Best of Sitka
Sitka, Alaska
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
- Adult from: $129.00 USD
- Child from: $119.00 USD
From | Message | Reservation # | Date | |
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Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Reserve your dining now | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 |
*Terms & Conditions
Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center. The Raptor Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, a presentation with one of the Center's educational birds will take place. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.
Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. Walk the nature trail, view cultural exhibits and video presentation, or talk with local native artists about their cultural art form.
The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bears, which allows you to get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist.
lessDuration 2 hrs
Zip through the sheltered waters of Sitka Sound on a wave runner and pause along the way to hear enlightening commentary about the points of interest. You can either take the helm of the two-person wave runner or ride along as the passenger. Either way, it will be an exhilarating and extraordinarily scenic adventure. After a briefing and a practice run to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will race off caravan-style, following the guide, who is a U.S. Coast Guard captain. Sitka is dotted with islands and the forested mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. Some of the ride will be through Silver Bay, a slender fjord surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery on the outskirts of Sitka. The land there hasn’t changed much since the indigenous Tlingit people for time immemorial. During stops along the way, the guide will describe Sitka’s fascinating history.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Race through Sitka Sound and a nearby fjord on a two-person wave runner.
• Marvel at the gorgeous scenery, much of which is raw wilderness.
• Hear fascinating commentary about the history of Sitka while stopping along the way.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 2 1/2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Experience the ultimate treetop adventure and come away with a newfound confidence in your physical abilities, mental fortitude and sheer willpower to push yourself to new heights. These aerial ropes adventure involves traversing swinging ropes, balance bridges and daring climbs into the tree canopy while wearing a harness and using a smart belay system. An orientation and practice run on the ground will help prepare you for the fun and challenges that lie ahead. Afterwards, you will warm up on the easy Squirrel Course, move on to the moderate Fox Course and then pull yourself along a rope while hanging high above the forest floor on a Tyrolean Traverse. That’s the Bear Course. With your confidence now soaring, you will be ready for the high-flying Eagle Course, which ends in the treetops 50 feet above the ground. The descent will be just as exhilarating as you soar back to earth on an auto-descent device, called the “Eagle’s Flight”.
HIGHLIGHTS
• These aerial ropes adventure will have you swinging, scrambling, and climbing through multiple elements.
• Climb high into the tree canopy by negotiating a series of aerial ropes courses.
• Prepare for the ultimate challenge by warming up on easier aerial ropes courses.
• Enjoy literal bird’s-eye views of the forest from high above.
• Gain newfound confidence in your abilities to meet new challenges.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 2 hrs
Help pedal a unique group bicycle from pub to pub and enjoy entertaining commentary at each venue, culminating with a craft beer tasting. It won’t take long to reach Ernie’s Old Time Saloon, a landmark that locals have frequented for years. While there, you will learn a bit about the history of Sitka, which was the capital of Russian America until 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska. The second pub will be the Pioneer Bar, a longtime watering hole for fishermen. Between fish stories – which may or may not be true – be sure to check out the photographs of historical fishing boats and shipwrecks that cover most every square inch of wall space. Afterwards, you will pedal off to the Bayview Pub, a local favorite known for its selection of locally brewed craft beers. You will be offered a sampling of some of the most popular ones.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Pedal through downtown in a unique group bicycle that you will help power while the guide steers.
• Stop along the way at three classic pubs that are local favorites.
• Enjoy a beer tasting and hear all sorts of entertaining stories at each pub.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 2 1/2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Upon arrival at the Sitka cruise terminal, you will head outdoors for a leisurely self-guided walk in the Sitka National Historical Park. The trail is lined with colorful totem poles that the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people carved and painted. Bald eagles are frequently spotted in the forest, preying on salmon in the river that you will cross there. At the end of the walk you will return to the cruise terminal and head into the Alaskan Odyssey Theater, and watch a film about bald eagles on a large high-definition screen, followed by a real-life encounter with raptors and the chance to see Alaska’s most iconic animals in the wild. The film will be shown in the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal on a 5-story high, 180° dome screen for an immersive experience that is as close to reality as possible. After the show, a professional raptor handler will bring in a real bird of prey and talk about its behavior and characteristics. It may be a peregrine falcon, a snowy owl or golden eagle as all reside at the nearby Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Watch a film about bald eagles on a high-def screen so large, the images appear lifelike.
• See a real bird of prey up close in the theater following the show.
• Keep an eye out for bald eagles while hiking in Sitka National Historical Park.
• Cross a river where bald eagles often prey on fish, especially spawning salmon.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 3 hrs
OVERVIEW
Create your own metal sculpture of a halibut or salmon in a hands-on art class at the Salty Sitkan workshop. The fun will begin with the instructor demonstrating how to use the computer-controlled plasma cutter to precisely cut through metal – with sparks flying – so that the finished product looks just like the pre-programed fish design. Then, it will be your turn to get creative. You will learn to use a die grinder to smooth and texture the raw steel. The next step will be to hammer away with a tear-drop mallet to shape the metal fish into a 3D form with a flapping tail, if you like. To make your fish sculpture more lifelike, you can use a propane torch to draw out deep hues of bronze, purple and blue. By the end of the class, you will have created a beautiful fish sculpture as a souvenir to take home.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Watch a computer-controlled plasma cutter create a basic metal fish as a starting point.
• Learn to grind, shine and hammer the raw metal into a beautiful fish sculpture.
