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Discover Southeast Alaska (Sitka to Juneau)

Enjoy the agility and flexibility of small-ship travel during this expedition cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. Alongside expert naturalists and knowledgeable on-board crew, navigate narrow channels and waterways inaccessible by larger vessels. While exploring some of nature’s more secluded landscapes, encounter Alaska's abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and ice-blue glaciers of unfathomable proportions.


NOTE: Tour information is current as of 3/29/2024.

Program Highlights

– See the spray of whales only yards away and venture into secluded inlets as you get up close to nature, whether from the decks of the Chichagof Dream or aboard its skiffs and kayaks.

– Accompanied by naturalists, including an Orbridge Expedition Leader, learn surprising details about animal behavior, glacier activity, and the wealth of natural spectacles along these protected waters.

– Learn about Alaska's culture and living history during a Native dance performance at a Tlingit Clan House.

– Visit a salmon hatchery, the Alaska Raptor Center, and Sitka National Historical Park.

– Take a guided tour of the Norwegian fishing community of Petersburg.

– Cruise around the pristine waters of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to see the sanctuary’s deep fjords, tidewater glaciers, and snow-capped mountain ranges.

What's Included

  • 7 nights aboard the Chichagof Dream
  • All onboard hand-crafted meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners—including a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner, and complimentary wine and beer at dinner
  • An onboard lecture program and educational guidance of two naturalists plus an Orbridge Expedition Leader
  • Guided kayaking, hiking, walking, skiff excursions, and wildlife viewing where humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, arctic terns, bald eagles, and other populations are frequently spotted
  • All port fees and entry fees to parks, preserves, museums, attractions and special excursions as described in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for Orbridge Expedition Leader, airport transfer drivers, and drivers/guides on included land excursions
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Itinerary

The Chichagof Dream itinerary order and daily activities (including skiff rides, kayaking and hiking) are subject to change based on weather, wildlife viewing, and navigating conditions.

Day 1: Arrive in Sitka – Embarkation 
Today, travel to Sitka from your home city or from Anchorage if you visited Denali National Park on the six-day Orbridge Pre-Tour.

After arriving, visit the Alaska Raptor Center—Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital and educational center—with a local guide. Then, venture to Sitka National Historical Park, where you'll learn the history of the area that served as the battle site between Russian traders and the indigenous Tlingit. Stand in awe before the massive totem poles lining the park's coastal trail, and gain insight into their powerful symbols. 

Late afternoon, transfer to the Chichagof Dream for embarkation. Enjoy your first dinner on board as you get to know your Expedition Leader, naturalists, crew, and travel companions.
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (D)

Day 2: Icy Strait       
Relax on deck with your binoculars and a hot cup of cocoa as you sail through Icy Strait in search of wildlife, including orcas (killer whales), Steller sea lions, seals, porpoises, and magnificent humpback whales. Watch the treetops along the shoreline for bald eagles.
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (B,L,D)

Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park          
Arrive in Glacier Bay National Park, where scientists have found exposed rock that's believed to be more than 200 million years old. While at Bartlett Cove, visit the park lodge and visitor center or participate in a guided forest hike. Watch for puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, mountain goats, bears, and eagles—and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Alaska. 
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lake Eva       
Spend the morning cruising through the Peril Strait to Hanus Bay. In the afternoon, enjoy free time at Lake Eva to take a guided hike or join a skiff excursion if conditions permit. 
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (B,L,D)

Day 5: Eastern Baranof Island | Hidden Falls        
Experience a rare tour of the Hidden Falls Hatchery and learn about the release of Chinook, coho, and chum salmon fry and smolts, and the vital role fishing has played in Alaska for centuries. In the evening, share the day's adventures with your fellow travelers over dinner.
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (B,L,D)

Day 6: Petersburg | Frederick Sound          
This morning, visit charming Petersburg, a fishing village founded by a Norwegian fisherman in the late 1800s. At the Sons of Norway Hall, see customary Norwegian dances and taste traditional home-made pastries and cookies. After lunch on board or in town, take a skiff across Wrangell Narrows for a beautiful hike on the Petersburg Creek Trail. Depart Petersburg in the late afternoon and sail through Frederick Sound in search of whales.
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (B,L,D)

