Authentic and Personal Small Expedition Adventures Through Alaska's Inside Passage

Rate

Starting at $4,695 per person

Duration

5-night | 6-day

About

Experience an amazing array of True Alaska highlights in a 5-night timeframe. The “North to Alaska Expedition” was crafted by the Allen family as a celebration of Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 10-year anniversary. You’ll experience Alaska’s famous wildlife, pristine wilderness bays and rainforest, kayak and skiff adventures, stunning Glacier Bay National Park, and three of the Inside Passage’s most historical and charming towns—Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau. While all of this is offered in a 5-night expedition, the itinerary is carefully outlined in a way that is unhurried and there are multiple opportunities for unscripted discovery and adventure—hallmarks of our experiences. Choose to extend your adventure with pre- or post-cruise offerings in Sitka or Juneau, such as a journey into Tracy Arm aboard a high-speed expedition vessel, a glacier helicopter landing and trek, and saltwater fishing for salmon or halibut.

Sitka Explore beautiful Sitka, considered by many to be one of the most picturesque communities in The Last Frontier. During your exploration of the town our expedition team will highlight the community’s history–from its inspiring Tlingit roots to the Russian presence that began in 1799. Beautiful totem poles adorn public areas and the Sitka National Historical Park, while the famous St. Michael’s cathedral stands in the center of the downtown district. You’ll be charmed by the island-studded waterfront, rugged mountain peaks of Baranof Island, and abundant bald eagles and marine life. (Guests can also choose to book optional excursions, such as fishing and private wildlife excursions in the days before embarkation).

Chatham Strait & Lynn Canal Voyage through Chatham Strait and Lynn Canal en route to the northern end of the Inside Passage. These areas are well known for some of the best wildlife viewing in the region. The waters are home to humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, and Dall’s porpoises, while brown and black bears, wolves, moose, and Sitka black-tailed deer roam the shorelines. This is a day of True Alaska discovery and adventure that may include kayaking, a remote beach landing via our expedition skiffs, or other activities determined by the captain and expedition team—all Alaska experts.

Skagway Stroll the boardwalks of the rollicking Klondike gold rush town of Skagway while enjoying its unique history. In the late 19th century, thousands of crazed gold seekers poured into the community en route to the Klondike. Wooden buildings, streets, and docks were constructed in mere months. Skagway was rambunctious, lawless, and tormented by a notorious con man named Soapy Smith. Today, historic businesses, frontier homes, and museums bring the spirit of the gold rush to life. Aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, you’ll enjoy a journey retracing the steps of gold-seekers into Canada. Built in 1898, the railroad climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles and offers stunning wilderness views. This excursion crosses the border into Canada, so passports are required.

Wilderness Bay & Orca Point Lodge Venture into one of the many intimate coves or inlets of the Chilkat Peninsula or Admiralty Island, such as Alaskan Dream Cruises’ exclusive property at William Henry Bay. Enjoy kayak and skiff exploration in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, our own exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on Alaska salmon, Alaska king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.

Glacier Bay This remarkable national park fjord extends 65-miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, which is known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day’s program and an Alaska Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins us to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure.

Juneau Disembark in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau. Transfer to your hotel or the airport is complimentary. Choose to extend your adventure with custom offerings such as a journey into Tracy Arm aboard a high-speed expedition vessel, a glacier helicopter landing and trek, and saltwater fishing for salmon or halibut. Visit truealaskantours.com for our full line-up.

What to Bring

We provide waterproof jackets, pants, and boots for use during your cruise, but recommend bringing your personal jacket.

• Layered clothing options such as synthetic (polypropylene, fleece, Capilene®, Gore-tex®) or wool are excellent choices. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and light waterproof jackets are also worth packing.
• Warm hat and gloves
• Comfortable and sturdy waterproof walking shoes or all-terrain footwear.
• Adequate clothing for the duration of your voyage. (no laundry facility onboard).
• Prescriptions for both medication and eye glasses, in the event they are misplaced.
• Binoculars are provided at no charge. However, we recommend bringing your own, as they may suit you better.
• Bring a journal or sketchbook if you keep one — you’ll have lots to write about.
• If you are a birder, bring your field guides.
• Postcards, note cards, and stationery can be purchased locally.
• Sunglasses are a necessity on sunny days. Even on cloudy days, the glare is pronounced on the water. It is also a good idea to bring sunscreen.
• Depending on weather conditions, you may have the opportunity to join the “Killer Whale Club” by jumping into the ocean in a wilderness bay. Pack your swim suit!
• Playing cards, board games, and an Alaska reference library are available onboard, but many guests will pack a favorite book or other form of personal travel entertainment.
• Southeast Alaska can get warm! It’s always a great idea to pack some warm-weather gear, such as short-sleeved t-shirts, shorts, capris, etc.