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Alaska Cruise: Seattle to Juneau
Ship: Safari Explorer
Days: 15
Passengers: 36
Dates: 4/30/2010, 9/10/2010
Highlights:
An intimate exploration of the Northwest and Alaska aboard a small luxury yacht with gourmet food and top-deck Jacuzzi
Summary: On this tour, you won’t simply cruise through San Juans, British Columbia, Alaska – you’ll walk in the forest, kayak over still waters, anchor in deep fjords and share stories with Alaska’s peoples. The misty green mountains of the Pacific Northwest frame inland passages are home to whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals and sea lions, as well as black and brown bears, moose and mountain goats. Aboard the 36-passenger Safari Explorer you will enjoy the comforts of a refined and elegant motor yacht.
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Itinerary - In Brief
Itinerary - Detailed
Day 1:
Sail from Seattle, Washington
Transfer to your yacht where your crew greets you with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Cruise north toward our serene anchorage this evening.
Day 2:
The San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
Settle into the rhythm of the sea as you leave your busy lives behind. Wander through the hundreds of untouched islands in the San Juans, then take a couple of hours to stroll through the “boater’s haven” of Friday Harbor, Washington. Visit the intriguing Whale Museum, or have a look at the many boutique shops in this tiny town. Depart for Canadian waters this afternoon, all eyes open for orca whales, and anchor in a quiet bay this evening.
Days 3-6:
Exploring the Canadian Inside Passage
Search for orca whales, seals, sea lions and bears as you leave civilization behind. Enjoy nature hikes, kayaking excursions, and a First Nations dance performance in a cedar-planked big house. Further north, step ashore with Naturalists from Raincoast Conservation Society who tell you about local wildlife and fisheries studies, including little known details on rainforest wolves and the mysterious Spirit bear.
Day 7:
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Prince Rupert is British Columbia’s northernmost port along your route. Here, a historic sightseeing and museum tour introduces you to this scenic community. Stay dockside tonight and enjoy a walk in town after dinner this evening.
Day 8:
Ketchikan, Alaska
Discover the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska’s Tlingit Indians on a guided tour or Saxman Totem Village with local village resident Joe Williams. Before you depart, take time to browse shops or stroll along Creek Street where there’s often a good dose of local color to be found.
Day 9:
Alaskan Waterways
Open space and solitude greet you as you cruise north. Stop in at Meyer’s Chuck, a hide-away village of fewer than 50 people. Later, anchor in Canoe Pass where you take the kayaks out for a more thorough look at the area.
Day 10:
Petersburg, Alaska
Join your local guide for a private tour of this charming fishing port. Petersburg’s Norwegian history is quite prominent throughout the community, and have some first-hand experiences of the local culture before you depart. This afternoon, enter some of the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska, and watch for the familiar blows of humpback whales all day!
Days 11-12:
Fjords and Hotsprings
Spend these two days in the wildest, most pristine corners of Alaska. Paddle your kayaks in remote fjords, hike to natural hotsprings, wander through the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska, and explore some of the most scenic, hidden gems one can find in the inside passage.
Days 13-14:
Glacier Bay National Park
One of America’s crown-jewel national parks is yours to explore and marvel at for the next two days. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. If conditions permit, the inflatable will be lowered to weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings paddling your kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. You may see puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than any place on earth. To top off your trip, celebrate and reminisce together during your festive Farewell dinner.
Day 15:
Juneau, Alaska
After breakfast arrive in Juneau. A transfer to the Juneau airport or local hotel is included.
Notes:
Reverse Itinerary: 9/10/2010
Included:
Meet/greet services and transfers; exclusive shore excursions; all meals aboard; premium wine, beer and liquor; kayaking and small-boat exploration; onboard professional naturalist or guide; all taxes, port charges and fees.
Not Included:
Airfare to and from your home city; super-premium wine, beer and liquor; discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare; travel insurance.
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