SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Alaska's diverse marine and wildlife are yours to discover during this intimate wildlife-viewing adventure aboard a deluxe expedition-style catamaran, and a visit to a remote island. Depart the pier aboard a beach landing vessel for a cruise along Sitka Sound's rugged coastline. Your captain will use understanding of tides, weather and seasonal changes to design an expedition uniquely suited to the day. The high speed and maneuverability of your vessel will allow you to explore areas unreachable by conventional boat and witness the very best of Sitka Sound's marine and coastal wildlife. During your ride, you may see whales, sea otters, brown bears and other diverse species that thrive in this pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the captain will skillfully maneuver the vessel to provide optimal viewing, and your naturalist guide will explain their fascinating life cycles and behavior. You can take in this encounter from the comfort of the window-lined cabin or indulge all your senses by experiencing it from the open deck. Next, you will step ashore on a remote island to explore colorful tide pools, trace the meandering tracks of wildlife, or settle on a giant beach log and take in the splendid beauty of your surroundings. While beachcombing, keep your eyes peeled for Japanese fishing floats and other exotic flotsam.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise serene Sitka Sound in an exclusive beach landing vessel, looking for marine life such as whales.
• Take in majestic scenery in every direction.
• Visit a remote island of the captain’s choosing to observe marine life in the tidal pools.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles.

Ride a state-of-the-art window-walled gondola to the top of Hoonah Mountain and then board an open-air tram for an inspiring ride through an old-growth forest. The views will be spectacular in every direction as you ascend the mountain, which rises more than a quarter mile above the sea. The wheeled tram will offer a closer look at the natural world as it winds through the woods for about six miles. The towering stands of Sitka spruce and western hemlock are a wonder to behold. The significance of the forest becomes even clearer as your guide describes the delicate balance of its biodiversity and fascinating geology. Wildlife is abundant and it’s not uncommon to spot Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. You will also enjoy sweeping views of the Port Frederick Inlet, Spasski River Valley, glacially carved reflecting ponds and beautiful bogs known as muskegs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the breathtaking views while riding an aerial gondola up Hoonah Mountain.
• Ride an open-air tram through a dense forest while the guide describes the flora and fauna.
• Look for wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.
• Enjoy unlimited rides on the Sky Peak Gondola

