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Alaska & British Columbia – Wilderness, Glaciers & Culture aboard Roald Amundsen

Alaska & British Columbia – Wilderness, Glaciers & Culture aboard Roald Amundsen

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Description

We sail north from Vancouver to the Misty Fjords, William Henry Bay, and the dramatic glaciers of College Fjord, looking out for eagles, bears, and whales along the way. You’ll also visit Haines, Sitka, and Cordova, authentic Alaskan frontier towns that are a mix of Native and early settler cultures. We end the journey with a train ride from Seward to Anchorage.

Trip Name
Alaska & British Columbia – Wilderness, Glaciers & Culture aboard Roald Amundsen
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 140 metres Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2019 In 2019, Hurtigruten adds a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten.  The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. Facilities on board One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center.   Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand picked Expedition Team.   The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.  MS Roald Amundsen will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage: Aune Main Dining, named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim - the ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Lindstrøm, a speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes. Artwork on board When the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ship embarks on her maiden voyage, every piece of art on board will be handpicked by HM Queen Sonja of Norway’s art foundation - the Queen Sonja Print Award. Read more about the exciting collaboration here.  

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Start of the Expedition
Vibrant Vancouver boasts waterfront parks, nearby mountains, multitudes of cafes, shops, galleries, museums, and a diversity of cultural neighbourhoods to explore. Enjoy a scenic journey into the Canadian wilderness aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train with an optional Pre-Programme.
Day 2 - Day 2 Cruising through British Columbia
Sailing north into the open ocean, we make our way towards the narrow channels of Canada’s Inside Passage. Join our Expedition Team in the onboard Science Center for fascinating lectures, spend time getting to know your fellow travellers, or go on deck to look out for dolphins, porpoises, orcas, and whales in the nearby waters.
Day 3 - Day 3 Unspoiled Wilderness
Misty Fjords National Monument is a realm of thick evergreen rainforests, granite cliffs adorned by strings of waterfalls, mountain rivers and wetlands along the coast, often with milky fog filling the bays and coves. Weather permissible, you will explore the area on our small expedition boats or kayaks.
Day 4 - Day 4 Soul of Alaska
One of the oldest island towns in Alaska, Wrangell has been governed by four different nations – Tlingit, Russian, British and The United States. Numerous petroglyphs on the beach and moss-covered totem poles showcase to the distant past of this area. Outside of the main cruise ships routes, nowadays it remains a simple fishing town.
Day 5 - Day 5 From Rainforests to Glaciers
True gems of Southeast Alaska, the Tracy and Endicott Arm Fjords feature lush Alaskan greenery on towering cliffsides as well intricate icebergs in the water and rugged, radiant-blue glaciers at the end of the fjords. It is also home to mountain goats and Harbor seals. If sea conditions are right, we’ll explore the area aboard our small expedition boats or kayaks.
Day 6 - Day 6 Little Norway in Alaska
Nicknamed `A little Norway´, rarely-visited Petersburg is a thriving fishing village with a strong Norwegian heritage, scenery that will take your breath away and an abundance of marine life all around. Proud of their Scandinavian roots, local residents even celebrate Norwegian holidays, and the heart of the community is the “Sons of Norway Hall”.
Day 7 - Day 7 Art in the Wilderness
Framed by mountains, Haines was the home of the Chilkat Tlingit people for centuries, before Europeans arrived in the late 19th century, followed by gold rush settlers. Known for its community of artists in modern times, Haines remains at heart a small Alaskan town at the edge of wilderness.
Day 8 - Day 8 Wilderness Exploration
We head ashore with our expedition boats and explore this anchorage with local guides. Nestled against the Chilkat mountain range, the wilderness here features old growth forest, home to brown and black bears, wolves, moose, and Sitka black-tailed deer. In the evening, the ship passes through Point Adolphus, a renowned whale watching area.
Day 9 - Day 9 Sitka, Blended Cultures
Sitka enjoys views of The Sisters Mountains and of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano. The former capital of Alaska when it belonged to Russia, this historic town is now a blend of cultures. Wander around the Russian Orthodox St. Michael’s Cathedral, or visit nearby Stika National Historical Park, which has many ornate Tinglit totem poles on display.
Day 10 - Day 10 Tidal Glaciers
Icy Bay lives up to its name. Located in Prince William Sound, the spectacular scenery here formed in the past 100 years with the retreat of three prominent glaciers which still feed ice into the bay. Our aim is to explore Guyot Glacier. The weather and glacier ice conditions on the day will dictate which areas we will be able to visit.
Day 11 - Day 11 Alaska's Little Secret
Cordova is an authentic Alaskan salmon fishing town surrounded by a vast forests, and only accessible by boat or plane. Thanks to this remoteness, Cordova has preserved its small-town, old-school vibe more than many other communities here. Sea otters, eagles, and tundra swans are easily seen while moose, beaver, wolf, and bears are rarer sights.
Day 12 - Day 12 Ivy League Glaciers
We spend the day in the northern sector of Prince William Sound exploring College Fjord surrounded by the snow-capped Chugach Mountains. The area is home to five magnificent tidewater glaciers and a dozen smaller ones, most named after famous Ivy League East Coast colleges. May is also one of the top months to spot humpback whales here.
Day 13 - Day 13 Seward’s Scenic Train Ride
After disembarking the ship, ride the Alaskan Railroad from Seward to Anchorage. Travelling along the shores of Turnagain Arm, you’ll see a showcase of South-Central Alaska’s natural beauty; jagged peaks, alpine meadows, breathtaking fjords, and crystal lakes. Once in Anchorage, we visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center before transferring to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 14 - Day 14 ‘Big Apple of the North’
Situated between the 5,000-ft peaks of the Chugach Mountains, this city contains more than 40% of the state's population. Locals fish salmon from Ship Creek downtown and 1,500 moose wander free. Extend your stay with a four-day Post-Programme to the pristine Denali National Park before flying home.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Explore Alaska’s wild landscapes, such as Misty Fjords, College Fjord, and Icy Bay
    • Scenic journey aboard the famous Alaska Railroad from Seward to Anchorage
    • A chance to see Alaskan wildlife, such as the bald eagle and brown and black bears
    • Learn Native and early settler history in frontier towns Haines, Sitka, and Cordova

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