ALASKA CRUISE & EXCURSIONS
(Ketchikan-Juneau-Skagway-Glacier Bay )
(Ketchikan-Juneau-Skagway-Glacier Bay )
ALASKA CRUISES-There are many companies to choose from: Alaskan Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Silver Seas. The cruises nearly all call at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with some rarer alternatives for Haines, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and/or Sitka. Seattle based round trip cruises also have a compulsory docking in a Canadian port under the antiquated U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act 1886 (often incorrectly referred to as the ‘Jones Act’), and usually do so in Victoria, at nearly useless hours to enable little to be done or seen. There are also different options for cruising in glacier areas with some (Holland America and Princess mainly) having access to Glacier Bay National Park, some going to Hubbard Glacier, some going to Tracy Arm.
CRUISE ROUTES-as a sample are-
i-a-Seattle to Seattle 7 Nights –
Day Destination Arrives Departs
Day 1 Seattle 4:00 PM
Day 2 At Sea Crusing
Day 3 Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord Crusing
Day 4 Skagway 7:00 AM 9:00 PM
Day 5 Juneau 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Day 6 At Sea Crusing
Day 7 Victoria 3:00 PM 11:00 PM
Day 8 Seattle 7:00 AM
Day 1 Seattle 4:00 PM
Day 2 At Sea Crusing
Day 3 Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord Crusing
Day 4 Skagway 7:00 AM 9:00 PM
Day 5 Juneau 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Day 6 At Sea Crusing
Day 7 Victoria 3:00 PM 11:00 PM
Day 8 Seattle 7:00 AM
i-b-Seattle to Seattle-7Day-Inside Passage with Glacier Bay (Roundtrip from Seattle)-Ports: Seattle, Washington | Juneau, Alaska | Skagway, Alaska | Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) | Ketchikan, Alaska | Victoria, British Columbia | Seattle, Washington.
ii- Anchorage to Vanvouver 7Nights(Southbound)-
Day Port / Date Arrive Depart
1 Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska 8:30 PM
2 Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 3:00 PM 8:00 PM
3 Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 9:15 AM 7:30 PM
4 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM
5 Juneau, Alaska 6:30 AM 4:00 PM
6 Ketchikan, Alaska 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
7 At Sea Cruising
8 Vancouver, British Columbia 7:30 AM
1 Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska 8:30 PM
2 Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 3:00 PM 8:00 PM
3 Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 9:15 AM 7:30 PM
4 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM
5 Juneau, Alaska 6:30 AM 4:00 PM
6 Ketchikan, Alaska 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
7 At Sea Cruising
8 Vancouver, British Columbia 7:30 AM
iii-Seattle to Vancouver 7days-
Day Cruise Ports Arrive Depart
Sun Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) 4:00 pm
Mon At Sea Crusing
Tue Juneau, Alaska 2:00 pm 10:00 pm
Wed Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:15 pm
Thu Cruise Glacier Bay Crusing
Fri Ketchikan 8:00 am 6:00 pm
Sat At Sea Crusing
Sun Vancouver, British Columbia (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am
Sun Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) 4:00 pm
Mon At Sea Crusing
Tue Juneau, Alaska 2:00 pm 10:00 pm
Wed Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:15 pm
Thu Cruise Glacier Bay Crusing
Fri Ketchikan 8:00 am 6:00 pm
Sat At Sea Crusing
Sun Vancouver, British Columbia (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am
iv-Vancouver to Seward 7 Days-
Day Port Arrive Depart
Day 1 Vancouver, British Columbia 4:30 PM
Day 2 Inside Passage (Cruising) Cruising
Day 3 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:00 AM 4:00 PM
Day 4 Icy Strait Point, Alaska 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
Day 5 Juneau, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM
Day 6 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 4:30 PM
Day 7 Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) 7:00 AM 11:00 AM
Day 8 Seward, Alaska 5:00 AM
Day 1 Vancouver, British Columbia 4:30 PM
Day 2 Inside Passage (Cruising) Cruising
Day 3 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:00 AM 4:00 PM
Day 4 Icy Strait Point, Alaska 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
Day 5 Juneau, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM
Day 6 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 4:30 PM
Day 7 Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) 7:00 AM 11:00 AM
Day 8 Seward, Alaska 5:00 AM
V-Vancouver to Whitter 7 days-
Day Cruise Ports Arrive Depart
Mon Vancouver, British Columbia (EMBARK) 4:00 pm
Tue Cruising the Inside Passage Cruising
Wed Ketchikan 7:00 am 4:00 pm
Thu Juneau, Alaska 10:00 am 8:00 pm
Fri Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:00 pm
Sat Cruise Glacier Bay Cruising
Sun Cruise Hubbard Glacier Cruising
Mon Whittier, Alaska (DISEMBARK) 7:00 am
Mon Vancouver, British Columbia (EMBARK) 4:00 pm
Tue Cruising the Inside Passage Cruising
Wed Ketchikan 7:00 am 4:00 pm
Thu Juneau, Alaska 10:00 am 8:00 pm
Fri Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:00 pm
Sat Cruise Glacier Bay Cruising
Sun Cruise Hubbard Glacier Cruising
Mon Whittier, Alaska (DISEMBARK) 7:00 am
vi-Vancouver to Vancouver 7 Days*-
Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Vancouver, B.C., CA 05:00 PM
1 Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage Cruisnig
2 Juneau, Alaska, US 01:00 PM 10:00 PM
3 Skagway, Alaska, US 07:00 AM 09:00 PM
4 Glacier Bay 07:00 AM 04:00 PM
5 Ketchikan, Alaska, US 11:00 AM 06:00 PM
6 Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage Cruisnig
7 Vancouver, B.C., CA 07:00 AM
0 Vancouver, B.C., CA 05:00 PM
1 Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage Cruisnig
2 Juneau, Alaska, US 01:00 PM 10:00 PM
3 Skagway, Alaska, US 07:00 AM 09:00 PM
4 Glacier Bay 07:00 AM 04:00 PM
5 Ketchikan, Alaska, US 11:00 AM 06:00 PM
6 Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage Cruisnig
7 Vancouver, B.C., CA 07:00 AM
vii- 12 Days- CONNOISSEUR ESCORTED - TOUR -
Day Port Arrive Depart
1 Anchorage-Arrive in Anchorage for an overnight stay. Meet your Tour Director and
fellow traveling companions.
