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Peregrine Travel Centre

Alaska and British Columbia – Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture – Southbound

Alaska and British Columbia – Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture – Southbound

From AUD $10,299

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Description

Soul-stirring scenery and wildlife After a scenic overland transfer from Anchorage, we voyage from Seward to Vancouver and begin an expedition cruise to show you the remarkable diversity of nature and culture offered by Alaska and British Columbia. You’ll see towering mountains whose flanks are clad in old growth rainforest, and you’ll also see glittering glaciers and deep blue fjords. As we progress, we’ll be on the lookout for some of Alaska’s many wild species, including Bald Eagles, moose, bears, Steller sea lions, otters, orca, humpback whales and many, many seabirds.  
 A land of living culturesAlaska has a rich and complex history and is home to numerous cultures. From native peoples including the Tlingit and Haida, to the Russian settlers and the American Gold Rush pioneers – there’s so much to discover on your voyage. Activities such as kayaking up to waterfalls in the Misty Fjords, small boat cruising near glaciers, and authentic cultural experiences will ensure Alaska is imprinted onto your very soul. 

Trip Name
Alaska and British Columbia - Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture - Southbound
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 140 metres Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2019 In 2019, Hurtigruten adds a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten.  The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. Facilities on board One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center.   Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand picked Expedition Team.   The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.  MS Roald Amundsen will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage: Aune Main Dining, named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim - the ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Lindstrøm, a speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes. Artwork on board When the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ship embarks on her maiden voyage, every piece of art on board will be handpicked by HM Queen Sonja of Norway’s art foundation - the Queen Sonja Print Award. Read more about the exciting collaboration here.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Adventures in Anchorage
Explore Alaska's biggest city Your Alaskan adventure starts with an overnight stay in Anchorage, a city with plenty of restaurants, galleries and shops. The Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center give you a taste of local culture. If you prefer the open air, why not visit the flowering Town Square Park, or go salmon fishing in Ship Creek. To get the most out of your stay, we recommend joining our optional Pre-Programme to the incredible Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak and a huge range of Alaskan wildlife. 
Day 2 - DAY 2 A first taste of awesome Alaskan
Enjoy a drive through spectacular scenery After breakfast you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Seward. Our route goes through the Kenai Peninsula, considered by Alaskans and visitors alike to be some of the world’s most awe-inspiring backcountry scenery. The transfer will take you through this stunning scenery as we wend our way to the Pacific coast where our expedition ship awaits. Our embarkation point, Seward, is the only deep-water ice-free port with road, rail and air connections to Alaska’s interior. Once you board MS Roald Amundsen, locate your cabin and explore this spacious and comfortable expedition ship which will be your home for almost two weeks. 
Day 3 - DAY 3 Ivy League glaciers
Get ready to experience nature’s raw power Today we visit College Fjord, which features five tidewater glaciers and five valley glaciers, as well as a dozen other types.  The 1899 Harriman expedition team, which charted the fjord, named the glaciers after their alma maters, including Vassar, Harvard and Yale. Princeton is missing, apparently a deliberate snub.  We’ll get as close to the glaciers as we safely can, taking our small expedition boats into the fjord or even exploring by kayak if conditions permit. From the water, you might catch sight of humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and sea lions, all of which inhabit this icy wilderness. 
Day 4 - DAY 4 Glaciers of Icy Bay
Spot wildlife in these glacier-fed waters Today is an exploration day in Icy Bay. Three glaciers – Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall – regularly calve into this bay. If conditions allow, you’ll explore in our small expedition boats or by kayak, immersing you in the remarkable beauty of this icy landscape.  Wildlife abounds in the Gulf of Alaska, offering unrivalled photography opportunities. Humpback whales, orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and harbour seals lazing on floating chunks of ice are often seen in these waters. 
Day 5 - DAY 5 William Henry Bay
See ancient forests, wildlife and whalesIn the morning we’ll pass by Point Adolphus, located on the northern tip of Chichagof Island across from Glacier Bay National Park. The nutrient-rich waters are known for attracting humpback whales and other marine life, so be sure to get out on deck and have your camera ready.  William Henry Bay lies south of Haines at the edge of the Chilkat Range mountains, and is home to brown bears, black bears and moose. Under the watchful eye of an expert local guide, we’ll drop anchor here and explore the shores lined with old-growth forest. 
Day 6 - DAY 6 Tlingit crafts in Haines
