Alaska Cruises: Excursions

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

Experience the leisure of a bygone era with a visit to the stately Flavel House. Now a museum, the house was built in 1885 for Captain George Flavel, Astoria's first millionaire and one of it's most prominent citizens. Today, this queen Anne-style home is a living tribute to the elegance of the Victorian period and the history of the Flavel family. Your guided tour begins at the pier and travels along Astoria's tree-lined streets. As you approach the Flavel House, you'll be immediately struck by the park-like grounds that cover an entire city block; many of the trees that surround the home were planted by the Flavels over a century ago. This beautiful setting was also the site of many Hollywood movies including the 1980's hit The Goonies and Short Circuit. One of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Northwest, Flavel House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the outside, this stunning mansion boasts a decorative exterior, three-story octagon tower, impressive balconies and verandas. Inside, the approximate 11,600 square foot mansion features elegant woodwork, stained glass windows, and in-laid hardwood floors. As you walk into the grand entry, it's like stepping back into the 19th century. The first floor features 14-foot high ceilings, a formal parlor, music room, library, dining room, conservatory, kitchen and a butler's pantry. Climb up the winding wooden staircase to the second floor and you'll see the main bathroom (with an enclosed tin-plated copper bathtub), five bedrooms and a sewing room. The attic floor features two bedrooms that were used by the family's servants. The three-story tower provided the Captain a panoramic view of Astoria and the Columbia River. After your tour, you're invited to sit and relax in the parlor over a cup of tea and taste scones. Later, you'll have the opportunity to visit the restored Carriage House Gift Shop and purchase a souvenir of your visit before returning to the pier. less

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

Your tour begins with a ride through historic Skagway, during which you'll hear about the town's colorful history as the 1890's gateway to the Klondike gold rush. Visit Jewell Gardens, Alaska's only community supported agriculture program and the first certified organic show garden in the United States. Inspired artists explain the process and demonstrate with dramatic flair as they create pieces of art from molten glass at the onsite “hot shop”.

There are giant vegetables and flowers that stand taller than you in the garden! The garden dazzles with tulips and lilacs during the early season, delphiniums in midsummer and an abundance of flowers and produce during the fall harvest. Enjoy tea service, lunch or light dinner (depending on time of day) made with fresh ingredients from the garden and served with a beverage, glass of wine or beer. Afterwards wander the garden or browse the gift shop before returning to the ship.

Explore the coastal village of Hoonah with a local guide who will share the history and culture of the Tlingit. Learn about life in the Inside Passage, the importance of the Alaska Marine Highway, the fishing industry, the Tongass National Forest and more! Meet your local guide in the Fish House Excursion Lounge and walk a short distance to board the bus for your 1-1/2 hour sightseeing tour. Bring your camera for possible sightings of ravens and eagles. less