OVERVIEW

Delve into the world of volcanoes at a national park that contains active ones and see how volcanoes have shaped the Hawaiian landscape, sometimes in a positive manner. The terrain and natural diversity within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so unique that UNESCO deemed it both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will walk among steaming vents in the earth’s surface. Other highlights include seeing the active Halema’uma’u pit crater within the Kilauea summit caldera and driving along the winding road, which passes old lava flows and other reminders of past eruptions. The island’s volcanic soil is exceptionally fertile as you will discover by strolling through Lili’uokalani Gardens, a wonderland of native plants that was once the favorite picnic grounds of Queen Lili’uokala, Hawaii’s last monarch. Volcanic activity also created the black lava rock on many of the island’s beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View an active volcano, craters and steam vents releasing hot water vapor into the air.
• Meander through a botanical garden that thrives in the island’s volcanically formed soil.
• See a coastline made of black rock made of volcanic materials and lava fragments.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover the wonders of Hawaii’s highest volcano while atop its summit and behold a roaring cascade named for the rainbows in its mist. Your immersion into the natural sciences will begin at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy visitor center, where you will learn about the advanced telescopes on sacred Mauna Kea volcano and about rare endemic plants such as the delicate silversword that only on grows at altitudes above 5,000 feet. Mauna Kea is nearly three times that high and to reach its summit you will ascend in a 4x4 vehicle. The volcano is nicknamed the White Mountain as it is sometimes snow-capped. The views on the way up will be breathtaking as will be the epic vistas that await you at the very top. The sight of Rainbow Falls will also be spectacular as the 80-foot cascade lies within a mango orchard and usually creates rainbows as the sun shines through the plummeting water.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive up the slopes of Hawaii’s highest volcano in a 4x4 vehicle.
• Take in the panoramic views from atop the summit of Mauna Kea volcano.
• Learn about the discoveries that the telescopes on the volcano have made.
• Behold Rainbow Falls, which is named for the rainbows that often form in its mist.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Paddle across the placid waters of Mendenhall Lake to Mendenhall Glacier, an ever-changing river of ice that is surprisingly close to Juneau. You will paddle across the water’s surface in a 12-person canoe that will present some of the most extraordinary scenery in Alaska as the Tongass National Forest surrounds the glacially fed lake. You can expect to pass an Arctic tern nesting ground and Nugget Falls, a roaring cascade that plunges nearly 400 feet before tumbling into Mendenhall Lake. Once you round a rocky peninsula, the glacier’s sheer face will come into view, a stunning sight especially if a large block of ice calves off with a thundering crack. The guides will describe some of its features, which include deep crevasses, vertical shafts known as moulins and seracs, which are towering columns of ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle past icebergs, waterfalls and arctic tern nesting cliffs.
• Step out of the canoe and hike over the rock terrain carved out by the glacier.
• Get an up close and intimate perspective of the glacier from the edge, all while learning about the recession of the glacier and the wilderness that surrounds it.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure by flying over the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane, paddling across a pristine lake and hiking over the surface of Norris Glacier. The flight will take you over a densely forested mountainous terrain towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to the enormous Juneau Icefield. The sights will be spectacularly scenic, as will be the landing in a glacially fed lake. You will then ease into a one-person packraft, a kayak-like inflatable vessel that is easy to navigate. The guide will demonstrate the best paddling techniques so you can confidently maneuver past the icebergs that you will encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sealions and other wildlife. Upon reaching the glacier, you will don micro-spikes to improve your footing for the hike across the icy landscape. This trifecta of flying, paddling and hiking is an experience you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane made for adventure.
• Land in a glacially fed lake and paddle across it in a kayak-like packcraft.
• Hike across the icy terrain of Norris Glacier, a part of the massive Juneau Icefield.
• Marvel at the majestic scenery and look for wildlife such as bald eagles and sealions.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a close-up look at orphaned bears that have been rescued and are being rehabilitated so that they can live long, fulfilling lives. The venue for this immersion into the iconic bears of Alaska is the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue center that opened in 2007. Since that time, the center has cared for dozens of young orphaned bears and relocated them into caring environments. Circumstances prevent the bears from being released back into the wild. You can observe the brown and black bears from just 25 feet away, a rare opportunity that will make the experience all the more meaningful. The naturalists will explain how the bears were rescued, their personality traits and their daily routines, one of the highlights being feeding time. Their seasonal diets include everything from fish and fruit to peanut butter and honey. As you will see, the brown bears are noticeably larger than the black bears.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe orphaned brown and black bears in the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation center.
• Observe orphaned brown and black bears in the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation center.
• Learn about the bears’ diets, characteristics, personalities and encouraging futures.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Before embarking on this true Alaska adventure, our shore support team will outfit you in water-proof gear to help keep you dry during the expedition. This gear is not insulated, so we recommend dressing in warm layers of synthetic materials or wools, regardless of weather. After a brief safety speech, the expedition begins. Adjacent to Sitka lies a network of dozens of picturesque islands that provide a barrier from the swell of the open Pacific Ocean. As your captain skillfully navigates these island groups, you’ll see reefs and rock pinnacles that jet out of the water and provide lookout perches for bald eagles and a myriad of beautiful seabirds. A look downward will reveal rapidly growing kelp forests that disappear into the depths of the sound. In shallow water areas, inaccessible to larger craft, you may even notice sea stars, anemones, and other invertebrates. This area is teeming with wildlife, including sea otters, whales, and sea lions. Your captain is trained to approach animals in a way that will not disturb their natural behavior, providing excellent photography and viewing opportunities. At Fin Island Lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious Alaska feast! Alaska crab, wild salmon, prime rib, homemade side dishes, and dessert are all-inclusive with the tour. In addition, coffee, tea, cocoa, lemonade, soft drinks and water are complimentary. A breakfast twist on our signature Fin Island feast is featured for guests arriving before 10am. Vegan and gluten free options are available, regardless of tour time, please advise your shore excursion department 24 hours in advance. After the meal, you may beachcomb, explore the beautiful grounds of the exclusive island, or relax next to the cozy beach fire. When the adventure concludes, your vessel will await to provide the short cruise back to Sitka.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise around the barrier islands off Sitka in a Zodiac boat.
• Look for wildlife such as bald eagles, sea lions and whales.
• Feast on classic Alaskan dishes at the rustic lodge on Fin Island.
• Walk the island’s beach and gather around the campfire after dining..