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly over the majestic wilds of the Tongass National Forest in a floatplane and land in the waters off George Inlet Lodge, where you will feast on iconic Alaskan dishes. You will fly there in a DeHavilland aircraft – the workhorse of the Alaskan bush – on a route over America’s largest national forest and the crystal-clear waterways that rim Revillagigedo Island. Many natural wonders lay below, which include sea cliffs, deep fjords, and mist-shrouded peaks. You may even spot black bears foraging on berries and humpback whales breaching the water’s surface. Shortly after the plane lands in George Inlet, you will enjoy an enlightening tour of the lodge and then sit down to a classic Alaskan meal. Come hungry as you can expect to dine on signature dishes centered around the famous dungeness crab, which is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Dessert will be just as mouthwatering. Once finished with the meal you will be driven back to the ship.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join this scenic tour of Vancouver and discover the famous Granville Island Public Market for free time at your leisure. Departing the cruise pier, you’ll head into the heart of downtown, a bustling urban environment surrounded by water and mountains. This tour will pass by the popular Gastown District, home to the antique-style Gastown Steam Clock that whistles to tell the time. You will also pass by Vancouver’s vibrant and historic Chinatown, the second largest in North America, before arriving at Stanley Park. Stanley Park is where the locals come to relax and play and considered one of Canada’s most beautiful national historic sites and home to old growth trees plus a spectacular display of First Nation Totem Poles. You’ll have some free time to discover Stanley Park and take photos of the North Shore Mountain Range rising just outside of the city. Next stop is Granville Island Public Market where you will have free time to find tantalizing food vendors, colorful fruit and vegetable stands plus handcrafted products and the very finest in unique gifts before concluding your tour at the Vancouver International Airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get a good look at Vancouver’s landmarks on a panoramic drive through downtown.
• Wander the winding paths through Stanley Park, a wonderfully serene urban oasis.
• Browse the abundant shops in the Granville Island Public Market.
• Transfer to the Vancouver International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Venture into the pristine wilds to look for iconic Alaskan animals such as humpback whales and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Your adventure will begin aboard a whale-watching boat accompanied by a naturalist that will describe the creatures that you may soon observe. The nutrient-rich waters here are teeming with humpback whales that come to feed each summer before heading south to their breeding grounds. What a sight to watch these behemoths, which grow to about 50 feet long, as they breach the water’s surface and then dive down to feed again. Chances are, you will also catch sight of porpoises, sea lions and seals. After disembarking, you will drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for brown bears. Bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer are also commonly spotted here.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise waters teeming with humpback whales and watch them breaching the surface.
• Become familiar with the habits of humpback whales by listening to the onboard naturalist.
• Behold the glorious natural beauty in remote Spassky River Valley.
• Look for brown bears and other wildlife from the comfort of a raised platform.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers in case of cool temperatures.
• Wear flat comfortable water-resistant hiking shoes.
• Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilderness on a utility task vehicle and then cruise along the gorgeous shoreline to a waterfront lodge for a hearty crab feast and beer pairing. After taking the wheel of the UTV, you will tear through mountainous terrain and along old logging roads at adrenaline-pumping speeds that will make this driving adventure even more memorable. Upon reaching the coast, you will board a vessel and cruise down an inland arm of the sea. The views will be spectacular, especially while passing the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, an amphitheater-like valley that ancient glaciers carved through the rugged landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout this remote area, especially bald eagles. A sumptuous meal awaits you at George Inlet Lodge, a former 1940s bunkhouse for a fish cannery. It is a beautiful setting to dine on the lodges crab chowder and Dungeness crab s paired with five unique craft beers from two local breweries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a utility task vehicle off-road through densely forested, mountainous terrain.
• Cruise past the gorgeous Mahoney Glacial Cirque.
• Feast on Dungeness crabs and local craft beers at the historical George Inlet Lodge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat, closed toed, comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise along Ketchikan’s beautiful waterfront in a window-walled expedition boat and look for Alaska’s most iconic wildlife on the outskirts of town. Whether you settle in on the observation deck or inside the heated cabin, you will enjoy spectacular views of Ketchikan and its backdrop of mountainous rainforest. Commentary will enhance your understanding of the sights, which include the town’s oldest working salmon cannery and Whiskey Cove, an infamous cove that rumrunners used during Prohibition. You will also learn about the area’s indigenous people when cruising past the world’s largest collection of totem poles at Saxman Native Village. Wildlife is especially abundant around Nichol’s Passage, where whales, seals and porpoises are frequently spotted. The captain will maneuver the boat to ensure the best views and pause so you can clearly see an active bald eagle’s nest. Built with large sticks for stability and moss for comfort, bald eagle nests can weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a sightseeing cruise along Ketchikan’s waterfront and into the surrounding waters.
• Learn about Ketchikan’s indigenous people and the town’s history during Prohibition.
• Look for iconic marine life such as whales, seals and porpoises.
• View an active bald eagle’s nest, a massive stick structure that may weigh 1,000 pounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the thrill of salmon fishing in the pristine waters surrounding Juneau aboard a Baha Catamaran. After departing from scenic Auke Bay Harbor, settle in aboard the comfortable fishing vessel and head to productive local fishing grounds known for their seasonal salmon runs. With guidance from experienced crew members, you’ll troll using downriggers that allow lines to be set at varying depths to maximize opportunities for encountering different salmon species. As you cruise through Southeast Alaska’s spectacular coastal scenery, take in sweeping views of forested shorelines and the region’s rich marine environment. The small-group setting provides a personalized experience and ample opportunity to learn about local fishing techniques and Alaska’s world-renowned salmon fishery. At the conclusion of your adventure, return to the harbor and transfer back to the ship. Guests fortunate enough to land a catch may arrange optional local processing and shipment of their fish home for an additional charge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Board a 34-foot Baha Catamaran and fish in the scenic waters surrounding Juneau.
• Troll with downriggers to target salmon at a variety of depths.
• Enjoy a personalized small-group fishing experience.
• Learn about local fishing techniques and Alaska’s celebrated salmon fishery
• Arrange optional processing and shipment of your catch for an additional fee. (When available)

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a printed or digital copy of your Alaska fishing license and King Salmon Stamp.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the north as you travel into the Yukon on this historic rail & motor coach adventure. Begin your day by traveling by motor coach to the White Pass depot where you will board the train for the 67 mile journey into the Yukon. Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel from tidewater past the summit of White Pass, a 2,865 foot elevation, and onto beautiful Bennett Lake. Relax in a vintage rail car as you pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch --This fully narrated tour features panoramic views of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. Accessible only by train, Bennett is the site of an abandoned gold rush town located at the end of the Chilkoot & White Pass trails on the shores of the lake. Upon arrival in Bennett, step off the train and journey back in time as you explore the White Pass historic interpretive center or take a self- guided walking tour up to the church, the views are stunning. Re-board the train and enjoy a hearty box lunch as you travel along the shores of the lake and onto the village of Carcross. Once in Carcross, you will have time to visit the charming community prior to boarding your motor coach for the trip down the Klondike Highway and back to your ship in Skagway.

