Cruise Only

Day 1 - Arrive in Ketchikan and Set Sail
Meet your traveling companions at our hospitality area in the lobby of the hotel. If you have time visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Museum. A representative from your ship will welcome you at the hospitality area and explain boarding procedures. A motorcoach will transfer you to your ship to begin your cruising adventure in the afternoon. D

Day 2 - Misty Fjords National Monument and Metlakatla
All the important geological and ecological characteristics of Southeast Alaska are found within the 2.3 million acres of Misty Fiords National Monument. Steep-sided mountains become even more magical shrouded in mist. Mountain goats graze on new grasses. Black and brown bears forage on the bounty of the intertidal zone as they fatten up for their dormant phase of winter. Harbor seals frolic near the estuaries. Seagulls and pigeon guillemots find the perfect nesting sites along glacier-carved granite walls in this tranquil, temperate rainforest. We cruise into the United States largest national forest. At 17 million acres. The Tongass National Forest is the size of West Virginia and covers 80 percent of Southeast Alaska. We’ll cruise past the southernmost islands of the Alexander Archipelago, the 1,000 islands that comprise Southeastern Alaska.

You’ll have the unique opportunity to visit Metlakatla on Annette Island. In a quest for religious freedom, Father William Duncan and a group of Tsimshian Indians moved 100 miles north of Metlakatla, British Columbia to Annette Island, the site of present day Metlakatla. In 1891, the United States government set aside Annette Island for the exclusive use of the Tsimshian Indians and other Alaska Natives and it is now the only such reservation in Alaska. Tour this community and meet residents, including local artisans. Be honored by a traditional dance performance in traditional Tsimshian regalia in their tribal long house. BLD

Day 3 - Petersburg
Arrive in picturesque Petersburg at the northern tip of Mitkof Island and disembark for your shore excursions and adventures in Alaska’s “Little Norway,” with a population of about 3,000. Begin with an included celebration at the Sons of Norway Hall, close to where the vessel moors. The Leikarring Dancers perform traditional Norwegian dances in colorful and authentic dress of bright blues accentuated by red, white and yellow embroidered flowers. You will also be treated to an introduction to the community and sample some homemade Norwegian pastries. Explore this tiny seaside fishing community surrounded by 10,000-foot snowcapped mountain peaks jutting from the sea. BLD

Day 4 - Frederick Sound and Tracy Arm
Travel through Holkham Bay, the mouth of two spectacular, glacier-fed fjords. Crossing the bar, look for signs of the strong currents tugging at the red and green navigational markers and for the many birds that feed on the rich nutrients stirred by these currents. Travel up Tracy Arm, a glacially carved fjord filled with deep, emerald-green seawater, bordered by steep cliffs. The fjord twists and turns for 25 miles. We’ll come as close as safely possible to the face of a glacier and hope for a show of thundering ice splashing seawater hundreds of feet high. Arctic terns may buzz close to the bow, their shrill call warning us to stay away from their nests.

We’ll exit Holkham Bay and enter Frederick Sound, the body of water that hosts a world-renowned humpback whale population. Nutrient-rich waters compel large numbers of humpbacks to return from Hawaii every summer to feed and frolic in this region. Look for these magnificent creatures as well as Steller’s sea lions and harbor seals. BLD

Day 5 - Sitka
On the way to Sitka cruise through a zigzag of beautiful, narrow passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands to Sitka, the oldest non-Native settlement in Southeast Alaska. Along the way there is an excellent opportunity to view bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer along the shorelines. Also look for sea otters feeding on sea urchins and floating close to protective kelp beds. Sitka is nestled on the shores of Sitka Sound, on the west coast of Baranof Island, protected from the Pacific by lush, forested islands and Mt. Edgecumbe, the “Mount Fuji of the West.” Enjoy a wonderful walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, whose forested beachside trail is lined with a number of finely carved totems. Various optional shore excursions are available in this small coastal community that was once called “The Paris of the Pacific.” BLD

Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Cruising
Entering the park in the early morning we’ll pick up a Glacier Bay Park Ranger and a local Tlingit Cultural Interpreter in Bartlett Cove. They will provide a comprehensive day of narrative sightseeing. Over 65 miles of pristine terrain and habitat have been revealed in Glacier Bay since its giant rivers of ice began dramatically retreating 200 years ago. Approach Marble Islands and hurry outside to encounter a teeming multitude of seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, murrelets and puffins, all swooping and swarming above the writhing, barking haul-out of Steller’s sea lions. We may encounter mountain goats on Gloomy Knob or watch brown and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Look for more harbor seals, sea otters and the humpback whales that call Glacier Bay their summer home. BLD

