NORTHWEST NAVIGATION

When you think of Alaska, you might believe it’s a big adventure that you should only see on a big boat. But have you ever considered a small ship? You might find it is just the right size to experience the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Alaska. This is exactly what the husband-and-wife team of Jeffrey and Christine Smith offer in terms of coziness and unparalleled access on the Motor Vessel David B.

Photos by Christine Smith

The inside of the David B.

For over 16 years, the Smiths have shared Alaska with curious travelers who want to experience the best of nature along with the comforts of warm interiors, private cabins, and amazing gourmet meals. Their Alaska 8-day cruises run from May through August between Petersburg, Juneau and Glacier Bay National Park.

Southeast Alaska is known for its various islands as part of the inside passage, which is where a small ship, like the David B, can really shine. At a comfortable 65 feet and accommodating up to eight passengers, you’ll explore deep canyon fjords that end at an icy tidewater glacier, anchor in secluded bays, and access remote wilderness shorelines.

When the big boats sail up to glaciers, they can only stay for an hour or so before they speed off to their next stop. A small ship has a flexible schedule where you have time to get closer and watch the glaciers calve icebergs again and again. You might even see a seal pup and mom resting on a small ice floe.

Humpbacks and killer whales are prevalent in Alaska. On the David B, where the lower deck is only 10 feet above the water, you can really get the size and scale of these majestic mammals. Captain Jeffrey is happy to idle the engine for everyone to enjoy watching the whales. You might even catch a bit of spray if they surface nearby.

Admiralty Island is home to the largest concentration of coastal grizzly bears, also known as brown bears. The David B can

Young bear walking on the beach at Pack Creek.

Guest standing in front of Iceberg at Wood Spit.

Killer whales breaching in Sanford Cove.

anchor right next to the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area and spend a night there. That way you can spend more time ashore watching for bears in their natural habitat. You’ll marvel at enormous sapphire-colored icebergs that float silently in the deep cold waters of Endicott Arm on your way to Fords Terror. This anchorage is next to breathtakingly steep cliffs laced in thin cascading waterfalls. Since shore excursions have fewer than 10 people, you will have access to National Forest sites such as Wood Spit, an ancient end-point for Dawes Glacier. Passengers can hike into an old growth forest that opens up into a cathedral of tall trees dripping with mosses and lichens.

On board the David B, there is a sense of history. This 1929 wooden boat was a tender in the Bristol Bay salmon industry before being retired in the 1950’s and rebuilt as a small ship. The saloon, as Jeffrey calls it, has wide windows to watch the scenery and allows passengers to enjoy the great and oftentimes rainy outdoors from inside.

While underway, you might want to take a nap on one of two long settees, watch for whales on the upper deck, or ride along in the wheelhouse sharing nautical stories with Jeffrey. Down in the galley, you can find Christine as she cooks gourmet meals, bakes bread and crafts hand-made croissants (no less!) on a wood burning stove.

So whether it’s a whole boat charter or a single cabin, you’ll agree that small ships like the David B really are the right size to experience big adventures in Alaska. Make your reservations at www.NorthwestNavigation.com.

Lamplough with guests.

Alaska.

Big adventure - Small Ship - Right Size

Your Big Adventure in Alaska on a Small Ship that is just the Right Size is waiting for you. Aboard the David B, you’ll explore deep canyon fjords, anchor in secluded bays, and access remote wilderness shorelines. Best of all it’s just you and seven other guests. ForFor overover 1616 years,years, wewe havehave sharedshared Alaska with curious travelers who want to experience the best of nature along with the comforts of cozy interiors, private cabins, and amazing gourmet meals. Whether it’s a whole boat charter or a single cabin, now is the right time to make your reservation!