OVERVIEW

Fish for salmon from the comfort of a 26-foot Hewescraft or a 28’ North River boat with all the bait and tackle you need for a successful outing on Sitka Sound. It won’t take long to reach these prime fishing grounds, so you can make the most of your half day on the water. To increase your chances of catching the salmon, the captain will offer valuable tips tailored to your fishing skills. Salmon are highly prized sportfish, so be prepared for a hard fight. You might reel in a coho salmon or a king salmon depending on the season, the largest and most powerful fighter in the sound. King and Coho salmon are both very tasty, so if you want your catch to be cleaned, vacuum-sealed and shipped to your home, it can be arranged.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a full day fishing for hard-fighting salmon in Sitka Sound.
• Follow the captain’s tips to ensure the best chance of catching salmon.
• Enjoy the comfort and amenities of the boat, a 26-foot Hewescraft or 28’ North River.
• Ship your catch home if you choose.
• Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and look for wildlife, which is abundant.
• Snacks, water, and soda are available on the boat.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in warm layers, close toes shoes, and a rain jacket is highly recommended.
• Pre-purchase your fishing licenses which is required for any guest 16 and older. The tour operator asks that your license is purchased before going on tour. Licenses can be purchased at https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/
• Purchase a one-day nonresident sport fishing license with a one-day king salmon stamp.

Envision the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy along a series of nine ziplines and a cable suspended bridge between tall spruce, hemlock and cedar trees, all bordering the magnificent Tongass National Forest. This eco-adventure combines the rainforest canopy with a flight over nine ziplines and 2400 feet of high-tension cables guaranteed to thrill all. At Herring Cove, an all-terrain custom 4x4 Unimog will transport you up a steep rain forest hillside to the canopy chalet. Professionally trained guides will outfit you with the state-of-the-art safety equipment and provide a detailed orientation before you mount the first platform. Your rain forest canopy challenge features a ‘flight’ over nine zip-lines. Your guide will progressively ease you into the forest canopy along cables ranging from a short 100 feet up to 750 feet. Eagles and bears are often seen from the platforms. Cross a hanging bridge offering breathtaking views of the forest below. You will be up to 135 feet above the forest floor. Throughout this adventure, you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rain forest wildlife preserve. The final zip-line emerges from the rain forest and transports you over lush grassy wetlands to a viewing tower, 55 feet above where you will rappel to the ground. Time permitting, grab a freshly brewed coffee or a cold Alaskan beer and explore our Tsimshian totem park, see a master carver working, check out our historic sawmill and watch our local blacksmiths at work. Stop by the General Store to see photos taken during your zip-line experience and to shop for mementos of your Alaska adventure. Your excursion concludes with a scenic drive back to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Envision the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy.
• Explore our Tsimshian totem park.
• Scenic drive back to the ship.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the beauty that surrounds Juneau with friendly, knowledgable guides. On the van ride to the departure point, hear about Juneau's vibrant culture, history, and environment. You'll arrive at the starting point where you'll be fitted with a bicycle, helmet, and water bottle and receive a safety briefing. You'll begin the ride on the eastern side of the Mendenhall Glacier, biking past a beautiful glacier view behind a stunning beaver dam. You'll ride through a marvelous rainforest trail to the west side of the Mendenhall Glacier, where you stop on a beach stop for a short break and admire views of the glacier across Mendenhall Lake. You’ll then proceed to the visitor area at the east side of Mendenhall Glacier. Bike through another trail, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Tongass National Rainforest. At the end of the ride, you'll have a chance to spend time admiring the glacier at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The ride covers approximately 8 miles on a mostly flat road with some rolling hills. Next travel by van to Merchant’s Wharf, an old sea plane hangar in downtown Juneau and a landmark in aviation history for a taste of award winning beers from micro-breweries around Alaska.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds Juneau at a comfortable pace with knowledgeable guides.
• See the stunning Mendenhall Glacier from a variety of vantage points..
• Sample award-winning Alaskan Microbrewery beers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear comfortable shoes for outdoor activity.
• Children’s and tandem bikes are available upon request at the onboard excursions desk.