Alaskan Adventure with Aleutian Islands
About Vancouver
The Magical Inside Passage
From Vancouver, we follow the Inside Passage between British Columbia and Alaska. Along the way, we scan for rich wildlife: whales, bears, sea otters and sea lions.
In Ketchikan and Sitka, you can explore cultural and historical highlights and visit restaurants, museums and shops. At Icy Strait Point, we will learn about the Tlingit culture and enjoy a wide range of activity options.
Disenchantment Bay and Glaciers
Next, our ice-resistant ship will venture through Disenchantment Bay to see the spectacular Hubbard Glacier. We hope to spot brown bears on this voyage, particularly at Kinak Bay in beautiful Katmai National Park. We will also have the chance to visit Unga village, an eerie ghost town with picturesque ruins.
Aleutians and Nome Sweet Nome
Next, we reach the Aleutians and Dutch Harbor, home to the "Deadliest Catch" fleet. At the island of St. Paul, we will encounter the habitat of Northern fur seals and masses of sea birds.
Our final exploration days will be spent in the untouched Bering Sea Wilderness. At last, we head into the town of Nome, which was the end point for two of Roald Amundsen's expeditions, and it is where we end this exciting voyage!
- Discover the unmatched magnificence of coastal Alaska
- Explore the fascinating Aleutian Islands, home of the “Deadliest Catch” TV show
- Good chance to see brown bears
- Experience the landscape in glorious autumn colors
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- Transfer from ship to airport in Nome
- Coach-class flight from Nome to Vancouver
- Transfer airport to hotel in Vancouver
- One hotel night in Vancouver after the voyage, incl. breakfast
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail through
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Gym, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Visa for U.S. and Canada - for details please see visa information in our Entry Requirements
- This cruise is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs due to the possibility of using tender boats during embarkation or disembarkation.
Itinerary
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Start of the Expedition - Vancouver - Embarkation
Vibrant Vancouver features waterfront parks, nearby mountains with summer hiking trails and winter skiing, multitudes of cafes, shops, galleries, museums, and a diversity of colorful cultural neighborhoods to explore.
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen
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Cruising Through British Columbia - At sea
We sail north through the narrow, weaving channels of Canada’s Inside Passage. Be on the lookout for the dolphins, porpoise, orcas, and whales that frequent these protected inland waters.
Join our expedition team for fascinating lectures, spend time relaxing onboard or meeting your fellow travelers.
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Ketchikan - Gateway to Alaska - Ketchikan, Alaska - Full Day
Known as the “Salmon capital of the world,” Ketchikan is a true frontier town, surrounded by towering mountains. Colorful gold rush era houses on stilts line the river bank. The city has strong ties to Tlingit culture and is home to one of the largest collections of standing totem poles.
Included activity:
Alaskan Lumberjack show (1 hr)
Learn about Alaska's rich logging history through displays of strength and agility, action, excitement and laughter! World champion lumberjacks compete in 12 athletic events utilizing axes, razor sharp saws and powerful chainsaws. Your cheers will turn to roars of excitement as axes fly, men fall from tall trees, and then run atop spinning logs floating in the water.
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Sitka, Town of Many Stories - Sitka - Half Day
Nestled on the western side of Baranof Island, Sitka features beautiful scenery with snowcapped mountains, small islands, rich wildlife and even a visible volcano. A former capital of Russian Alaska, the town’s streets brim with history, including a Russian Orthodox cathedral, historic buildings and a forest full of totem poles.
Included activity:
Alaska Raptor Centre (45 mins)
Join us on a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured bald eagles and other birds of prey. See the 24 ‘raptors-in-residence’, including bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, and learn about their habitats and how they came to be permanent residents at the Center.
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In the Tlingit Land - Icy Strait Point - Full Day
Land of Tlingit people, Icy Strait Point offers a glimpse into the life of a native settlement. This welcoming community features houses adorned with intricate carvings, totem poles telling stories of the clans, and colorful cafes, shops, and museum displays.