• Highlight certain colors in the metal with a propane torch.
• Take your finished fish sculpture home as a souvenir.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 3 hrs
Delve into the gastronomy of Sitka, which reflects the rich heritage of this city once known as the “Paris of the Pacific" As the second largest exporter of seafood in the state with a rich history of diverse cultures, Sitka has become a mecca for the culinary arts. Sitka’s breweries use the local naturally filtered glacial water to produce their hand-crafted beers, several of which you will sample at a popular tap room. Similarly, during a tasting of Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company, you will discover how the salt extracted from the local waters is used in various foods, chocolates, sauces and seasonings. The versatility of sea salt may surprise you. The restaurant Sitka Pelmeni serves Russia food that pays homage to the city’s past as the capital of Russian America. Pelmeni means “dumplings” in Russia so they are a likely choice for your sampling there. The guide will bring you to other venues for tastings that may include cod tips, reindeer hot dogs, ceviche and chowder, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Sample a variety of delicious seasonal foods and beverages unique to Sitka.
• Meet restaurateurs and food vendors and learn how their unique products are made.
• Enjoy a selection of craft beers made with glacial water at a local brewery.
• Discover the versatility of sea salt as a seasoning in foods and beverages.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 1 1/2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Follow a nature trail through Sitka National Historical Park that showcases totem poles just like the ones that were exhibited at the 1904 World’s Fair. Created in 1910 to commemorate the Battle of 1804 between the Tlingits and the Russians, the forested park is Alaska’s oldest and is rich in history. During this self-guided walk, you will learn about the many ecosystems in the surrounding rainforest and the unusual tale of how Alaska’s first governor gathered the original totem poles to promote the state. The indigenous Tlingit people carved and painted the totems, which feature stylized human, animal and supernatural forms that are highly symbolic. Some of the totems honor important people or events, such as the Bicentennial Pole of 1976, which was carved under the direction of the park’s first Native American superintendent. When crossing the bridge over Indian Creek, you will hear about the salmon that spawn there each summer.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Meander along an easy trail lined with totem poles in Sitka National Historical Park.
• Gain an understanding of the symbolism and history of the hand-carved totem poles.
• Learn about the park’s creation and the flora and fauna that thrive in the rainforest.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 2 hrs
Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Sitka, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.
As you walk and ride through Sitka, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Welcome to Sitka sign
• Castle Hill or John O’Connell Bridge
• St. Michael’s Cathedral
• Totem Square
• Pioneer Bar
HIGHLIGHTS
• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Sitka.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Enjoy the view from historical Castle Hill or John O’Connell Bridge, weather-dependent.
• Pause in front of St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a National Historic Landmark.
• Enjoy a drink at the Pioneer Bar, a longtime watering hole for fishermen.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.
Duration 2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Paddle a two-person kayak around the sheltered waters of Sitka Sound, an area teeming with wildlife. After an orientation and a few minutes to practice paddling, you will skirt along the stunningly beautiful coastline. The guide will lead the way and acquaint you with the marine environment. The backdrop of towering forest-blanketed mountains will be absolutely inspiring, much like it was when the indigenous Tlingits first settled this area about 10,000 years ago. If the weather is clear, you will see Mount Edgecumbe, a massive but dormant volcano that dominates Kruzof Island. While scanning the water’s surface, you may spot Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and porpoise. Humpback whales voraciously feed in the sound before migrating to Hawaii to breed and calve, and the sight of one breaching the water is a mesmerizing spectacle. Be sure to look skyward as bald eagles and tufted puffins are commonly sighted.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Paddle a two-person kayak through the sheltered bays and inlets along Sitka Sound.
• Paddle a two-person kayak through the sheltered bays and inlets along Sitka Sound.
• Enjoy the inspiring scenery and, if the day is clear, the volcano Mount Edgecumbe.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 3 1/4 hrs
Trace Russia’s influence on Sitka in the 19th century and tour a raptor center that rescues injured birds in hopes of returning them to the wild. The Russians first gained a foothold in Alaska in 1804 by overpowering the indigenous Tlingits. That battlefield is now part of the Sitka National Historical Park, where you will browse exhibits explaining the conflict. Here you can walk the forest trail lined with totems, view cultural exhibits or talk with local native artists. This tour also presents the chance to see Alaskan wildlife up close at the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for birds of prey. This Bald Eagle Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.
lessDuration 2 1/4 hrs
OVERVIEW
Cruise through the island-dotted waters off Sitka in an expedition-style vessel while looking for iconic Alaskan wildlife. The vessel is open-air to offer maximum viewing opportunities and has a shallow draft so it can easily navigate waters that other boats can’t reach. There is no better way to observe animals in their natural habitats without disturbing Alaska’s delicate ecosystems. Although the sightings vary from day to day, you can hope to see harbor seals, sea lions and playful sea otters, the smallest of all marine mammals. Sea otters don’t have blubber; instead they are covered with two layers of exceptionally thick fur, which keep them warm. You may also spot brown bears along the shore and eagles overhead.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Look for a variety of wildlife while cruising through Sitka’s barrier Islands in an open-air vessel.
• Keep an eye out for marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and sea otters.
• Be sure to look overhead for bald eagles and on land for bears.
• Cruise into waters off limits to other boats that typically have deeper drafts.
*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions
NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.
Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.
Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.
Our group shore excursions are offered in English. Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). The tours offered may vary from cruise to cruise. Please see the detailed information for your shore excursion on board.