2 Anchorage/Mt. McKinley-Travel by scenic motorcoach to the Mt. McKinley Princess
Wilderness Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening at the lodge. Dinner is at
the Mountain View Restaurant. (B,D)
3 Mt. McKinley-The entire day is free to spend as you choose. Explore the nature trails,
opt for an excursion or just take in the views from the deck at the lodge. (B,D)
4 Mt. McKinley/Denali-This morning, travel by motorcoach to Denali National Park
and the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. This evening, you'll be treated to the Music
of Denali dinner theater. (B,D)
5 Denali-Travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. The rest
of the afternoon is at your leisure to plan an excursion or relax at the lodge. Enjoy dinner
this evening at King Salmon Restaurant. (B,L,D)
6 Denali/Whittier-Ride the Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail to your awaiting ship in Whittier.
Embark and sail this evening. (B,L)
6 Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska 8:30 PM
7 Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 3:00 PM 8:00 PM
8 Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 9:15 AM 7:30 PM
9 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM
10 Juneau, Alaska 6:30 AM 4:00 PM
11 Ketchikan, Alaska 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
12 At Sea
13 Vancouver, British Columbia 7:30 AM
1 Anchorage-Arrive in Anchorage for an overnight stay. Meet your Tour Director and
fellow traveling companions.
2 Anchorage/Mt. McKinley-Travel by scenic motorcoach to the Mt. McKinley Princess
Wilderness Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening at the lodge. Dinner is at
the Mountain View Restaurant. (B,D)
3 Mt. McKinley-The entire day is free to spend as you choose. Explore the nature trails,
opt for an excursion or just take in the views from the deck at the lodge. (B,D)
4 Mt. McKinley/Denali-This morning, travel by motorcoach to Denali National Park
and the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. This evening, you'll be treated to the Music
of Denali dinner theater. (B,D)
5 Denali-Travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. The rest
of the afternoon is at your leisure to plan an excursion or relax at the lodge. Enjoy dinner
this evening at King Salmon Restaurant. (B,L,D)
6 Denali/Whittier-Ride the Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail to your awaiting ship in Whittier.
Embark and sail this evening. (B,L)
6 Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska 8:30 PM
7 Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 3:00 PM 8:00 PM
8 Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising) 9:15 AM 7:30 PM
9 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 AM 8:30 PM
10 Juneau, Alaska 6:30 AM 4:00 PM
11 Ketchikan, Alaska 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
12 At Sea
13 Vancouver, British Columbia 7:30 AM
TRAVEL KETCHIKENEN
ABOUT KETCHIKEN-"The Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan remains a popular Alaskan tourist destination. Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “first city” due to its location at the southern tip of the Inside Passage (The Inside Passage is a coastal route for oceangoing vessels along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific coast of North America), it is the first city on the northbound cruise. The city is backed by forested slopes and distinctively shaped Deer Mountain and faces Tongass Narrows. Founded as a salmon cannery site in 1885, Ketchikan's livelihood was initially fishing and logging became an important industry, and when cruise ships started plying the waters of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan naturally became a popular port of call. It is located at 55°21′00″N 131°40′24″W and the city population is 8000 and the area is 15.3km2.Ketchiken is located on an island which is 1100kms from Seattle and 378kms from Juneau. It is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. In Ketchikan chances are good it will rain at least once. The average annual rainfall is 162 inches.