HELPFUL HINTS

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

It is off to the historic and magnificent White Pass Train adventure. From an antique parlor car, enjoy the incredible scenery while your tour guide shares the stories and history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Upon reaching Fraser, British Columbia board your motorcoach and take a short trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Then it’s time to experience the country that you heard about! Breathe pristine air, taste wild berries in season, hear the roar of raging white water and thrill to the sensations of a swaying walkway over 60 feet above the rapids. There are Tagish First Nation Staff and Elders to answer questions about the site. A variety of First Nations art pieces and crafts are available for purchase, as well. After your experience at the Yukon Suspension Bridge, you’ll continue on your motorcoach for the journey down the west side of the White Pass Canyon. Listen as your driver/guide entertains you with stories of the stampeders who trekked through the pass in search of gold. You’ll see picturesque points such as Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls as you head back to your ship.

Pass through the visually stunning countryside in the Puna district just outside Hilo, where you will see lava fields from past volcanic eruptions and walk along the Pohoiki black-sand beach, which is composed of lava fragments. According to legend, the volatile Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele lives in the district’s Kīlauea volcano. She not only creates new land, but also destroys what stands in the path of the lava, which is known as “frozen fire” once it cools and hardens. However, the historical Painted Church was spared during Kīlauea’s eruption in 1990 when the congregants raised the church onto a trailer and moved it to safety. While browsing the wooden church, which features wonderful painted ceiling frescoes, you will hear more about its salvation. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to shop for locally made merchandise and meander along Hilo Bay, whose jagged black rock shoreline is volcanic in origin.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the devastation of past volcanic eruptions and the natural beauty left in their wakes.
• See the Painted Church that congregants moved to save it from a nearby lava flow.
• Walk on a gorgeous black-sand beach that a volcanic eruption created.
• Shop for locally made merchandise in and around Hilo.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive to pristine Mendenhall Lake, which lies just north of Juneau in the Tongass National Forest. Soon after arriving, you will ease into a two-person kayak and begin paddling across the lake’s crystal-clear water. You will find that the kayak is remarkably easy to navigate.

