Day 1: Sail from Whittier
In Anchorage, board a Cruise West motorcoach to travel to Whittier. Your route is along beautiful Turnagain Arm, famous for its sweeping tidal changes, in the shadow of the Chugach Range. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Columbia, your home for the next four nights. This afternoon, the ship departs for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with an early evening visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay. The ship will anchor this evening in a secluded cove. (D)
Day 2: College Fjord and Esther Passage
This morning, wake up near the face of a glacier in College Fjord. All morning, the Spirit of Columbia eases close to the active faces of the numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. Continue to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, and your Captain knows where the best sightings will be found. The whiskery otters are often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on crabs. Explore the serene Eaglek Bay. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Cordova (note: this day is part of the 4-Night cruise but not the 3-Night cruise)
Overnight, cross central Prince William Sound to make a port of call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. An included sightseeing tour of Cordova highlights area history, including the Russian Orthodox Church, Railroad Row and the Cordova Museum. If you want to burn some energy in the wilderness, optional tours here include sea kayaking, hiking and river rafting. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Chenega Glacier and Knight Island
Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Watch for seals on the icebergs and mountain goats on the cliff faces. Later, enjoy 'gunkholing' around the nearby islands (a term for poking around the next corner just to see what's there). (B, L, D)
Day 5: Arrive Whittier
After an early-morning cruise past a kittiwake colony, disembark the Spirit of Columbia at Whittier. Transfer via road along Turnagain Arm to Anchorage, arriving approximately at noon. (B)
Note:
We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure travel, there may be itinerary changes unforeseen and out of our control. Please read the Alaska Wildland Adventures
Disclaimer of Liability.
Trip Price*:
$1549-3249
Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy.
*Trip price includes meals on ship, transportation between Anchorage and Whittier, tour of Cordova (4-night only), Exploration Leader on board.
Trip Length:
4-Night cruise
4-Night Cruise Departures:
May: 18, 25
June: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July: 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17
This trip is recommended but not operated by Alaska Wildland Adventures. Prices and dates are subject to change without notice.
|
Email A Friend