Day 7 - Skagway and Haines
Cruise the deep and mysterious emerald-green waters of Lynn Canal, bordered by tall, rugged, snowcapped mountain peaks. Disembark in Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Your included tour is a drive and overview in a unique touring car. Tour guides dress in period costumes and are well versed in the raucous stories of this frontier settlement. Wooden sidewalks border historic buildings erected when this boomtown was jammed with thousands of folks lured by gold fever, all eager to ascend the foreboding and treacherous mountain trails to find the elusive mother-lode of gold.

With its strategic location along the Chilkat Trail, the area around Haines has thrived for hundreds of years as an important and integral trade center for the Chilkat band of Tlingit natives, famous for the intricately designed blankets woven with the hair of mountain goats. Haines is also renowned as home to the world’s largest autumnal congregation of bald eagles, with the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve located 18 miles from the town. BLD

Day 8 - Arrive in Juneau
Alaska’s capital city is in the northern heart of the United States’ largest National Forest. Juneau is the only state capital that is inaccessible by roadways. Even though it is located on the mainland, the surrounding imposing mountains and massive icefield create a community accessible only by air or water. And it takes only minutes to cruise along Gastineau Channel into the wilderness.

Transfer to the hotel. Explore the capital city of the great state of Alaska. A vast array of optional activities includes flightseeing, hiking, and glacier viewing. B

Day 9 - Transfer
to the airport for your flight home.

Cruise PLUS Denali National Park & Reserve

Day 1 - Arrive in Ketchikan and Set Sail
Meet your traveling companions at our hospitality area in the lobby of the hotel. If you have time visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Museum. A representative from your ship will welcome you at the hospitality area and explain boarding procedures. A motorcoach will transfer you to your ship to begin your cruising adventure in the afternoon. D

Day 2 - Misty Fjords National Monument and Metlakatla
All the important geological and ecological characteristics of Southeast Alaska are found within the 2.3 million acres of Misty Fiords National Monument. Steep-sided mountains become even more magical shrouded in mist. Mountain goats graze on new grasses. Black and brown bears forage on the bounty of the intertidal zone as they fatten up for their dormant phase of winter. Harbor seals frolic near the estuaries. Seagulls and pigeon guillemots find the perfect nesting sites along glacier-carved granite walls in this tranquil, temperate rainforest. We cruise into the United States largest national forest. At 17 million acres. The Tongass National Forest is the size of West Virginia and covers 80 percent of Southeast Alaska. We’ll cruise past the southernmost islands of the Alexander Archipelago, the 1,000 islands that comprise Southeastern Alaska.

You’ll have the unique opportunity to visit Metlakatla on Annette Island. In a quest for religious freedom, Father William Duncan and a group of Tsimshian Indians moved 100 miles north of Metlakatla, British Columbia to Annette Island, the site of present day Metlakatla. In 1891, the United States government set aside Annette Island for the exclusive use of the Tsimshian Indians and other Alaska Natives and it is now the only such reservation in Alaska. Tour this community and meet residents, including local artisans. Be honored by a traditional dance performance in traditional Tsimshian regalia in their tribal long house. BLD

Day 3 - Petersburg
Arrive in picturesque Petersburg at the northern tip of Mitkof Island and disembark for your shore excursions and adventures in Alaska’s “Little Norway,” with a population of about 3,000. Begin with an included celebration at the Sons of Norway Hall, close to where the vessel moors. The Leikarring Dancers perform traditional Norwegian dances in colorful and authentic dress of bright blues accentuated by red, white and yellow embroidered flowers. You will also be treated to an introduction to the community and sample some homemade Norwegian pastries. Explore this tiny seaside fishing community surrounded by 10,000-foot snowcapped mountain peaks jutting from the sea. BLD

Day 4 - Frederick Sound and Tracy Arm
Travel through Holkham Bay, the mouth of two spectacular, glacier-fed fjords. Crossing the bar, look for signs of the strong currents tugging at the red and green navigational markers and for the many birds that feed on the rich nutrients stirred by these currents. Travel up Tracy Arm, a glacially carved fjord filled with deep, emerald-green seawater, bordered by steep cliffs. The fjord twists and turns for 25 miles. We’ll come as close as safely possible to the face of a glacier and hope for a show of thundering ice splashing seawater hundreds of feet high. Arctic terns may buzz close to the bow, their shrill call warning us to stay away from their nests.