Your destination will be Mendenhall Glacier, one of dozens of glaciers that make up the Juneau Ice Field. While you will remain a safe distance away from Mendenhall Glacier, you will certainly be close enough to behold its staggering beauty.

Along the way, you may spot arctic terns nesting along the shore, eagles soaring overhead, and black bears and goats up in the hills among the Sitka spruce trees. Kayaking past Nugget Falls is another highlight, as it cascades into the lake next to the glacier.

Next, you will drive to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake for a sumptuous Alaskan feast. The dishes typically include fresh salmon grilled over alder wood, Parmesan chicken, Tongass wild rice pilaf, au gratin potatoes, and baked beans with reindeer sausage. The selection is characteristic of authentic Alaskan dishes and made with local ingredients. It’s all you can eat, so take your time, but be sure to leave room for blueberry cake for dessert.

After dining, you will return to the pier.

This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, a Native Totem Park and a historic sawmill at an exclusive reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. A pristine natural environment, it is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals and a variety of birds and other species attracted by the major salmon runs in the abundant marine estuary. A naturalist will guide you along an improved trail through the heart of the dense forest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar, stopping at strategically located viewing areas. At a protected, open estuary, you'll follow Herring Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. Major runs of salmon return to spawn here. Listen to the symphony of bird activity in this spectacular setting. Seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity. A mile trail walk brings you to the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill. Stop at Tsimshian totem park, see a master carver working, check out our historic sawmill and watch our local blacksmiths at work. Check out the amazing collection of totems in the courtyard. Shopping opportunities await you in the General Store before the scenic drive back to the ship.

Ride the world’s largest and longest zip-line high above the treetops and down a mountain at hair-raising speeds. This exhilarating adventure on the ZipRider is for the thrill-seeker, not the faint-hearted. Available to virtually everyone, your fun starts with a mesmerizing ascent on the Mountain Top Gondola. You will find the views of Icy Strait, your ship, and maybe even a glimpse of the Glacier Bay National Park breathtaking. Upon reaching the staging area at 1,300 feet above sea level, the real thrill begins as you are strapped into the harness seat and step off the zip-line platform into thin air. Traveling at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, you will zoom along over the dense forest. As you look down, the scenery will zip by. The ride is more than a mile long with a plummeting vertical drop. It is just like flying but without the airplane. As you approach the landing zone on the beach, the ZipRider will automatically brake, easing you onto the soft sand. Incudes unlimited Gondola rides!

Enjoy a 2 ½ hour leisurely, guided bike tour as you pedal along the scenic Astoria Waterfront. Enjoy the sights and sounds along the Columbia River with stops along the way where your guide will share stories of Astoria’s rich history. The Astoria Riverwalk is your paved and wooden pier path as you travel through the working waterfront and enjoy the scenic vistas along the Columbia River. Your guide will share stories of times pass when this waterfront was lined with fish canneries, large warehouses and being shanghaied was a possibility. You’ll learn more about the time when Astoria was known as the “Salmon Canning Capital of the World” and the “Wickedest Place on Earth” as a very busy seaport in the late 1800s. Stop at a local Fish processor and enjoy a seasonal seafood snack as you learn more about the fishing industry on the lower Columbia River. Continue along the waterfront as we look for birds and wildlife along the shore. See the enormous California Sea lions that make the Astoria waterfront their home and be on the lookout for the many birds that frequent the waterfront such as Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Terns, Egrets and Herons. Return to your ship after this six-mile round trip up and down the Astoria Waterfront.