The downtown area is the main commercial district and contains two large harbours, several cruise ship docks, and many of Ketchikan’s main attractions, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk road built over Ketchikan Creek on pilings. Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles in the world. Be sure to spend some time at one of the 3 totem pole parks in the area (Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved on poles of a large tree with symbols or figure-serve as functional architectural features, welcome signs for village visitors etc.), Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park, each brimming with majestic, multi-coloured Tlingit and Haida totems amid a spectacular rural setting. The city centre is best viewed from Ketchikan’s Waterfront Promenade that skirts the busy shoreline and is equipped with historical markers and whale-tail benches for visitors to rest and take in the view.
Ketchikan also serves as the departure point for side trips to Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, numerous bear viewing sites and the area’s most impressive attraction - Misty Fiords National Monument. Daily scheduled jet service serves Ketchikan from Seattle, Anchorage, Juneau and many Inside Passage communities. Charter air taxi service is available to many other Inside Passage communities. Bear viewing has become a popular activity around Ketchikan and usually involves an air taxi flight or boat cruise.
i-DOLLY'S HOUSE MUSEUM-The most popular house in the 1930s on Creek Street was Dolly's House, the parlour of the city's most famous madam, Dolly Arthur. Inside you’re guided through the brothel, hear about Dolly’s intriguing life in Alaska.
ii-HISTORIC CREEK STREET- Creek Street, which isn’t really a street at all but a boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek on pilings. This was Ketchikan's famed red-light district until prostitution became illegal in 1954. During Creek Street's heyday, it supported up to 30 brothels and became known as the only place in Alaska wher ”the fishermen and the fish went upstream to spawn.” Today the street is home to art galleries, gift shops, bookstores, restaurants and is a photographer's delight.
iii-MARRIED MAN'S TRAIL-From Creek Street, Married Man's Trail is a winding trail through tress which leads to the top of a hill offering beautiful views of the town and Tongass Narrows below.
iv-SAXMAN NATIVE VILLAGE TOTEM PARK-Located at the south side of the city. At the heart of the park is Saxman Totem Park. Scattered throughout the park are 24 totem poles moved from abandoned villages around the Inside Passage during the 1930s and restored or re-carved. Among the collection is a replica of the Lincoln Pole (the original is in the Alaska State Museum in Juneau), which was carved in 1883, using a picture of Abraham Lincoln.
v-TOTEM HERITAGE CENTER-A short walk from downtown Ketchikan is Totem Heritage Centre. The centre was established in 1976 to preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan.
vi-WATERFRONT PROMENADE-Ketchikan’s newest boardwalk is the Waterfront Promenade that begins near Berth 4, passes Harbour View Park, follows the cruise ship docks and then wraps around Thomas Basin Harbour. Along the way there are plenty of whale tail and halibut benches to take a break and admire the maritime scenery.
The downtown area is the main commercial district and contains two large harbours, several cruise ship docks, and many of Ketchikan’s main attractions, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk road built over Ketchikan Creek on pilings. Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles in the world. Be sure to spend some time at one of the 3 totem pole parks in the area (Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved on poles of a large tree with symbols or figure-serve as functional architectural features, welcome signs for village visitors etc.), Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park, each brimming with majestic, multi-coloured Tlingit and Haida totems amid a spectacular rural setting. The city centre is best viewed from Ketchikan’s Waterfront Promenade that skirts the busy shoreline and is equipped with historical markers and whale-tail benches for visitors to rest and take in the view.
Ketchikan also serves as the departure point for side trips to Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, numerous bear viewing sites and the area’s most impressive attraction - Misty Fiords National Monument. Daily scheduled jet service serves Ketchikan from Seattle, Anchorage, Juneau and many Inside Passage communities. Charter air taxi service is available to many other Inside Passage communities. Bear viewing has become a popular activity around Ketchikan and usually involves an air taxi flight or boat cruise.
i-DOLLY'S HOUSE MUSEUM-The most popular house in the 1930s on Creek Street was Dolly's House, the parlour of the city's most famous madam, Dolly Arthur. Inside you’re guided through the brothel, hear about Dolly’s intriguing life in Alaska.
ii-HISTORIC CREEK STREET- Creek Street, which isn’t really a street at all but a boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek on pilings. This was Ketchikan's famed red-light district until prostitution became illegal in 1954. During Creek Street's heyday, it supported up to 30 brothels and became known as the only place in Alaska wher ”the fishermen and the fish went upstream to spawn.” Today the street is home to art galleries, gift shops, bookstores, restaurants and is a photographer's delight.
iii-MARRIED MAN'S TRAIL-From Creek Street, Married Man's Trail is a winding trail through tress which leads to the top of a hill offering beautiful views of the town and Tongass Narrows below.
iv-SAXMAN NATIVE VILLAGE TOTEM PARK-Located at the south side of the city. At the heart of the park is Saxman Totem Park. Scattered throughout the park are 24 totem poles moved from abandoned villages around the Inside Passage during the 1930s and restored or re-carved. Among the collection is a replica of the Lincoln Pole (the original is in the Alaska State Museum in Juneau), which was carved in 1883, using a picture of Abraham Lincoln.
v-TOTEM HERITAGE CENTER-A short walk from downtown Ketchikan is Totem Heritage Centre. The centre was established in 1976 to preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan.
vi-WATERFRONT PROMENADE-Ketchikan’s newest boardwalk is the Waterfront Promenade that begins near Berth 4, passes Harbour View Park, follows the cruise ship docks and then wraps around Thomas Basin Harbour. Along the way there are plenty of whale tail and halibut benches to take a break and admire the maritime scenery.
