Denali by Rail Explorer - Northbound Cruisetour

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, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.

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.

The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Its awe-inspiring, turquoise-colored face towers nearly 400 feet tall — 250 feet of which are underwater — while its icebergs are often three or four stories high. At nearly six miles wide where the ice meets the ocean and 76 miles long, viewing this massive glacial mass is an experience not soon forgotten. As you cruise near the glacier, keep an eye out for the region’s rich variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to harbor seals, orcas and humpback whales.

The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Its awe-inspiring, turquoise-colored face towers nearly 400 feet tall — 250 feet of which are underwater — while its icebergs are often three or four stories high. At nearly six miles wide where the ice meets the ocean and 76 miles long, viewing this massive glacial mass is an experience not soon forgotten. As you cruise near the glacier, keep an eye out for the region’s rich variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to harbor seals, orcas and humpback whales.

Best known for its beautiful parks and mountain scenery, Seward, Alaska is not to be missed. There is nearly an endless variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in Seward, from mountain biking and climbing, to rafting, sea kayaking, and dog-sledding, and even skiing, fishing or white water rafting. Explore scenic hiking trails or have a picnic among the pristine landscape. There's no shortage of enjoyable pastimes in Alaska's City of Seward.

Your Norwegian Cruise Line Tour Director will greet you in Seward upon debarkation of Norwegian Jewel for your fully escorted tour. Board your deluxe motorcoach and travel from Seward to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you’ll get up close to moose, bears, musk ox and other indigenous animals of the region. Taking in orphaned animals and providing quality animal care year-round, the Conservation Center is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Alaska’s wildlife. Animals that cannot be released back into the wild are given a permanent home at the Center. Enjoy a brief city tour of Anchorage with free time for lunch and shopping. During the extended daylight in the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy evening activities.

Overnight: Anchorage

This morning you'll ride along the rails of the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna, with 360-degree views from your deluxe dome railcar seats. As the gorgeous scenery of Alaska rolls past, be watchful for wildlife, as well as a glimpse of Mt. Denali, or, as local Alaskans call it, "The Great One." Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey.

Travel by motorcoach to Denali National park. Along the way you immerse yourself in the state sport of dog mushing with an included stop at a local Iditarod sled dog kennel. You'll be amazed to learn learn about this fascinating sport, the musher, the dogs, and even get to hold a future champion puppy in your arms. After this authentic visit, we won't be surprised if you are ready to run "The Last Great Race" yourself. Continue travel by motorcoach to Denali National Park. Open evening for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking are just a few of the opportunities available to you this evening.

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 Tundra Wilderness Tour, you will travel into Denali National Park, enjoying the incredible scenery and some of the best opportunities to see wildlife in its natural setting. A light snack is included on the tour.

Following your park tour, you’ll take your second segment along the rails of the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks in a deluxe dome railcar. As the gorgeous scenery of 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 you’ll take your second segment along the rails of the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Fairbanks in a deluxe dome railcar. Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey. The afternoon and evening is open for you to further explore Fairbanks or take an optional tour.

Overnight: Fairbanks

Transfer to the Fairbanks International Airport for your flight home. The transfer between the hotel and airport is included in the tour.

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.