Natural Wonders of Alaska

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

Coastal Alaska is incredibly beautiful. A vast area of fjords, channels, rivers, glaciers and bays, all of which can be well appreciated from the deck of a ship as she weaves her way through the seemingly endless coastal wilderness. This voyage promises to be a true expedition, an exciting journey of wildlife discovery and spectacular scenery.

Witnessing this vast landscape has a humbling effect on those who journey along its dramatic fjord and coastal scenery, past towering mountains, their foothills covered with never ending spruce forests. Seeing the Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat is a wonderful experience, and unlike the big cruise vessels who have a set course on the wide channels, our expedition vessel will be able to navigate narrow fjords and passages. These are perfect waters for expedition cruising as we get close to glaciers, gushing rivers, and for a real close-up experience we will use our Zodiacs to view wildlife such as bird colonies, bears and swooping bald eagles if we are lucky.

Such a remote, mysterious land that supports some of the world’s most intriguing formations of nature and wildlife must be treasured by those that are captivated by its magnificence. Only small ship cruising can ensure you soak up the delights, peacefulness and wonders that exist in Alaska today.

Please note price includes return flights to/from London. For non-use of these flights there is a reduction in price. Contact us for more information.

29 June, 2013 to 14 July, 2013

Make a booking request for Natural Wonders of Alaska, departing on 29 June, 2013

Castle Std Fwd £6195.00 GBP pp

The two Standard Forward Suites on the Castle Deck measure 22.7 metres and feature two portholes, en-suite bathroom with shower and spacious wardrobes.

Castle Std £6495.00 GBP pp

Suites on the Castle Deck measure 22.7 square metres and feature four port holes, en-suite bathroom with shower and spacious wardrobes.

Caledonian Sup £6995.00 GBP pp

Suites on the Caledonian Deck measure 21.6 square metres and feature en-suite bathrooms with bath tub and shower (except for suites 329, 330 and 331 which feature only a shower), spacious wardrobe and large window.

Castle Std Fwd Sgl £7295.00 GBP pp

Sole Occuapncy - Featuring two portholes, en-suite bathroom with shower and spacious wardrobes.

Promenade Prem £7395.00 GBP pp

The Premium Balcony Suites on the Promenade Deck measure 20.2 square metres and feature a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with shower and a private balcony measuring 5.6

Castle Std Sgl £7995.00 GBP pp

Sole Occupancy - Feature four port holes, en-suite bathroom with shower and spacious wardrobes.

Bridge Dlx Balc £8495.00 GBP pp

Balcony Suites The Premium Balcony Suites on the Promenade Deck measure 20.2 square metres and feature a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with shower and a private balcony measuring 5.6

Caledonian Sup Sgl £8795.00 GBP pp

Sole Occupancy - Feature en-suite bathrooms with bath tub and shower (except for suites 329, 330 and 331 which feature only a shower), spacious wardrobe and large window.

Promenade Prem Balc £8995.00 GBP pp

The Premium Balcony Suites on the Promenade Deck measure 20.2 square metres and feature a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with shower and a private balcony measuring 5.6

Promenade Ownrs Cnr £9495.00 GBP pp

The two corner suites on the Promenade Deck measure 22.6 square metres and feature one window facing to the side and two forward facing portholes, a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom with shower.

Natural Wonders of Alaska itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO VANCOUVER.

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 - VANCOUVER.

This morning enjoy a morning at leisure to explore independently or join an optional city tour including Chinatown, Gastown and Stanley Park. This afternoon meet at the hotel for a transfer to the Caledonian Sky moored in the city.

Day 3 - JOHNSTONE STRAIT.

Today we will cruise through the Seymour Narrows and then Johnstone Strait, one of the best Orca Whale watching waters in the world.

Day 4 - FJORDLAND.

Off the beaten path on a waterway far to the east of the usual ship route is one of the newest Canadian Parks, Fjordland. Seldom visited and truly magnificent, this area is packed with wildlife. Humpback whales, wolves, deer, eagles and bear are often seen here.

Day 5 - MISTY FJORDS.

This morning retrace a portion of Captain George Vancouver’s voyage through this region. The Caledonian Sky will cruise into Rudyerd Bay, one of the great bays of Misty Fjords National Monument. Gigantic granite domes and huge waterfalls are everywhere in this beautiful spot. It is a perfect time to view the salmon returning at the mouth of several small streams. If we are lucky, we might glimpse the great Alaskan brown bear, a frequent visitor to these streams.

