Yesterday in Juneau, we embarked on National Geographic Venture, all abuzz in anticipation of our weeklong exploration of Southeast Alaska. There was general agreement that our prospects for adventure were far more promising than for the thousands of other visitors clambering aboard the mega cruise ships at the docks surrounding us. Indeed, after sailing overnight to Holkham Bay, early in the morning we crossed over the shallow bar, in reality an end moraine deposited by the glaciers that formed the fjord of Tracy Arm. We felt privileged to glide into the wilderness. As we sailed up bay, there were stray icebergs and bergy bits carried by the current in the opposite direction, hints of the glacier up ahead. A mama black bear and her two cubs were investigating the intertidal area, and we paused to watch from a safe distance, hushed so as not to disturb their activities, before moving farther up bay.
6/14/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Southeast Alaska
On the last full day of our voyage, we woke in Endicott Arm near the Dawes Glacier. We spent the morning enjoying Zodiac tours to the face of Dawes Glacier and watched multiple calving events. We were also able to spot several harbor seals, waterfalls, and a couple harbor porpoises on the way. After lunch we had the opportunity to participate in a polar plunge. Forty people decided to brave the frigid water for a short swim. Those of us not eager to jump into glacier water were able to watch from the bow. After the polar plunge, we warmed up on board as we started transiting towards Juneau. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful waterfall to once again admire the amazing natural beauty of Alaska. During our farewell recap, we were treated to a quick visit by a humpback whale. We ended our day with a slideshow made up of our favorite photos and memories of an amazing week on board National Geographic Quest .