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Embark on an Unforgettable Journey

Experience an Adventure that will Transform Your Perspective

The mountains reach from the sea to the sky. Tide-water glaciers calve crystal-blue icebergs the size of skyscrapers into deep cold-water ancient fjords.  It’s a place where salmon-fed brown bears rule the forests, streams, and tidelands. It’s also a place where the explosive and towering breath of a foraging humpback whale lingers on the horizon. Embark on an Alaska cruise with us and your senses will experience the amazing beauty of Alaska and the journey that will transform you.

Wolf in front of a mountain in Alaska
A lone wolf crosses a shallow sand spit in Glacier Bay

A Cruise Aboard the M/V David B is the Best Way to Experience Alaska’s Powerful Nature

A photo captures Alaska’s essence, not the emotion of mist from a cascading three thousand-foot waterfall settling on your face. The way to experience the powerful nature of Alaska is to immerse yourself in it — right up close.

Walk quietly among the lichen-draped trees in an ancient forest or along the edge of a still pond where dragonflies perch on yellow pond lilies.

Breathe in the forest’s rich mossy air as overhead a raven’s wing brushes past mature boughs.

Paddle past the fantastically shaped icebergs where perched bald eagles watch your every move.

Spot a brown bear, previously hidden at the forest’s edge, make a gentle movement, and for a moment you watch each other closely before she blends back into the greens, browns, and shadows of the old-growth forest.

Watch in awe as a humpback mother and calf playfully breach and splash.

Glacier calving ice into the water with a large splash
Dawes Glacier calves in Endicott Arm fjord in the Tracy Arm / Fords Terror Wilderness

Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Alaska’s Untamed Beauty

We believe the essence of Alaska can only be fully appreciated by diving deep into its natural wonders. With us, you’re not just passing through, you’re becoming part of the majestic landscapes and vibrant ecosystems that define this wilderness. The magic of immersion only happens when you have the time to pause, look around, and absorb all that surrounds you. The pace of our small ship Alaska cruises on the David B is intentionally slow. We focus on the spaces between the destinations: the experiences, the emotions, and nature. This means you’ll see more, you’ll feel more, and you’ll gain more. It’s about your senses.

David B at anchor

   Experience Highlights: What Makes Us Unique

Our small-scale approach allows us to explore serene fjords, majestic glaciers, and ancient forests inaccessible to larger vessels. This unique access ensures an intimate experience with nature, free from the crowds.

Powerful Nature: Feel the Pulse of Alaska’s Wilderness.

Encounter the raw beauty of Alaska from a perspective only possible on our custom-tailored cruises. Witness the awe-inspiring scale of nature, and let it rejuvenate your spirit.

The Journey Between: It’s About the Moments In-Between.

We focus on creating unforgettable experiences that linger long after you’ve returned home. It’s the silent reflections in calm waters, the shared laughter around the galley table, and the sense of connection that comes from truly immersing yourself in the natural world.

Bears in a meadow with people looking at them
Watching brown bears at Pack Creek during a Photography Workshop. Photo by Alan Sanders

Why Choose the David B for an Alaska Cruise Adventure?

As part of a select group of adventurers, you’ll embark on a journey designed to foster personal connections with nature, your fellow travelers, and yourself. Our tailored experiences ensure that you will gain more than just memories; you’ll leave with a renewed sense of wonder and an enriched soul.

Intimate Experience:

Limited to just eight guests, our cruises offer an exceptional level of personal attention. You’re not just a passenger; you’re a part of a select group embarking on an extraordinary adventure together. This exclusivity ensures a personalized experience that larger cruise ships simply cannot match.

Unmatched Access to Secluded Wonders:

With the David B, you’ll venture into remote corners of Southeast Alaska that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This unique access allows you to explore the true wilderness of Alaska, from serene fjords to majestic glaciers and ancient forests, without the crowds.

Close Encounters with Wildlife:

Our cruise offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Whether it’s witnessing coastal brown bears at Pack Creek, observing humpback whales in Stephens Passage, or spotting eagles soaring above, you’re in for unforgettable encounters in their natural habitats.

Humpback whales feeding together in Icy Strait, Glacier Bay Cruise.

Culinary Richness:

As you cruise aboard the David B, you’ll not only witness the breathtaking landscapes but also your host and onboard chef, Christine, enhances your experience with gourmet meals prepared with local seafood, offering a taste of Alaska’s culinary treasures.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism:

We’re committed to preserving the pristine beauty of Alaska. Traveling with a small group minimizes our environmental footprint, and our respectful wildlife viewing practices ensure that we leave no trace behind, contributing to the conservation of these magnificent landscapes and species.

Adventure and Relaxation Combined:

Whether you’re kayaking through tranquil waters, hiking in ancient forests, or simply relaxing on deck with a sketchbook or camera in hand, this cruise balances adventure with relaxation. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the everyday and profoundly reconnect with nature.

Two in Alaska people kayaking

Embarking on the David B for an Alaska Cruise Adventure is Not Just a Vacation 

It’s a Journey Into the Heart of Nature’s Wild Splendor.

Choosing your Alaska cruise adventure with us means embarking on a journey that will enrich your soul, ignite your sense of wonder, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. It’s not just a trip; it’s an experience that will change the way you see the world.

 

Captain and Chef on the small cruise ship David B

Hello There!

We’re Jeffrey and Christine Smith, your hosts, your crew, and the owners of the David B. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for an unforgettable journey into the wild beauty of Alaska. For nearly twenty years, the David B has been our vessel for adventuring, taking you deep into the breathtaking landscapes of the Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Every day brings us new wonders, new lessons, and new opportunities to connect with the natural world and with each other. Our greatest joy comes from sharing these moments with you, our guests, as we together discover the awe-inspiring magic that Alaska’s wilderness offers. Join us, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We look forward to you joining us on your next adventure aboard the David B!

Your Hosts and Crew,

Captain Jeffrey and Christine Smith

 

To learn more about our cruises browse through our blog to see photos and stories about our cruises in Alaska, the Inside Passage, and the San Juan Islands, as well as some photos of our great gourmet meals cooked on the David B’s wood-fired cookstove.

Click here to see our current schedule and rates.

For reservations or more information call us at 360-474-7218 or send us an Email.