Cruise West
Alaska's Inside Passage
New Enhanced Itinerary
Glaciers, whales, native cultures … this itinerary offers them all. Travel Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage, pausing to admire dramatic fjord waterfalls, humpback whales at play and spectacular Glacier Bay National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, puffins, eagles, otters and bears as you explore secluded inlets only accessible by inflatable excursion craft and narrow passages where large ships can’t go. Add a land tour including 3 nights in Denali to your cruise for the ultimate Alaska experience. The focus with our new Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary is on wilderness exploration and whale watching, plus a full day in Glacier Bay National Park. This rare itinerary features the flexibility to linger wherever nature is putting on a show, as well as cruising in remote coves and inlets, and small town exploration.
We highly recommend you spend additional time in Juneau to explore one of the most visually stunning communities of Alaska. If you are considering a Cruise Only package, booking a pre-cruise hotel night can take the stress out of air travel and ensure that you arrive in time for your cruise. Cruise West's extra night program includes airport meet and greet, baggage handling, and transfers to your downtown waterfront hotel. Juneau offers an incredible array of optional excursions, including heli-dogsledding, glacier viewing, flightseeing, hiking, heli-hiking and ziplining that can be booked in advance. Or just spend time exploring the streets of this amazing art-conscious community. Our expert staff, located right in the lobby of your hotel, can help you make the most of your time in this unique capital city.
Whales Guaranteed!
Whales are guaranteed to be sighted on any Alaska's Inside Passage cruise. Our knowledgeable crew knows where the action is and whales are guaranteed! We’ll give you a future cruise credit of $250 if we don’t see whales. As opportunities present themselves, we may vary the order of cruise destinations to offer you the best possible experience.
Cruise Only
Directions
Day
01
| Depart from Juneau
Spend the day exploring Juneau before boarding your vessel. Many exciting excursions and activities are available including Cruise West operated excursions. A Cruise West concierge service is available for your use. D |
Day
02
| Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound
Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot vertical cliffs toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. BLD |
Day
03
| Wrangell / Wrangell Narrows
Wrangell is the only Alaskan town to have existed under four nations: Tlingit, Russian, British, and American. You’ll see this rich history reflected in your tour of the Wrangell Museum. This afternoon enjoy Captain’s Choice cruising through picturesque Wrangell Narrows – known as “Christmas Tree Lane” for its many lights and buoys. BLD |
Day
04
| Petersburg
Receive a warm welcome at the Norwegian-heritage village of Petersburg, inaccessible to large cruise ships. Watch as the Leikarring Dancers perform a traditional dance. Explore the wilderness waterways around Petersburg – you may spot bald eagles in the treetops, Sitka black tail deer on the beaches, black bear scavenging a forest edge, or waterfowl along the intertidal zone. BLD |
Day
05
| Sitka
Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to Sitka on Baranof Island. Keep an eye out for playful otters, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. A walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park reveals towering totems keeping watch over the temperate rainforest. Enjoy a private Tlingit Native dance performance. BLD |
Day
06
| Icy Strait
Watch for gentle humpbacks as they feast on small fish and tiny krill churned by upwelling currents from the Pacific Ocean. Watch for behaviors such as spouting, sounding, breaching, lobtailing, flipper-slapping and lunge feeding. You may see rare bubble feeding if you’re very lucky. The coves and inlets offer enticing opportunities to get out and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep watch for Steller’s sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise. BLD |
Day
07
| Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay enjoys the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide past “rivers of ice” in this glacial wonderland. A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter will be onboard helping you spot the abundant wildlife such as mountain goats, whales and brown and black bears. BLD
Some of the highlights of our full day of exploration may include:
• Guided nature walk at the Bartlet Cove Park Ranger station
• Overnight stay in Glacier Bay
• Wake up in front of a spectacular glacier
• Presentations and narrations by the Park Service Rangers
• We will take the time to explore the islands and secluded inlets of the Park, searching for Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, numerous species of birds (including Puffins), Mountain Goats, Brown and Black Bear, and much more, in a manner that is uniquely "up-close, casual, and personal"
• Cruise West is the only cruise line offering this deep an immersion into one of America's most spectacular National Parks
