Catalyst Cruise Ship, Alaska
- from $ 582 / day
- 9.5 Exceptional
- 6 Verified Reviews 6 Verified Reviews
- Flexible Booking





















Originally an oceanographic research vessel for the University of Washington, the MV Catalyst now offers small ship cruises to South-East Alaska. Exploring the Inside and Eastern Passages, guests will have the chance to visit tidewater glaciers, kayak through narrow inlets like previous adventurers such as John Muir once did and journey through ice-filled fjords. Experience nature at its best and see amazing wildlife first-hand, such as brown bears, harbor seals, humpback whales and orcas. You will travel through fishing towns and experience remote wilderness at its finest, as the talented and passionate crew of the MC Catalyst show you all that South-East Alaska has to offer as the itineraries have been carefully crafted over decades of experience.
Catering to only 12 adventurers, the M/V Catalyst has 6 cabins on board. Cabin 1, located on the main deck has a private en-suite bathroom, as does cabin 6 which is located on upper deck. Cabins 2, 3 4 & 5 are located on the lower deck and share a bathroom between them. Food on board MV Catalyst is sourced locally and prepared from fresh ingredients, and where possible are organic and non-processed.
MV Pacific Catalyst is sure to deliver an Alaskan adventure of a lifetime. Call us or book online today to reserve your space.
Choose your departure date adventure cruise | snorkelling only
Included: VAT, National Park Fees, Airport Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide.
Required Extras: Visas and Fees.
Optional Extras: Gratuities.
Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.
* Extra fees are shown per person.
Pay by bank transfer or online with Best Price Guaranteed
Boat features
Food & Drinks
If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Languages Spoken
The crew speaks English.
Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Boat Specifications
- Year built 1932
- Length 22.6m/74.7ft
- Beam 5.6m/18.4ft
- Cruising speed 8 Knots
- Engines 6 cylinder 8×10 Washington Estep diesel 120 h.p. at 450 r.p.m
- Max guests 12
- Number of cabins 6
- Number of bathrooms 3
- Water capacity 800 Gallons
- Fuel capacity 3000 Gallons
Boat Navigation and Safety
Catalyst Reviews
- 9.5 Exceptional
- 6 Verified Reviews
- Vessel 8.7
- Crew 10.0
- Food 10.0
- Activities 10.0
- Value 9.0
Delightful Cruise
My wife and I just completed a delightful week on the small ship Catalyst in southeast Alaska. The nearly 90-year old ship has been kept in excellent, original condition and is very comfortable for the guests in the six cabins. The crew of four are each very talented and experienced in their special roles on board. Each meal was prepared from fresh foods by a creative chef, sometimes using natural vegetation we gathered from our shore walks. Of course, we were in Alaska and we not disappointed with sightings of whales, orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and birds. On land many grizzlies and black bears showed us their lives and the spring blooms were colorful. Rising above the sea the glaciers and mountains were spectacular and the small boat was able enter little-seen fiords. Dan J and Star W
- Recommended for
- People, food, sights
Had a great time on the Catalyst
This trip was a family reunion for us. It gave us the opportunity to enjoy our time together while all of the meals and activities were taken care of by the crew. All of my family members enjoyed our time on the Catalyst and reluctantly disembarked when the trip ended. We wished we could have stayed longer.
- Recommended for
- The food, the crew, the activities
Memorable times in bear country
I selected the Catalyst because I wanted to be on a small ship with character. You'll never catch me on a cruise liner. I want to be 20' off the water...not 20-stories above it. A tour is only as good as your tour leader, or in this case crew. You couldn't ask for a nicer, friendlier, accommodating, down-to-earth group to spend a week with. If you are into fine wine and Master Chef dining you won't be disappointed!
- Recommended for
- 1. Crew 2. Boat 3. Scenery
This trip was beyond expectations for my first visit to Alaska.
After seeing the wondrous glaciers , mountains, humpback whales, brown and black bears, incredible bird life, the last day of our trip we were able to encounter a pod of Orcas quire close to our boat.
- Recommended for
- The crew, the food, and the hikes/kayaking
I had a blast!
Rainforest walk, kayaking, wales and other wildlife watching, glacier experience the mixed weather was actually great, the colors amazing! I loved the small boat It was great to watch the crew doing their work. - incl the chef at his cooking. Would do it again!
- Recommended for
- Group of people/stuff, activities, food