CLIMATE-
Ave. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM 4 5 6 10 13 16 18 18 15 10 6 4
AcL -2 -0.4 0.6 3 5 8 11 11 8 5 1 -0.6
Ave. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM 4 5 6 10 13 16 18 18 15 10 6 4
AcL -2 -0.4 0.6 3 5 8 11 11 8 5 1 -0.6
MISTY FJORDS NATIONAL MONUMENT- Misty Fjords is only accessible by plane or boat.Misty Fjords (Misty Fiords) National Monument is a 22,94,350-acre park which was carved by glaciers some 10,000 years ago. Saltwater fjords surrounded by sheer granite walls are alive with waterfalls cascading down thousands of feet. Misty Fiords is about 64 km east of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the Inside Passage coast. Light-coloured granite, about 50 to 70 million years old has been sculpted by glaciers that gouged deep U-shaped troughs throughout the monument. Many of the glacial valleys are filled with sea water and are called "canals", but they are not man-made in any way, the walls of these valleys are near-vertical and often rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level, and drop 1,000 feet below it. Most mountain tops in the monument are in the 4,000 to 5,000 foot elevation range. Tree line is usually around 2,700 feet. Sitka Spruce and Western Redcedar dominate the prolific rainforest vegetation, wildlife in abundance includes both Grizzly and Black Bears, many species of salmon, whales, mountain goats, and deer.
TOURS AT KETCHIKEN-
001-MISTY FJORDS CRUISE* (http://www.promechair.com/)-Set sail on a high-speed catamaran from the downtown waterfront of Alaska’s first city, Ketchikan to Misty Fjords National Monument. Cruise the Inside Passage along the Tongass Narrows and the Behm Canal until you spot the towering volcanic spire known as New Eddystone Rock, a rock formation that calls to mind the dramatic geologic forces that shaped this area six million years ago. This landmark also marks the entrance to Rudyerd Bay and Misty Fjords. Surrounded by cliffs towering thousands of feet and waterfalls cascading into emerald waters. Watch for bears, whales, orcas, mountain goats, seals and sea lions. View all this from the comfort of the enclosed cabin of your catamaran or venture out onto the open deck for some fresh air while taking in the peacefulness of the Fjords. (Duration: Approximately 5¼ hours).
002-MAGNIFICENT MISTY FJORDS By FLOATPLANE
(http://www.promechair.com/) -Misty Fjords National Monument spans more than two million acres. Towering granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, lush and remote valleys and serene crystalline lakes make up this incredible landscape. This unspoiled wilderness is includes the best scenery that Alaska has to offer. As your experienced pilot flies you into Misty Fjords, you will see spectacular Rudyerd Bay and New Eddystone Rock, a striking volcanic spire. Midway through flight, they will land on a pristine lake or saltwater inlet, where you will step out onto the floats of your plane to absorb sweeping silence, peaceful serenity and the incredible wilderness scenery. While never guaranteed, be on the lookout for eagles, bears, mountain goats, whales and sea lions, these are just some of the fascinating animals and birds that inhabit the region. A souvenir of route guide booklet will help you identify landmarks and scenic highlights and will also serve as a memento of your fascinating Alaska floatplane trip. Price: $229 per person. Duration: 2 hours (approximate).Approximate flightseeing time: 75 minutes (includes a 10 minute water landing on a lake or fjord).
(http://www.promechair.com/) -Misty Fjords National Monument spans more than two million acres. Towering granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, lush and remote valleys and serene crystalline lakes make up this incredible landscape. This unspoiled wilderness is includes the best scenery that Alaska has to offer. As your experienced pilot flies you into Misty Fjords, you will see spectacular Rudyerd Bay and New Eddystone Rock, a striking volcanic spire. Midway through flight, they will land on a pristine lake or saltwater inlet, where you will step out onto the floats of your plane to absorb sweeping silence, peaceful serenity and the incredible wilderness scenery. While never guaranteed, be on the lookout for eagles, bears, mountain goats, whales and sea lions, these are just some of the fascinating animals and birds that inhabit the region. A souvenir of route guide booklet will help you identify landmarks and scenic highlights and will also serve as a memento of your fascinating Alaska floatplane trip. Price: $229 per person. Duration: 2 hours (approximate).Approximate flightseeing time: 75 minutes (includes a 10 minute water landing on a lake or fjord).
