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Alaska

Alaska’s Inside Passage: Glaciers, Fjords & Indigenous Culture

Program No. 25481RJ
Sail Alaska’s Inside Passage to explore towering glaciers, dramatic fjords and vibrant wildlife. Learn about Tlingit culture, glaciology and the ecosystems of Tongass National Forest.
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Small ShipAdventures Afloat Study CruiseSmall GroupNew
Length
10 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
8,999

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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
25 meals ( 9B, 7L, 9D )
6 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. If you arrive before your room is ready, you may store your luggage at the hotel until check-in is available.
Afternoon:
All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment and beginning at 4:00 p.m., come over to the Road Scholar table outside the meeting room, to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Following dinner we'll have a brief introduction to the program. A more in depth orientation will take place the next morning. Evenings aboard the ship will include a debrief of the days activities as well as preparation for the next days activities. We'll also enjoy various Alaskan stories each night as a way to wind down after the long day. Durations of hikes will be dependent on the group pace and ability level, which can vary. Unless specified otherwise, transportation on land will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring the going up/down of a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions for activities. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Activity Note
Please bring luggage from hotel rooms to hotel lobby. Climbing on and off a motorcoach. Walking distance is based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any program changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This morning we will take a field trip to one of Alaska’s extraordinary natural wonders: the Mendenhall Glacier. This river of ice is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1,500 square mile Juneau ice field formed about 3,000 years ago. The glacier stretches 12 miles from the ice field down to its terminus at Mendenhall Lake. The glacier and surrounding area are protected by the National Forest Service as part of Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S., encompassing 17 million acres. The Visitor Center offers magnificent views of the Glacier and the lake, many displays and presentations, a short movie, and hiking trails. National Forest Service interpretive rangers will be available to provide information and answer questions as we explore independently. We’ll then explore Juneau via motorcoach as our driver provides commentary on our surroundings and the local history. Originating with the Alaska Gold Rush in 1880, the miners’ tent camp grew into a small town and then kept growing as mines produced millions of dollars in gold well into the 20th Century. Tourism expanded as adventure travelers were attracted by the surrounding old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, salmon streams, bear habitat, and migratory whale routes. En route, we will pass the Capitol Building and the governor’s mansion, among other city highlights. Following our exploration of Juneau, we will head to the Alaska State Museum for a self-directed exploration of the Museum, which is the repository for the state's history, highlighting the distinct native cultures of Alaska.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then board our vessel and begin our journey out of Juneau. After boarding, we will meet the Captain and crew and have an orientation session outlining safety procedures as we get underway.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on and off the ship. Getting on and off a shuttle. Walking distance based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Today we visit the picturesque town of Haines, AK. This town is known for it’s stunning beauty and rich history. We’ll spend the day exploring the “Valley of the Eagles” and taking in the active wildlife. We’ll be met by a local expert who will take us on a guided exploration of the Chilkoot Lake State Park. We’ll make stops along the way for wildlife viewing. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be provided.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll have some free time in Haines to explore on our own before we embark and depart. Please be mindful of the announced embarkation time and do not miss it. Aboard the ship we’ll enjoy a lecture by one of the ships many experts.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Climbing up and down steep stairs on the ship to get to the different deck levels for wildlife viewing.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Birders and wildlife watchers will want to be up and out on decks as we enter Glacier Bay early this morning. The NPS citation reads, “Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site — one of the world’s largest international protected areas.” The entrance to Glacier Bay teems with wildlife, particularly sea birds. This is also an area frequented by feeding humpback whales. The Huna Tlingit people once lived here and consider it their spiritual homeland.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our study cruise exploration of Glacier Bay National Park, the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska considered by many to be the United States’ Number 1 national park. Glacier Bay boasts the largest number of tidewater glaciers in North America, the 15,000-foot Fairweather Mountain range, some of the most stunning scenery anywhere, and a prolific amount wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, mountain goats and much more, often amid calving icebergs. Watch for all these wonders from the deck of the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference. Getting on and off the ship. Walking a short distance from the ship to the Sons of Norway Hall. Sitting or standing in the Sons of Norway Hall depending on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We will gather for a Norwegian welcome at the colorful and traditional Sons of Norway Hall, located adjacent to the dock. Here we’ll enjoy tasty treats featuring Norwegian pastries and coffee. We’ll also see traditional Norwegian dances by a local group of young people wearing the Petersburg Bunad (traditional Norwegian clothing).
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity to explore Petersburg do what interests you most. Please be mindful of the announced embarkation time and do not miss it. Aboard the ship we’ll enjoy a lecture by one of the ships many experts.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Climbing up and down steep stairs to get to the deck for wildlife viewing.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Today will be spent cruising the Wrangell Narrows. There will be activities and lectures on board throughout the day. Take the time to do what interests you most. Make sure to get out on the ship decks to look for wildlife.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We'll continue or morning activities.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile on paved or hardened trails and a sandy/gravelly beach. Dress for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We'll step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and set out on our field trip to explore key Wrangell sites with an Alaska Native expert. A short drive takes us to the Chief Shakes Tribal House, where there will be a presentation introducing the tribal house, Tlingit legends, history, and culture. Later at Petroglyph Beach, we will have an opportunity to make petroglyph "rubbings" and learn more about Wrangell's diverse history. Finally, the Wrangell Museum showcases the history of Europeans, Americans and Natives in Wrangell.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most in Wrangell. Later in the afternoon there will be a chance for lectures by a ship expert.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on and off Zodiac boats and kayaks from the ship's launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We will spend the day exploring the stunningly scenic Tracy Arm fjord from the ship and by Zodiac boats. Tracy Arm, a photographer's paradise, may be Alaska's most scenic fjord. This narrow inlet runs between cliffs and steep slopes. Tracy Arm twists and turns for more than 30 miles through dramatically scenic landscapes, dotted with thousands of icebergs from the North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers, which are located at the head of the fjord. Wildlife is seasonally prolific, with humpback whales, sea lions, seals on floating ice, bears, deer, mountain goats, and smaller animals inhabiting surrounding forests. The expert staff will provide commentary as we travel up Tracy Arm.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We will make our way back down the arm, pausing to view some of the spectacular waterfalls that spill out of the granite cliffs along the fjord. As we leave Tracy Arm, we will be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine mammals.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Disembarking the ship. Getting on and off a motorcoach. Walking distance based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
After disembarking the ship we will make our way to Glacier Gardens. Here we’ll enjoy an expert led exploration of this pristine botanical garden. Along the way, we’ll learn about plants that are native to the Tongass National Forest and we’ll delight in a panoramic view of Juneau. Following our time at the gardens we'll make our way to the Sealaska Heritage Center where we will enjoy a guided exploration of the exhibits highlighting the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner we'll enjoy a wrap up discussion as we share favorite memories of the program with our new friends and fellow participants Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, to-go breakfasts will be provided.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!





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