Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a five-hour fishing excursion to the richest game fishing grounds know to anglers. As the boat heads out to the fishing area, the poles will be set with lures by the mate to minimize the possibility of the lines becoming tangled. The type of fishing is trolling. Boats do not troll with live bait, as it is good for perhaps fifteen minutes maximum. This means the boat will be in the open ocean and four lines with lures will be utilized in pole holders and outriggers. All of the hooked fish will be rotated between the participants on the boat. When a fish is spotted, the mate will reel in the four lines and then set a line with the live bait. If a fish takes the bait, the mate will 'set the hook' and give the pole to the first person in the fighting chair. When the first person has landed the fish (or if the fish got away), the next person will have the next hooked fish and so on. When everyone has had a turn in the chair the rotation will start over. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart ailment, knee/spinal/neck pain or injury or any other recent injury should not participate. Typically six participants will share a boat, however arrangements can be made, at additional costs to share a boat by two or three anglers, thereby improving your chances of catching a fish. All fishing boats contain the latest in safety equipment. less

See the very best of the Tracy Arm wilderness area and an exciting close-up view of the majestic twin Sawyer Glaciers. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin, surrounded by large windows on a luxurious, high-speed catamaran as you depart Juneau harbor before your ship. Enjoy a variety of complimentary snacks and beverages while watching for gleaming, blue icebergs, which often mark the shallow-water entrance to Tracy Arm. Explore this ice-carved fjord, tracing the bases of cliffs that rise 4,000 feet above the jade-colored sea, as the onboard naturalist provides information about the area. There will be frequent stops to view wildlife. Feel the mist on your face as your Captain skillfully guides the vessel almost directly under a plunging waterfall. The catamaran’s extraordinary maneuverability will allow you to get close to North Sawyer Glacier, which cannot be approached by larger ships. You’ll then cruise slowly past seals resting atop recently-carved icebergs en route to a viewing stop near the face of spectacular South Sawyer Glacier. From the topside observation deck, you’ll be able to fully experience 'white thunder,' as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Following an extended drift near the glacier’s face, the catamaran will maneuver back into open water to pull alongside your awaiting cruise ship. Note: 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 condition this tour is not available in early May and mid to late September. This tour is available for guests on Norwegian Jewel only. less

This excursion gives you the best opportunity to view moose and other Alaskan wildlife in their natural setting. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, they are frequent. Your tour begins with a 45 minute ferry to Haines aboard a comfortable 150 passenger catamaran. The naturalist will guide you through this adventure from the gold rush town of Skagway to the quaint community of Haines with access to miles of different channels of the Chilkat River in a specially designed, flat-bottom riverboat. Most of the 48,000 acre preserve is untouched wilderness, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and unspoiled nature.

The boat is uncovered for better wildlife and photo opportunities but extra jackets and large waterproof, windproof lap blankets will you keep you dry and warm. Join your hosts, the Hess family at their private property with modern restroom facilities and a covered and heated lunch pavilion. Enjoy a meal of hot dogs, vegetarian chili, chicken noodle soup, chips,cookies and beverages. Afterwards you’ll have time to sit by the campfire or watch for mountain goats on the nearby mountains.

Note: Although wildlife sightings are frequent, they’re not guaranteed. Outdoor wear, hats, gloves, and blankets are provided at the site. Your lunch may be served either before or after the river portion of the tour, mealtime appropriate.

Enjoy a magical evening cruise that features guaranteed whale viewing! Following a short ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a waterjet-powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin as you set out to explore Stephen’s Passage, a pristine marine wilderness surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers. This is a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Once whales have been sighted, your Captain will maneuver the vessel to provide you with exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities. You’ll be amazed by the grace of these ocean giants as they slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. Be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck, the whales are often close enough to hear them breathe. If conditions allow, an underwater hydrophone will be deployed so that you hear their incredible “singing”. Your onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. While enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Alaska’s long evening glow you’ll be treated to a variety of appetizers, desserts and complimentary beverages. A no-host bar offers wine, beer and soda for an additional charge. The operators of this excursion guarantee you'll be able to view at least one whale, or you will receive $100 cash as you disembark the vessel. Don't anticipate a refund - whales have been sighted on every tour conducted in the past 10 plus years. Note: This tour is only available for guests on Norwegian Pearl and 2 sailings in September for Norwegian Jewel. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

Be among the select few, under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit, to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience near the face of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns nest in the towering cliffs and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. Then refuel with a snack of Alaskan-style fare for the return. You’ll make your trip in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28 foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the U.S. Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants. Be one of the lucky few to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must weigh at least 40 lbs. All guests must be able to participate in paddling the canoe. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. Outerwear is provided at the site. less

This is a PADI Learn to dive Program that offers the unique opportunity for beginners to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world in the easiest, safest and most enjoyable way. Conducted at the beach hideaway of Las Caletas by a certified PADI Scuba Instructor, you’ll learn the basics of scuba diving in just a few hours and still have time to enjoy the delights of this beautiful cove. A theory session prepares you to go into the ocean and dive in the tropical waters of Las Caletas. This one-tank dive will last approximately 30 minutes and will go to a maximum depth of 40 feet. Participants don’t receive a certification card, but the course does count towards the first part of the universally recognized PADI Open Water Course. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. A buffet lunch and complimentary drinks are included after the diving activities. You’ll be required to complete medical history form. Anyone with any medical condition will require doctor's consent note. Equipment is provided. You’ll not receive a certification card but the course does count towards the first part of the universally recognized PADI Open Water course. less