Alaska Cruises: Excursions

This trip combines a 27.7 mile White Pass Railway ride with a 4 to 6 mile round-trip wilderness hike toward Denver Falls, in lush old growth forest. After a 22 mile bus ride, your rail journey will be broken into two parts, before and after the hike. This world renowned railway adventure carries you through the scenic White Pass complete with waterfalls, rushing rivers, trestles, and tunnels as you trace the trail of '98. This southbound trip offers outstanding views from Inspiration Point and other locations along the route. After disembarking at Denver Station, your professional guides will lead you through the glacially carved valley full of dense, old growth forest.

The trail traces the raging East Fork of the Skagway River, meeting it intermittently and providing excellent photo opportunities. Be alert, and keep your camera close, as the remote valley is home to bears and other wildlife. From the depths of the river valley, gaze at the magnificent craggy peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains that make this valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. Your narrated hike will introduce you to the flora, fauna and history that make the region unique. Hiking through the pristine Tongass National Forest with 1,000 year old trees with photo stops by the river and Denver Falls will highlight this perfect mix of exercise and natural beauty. After the hike, continue with your return train ride to Skagway.

Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age. Dress in layers and wear walking or athletic shoes. Lunch and snacks provided.

Begin your Ketchikan adventure with a "splash" as you ride on Alaska’s only "Duck" tour. A modern, state-of-the-art amphibious vehicle will take you through the rustic streets and literally into the scenic harbor for a fun-filled adventure that will showcase all the best that Ketchikan has to offer. See picturesque Whale Park with its beautiful flowers and antique clock; travel by the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek, viewing the spawning grounds and live salmon in season; loop through the Totem Heritage Center, where you’ll discover and listen to tales of Alaska Native totem poles and stop at Creek Street and learn of Ketchikan’s colorful past and salty beginnings. Pick up your feet and put your hands in the air as you drive (literally) into Ketchikan’s bustling harbor. You’ll motor down the channel for up-close views of local fishing canneries, seaplane docks and Ketchikan’s waterfront community. See neighboring islands and the spectacular scenery of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. Bald eagles are everywhere when in season and there’s always a chance to view other local wildlife. Your guide will entertain you on your journey aboard this Coast Guard-certified and inspected amphibian that doubles as a boat and a bus. Note: For more details about this tour please visit: www.akduck.com
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When you visit Southeast Alaska and combine the originators of glacier helicopter tours with Alaska’s largest operating dogsled tour company you get a once in a lifetime experience. Join us as we fly over the lush rainforest, deep blue crevasses and glacier carved peaks as your pilots give you a spectacular flight seeing tour to our Dogsled camp on the Mendenhall Glacier. Here the professional musher’s and Alaskan sled dogs will have you driving the team or relaxing in the sled as you take in the awe inspiring scenery. You'll have time to talk with the musher’s about the great 1,000 mile Iditarod race or take pictures with the dogs before your helicopter takes you back to our base and civilization. Don’t miss out on this truly Alaskan Experience! Note: Flight time is approximately 30 minutes with 55-60 minutes at the dog camp. This tour is not available in early May and late September. Guests weighing 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. This tour is non-refundable. less

Hike the historic Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This world famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush. Enjoy the exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, pristine forest, and history of a bygone era as the trail takes you up and over the 350' tall Saintly Hill. When the trail reaches the banks of the Taiya River you’ll board an 18-foot inflatable raft for a scenic float (no whitewater) back down the tidal estuary, where the forest gives way to fields of beach greens, wild iris and the granite walls of the fjord rise steeply to snow- capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack and countless picture perfect moments before making the return journey back to your ship.

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age, weigh no more than 350 lbs, be in good physical condition and must be able to hike approximately 2 miles with an elevation gain and descent of 350'. We recommend you dress in layers. Ponchos and boots are provided. The float trip has no white water and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Journey to the spectacular Chilkat Eagle Preserve home to the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles. Explore North America's deepest fjord on your voyage to the beautiful port of Haines. Your journey continues along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the preserve. After a riverside picnic, you’ll board 18-foot inflatable rafts to enjoy a peaceful float (no whitewater) down the river through the very heart of the preserve. Watch for eagles, bears, moose, and even wolves, drawn here by the spawning salmon. 7,000 foot tall peaks tower above as you float past the ancient native village of Klukwan. This is an unforgettable adventure into the grandeur of Alaska!

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age and weigh no more than 350 lbs. Ponchos and boots are provided at the site. Guests must be in good health and able to walk over loose gravel and dry river delta to board the rafts.

Travel by deluxe jet boat to explore the very best of the Tracy Arm wilderness area, including exciting close up views of the majestic Sawyer Glaciers. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin as your experienced Captain guides you through scenic passages and into the heart of a place that has, until recently, been buried for centuries by glacial ice. Here, the extraordinary maneuverability of the Katlian Express will allow you to glide quietly past curious seals and icebergs, to get as close as possible to the ever changing face of South Sawyer Glacier. Be sure to spend time on the topside observation deck where you'll be able to enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. Sometimes, you can even feel the "white thunder", as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Before departing the head of Tracy Arm you will also view beautiful North Sawyer Glacier, which cannot be approached by large cruise ships. While exploring the full length of this ice-carved fjord you'll cruise beneath cliffs that rise 4000 feet above the jade colored sea. And you can even feel the mist on your face as the vessel maneuvers almost directly under a plunging waterfall. There will be frequent stops to view wildlife, such as bald eagles, harbor seals and mountain goats, and encounters with bears and whales are not uncommon. Throughout the voyage, your onboard naturalist will provide a wealth of information about the area, which naturalist John Muir called "one of the most dramatically stunning fjords in Alaska". You'll also enjoy a picnic style dinner and a variety of complimentary snacks and beverages, served by your friendly Alaskan crew as you trace the rugged shores of Stephens Passage on the cruise north to Juneau. The vessel is equipped with deluxe seating, a snack bar and restroom. Note: Participants must be able to negotiate 4 to 5 steps and walk a short distance with minor assistance. We recommend participants bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves to wear on the observation deck. In the event that unpredictable and ever changing ice conditions preclude the vessel from entering the upper reaches of Tracy Arm Fjord, the tour will be modified to explore Endicott Arm, an adjacent fjord and tidewater glacier of equal beauty. Due to diminishing daylight and ice conditions, this tour is not available in early May and September. This tour is only available for guests on Norwegian Pearl. less