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Emblematic Alaska

Emblematic Alaska

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Description

Alaska and its vast spaces, characteristic forests and rich wildlife will welcome you for a 9-day expedition cruise aboard Le Soléal.

Explore the temperate rainforests that cover the region’s territory. An ocean of conifers revealing snow-covered mountains in the background, and emphasising the sea and the waterways in the foreground, they are home to abundant biodiversity. Indeed, these primary rainforests represent a unique ecosystem, one of the planet’s richest, which provides ideal habitat for many species. Brown and black bears live here, as do white-tailed deer and the famous bald eagles that gracefully fly over the top of the immense Sitka spruce trees. This wildlife, lurking in the shadows, will observe you while you, in turn, attempt to spot it with the assistance of our on-board naturalist-guides.

The forest landscapes give way to more mineral decors, those of Alaska’s immense fjords. Aboard your ship, you will sail down navigation routes taking you to the majestic Dawes Glacier, at the end of the Endicott Arm fjord, or into the Misty Fjords to discover Rudyerd Bay, a real marvel of nature. At sea, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the most beautiful marine mammals: orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions or sea otters.

In the heart of this extraordinary and grandiose nature, the history of the populations of Alaska is written in the present tense. In Elfin Cove, only accessible by sea or air, you will immerse yourself in the local life, which is intrinsically linked to fishing. Hidden within the boreal forest, the island’s small village, perfumed with a scent of cedar wood, will guarantee you a unique experience. In Petersburg, fishing is also at the heart of local life and this former Norwegian colony treasures the story of its origins. A mosaic of peoples and history, Alaska also allows you to encounter indigenous communities, in particular the Tlingit in Kake. This is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating cultures, especially famous for their totem poles.

Trip Name
Emblematic Alaska
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 VANCOUVER
Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada's most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada's west coast, it's surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market Indian district and explore the historic area of ᅠGastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalised industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants and a huge produce market.
Day 2 - Day 2 SAILING IN THE JOHNSTONE STRAIT & AT SEA
Along the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100 km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife. Humpback whales and resident orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck.During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 INSIDE PASSAGE & METLAKATLA, ALASKA
Sheltered from the ocean currents of the Gulf of Alaska, this maritime route that weaves a path around the islands and islets of Southeast Alaska will offer you wonderful sailing experience. Conifer forests stretch on forever, interspersed with numerous coves, bays, huge valleys and deep fjords formed by ancient glavial valleys. Accessible only by sea, the fishing villages are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers that plunge into the waters of this veritable wildlife sanctuary. From your ship’s deck, you can try spotting humpback whales or the famous bald eagle, emblem of the region.On the western coast of Annette Island, the small settlement of Metlakatla will welcome you for a timeless experience. Founded in 1887 by a group of Tsimshians, from British Columbia, the Annette Island Reserve is today the only federal reservation for the indigenous peoples of Alaska. You will have the opportunity to discover their culture, between local arts and crafts, artistic performance and discovering the famous totem poles. A walking tour is also on the agenda for this port of call, in the heart of Alaskan culture.
Day 4 - Day 4 MISTY FJORDS, ALASKA
Rain forest, hypnotic blue lakes, snowy peaks, glacier valleys, waterfalls... You will behold a heavenly vision. This United States monument covering some 8,600 square kilometres is a designated Wilderness Area. This awesome countryside rolls out its majestic carpet of cedars, fir spruces and hemlocks. Here, you can feel Nature’s throbbing heartbeat. You may be lucky enough to spot some of the many animal inhabitants, such as sea otters, sea lions and grizzlies.
Day 5 - Day 5 PETERSBURG, ALASKA
Picture this: all around you, translucent waters. In the distance - snow-capped mountains. This is the vision that greets you on disembarking in Petersburg, one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing towns. The heart of the Tongass National forest is for people who yearn for a lungful of the great outdoors. There is some fauna here including no less than 240 species of birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales. Another special feature of this very lively town is its penchant for art. On its pavements and facades you can admire several murals, totems and sculptures.
Day 6 - Day 6 KAKE, ALASKA & ENDICOTT ARM, ALASKA
Discover the small Tlingit village of Kake, around 60 kilometres west of Petersburg. Located on Kupreanof Island, it houses a community of over 500 inhabitants. Kake is paradise for salmon, which spawn in the Gunnuk River near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do black bears, which come to enjoy the fish. Another singularity of these parts: the presence, on a hill, of a totem pole standing over 60 metres tall, considered the highest in the world.In the heart of the Alexander Archipelago, Endicott Arm fjord is a short inlet on the southern coast of Alaska that boasts spectacular views of virgin wilderness. The azure-blue waters, snow-capped mountains and lush forest are incredible but the main attraction is the Dawes glacier, whose vast, bluish back snakes down the mountain’s flank. Weather permitting, you can observe how icebergs are formed by getting a closer look at the white cliff where glacier meets water, or just enjoy watching the resident harbour seals frolicking in the icy waters.
Day 7 - Day 7 POINT ADOLPHUS, ALASKA & ELFIN COVE, ALASKA
Adolphus Point is located opposite the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This dreamlike site is world famous for watching humpback whales. In the summer season, these majestic mammals come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. They sometimes even come a few dozen feet from the shoreline, close to the houses and marinas. Orcas, sea lions,... maybe you’ll happen upon other marine species in these landscapes of fjords and ice fields. One thing is sure; here are the most beautiful Alaskan waters.At the tip of an island in the Alexander Archipelago, not far from the Canadian border, peaceful Elfin Cove shelters a fishing community that’s only linked to the rest of the world by the sea. There is just a dozen wooden houses, a long wooden pontoon and a tiny port surrounded by crystalline waters… It doesn’t get any quainter than this. Choose from a network of hiking paths that weave through a pristine forest, to lead you to secret beaches where silence reigns. The wonders of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, accessible by a short boat trip, are many.
Day 8 - Days 8 - 9 SITKA, ALASKA
Formerly a Russian colony located on Baranof island, to the west of the Alexander archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range around the port. In the distance, the snow-peaked Edgecumbe volcano stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.
Day 9 - Please Note:
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array9,070Superior Stateroom
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array9,770DeLuxe Stateroom
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array10,780Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array11,280Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array11,870Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array16,290Deluxe Suite
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array21,810Prestige Suite - Deck 5
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array22,910Prestige Suite - Deck 6
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array26,210Owner’s Suite
13-07-202420-07-2024Array Array08 Day Voyage

Inclusions

    • An expedition cruise to discover the Alaska of vast spaces and forests stretching as far as the eye can see: this region at the origin of adventures that have fired the imagination of several generations of travellers.
    • The presence of an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
    • Exploring Alaska’s majestic landscapes during scenic cruising along the country’s temperate rainforests, a unique and rich ecosystem home to many animal and plant species.
    • Visit traditional villages and meet the peoples of the Far North, particularly the Tlingit community in Kake.
    • Landscapes: fjords, tall mountains, huge glaciers, primary forest, jagged cliffs.
    • Wildlife: humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, grizzlies, sea otters, Steller sea lions, bald eagles.

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