We’ll exit Holkham Bay and enter Frederick Sound, the body of water that hosts a world-renowned humpback whale population. Nutrient-rich waters compel large numbers of humpbacks to return from Hawaii every summer to feed and frolic in this region. Look for these magnificent creatures as well as Steller’s sea lions and harbor seals. BLD

Day 5 - Sitka
On the way to Sitka cruise through a zigzag of beautiful, narrow passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands to Sitka, the oldest non-Native settlement in Southeast Alaska. Along the way there is an excellent opportunity to view bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer along the shorelines. Also look for sea otters feeding on sea urchins and floating close to protective kelp beds. Sitka is nestled on the shores of Sitka Sound, on the west coast of Baranof Island, protected from the Pacific by lush, forested islands and Mt. Edgecumbe, the “Mount Fuji of the West.” Enjoy a wonderful walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, whose forested beachside trail is lined with a number of finely carved totems. Various optional shore excursions are available in this small coastal community that was once called “The Paris of the Pacific.” BLD

Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Cruising
Entering the park in the early morning we’ll pick up a Glacier Bay Park Ranger and a local Tlingit Cultural Interpreter in Bartlett Cove. They will provide a comprehensive day of narrative sightseeing. Over 65 miles of pristine terrain and habitat have been revealed in Glacier Bay since its giant rivers of ice began dramatically retreating 200 years ago. Approach Marble Islands and hurry outside to encounter a teeming multitude of seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, murrelets and puffins, all swooping and swarming above the writhing, barking haul-out of Steller’s sea lions. We may encounter mountain goats on Gloomy Knob or watch brown and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Look for more harbor seals, sea otters and the humpback whales that call Glacier Bay their summer home. BLD

Day 7 - Skagway and Haines
Cruise the deep and mysterious emerald-green waters of Lynn Canal, bordered by tall, rugged, snowcapped mountain peaks. Disembark in Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Your included tour is a drive and overview in a unique touring car. Tour guides dress in period costumes and are well versed in the raucous stories of this frontier settlement. Wooden sidewalks border historic buildings erected when this boomtown was jammed with thousands of folks lured by gold fever, all eager to ascend the foreboding and treacherous mountain trails to find the elusive mother-lode of gold.

With its strategic location along the Chilkat Trail, the area around Haines has thrived for hundreds of years as an important and integral trade center for the Chilkat band of Tlingit natives, famous for the intricately designed blankets woven with the hair of mountain goats. Haines is also renowned as home to the world’s largest autumnal congregation of bald eagles, with the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve located 18 miles from the town. BLD

Day 8 - Arrive in Juneau
Alaska’s capital city is in the northern heart of the United States’ largest National Forest. Juneau is the only state capital that is inaccessible by roadways. Even though it is located on the mainland, the surrounding imposing mountains and massive icefield create a community accessible only by air or water. And it takes only minutes to cruise along Gastineau Channel into the wilderness.

Spend the day exploring Alaska's capital city, inaccessible by road. Overnight at the Goldbelt Hotel near the waterfront. B

Day 9 - Fly to Anchorage
Transfer to the Juneau Airport for your included flight to Anchorage. Enjoy a tour of the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Dinner will be at your choice of fine Anchorage restaurants or at the Sheraton Hotel. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel. D

Day 10 - Anchorage to Denali National Park via Motorcoach and Rail
Your Exploration Leader will accompany you to Denali National Park and then on to Fairbanks. Board a motorcoach to travel through scenic wilderness areas paralleling the Susitna River and the Talkeetna Mountains. In Talkeetna, board a deluxe domed railcar to continue your journey. Take in the sweeping views as you cross Hurricane Gulch and Broad Pass. Upon arrival in Denali hear an exclusive presentation on Sub-Arctice Climate from the Denali Foundation. Enjoy dinner at your choice of several Denali locations and overnight at a Denali Hotel. BD

