Alaskan Insider Plus Cruise Southbound Sitka-Vancouver – 26 Jun 2023

Sitka, Alaska

Hotel Stay in Sitka, AK

Sitka is a place of many traditions. You’ll immediately recognize the distinctive Russian domes of the churches, and may assume this city has Russian origins. You’d be right, of course, it was formally founded by the Russian-American Company in 1799. But the heart of Sitka is much deeper. The downtown area of Sitka was settled by the Tlingit people more than 10,000 years ago. For even longer, it has been home to the wild creatures who make Alaska a place unlike any other. Listen to the chattering of eagles and drink in the scent of the eponymous Sitka spruce as you experience the joy of this place, once called the “Paris of the Pacific.” 

Sitka, AK

Your northbound voyage begins with an overnight stay in this beautiful city where you can listen to the chattering of eagles and drink in the scent of the eponymous Sitka spruce as you experience the joy of this place, once called the “Paris of the Pacific.” 

Kake & Frederick Sound, Alexander Archipelago, Alaska

The towering totem pole, the largest ever carved from a single tree, stands sentinel over this ancient village on the tip of Kupreanof Island. The Kake tribe of the Tlingit people still observe a subsistent lifestyle here, the harshness of its demands belied by the warmth of their welcome. In adjacent Frederick Sound, we’ll explore by Zodiac, led by our team of naturalists. 

Tracy/Endicott Arm, Alaska

Nature will dictate our route here. Northbound cruises will explore one of these spectacular fjords. Both are deep, narrow, and host to distinct marine environments we’ll explore with experts via a Zodiac or kayak. Southbound voyages will spend two days here, with the opportunity to explore both fjords with equal curiosity and expertise. 

Petersburg, Alaska

We’ll dock right beside Alaska’s largest home-based halibut fleet, who call this shallow, protected harbor home. These abundant waters and an endless supply of ice from nearby LeConte Glacier led Norwegian fisherman Peter Buschmann to build the region’s first cannery and invite his fishing countrymen to join him. Hence the town’s name and its strong Norwegian culture. Large cruise ships cannot come into Petersburg, so you’ll be among a privileged few to be in this charming, authentic Alaskan village.  

Wrangell, Alaska

Wrangell is the perfect spot for an optional jet boat excursion to explore the dramatic Stikine River – what the Tlingit people call “the Great River.” The picturesque town of Wrangell is the gateway to the river, perched at the very tip of rugged Wrangell Island. You are most welcome here, as native Alaskans whose ancestors have lived on this island for thousands of years open their tribal home, their culture, and their magnificent river for your exploration. Take home your own petroglyph rubbing to remember your time among more than 40 ancient petroglyphs on the 8,000-year-old site of Petroglyph Beach.

Misty Fjords, Alaska

The soaring granite cliffs that greet us this morning are 50 to 70 million years old. Yes, million. Ancient glaciers scrubbed deep troughs through this wilderness, leaving a scenic geological wonder. New Eddystone Rock is a remnant of long ago volcanic activity that left the iconic basalt pillar as a testament to the power of this place. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bears, wolves, moose, and hundreds of species of sea and shorebirds await as we spend most of today exploring the shoreline with our team of marine biologists from Cal Poly. 

Ketchikan, Alaska

In the spectacular setting of this provincial park, you’ll discover a kayaker’s paradise, with inlets, bays, islands, and fjords that reveal an intricate network of waterfalls and glaciers. Old growth Sitka spruce and dense coastal western hemlock forests shelter black bears and grizzlies along the rugged coastline. This is a day that will stretch all your senses. Granite cliffs over 3,000 feet high drop straight into seemingly bottomless water – and waterfalls cascade from dizzying heights into glacial inlets. You’ll explore unique coastal marine life in an area accessible only by sea. 

Ketchikan, Alaska

In the spectacular setting of this provincial park, you’ll discover a kayaker’s paradise, with inlets, bays, islands, and fjords that reveal an intricate network of waterfalls and glaciers. Old growth Sitka spruce and dense coastal western hemlock forests shelter black bears and grizzlies along the rugged coastline. This is a day that will stretch all your senses. Granite cliffs over 3,000 feet high drop straight into seemingly bottomless water – and waterfalls cascade from dizzying heights into glacial inlets. You’ll explore unique coastal marine life in an area accessible only by sea. 

Vancouver, BC. Canada

Board your extraordinary ship in time for welcoming cocktails and a lovely five-course dinner as we begin this journey of discovery. Sail into Canada’s Inside Passage filled with anticipation.