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Magnificent Iceberg Cruising - Hubbard Glacier - Half Day
The waterway that hosts Hubbard Glacier was named Disenchantment Bay by Spanish sea captain Alessandro Malaspina in 1792. He was disappointed to find that it was not the Northwest Passage as he had hoped. We trust you will be enchanted, maybe even spellbound, by the beautiful icescapes found here.
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At Sea in the Gulf of Alaska - At sea
A day at sea means you can join the lectures by the expedition team, spend time on deck or in the Panorama Lounge with fellow travelers as we sail towards Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula.
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Close to Wildlife - Kodiak - Full Day
When visiting bustling Kodiak, take a walk to Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park to combine history and wildlife spotting. Stop for a while on the cliff edge at Miller Point and scan the sea for whales.
Included activity:
Town Package with Museum (2 - 4 hrs)
Enjoy a stroll through the city of Kodiak, home to the USA’s largest Coast Guard base, and see the Russian Orthodox Church and Seminary. Visit the Kodiak History Museum and the Alutiiq Museum, with its impressive collection derived from 7,500 years of Alutiiq heritage.
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Seeking out Brown Bears - Kinak Bay
Katmai National Park's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a dramatic volcanic landscape, with mountains rising to almost 3,000 feet. Here we hope to find brown bears as they forage along the shore for clams, and lunch on berries or fish in the clear running waters of mountain streams.
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Ocean Beauty - At sea - Alaska Peninsula
Enjoy a day at sea as we sail east along the south side of the Alaskan Peninsula. Our expedition team will present plans for the upcoming days.
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Ghost Town - Unga Village - Full Day
Unga Village is an eerie ghost town with picturesque ruins. Settled by Aleuts in 1833, subsistence fishing proved insufficient to support the community, which moved to Sand Point in 1969. Today, a collection of wooden buildings is all that remains, surrounded by a carpet of pink lousewort flowers.
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The Toughest Job in the World - Dutch Harbor - Half Day
As we sail towards Dutch Harbor, you will see Mount Makushin, a steaming volcano almost 6,000 feet high. The popular TV show, “Deadliest Catch” is based here, featuring local fishing crews. Stroll around town, stop at the Museum of the Aleutians and visit the local Russian Orthodox Church.
Included activity:
Hop on / Hop off Around the Town (1 - 4 hrs)
Visit the famous fishing town of Dutch Harbor, the scene of a World War II battle in June 1942. Ride local school buses to see such landmarks as the WWII Museum, the Grand Aleutian Hotel, Memorial Park and the Russian Orthodox Church. You can also visit the compelling Museum of the Aleutians with exhibits featuring the varied facets of this fascinating archipelago.
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Lectures and Relaxing - At sea
MS Roald Amundsen continues north from the Aleutian Islands into the Bering Sea and onto our next stop at St. Paul island. The expedition team will prepare you for our upcoming destinations and continue their lecture series.
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The Galapagos of the North? - St. Paul - Full Day
St. Paul is a bird lovers’ paradise! Horned and tufted puffins and rare red-legged kittiwake are found here. The island’s 400 inhabitants descend from Aleut slaves forced to here by Russian fur traders in the 1780s. Today, half of the world’s northern fur seal population lives in the surrounding waters.
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Deserted Island - St. Matthew Island - Half Day
As we step ashore on the black sand and gravel beaches of St. Matthew island, we will be the only humans here. St. Matthew has been a nature reserve since 1909 and is home to countless nesting seabirds as well as the native St. Matthew island vole and Arctic fox.
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Relax at Sea - At sea - Bering Sea
Enjoy a relaxing last day onboard! Take time to watch for whales on deck. The expedition team will recap your cruise and you can also spend time chatting with new friends, or just relax and watch the world sail by!
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Gold Rush History - Nome - Disembarkation & Flight
In 1898, gold was discovered near Nome at Anvil Creek. Within a year, 10,000 men had arrived to seek their fortune. Our ship expedition ends in this colorful gold rush town. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vancouver and an overnight stay.
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End of the Expedition - Vancouver
Enjoy the sights and sounds of this wonderful lively city. Why not extend your stay with a post-cruise Land Adventure before you fly home.
