Alaska Glacier Singles Cruise

Tote bag paintingOur first day at sea should be relaxing but lots of fun. So let's get to know each other using the interesting Conversation Starter questions. We never know what the question is or the unexpected answers from your fellow cruisers.

Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you'll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world's most lush wilderness.

Included Shore Excursion - Lighthouse Totems and Eagles Cruise (3 hours) - Enjoy a scenic, narrated drive through Ketchikan to Air Marine Harbor to Alaska Ketchikan totemsboard our boat. Relax in the heated main cabin or enjoy the open-air observation deck, as we witness an abundance of eagles with provided binoculars. Harbor seals, Pigeon Guillemots and moon jellyfish are commonly spotted. Whales, deer, blue heron and a variety of sea birds are seen through the entire season. Along the way, hear of the area's maritime history, the rich Tlingit culture, the timber and fishing industries and local lifestyles. Observe harvested and old growth areas of the Tongass National Forest, and travel past historic Ward Cove Cannery. We’ll circumnavigate the Guard Island Lighthouse established in 1901 and view the Totem Bight clan house totem poles, including Ketchikan's tallest totem pole and see colorful cabins, mansions of the local rich and famous and unique homes, many built on their own islands.

Juneau has been called “Alaska's peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from 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 treck worthwhile.

Included Shore Excursion - Glacier and City Tour (2.5 hours) - Enjoy a narrated city tour with natives of Juneau and Tlingit Indians. They will regale us with stories from local history that stretches back 10,000 years. Hear about the origins of the Haida-Tlingit tribe, the impact of Russian, European, and American influences, and the gold that formed the past and thus the present. Pass over the Gastineau Channel to view the incredible panorama of Juneau. Next travel to the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier National Park, one of 38 glaciers flowing from the massive 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Fields. Take a hike or stroll along one of the many trails, like Nugget Creek Falls and Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier. Take an optional visit to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for an elevated view of the glacier as well as interactive geological exhibits explaining glacier formation. before taking the convenient half-hourly shuttle back to town.

In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.

Included Shore Excursion - Railroad & Bus Tours - Once choice is a scenic Alaskan rail experience that begins with a 28 mile journey between Alaska Yukon railSkagway, Alaska, and Fraser, British Columbia. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites from the comfort of our vintage passenger coaches. See the original Klondike Trail of ’98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed this way in search of fortune. Once a water-stop for the thirsty steam engines and rotary snowplows, Fraser, BC, is now the site of Canadian Customs and Immigration. Upon arrival at the train depot at Fraser, transfer to a comfortable tour vehicle to continue your excursion into the unparalleled beauty of the Yukon Territory. Travel to Emerald Lake, Caribou Crossing, Carcross and Lake Bennett. While at Caribou Crossing Trading Post, a piping hot BBQ lunch awaits as well as the Yukon Wildlife Museum.

The Icy Strait Point experience combines authentic regional culture with incredible natural beauty. Enjoy Tlingit dancing and art. Or get closer than you'd ever imagine to humpback whales and brown bears in the wild. Icy Strait Point, owned by Huna Totem Corporation, is located on Chichagof Island, about 30 miles west of Juneau along Icy Strait in the Inside Passage. The port is centered on the restored salmon cannery, which now houses a museum, local arts and crafts shops, restaurants and a mid-1930's cannery line display. The Huna, a Tlingit tribe, have lived in the Icy Strait area for thousands of years.

Included Shore Excursion - Whales and Mammal Cruise (2 hours) - Imagine being in the midst of humpback whales as they feed and frolic in the bountiful waters of Icy Strait. Our excursion begins with a high-speed catamaran ride through waters that support a wide array of marine life, including orca (killer whales), Steller's sealions, seal, porpoise, and of course the magnificent humpback whales. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles in the evergreen treetops.

Relax and look at all the great photos you took in Alaska as we enjoy our day at sea.

­ ­Find a good spot with our group or get cozy on your verandah and take in the views as we Cruise Inside the Passage. Glide past waterfalls that spool like silver ribbons from soaring mountain peaks. This narrow fjord is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Juneau and is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Breathtaking Endicott Arm extends over 30 miles long, with nearly one-fifth of its area covered in ice.

Relax and look at all the great photos you took in Alaska as we enjoy our day at sea.

Victoria, capital of British Columbia, sits on the craggy southern end of Vancouver Island. With abundant parkland, it’s known for outdoor activities. The city's British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion. Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of vivid floral displays, plus statuary, water features and a carousel, is one of many formal gardens in the city.

Included Shore Excursion - Butchart Gardens and City Tour - An overview of the magnificent city of Victoria and a visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Our tour will take between 3.5-4 Hours and begins with a stunning drive along the scenic route to Butchard gardens, on the way we will show you the Lieutenant Governor's Mansion, Criagdarrow Castle and the best views on the Island on top of Mount Tolmie. Then we are off to Butchart Gardens which is one of the world's premier floral show gardens. Jennie Butchart began to shape this magnificent 55-acre landscape in 1904 from her husband Robert's abandoned limestone quarry. The result was the dramatic Sunken Garden, a reflection of the early 20th century beautification movement and an exceptional achievement in Canadian gardening history. As a reflection of their world travels, the Butcharts also created a Japanese Garden, an Italian Garden, and a Rose Garden. Through successive generations of the Butchart family, The Gardens has retained much of its original design and continues the Victorian tradition of seasonally changing the outstanding floral displays. After the visit to the gardens we are commencing our tour of Victoria, a place where the laid-back modernism of the West Coast blends with time-honored British, European, and Asian traditions.Where you will be exploring Chinatown, Government house, Empress Hotel, Inner Harbour and the Old town Bastion Square we will finish off with a look at Fisherman's Wharf.

The Norwegian Joy docks in Seattle, WA - Arrange your flights accordingly - Time to say goodbye to all your new single cruise friends as we make our way to the airport for our flights home.