Alaska’s Inside Passage
An expedition exploring the Alaskan Coast & Inside Passage aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
- 4 August 2022
Coastal Alaska is incredibly beautiful. A vast area of fjords, channels, rivers, glaciers and bays, all of which can be best appreciated from the deck of a ship as she weaves her way through the seemingly endless coastal wilderness. This promises to be an expedition in the truest sense, an exciting journey of wildlife discovery and spectacular scenery which we are offering in conjunction with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises aboard their luxurious vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration.
The voyage is perfectly timed for wildlife viewing and August is traditionally one of the months of the ‘salmon run’ which attracts bears to the rivers. The ship will follow a flexible course, the day to day itinerary will be determined by weather and wildlife sightings and the lanes frequented by the big resort ships will be avoided whenever possible navigating instead the narrow fjords and passages. Witnessing this vast landscape has a humbling effect on those who journey along its dramatic fjord and coastal scenery, past towering mountains, their foothills covered with never ending spruce forests. We will also visit small communities along the way such as the fishermen of Petersburg and the residents of Elfin Cove giving us a unique insight into the way of life in these remote areas.
Seeing the Alaskan wildlife in its natural habitat is a wonderful experience. These are perfect waters for expedition cruising as we get close to glaciers and rivers and view wildlife such as bird colonies, bears and swooping bald eagles if we are lucky. Words cannot adequately describe what it feels like to stand on the crest of an age old glacier, see a whale gracefully breach above the sea’s surface or watch a grizzly hunt for spawning salmon in the gushing Alaskan rivers. You will be able to appreciate the peace and beauty of Alaska, explore in small parties ashore and visit places to which the passengers aboard the big ships will never be taken.
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Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Vancouver, Canada.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Vancouver.
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore independently. Take a stroll around this charming city and perhaps visit Chinatown, Gastown and Stanley Park. This afternoon meet at the hotel for a transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration, which is moored in the city. After settling in to your cabin, there will be a safety briefing followed by an introduction to your expedition team before enjoying dinner on board as we set sail.
Days 3 & 4 British Columbia’s Inside Passage.
Be out on deck early looking for birdlife, whales and other marine and terrestrial animals as we cruise the spectacular Johnstone Strait. The strait is between 2.5 kilometres and 5 kilometres wide, and is home is large numbers of orcas during the summer months. The largest member of the dolphin family, orcas (also known as killer whales) can measure nearly 10 metres in length and weight up to 6 tonnes. We have two days of cruising enjoying views of the islands, thickly wooded mountains and small settlements on shore. Alternatively, join one of the informative lectures about Alaska’s varied history, wildlife and nature.
Day 5 Ketchikan, Alaska, USA.
Today we visit the centre of Native American culture, which provides a fascinating insight into the soul of Alaska. There will be a range of optional excursions on offer including bear watching at Anan Creek where, with luck, we will see both black and brown bears. Alternatively, there is the option to take a flight over the Misty Fjords to view the wonders of the deep inlets, snow-covered mountain tops and waterfalls. For the more adventurous, a jeep and canoe trip on Revillagigedo Island will give you the chance to experience this wilderness up-close.
Day 6 Wrangell.
We spend the day in Wrangell, one of the country’s oldest settlements. We will have another opportunity to join an optional bear watching excursion or a trip through the former gold-digging territory of the Stikine. In the early evening we cruise through the spectacular Wrangell Narrows which run for 22 miles between the islands of Mitkof, Kupreanov and Woewodski before arriving in Petersburg where we moor overnight.
Day 7 Petersburg.
In Petersburg we are visiting one of Alaska’s major fishing communities. Although the Tlingit and other indigenous groups had been in this area for centuries, it was only after Norwegian Peter Buschmann (after whom the town is named) settled here, starting the first cannery and attracting more immigrants from Scandinavia — hence the nickname “Little Norway” — that a permanent town evolved. The fisheries are keen on a sustainable catch and the Petersburg Marine Mammal Centre supports research and education. Take the chance to explore the harbour and meet the fishermen or alternatively join an optional flight over the LeConte Glacier where perhaps you may see mountain goats and black bears.
