AdventureSmith Explorations

10/16/2026

After nearly 6 years, the full Denali Park Road will finally be reopened in 2027!

What does this mean? Restored road access to remote Kantishna, where a bus-in, fly-out “Denali trip of a lifetime” is waiting for you. This will be hot in 2027, so save your spot: https://adventuresmithexplorations.com/land-tours/alaska/how-visit-denali-national-park/

10/06/2026

She’s BAAAAAACKKKK! After a brief hiatus, the 74-guest Wilderness Explorer returns to sail Alaska for 2027, bringing more availability to four popular itineraries from Glacier Bay to Prince William Sound.

And that also means good news for 2028: Thanks to her, the popular Aleutian Islands Cruise will also have double the cabin space! Now is your chance to get aboard a trip that has been waitlisted/sold out for the past 3 years: https://adventuresmithexplorations.com/cruises/alaska/aleutian-islands-kodiak-katmai-kenai/

09/30/2026

In the Field Report – Svalbard Odyssey aboard Greg Mortimer

“Being out here in late July gave me incredible wildlife viewing and a very different look at Svalbard than you’d get earlier in the season.

We’ve seen 14 polar bears and one of them was spotted swimming in the middle of the ocean!

This is also when guillemot numbers peak at Alkefjellet, creating a superhighway in the sky as the growing ‘jumplings’ begin to leave the cliffs. They earn that nickname because they jump from the cliff face before they’ve fully learned to fly.

By this point in the season, much of Svalbard’s sea ice has retreated, giving us access to more coastline and revealing the colors of the landscape as the snow melts away. I’d love to return earlier in the season to experience that other side of Svalbard, with more sea ice!”

-AdventureSmith’s Leslie C.

09/16/2026

Adventure travel has become more solo-friendly than ever.

The days of relying on "willing-to-share" programs are fading as operators rethink ship design, add dedicated solo cabins and expand no single supplement offers.

For example, PONANT's industry-leading solo program waives the single supplement on up to 25% of worldwide departures.

If the trip is right, don’t wait for someone else’s schedule to line up. Go for it!

Read our article for ways to explore the world on your own: https://adventuresmithexplorations.com/cruises/solo-travelers/

09/15/2026

Still one of “the coolest ways to get around the West.” 🏅

AdventureSmith Explorations is a 2026 Sunset Travel Awards winner, marking our third consecutive year taking home “How to Get There” category honors.

We’re proud to see small ships hold their place among Sunset Magazine's favorite ways to explore the West.

Read Sunset’s full feature on this year’s winners: https://sunset.com/travel/best-transportation-services-in-west-2026

09/04/2026

You pose, I pose 📸

Seeing a rare animal in person is a special feeling. Spotting the Galápagos giant tortoise, for example, is one of those experiences that sticks with you.

Getting up close to a species so uniquely adapted to its surroundings, that even different volcanoes on the same island are home to distinct giant tortoises, puts into perspective just how special the Galápagos is.

For National Wildlife Day, we’re thinking about how experiences like this make protecting places like the Galápagos feel all the more important.

08/28/2026

Meet Magellan Discoverer, Antarctica’s newest air-cruise ship.

Launching this December, she’s built to meet stringent environmental standards without giving up space, comfort or expedition activities. She even has an elevator and wet/dry science lab for hands-on exploration.

The best part? You’ll only share your polar adventure with 75 other travelers.

Be among the first aboard during her inaugural season: https://adventuresmithexplorations.com/cruises/antarctica/ships/magellan-discoverer/ -Trip

08/20/2026

In the Field Report – Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay aboard Wilderness Discoverer

“I’m seeing firsthand that Alaska still has plenty to offer later in the season.

The excitement started when a humpback whale chose to follow alongside the ship, riding in our starboard wake. Late summer is when humpbacks actively feed, so it was a treat to see one before they start their southern migration.

The adventure continued when we got to witness a glacier calving. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how powerful and active Glacier Bay’s landscape is.

The latest thrill was cold plunging off the bow. Yes, it’s mid-August, but the water is still a lot colder than you might think!”

-AdventureSmith’s Kiel S.

08/12/2026

Dozens of ships are lined up in the path of totality for today's solar eclipse. Watch it live from home on NASA's livestream:

Come watch the eclipse with NASA.On Wednesday, Aug. 12, a total s...

08/12/2026

Today, thousands of travelers are cruising with a specific goal in mind: see a total solar eclipse. Ships sailing in the North Atlantic & Mediterranean (specifically near eastern Greenland, western Iceland or eastern Spain) are right in the path of totality.

Missed this one? Get aboard a small ship and witness the next moment of totality unfold between two continents on August 2, 2027 in the Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar. Save your spot:

Discover upcoming solar eclipse cruises and tours. Get aboard a 2026 total solar eclipse cruise in the Arctic with our expertise.