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Big Picture Alaska

Big Picture Alaska

From AUD $11,240

Description

Embark on an immersive, wide-ranging photo expedition that focuses entirely on Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. You’ll experience the perfect mix of small-town life and the grand expanse of the wild landscape that surrounds it. Capture it all with the help of our National Geographic photo expedition team.

Benefit from a top photo team
Sailing with you aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird will be a team of top photographers to ensure you go home with top shots. Whether you’re new to photography or a published pro eager to add Alaska to your portfolio, you’ll find our expedition team is adept at curating photo ops with outings timed to take advantage of morning and evening light and insights into wildlife movements that will help you create dynamic shots.

Ample time to discover Alaska’s iconic wildlife
More time in the region means more chances for encounters with wildlife. This expedition spans the lower and upper reaches of Alaska’s inside passage, with more time for kayaking, hiking, and cruising among the iconic wildlife and ice of the region.

Get a slice of Alaskan life in Haines
This voyage will take full advantage of all that Haines Alaska, the state’s “Adventure Capital,” has to offer. Head out on active excursions, get to know the small town’s arts community and, since we’ll linger into the evening, be sure to stop at local lively bar to hoist a pint or two of local craft ale

Trip Name
Big Picture Alaska
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 52 metres Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins) Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015 Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships. - The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market. - The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored. - Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. - Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Ketchikan
Arrive in Ketchikan, visit the Saxman Village and read the native history of Alaska etched in 25 totem poles. Embark National Geographic Sea Bird. (D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Misty Fiords
Wake amid the glacially-carved cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument. Explore by expedition landing craft and kayak for a closer perspective. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Behm Canal / Clarence Strait
Explore the verdant Tongass National Forest. Cruise through whale-rich channels in search of humpback whales. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Thomas Bay / Petersburg
Call at the quaint Alaskan town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. See a unique muskeg ecosystem with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Explore by bike or, optional flightseeing. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Tracy Arm – Fords Terror Wilderness
Navigate the spectacular Tracy or Endicott Arm fjords to South Sawyer or Dawes Glacier, and, if conditions permit, venture closer in our expedition landing craft for unparalleled views. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: Haines
Explore Alaska’s “adventure capital” on a world class hike or bike ride along the edge of a glacial lake. Or raft the Chilkat River to a bald eagle preserve, and call at the ancient Chilkat Tlingit village of Klukwan for a cultural interpretation. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - DAY 7: Lynn Canal
Hike and kayak where the mighty Chilkat River meets the sea, in the shadow of snow-capped peaks and at the northern limit of Alaska’s Inside Passage. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 8: Glacier Bay National Park
We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. Search for mountain goats, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins. A native Tlingit interpreter aboard shares the legends of the area. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 9: Icy Strait / Inian Islands
See an abundance of Steller sea lions. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in the rich waters of Icy Strait. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - DAY 10: Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Islands
Kayak, hike, and explore where conditions are best and wildlife most active. Cap off the day with the Captain’s farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - DAY 11: Sitka/Disembark
After breakfast, disembark to visit picturesque Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral then visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center before transferring to the airport for flights home. (B)
Day 12 - Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-07-201903-08-2019AUD $11,240Category 1
24-07-201903-08-2019AUD $13,240Category 2
24-07-201903-08-2019AUD $14,990Category 3
24-07-201903-08-2019AUD $16,870Category 1 Single
24-07-201903-08-2019AUD $19,870Category 2 Single
03-08-201913-08-2019AUD $11,240Category 1
03-08-201913-08-2019AUD $13,240Category 2
03-08-201913-08-2019AUD $14,990Category 3
03-08-201913-08-2019AUD $16,870Category 1 Single
03-08-201913-08-2019AUD $19,870Category 2 Single

Inclusions

    • Raft though the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which boasts the largest congregation of bald eagles in the world
    • Explore Glacier Bay National Park, Misty Fiords National Monument, and search for humpback whales in their summer feeding grounds
    • Kayak amid glacial ice, hike the Tongass National Forest and learn about the region’s rich Tlingit heritage

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