St. Matthew Island sits in the Bering Sea as one of the most remote anchorages in the United States, more than 200 miles from the nearest Alaskan village and far from the bustle of typical cruise ports. A call here is a rare invitation to slow down and witness an ecosystem where towering sea cliffs over 1000 feet rise above black-sand beaches at Cape Upright and host colonies of murres, kittiwakes, cormorants, and countless other seabirds. What sets it apart for guests is the chance to step ashore on pristine beaches, often with the soft light of dawn or dusk, and walk among wildlife in a pristine wildlife refuge where biologists monitor change every few years. Signature experiences revolve around intimate shore landings aboard expedition craft, guided coastal walks, binocular-focused birding, and opportunities to photograph dramatic cliff faces and off-shore mammals from vantage points inaccessible to larger ships. Destinations emphasize Cape Upright and other remote coves around the island, offering a window into natural history that is rarely available to cruise passengers. Fleet features on a St Matthew itinerary typically include purpose built expedition vessels with shallow drafts and small Zodiacs for easy beach landings, ice strengthened hulls for berths in challenging seas, and an onboard naturalist team that delivers real time wildlife briefings and photography tips. Onboard services often center on comfort after a day of exploration—seasoned chefs showcasing Alaskan seafood, warm lounges for storytelling and slide shows by resident scientists, gear lockers with field jackets and boots, and flexible dining options designed for after-dock flexibility. The island’s own lore— from the 1909 designation of the area as a wildlife refuge, to the dramatic tale of the disappearance of its reindeer after 1944—adds a historical mood that makes a port call here a distinctly educational and emotionally resonant experience, far from the crowded hubs of more conventional cruise stops.
