Two black Kermode bears were also quickly spotted, adding to the magical moment. A visitor to Alaska since the mid-1990s, award-winning writer Fran Golden shares some well-traveled wisdom, gleaned from the depth of immersion only small ships can offer. Call for details. Call for details. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Americas final frontier captivates with the promise of discovery and aboard our nimble small ships youll have unparalleled access to seldom-seen corners of the Inside Passage and beyond. Stroll past serene rows of stone lanterns at the town's two Zen Buddhist temples, where the feudal lords of the powerful Mori clan were laid to rest. We have spotted a Spirit Bear along the shore. The persistent rain and winds did not stop the bow from filling up with excited guests, crew, and staff. After several days of attempting to make our way to Lowe, only to get thwarted by whales, killer whales, bears, and other wildlife, we finally arrived today. We made our turn towards Prince Royal Channel only to be stopped by humpback whales! Wild Alaska Cruise: Sitka To Juneau Cruise Tour | National And, while small-ship cruising does not allow for many of the bells and whistles of the big ships, there are definite benefits. After our cruises, we loaded back onto the vessel and turned due north to our final destination of Prince Rupert, our first stop where we began so many days ago. When Zodiac cruising around icebergs, I always feel like I'm in the middle of nature's sculpture garden. As the ship set sail for our next destination, guests discussed the days experiences and enjoyed supper. All Rights Reserved. Witnessing this seemingly playful interaction was absolutely breathtaking. Pay attention to the packing list associated with your itinerary, though. The ship comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 spacious outside cabins. Its in these remote parts where you can witness the thunder of a calving glacier, kayak past foraging bears, and linger with a pod of humpbacks. Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic ; Lindblad's Rather Un-Lindblad Trip Lindblad's Rather Un-Lindblad Trip. WebLindblad-National Geographic offer authentic expeditions to the worlds most remarkable places. Instead, do pack that extra pair of rain paints, hat and gloves, and second pair of shoes you're not sure you'll need. All the while your trip is illuminated by experts who are the best in their fields: naturalists, undersea specialists, divemasters, historians, cultural specialists, photographers and video chroniclers, and guest speakers. 1. 2023 Lindblad Expeditions. Traveler contributions to the LEX-NG Fund in Alaska currently support our regional partner, Alaska Whale Foundation, in its efforts to study and conserve Alaskas whales and other wildlife. You don't say which cruise you're going on . And yet, as we cruised along Princess Royal Island, a waterfall came into view, providing a perfect opportunity for a potential bear. Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Drop anchor at the remote town of Wrangell, situated on the northern tip of Wrangell Island. Their To compound this healthful effect, add the luxury of comfort to the privilege of being herewith a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. Call for details. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. At night, passengers can't go to a show, sing karaoke or even watch TV in their cabins. Lindblad Expeditions. Book online with AlaskaCruises.com There is a small bar. You may book online or contact us directly. Book by April 30, 2023, and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins on select departures. Cruise through this glacially carved fjord, then set out to explore by expedition landing craft. Our nimble expedition ships can navigate narrow waterways and small harbors that larger vessels cannot reach, and they're equipped with exploration tools such as kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, hydrophones and underwater cameras, so that you can discover wild places close up. At the risk of anthropomorphizing the situation, the orca and humpback calves were swimming in tandem, taking a breath together and diving simultaneously. Starting in 2024, your full bar tab (excluding super-premium brands) will be included. Almost every Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition cruise to Alaska includes a visit to a tidewater glacier, glaciers which flow into the ocean, often with powerful calving. Where these animals live, how they need this forest to survive, who the people that live here are, and how they continue to fight for this land after calling it their home for thousands of years. (B,L,D), toward the island of Shikoku this evening. And the mostly American crew and staff are hard-working and ready to assist passengers with anything they need. See the soaring South Sawyer or Dawes Glacier up close, and take a cruise in an expedition landing craft for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. The passengers were all US and tended to be 40+. Drive to the airport for your flight home. After exploring the old growth forests and intertidal regions, the hikers returned to the ship as the sun passed behind the surrounding peaks. Choose from five voyages that sail among the wildlife-rich islands and channels of Southeast Alaska. With action-packed itineraries for all ages, and expeditions ranging from six to 15 days, it's easy to get out and exploreespecially with special family savings:in 2023, parents and grandparents can bring one kid under age 22 at half price, and a second for free. Find and plan your next 2023 Alaska cruise out of Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle, Washington; Sitka, Alaska; with Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Quest. