Epic Coastal Alaska aboard National Geographic Orion

Description

Join us on our most epic and comprehensive coastal Alaska expedition in our 40 years of exploration. Sail among the temperate rainforests and wildlife-rich waters of coastal British Columbia, and explore the fjords, villages, and wildlife of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Enter Yakutat and Disenchantment Bays, up to the face of seven-mile-wide Hubbard Glacier; and spend a day within Prince William Sound, known for its spectacular mountains and massive tidewater glaciers. Check seabirds and marine mammals off your life lists as you Zodiac, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard among myriad islands that play host to a diverse population of wildlife. This unprecedented voyage could only be made on a luxurious vessel like the yacht-sized National Geographic Orion, which has the nimbleness to navigate the Inside Passage, and the stability and raw power to handle the open water of the Gulf of Alaska.

Trip Name

Epic Coastal Alaska aboard National Geographic Orion

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 103 metres Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins) Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014 Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration. National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices. National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment. Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck. While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Vancouver / Embark

Arrive in Vancouver this afternoon and embarkNational Geographic Orion. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2-3: Inside Passage of British Columbia, Canada

Navigate northward along the pristine coastline insearch of whales, dolphins, bear, deer, and otherwildlife. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - DAY 4: Misty Fjords National Monument

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over thestunning cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet abovethe deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps ofclouds drift down the winding waterway and drapeover green peaks as we sail through the mists thatgive this extraordinary landscape its name. Set outby Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forestedbanks and the dramatic waterfalls that cascadedown the cliffs. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - DAY 5: Totem Bay / Cruising

Explore the rocky coastline by kayak or Zodiac,and go ashore to beachcomb and discover thefascinating intertidal zone with our naturalists. Setsail on the Sumner Strait, keeping watch forhumpback whales and pods of killer whales glidingthrough the clear water around our ship. Fix yourbinoculars on the banks of Kuiu Island to spotmoose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well asblack bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequentthe shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - DAY 6: LeConte Glacier & Petersburg

Today, maneuver past the LeConte Glacier, one ofthe most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska.Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier faceand get caught in this shallow moraine and alongthe shoreline. Take advantage of spectacularphoto ops, practicing tricks and tips from ourcertified photo instructor. Our experienced captainwill read the ice and bring us as close as possibleto the glacier, where we’ll set out by Zodiac tonavigate among these surreal floating sculptures.In the afternoon, visit the small Alaskan fishingtown of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which stillretains much of its Norwegian heritage. Stretchyour legs with an optional bike ride around town orexplore downtown on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 7: Frederick Sound & Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both killerwhales and humpback whales. It’s not uncommonto observe their fascinating behavior—breaching,tail-slapping, and variations on feeding—as we fillthe deck and listen to the play-by-play from ourexpert naturalists. If schedules allow, we will bejoined by our conservation partners from theAlaska Whale Foundation who will come aboardand speak about the local whale population.(B,L,D)

Day 7 - DAY 8: Sitka

This morning, step ashore in Peril Straits in themorning where we follow bear trails and salmonstreams. The still waters are excellent forkayaking. In the afternoon, explore the former capital—Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfronttown. Visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center andstroll the forested trails of the Sitka NationalHistorical Park. Rich in history, the 113-acre parkfeatures roughly 20 majestic Haida and Tlingittotems scattered along the scenic coastal trail.(B,L,D)

Day 8 - DAY 9: West Chichagof-Yacobi Wilderness

Located on the outer coast of Chichagof Island,this wilderness offers a rugged, wave-poundedcoastline open to the mighty Pacific Ocean as wellas quiet, protected bays and inlets ideal forexploring by ship, kayak, and Zodiacs. Westernhemlock and Sitka spruce trees blanket the areaalong with muskeg and river estuaries, creating arich and diverse ecosystem. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - DAY 10: Icy Strait & the Inian Islands

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-richwaters where the Pacific Ocean meets the InsidePassage. Options include a Zodiac cruise amongthe Inian Islands, where an abundance of Stellersea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer watersof Glacier Bay; or hiking in the lush temperaterainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies.(B,L,D)

Day 10 - DAY 11: At Sea / Hubbard Glacier

Start the morning in the Gulf of Alaska, transitingup the coast to Yakutat Bay. The scenery alongthe way is rugged and beautiful. Be on the lookoutfor a glimpse of Mt. Fairweather (over 15,000 ft.).Late in the day, we will enter the bay and headtoward the face of Hubbard Glacier. Thismammoth sheet of ice is more than six miles wideat its face and is contained within the boundariesof Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Depending onice and conditions, we may deploy our Zodiacs toexplore. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - DAY 12: Kayak Island

This uninhabited island is best known as thelocation where members of Bering’s GreatNorthern Expedition of 1741 set foot in Alaska.Here, naturalist Georg Steller found a jay nownamed for him and recorded over 150 plants newto science. Conditions permitting, we hope tomake a landing to explore this small, jagged islandand to cruise by Zodiac near Cape St. Elias and itslighthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - DAY 13: Exploring Prince William Sound

Spend the day exploring majestic Prince WilliamSound which is filled with glaciers and ringed bythe Chugach Mountains. Immerse yourself in theincredible beauty as we take advantage of thebest conditions and opportunities that arise thatday. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - DAY 14: Kenai Fjords National Park

Wake up in Kenai Fjords National Park, known asan iconic location in the region and, for many, achallenging place to visit. The day will be spentexploring the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bayby ship and Zodiac. Throughout the day, be on thelookout for horned and tufted puffins, marbledmurrelets, black oyster catchers, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and fin, minke, and killer whales whomake their summer home in the park. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - DAY 15: Seward / Disembark

Disembark in Seward and transfer by motorcoachto Anchorage for your return flight home. (B)

Day 15 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Witness nature’s frozen sculpture garden on a Zodiac cruise through the ice-choked bay at of LeConte Glacier.
Discover the Inside Passage’s hidden gems such as Pinta Bay and Slocum Arm, and spend a day exploring untrammeled, majestic Prince William Sound.
Learn about the rich indigenous culture in the coastal village of Sitka and go ashore at uninhabited Kayak Island where members of Vitus Bering’s expedition of 1741 first landed.
Attempt to take in the epic scale of Hubbard Glacier, an endless wall of ice seven miles wide.
Encounter the stunning variety of marine and wildlife in the Inside Passage, as well as species found in the Gulf of Alaska, such as gray and blue whales, fur seals, and the spectacled eider.