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Alaska

Expedition Alaska: Fjords, Glaciers & Wildlife

Program No. 25575RJ
Sail Alaska’s waters and fjords, with opportunities to encounter stunning wildlife. Learn about Indigenous traditions, glaciology and the unique ecosystems of the Inside Passage.
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Adventures Afloat Study CruiseSmall GroupExpeditionNew
Length
13 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
6,999
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
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
34 meals ( 12B, 11L, 11D )
9 expert-led lectures
12 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration 5:00-5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please contact your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat “Expedition” program. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The itinerary may change based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. Routes, port stops, field trips, and excursions could be impacted; the cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures, field trips, and activities exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. Due to the remote location of the ports, some embarkation and disembarkation will be via Zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops are subject to change as weather and ocean conditions could affect the progress of the vessel. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time in each port is set by the cruise line. The cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will give lectures throughout the program on the natural and human history of Coastal Alaska. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of the many activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. Unless specified otherwise, land transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring going up/down a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. 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. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 145 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. At the US-Canada border, we will step off the motorcoach to show passports.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we'll gather in the hotel meeting space for a lecture by our Group Leader. Then we will board a motorcoach and start the journey to Vancouver BC.
Lunch:
Local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will make our way to University of British Columbia's Botanical Garden. Established in 1916, the UBC Botanical Garden is home to approximately 120,000 specimen. With an expert docent, we will explore a garden and learn about some of the species within their collection. Following our visit to the botanical gardens, we'll make our way to the hotel where we will check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Pack passports in carry-on bags.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2.5 hours with stops; walking and standing for up to one hour during field trips. Boarding MS Roald Amundsen.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and set out on a guided exploration of Vancouver, BC. Following our morning activity, we will make our way to Canada Place Cruise Terminal where we'll complete the embarkation procedures and board the MS Roald Amundsen.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
After getting your cabin, take some time getting acquainted with the ship and its amenities. Before dinner, the ship's staff will have a special welcome and introduction for us. We will also take part with everyone on board in the ship’s muster/safety drill when announced.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin our educational program aboard the ship with lectures by the ship's staff. We will learn about our route along the Inside Passage, a nature-rich myriad of islands, fjords, bays and channels extending from cosmopolitan Puget Sound to remote southeastern Alaska.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
As the MS Roald Amundsen continues through the Canadian Inside Passage, we'll enjoy more lectures and activities provided by the expedition team. You will also have a chance to enjoy some free time on the ship. As we sail keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like whales, orcas, and minke whales.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we'll have a chance to explore Misty Fjords National Monument via Zodiac with the expedition team. The national monument is called Misty Fjords due to almost constant precipitation—more than 150 inches of rain fall here each year.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Weather permitting, we will be able to explore the area with the Expedition Team in their small expedition boats, or if you wish, by kayak. Back on the ship enjoy activities and lectures provided by the expedition team.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach. Walking around the totem park. Walking distance based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we visit the small town of Klawock which sits on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. With a population of just 700, this town is a center for Tlingit culture. While here, we will get a chance to see 21 carved totem poles including replicas of originals that stood in the village of Tuxecan.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship
Afternoon:
Following lunch we'll have a chance to enjoy more onboard activities and lectures. This afternoon enjoy some free time on the ship. Take advantage of the ship decks to look for wildlife. Don't forget your binoculars!
Dinner:
Aboard ship
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will spend the day exploring the scenic bays of Chatham Strait. This narrow passage extends for 150 miles and makes up part of the Inside Passage. This will be a big wildlife scouting day as the Chatham Strait is known for it's whale watching. Our Captain and Expedition Team will take a look at sea conditions and weather to determine the best destination for us to explore. If possible, we will head out on the small expedition boats to explore the area.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll continue searching for wildlife this afternoon. We will also have onboard activities and lectures to participate in.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today is another exciting exploration day as we make our way through Icy Strait. Similar to the previous day, the Captain and team will take a look at weather and sea conditions to pick the best place for us to explore. We may be able to get out on the expedition boats and we may have the chance to land and go ashore for a nature walk. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we'll continue our exploration of Icy Strait. Back on the ship we'll enjoy a lecture put on by the expedition team.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we get to immerse ourselves in an icy wonderland as we explore Icy Bay. There are three glaciers that feed into the bay's waters - Guyot, Tyndall, and Yahtse. If weather allows, we'll get out on the expedition boats to get a closer view of the icy landscape. Of course, we'll keep our eyes peeled for wildlife as humpback whales, harbor seals, orcas, and otters are often seen in these waters.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Back on the ship there will be opportunities for activities and lectures.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach. Walking around the museum. Walking distance based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we'll learn about the rich history of Valdez, AK. Known for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, we have a chance to see and learn about the area's remarkable recovery. While at the Valdez Museum, we will learn about the history of Alaska's Bush Pilots, see artifacts from the Gold Rush era, and see exhibits of Native art and culture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Back on the ship there will be opportunities for activities and lectures.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we'll get to experience more glaciers as we explore Prince William Sound. The Captain will select a location and we'll do our best to get as close as we safely can to the glaciers. If conditions allow, kayaking may also be offered.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Back on the ship there will be opportunities for activities and lectures.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Activity Note
Hike at Exit Glacier is considered moderately strenuous at approximately 1.2 miles with some steep, uneven surfaces and exposure to wind. Some benches are available along the way.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We'll disembark the MS Roald Amundsen and board our motorcoach that will take us to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.Exit Glacier received its name for serving as the exit for the first recorded crossing of the Harding Icefield in 1968. We will learn about this iconic feature and view the dense blue ice up-close while listening to it crackle. Afterwards, we'll ride to the harbor dock in Seward and board a catamaran for a glacier and wildlife study cruise. As we sail out into beautiful Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, we’ll learn about the Russians who “discovered” the bay on Easter Sunday and named it Resurrection Bay — “Easter” commonly referred to as “Resurrection.” Ship staff will provide insightful commentary along our journey as we take in the breathtaking scenery.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch from a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll then make our way to the Alaska Sealife Center. The Alaska SeaLife Center is a cutting-edge marine research facility. A member of the educational staff will give us a presentation on their work. We will learn about ongoing research projects and see exhibits on the marine life of the south-central and northern Pacific shores of Alaska. We’ll also learn about the center’s current objectives and how the establishment of this research center came in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Money from state damages assessed on Exxon was used to start up the research center. One special focus was to study the long-term effects of the oil spill on the people, the animals, and the land of South Central Alaska. The center has become a top-notch research facility, drawing researchers from all over the country. We’ll then ride a short distance to our hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for departures tomorrow morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 126 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Drop-offs at airport expected between approximately 10:30 a.m and 12:00 p.m. depending on traffic and road conditions.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll have one more chance to absorb Alaska’s beautiful scenery on our return ride to Anchorage, with drop-offs at both the airport and our hotel in Anchorage. This concludes our program. 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. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!