Denali Talkeetna 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.

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.

Welcome to Fairbanks. Whether you’re exploring Alaska’s Golden Heart City or the wonderful amenities your hotel has to offer, get ready for an unforgettable journey in the days ahead.

This morning, you’ll debark the Norwegian Jade and greet your Norwegian Cruise Line Tour Director. Board your deluxe motorcoach to Anchorage and enjoy the beautiful views along the Turnagain Arm. Make a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to view large animals found throughout Alaska. 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. Upon arrival in Anchorage, you will have a brief City Tour before stopping for lunch on-own in Alaska’s most populous city. This afternoon, continue by motorcoach to the unique town of Talkeetna. Open evening for optional activities in Talkeetna. Overnight in one of the finest lodges in Alaska, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge with great views of Mt. Denali (weather permitting).

8:00 am (approx.) Debark Norwegian Jade

10:30 am Wildlife Conservation Center

1:00 pm Anchorage City Tour and lunch on your own

5:00 pm Arrive in Talkeetna

Overnight: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Today’s itinerary includes an afternoon kennel tour. Learn about the Alaska state sport of dog mushing with an included stop at a local Iditarod sled dog kennel. You’ll be amazed to 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.

10:00 am (approx.) Debark Talkeetna by motorcoach

Iditarod Sled Dog Kennel Visit (time subject to change)

4:30 pm Arrive in Denali

Overnight: Denali

More than just a mountain, Denali National Park is six million acres of wild land. Today, your Tundra Wilderness 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. The remaining part of the day is open for optional activities.

7:00 am (approx.) Tundra Wilderness Tour

NOTE: Park Tour timing is subject to change by the National Park Service.

Overnight: Denali

Enjoy an open morning and afternoon for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programs. Later this afternoon, enjoy traveling along the rails of the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Denali National Park to Fairbanks with 360-degree views from your deluxe dome railcar seat. As you travel through the high tundra plateau into the gorgeous scenery of the Healy Gorge and Canyon, be watchful for wildlife. Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey.

AM Leisure Time

4:10 pm Deluxe Dome Rail Fairbanks to Denali

8:00 pm Arrive in Fairbanks

Overnight: Fairbanks

This morning, 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 as 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 re-created 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. In the afternoon, you’ll 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. Open evening to explore Fairbanks or take an optional tour.

8:45 am Riverboat Discovery

12:45 pm Lunch on your own in Fairbanks

2:45 pm Fairbanks City Tour

4:00 pm Return to Hotel

Overnight: Fairbanks

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