Glaciers of Prince William SoundDubbed the "enchanted circle of emerald isles," the spectacular scenery of Prince William Sound is best explored aboard our small ships. Cruise cliff-walled fjords and narrow passages. Listen for the "white thunder" of massive glaciers calving into nutrient- rich water. And watch as humpback whales breach off the bow, as brown bears hunt for shellfish and as sea otters and harbor seals play along the shore. This voyage takes you to Prince William Sound, a spectacular waterway that provides a hint of what the world looked like after the last Ice Age. This area is home to the largest concentration of tidewater glaciers in North America, so you'll see plenty of glaciers calving. Visit uninhabited islands to explore untouched tidepools. Watch as bald eagles soar in the sky, curious sea otters gaze at you from kelp beds, and pods of orcas glide by. Prince William Sound is the perfect setting for hearing the rumbles and groans of calving glaciers that tower straight up from the sea to 9,000 feet. Surrounded by the beautiful snowcapped Chugach Mountains Prince William Sound’s nutrient-rich waters make it the home of whales, sea lions, sea birds and bears and the largest concentration of tidewater glaciers in the world. Cruise West knowledgeable Exploration Leaders help provide their guests with life-changing experiences in The Last Frontier.
SPECIAL GUEST LECTURER: Join Byron Mallot on August 10, 2009 departure.
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| Sail From Whittier
Travel from Anchorage via motorcoach to Whittier, along beautiful Turnagain Arm. Watch for the sure-footed Dall's sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Columbia. The ship departs for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with a visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay. D | | College Fjord
Wake up near the face of Harvard Glacier at the very end of College Fjord. Dozens of glaciers of all types pour from the mountains to the sea here. The most impressive sight you can hope to see is skyscraper-sized pinnacles of ice plunging from the glaciers into the water. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Watch for orcas, sea otters, and bald eagles here; your Captain knows where the best sightings will be found. Explore the serene Eaglek Bay. BLD | | Chenega Glacier And Island Exploration
Narrow wilderness waterways – some just 200 feet wide – lead to Knight Island in the wild southwest corner of Prince William Sound. Winding Icy Bay leads to a spectacular glacier calving icebergs into salt water at the head of the fjord. The rest of the day is a sheer delight, as you indulge in leisurely exploration of islands with hardly a trace of human habitation. BLD | | Disembark To Anchorage
Visit a large kittiwake colony before continuing to Whittier for disembarkation. Transfer by motorcoach back to Anchorage. B |
| Sail from Whittier
In Anchorage board a Cruise West motorcoach to travel to Whittier along beautiful Turnagain Arm. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall's sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Columbia. Depart for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with a visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay. The ship will anchor for a quiet overnight stay in a secluded cove. D | | College Fjord And Esther Passage
Wake up near the face of massive glaciers in College Fjord. You will ease close to the active faces of numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the tidal waters below. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on shellfish. Explore serene Eaglek Bay. BLD | | Cordova
Make a port call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. Upon your arrival enjoy an included cultural experience highlighting the area's rich Native history. Optional wilderness tours include sea kayaking, hiking, and river rafting. BLD | | Chenega Glacier / Knight Island
Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Later, enjoy “gunkholing” around the nearby islands - a nautical term for poking around the next corner just to see what’s there. BLD | | Arrive in Whittier
After a cruise past a bustling black-legged kittiwake colony, disembark the Spirit of Columbia at Whittier. Transfer to a motorcoach for your trip via Turnagain Arm back to Anchorage. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner | Arrive In Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a casual wine and cheese reception. Overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. | | Fairbanks Sightseeing To Denali National Park and Preserve
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Fairbanks, including a historic city tour, a visit to the University of Alaska's Museum of the North, an authentic sternwheeler riverboat cruise and lunch. Travel by motorcoach to Denali where you will hear an exclusive presentation on Sub-Arctic Climate by the Denali Education Center. Enjoy a Denali Dine Around dinner and overnight at a Denali hotel near the park entrance. BLD | | Denali Exploration
A expert guide from the Park takes you on your chosen bus tour which must be chosen at the time your book your cruise. The Denali Natural History Tour is a 4-5 hour tour that travels 20 miles into the park and leaves time for other optional tours later. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a 6-8 hour trip 55 miles into the park that leaves limited time for optional tours later. The Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour is a 12-13 hour, 90-mile trek into the park that does not allow enough time for any additional optional tours.
