Coastal Odyssey - 3A/4A

The coastal waters between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Anchorage, Alaska, are among the most beautiful on earth. For more than 1,600 miles, nature puts on a show. Each day of your journey presents new wonders. Cliffs that soar 3,000 feet from the water?s edge, spectacular glaciers that press into narrow channels and break into thunderous roars, and dense forests which crowd the coastline and cradle entire ecosystems. From the mythic white spirit bears in the south to the great glaciers of the north, this is an odyssey of grand scale.

Itinerary

Day 1: Set Sail from Vancouver

Transfer to the Spirit of Oceanus. Sail under the Lion's Gate Bridge as your panoramic cruise begins.

Days 2-3: Cruising British Columbia

Over the next two days you will see waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and porpoise.

Day 4: Misty Fjords and Metlakatla

The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fjords are your entrance to Alaska through spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially carved fjord. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers will join you onboard to offer area insights. The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla greets you with a dance performance attheir tribal longhouse.

Day 5: Petersburg

Winding Wrangell Narrows leads to the Norwegian-founded fishing village of Petersburg, where you will be entertained by local folk dancers.

Day 6: Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound

You will be cruising far up Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. There will be time to search the waters for humpback and orca whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoise in Frederick Sound. You may spend time anchored in a secluded cove.

Day 7: Skagway

Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers. This is the home of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.

Day 8: Glacier Bay

Realize the beauty of majestic Glacier Bay National Park, on an excursion looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A Park Service Ranger joins you onboard to help spot wildlife and offer fascinating information on this evolving area.

Day 9: Sitka

Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artifacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historica Park.

Day 10: Gulf of Alaska

Snowcapped mountains, some soaring to 15,000 feef, line the northern horizon today as you enjoy a full day of life at sea.

Day 11: Prince William Sound

Keep your binoculars and camera handy as you explore the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound. Here, you will witness the very best of the hidden wildlife wonders.

Day 12: Whittier to Anchorage

You will be transferred to the Sheraton Hotel in beautiful Anchorage to spend a relaxing evening nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the shoreline of Cook Inlet.

Day 13: Anchorage

Prior to your transfer to the airport, enjoy a morning Anchorage tour which includes a visit to the Museum of History and Fine Art.