Write your own story of adventure on one of the world’s most exciting shipping passages. Alaska will satisfy your longing for vast wilderness with its forests, glaciers, whales and bears. Your dreams of exploration will first take shape on Kodiak. Your ship will spend a day and a half here to give you plenty of time for explorations and shore activities. Take to the skies and go bear spotting by seaplane*. Experience the contrasts between bays, mountains, lakes and spruce forests on a seaplane flight over Kodiak Island*. Or follow in the footsteps of 19th-century trappers when you explore Fort Abercrombie State Park*.

The HANSEATIC spirit will spend two days in Prince William Sound to allow plenty of time for diverse natural experiences. If there are suddenly sightings of orcas, sea lions or – on land – bears, the captain and crew will heave to for unforgettable encounters.

Cruising on the Tsaa Fjord will reveal some of the most beautiful sides of picture-book Alaska: high alpine peaks, green forests, glaciers and ice. Your small expedition ship will be in its element as it nears the active Hubbard Glacier and will make its way through the ice floes towards the edge of the glacier if the conditions are right.

At Chichagof Island, in the settlement of Elfin Cove – whose population is around just 30 – you will see how people live in harmony with nature. More wildlife sightings and scenery await as you cruise through the Icy Strait, a favourite summer resort for humpback whale families.

Guided by the feeling of great freedom, your Inside Passage adventure begins. Now is the best time to discover the pristine soul of Alaska – with deep fjords and scattered islands. Alongside the wildlife, marvel at the huge rock faces in Tracy Arm with an impressive glacier panorama. The same goes for Endicott Arm where, with luck, you will see whales and sea lions.

Explore the historic home of the Tlingit people with your experts on Kupreanof Island, watched by the world’s tallest totem pole carved from a single piece of wood.

Picturesque Petersburg is known as “Little Norway”. Painted flower garlands adorn its houses. This idyllic atmosphere will be enriched by a flight over the LeConte Glacier*, where you might also see mountain goats and black bears. The captain and crew will demonstrate their nautical skills on the challenging cruise through the Wrangell Narrows.

The picturesque city of Wrangell is one of Alaska’s oldest settlements. From here, go bear watching at Anan Creek* where, with luck, you will spot black and brown bears. Go on an excursion through the former gold-digging territory of the Stikine and enjoy an adventure on this large river*.

Then be enchanted by Native American culture in Ketchikan and take another opportunity to go bear watching*. Take a flight over the Misty Fjords* and marvel at deep inlets and green shores overlooked by mighty mountains and roaring waterfalls. A region that will touch your soul – as will a jeep and canoe trip on Revillagigedo Island*.

The HANSEATIC spirit will then spend two days cruising through British Columbia’s Inside Passage with its many islands, wooded mountains and small Native American settlements along the banks. Experience magnificent panoramas from the spirit Walk, perhaps enhanced by orcas and bald eagles. A wonderful way to end your personal story of adventure.