003-MISTY FJORDS WILDERNESS CRUISE & FLIGHT
(http://www.promechair.com/)-A stunning tour from downtown Ketchikan into Misty Fjords National Monument, this combination excursion incorporates a cruise on a comfortable, state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran and a floatplane flight in a plane.
Price: $339 per person. Duration: 2.5 hour cruise and 30 minute flight that can operate either boat first or flight first. Dates of tour operation: May through September.
(http://www.promechair.com/)-A stunning tour from downtown Ketchikan into Misty Fjords National Monument, this combination excursion incorporates a cruise on a comfortable, state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran and a floatplane flight in a plane.
Price: $339 per person. Duration: 2.5 hour cruise and 30 minute flight that can operate either boat first or flight first. Dates of tour operation: May through September.
004- ALL ALASKAN FLIGHTSEEING AND KAYAKING TOURS
(http://www.carlinair.com/) - Tours combines flightseeing of the Misty Fjords National Monument along with a guided sea kayaking experience out of Orcas Cove. The 5 hour combination trip allows you to make the most of your time in Ketchikan by taking 2 tours in one. Southeast Sea Kayaks picks up guests on the cruise ship dock and gets everyone outfitted for kayaking. Head straight out of town to Orcas Cove by boat, about 20 minutes away. In the floatplane the 3000 foot granite cliffs and waterfalls of Misty Fjords are an incredible sight. A true wilderness with no roads or towns. As you fly over Alpine lakes and old growth forest, keep an eye out for mountain goats and both black and brown bears on the ground. An exhilarating part of the trip is landing in the Misty Fjords and getting out of the plane to take photos and enjoy the extraordinary serenity of the Fjords. We drop you back at the cruise ship dock by van upon your return to town. Price: $389 per person.
(http://www.carlinair.com/) - Tours combines flightseeing of the Misty Fjords National Monument along with a guided sea kayaking experience out of Orcas Cove. The 5 hour combination trip allows you to make the most of your time in Ketchikan by taking 2 tours in one. Southeast Sea Kayaks picks up guests on the cruise ship dock and gets everyone outfitted for kayaking. Head straight out of town to Orcas Cove by boat, about 20 minutes away. In the floatplane the 3000 foot granite cliffs and waterfalls of Misty Fjords are an incredible sight. A true wilderness with no roads or towns. As you fly over Alpine lakes and old growth forest, keep an eye out for mountain goats and both black and brown bears on the ground. An exhilarating part of the trip is landing in the Misty Fjords and getting out of the plane to take photos and enjoy the extraordinary serenity of the Fjords. We drop you back at the cruise ship dock by van upon your return to town. Price: $389 per person.
TRAVEL JUNEAU
ABOUT JANEAU-Juneau is the capital city of Alaska. Juneau is located at 58°18′07″N 134°25′11″W and at the base of Mount Juneau and across the channel from Douglas Island. The city & borough area is 8430Km2 with population of 32,000 only. Juneau is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau. Downtown Juneau sits closely between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts and Gastineau Channel, and is a maze of narrow streets. Junaeu is below steep mountains about 3000-4000 ft. high, and on the top of mountains is the Junaeu Icefield. The Icefield is made up of 30 glaciers and Mendelhall & Lemon Creek Glaciers are visible from the road. The glacier sits within the Tongass National Forest the largest national forest in the United States and visitors to the area can watch icebergs calve off its frozen face into Mendenhall Lake, go for a hike or check out the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the 38 major glaciers that extend from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield, and many of them can be seen from the air as part of a flightseeing tour. Most helicopter tours offer glacier landings, glacier treks and glacier dog sled rides.
The waterfront bustles with cruise ships, fishing boats and floatplanes zipping in and out. With no road access to Juneau, it is the only state capital in the United States that can only be reached by airplane or boat. Juneau’s lively downtown is compact, easy to navigate on foot and always a favourite with visitors. Within easy walking distance of the cruise ship docks are many of Juneau’s main attractions, including the state Capitol Building, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, several museums and historic South Franklin Street, where turn-of-the-century buildings today are gift shops, restaurants and pubs. Also nearby is the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau with visitor information, displays and walking tour maps of the city. Whale watching tours are a popular way to see the diverse marine life in the area including Steller Sea Lions, Dall’s Porpoise, Killer Whales and Humpback Whales, which return to the area each summer to feed on krill and herring. Juneau has about 60 humpbacks that frequent the area and are so commonly viewed that many tour operators offer a guaranteed sighting or your money back. Juneau also offers access to some of the region’s top attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area and Admiralty Island National Monument.
Getting here and around.
