OVERVIEW

The adventure begins as soon as you leave Ward Cove via transport bus to Ketchikan's picturesque harbor to the downtown vessel embarkation location, passing by colorful floatplanes and fishing boats. As you board the vessel, enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for marine and coastal wildlife as you "fly" at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel. Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. Along the way you may stop to view an active bald eagle's nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock; an immense volcanic spire rising from the Emerald Sea. Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Here, you'll learn the natural history of the fjords, listen to the call of nesting sea birds, and enjoy glistening waterfalls while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-ft glacier sculpted cliffs. On the cruise back to Ketchikan, enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages while watching for whales, seals, eagles, and other wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to experience the culture, and history presented by a Native story-teller and Artist, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The most luxurious way to experience Misty Fjords! Our spacious, expedition vessel features climate-controlled deluxe seating, wrap-around windows, an observation deck, galley & restrooms.
• Premiere destination for rugged exploration and dramatic landscapes. Surround yourself with 3,000-ft granite cliffs, glistening waterfalls, and wildlife habitats.
• Weather reliability! This tour is seldom affected by rain or low clouds. These common conditions actually enhance the beauty of Misty Fjords.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This tour provides an overview of Alaska's capital city and its scenic attractions, including one of the world's only drive-to glaciers, the Mendenhall. Your guided tour drives through Juneau's picturesque downtown waterfront. Visit Mendenhall Glacier, a moving river of ice with rugged crevasses and distinctive blue hues in the ice. Stroll the walkways to the Visitor Center and take in one of the glaciology exhibits, and interpretative talk with a Forest Ranger, or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the glacier. Afterward your drive takes you to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. There you will learn the value of ocean ranching to Juneau's commercial and sport fishing industries and the hatchery's role in keeping the area salmon population at sustainable levels. Note: Note this tour operates under special use permit issued by the US Forest Service in the Tongas National Forest.

At the White Pass & Yukon Route Depot, board a vintage railcar for a ride up the White Pass Summit. View at the incredible scenery as your train ascends dramatic mountains and your guide shares colorful stories and the history of the gold rush. Marvel at the waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites you pass on your journey to the summit of the White Pass and beyond.

In Fraser, disembark the train and board a motorcoach for a dramatic journey past the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls en route to Skagway. Your Driver-Guide will regale with a colorful account of the history of Klondike Gold Rush. Taking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and glaciers may be captured during the many photo stops.

Stop at Alaska 360 where you will learn the art of gold panning and practice your technique in warm-water troughs. Gold is guaranteed in every pan! Haul your treasure into the Gold Shack and have it weighed. Then, browse a collection of gold nugget jewelry and discover unique, souvenirs in the gift shop. Finally returning to your ship with your loot and newly acquired "gold fever."

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will offer a glimpse into the early culture, as it was a place of refuge for those that had violated the sacred laws known as kapu. There, you will see a temple where criminals could be absolved of their transgressions and safely return to society. To complement the experience, you will visit the 19th-century Painted Church. Its interior features frescoes and murals of biblical scenes that a Belgian priest painted to teach the islanders Catholicism. The missionaries were also instrumental in dismantling the harsh kapu laws. You will also learn how coffee was introduced to Hawaii in the 1820s and how it is processed today at the Royal Kona Coffee Center. It is an excellent setting to enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed Kona coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one Hawaii’s most sacred sites, where criminals could find safe refuge.
• View the biblical murals and frescoes that adorn the Painted Church.
• Enjoy a cup of Kona coffee and learn about its production at a coffee mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. With an expert driver at the wheel, you won’t miss any of the incredible scenery of lava cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, the rugged northern coastline, lush hillsides of feathery ferns and trees laden with tropical fruits. You’ll stop to explore various sites along the way to "Heavenly Hana," in this wonderfully natural and pristine landscape. This tour goes to Hana and returns on the same route. A box lunch is included at the start of the tour.

The natural treasures of Tahiti are yours to discover during this scenic, half-day orientation tour of the island's east coast.

Head towards the East Coast of Tahiti, where you’ll stop at Venus Point, the historic landing site for most European discoverers and evangelists. It boasts the only lighthouse on the island which was built in 1867.

Continue down the south of the island, passing steep coastlines and stop for refreshments before visiting the Spring Garden of Vaipahi where rare species of precious wood and tropical flowers can be found.

A short photo stop at the famous Papara Surf black sand beach will be made prior to the conclusion of the tour. Your drive back to the pier will lead you along the West coast to complete your full island drive.

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile.

Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area.

The highlights of this exciting tour include approximately half hour visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. Unforgettable views for miles are offered from the Jagger Museum Overlook. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point and Halemau’uma’u Crater and Mauna Loa are seen in the distance. On your return to the pier, stop and experience Hawaii's Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center. Award winning Mauna Loa has over 30 year history of perfecting one of the most delicious Macadamia Nut in the world. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

PREBOOK ONLY. NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING ONBOARD. The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll have the option to gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.

