Alaskan Dream Cruises features new ship, new destinations in 2020

Following this summer's introduction of the Kruzof Explorer, a former fishing vessel updated as an Inside Passage expedition ship, Alaskan Dream Cruises has outlined several 2020 itineraries aboard the 12-passenger cruiser.

The Kruzof Explorer worked in Bering Sea and Southern California waters before landing in Sitka, where company team members refurbished the boat earlier this year. The first guests boarded for tours in July.

"The seaworthiness and performance of this vessel allow us to travel in coastal areas that very few get the opportunity to experience," said Alaskan Dream Cruises spokesman Zakary Kirkpatrick. "Guests will see stunning, dramatic coastline as they explore areas that are truly untouched and home to a large population of brown bears and sea otters."

Dining and lounge areas on the vessel feature large windows, while an outdoor deck also provides opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. Additional equipment means a range of other sightseeing and recreational activities for guests.

"The Kruzof Explorer carries a sport fishing vessel, so guests have an opportunity to cast lines as they travel through some of Alaska's preeminent fishing areas. There's also a high-speed zodiac, and there are kayaks and paddle boards. It is a true expedition-style vessel," said Kirkpatrick.

The seven-night Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness, and Wildlife (from $9,995) tour travels between Sitka and Juneau aboard the Kruzof Explorer. During three days in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, travelers visit Margerie Glacier, navigate Dundas Bay by kayak, and watch for puffins, whales, wolves and other wildlife. The outing also explores West Chichagof Island and the tiny fishing community of Pelican.

Eight departures take place between May and September 2020.

The nine-night Remote Alaska Adventure (from $12,495) departs six times between May and August, connecting the communities of Sitka and Ketchikan. In addition to a day in Glacier Bay National Park and bear-viewing opportunities on the Admiralty Island National Monument shores, the adventure includes an outing among the glaciers and cliffs of Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, a stop at Baranof Warm Springs and a guided totem pole tour in the town of Klawock.

Traveling the Inside Passage from Ketchikan to Glacier Bay and continuing into Gulf of Alaska, the 12-night Alaska's Grand Coastal Discovery (from $14,995) includes a stop at Alaskan Dream Cruises' Fin Island property. The tour also showcases the small communities of Kasaan and Metlakatla, as well as West Chichagof Island, Yakutat, Lituya Bay and beyond.

"We travel up a lot of what the locals call the 'outer coast,' and we go into Lituya Bay, which has a really fascinating history. Guests can explore by zodiac, kayak and paddleboard," Kirkpatrick said. "We also go up further into Yakutat, which is known for the massive Hubbard Glaciera tidewater glacier with active calving."

The Alaska's Grand Coastal Discovery itinerary will be offered twice in 2020.

Additional tours on Alaskan Dream Cruises' 2020 schedule include 14 departures of the Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn (from $5,995), which travels between Glacier Bay and Metlakatla on the 76-passenger Chichagof Dream, and 18 departures of the Alaska's Glacier Bay & Island Adventure (from $5,795) that includes time in Pelican, Wrangell and Glacier Bay National Park.

Fares, based on per-person, double-occupancy travel, include ship accommodations, all meals during the sailing, scheduled shore excursions, recreational equipment use, airport transfers and a glass of wine or beer with dinner. Deluxe, Vista View and Suite bookings include all alcoholic beverages.

For more information, visit Alaskan Dream Cruises' website here.