The waterfront bustles with cruise ships, fishing boats and floatplanes zipping in and out. With no road access to Juneau, it is the only state capital in the United States that can only be reached by airplane or boat. Juneau’s lively downtown is compact, easy to navigate on foot and always a favourite with visitors. Within easy walking distance of the cruise ship docks are many of Juneau’s main attractions, including the state Capitol Building, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, several museums and historic South Franklin Street, where turn-of-the-century buildings today are gift shops, restaurants and pubs. Also nearby is the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau with visitor information, displays and walking tour maps of the city. Whale watching tours are a popular way to see the diverse marine life in the area including Steller Sea Lions, Dall’s Porpoise, Killer Whales and Humpback Whales, which return to the area each summer to feed on krill and herring. Juneau has about 60 humpbacks that frequent the area and are so commonly viewed that many tour operators offer a guaranteed sighting or your money back. Juneau also offers access to some of the region’s top attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area and Admiralty Island National Monument.
Getting here and around.
ABOUT TRACY ARM FIORD -Located about 75Kms south of Juneau, Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, stands out as a "must see" for any Alaska vacation. Full day cruises depart from downtown Juneau. The fiord is about 55kms long. The shoreline is spotted with waterfalls created by melting snow-caps and trees sprouting at odd angles from rocky outcroppings. The twin Swayer Glacier are located at the end of the Tracy Arm. The face of Sawyer is a little more than a half mile wide, so there is plenty of space for both of our vessels to be at the face of the glacier. The engines are turned off, so you can listen to the ice crackle and take in the sights uninterrupted while you wait for the glacier to calve. Sawyer Glacier is an active tidewater glacier, which means it "calves" or breaks off. Pieces of ice anywhere from the size of a small car to a cruise ship fall off the face of the glacier and hit the water with a thunderous roar. No matter how many times you visit Sawyer Glacier, it is always a thrill to see a calving event. The water at the end of the fjord is nearly 600 feet deep and when an underwater calving takes place, the ice remains intact, giving us Alaska's largest icebergs. In other glacier areas, the calved ice generally crumbles. Underwater calving’s surface like giant submarines that rise over 250 feet and then settle into the water like large, blue ships. The main focus of the cruise is the fjord and the glacier, and the wildlife is an added bonus. The wildlife in the area includes black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbour seals, and a variety of birds, such as arctic terns and pigeon guillemots. The ice in Tracy Arm interferes with the sonar of whales, so it is the perfect place for hundreds of harbour seals to have their pups in the summer months.
CLIMATE-
Ave. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av M 0.4 2 4 9 14 17 18 17 13 8 3 1
AvL -5 -4 -2 0.7 5 8 10 9 7 3 -2 -4
Ave. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av M 0.4 2 4 9 14 17 18 17 13 8 3 1
AvL -5 -4 -2 0.7 5 8 10 9 7 3 -2 -4
JUNAEU TOURS-
001-WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURE*- The state of the art 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching with large windows, an outside viewing deck and an amplified hydrophone system for listening to whales communicate under water. On clear days you'll have a beautiful view of the Mendenhall Glacier as your sightseeing vessel departs the dock. Binoculars are available for use on board. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view. Or, settle into your warm and comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows. Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. In fact, whale sightings are guaranteed. If a whale is not spotted during your cruise we'll refund you $100. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it's more likely you'll first be alerted by the collective chorus of "Oohhs" and "Awwhhs" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback. You may see other marine mammals including Steller sea lions, harbour seals, Dall's porpoises as well as bald eagles, bears, Sitka blacktail deer and a variety of seabirds. Cost-Adult $130. Duration-3-3/4 Hours.
002- GLACIER VIEW SEAKAYAKING (http://bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours) - The tour is against a backdrop of forested slopes, nearby peaks and the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier. Start with a narrated tour through a historic part of Juneau on your way to North Douglas Island. Get up-close looks at wildlife and enjoy ever-changing views of the Mendenhall Glacier. In small groups of six kayaks, see Bald eagles and their nests, herons, shorebirds and waterfowl are all common sights. Cost- Adult $95. Duration- 3-1/2 Hours.
003- MENDENHALL GLACIER FLOAT TRIP
(http://bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours)- Begin with a scenic tour up the Mendenhall Valley. On the shores of Mendenhall Lake. Glide across the iceberg-studded lake, marvelling at the 1.5-mile-wide glacier. The six-mile route combines meandering stretches with Class II and III white-water—just enough to add to the excitement and is appropriate for all ages. The views of the riverbank, lush forests, and 7,000-foot mountains above the valley floor. Cost- Adult $135. Duration-3 Hours.
(http://bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours)- Begin with a scenic tour up the Mendenhall Valley. On the shores of Mendenhall Lake. Glide across the iceberg-studded lake, marvelling at the 1.5-mile-wide glacier. The six-mile route combines meandering stretches with Class II and III white-water—just enough to add to the excitement and is appropriate for all ages. The views of the riverbank, lush forests, and 7,000-foot mountains above the valley floor. Cost- Adult $135. Duration-3 Hours.
004-HISTORIC GOLD MINING & PANNING ADVENTURE (http://bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours) -The road to Gold Creek and "Last Chance Basin", where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a beautiful, secluded setting alongside Gold Creek. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company, which at the height of production was the largest operation of its type in the world. You'll learn about the mining techniques that were used, and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska's history. Cost:
Adult $59. Duration-1-1/2 Hours.
