Alaska’s Denali Explorer Cruise & Land

Alaska’s awesome natural beauty isn’t confined to its interior, but extends along the 1000 mile long coastal waterway known as the inside passage.  Begin your journey in Vancouver as you board the luxurious Royal Princess and cruise north through the Inside Passage viewing some of  the world’s most beautiful scenery stopping in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and College Fjord National Parks.  In Whittier you’ll board Princess rails deluxe observation cars for a scenic train ride to Talkeetna.  In Talkeetna you’ll board a coach to the south rim of the park and a one night stay at the McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.  Enjoy your evening with views of sensational Denali and the surrounding mountain range.  Travel the Denali Highway for a scenic coach ride into the interior of Alaska as your make your way into Denali National Park. Spend two nights at the Denali Princess Lodge with an included  National History tour and time to explore on your own. End your journey with an overnight in frontier friendly Fairbanks. In Fairbanks you’ll take a sternwheeler river cruise and visit a native fishing camp. Throughout your trip you’ll enjoy viewing some of the world’s most beautiful scenery via the Inside Passage and Alaska’s interior.

June 15 Home/Vancouver:

Fly Minneapolis to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel for the next 7 nights the luxurious Coral Princess.                                                      Ship departs at 4:30 pm

June 16 At Sea:

Fill your day with activities or do nothing. Take a personal enrichment class, yoga, go duty-free shopping, or just relax with a dip in one of the pools or spas.

June 17: Ketchikan                                        6:30 am– 3:00 pm

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” because it’s the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means “eagle with spread-out wings,” a reference to a waterfall near town.  Visit the Salmon Capital of the world and southern most Inside Passage port. Stroll along famous Creek Street, once the town’s “red light” district or take a tour that highlights the native culture and totem art.

June 18 Juneau:   8:00 am – 9:00 pm

The capital of Alaska and the only capital in the world to have a glacier within the city limits and is accessible only by water or air.  You may want to visit the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, take a helicopter ride or visit the Red Dog Saloon, an authentic Alaskan watering hole.

June 19 Skagway:         7:00 am – 8:30 pm    

Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn’t the easiest. Explore the historic Klondike gold rush town that is full of spirit. Walk the streets lined by wooden sidewalks which recalls days gone by, or take an optional ride aboard the historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon railroad.

June 20 Glacier Bay (Scenic Cruising):   6:00 am -3:00pm

During your scenic cruise, friendly Park Rangers will join the ship to share their knowledge of this amazing place.  They may even be able to help you identify Glacier Bay’s abundant wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, porpoises, harbor seals, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and large colonies of seabirds.  Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy an unforgettable day of sailing through this dazzling park, where you’ll glide along emerald waters and past calving icebergs, and can breathe in the crisp, fresh air to your heart’s content.

June 21 College Fjord (Scenic Cruising): 6:00am -8:30pm

Stretching for miles, these massive rivers of ice tumble down from mountains and through valleys, dipping into the pristine waters of the fjord. There you’ll have a chance to watch the awe-inspiring process of glaciers calving, or dropping       enormous pillars of ice into the sea, as they crack and land with a thunderous splash, a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed! College Fjord not only boasts the world’s largest collection of tidewater glaciers, but it features magnificent snowcapped mountains as far as the eyes can see. Plus, during the summer, it’s not unheard of to catch a glimpse of one of the area’s 40-ton humpback whales feeding in the waters of the fjord.

June 22 Whittier and Talkeetna – Mt. McKinley:          

Direct-to-the-Wilderness Princess Rail service provides a fabulous beginning to your land journey, with magnificent scenery and friendly service all along the way.  Arrive in Talkeenta where you’ll board a coach to McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. The lodge overlooks the Alaska Range and Mt. McKinley,  At 20,320 feet above sea level. Denali is the highest peak in North America and is surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Take a leisurely walk on the many trails or relax on the panoramic deck overlooking Mt. McKinley.

June 23 Denali:         

You’ll have the morning to explore Talkeetna or the wilderness lodge before boarding your coach.  Enjoy a scenic drive along  the Alaskan highway to your home for the next two nights the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Easy trails link the various places to shop and dine in this resort setting.  Of course, no matter where you are, the natural splendor of the park is never far away.

June 24 Denali National Park

You have a full day to get out into one of America’s best national parks; Denali. This morning, a Natural History Tour serves as a wonderful introduction to the animals, plants and geological features found there. Later today, you may want to stop by the tour desk to plan an activity such as rafting or hiking.

June 25 Denali to Fairbanks:

Depart this morning by scenic motor coach and travel further north to Fairbanks.  Later this afternoon soak up local color and history on a nostalgic Sternwheeler Riverboat cruise on the Chena River with visits to a Native fishing camp and experience Gold Rush history, dog sledders and Alaskan bush pilots.

June 26-27: Fairbanks/Home

You’ll have time to explore Fairbanks on your own before transferring to the airport and your overnight flight home.