Sail away from the ‘typical’ Alaska cruise experience aboard your own private expedition vessel. Alaska’s Inside Passage is frequented by many large cruise ships, which due to their size are limited to stopping in the same ports of call and sharing the same experiences. But with your own personal voyage aboard the M/V Sikumi, a whole new world of opportunities becomes available for you to see and experience. Explore small coves and inlets, get closer to the wildlife and glaciers of this scenic area. With a maximum capacity of 8 – 12 guests supported by five crew members, your every wish and need will be catered to as you travel through Alaska’s southeast waters.
Upon arrival in Petersburg, meet your private vehicle for transfer to your accommodations for the evening. Nestled along Alaska’s Frederick Sound, Petersburg is located near the summer feeding grounds of hundreds of humpback whales and is just one of many small communities that dot Southeast Alaska.
Overnight in Petersburg.
(c) Reinhard Pantke/All Rights Reserved
Breakfast is included this morning as you enjoy a peaceful morning in this quaint town. This small, vibrant town of approximately 3100 year-round residents lies in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and is surrounded by wilderness. Take off with your private guide on city tour this morning before boarding the M/V Sikumi to begin your private journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Spend the next six nights aboard your private vessel, the M/V Sikumi
Your highly-trained crew stands ready to provide a number of uniquely-Alaskan adventures. And with a crew to guest ratio of 5 to 8, not everyone has to do the same thing! From kayaking in hidden coves to hiking alongside remote waterfalls, there’s always something for everyone! Perhaps tidepooling and beachcombing along the shoreline appeals for some, while others choose a more strenuous hike with scenic views from on high. Whatever you can imagine, your hosts can make it happen, custom tailored to meet the interests and experience level of every guest, of every age.
All on board and off board activities are included in the cost of your private cruise tour.
Southeast Alaska’s abundant sport fishing opportunities include Alaskan rock fish, halibut, or salmon. Your knowledgeable crew will provide all the gear and expertise necessary to help you check one more item off your bucket list. Or perhaps you would prefer to try something a little different – like setting out a shrimp or crab pot to collect the evening meal. The waters of the Inside Passage provide a variety of seafood opportunities and your private chef will happily prepare your catch for the ultimate bragging rights.
If whale watching is on your Alaska ‘wish’ list, you’ve discovered the perfect venue for seeing these magnificent creatures up close. Southeast Alaska is well known as feeding grounds for a number of whale species including orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and the occasional minke whale. Bubble net feeding is more common here than in most destinations, and the sight of a whale breaching is a spectacular experience you’ll never forget.
Alaska’s Inside Passage is also a birder’s paradise as there are hundreds of different species to discover. In addition to almost-daily bald eagle sightings, spend some time next to a bird rookery and see how many species you can check off your list. Colorful puffins are a favorite though you may also see oystercatchers, goshawks, guillemots, murres, gulls, and more!
No visit to Southeast Alaska is complete without spending some time near a tidewater glacier, and your private vessel, the M/V Sikumi, can provide this up-close experience like no other. Imagine a wall of ice, hundreds of feet tall before you as you take in its sheer immensity. Keep your eyes peeled as you wait for the glacier to calve as huge chunks of ice break off and splash into the water below. This is a sight – and sound – like none other you have ever experienced!
Take in these views from the vessel’s expansive viewing deck, with a glass champagne in hand. Or for an even closer view, board a kayak and paddle around as you encounter icebergs floating in the sea. With luck, you may even see some Alaskan harbor seals sunning themselves on the floating chunks of ice!
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, a guided hike into Alaska’s lush forests is just the thing. Surround yourself with the flora and fauna that make the Tongass National Forest their home with a secluded hike along a ridge. Perhaps a beachcombing excursion along a secluded beach is more your style? Go for it! There are even some natural hot springs hidden in the forest. Soak in their warm waters as a reward for your day of active adventure before returning to your private vessel for another evening of fine cuisine, hosted by your crew.
Your private journey on the M/V Sikumi concludes today as you return to Petersburg. Enjoy one last gourmet breakfast before bidding your hosts ‘farewell.’ A private transfer will be provided to the Petersburg Airport to begin your next adventure or travel home.
(c) Reinhard Pantke. All rights reserved.
Sikumi Vessel
Th 67-foot Sikumi was custom built expressly for service in Alaskan waters and though the seas in Southeast Alaska are typically quite calm it’s reassuring to know you are traveling in a vessel designed specifically for these waters. From the panoramic views at the galley table to the fully covered upper viewing deck, nothing was spared in creating a comfortable environment for you. The interior of the vessel is well laid out and meticulously maintained. You will enjoy meals in the salon with a full view of the gourmet chef inspired galley and enjoy games and cocktails while relaxing in the living area while viewing the day’s photos at the computer station in the evenings,
Staterooms
Your private vessel features four comfortable staterooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom with vanity and full-size shower. Featuring luxurious amenities you will feel at home during your private Alaska cruise adventure. All four staterooms have queen beds with an optional fold-down twin bunk, making this vessel the perfect option for families with children.
Most M/V Sikumi itineraries begin and end in beautiful Petersburg Alaska. Located on Mitkof Island, Petersburg is accessible by air and sea only – there is no road connecting it to the rest of Alaska. Nearby LeConte Glacier, just 25 miles east by boat or floatplane, is Alaska’s southernmost tidewater glacier and the waters nearby serve as summer feeding grounds of hundreds of humpback whales. Petersburg is the perfect starting point for an chartered adventure in Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Your culinary experience will start as soon as you arrive to the ship, with a champagne greeting along with hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the journey ahead. Fresh seafood will be featured throughout the cruise, and you may even help to catch the seafood yourself!
Your Alaskan adventure will not only feature spectacular wildlife and scenery viewing, but will also provide a uniquely Alaskan culinary experience. The on board professional chef will prepare one culinary delight after another for you. Everything is prepared on board, and with the limited number of guests the chef can cater to any special food needs, diets, or allergies. You will enjoy learning from the chef as they prepare your meals, the galley is open to guests and interaction is encouraged.
When not fishing or cruising, your personal, highly-trained crew will take you on many other adventures. From kayaking in hidden coves to hiking to remote waterfalls, there are activities for all ages and all abilities.
Other possible activities (all included) are: beachcombing, birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, hot springs, kayaking, shrimping/crabbing, photography, flora, whale watching, and glacier viewing.
Tell us what interests you most about this itinerary and any changes you might like to see, including change in duration, activities, etc. We will personalize your activities, accommodations and destinations to your specifications, research availability, and get back to you with options for a fully-customized itinerary and associated costs.
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The scenery and wildlife photo opportunities were beyond awesome. Alaska Private Touring surpassed the concept of customer satisfaction, with each location notified of our arrival, and the hotels were well chosen and of high caliber. We recommend APT to our friends before even discussing our trip.
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