Denali by Rail Explorer - Northbound Cruise Tour

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, travellers 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.

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 whilst looking out for the wild animals that roam freely and call this park home. Whilst in this beautiful area, set aside time to experience the solitude and tranquility that vast wilderness can provide.

During your Denali natural history tour, you will travel approximately 17 miles into Denali National Park, enjoying the incredible scenery and learning about the history of the park. Tour duration is approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival in Alaska, your Tour Director will advise you of your tour time.

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, board your deluxe motorcoach for a stop at a local Iditarod sled dog kennel to learn about Alaska's state sport of dog mushing. Discover this fascinating tradition as you meet the musher and the dogs, and even hold a future champion puppy. After this authentic experience, you may feel inspired to take on "The Last Great Race" yourself.

Next, visit the historic Gold Dredge #8, where you'll try your hand at panning for gold, just like Alaska's early pioneers. Conclude the day with a city tour of Fairbanks.

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.