Day 6 - PETERSBURG & LE CONTE GLACIER.

This morning we cruise through the spectacular Wrangell narrows before arriving at the village of Petersburg, a commercial fishing harbour. From here we will take a nature walk looking for bears, dear, eagles and other large birds of the area. Continue this afternoon to Le Conte Glacier. Set deep in a steep-sided fjord choked with gigantic icebergs, we will approach it in our Zodiacs, ice conditions permitting. View the massive glacier as it winds its way down from the mighty Stikine Icefield.

Day 7 - TRACY ARM & ENDICOTT ARM.

A journey along the winding Tracy Arm Fjord leads us some twenty miles through an ethereal wilderness of soaring peaks and high cliffs, crystalline icebergs and tumbling waterfalls to the foot of the twin Sawyer Glaciers. These icy blue glaciers are unrivalled in their majestic beauty. Explore in Zodiacs with our naturalists, see calving glaciers, often mirrored in the glassy fjord water.

Day 8 - ADMIRALTY ISLAND.

This morning we arrive at The Brothers, a group of small islands off the southern coast of Admiralty Island. These remote islands are a photographer’s paradise. Look out for whales, Stellar sea lions and eagles. Sail over lunch to Admiralty Island where we will explore Gambier Bay which boasts one of the densest populations of brown bears in Alaska.

Day 9 - TEBENKOF BAY & RED BLUFF BAY.

In Tebenkof Bay we will use our Zodiacs to explore this complex of fertile fjords carved into 65 mile-long Kuiu Island. Marine mammals thrive in Tebenkof, including humpback, minke, and orca whales, porpoise, harbour seals, northern sea lions, and sea otter. Eagles and other marine birds abound whilst on land there are black bear, timber wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, river otters, mink, martin, beaver and more. Over lunch we sail through the Chatham Straits to Baranof Island. It is a rugged and beautiful island with many cove, bays and inlets featuring towering peaks with alpine glaciers and many waterfalls draining its lush rain forests.

Day 10 - POINT ADOLPHUS & ELFIN COVE.

At breakfast time we will arrive at Point Adolphus, across from the entrance to Glacier Bay. Observe the congregation of Humpback whales who spend their summer feeding in the rich upwelling which occurs here. This afternoon we anchor off the tiny hamlet of Elfin Cove, a remote village on Chichagof Island accessible only by boat or float plane. Upon our arrival, local resident Mary Jo Lordwild will join us on board the ship for a presentation on Elfin Cove and life in a boardwalk community. After tendering ashore by Zodiac, you are free to explore this unique and seldom-visited fishing community by strolling along the elevated boardwalk that serves as the town’s sidewalk and main street. Elfin Cove has something for everyone: photography buffs can try to capture the picturesque setting and colourful fishing boats on film; wildlife enthusiasts may be rewarded by the sight of a sea otter, harbour seal or bald eagle.

Day 11 - HUBBARD GLACIER.

Today cruise the St Elias Range, the tallest coastal mountain range in the world. Enter Yakutat Bay to view Hubbard Glacier, at over 75 miles long the longest tidewater Glacier in North America, with a face six miles wide. This is one of the few advancing glaciers, and our small ship is able manoeuvre a comfortable distance off the face of the glacier and watch for “glacier calving”.

Day 12 - KAYAK ISLAND.

This morning we arrive at Kayak landing where we will use our Zodicas to land for a walk. Here, Captain Vitus Bering landed in 1741 after crossing the North Pacific from Russia. The immense Bering Glacier might be glimpsed as we glide along the coast.

Day 13 - PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND.

Waking up to a vision of massive glaciers and icebergs is a reminder of the advantages of small ship cruising. The MS Caledonian Sky makes its way past the icebergs and coves of Prince William Sound. We hope to explore Barry Arm and College fjord. Opportunities for capturing incredible images with your camera and binoculars are endless.

Day 14 - SEWARD TO SEATTLE.

After breakfast disembark in Seward and transfer to Anchorage airport for your flight to Seattle. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 15 - SEATTLE TO LONDON.

Enjoy a free morning in Seattle before an afternoon transfer to the airport for your evening return scheduled flight to London.

Day 16 - LONDON HEATHROW.

Morning arrival.

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.

Gratuities
Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.