Day 1 – Arrive in Juneau
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city and transfer to the Goldbelt Hotel, near the downtown Juneau waterfront. Takes some time to walk around this historic city and enjoy the people, history and spectacular setting.
Deluxe: Goldbelt Hotel (supplied by Cruise West)
Day 2 – Sail from Juneau
Meet your traveling companions for a quick bus tour of the little island neighborhood of Douglas, once Alaska’s largest city, then board your vessel for a late afternoon sailing. The ship glides through Gastineau Channel and enters Alaska’s true wilderness. This is the beginning of your adventure of a lifetime!
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 3 – Icy Strait
Icy Bay Strait is the northern waterway that separates Chichagof Island from Glacier Bay on the mainland and extending 40 miles northwest to Glacier Bay and Cross Sound. It’s nutrient rich waters play host to the humpback whales who spend many leisurely weeks feeding on the tiny krill and frolicking in the chilly waters. The Captain will take the ship into Glacier Bay Park Headquarters in Bartlett Cove where a Park Ranger will come aboard for a brief presentation before the crew transfer you to the dock by inflatable raft for some time ashore.
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 4 – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay is one to the most enjoyed and honored National Parks in America. It is a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site with over 65 miles of pristine territory. A National Park Ranger and Native Cultural Interpreter will offer insightful narration regarding the dramatically retreating “rivers of ice” as well as the wildlife including bears, mountain goats, and harbor seals.
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 5 – Wilderness Community
This is a day where you feel the full power of splendid isolation! You will port call at one of a handful of small Alaskan villages to briefly get a feel of what it would be like to live in a community that survives on its own most of the year. Youll also take some time to explore some of the richest whale waters in the world. With any luck you will get a chance to see some of these fabulous giants of the sea along with their fellow inhabitants like the seals, sea lions, porpoise and orcas.
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 6 – Sitka
Our journey to Sitka will take us through a zigzag of beautiful, narrow passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands. Only small ships like ours can navigate these waters and the “inside route” to Sitka, the oldest non-native settlement in Southeast Alaska. Enjoy the guided walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park and view the towering totem poles. After lunch on the ship, cruise the scenic passageways of Olga, Neva and the Peril Straits
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 7 – Frederick Sound & Wilderness Exploration
Frederick Sound teems with the humpback whale’s favorite food – and the whales take full advantage feeding in the rich waters as they prepare for their long migration south. These giant creatures will not eat again until they return again next year. The afternoon will be spent looking for these gentle creatures of the sea and the massive Seller’s sea lions that also frequent the sound.
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 8 – Tracy Arm
Many travelers consider these narrow fjords the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Sheer cliffs raise thousands of feet from the waterline to snowcapped peaks. Spectacular waterfalls abound and Ice flows fill the shoreline for most of the year. If conditions permit, your crew will welcome you to explore the shoreline in one of the inflatable excursion craft for an “up-close and personal” viewing.
Deluxe: Overnight Cruise West – various categories available
Day 9 – Juneau
The ship arrives in Juneau, Capital city of Alaska this morning, ending this incredible journey through the hidden wonders of Alaska.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 7 night Cruise West Cruise including all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, shore excursions and an onboard Exploration Leader
- 1 night accommodation, room tax and any mandatory services charges
- Service Charge ($464 USD per person) for land based personnel which covers taxes, port charges, fees and onboard services
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Fuel Surcharge (approximately $15 USD per person/per night)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional shore excursions
- Gratuities (Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected. Recognition for exceptional service is discretionary and you are welcome to tip individuals directly)
- Transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)