Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of NCL’s Jade on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Vancouver, British Columbia to Alaska and beyond. Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. In a modern saloon, enjoy local dishes inspired by Fannie Q, the famed Alaskan pioneer. Enjoy three nights at stunning lodges and hotels. Ride a luxury domed railcar, soak in views of the incredible landscapes from glass-ceiling railcars and open air observation platforms as guides provide expert commentary. Travel deep into Denali National Park for the best opportunities to view the region’s wildlife. Cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, taking in rugged natural wonders. Explore Alaska’s gorgeous capital, Juneau. Visit Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” On this escorted tour, this is Alaska as you always imagined and have been waiting for.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver, Canada - Embarkation on Norwegian Cruise Lines' Jade
Upon arrival in Vancouver, we will transfer to the pier for embarkation on the Norwegian Jade. The ship departs at 5:00pm.
Day 2 - Inside Passage, Alaska
Get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else as you sail through 1,000 foot cliffs and the islands of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Day 3 - Ketchikan (Ward Cove) | 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world’s most lush wilderness. Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khannam means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you’ll see one of these magnificent bords perched atop a Sitka tree during your Alaska cruise to Ketchikan (Ward Cove).
Day 4 - Juneau | 9:30am – 8:30pm
Juneau has been called “Alaska’s peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing form such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area’s many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, a trek worthwhile.
Day 5 - Skagway | 7:30am – 5:00pm
In a single year from 1896-1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, the travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway’s charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.
Day 6 - Icy Strait Point | 7:00am – 6:30pm
Venture “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” Known for this famous saying, Icy Strait Point is the ideal landing spot for adventurers seeking a new experience. Breathtaking and exciting, Ice Strait Point truly takes you where the wild things are. It’s one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. A trip here certainly satisfies your taste for adventure. Take a cruise from Icy Strait Point and enjoy Alaska’s awe-inspiring scenery and the many excursion options on offer.
Day 7 - Hubbard Glacier | 7:00am – 11:30am
The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Its awe-inspiring, turquoise-colored face towers nearly 400 fee tall – 250 feet of which is underwater – while its icebergs are often three or four stories high. At nearly six miles wide where the ice meets the ocean and 76 miles long, viewing this massive glacial mass is an experience not soon forgotten. As you cruise near the glacier, keep an eye out for the region’s rich variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to harbor seals, orcas and humpback whales.
Day 8 - Whittier - Denali | Disembark 5:00am
Although situated only approx. 60 miles from Anchorage, Whittier feels a world away. You will be greeted in Seward and board your motor-coach and travel to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. After, make your way to Anchorage for a brief city tour before heading to Denali National Park.
Day 9 - Denali – Fairbanks
This morning, your narrated tour will take you into this pristine region of Alaska where you learn about the flora and fauna of the area while looking out for wildlife. Following your tour of Denali National Park, it is all aboard the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks.
Day 10 - Fairbanks
Today, take a tour of Fairbanks by motor-coach including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline. After, it is on to the water for a ride on the Riverboat Discovery. This 3-hour journey takes takes you into the heart of Alaska and its Native American heritage.
Day 11 - Depart Fairbanks
After breakfast, say goodbye to America’s last frontier and transfer to the airport for the flight home.