Canada & Alaska Canada & Alaska | Page 43

ALASKA CRUISE
7 night cruise from £ 749pp
SOLO TRAVELLER from £ 1299pp
Inside Passage
Ketchikan
ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
DAY 1 Vancouver
Make your way to the port for an early afternoon embarkation before the ship sets sail at 4pm .
DAY 2 Scenic Cruising of the Inside Passage
Alaska ’ s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rainforests along Alaska ’ s rugged southeast coast . It is , arguably , one of the world ’ s greatest cruising routes thanks to stunning landscapes that include Misty Fjords National Monument , and the opportunity to spot iconic wildlife such as humpback whales , brown bears and bald eagles .
DAY 3 Tracy Arm Inlet & Juneau
This morning the ship briefly visits Tracy Arm Inlet , a fjord flanked by steep cliffs and glacier-covered mountains while also fringed by the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the USA . The ship cruises on to Juneau , arriving early afternoon . Juneau is one of the most remote , beautiful and strangest state capitals in the USA . Surrounded by water , forest and mountain sights , Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation , fresh seafood and fine dining . The real highlight of a visit here is tracking down wildlife , whether you opt to hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles or head off on a whale-watching trip to Auke Bay .
DAY 4 Skagway
Once the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields , Skagway was a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts , saloons and guest houses . Visitors today can immerse themselves in gold rush lore by taking a tour of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or dropping into the infamous Red Onion Saloon . You may wish to take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad , a classic narrow-guage railway that traverses rugged mountains and passes cascading waterfalls and towering glaciers as it connects Skagway to Whitehorse deep in the Yukon .
Skagway
Fluid lines , light-filled spaces and a blend of 21st century elegance and nautical tradition dazzle at every turn on Koningsdam . The ship , which can host 2,650 guests , abounds with innovative dining , entertainment options and enriching activities . It also boasts more outside ocean view and verandah staterooms than most other ocean cruise ships in Alaska , so do consider upgrading .
DAY 5 Glacier Bay ( cruising only )
With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores , Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world . Keep your binoculars and camera to hand as wildlife abounds - you never know when you will see the fluke of a humpback rise out of the water or spot a lone brown bear wandering a windswept beach . You may also have a chance to witness ice calving or just hear the creaks and groans of the ‘ living ’ ice . Local experts come aboard and provide expert insight into this diverse ecosystem and millenia-old culture .
DAY 6 Ketchikan
Clinging to the banks of the Tongass Narrows , Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon fishing and packing industries . It is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit , Haida and Tsimshian . See the intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bright State Park , or visit Saxman Village to see Tlingit culture in action . Don ’ t forget to leave time to explore the sights in the town itself , including historic Creek Street , a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek , where you can shop for souvenirs , smoked salmon and local art , while exploring gold rush - era tourist attractions like Dolly ’ s House Museum .
DAY 7 Scenic Cruising of the Inside Passage
Another opportunity to absorb the mesmerising and bucket-list worthy landscapes of this incredible waterway .
DAY 8 Vancouver
Your cruise concludes this morning as the ship returns to Vancouver .
Glacier Bay NP
Gulf of Alaska
ALASKA
Skagway Juneau Tracy Arm
Ketchikan
ms Koningsdam 7 nights
Glacier Bay
Inside Passage CANADA
Vancouver
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Saturdays , April to September . Accommodation : In an inside stateroom onboard . Ocean view and verandah staterooms available at a supplement . Meals : Full board . Cruise price : Includes 7 nights accommodation in an inside stateroom , all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on disembarkation , entertainment onboard and port taxes . Visa : As this cruise goes into the USA , you will need to obtain either an ESTA or visa prior to departure .
Note : Optional shore excursions are not included and subject to availability . Gratuities , fine dining restaurants and drinks also not included .
www . premierholidays . co . uk ALASKA , YUKON & MANITOBA 43