• This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the Ken Burns documentary series about America's National Parks (which included Glacier Bay and Denali). |
Day
08
| Juneau
Disembark in Juneau this morning, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. B |
Directions
Day
01
| Arrive in Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to meet your Exploration Leader and fellow travelers at a wine and cheese reception. Overnight at a Fairbanks hotel. |
Day
02
| Fairbanks Sightseeing, To Denali National Park
Sightsee in the city of Fairbanks, including a ride on Riverboat Discovery or a visit to the home and kennel of Alaskan legend Mary Shields, and a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Travel by motorcoach to Denali National Park for an exclusive naturalist presentation and a comfortable overnight at a Denali Park entrance hotel. BLD |
Day
03
| Denali National Park Exploration
An expert guide takes you on your chosen tour into Denali National Park to look for wildlife and experience summer in the subalpine tundra. Following your park tour, you have time to enjoy the park on your own or venture out on any of the optional excursions we can arrange for you. B |
Day
04
| Denali National Park Exploration
Experience another full day in the remote wilderness of Denali. Consider hiking or optional excursions like rafting or flightseeing. Enjoy an exclusive dinner and presentation on the effects of climate change on Alaska’s national parks from an Alaska Geographic naturalist. BD |
Day
05
| Denali National Park to Anchorage
Enjoy a scenic ride aboard a deluxe domed rail car from Denali to Talkeetna, then travel by motorcoach to Anchorage, where you can enjoy dinner at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa or at your choice of one of our selected restaurants. BLD |
Day
06
| Fly Anchorage to Juneau
In the morning enjoy Anchorage sightseeing and a visit to the Anchorage Museum before you transfer to the Anchorage airport for your included flight to Juneau. Spend the day exploring Juneau on your own. Overnight at a Juneau hotel. B |
Day
07
| Depart from Juneau
Spend the day exploring Juneau before boarding your vessel. Many exciting excursions and activities are available including Cruise West operated excursions. A Cruise West concierge service is available for your use. D |
Day
08
| Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound
Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot vertical cliffs toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. BLD |
Day
09
| Wrangell / Wrangell Narrows
Wrangell is the only Alaskan town to have existed under four nations: Tlingit, Russian, British, and American. You’ll see this rich history reflected in your tour of the Wrangell Museum. This afternoon enjoy Captain’s Choice cruising through picturesque Wrangell Narrows – known as “Christmas Tree Lane” for its many lights and buoys. BLD |
Day
10
| Petersburg
Receive a warm welcome at the Norwegian-heritage village of Petersburg, inaccessible to large cruise ships. Watch as the Leikarring Dancers perform a traditional dance. Explore the wilderness waterways around Petersburg – you may spot bald eagles in the treetops, Sitka black tail deer on the beaches, black bear scavenging a forest edge, or waterfowl along the intertidal zone. BLD |
Day
11
| Sitka
Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to Sitka on Baranof Island. Keep an eye out for playful otters, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. A walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park reveals towering totems keeping watch over the temperate rainforest. Enjoy a private Tlingit Native dance performance. BLD |
Day
12
| Icy Strait
Watch for gentle humpbacks as they feast on small fish and tiny krill churned by upwelling currents from the Pacific Ocean. Watch for behaviors such as spouting, sounding, breaching, lobtailing, flipper-slapping and lunge feeding. You may see rare bubble feeding if you’re very lucky. The coves and inlets offer enticing opportunities to get out and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep watch for Steller’s sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise. BLD |
Day
13
| Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay enjoys the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide past “rivers of ice” in this glacial wonderland. A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter will be onboard helping you spot the abundant wildlife such as mountain goats, whales and brown and black bears. BLD
Some of the highlights of our full day of exploration may include:
• Guided nature walk at the Bartlet Cove Park Ranger station
• Overnight stay in Glacier Bay
• Wake up in front of a spectacular glacier
• Presentations and narrations by the Park Service Rangers
• We will take the time to explore the islands and secluded inlets of the Park, searching for Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, numerous species of birds (includingPuffins), Mountain Goats, Brown and Black Bear, and much more, in a manner that is uniquely "up-close, casual, and personal"
• Cruise West is the only cruise line offering this deep an immersion into one of America's most spectacular National Parks
• This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the Ken Burns documentary series about America's National Parks (which included Glacier Bay and Denali). |
