Discovery VoyagesReviews of discoveryvoyages.com

The thought of my first experience of Alaska on a large crowded cruise ship that stopped off at ports did not appeal to me. So when I saw the Discovery Voyages website I knew instantly this was the trip for me. I was drawn to the kayaking and hiking opportunities from a small boat, guided by guides who knew the area. A small intimate group of travelers, and crew, made me feel welcomed as a solo traveler. We anchored overnight at incredibly beautiful and quiet vistas. The captain knew exactly where to be for us to see the wildlife we hoped to see. We kayaked with spawning salmon bumping our kayaks, saw a few black bear on the shore, moon jellyfish and sea stars in the water, and encountered some bellowing territorial sea lions. From the boat we saw cautiously curious sea otters floating on the backs, seals lying on ice floats, glaciers calving, puffins and watched a humpback whale take a deep dive. It was a cruise that did not disappoint!

Our voyage on the Discovery in July 2019 surpassed all expectations. Not being keen on big ship cruising, yet having a husband who is reluctant to rough it, a six day trip on this sturdy and surprisingly spacious vessel had to be the ideal solution. The cabins are certainly small, but cosy, and I found a childish delight in waking each morning in a bunk with a porthole view onto a scene of exceptional and ever changing beauty as we cruised Prince William Sound. From day one we were immersed in experiences that brought a sense of wonder and excitement. Each amazing day was followed by an even more amazing one. From visiting the kittywake colony and the haunts of salmon, sea lions and seals, to watching rafts of otters with their adorable babies, or an escort of Dall's porpoises. From hiking in forest by a rushing meltwater stream, passing peat bogs and wild blueberries, to kayaking through ice fractured from nearby glaciers. From being treated to the spectacle of a calving glacier that spurred a rapid retreat (for which Captain Dean had been entirely prepared), to the highlight of a spontaneous swim in a sun-warmed copper blue lake in a giant rock bowl - magical! Not to mention the sightings of bears, whales and puffins. Meals were generous, fresh and delicious, and our company friendly and fun. And while Meg and Dean kept us safe and well fed, Maria and Hugh kept us wonderfully well-informed. I loved every moment of it! And to my even greater delight, my husband loved it too.

Friendly.professional service. Food was excellent and catered for all tastes. Dean's knowledge of the area and his consideration of the environment was exceptional. Thank you for a memorable journey into what I hope remains a pristine part of the world.

Had a great time and saw some incredible scenery.

Easily the best way to see the glaciers in Prince William Sound. Captain Dean is also a naturalist and expects the same from his crew. We learned so much about the ecology of the sound from the mountains to the glaciers to all sorts of animal and fish life. His wife, Meg, is a gourmet cook. Food for all meals was excellent and dinner served with wine. The crew, Victoria and Erin, were exceptionally knowledgeable and professional. They worked tirelessly to make sure we had a great Alaska experience. This voyage will be a highlight of your Alaska adventure.

From the second of arrival to The Discovery in Whittier to the sad time of drop off, the adventures and views aboard are the best! I hope I can get back again!

Best way to see everything up close! Wonderful crew, excellent food—trip of a lifetime!

We had a great time and would recommend this trip for everyone to do. The crew is amazing and take the extra time to explain things you see. Also they make you feel real comfortable and the food is great. We are return trippers with Discovery Voyages. Thanks for both trips.