Following your park tour, you may have time to enjoy the park on your own or venture out with any of the optional rafting, flightseeing or other adventure excursions we can arrange for you. B | | Denali National Park and Preserve To Anchorage Via Rail
Breakfast at your Denali Hotel then board a bus to the Denali Depot. Board a deluxe domed railcar to wind you through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Anchorage. Overnight at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. Evening dinner will be enjoyed at the Sheraton or at one of our selected Anchorage restaurants. BD | | Transfer To Whittier
In the morning enjoy Anchorage sightseeing and a visit to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art before you travel by motorcoach via scenic Turnagain Arm to Whittier, where you will board your ship, the Spirit of Columbia. BLD | | College Fjord
Wake up near the face of Harvard Glacier at the very end of College Fjord. Dozens of glaciers pour from the mountains to the sea here. The most impressive sights to see are skyscraper-sized pinnacles of ice plunging from the glaciers into the water. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Watch for orcas, sea otters, and bald eagles here; your Captain knows where the best sightings will be found. Explore the serene Eaglek Bay. BLD | | Chenega Glacier And Island Exploration
Narrow wilderness waterways - some just 200 feet wide - lead to Knight Island in the wild southwest corner of Prince William Sound. Winding Icy Bay leads to a spectacular glacier calving icebergs into salt water at the head of the fjord. The rest of the day you indulge in leisurely exploration of islands with hardly a trace of human habitation. BLD | | Disembark To Anchorage
Visit a large kittiwake colony before continuing to Whittier for disembarkation. On arrival, transfer by motorcoach back to Anchorage. B |
| Arrive in Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a casual wine and cheese reception. Overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. | | Fairbanks Sightseeing to Denali National Park and Preserve
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the city of Fairbanks, 125 miles south of the Arctic Circle, including a visit to the new University of Alaska Museum of the North and a Chena River cruise on an authentic sternwheeler. Travel by motorcoach to Denali for an exclusive naturalist presentation on the Sub-Arctic Climate. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight at a Denali hotel near the park entrance. BLD | | Denali National Park Exploration
An expert guide takes you on your chosen bus tour* into Denali National Park to look for wildlife and experience summer in the subalpine tundra. The Denali Natural History Tour is a 4-5 hour tour that travels 20 miles into the park and leaves time for other optional tours later. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a 6-8 hour trip 55 miles into the park that leaves limited time for optional tours later. The Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour is a 12-13 hour, 90-mile trek into the park that does not allow enough time for any additional optional tours. Following your Park tour, you may have time to enjoy the Park on your own or venture out with any of the optional rafting, flightseeing or other adventure excursions we can arrange for you. B
*Tour into Denali must be chosen at the time of booking your cruise/land tour. | | Denali National Park to Anchorage via Rail and Motorcoach
After breakfast at your Denali Hotel, transfer by bus to the Denali Depot. Board a deluxe domed railcar through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Anchorage. Overnight at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. Enjoy dinner at the Sheraton or dine at one of our selected Anchorage restaurants. BD | | Transfer To Whittier
In the morning enjoy Anchorage sightseeing and a visit to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art before you board a Cruise West motorcoach to travel to Whittier along beautiful Turnagain Arm. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall's sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Columbia. Depart for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound. The ship will anchor for a quiet overnight stay in a secluded cove. BLD | | College Fjord And Esther Passage
Wake up near the face of massive glaciers in College Fjord. You will ease close to the active faces of numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the tidal waters below. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on shellfish. Explore serene Eaglek Bay. BLD | | Cordova
Make a port call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. Upon your arrival enjoy an included cultural experience highlighting the area's rich Native history. Optional wilderness tours include sea kayaking, hiking, and river rafting. BLD | | Chenega Glacier / Knight Island
Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Later, enjoy “gunkholing” around the nearby islands - a nautical term for poking around the next corner just to see what’s there. BLD | | Arrive In Whittier After a cruise past a bustling black-legged kittiwake colony, disembark the Spirit of Columbia at Whittier. Transfer to motorcoaches for your trip via Turnagain Arm back to Anchorage. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner | Arrive In Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a wine and cheese reception. Overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. | | Fairbanks Sightseeing