Day
14
| Juneau
Disembark in Juneau this morning, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. B |
Directions:
Day
01
| Arrive in Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to your Fairbanks hotel for a wine and cheese reception. Overnight at your Fairbanks hotel. |
Day
02
| Fairbanks Sightseeing
Today’s activities include an authentic riverboat experience on the Chena River or a visit to the home and kennel of Alaskan legend Mary Shields, and a city tour with admission to the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North. Dinner and overnight at a Fairbanks hotel. An optional activity is a flight above the Arctic Circle, barely 125 miles away. BLD |
Day
03
| Fairbanks to North Face Lodge
Board a deluxe domed railcar to Denali, with breakfast included onboard. Enjoy sweeping views on all sides as you approach the Alaska Range. Board a bus to North Face Lodge, deep in the heart of Denali National Park. BD |
Day
04
| Denali Exploration
Experience the Denali that most never will — 3 full nights within the expansive park boundary. All meals are included at North Face Lodge as you dine family-style in relaxed comfort with your companions. BLD |
Day
05
| Denali Exploration
Another full day at Denali Park. Enjoy lodge activities and optional tours. BLD |
Day
06
| Denali to Anchorage via Rail
Enjoy your final panoramas of Denali as you transfer to the rail station via bus. Board a deluxe domed railcar to travel south to Anchorage, with lunch and dinner onboard the train. Overnight at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa. BLD |
Day
07
| Fly Anchorage to Juneau
In the morning enjoy Anchorage sightseeing and a visit to the Anchorage Museum before you transfer to the Anchorage airport for your included flight to Juneau. Spend the day exploring Juneau on your own. Overnight at a Juneau hotel. B |
Day
08
| Depart from Juneau
Spend the day exploring Juneau before boarding your vessel. Many exciting excursions and activities are available including Cruise West operated excursions. A Cruise West concierge service is available for your use. D |
Day
09
| Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound
Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 1,500-foot vertical cliffs toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. BLD |
Day
10
| Wrangell / Wrangell Narrows
Wrangell is the only Alaskan town to have existed under four nations: Tlingit, Russian, British, and American. You’ll see this rich history reflected in your tour of the Wrangell Museum. This afternoon enjoy Captain’s Choice cruising through picturesque Wrangell Narrows – known as “Christmas Tree Lane” for its many lights and buoys. BLD |
Day
11
| Petersburg
Receive a warm welcome at the Norwegian-heritage village of Petersburg, inaccessible to large cruise ships. Watch as the Leikarring Dancers perform a traditional dance. Explore the wilderness waterways around Petersburg – you may spot bald eagles in the treetops, Sitka black tail deer on the beaches, black bear scavenging a forest edge, or waterfowl along the intertidal zone. BLD |
Day
12
| Sitka
Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to Sitka on Baranof Island. Keep an eye out for playful otters, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. A walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park reveals towering totems keeping watch over the temperate rainforest. Enjoy a private Tlingit Native dance performance. BLD |
Day
13
| Icy Strait
Watch for gentle humpbacks as they feast on small fish and tiny krill churned by upwelling currents from the Pacific Ocean. Watch for behaviors such as spouting, sounding, breaching, lobtailing, flipper-slapping and lunge feeding. You may see rare bubble feeding if you’re very lucky. The coves and inlets offer enticing opportunities to get out and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep watch for Steller’s sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise. BLD |
Day
14
| Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay enjoys the honored and highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glide past “rivers of ice” in this glacial wonderland. A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter will be onboard helping you spot the abundant wildlife such as mountain goats, whales and brown and black bears. BLD
Some of the highlights of our full day of exploration may include:
• Guided nature walk at the Bartlet Cove Park Ranger station
• Overnight stay in Glacier Bay
• Wake up in front of a spectacular glacier
• Presentations and narrations by the Park Service Rangers
• We will take the time to explore the islands and secluded inlets of the Park, searching for Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, numerous species of birds (includingPuffins), Mountain Goats, Brown and Black Bear, and much more, in a manner that is uniquely "up-close, casual, and personal"
• Cruise West is the only cruise line offering this deep an immersion into one of America's most spectacular National Parks
• This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the Ken Burns documentary series about America's National Parks (which included Glacier Bay and Denali).
|
Day
15
| Juneau
Disembark in Juneau this morning, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. B |
|
