September 11-18, 2023
As you explore the best Alaska glaciers, brace yourself for stunning views and shivers of excitement. From zip-lining through the Tongass National Forest to joining a team of professional mushers and their huskies on a sleigh ride over the snow to witnessing the majesty of the rugged mountains surrounding Endicott Arm, adventures abound in Alaska. You can view the cascading ice levels of Mendenhall Glacier from a boat, kayak or flightseeing aircraft, while watching whales mingle among brilliant icebergs drifting away from a calved wall of ice. No matter what you do during your vacation, this 7 night Alaska glacier cruise will show you magical contrasts: A newborn seal's fur against ancient blue ice, wildflowers growing next to soaring cliffs, and dogsleds pulling mushers underneath low-flying helicopters. It's all part of the rugged beauty of the last frontier.
Endicott Arm Fjord Glacier is less frequently visited than its sister Tracy Arm, but its secluded nature only adds to its appeal. Catch a glimpse of imposing Dawes Glacier: It's actually formed by two glaciers meeting, one of which features an impressive icefall, a crevasse that looks like a frozen waterfall, into the fjord below. You're sure to see roaming wildlife here: Watch the waters for seals and sea otters, or look to the skies for a glimpse of soaring bald eagles.
As glaciers move, they grind the earth to flour that turns the waters that wind through the fjords a gorgeous opaque turquoise color. Take an excursion or tour through the water-filled valleys of Mendenhall Glacier to bathe in the light that reflects off of the compressed ice. You can kayak through Mendenhall Lake, which is actually created by the melting waters of the 3,000-year-old glacier.
A thrilling helicopter ride tour can transport you to the Norris Glacier on the Juneau Icefield. Meet with professional mushers and their spirited dogs for an unforgettable dog-sledding adventure of ancient proportions: Archaeological evidence suggests the Inuit have been getting around via dog sled since around 1,000 A.D.
Explore Sitka National Historical Park to trace the town’s early beginnings and native heritage. The tiny town of Skagway still looks like it did during the Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago— and today it remains an outpost for thrilling Alaskan adventure. Victoria delivers a delightful blend of British pomp and outdoor adventure.
Seattle is a young city, but it's short history is part of the landscape and charm. Make sure you spend a few a days in the beautiful Emerald City. If you’re a nature lover, this jewel in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place for you to explore ahead of your cruise vacation. Though it offers plenty of metropolitan delights — think great restaurants, bars, a ton of shopping and lots (and lots) of hip coffee shops — Seattle is a big city with a wild, great-outdoors soul. It’s surrounded by ancient forests, sprawling public parks and, of course, the misty Puget Sound, where you can slow-moving tugboats, sleek kayaks and the occasional pod of whales.