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, one that I am sure can never be repeated. New bookings only. Kids always sail free on Royal Caribbean cruises. Subject to availability. Day 2: Exploring Baranof OR Chichagof Island, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/destinations/north-america/ocean/alaska-cruise-active.html, Air Credit on Select 2023 & 2024 Expedition Cruise Departures, Enter narrow channels and secluded harbors that are inaccessible to large ships aboard the agile. Intrepid hikers made their way from the inside of the back bay of Lowe through the home of the Great Bear and into the muskeg typical of this landscape, which used to be covered in glaciers. Traveling solo, we rarely had an awkward moment and were welcomed warmly when approaching a dinner table or conversation group. Conditions permitting, well lower the ships hydrophone to listen in on whale communication. An expedition cruise is a small ship cruise thats typically focused on exploring nature and wildlife. CC Help Jenn This trip has been so full of bears that we are struggling to keep count. Posted November 14, 2010. Their enthusiasm is contagious! The ship is very nice with a great hotel staff. We could not have had a more incredible day aboard National Geographic Venture . Early on, our Zodiacs spotted yet another black bear, who greeted us before wandering back into its forested home. My Favorites | Already Booked| Shore Excursions| Make a Payment US Toll Free:1-800-201-6937 International Callers Click Here Alaska Cruise Finder We could not imagine a more beautiful way to end our day searching for wildlife. This cruise line does not offer live online pricing. By After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, Southeast Alaskas only oceanfront town. Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. Get inbox inspiration you'll look forward to: photos, videos, live webinar invites, special offers, and updates. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/destinations/north-america/ocean/alaska-cruise-cruise-land-tour-packages.html, Air Credit on Select 2023 & 2024 Expedition Cruise Departures, Glide past the soaring cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, a landscape of foggy inlets and forested slopes known as the Yosemite of the north.. The rainforest greeted us with the full rain shower service we have come to love and expect, and we greeted the rainforest first thing in the morning with the option to either hike or cruise through this lovely place. WebIf you are looking for a small ship cruise line, Lindblad leads the pack. Orcas were spotted! Lindblad Expeditions. A Dalls porpoise in the mix with killer whales! The passengers and naturalists amassed on the bow to watch for megafauna and chat while the day warmed up. Go into remote bays to linger and observe whales going about the slow business of their daily lives. At the risk of anthropomorphizing the situation, the orca and humpback calves were swimming in tandem, taking a breath together and diving simultaneously. Everyone was blown away by seeing one spirit bear, and it never crossed our minds that we might have the extraordinary luck to see a spirit bear twice! For the purposes of this review, we'll refer to all inflatable boats as dibs.). Your feedback is very helpful - we have been on a number of Lindblad trips but this is the first one on a boat not in the Lindblad fleet. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board. Take a memorable Alaska cruise They've come aboard for the fascinating itineraries that get them to remote places big ships can't reach and that teach them about the history, culture, geology and wildlife of the area. To that end, the trip is run by an expedition leader and a team of experts in different fields (a naturalist, a National Geographic-trained photographer and, on Columbia River itineraries, a historian), ready to share their knowledge in interesting and often humorous ways. The food is also surprisingly good. Coco Cay is located in the Bahamas and features a 13-slide water park as well as the regions largest wave pools and freshwater pools. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Visit Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to. You'll receive a copy of the email we sent for you shortly. We could not imagine a more beautiful way to end our day searching for wildlife. Discover a rugged landscape of mist-shrouded fjords, tidewater glaciers, and islands teeming with wildlifefrom bald eagles and brown bears to orcas and humpback whales. (B,L,D), Japanese art with a gem-like traditional garden. Traveler contributions to the LEX Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around our ship. The cruise is extremely social, and passengers are welcoming and friendly, without stooping to one-upsmanship or class hierarchies. The groups on shore found a trail across the peninsula that led to a muskeg with fascinating plants. On a hike, discover the island's ancient yakusugi cedar trees, many of which date back more than a thousand years. Walk through temperate rainforests on trails worn into the spongy earth by foraging bears. (B,L,D), Heritage Site. At the Gyeongju National Museum, examine jewelry, weapons, and other Silla artifacts. Each cruise line has their own unique way to pamper you and indulge your senses. (B,L,D), Next, wander the pathways of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's designated "three best landscape gardens", established in 1676 by the Maeda family and developed over 150 years. Enjoy a tour of the Juneau area before embarking the ship. We scanned the shoreline when suddenly an announcement came over the ships internal public address speaker: Good afternoon to those aboard National Geographic Venture . Fix your binoculars on the banks to spot Sitka black-tailed deer and moose, as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. Spend today searching for wildlife in rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. One would never think you could ever see anything more unique and awe-inspiring than a white Kermode bear, but all of us aboard the ship were happily mistaken when a pod of orcas started to engage with a humpback mother and calf. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us. My wife and took this Lindblad cruise on the Lord of the Glens 3 yrs ago and had a great time. Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the behaviors of the area whale population. Stroll past the lovely wooden homes of the samurai in the Naga-machi district, where the streets are intentionally narrow and winding to confuse enemies. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor. The caretaker, Shane, hosted us, answered our questions, and talked about life in this small native town of about 480 residents. WebAlaska Cruise: Cruise & Land Tour Packages | National Geographic Expeditions Reserve Online 1-888-966-8687 National Geographic Expeditions Destinations North America We also explored the back bay where salmon swam, herons hunted, eagles perched above us, and kingfishers dipped about. