Glaciers, whales, native cultures … this itinerary offers them all. Travel Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage, pausing to admire dramatic fjord waterfalls, humpback whales at play and spectacular Glacier Bay National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, puffins, eagles, otters and bears as you explore secluded inlets only accessible by Zodiac and narrow passages where large ships can’t go. Add a land tour including 3 nights in Denali to your cruise for the ultimate Alaska experience. The focus with our new Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary is on wilderness exploration and whale watching, plus a full day in Glacier Bay National Park. This rare itinerary features the flexibility to linger wherever nature is putting on a show, as well as frequent Zodiac excursions in remote coves and inlets, and small town exploration.
Early Booking Savings:
Save up to $600 per cabin when you book and pay in full by February 19, 2010.
For 2010 departures.
Please Call for Pricing and Details: 866-912-7245
ITINERARY
|
Day 1
|
Depart from Juneau
Spend the day exploring Juneau before boarding your vessel. Many exciting excursions and activities are available including Cruise West operated excursions. A Cruise West concierge service is available for your use.
|
|
Day 2
|
Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound
Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot vertical cliffs toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound.
|
|
Day 3
|
Wrangell / Wrangell Narrows / Petersburg
Wrangell is the only Alaskan town to have existed under four nations: Tlingit, Russian, British and American. You’ll see this rich history reflected in your tour of the Wrangell Museum. A passage through picturesque Wrangell Narrows -- known as “Christmas Tree Lane” for its many lights and buoys — takes you to the village of Petersburg, a true Alaska fishing town. Watch as the Leikarring Dancers perform in the Sons of Norway Hall. Explore wilderness waterways around Petersburg
|
|
Day 4
|
Wilderness Cruising
Your Captain will determine the best spots to cruise to today based on the local conditions. Weather permitting, explore by inflatable excursion craft.
|
|
Day 5
|
Sitka
Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to Sitka on Baranof Island. Keep an eye out for playful otters, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. A walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park reveals towering totems keeping watch over the temperate rainforest. Enjoy a private Tlingit Native dance performance.
|
|
Day 6
|
Icy Strait
Watch for gentle humpbacks as they feast on small fish and tiny krill churned by upwelling currents from the Pacific Ocean. Watch for behaviors such as spouting, sounding, breaching, lobtailing, flipper-slapping and lunge feeding. You may see rare bubble feeding if you’re very lucky. The coves and inlets offer enticing opportunities to get out and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep watch for Steller’s sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise
|
|
Day 7
|
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay enjoys the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide past “rivers of ice” in this glacial wonderland. A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter will be onboard helping you spot the abundant wildlife such as mountain goats, whales and brown and black bears
Some of the highlights of our full day of exploration may include:
• Guided nature walk at the Bartlet Cove Park Ranger station
• Overnight stay in Glacier Bay
• Wake up in front of a spectacular glacier
• Presentations and narrations by the Park Service Rangers
• We will take the time to explore the islands and secluded inlets of the Park, searching for Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, numerous species of birds (includingPuffins), Mountain Goats, Brown and Black Bear, and much more, in a manner that is uniquely "up-close, casual, and personal"
• Cruise West is the only cruise line offering this deep an immersion into one of America's most spectacular National Parks
• This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the Ken Burns documentary series about America's National Parks (which included Glacier Bay and Denali).
|
|
Day 8
|
Juneau
Disembark in Juneau this morning, and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
|
Please Call for Pricing and Details: 866-912-7245