Juneau to Seattle cruise

Why Join This Cruise:

• Comprehensive 14 night/ 15 day cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage from Juneau to Seattle in British Colombia (or in reverse), including the unique and rare chance to spend 2-3 days in Glacier National Park, typically only visited for one day by larger ships


• Choice of 3 small, luxury motor yachts (max. 12 - 22 guests, depending upon boat), ensuring a very personalised expeditionary experience with flexibility in the daily itinerary to maximise wildlife and scenic viewing opportunities


• Explore the remote backwaters of Alaska's panhandle larger ships largely inaccessible to larger vessels, enjoying the dramatic scenery and wide range of wildlife, particularly whales and bears


• Wide range of activities available, including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, dingy sailing and water skiing (included in overall cost)

Trip Overview
For those who have the time and wish to thoroughly explore the magical, island studded coastline of Southeast Alaska's, this is the trip! Beginning with 2-3 days in magical Glacier National Park, you then wind your way south taking in the highlights of this mist shrouded wilderness all the way to Seattle in British Colombia. The landscape you will encounter is as dramatic as it is varied, and for those with sharp eyes, you have every chance of capturing that privileged encounter of whales and bears in their natural habitat.

Daily Itinerary

**Please note that this itinerary also operates in reverse from Prince Rupert to Juneau, see departure dates below**

Day 1 Sail from Juneau, Alaska
Transfer to your yacht after a guided city tour and visit to the stunning Mildenhall and glacier. Meet with your crew and cruise to a secluded overnight wilderness anchorage.

Days 2-3 Glacier Bay National Park
One of America's crown jewel national parks, you will spend the next two days exploring this vast wilderness off 3.2 million acres (a little larger than the state of Connecticut). Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before us in the waters of Glacier Bay. If conditions permit, you will take to zodiacs and weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings to be spent paddling the kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. Look out for puffins and sea lions, mountain goats and bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than almost any other place on earth.

Days 4-6 Fjords, Glaciers, and Hot Springs
Spend the next three days in the wildest, most pristine corners of Alaska. Paddle your kayak in remote fjords, hike to natural hot springs, wander through the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska, and explore some of the most scenic, hidden gems one can find in the Inside Passage. Whale watching here is at its finest.

Days 7-8 Alaskan Communities
Petersburg, Ketchikan, and the lesser-known Meyers Chuck are all on your itinerary over the next two days. Join your local guides for private tours of these charming port towns. Petersburg's Norwegian history is quite prominent throughout the community, and you'll have some first-hand experiences of the local culture. You will stop in at Meyers Chuck, a hide-away village of fewer than 50 people. Finally, discover the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska's Tlingit Indians on a guided tour of Saxman Totem Village in Ketchikan with local village resident, Joe Williams.

Day 9 Alaskan Waterways
Spend the day cruising the southern passages of the Alaskan Panhandle keeping a sharp eye out for porpoise, whales and seabirds. Drop anchor this afternoon and lower the kayaks and zodiac for some exploration.

Day 10 Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Prince Rupert is British Columbia's northernmost port along our route. Here, a historic sightseeing and museum tour introduces this scenic community. Afterwards, exploration of the fjords along the northern British Colombia coast, anchoring in a quiet cove for the evening.

Days 11-13 Exploring the Canadian Inside Passage
Search for orca whales, seals, sea lions and bears. Your Expedition Leader will lead you on nature hikes and kayaking excursions. Step ashore with knowledgeable naturalists from 'Raincoast Conservation Society' who will talk about local wildlife and fisheries studies, including details of the little-known rainforest wolves and mysterious white Spirit bear.

Day 14 Deception Pass
Arriving back in the U.S.A, cruise among the scenic, low-lying islands of Puget Sound and then through Deception Pass, a narrow cut between two islands where the churning waters attract seabirds and seals. Further south, you'll have the opportunity to anchor and lower the kayaks for a final evening on the water.

Day 15 Seattle, Washington
Morning arrival into Seattle. Transfer to the airport is provided for your flight home or onward travel.

Optional Adventure Activities

• Hiking


• Kayaking


• Mountain biking


• Laser sailboats


• Water-skis

**All included in the overall cost



The Boats
The following boats operate this cruise:

Quest (max 22 guests)
Spirit (max. 12 guests)
Escape (max. 12 guests)

Please refer to the Alaska Boats section for full details:

Cruise dates for Summer 2008

Safari Spirit
6th - 20th September

Safari Escape
3rd - 17th September

Safari Quest
13th - 27th September*

Cruise dates for Summer 2009

Safari Spirit
2nd - 16th May
5th - 19th September*

Safari Escape
29th April - 13th May
2nd - 16th September*

Safari Quest
12th - 26th September

*Starred dates are in reverse direction, Seattle to Juneau

Guide Price for 2008

	Prices based on 2 sharing from:
Mariner cabin	£4,410pp**
Captain cabin	£4,955pp*
Admiral cabin	£5,500pp*

*Please note: These prices exclude International flights, are based on shoulder season rates and increase in high season, and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

What's included?

• Airport to Yacht transfers


• All-inclusive fare including Exclusive Shore featuring behind-the-scenes tours, local guests/experts, area history, culture and geography


• All taxes and port fees


• Gourmet dining featuring hand-crafted meals, including premium wine, beer and spirits

What's not included?

• All flights and travel arrangements getting to and from the points of embarkation/ disembarkation


• Gratuities

Single Supplements on board
Please contact the office for a quotation

Pre/ post Cruise Extensions
For those wishing to extend their stay in Alaska and explore further, we can certainly help you with these arrangements. Please contact the office to discuss ideas


To discuss this trip, for further details or to check boat availability, please either:

Call 01285 880981
Email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk

Steppes Travel cruise destinations include: Alaska, Amazon, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja Mexico, Galapagos.