Alaska Cruise and Tour

We board the luxury rail cars of the McKinley Express for the scenic ride to Whittier. The train windows allow maximum viewing of the awesome landscape. In Whittier we embark our ship and enjoy our first delicious dinner on board.

Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska extending 76 miles from Mt. Logan in the Yukon. You will hear the creaks and groans as this very active glacier advances. There will be some exciting moments when the huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called "white thunder" by the local natives.

This is the highlight of our cruise. Under a blanket of silence we gaze upon the ice cliffs and their colours of blue, green, white and grey. Entrance to Glacier Bay is closely guarded in order to protect the delicate environment, so a limited number of permits are issued each year for ships who meet the strict criteria. Watch for whales, seals and bears on the shore.

Enjoy the Gold Rush atmosphere of Skagway, home base for the stampeders whose dreams led them to the Yukon. Explore the historic district on foot or by streetcar. Consider going on one of the optional tours; a ride on the narrow-gauge White Pass Railway, or the Skagway Extravaganza which includes panning for gold and the rousing Soapy Smith Show.

A day in Alaska's historic capital. Perhaps visit the Alaska State Museum which features rare Eskimo and Indian artifacts. See relics of the gold mines that brought wealth to the town in the early days.

Southeast Alaska's "first city" is as picturesque as they come. The town is built on pilings over the water and clings to the slopes of Deer Mountain. Native culture abounds at Totem Bight State Park.

Following all the sightseeing of the past week, a leisure day at sea will be most welcome. Relax on deck and watch the beauty of the Inside Passage float by as we cruise along the spectacular coast of British Columbia.

We arrive in Vancouver, disembark and fly home.