Treasures of the Alaskan Coast (Northbound)
About Anchorage
Wildlife in the Wilderness
Starting in Canada’s vibrant city, Vancouver, we leave the urban world behind and journey towards one of the world’s last frontiers - Alaska. Along the way, we explore the rich diversity of Alaskan wildlife, from whales, orcas and sea lions, to bears, sea otters and seals.
Rich Diversity of Cultures
Stopping in small towns and villages, each with its own history and roots, we will see how Alaskan culture evolved. Visit Petersburg with its Norwegian heritage and discover the gold rush towns of Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan, the Tlingit native village at Icy Strait Point and the fishing town of Wrangell. These communities live in the midst of powerful nature, where eagles soar over the streets and bears sometimes wander.
Natural Wonders
This exceptional cruise takes you to some of Alaska’s most impressive natural wonders – the wilderness of Misty Fjords, a land of waterfalls and lush rainforests; spectacular Tracy Arm Fjord, where glaciers and forests meet; and stunning Hubbard Glacier, which calves icebergs into the sea. We also sail through impressive Prince William Sound, a maze of endless glaciers where whales frolic and mountains mirror in the waters below.
- Discover Southeast Alaska, Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on one cruise
- Enjoy two full days in Prince William Sound
- See many of Alaska’s most famous glaciers
- Scout for wildlife from whales, seals and sea birds, to bears and otters
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- Transfer from ship in Seward to hotel in Anchorage
- One overnight in Anchorage 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
Itinerary
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Start of the Expedition - Vancouver - Embarkation - Full Day
Vibrant Vancouver's waterfront parks, nearby mountains with summer hiking trails and winter skiing, multitude of cafes, shops, galleries, museums, and diversity of cultural neighborhoods make this a great starting point. We recommend adding one of our optional pre-cruise Land Adventures to explore Vancouver.
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Cruising Through British Columbia - At sea
We sail north to Alaska, passing through the narrow weaving channels and straits of Canada’s Inside Passage. Be on the lookout for the dolphins, porpoises, 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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Gateway to Alaska - Ketchikan, Alaska - Full Day
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon capital of the world.” A true frontier town, it is surrounded by towering mountains and features colorful gold rush era houses along the river banks. The town also has strong ties to Tlingit culture and 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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Unspoiled Wilderness - Misty Fjords National Monument - Full Day
Misty Fjords National Monument is a realm of thick evergreen rainforests, granite cliffs adorned by cascading waterfalls, mountain rivers and coastal wetlands, with milky fog often filling the bays and coves. Quiet and tranquil, this magical place will show you the serenity of the Alaskan soul.
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The Soul of Alaska - Wrangell - Full Day
One of the oldest island towns in Alaska, Wrangell has been governed by four different nations – Tlingit, Russia, Britain and the United States. Numerous petroglyphs on the beach and moss-covered totem poles are remnants of the distant past. Outside the main cruise ship routes, Wrangell remains a simple fishing town.
Included activity:
An Alaskan's Day (1 - 3 hrs)
Join us and learn what it means to be Alaskan. We drive to a city park with views of the water and surrounding islands, to learn how to cook (and taste) local seafood on a fire pit. Your hosts tell stories about Wrangell’s fishing industry, its history and what it’s like living here today. Local hosts include people from various backgrounds representing their unique perspective of culture, traditional occupations with local skills, and more. Occasional humpback whales, Orca, seals and more frolic in the channel and tidal creatures play in several tide pools ready to be explored along the beach.
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Little Norway in Alaska - Petersburg - Full Day
Nicknamed “Little Norway,” rarely-visited Petersburg is a thriving fishing village with a strong Norwegian heritage, breathtaking scenery, and abundant marine life. Proud of their Scandinavian roots, local residents even celebrate Norwegian holidays, and the heart of the community is the “Sons of Norway Hall.”
Included activity:
Dock Walk of Petersburg (1 hr)
Meet your local guide who is either a commercial fisherperson or someone involved in the fishing industry for a walk through the harbors. During your time on the dock your guide will point out various types of fishing gear and how it is used to successfully harvest some of Alaska's delicious seafood. Learn about what types of seafood is caught and the sustainability of the fisheries in the area. An underwater video camera will provide the opportunity to see under the dock in hopes of viewing sealife up close, you will be amazed to see what is living just underneath your feet! During your walk you may even hear a story or two from the fishermen preparing their boats.
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From Rainforests to Glaciers - Tracy Arm / Endicott Arm fjords - Full Day
True gems of Southeast Alaska, Tracy and Endicott Arm Fjords feature lush greenery and steep valleys as well as intricately shaped icebergs bobbing in the water, calved from the radiant blue glaciers at the end of the fjords. These fjord areas are also home to mountain goats and harbor seals.
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Art in the Wilderness - Haines - Full Day
Framed by mountains, Haines was home to the Chilkat Tlingit people for centuries, before Europeans arrived in the late 1800s, followed by gold rush settlers. Known for its community of artists in modern times, Haines remains at heart a small Alaskan town at the edge of wilderness.
Included activity:
Fort Seward Town package (1 - 2 hrs)
Discover Fort Seward and the town of Haines at your leisure. Guides will be stationed at strategic points to present you with the history and culture. Wander with a map of the fort highlighting such interesting sites as the old barracks building, salmon smokehouse, Alaska Indian Arts, the old hospital building, Officers Row and the fire station.
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In the Tlingit Land - Icy Strait Point - Full Day
Land of the Tlingit people, Icy Strait Point offers a glimpse into the life of a native settlement. Houses adorned with intricate carvings, totem poles displaying stories of the clans, cafes, shops, and museum displays create a welcoming and historic town for your visit.
Included activity:
Cannery Experience (1 hr)
Enjoy a nature walk through second-growth forest and a historical tour of the Hoonah Packing Company Cannery. Your guide tells you about the area’s fishing industry, local flora and fauna, and the native Tlingit culture. See a canning line in operation and take home your own can with a special treat inside.
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Largest Tidewater Glacier - Gulf of Alaska / Hubbard Glacier - At sea - Half Day
At 76 miles long and almost 7 miles wide, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Framed by an amphitheater of snowcapped mountains, it sits at the end of Disenchantment Bay like a sleeping giant. With icebergs and brash ice in the bay, the scenery is simply breathtaking!
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Glacial Wonderland - College Fjord / Prince William Sound - Half Day
A true expedition day and rare treat to explore the less-visited College Fjord with its impressive collection of glaciers. This is a natural wonderland where ice and forests meet, and home to five tidewater glaciers, five larger valley glaciers and many smaller glaciers, all named after famous East Coast colleges.
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Where Ice Meets Forests - Prince William Sound - Full Day
Rarely-visited Prince William Sound is framed by the impressive Chugach Mountains. This is a glacial paradise where rugged coastline is carved by fjords and inlets, many with tidewater glaciers sending icebergs towards forest-covered islands in the Sound. With summer visits by the whales, the area is simply magical!
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Historic Seward - Seward / Anchorage - Disembarkation - Hotel
In 1793, Alexander Baranov established a trading post in Resurrection Bay. Nowadays largely a fishing town, Seward welcomes you with mountain trails right from town, nearby glaciers and a beautiful coastal setting. After disembarkation we transfer you through amazing scenery to Anchorage for an overnight stay.
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End of the Expedition - Anchorage
We recommend extending your stay in this intriguing frontier city before flying home.