Breakfast at your Fairbanks Hotel. Sightseeing today features a delightful riverboat excursion, a historic city tour and admission to the University of Alaska's Museum of the North. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your Fairbanks Hotel. BLD | | Fairbanks To Denali National Park and Preserve To Kantishna Roadhouse
Transfer by deluxe domed railcar to Denali National Park and Preserve with breakfast served on the train. Arrive in Denali where you will board a bus to take you 90 miles deep into the park to the Kantishna Roadhouse, for the next 2 nights. BD | | At Kantishna Roadhouse
Experience the Denali that most only dream of, with 2 nights and a full day deep within Denali Park. Kantishna Roadhouse offers guided hikes and opportunities for trail rides, canoe trips, and wildlife spotting. When the weather is clear, viewpoints in this area enjoy unparalleled panoramas of the Alaska Range, including 20,320-foot Mt. McKinley. Delicious home-cooked meals are included at the Roadhouse. BLD | | Kantishna Roadhouse To Anchorage
Drive Denali National Park's sole road to the park entrance. Along the way, watch for Alaska's big mammals - grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall's sheep. From Denali travel back to Anchorage via deluxe domed railcar. Dinner is included onboard. Overnight at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. BD | | Kayaking In Whittier, Set Sail
Travel by motorcoach down beautiful Turnagain Arm to Whittier. After brief paddling instructions, enjoy a spectacular time kayaking in Prince William Sound. You will glide past waterfalls and visit an active bird rookery, then land at a secluded beach for a hearty picnic lunch. Return to Whittier to board the Spirit of Columbia and settle into your comfortable stateroom. Sail into Prince William Sound to begin your 4-night cruise. BLD | | College Fjord And Esther Passage
Wake up near the face of massive glaciers in College Fjord. You will ease close to the active faces of the numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the tidal waters below. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on shellfish. Explore serene Eaglek Bay. BLD | | Chenega Glacier / Knight Island
Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads towards a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Later, enjoy "gunkholing" around the nearby islands - a nautical term for poking around the next corner just to see what's there. BLD | | Transfer To Anchorage
Disembark this morning in Whittier and travel back to Anchorage via Turnagain Arm for your return flight home. B |
| Arrive in Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to meet your fellow travelers for a wine and cheese reception. Overnight at a Fairbanks Hotel. | | Fairbanks Sightseeing
Breakfast at your Fairbanks Hotel. Sightseeing today features a delightful riverboat excursion, a historic city tour and admission to the University of Alaska's Museum of the North. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your Fairbanks Hotel. BLD | | Fairbanks to Denali National Park and Preserve to Kantishna Roadhouse
Transfer by deluxe domed railcar to Denali National Park and Preserve with breakfast served on the train. Arrive in Denali where you will board a bus to take you 90 miles deep into the park to the Kantishna Roadhouse, for the next 2 nights. BD | | At Kantishna Roadhouse
Experience the Denali that most only dream of, with 2 nights and a full day deep within Denali Park. Kantishna Roadhouse offers guided hikes and opportunities for trail rides, canoe trips, and wildlife spotting. When the weather is clear, viewpoints in this area enjoy unparalleled panoramas of the Alaska Range, including 20,320-foot Mt. McKinley. Delicious home-cooked meals are included at the Roadhouse. BLD | | Kantishna Roadhouse to Anchorage
Drive Denali National Park's sole road to the park entrance. Along the way, watch for Alaska's big mammals - grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall's sheep. From Denali travel back to Anchorage via deluxe domed railcar. Dinner is included onboard. Overnight at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. BD | | Kayaking in Whittier, Sail from Whittier
Travel by motorcoach down beautiful Turnagain Arm to Whittier. After brief paddling instructions, enjoy a spectacular time kayaking in Prince William Sound. You will glide past waterfalls and visit an active bird rookery, then land at a secluded beach for a hearty picnic lunch. Return to Whittier to board the Spirit of Columbia and settle into your comfortable stateroom. Sail into Prince William Sound to begin your 3-night cruise. BLD | | College Fjord and Esther Passage
Wake up near the face of massive glaciers in College Fjord. You will ease close to the active faces of the numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the tidal waters below. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on shellfish. Explore serene Eaglek Bay. BLD | | Cordova
Make a port call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River salmon. These delicious fish are caught in the pristine delta of the Copper River. Upon your arrival enjoy an included cultural experience highlighting the area’s rich Native history. Optional wilderness tours include sea kayaking, hiking, and river rafting. BLD | | Chenega Glacier and Knight Island
Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads towards a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Later, enjoy "gunkholing" around the nearby islands - a nautical term for poking around the next corner just to see what's there. BLD | | Transfer to Anchorage
Disembark this morning in Whittier and travel back to Anchorage via Turnagain Arm for your return flight home. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner |
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