Day 8 Kupreanof Island.
Our visit to this island will incorporate meeting the local people – the Tlingit people. Visible from afar, the world’s largest totem pole carved from a single tree trunk symbolises their culture. Our team of experts will explain the meaning of this totem pole on our shore excursion. From here, we may see more of the whales, sea lions and bald eagles that inhabit the area.
Day 9 Cruising in Endicott Arm & Tracy Arm.
A journey along the winding Tracy Arm Fjord leads us some twenty miles through an ethereal wilderness of soaring peaks and high cliffs, crystalline icebergs and tumbling waterfalls to the foot of the twin Sawyer Glaciers. These icy blue glaciers are unrivalled in their majestic beauty. Not only is the wildlife enchanting, but the steep rock faces and rugged glacier ice is worth observing. Our naturalists will be on hand as we see calving glaciers, often mirrored in the glassy fjord water.
Day 10 Chichagof Island.
The small settlement of Elfin Cove on Chichagof Island is one of approximately 1,100 islands off the coast of Alaska and accessible only by boat or float plane. After tendering ashore by Zodiac, you are free to explore this unique and seldom-visited fishing community by strolling along the elevated boardwalk that serves as the town’s sidewalk and Main Street. Elfin Cove has something for everyone: photography buffs can try to capture the picturesque setting and colourful fishing boats on film; wildlife enthusiasts may be rewarded by the sight of a sea otter, harbour seal or bald eagle.
Day 11 Hubbard Glacier & Tsaa Fjord.
During the morning we will approach the Hubbard Glacier. This glacier commences in Canada and after some 80 miles terminates in Disenchantment Bay making it the longest glacier in North America and while cruising we hope to see some glacier calving. We will then start heading northeast and while we cruise the Gulf of Alaska you will witness spectacular scenic views of the Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. Later we hope to enter Icy Bay where, with Mount St Elias framing an imposing 18,000 feet backdrop, we will see the mighty Malaspina and Guyot Glaciers. With glistening crevasses, serrated ridges and sparkling pinnacles, these glaciers have carved the land formations over the millennia.
Days 12 & 13 Prince William Sound.
Two days have been scheduled to explore Prince William Sound and, to fully allow for any spontaneous sightings of orcas, sea lions and more bears, the itinerary will be flexible. Waking up to a vision of massive glaciers and icebergs is a reminder of the advantages of small ship cruising. The Captain will manoeuvre the vessel past the icebergs and coves of Prince William Sound. Opportunities for capturing incredible images with your camera and binoculars are endless as harbour seals and otters bob around in the water and bald eagles fly overhead.
Days 14 & 15 Kodiak Island.
We will spend a day and a half on Kodiak Island, Alexander Baranov established a trading post at St Paul Harbour in 1792 when Kodiak became the first capital of Russian America and was a major fur trading centre for many years. During our time here we have the chance to take nature walks in this wilderness area with the naturalists whilst optional tours will include bear spotting by waterplane, trekking in Fort Abercrombie State Park, or a scenic flight over the island.
Day 16 At sea.
Spend a relaxing day on board the Hanseatic Inspiration. Maybe join a lecture, make use of the facilities on board or spend time on deck looking for wildlife as we sail to Seward.
Day 17 Seward to Seattle.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Anchorage for our scheduled flight to Seattle. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay and the evening is free to explore.
Day 18 Seattle to London.
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Day 19 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
4 to 22 August 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £11595 | £11295 |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £12095 | £11795 |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £12595 | £12295 |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £13295 | £12995 |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £13295 | £12995 |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £14095 | £13795 |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £14695 | £14395 |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £15295 | £14995 |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £16895 | £16595 |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | £21395 | £21095 |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £15995 | £15695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHA040822
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation with breakfast in Vancouver & Seattle • 15 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities -Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes • Landing fees • Loan of waterproof boots, parka, binoculars and hiking poles during cruise.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursions (details and costs for which will be sent to passengers three months before departure), Canadian ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) for the USA.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000