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to discuss Alaskan indigenous culture, and a National Park Service ranger will offer insights on the natural world. Dress onboard and off is casual -- and when Lindblad says casual, it doesn't mean resort attire or "dressy casual'" or those other terms cruise lines throw around. If you want to immerse yourself in a destination and don't mind "roughing it" just a tad -- or if you don't love the mainstream cruise experience but want to see a place best accessed by water -- a Sea Bird cruise might be just what you're looking for. WebSee low rates on this 5 Night Lindblad Alaska - Cruises departing Cordova, Alaska 7/14/2024 on the National Geographic Sea Lion. The Zodiacs visited waterfalls, examined meadows for bears, and encountered a humpback whale as it repeatedly surfaced and dove, and even lunged up through a bubble net that it made by itself. WebOn this 8-day Exploring Alaskas Coastal Wilderness cruise, explore Southeast Alaska on an unrivaled experience, guaranteed of in-depth encounters with all its wonders. Subject to availability. Video by Taylor Butz. (B,L,D), Monday through Thursday, Midnight to 1 PM. Visit Oura Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in Japan, and venture into Sofukuji, a 400-year-old Ming-style Zen Buddhist temple. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and is not combinable with other offers. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park. Travel in the wake of John Muir and the 1899 Harriman Expedition through College Fjord, then described as a great ice chest.. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below: Please note that all prices on our website are in US dollars, and travel purchases must be completed with a major credit card.Unless you are considering one of our custom cruise itineraries, certain cruise lines prohibit US-based travel agencies from selling to non-US residents. National Geographic representative Lauren Eckert was in the lounge giving her presentation, Welcome to the Great Bear Rainforest: The Land of the Spirit Bear & So Much More. Almost immediately, our team of naturalists on the bow spotted a group of killer whales! Book online with LindbladCruises.com or call 1-877 Hike or join a white-water rafting trip outside Valdez after strolling its streets and learning its fascinating modern history. End the day at the Noguchi Garden Museum, which features the sculptures and workshop of Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi. Wander paths that wind along forest streams and past traditional teahouses tucked amid maple and cherry trees. Witnessing this seemingly playful interaction was absolutely breathtaking. WebNational Geographic Quest capacity 100 guests year built 2017 length 238 feet draft 9 feet flag United States Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the 100-guest National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art, expedition, luxury vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing. Take a walk in Sitka National Historical Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. WebTraveling aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, youll explore alongside a dynamic expedition teamseasoned photographers, marine biologists, historians, or WebSee low rates on this 12 Night Lindblad Asia / Orient departing Kobe 9/4/2024 on the National Geographic Resolution. Doug Gould, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor. Southeast Alaska is simply magical. At first, we assumed the worstthe humpback calf was about to start fighting for its life, but soon the interaction appeared nonviolent. Undersea specialists on select expeditions are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Book online with AlaskaCruises.com or call 1-800-201-6937. 2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. To compound this healthful effect, add the luxury of comfort to the privilege of being herewith a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. What a magical moment for all! Naturalist Jesse Humbert was on the spotting scope, prepared to spot another spirit bear! Click below for more National Geographic Sea Lion videos Grand Glaciers of Alaska by Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic - 8/22/2014 - Time: 01:03 Wilderness aboundsmountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; and harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins swim in these icy waters. We quietly floated for almost an hour as we witnessed this beautiful animal in its environment. (B,L,D), and learn about the city's dedication to peace following World War II. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, one that I am sure can never be repeated. Turning the vessel around, we observed the orcas until humpbacks were seen spouting and swimming along the coastline of Work Island and Princess Royal Island. Offer applicable only on bookings of 2 double-occupancy cabins, and the second cabin must be in same category or lower as the first cabin. WebOur Alaska expedition cruises offer endless outdoor activities, wildlife sightings, picture-perfect moments, cultural experiences, Lindblad Expeditions supports stewardship efforts in the places we explore, and one way we do that is through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund. Today we explore the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska and the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Or visit the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan and enjoy a traditional dance and cultural performance before setting off on a rafting excursion, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, bears, and moose as we float through the spectacular Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. We continued cruising south along Prince Royal Island. Sea Bird's trips are priced like luxury cruises, but you're paying for the incredible enrichment programming, the best technology to enhance your experience and an intimate experience focused on the passenger. Overall, the location and weather provided an amazing experience that guests and staff will not soon forget. Passed behind the surrounding peaks over coastal trails a show, sing karaoke or even watch TV their. Glens 3 yrs ago and had a great hotel staff on the National Geographic Venture each... 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