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Glaciers of Prince William Sound
Ship: Spirit of Columbia
Days: 5
Passengers: 78
Dates:  6/14/2010, 6/18/2010, 6/22/2010, 6/26/2010, 6/30/2010, 7/4/2010, 7/8/2010, 7/12/2010, 7/16/2010, 7/20/2010, 7/24/2010, 7/28/2010, 8/1/2010, 8/5/2010, 8/9/2010, 8/13/2010, 8/17/2010, 8/21/2010, 8/25/2010
Highlights:
Prince William Sound, view over two dozen glaciers, Blackstone Bay, Cordorva, College Fjord
Summary: Prince William Sound lies just south of the rugged Chugach Mountains -- a breathtaking maze of forested islands, glacier-carved fjords and wildlife-filled waterways. This area is every bit as spectacular as the traditional Inside Passage, but far less traveled, giving you a hint of what the world looked like after the last Ice Age. You'll also see plenty of glaciers calving, as this area is home to the largest concentration of tidewater glaciers in North America. And thanks to the bow-ladder on your ship, you can walk right to shore on uninhabited islands to explore untouched tide pools.
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Just Released Offer:
Save 10% per person on regular cruise rates. Or, save 20% per person on 6/30/2010 and 8/13/2010 in select cabin categories.
View Full Trip Offer or View All Just Released Offers
Early Booking Discount: Book and pay in full by February 19, 2010 and save up to $400 per cabin.
Prices from:
$1,199 to $3,699
Fuel surcharge may apply (subject to change).
View: Rates | Deckplan | Cabin Photos
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Itinerary - In Brief
Itinerary - Detailed
Day 1:
Sail from Whittier
In Anchorage, board a Cruise West motorcoach to travel to Whittier. Your route is along beautiful Turnagain Arm, famous for its sweeping tidal changes, in the shadow of the Chugach Range. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Alaska, your home for four nights. This afternoon, the ship departs for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with an early evening visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay. The ship will anchor this evening in a secluded cove.
Day 2:
College Fjord and Esther Passage
This morning, wake up near the face of a glacier in College Fjord. All morning, the Spirit of Alaska eases close to the active faces of the numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, and your Captain knows where the best sightings will be found. The whiskery otters are often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on crabs. Then in Eaglek Bay, you may welcome on board a local oyster farmer, who will share tales of her unique life in the wilderness.
Day 3:
Cordova
Overnight, cross central Prince William Sound to make a port of call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. An included sightseeing tour of Cordova highlights area history, including a stop at the mouth of the mighty Copper River. If you have energy to burn, there are optional wilderness tours here including sea kayaking, hiking and river rafting.
Day 4:
Chenega Glacier and Knight Island
Today you are exploring southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Watch for seals on the icebergs and mountain goats on the cliff faces. Later, enjoy “gunkholing” around the nearby islands – a term for poking around the next corner just to see what’s there.
Day 5:
Arrive Whittier
After an early-morning cruise past a kittiwake colony, disembark at Whittier. Transfer to a motorcoach for your trip via Turnagain Arm to back Anchorage.
Notes:
Photographers' Cruise: 8/9/2010
At no additional cost, this voyage will be co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographer Kerrick James, who will conduct special field events and onboard workshops throughout the cruise. In addition, PENTAX will provide premier gear onboard this cruise, including their latest top-of-the-line, digital SLR cameras and a full range of lenses, for you to check out during your journey.
Included:
Port charges/taxes/fees (2010: $253 per person); at least one shore excursion in each port of call; meals as noted in the brochure; accommodations and transportation as noted; the services of the staff both on board and ashore.
Not Included:
Airfare from your home city; alcoholic drinks; optional gratuities; optional excursions; gift shop purchases and shopping in towns are not included in the cruise/tour price; travel insurance; visa and passport fees; fuel surcharge may apply.
Just Released Offer Details: Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save 20% per person on regular cruise rates in cabin categories B, A and AA. Offer may not be combined with any other discount. (Offer not applicable to taxes/port charges/fees.)
Applicable Dates: 6/30/2010, 8/13/2010
Per Person Discounted Rates:
Category B: $1,250; Category A: $2,050; Category AA: $2,210
Per Person Regular Rates:
Category B: $1,499; Category A: $2,499; Category AA: $2,699
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Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save 10% per person on regular cruise rates. Offer applies to select departure dates and may be combined with Early Booking Discounts, when available. (Offer not applicable to taxes/port charges/fees.)
Applicable Dates: 6/14/2010, 6/18/2010, 6/22/2010, 6/26/2010, 6/30/2010, 7/4/2010, 7/8/2010, 7/12/2010, 7/16/2010, 7/20/2010, 7/24/2010, 7/28/2010, 8/1/2010, 8/5/2010, 8/9/2010, 8/13/2010, 8/17/2010, 8/21/2010, 8/25/2010
Per Person Discounted Rates:
2010 Low Season
6/14/2010, 6/18/2010
Category C: $1,104; Category B: $1,194; Category A: $2,094; Category AA: $2,094; Category AAA: $2,634; Deluxe: $3,084
2010 High Season:
6/22/2010, 6/26/2010, 6/30/2010, 7/4/2010, 7/8/2010, 7/12/2010, 7/16/2010, 7/20/2010, 7/24/2010, 7/28/2010, 8/1/2010, 8/5/2010, 8/9/2010, 8/13/2010, 8/17/2010, 8/21/2010, 8/25/2010
Category C: $1,284; Category B: $1,374; Category A: $2,274; Category AA: $2,454; Category AAA: $2,814; Deluxe: $3,354
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