Sound Endeavor Expedition
WELCOME ABOARD
From the moment you step aboard, feel the elegance and be immersed in the richness of the comforts that surround you. Every detail is finely tailored to provide a lush environment for exploration in Prince William Sound. Embark in luxury as your expedition class yacht begins its journey of discovery to this special place we call home. Witness the dynamic power of Mother Nature as your yacht glides through narrow passages to reach glacier-carved fjords and view spectacular glaciers and wildlife. With each turn, the anticipation builds as we travel deep into the heart of Prince William Sound. Here, in the serenity of the wilderness, let your mind and heart open the senses to experience the vastness of Alaska’s pristine landscape.
AT YOUR SERVICE IN WILDERNESS
All inclusive charter service with your own personal captain, crew, and chef to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Phillips Cruises and Tours has been proud to share the beauty of Prince William Sound with travelers together from all corners of the word – an honor and tradition for us that started over 60 years ago. As a leader in the day cruise industry, we are lending our expertise to the explorer who seeks a tailored expedition that only a few selective mariners will experience each season.
CRUISE IN WILDERNESS
Join the Captain in the pilothouse for a front row seat in a comfortable Stidd helm chair. Follow the route as we navigate the calm waters to discover intimate coves, glaciers, waterfalls, and watch for wildlife along the journey.
Prince William Sound is home to countless natural wonders, hundreds of plant and animal specials that were cataloged during the Harriman Expeditions, and all manner of pristine wilderness you will find anywhere in the world. A place that is rich in color and alive with vibrant sounds, your voyage will retrace the route of the historical Harriman Expedition from a century ago.
MIDNIGHT SUN IN WILDERNESS
Shimmering seas under a sun so bright bring many mariners unspoken delight.
MYSTIC MOODS IN WILDERNESS
Breathtaking views of Prince William Sound are endless. In Esther Passage, the dense stands of spruce trees hug the moss-covered shoreline where the Chugach National Forest meets the sea.
The mystical majesty of Prince William Sound is further enhanced on misty days where clouds cling to the lofty peaks, parting briefly to reveal a glimpse of the bountiful glaciers and mountains that shelter this protected region of North America’s most northern and most western rain forest. Overcast skies filter the light to create dramatic portraits reflective of the intense power and diversity of Alaska’s moods in countless shades – from calm turquoise waters to the dusky indigo of darkened horizons uniting the serenity of untouched natural wilderness into a canvas coveted by artists.
BREATHE IN WILDERNESS
Witness nature takes a breath, as you reflect upon the unspoiled beauty of Alaska.
Awaken your senses as you travel through the spectacular wilderness of Prince William Sound. As towering spires of ice from massive glaciers delight your eyes with their dazzling reflections of brilliant blues, the dark green of the dense spruce groves of the Chugach National Forest creates a diverse contrast. Listen for the blow of a humpback whale, the high-pitched call of a Bald Eagle, or the barks, growls, and grunts of Steller sea lions. The smell of fresh air will permeate your pores as the dew of the rainforest touches your brow and signals the beginning of a new day.
RELAX IN WILDERNESS
Relax in the rich tones of makore wood. Soak in the panoramic views from large windows with wooden blinds and warm light. The main deck saloon has a lounge area aft with an L-shaped leather settee, divided from the dining area forward by a central divider holding an aft-facing HD 37-inch television screen and a surround sound stereo system. Further forward, the dining area is separated from the galley by a breakfast counter with two stools.
DINE IN WILDERNESS
Chef fuses the bounty of Prince William Sound into custom menus tailored to meet your dietary preferences. Relax with friends old and new as you savor a menu created by our chef to reflect the splendor of Alaska’s seafood and fresh ingredients.
SAVOUR IN WILDERNESS
Indulge your palette in a rich variety of mariners delights. Our menu is designed to provide a taste of Prince William Sound. Throughout the season our menu adapts to provide the freshest, locally sourced ingredients from the Sound; oysters, shrimp or spot prawns, salmon, halibut, ling cod to Alaska grown micro greens and vegetables from the Mat-Su Valley.
CULINARY EXCELLENCE ~ TASTES OF THE SOUND
Known as The Flying Chef, Mark Bly is dedicated to good food on a global scale. Mark is a pilot, flying 747 aircraft around the world. He’s also a master chef, cooking up culinary creations with his own unique flair.
While jetting to destinations like Thailand, Dubai, Spain or Australia, Mark seeks out local flavors and is not shy about querying for local techniques or unusual spices. “I travel the world and bring flavors home to share,” he says. His goal? To see the world and taste its wonderful food, ingredient by ingredient; community by community.
When not captaining a jumbo jet, Mark lives in Alaska. He has authored a cookbook and markets a line of handmade, all-natural spices from ingredients procured from his travels.
And when The Flying Chef is jetting around the world, we work with a team of top chefs who contribute their artistry and talent to our menus which were designed to reflect the essence of Alaska’s bounty. Your taste buds will be delighted, your appetite satiated, and your memories of Alaska will be awakened through the delicious menu we have prepared for you.
Expedition Route
Our mission is to help you witness the dynamic power of Mother Nature in luxurious comfort as your yacht cruises through narrow passages to reach the glaciers. With each turn, the anticipation builds as we travel deep into the heart of Prince William Sound. Here, in the serenity of the wilderness, let your mind and heart open the senses to experience the vastness of Alaska’s pristine landscape.
