seen, vibrant marine life revealed by our undersea specialist

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Sitka, Alaska / Embark Ship
  • Day 2: Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays & Fjords
  • Day 3: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
  • Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park
  • Day 5: Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
  • Day 6: Petersburg
  • Day 7: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
  • Day 8: Juneau, Alaska / Disembark Ship

Ship Information

For more information on the National Geographic Quest please view the ship page.

View National Geographic Quest

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Sitka, Alaska / Embark Ship

Arrive in Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which date back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Sitka, Alaska

Dinner included.

Day 2: Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays & Fjords

Explore the wild and remote areas of southeast Alaska by special use permit with the Tongass National Forest.

Today, nature is your guide as you set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. You might stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are common. If conditions permit, you'll have the opportunity to do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands

Explore among the Inian Islands, a busy feeding ground for myriad wildlife species including Steller sea lions and sea otters. Search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park

Spend a full day exploring the spectacular wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve*. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the dramatic landscapes that define Southeast Alaska—from towering mountains and deep fjords to pristine coastlines and diverse ecosystems. Gain insight on the natural history and geology, while keeping watch for wildlife.

*Select departures will explore the scenic outer bays of Glacier Bay National Park by kayak, by Zodiac or on foot.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding—as you listen to the play-by-play from expert naturalists. Explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, you'll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Petersburg

Visit the small Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening, enjoy a crab feast.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Juneau, Alaska / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Departure Time: After 10:30 a.m. local time.
Departure City: Juneau, Alaska

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 20 Jun 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
20 Jun 2026 - 27 Jun 2026 AUD $18,427ppExpand to view prices
Category 1 Cabin AUD $18,427ppContact us
Category 2 Cabin AUD $21,050ppContact us
Category 3 Cabin AUD $22,286ppContact us
Category 4 Cabin AUD $24,754ppContact us
Category 5 Suite AUD $27,396ppContact us
04 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026 AUD $18,790ppExpand to view prices
18 Jul 2026 - 25 Jul 2026 AUD $17,456ppExpand to view prices
01 Aug 2026 - 08 Aug 2026 AUD $21,691ppExpand to view prices
12 Sep 2026 - 19 Sep 2026 AUD $10,039ppExpand to view prices
22 May 2027 - 29 May 2027 AUD $11,714ppExpand to view prices
05 Jun 2027 - 12 Jun 2027 AUD $12,714ppExpand to view prices
19 Jun 2027 - 26 Jun 2027 AUD $12,603ppExpand to view prices
03 Jul 2027 - 10 Jul 2027 AUD $15,823ppExpand to view prices
17 Jul 2027 - 24 Jul 2027 AUD $16,614ppExpand to view prices
31 Jul 2027 - 07 Aug 2027 AUD $15,823ppExpand to view prices
14 Aug 2027 - 21 Aug 2027 AUD $11,429ppExpand to view prices
28 Aug 2027 - 04 Sep 2027 AUD $12,143ppExpand to view prices
11 Sep 2027 - 18 Sep 2027 AUD $9,309ppExpand to view prices
25 Sep 2027 - 02 Oct 2027 AUD $10,240ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Category 1 Cabin

12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.

Category 1 Cabin
Category 1 Cabin
Category 2 Cabin

12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.

Category 2 Cabin
Category 2 Cabin
Category 3 Cabin

15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view window private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.

Category 3 Cabin
Category 3 Cabin
Category 4 Cabin

15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, balcony with sliding glass door, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.

Category 4 Cabin
Category 4 Cabin
Category 5 Suite

17m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view windows, convertible sofa bed, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.

Category 5 Suite
Category 5 Suite

National Geographic Quest Deckplan

National Geographic Quest  deck plan

Specifications

  • Crew: 35
  • Officers: United States
  • Guests: 100
  • Tonnage: 2906
  • Length: 238 Feet / 72 Metres
  • Width: 45 Feet
  • Speed: 12 Knots
  • Passenger Decks: 4
  • Built: 2017
  • Registry: United States of America

What's included?

  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of premium brands available for purchase.
  • As part of our Suite Amenities program, complimentary laundry is available on suites booked on National Geographic Endurance Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Resolution Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Explorer Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Orion Categories 4, 5, and 6; National Geographic Quest Category 5; National Geographic Venture Category 5; National Geographic Endeavour II Suites A, B, and C; National Geographic Gemini Categories 5, 6, and 7; and the National Geographic Islander II Islander Suite.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
  • National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our National Geographic fleet, except in Galápagos)
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

What's not?

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Gemini, National Geographic Delfina, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion

Important notes and additional information

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Alaska’s Inside Passage (Eastbound)

8 Days aboard National Geographic Quest . From AUD $9,309pp.