Adult $59. Duration-1-1/2 Hours.
TRAVEL SKAGWAY
ABOUT SKAGWAY-A colourful history, scant rain and a lot of cruise ships makes a Skagway one of the most interesting and popular towns to visit in the Inside Passage. Beginning in 1897, Skagway and the nearby ghost town of Dyea was the starting place for more than 40,000 gold-rush stampeders who headed to the Yukon primarily by way of the Chilkoot Trail. It is located at 59°27′30″N 135°18′50″W with land area of 1202Km2 and the population of city is only 900.More than 400 cruise ships a year turn this small town into every summer. Up to five ships a day stop here and, on the busiest days, more than 8,000 visitors turn Broadway Avenue into a modern-day version of the Klondike Gold Rush. Five times a day during the summer, National Park Service rangers lead a free, 45-minute walking tour of the historic district, stopping at historic buildings like the Mascot Saloon Museum, the first cabin built in Skagway and one of the town’s earliest brothels. There are visitors to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and White Pass and Chilkoot Trails. Skagway has a historical district of about 100 buildings from the gold rush era. It receives about a million tourists annually, most of whom come on cruise ships. The White Pass and Yukon Route operates its narrow-gauge train around Skagway during the summer months, primarily for tourists.
CLIMATE-
Ave. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM -3 0.7 4 10 15 18 19 18 14 9 2 0.0
AvL -8 -5 -3 0.4 4 8 10 9 7 3 -3 -5
Ave. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvM -3 0.7 4 10 15 18 19 18 14 9 2 0.0
AvL -8 -5 -3 0.4 4 8 10 9 7 3 -3 -5
TOURS AT SKAGWAY-
001- WHITE PASS AND YUKON RAILROAD TOURS* (http://www.alaskatours.com/skagway)-The gold rush with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway as it steams through its second century of history. This forty-mile roundtrip train ride climbs from tidewater at Skagway to the Summit of the White Pass, a 2,865 foot rise. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, as a means of reaching the goldfields, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Narrow gauge railroad linking the port of Skagway, Alaska, with Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon(Canada). Seated in parlour cars, passengers ride up the most spectacular part of the trip viewing scenery such as Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. At the top they see the White Pass at 2,885 feet, which is also the international boundary between the United States and Canada. Experience the panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage parlour cars. Not included: (Tour departs from the White Pass Railroad Depot, approx. 5-15 min walk from the cruise ship docks). Duration: 3 hours. Price: USD 119 per adult. Departure Time: 8:15am/12.45PM/4.30PM
002-HELICOPTER GLACIER FLIGHTSEEING TOUR
(http://www.alaskatours.com/skagway) -A scenic helicopter flight transports you to explore one of Alaska's grand glaciers left over from the last Ice Age. As you ascend above Skagway, you will view the Taiya Inlet and the Gold Rush ghost town of Dyea. Once the helicopter lands on Meade Glacier, an expert guide will tell you about the ancient ice and lead you on a short walk. Tour includes: Roundtrip helicopter flight, glacier landing and Glacier boots and safety vest. Not included: Transfers within Skagway. (Tour departure point is within walking distance of the cruise ship docks). Duration: 2 hours including 40 minute roundtrip flight and approx. 40 minute on the glacier. Price: USD 309 per person.
(http://www.alaskatours.com/skagway) -A scenic helicopter flight transports you to explore one of Alaska's grand glaciers left over from the last Ice Age. As you ascend above Skagway, you will view the Taiya Inlet and the Gold Rush ghost town of Dyea. Once the helicopter lands on Meade Glacier, an expert guide will tell you about the ancient ice and lead you on a short walk. Tour includes: Roundtrip helicopter flight, glacier landing and Glacier boots and safety vest. Not included: Transfers within Skagway. (Tour departure point is within walking distance of the cruise ship docks). Duration: 2 hours including 40 minute roundtrip flight and approx. 40 minute on the glacier. Price: USD 309 per person.
003-YUKON & SLED DOG TOUR FROMSKAGWAY
(http://www.alaskatours.com/skagway) - Travel 150 miles roundtrip on an awesome adventure into Canada's Yukon Territory! Experience the beauty of the Klondike Highway as you travel north in a comfortable mini-coach, paralleling much of the original White Pass Trail to the summit and beyond. View icy lakes, glaciers, and magnificent waterfalls. Stand on the shores of Lake Bennett, experience the world's smallest desert, view turn-of-the-century mines, shop for souvenirs, and watch for wildlife. Enjoy a 25-minute sled dog ride in a wheeled cart as you are whisked along the trail through an area travelled by the Gold Rush stampeders. Lunch is a delicious barbecue chicken meal (vegetarian option available). Tour includes: Mini-coach tour, wildlife gallery, sled dog camp tour and sled dog ride, lunch and transfers within Skagway. Duration: 6 - 6.5 hours. Price: USD 176 per adult.
