Alaska Cruises: Excursions

This excursion guarantees excellent eagle viewing. Majestic totems and a waterfront clan house demonstrate the historical native culture at Totem Bight State Park. Get a close-up view of Guard Island Lighthouse. Enjoy a short narrated drive through Ketchikan en route to meet your Captain and Alaskan crew. Board your vessel, where you’ll hear professional narration, while you munch on salmon spread, cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, and cookies. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, water, or soft drinks are all free. Relax in the heated main cabin or experience the open-air observation deck. Observe the areas of harvest and ancient old growth, and learn of the historical and modern uses of this very special temperate rainforest and its complex ecosystem. Cruise by historic Ward Cove Cannery and Loggerville, Alaska’s only 'floating town.' One half of this tour features the Revillagigedo Island waterfront; with its homes of the local 'rich and famous,' while the remainder explores the remote Guard Island and primitive Gravina Island. Binoculars are provided for your use. Eagles, of course, are guaranteed and we usually see harbor seals and abundant moon jellyfish. Whales, deer, blue heron and a variety of gulls and sea birds are also common. Note: We recommend you bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck. For more details about this tour please visit: http://www.eaglesncl.com
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Get ready to catch Dolly Varden, Sockeye and Pink Salmon on this one of a kind excursion. You’ll be met and taken to the small boat harbor to board your ferry for the journey to Haines. Keep an eye out for seals, whales and other wildlife as you listen to the stories of Skagway, Haines and upper Lynn Canal. Upon arrival in Haines you’ll be transported to Chilkoot Lake for your fishing adventure. There’s a maximum of 6 anglers per boat and everyone is in control of their own rod and reel. Experienced guides take care of all the baiting, netting and tangled lines so you can enjoy yourself fishing.

Keep a look out for some of the lakes locals, the majestic Bald Eagle and great coastal brown bears make this picturesque valley home and are fairly cooperative in posing for pictures. Be sure to bring layered clothing and extra film. “The fish you catch make the best pictures, the ones that got away make the best stories, and the time you spend make the best memories.” All gear, rods, reels, bait, lures, snacks, some rain gear, and safety equipment are provided.

Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age. Fishing duration is approximately 3 hours. Alaska State Law requires a fishing license that can be purchased on the fishing boat for $20. Guests 15 and under do not need licenses. Fishing is conducted on a catch-and-release basis.

Your guide will meet you in the Fish House Excursion Lounge to escort you to the tram departure area. A leisurely walk will take you to board the tram for this 2 1/2 hour tour where you will discover firsthand the natural wonders of the wild southeast Alaskan rainforest. Along with your local guide, you'll ride a covered wheeled- tram approximately two miles through an old growth rainforest and along the shoreline where Chichagof Island meets the bountiful waters of Icy Strait. Your guide will describe the ecological and cultural significance of the forest's unique plants and animals and how the island's Native Tlingit people are bound to its rich landscape. Upon your return to Icy Strait Point gather at the Heritage Center Native Theater for the Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends performance where outstanding performers will entertain and educate you by sharing their culture and history through song, dance and storytelling. Note: We recommend you bring a raincoat. less

Southeast Alaska’s rich logging history springs to life in this thrilling display of woodsman skills. The world’s best lumberjacks, as seen on ESPN, go head-to-head, competing in exciting events such as chopping, sawing, relay races, log rolling, and more for the title of "Bull of the Woods." You’ll even see the most death-defying event the sport has to offer, the breathtaking speed climb. Your colorful host will referee this rowdy competition and tell the tales of the often hostile work environment found in the Tongass Rainforest. You’ll be comfortable in covered and heated grandstands that are just a short walk from the cruise ship pier. Experience the local wildlife . . . the Alaskan Logger. . . in this rip-roaring good time celebration of a bygone era. Note: Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. For more details about this tour please visit: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Showwww.alaskalumberjackshows.com less

After disembarking, enjoy a drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined-use rail/highway tunnel in the United States. At 2.5 miles, this tunnel is Whittier's only overland link to the rest of Alaska. Emerging into Portage Valley on the other side of the tunnel, you'll pass scenic Portage Lake and several hanging glaciers. During the drive north to Anchorage, watch for wildlife along the highway and in Turnagain Arm, home to some of the largest tidal fluctuations in North America. Along this National Scenic Byway, your driver/guide will provide commentary and history of Turnagain Arm and Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage, you'll be taken to the Hospitality Center in downtown Anchorage. Use this as your base for exploration as you explore the area's many restaurants, souvenir shops, museums, and other attractions. Meet back at the Hospitality Center for a return coach to Whittier, again passing along Turnagain Arm on the Seward Highway. less