Prince William Sound is home to countless natural wonders, hundreds of plant and animal specials that were cataloged during the early expeditions, and all manner of pristine wilderness you will find anywhere in the world. Known as a place that is rich in color and alive with vibrant sounds, your voyage will depart from Whittier and follow the shoreline where dense groves of Sitka spruce and western hemlock hug the fragile topsoil clinging to the rocks below. Glistening waterfalls sparkle like ribbons against graywacke and slate rocks. As we approach a Yosemite-scale waterfall coming off Northland Glacier, the tidewater glaciers come into view.
One must immerse themselves in the beauty of the wilderness to awaken the senses. The panoramic views are immense and your eyes will be captivated by Mother Nature’s grandeur. Embrace all 360` of the many spectacular sights surrounding you during your expedition. Take a break from technology and allow your eye-fi to take over and put down the camera. LISTEN to the sounds of the glaciers, SEE the wildlife looking back at you, SMELL the fresh clean air as it fills your lungs with the TOUCH of wilderness, and TASTE the bounty of Alaska curated by our talented master chef.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
We offer a limited number of travelers unlimited convenience with our proximity to Anchorage and Girdwood, a variety of voyages on board a first-class full-service yacht in Southcentral Alaska, and timeless tranquility that one can only experience when enthralled in pure and simple luxury in the heart of Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Our top priority is the safety and comfort of every guest. Our professional team, from reservations to the Captain and crew, take pride and great care in providing genuinely personal service at all times that demonstrates our commitment to excellence by ensuring that every guest receives the finest Prince William Sound glacier and wildlife cruise experience available anywhere in Alaska.
Phillips Cruises and Tours has been the leader in Alaska providing glacier and wildlife day cruises for over 60 years. In 2019, we are expanding our services to curate bespoke adventures in the luxury yacht market. Phillips Cruises is excited to provide the discerning traveler an epic opportunity to cruise in style and grace unmatched by any other operator in Southcentral Alaska.
First Class Cruising
M/Y SOUND ENDEAVOR
Built in GRP by US yard Northern Marine to a design by Stephen R Seaton, the SOUND ENDEAVOR was delivered in 2002 as a full displacement explorer yacht and refitted in 2011. She is decorated throughout with joinery in makore wood. The main deck accommodates twelve guests for day excursions.
Multi-day charters will have access to overnight accommodations for up to six guests in three cabins consisting of a main deck master suite and VIP suite with en suite bathroom facilities and a double suite with a bathroom across the hall. All suites are equipped with entertainment centers.
The main deck saloon has a lounge area aft with an L-shaped leather settee, divided from the dining area forward by a central divider holding an aft-facing HD 37-inch television screen and a surround sound stereo system. Further forward, the dining area is separated from the galley by a breakfast counter with two stools.
The pilothouse has three Stidd helm chairs behind the instrument panels and a raised settee and table allowing guests to observe the captain at work. The flybridge has a further central helm chair along with wing controls and boasts the added attractions of a wet bar with a lounging area and a table, all sheltered by a hard top.
A single 660hp Cummins diesel engine gives her a range of 4,000 nautical miles at her cruising speed of 10 knots and she is fitted with Trac digital fin zero speed stabilizers for added comfort at sea and in port.
Yacht Expedition Inquiry Form
The M/Y Sound Endeavor is available for service on select dates during the 2019 season.
June 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
July 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
August 1, 6, 8, 13-Pending, 15, 20, and 22
Rates: $899 + $19.95 tax/fees per guest.
Expedition Schedule:
12:30 PM Tunnel
1:00 PM Check-in at Phillips Cruises & Tours Whittier office
1:30 PM Departure
Welcome on board with a warm greeting by our Captain, Crew, and Chef. Start the journey with light tapas and a refreshing beverage as we depart Whittier. Throughout the cruise, our chef will prepare the bounty of Prince William Sound with Alaska’s freshest ingredients. As you indulge your senses with the beauty surrounding you, enjoy distinctive appetizers and a handcrafted dinner with an unbeatable view of tidewater glaciers surrounding you. Fully satiated from an evening of dining at the glaciers, our chef will tempt you with one final delight – dessert on the sea designed to top off a perfectly designed meal.
8:30 PM Return
9:00 PM Tunnel
The Sound Endeavor requires a minimum of six (6) to operate and can accommodate a maximum of twelve (12) guests. We welcome families with children age seven (7) and older on any of our scheduled expeditions. However, for the best experience on board, we offer private charter service for families with children under seven (7). If we have not sold the required minimum within seven (7) days of departure, the charter will be canceled.
Trip Cost Includes: Excursion, crew, all meals, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, vessel fuel, vessel supplies, and all necessary permits unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.
Trip Cost Does Not Include: Air flights, ground transport, land accommodations, fishing licenses or permits, hard liquor, taxes and port fees, gratuities, insurance of any kind, personal items, medical costs, cost of hospitalization, additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation or other causes beyond our control.
To inquire about our 2019 dates of service and prices, please contact us directly by completing the Yacht Expedition Inquiry Form and submitting it to our director of sales and marketing. Lisa Kruse Director of Sales & Marketing, 907-265-5827 or LKruse@26glaciers.com.