Discover an artistic heritage in the 'Valley of the Eagles' Near the head of the Lynn Canal lies the frontier town of Haines, which was originally home to the Chilkat Tlingit people. They are renowned for their weaving skills, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark woven into intricate designs, and here, you’ll see excellent examples of their work. Haines has a flourishing art scene, with galleries and workshops showcasing totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures. Taking home some Alaskan arts and crafts is a great way to support local creators. The beautiful landscapes here are also ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. 
Day 7 - DAY 7 Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm
See the lesser-known gems of Holkham Bay  Holkham Bay is home to two beautiful fjords – Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Your Captain will decide which offers better exploration options on the day.  At the end of each fjord, fresh icebergs calve from the glaciers against a stunning backdrop of rocky cliffs. This area is a breeding ground for harbour seals, who are often seen on the floating ice. You might also see whales, bears and mountain goats. 
Day 8 - DAY 8 Blended Cultures of Sitka
Take in Sitka’s views and unique mix of cultures Surrounded by Tongass National Forest, Sitka is only accessible by sea or air. Get out on deck for stunning views of the Sisters Mountains and Mount Edgecumbe volcano.  Inhabited by the Tlingit people for 10,000 years, the town was settled by Russian explorers around the turn of the 19th century before being sold to the United States after Russia lost the Crimean War. Today, Sitka has roots in all three cultures.  A visit to the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Russian Bishop's House is recommended. Admire ornate Haida and Tlingit totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park and enjoy a walking trail through the forest to the ocean.  
Day 9 - DAY 9 The wonders of the southeast
Discover Southeast Alaska’s magical waterways Explore Alaska in true expedition style on today’s exploration day in this magical corner of the Inside Passage. Conditions permitting, we may take to the water in our small expedition boats, and seek out secluded coves, iceberg-filled bays, and thickly forested shorelines. Try and catch a glimpse of some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, including Bald Eagles, Pigeon Guillemots, otters, whales and even bears, if luck is on our side. 
Day 10 - DAY 10 Wrangell's Petroglyphs
Visit one of Alaska’s oldest harbour towns We continue cruising the Alaskan islands towards Wrangell. Only a mile out of town, Petroglyph Beach is where you'll see ancient rock carvings among the sand. Visit the local museum to learn more about Wrangell's fascinating past. Now part of the United States, it was once governed by Britain, Russia and the Tlingit people. Cross to Shakes Island, where the Chief Shakes Tribal House and totem poles tell the story of the Indigenous Tlingit people.  Hikers will enjoy the nature trails, surrounded by alluring scenery at the mouth of Stikine River, and the foot of Mount Dewey at the edge of the rainforest.  
Day 11 - DAY 11 Unspoiled Misty Fjords
Revel in a wilderness where wildlife thrives  Part of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreens, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. The revered naturalist writer John Muir described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.  Weather permitting, you'll join the Expedition Team to tour Misty Fjords in our small expedition boats, or take kayaks out. Misty Fjords is rich in wildlife. You’ll scan for mountain goats, bears and moose as you explore. The waters are home to Pacific salmon, otters, sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Skywards, you might spot herons and Bald Eagles.
Day 12 - DAY 12 Canada's Inside Passage
See sublime scenery as we sail the Inside Passage The Inside Passage coastal route takes us through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long. Unlike other cruises which pass through at night, you’ll be able to view the sublime scenery in all its glory during the day.  Our smaller expedition ship allows us to reach areas that larger vessels can’t, meaning you’ll get to explore lesser-travelled channels with breathtaking scenery. Keep your cameras and binoculars at the ready to catch sight of dolphins, porpoises, orcas and humpback whales.
Day 13 - DAY 13 Meet the Kwakwaka’wakw
Receive a warm welcome in Alert Bay We arrive at Alert Bay, a scenic village on Cormorant Island, north of Vancouver Island. Here we'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community – to be welcomed by them is a real privilege.  At the U'mista Cultural Center, you'll see elaborate totem poles, paintings, carvings, ceremonial masks and other meaningful artifacts.The island’s sheltered waters attract a huge array of wildlife – the Yellow-billed Loon, with its distinctive speckled back, is a particular highlight. Keep an eye out for orcas and humpback whales close to shore.  
Day 14 - DAY 14 A taste of Vancouver
Disembark in British Columbia’s iconic city  Your expedition cruise ends in Vancouver, a beautiful city at the foot of the Rockies. Visit Gastown, the city's oldest neighbourhood, and climb Vancouver Lookout for a citywide view overlooking neon-lit Granville Street, the West End beaches, and the towering cedars of Stanley Park.  Vancouver has a flavour all its own – and so does its global cuisine. Before your onward journey,  we recommend you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy for a taste of the city's buzzing atmosphere. 
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-05-202529-05-2025AUD $10,299Polar Outside. From
16-05-202529-05-2025AUD $11,338Arctic Superior. From
16-05-202529-05-2025AUD $16,722Expedition Suite. From
09-06-202522-06-2025AUD $11,152Polar Outside. From
09-06-202522-06-2025AUD $12,284Arctic Superior. From
09-06-202522-06-2025AUD $17,330Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Explore the vast wilderness and historic towns of Alaska as you journey from Anchorage to Vancouver.
    • Discover Alaska's wild landscapes and captivating fjords, scanning for humpback whales, Bald Eagles and bears along the way.
    • Enjoy a scenic overland journey to Seward, and experience the vibrant city of Vancouver, visiting historic Gastown, Granville Street and West End beaches.

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