Explore Honolulu’s highlights – from Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to Hawaii’s first Christian church, and Iolani Palace and Washington Place, both former residences of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Pearl Harbor is one of Hawaii’s best-known landmarks and the scene of the devastating aerial attack by Japan that drove the U.S. into WWII. The Pearl Harbor Visitor's center exhibit galleries bring visitors closer to the sights and sounds of the events leading up to the attack on Oahu and its aftermath. These galleries display personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs, artifacts of the battle, and other exhibits.

In central Honolulu stand face to face with the larger-than-life statue of King Kamehameha I, the leader who united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom. Just across the street you’ll see the Iolani Palace, residence of Hawaii's last two monarchs. European in design, it boasted Hawaii’s first electric lights, flush toilets and internal phone system. Also nearby is Kawaiahao Church, Hawaii's first Christian house of worship, built of coral slabs from the offshore reefs.

At the heart of the downtown historic district you will notice the elegant Washington Place, now a museum, and once home to Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last queen. Drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in the extinct volcanic crater known as the Punchbowl. It is the final resting place of some 53,000 veterans who lost their lives in 20th century wars, including those who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Enjoy panoramic city views on your drive to the airport.

Embrace Samoa's visual splendor during this picturesque sightseeing tour, with time to relax and enjoy sunshine and sea with a beach BBQ Lunch.

A scenic drive along the north eastern coast of Upolu, introduces you to the scenic beauty of the island. Stop at Falefa Village for a photo opportunity of its cathedral. Drive through Le Mafa Pass, with breathtaking views of the northern shoreline, lush green forests and traditional Samoan villages.

Visit the Sopo'aga Falls & Mini Botanical Garden. Here, you will find a variety of ethnic plants, learn about their medicinal qualities. Learn about the different uses of the coconut in the daily life of the Samoans during a demonstration.

A barbecue lunch is served at the lovely Tafatafa Beach. You’ll have approximately 1 ½-hours to relax and enjoy the sea and sunshine. Go for a swim in the sparkling blue waters, take a stroll on the beach or just relax under the shade of a Samoan fale while your lunch is prepared.

The return to Apia takes you through the south western part of the island. Time and weather permitting you’ll stop briefly at Papapapaitai Falls, which cascade into an old volcanic crater. As you descend towards Apia, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic coastal views.

Enjoy a wonderful ride in the clear lagoon of Moorea with great views of the island's sharp mountain peaks, lush green valleys and picturesque coastal shoreline, then enjoy a typical island lunch, relax on a delightful beach or enjoy the warm tropical waters of French Polynesia.

Boarding your boat at the pier, you'll set-off across the turquoise waters of Moorea, en route to a gorgeous white sandy islet that is surrounded by crystal clear water. The waters here are shallow enough for you to walk right off the boat onto the pristine beach where you will have approximately three hours at your leisure.

During your visit, you can relax and soak up the sun, or enjoy some great snorkeling and discover Moorea's amazing underwater world with its colorful fish, flora and fauna. There may even be some inquisitive stingrays to welcome you and in exchange for a piece of fish, they just might delight you by dancing gracefully around you.

Following a barbeque lunch on the beach, you will have more time to enjoy the refreshing waters here or further relax on the beach while being entertained with local music and a coco demonstration.

Delve into traditional Tahitian culture by cruising to nearby Tahaa to discover how vanilla is grown and black pearls are produced before an island lunch and relaxing on the island’s gorgeous beach.

After departing from the pier in a motorized catamaran, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic cruise across a turquoise-blue lagoon to the island of Tahaa, which lies due north. Your first destination ashore is a vanilla farm. You will probably be greeted by the scent of the spice before arriving as 70% of the vanilla grown in French Polynesia is from Tahaa.

Expect to see and smell fragrant vanilla pods curing in the sun. You may also stroll among the rows of climbing orchids that produce the pods and learn how they are pollinated. There will be some time for shopping before continuing on with a short drive to Motu Pearl Village. Established in 1991, the village cultivates black pearls in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the surrounding lagoon. After hearing the fascinating story of how the pearls are produced, you may shop for jewelry and other items adorned with these prized treasures. Like vanilla, black pearls are synonymous with Tahaa, and both are mainstays of the economy.

After the visit, enjoy a cocktail or a fresh local beer before a traditional Polynesian buffet lunch is served while a live Polynesian group entertains you. It makes for an excellent introduction to the pareo show that follows. A pareo is a wraparound skirt that is essential to Tahitian dance. Finally, you will head for the beach of Motu Mahea to relax, sunbathe or get in the water before returning to the pier.