Day 11 - Denali National Park Exploration
Denali National Park’s wild landscape is the natural habitat of bears, Dall’s sheep, moose, and a variety of other animals. Catch the elusive views of Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America. After breakfast at your Denali Hotel, tour Denali Park on one of three tour options you chose at the time of booking your cruise. The Denali Natural History Tour is a 4-5 hour tour that travels 20 miles into the park and leaves time for other optional tours later. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a 6-8 hour trip 55 miles into the park that leaves limited time for optional tours later. The Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour is a 12-13 hour, 90-mile trek into the park that does not allow enough time for any additional optional tours. Optional adventures include flightseeing, whitewater rafting, float trips, and more. Overnight at your Denali Hotel. B

Day 12 - Denali National Park to Fairbanks via Motorcoach
Breakfast at your Denali Hotel before boarding a motorcoach to Fairbanks, Alaska's second largest city. Sightseeing features a delightful riverboat excursion on the Chena and Tanana Rivers, a tour of the city, admission to the University of Alaska Museum of the North and a farewell dinner at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. Overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. BLD

Day 13 - Transfer to Fairbanks Airport
Take your unforgettable memories home with you.

Cruise PLUS Denali National Park & Reserve PLUS Prince William Sound

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN KETCHIKAN AND SET SAIL

Transfer to your ship to begin your cruising adventure. D

Day 2 - MISTY FIORDS NATIONAL MONUMENT AND METLAKATLA

Visit magical Misty Fiords National Monument boasting steep cliffs, narrow waterways, and awe-inspiring stillness. Make a port call at Metlakatla on Annette Island, Alaska’s sole Tsimshian community. BLD

Day 3 - PETERSBURG

Enjoy a warm welcome at the fishing village of Petersburg, a true cannery town. The Leikarring Dancers perform for you in the Sons of Norway Hall. Explore wilderness waterways around Petersburg, like the iceberg-filled Thomas Bay. BLD

Day 4 - FREDERICK SOUND AND TRACY ARM FJORD

Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot vertical cliffs toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. BLD

Day 5 - SITKA

Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to Sitka on Baranof Island. A walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park reveals towering totems keeping watch over the temperate rainforest. You may see playful otters, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. BLD

Day 6 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE CRUISING

First established as a National Monument by presidential proclamation in 1925, Glacier Bay has since enjoyed the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide through this wonderland approaching up-close to the “rivers of ice.” A National Park Service Ranger will be onboard helping you spot the abundant wildlife such as mountain goats, harbor seals, and brown and black bears. BLD

Day 7 - SKAGWAY AND HAINES

Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. Just down mountain-lined Lynn Canal visit Haines, famed for attracting artists and for its picturesque beauty. BLD

Day 8 - ARRIVE IN JUNEAU

The day is yours to venture and see the sights of Juneau.  Overnight at a downtown Juneau hotel. B

Day 9 - FLY TO ANCHORAGE, TRANSFER TO WHITTIER, SET SAIL

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Anchorage. Board your motorcoach. Travel along scenic Turnagain Arm. Pass through tunnels under the Chugach Mountains to the port of Whittier. Board the Spirit of Columbia for Prince William Sound exploration. D

Day 10 - COLLEGE FJORD

Come face-to-face with active glaciers calving into the tidal waters. Watch for seals on the ice. Explore up-close through Esther Passage. BLD

Day 11 - CHENEGA GLACIER/KNIGHT ISLAND

Far from civilization, explore wilderness waterways and forested islands. Watch for sea otters, orcas, and seabirds along the shoreline of Knight Island where large ships can’t navigate this maritime maze. BLD

Day 12 - RETURN TO ANCHORAGE VIA MOTORCOACH

Breakfast onboard the Spirit of Columbia. Disembark in Whittier and transfer to Anchorage by motorcoach. Sightseeing includes a tour of the city, the Anchorage Museum of History & Art, where you'll have lunch.  Enjoy dinner at your choice of Anchorage's fine restaurants or at the Sheraton.  Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel. BD

Day 13 - ANCHORAGE TO DENALI NATIONAL PARK VIA MOTORCOACH AND RAIL

Breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel before boarding your motorcoach to Talkeetna. At Talkeetna board a deluxe railcar to Denali. Your Exploration Leader accompanies your travel by motorcoach and domed railcar to Denali National Park.  Hear a presentation on Sub-Arctic Climate by the Denali Foundation and enjoy a Denali Dine Around dinner at your choice of Denali hotels. Overnight at a Denali hotel. BD

