Cruise Line |
Lindblad Expeditions |
Ship |
National Geographic Venture |
Destination |
Alaska & Canada West |
Nights |
7 |
Departure Date |
11 Jul 2021 |
Description |
7 Night Cruise sailing from Sitka to Juneau aboard National Geographic Venture.
Day-to-day Itinerary:
DAY 1: Sitka, Alaska/ Embark
Sitka has a strong Russian heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit the onion-domed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we have close views of species normally seen at a distance in the wild—bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Gather for a welcome dinner this evening. (D)
DAY 2: Southeast Alaska's Island, Bays and Fjords
Today, nature is our guide as we set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. We may stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. If conditions permit, we'll do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike bearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in the rich waters of Icy Strait. Conditions permitting, we'll lower the ship's hydrophone to listen in on the whales' communication. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Glacier Bay National Park
We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers and majestic moutains of Glacier Bay National Park. You'll see glaciers that end abruptly at the water's edge and observe them "calving" -tons of ice crashing into the sea -accompanied by an exhilarating thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals, Steller sea lions and puffins are some of the creatures we may observe. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us onboard to share the legend of the area.(B,L,D)
Please note: Departures aboard National Geographic Sea Bird visit the outer bays of Glacier Bay National Park and do not enter the permitted part of the Bay.
DAY 5: Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It's not uncommon to observe their fascinating behavior — breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding — as we fill the deck and listen to the play-by-play from our expert naturalists. We'll explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up close exploration. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Petersburg
Search for humpback whales as we head towards the small, true Alaskan town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Explore a unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem, the "muskeg," with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for optional flightseeing or bike riding. Enjoy a Dungeness crab feast this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. We’ll also pass the Sawyer Glacier, which has been described as bluer than any blue on earth, or the towering Dawes Glacier. If conditions permit, we'll use our expedition landing craft to provide unparalleled up close views of the glacier. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises and arctic terns. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Juneau, Alaska/Disembark
Disembark this morning in downtown Juneau. Take time to visit the local shops before exploring the Alaska State Museum, with its sprawling collection of natural history and cultural artifacts. (B) |
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Sailing Dates |
- 16 May 2021
- 30 May 2021
- 13 Jun 2021
- 27 Jun 2021
- 11 Jul 2021
- 25 Jul 2021
- 08 Aug 2021
- 22 Aug 2021
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Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
1 |
11/07 |
Sitka, Alaska |
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2 |
12/07 |
At sea |
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3 |
13/07 |
Icy Strait Point, Alaska |
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4 |
14/07 |
Glacier Bay, Alaska |
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5 |
15/07 |
Frederick Sound, Alexander Archipelago, Alaska |
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6 |
16/07 |
Petersburg, Alaska |
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7 |
17/07 |
Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska |
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8 |
18/07 |
Juneau, Alaska |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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