(http://www.alaskatours.com/skagway) - Travel 150 miles roundtrip on an awesome adventure into Canada's Yukon Territory! Experience the beauty of the Klondike Highway as you travel north in a comfortable mini-coach, paralleling much of the original White Pass Trail to the summit and beyond. View icy lakes, glaciers, and magnificent waterfalls. Stand on the shores of Lake Bennett, experience the world's smallest desert, view turn-of-the-century mines, shop for souvenirs, and watch for wildlife. Enjoy a 25-minute sled dog ride in a wheeled cart as you are whisked along the trail through an area travelled by the Gold Rush stampeders. Lunch is a delicious barbecue chicken meal (vegetarian option available). Tour includes: Mini-coach tour, wildlife gallery, sled dog camp tour and sled dog ride, lunch and transfers within Skagway. Duration: 6 - 6.5 hours. Price: USD 176 per adult.
GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
ABOUT GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK- In 1750, Glacier Bay was a massive single glacier but due to higher average temperatures and lower average snowfall amounts over the last several centuries it has been transformed into what is now a 65-mile-long fjord with many smaller glaciers.Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau and can only be reached by plane or boat. The official entrance to the park along with the Glacier Bay Ranger Station headquarters and official Glacier Bay Lodge is located only 8 miles from Gustavus. Gustavus lies amidst some of the most impressive and majestic scenery and pristine wilderness areas left in the world. It is 32,23,400 acres in area and encompasses 940 square miles of marine waters. Glacier Bay is the largest protected marine sanctuary in the world. It is home to the endangered humpback whale, the threatened Steller sea lion and other fauna, and flora. It is also a major visitor destination, where most visitors come to the park in watercraft. The only road merely connects the small town of Gustavus and its airfield to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (10 miles). Many visitors arrive in Glacier Bay as passengers on board cruise ships, tour boats, charter boats, and their own private vessels. Glacier Bay National Park is largely water. Glacier Bay is a natural waterway from Alaska's Inside Passage to the tidewater glaciers that are the park's main attraction. Most visitors to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve spend a day in Glacier Bay on large cruise ships as part of a longer cruise originating at a major west coast city. The spectacular scenery and wildlife of Glacier Bay make it a highlight of any Alaska cruise. Cruise ships typically spend a full day (9-10 hours) in Glacier Bay including a stop at a major tidewater glacier. Cruise ships do not dock anywhere in Glacier Bay National Park. Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska you will cruise along shorelines completely covered by ice just 200 years ago. Glacier Bay National Park includes 16 tidewater glaciers and 12 actively calve icebergs into the bay. The show can be spectacular. As water undermines the ice fronts, great blocks of ice up to 200 feet high break loose and crash into the water. The glaciers seen here today are remnants of a general ice advance- the Little Ice Age- that began about 4,000 years ago. The glacial ice breaking off and “calving” into Glacier Bay is on average 200 years old. As glaciers find the water's edge, the result of a long deliberate push towards the Glacier Bay, they "calve" in a thundering splash, releasing Icebergs large and small to the awaiting bay. As kayakers pass by these floating giants, they have heard the stress and strain of melting, water drips, air bubbles pop, and cracks develop. Huge icebergs may last a week or more before the finish their transition back to liquid water.. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve includes nine tidewater glaciers. Four of these glaciers actively calve icebergs into the bay. Most visitors today travel to the Margerie (The width of the glacier is about 1 mile and the total height at its terminus is about 350 feet including 100 feet (30 m) that is underwater ) and Lamplugh Glaciers. Muir Glacier is currently about 0.40 mile wide at the terminus. There five companies listed below are authorized to provide cruise ship services in Glacier Bay-
i-Princess Cruiselines
ii-Holland America, Inc.
iii-Norwegian Cruiselines
iv-Carnival Cruise Lines
v-Crystal Cruises
i-Princess Cruiselines
ii-Holland America, Inc.
iii-Norwegian Cruiselines
iv-Carnival Cruise Lines
v-Crystal Cruises
GLACIAL FORMATION & COLOURS-Glaciers form because the snowfall in the high mountains exceeds snow-melt. The snowflakes first change to granular snow- round ice grains- but the accumulating weight soon presses it into solid ice. Eventually, gravity sets the ice mass flowing downslope, usually far less than 4 to 7 feet per day. The point at which the rate of melt equals the rate of accumulation is the glacier's terminus or snout. If the glacier's snout reaches tidal waters, we call it a tidewater glacier. Colors betray a berg's nature of origin. White bergs hold many trapped air bubbles. Blue bergs are dense. Greenish-black bergs calved off of glacier bottoms. Dark- striped brown bergs carry morainal rubble from the joining of tributory glaciers, or other sources. Glacial ice acts like a prism when sunlight hit it, and separating the light by its wave length. The tightly packed crystals under the surface of glaciers often appear blue.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/nave-html/s11/glacier.html
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/nave-html/s11/glacier.html