Day 14 - DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE EXPLORATION

Breakfast at your Denali Hotel.  Take a tour into Denali National Park from a choice of three tours, one of which you chose at the time you booked your cruise. The Denali Natural History Tour is a 4-5 hour tour that travels 20 miles into the park and leaves time for other optional tours later. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a 6-8 hour trip 55 miles into the park that leaves limited time for optional tours later. The Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour is a 12-13 hour, 90-mile trek into the park that does not allow enough time for any additional optional tours.  Overnight at your Denali Hotel. B

Day 15 - DENALI NATIONAL PARK TO FAIRBANKS VIA MOTORCOACH

Breakfast at your Denali Hotel before boarding a motorcoach to Fairbanks. Step back in time with a riverboat excursion, take a tour of the city including admission to the University of Alaska's Museum of the North. Enjoy your farewell dinner at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge and overnight at your Fairbanks Hotel. BLD

Day 16 - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR YOUR TRIP HOME

Cruise PLUS Extraordinary Wilderness Lodges

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN FAIRBANKS

Transfer from the airport to Pike’s Waterfront Lodge for a wine and cheese reception. Overnight at your Fairbanks Hotel.

Day 2 - RIVERBOAT CRUISE

Breakfast at your Fairbanks Hotel. Today's activities include an authentic riverboat experience on the Chena and Tanana Rivers, a city tour and admission to the University of Alaska's Museum of the North.  Dinner and overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. An optional activity is a flight above the Arctic Circle, barely 100 miles away. BLD

Day 3 - FAIRBANKS TO DENALI 'S NORTH FACE LODGE VIA RAIL

Board a deluxe domed railcar to Denali, with breakfast included onboard. Enjoy sweeping views on all sides as you approach the Alaska Range. Board a bus to North Face Lodge in time for lunch.  Dinner and overnight at  North Face Lodge, located in the heart of the Park. BD

Day 4 - DENALI EXPLORATION

Experience the Denali that most never will – three full nights within the expansive park boundary. All meals are included at the lodge as you dine family-style in relaxed comfort with your companions. BLD

Day 5 - DENALI EXPLORATION

A second day at Denali Park. Enjoy lodge activities and optional tours. BLD

Day 6 - DENALI TO ANCHORAGE VIA RAIL

Enjoy your final panoramas of Denali as you transfer to the rail station via bus.  Board a deluxe domed railcar to travel south to Anchorage, with dinner onboard the train. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage.. BD

Day 7 - ANCHORAGE SIGHTSEEING

You'll begin with a City Tour highlights of downtown Anchorage followed by a docent tour of the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Enjoy lunch in the museum. This afternoon, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to dance to the beat of a native drum presentation or stroll around a small lake to visit life-size replicated village sites including The Aleut, Alutiq and Yup'ik/Cup'ik native cultures. Enjoy dinner at the Sheraton or take advantage of the Anchorage Dine around program at one of six great restaurants downtown. BLD

Day 8 - FLY TO JUNEAU

Transfer to the airport to fly to Juneau. You will transfer on arrival to the Goldbelt Hotel near downtown Juneau's waterfront. B

Day 9 - EMBARK ON YOUR CRUISE

Board your ship to begin your Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise to Ketchikan. D

Day 10 - SKAGWAY AND HAINES

Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. Just down mountain-lined Lynn Canal visit Haines, famed for attracting artists and for its picturesque beauty. BLD

Day 11 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE CRUISING

First established as a National Monument by presidential proclamation in 1925, Glacier Bay has since enjoyed the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide through this wonderland approaching up-close to the “rivers of ice.” A National Park Service Ranger will be onboard helping you spot the abundant wildlife such as mountain goats, harbor seals, and brown and black bears. BLD

Day 12 - SITKA

Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to Sitka on Baranof Island. A walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park reveals towering totems keeping watch over the temperate rainforest. You may see playful otters, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. BLD

Day 13 - FREDERICK SOUND AND TRACY ARM

Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot vertical cliffs toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. BLD

Day 14 - PETERSBURG

Enjoy a warm welcome at the fishing village of Petersburg, a true cannery town. The Leikarring Dancers perform for you in the Sons of Norway Hall. Explore wilderness waterways around Petersburg, like the mysterious Thomas Bay. BLD

Day 15 - MISTY FIORDS NATIONAL MONUMENT AND METLAKATLA

Visit magical Misty Fiords National Monument boasting steep cliffs, narrow waterways, and awe-inspiring stillness. Make a port call at Metlakatla on Annette Island, Alaska’s sole Tsimshian community. BLD

Day 16 - ARRIVE IN KETCHIKAN

Transfer to the airport to return home. B