Fairbanks Denali Express - Northbound Cruise Tour

Get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else as you sail through the islands of Alaska's Inside Passage.

Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world's most lush wilderness. Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means "spread wings of the eagle." Chances are you'll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree during your Alaska cruise to Ketchikan (Ward Cove).

Juneau has been called “Alaska's peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area's many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, a treck worthwhile.

In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travellers come in search of other riches - to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.

Sail to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a United Nations World Heritage Site. Comprised of 3.3 million acres of natural wonders, it is home to magnificent glaciers, snow-capped mountains and abundant birds and wildlife. Take an Alaska cruise to experience the magnificent glaciers and wildlife at the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Venture “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” Known for this famous saying, Icy Strait Point is the ideal landing spot for adventurers seeking a new experience. Breathtaking and exciting, Icy Strait Point truly takes you where the wild things are. It’s one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. A trip here certainly satisfies your taste for adventure. Take a cruise from Icy Strait Point and enjoy Alaska's awe-inspiring scenery and the many excursion options that Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer.

Although situated only approximately 60 miles from Anchorage, Whittier feels a world away. This small, secluded town - only accessible by land via the two-mile long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - is nestled between soaring mountain peaks and the Passage Canal. Having been originally founded as a military facility during World War II, today, Whittier is your gateway to the famous Prince William Sound. The spectacular rugged coastlines and waterways are home to abundant wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, Dall sheep, whales, sea lions, otters and much more. Unleash your inner explorer on one of the many outdoor activities or enjoy a scenic boat tour along a portion of the sound.

Your Norwegian Cruise Line Tour Director will greet you in Whittier upon debarkation of Norwegian Jade. Board your deluxe motorcoach and travel from Whittier to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, where you'll see moose, bears, musk oxen and other indigenous animals of the region. The Centre is dedicated to protecting and preserving Alaska's wildlife, offering permanent homes to animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

Continue north to Anchorage for a brief city tour, followed by free time for lunch and shopping. Then travel to Denali National Park. Open evening for optional activities, such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.

Overnight: Denali

More than just the mountain, Denali National Park is six-million acres of wild land. This morning, your tour will take you into this pristine region of Alaska on the only road into and out of the park. Along the way, enjoy a fully narrated ride learning about the flora and fauna of the area while looking out for the wild animals that roam freely and call this park home. While in this beautiful area, set aside time to experience the solitude and tranquility that vast wilderness can provide.

During your Denali Natural History tour, you will travel into Denali National Park, enjoying the incredible scenery and learning about the history of the park.

Following your park tour, you'll enjoy travelling along the rails of the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks. Along the journey, wander the train, purchase a meal in the dining car, or just sit in your comfortable reclining seat and gaze at the magnificent scenery. Alaska Railroad Adventure Class features single-level cars with high ceilings, large picture windows and ample legroom. As the Healy Gorge and Canyon rolls into the high tundra plateau, be watchful for wildlife. Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey.

Overnight: Fairbanks

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Fairbanks in a deluxe motorcoach. The tour includes a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline and gives you a great overview of the Fairbanks community. This afternoon enjoy a ride on the Riverboat Discovery, a three-hour journey that will take you into the heart of Alaska. Operated by a family who has made the Alaskan rivers home for five generations, you'll witness a Bush Pilot take off and land beside the boat, and hear stories of flying into remote Alaska firsthand. Halfway through the experience, you'll be immersed in frontier living with a guided walking tour of a recreated Athabascan Indian village. See cabins made of spruce logs, along with other indigenous dwellings that have allowed the strong Athabascan people to survive for thousands of years in this harsh environment. Open evening to explore Fairbanks or take an optional tour.

Note: Itinerary may be altered with a morning Riverboat Discovery cruise and afternoon Fairbanks city tour

Overnight: Fairbanks

Transfer to the Fairbanks International Airport for your flight home.

The transfer from Hotel to Airport is included when departure flight information is provided to Norwegian Cruise Line at least 10 days prior to your cruise start date. Transfer is offered only on the last day of the tour. Guests who do not provide flight information within the guidelines forfeit this service. Unused transfers are nonrefundable.