Day 7: Tracy Arm Fjord          
Today experience Tracy Arm, a narrow fjord that winds through towering mountains and massive glaciers. Witness the “calving” of glaciers as gigantic chunks of ice break and crash into the water. Watch for harbor seals that often dot the ice floes and mountain goats on nearby perches. In the afternoon, (with conditions permitting), glide through and discover coves or bays by skiff, soaking in the splendor of some of the most untouched wilderness in the world. Recount your trip highlights with fellow travelers tonight during a Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Chichagof Dream (B,L,D)

Day 8: Auke Bay | Juneau – Disembarkation | Depart Juneau
Disembark this morning after breakfast and take your complimentary shuttle to the airport for your flight home or to your accommodation if you reserved a post-night in Juneau. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

This program offers a variety of activities: skiff rides, walking, hiking, and kayaking. Activities are not strenuous for guests with average mobility. Walks and hikes are leisurely in pace to allow guests the opportunity to see and learn as much as possible about the region. Skiffs provide the mode for much of the exploration on this program and sure-footed guests can enter/exit them with little trouble. The Chichagof Dream crew is diligent in assisting guests while boarding and exiting the ship and small craft. Guests with no previous experience can easily handle the double kayaks. We expect that guests on this program can walk with good balance and go up and down stairs easily without assistance, as the Chichagof Dream does not have an elevator.

Accommodations

Chichagof Dream

Accommodating 76 guests, the 207-foot Chichagof Dream was designed to go where large ships cannot—navigating guests to the best views possible of the surrounding nature-filled landscape. Experience Alaska up close as you watch for wildlife from skiffs or kayaks and learn about the indigenous peoples of the region. On board the ship are your knowledgeable crew, Orbridge Expedition Leader, and expert naturalists who share their hospitality, uncanny knack for spotting wildlife, and fascinating secrets behind the bountiful beauty that surrounds you.

The ship's well-appointed, intimate, and unassuming style allows travelers to experience the true heart and soul of Alaska. The Chichagof Dream features expansive viewing areas on the bow and aft outdoor promenade decks, a hull design optimized for supreme comfort in Alaskan waters, and forward-facing windows in the spacious lounge that extend from the deck to the ceiling, offering panoramic views off the bow.

Enjoy a relaxed cruising speed ideal for viewing the endless surrounding fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. The ship offers complimentary expedition gear while touring, including rain jackets, rain pants, and boots. Plus, each stateroom is outfitted with binoculars. Nothing will be missed as you leisurely traverse the channels, bays, and islands of Southeast Alaska.

Note: Bed size preferences are requested when passengers complete the guest information form. If no specific requests are made, double occupancy cabins will be configured with two twin beds. This applies to AAA and Deluxe categories. 

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Optional Pre-Tour

Denali National Park


Journey into the scenic wilds of America's northernmost state, through Alaska's rugged forests and wildlife. Your destination: the magnificent six-million acre Denali National Park and Reserve. Uncover the many wonders of the park during guided trail hikes and walks. And choose from a variety of exciting optional excursions to further personalize your experience. A highlight of this adventure includes traveling the historic Alaska Railroad route with superior viewing from your train's upgraded glass-dome seat.

Itinerary

Day +1: Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska
Welcome to Fairbanks—known as “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” a reference to the discovery of gold in 1902 and its location in Alaska’s interior. Meet your Orbridge Expedition Leader and fellow travel companions at a welcome dinner, and prepare for your upcoming Denali activities and excursions.
Overnight: Pike's Waterfront Lodge (D)

Day +2: Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad | Denali National Park
With your Orbridge Expedition Leader, board the train to Denali National Park, traversing one of the most scenic stretches of the world-famous Alaska Railroad. It cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska where gold miners came to seek their fortune. Enjoy a rich panoply of views of America's northernmost frontier as you travel in the upgraded glass-dome train car.

Delight in breakfast aboard the train before arriving in Denali. Upon arriving at the park, take a short walk with your Expedition Leader to the Denali National Park Visitor Center for a brief orientation. View the exhibits or sign up for ranger-led talks, hikes, and other activities available during your stay in Denali. Afterward, take the courtesy shuttle to the Grande Denali Lodge.

This evening, enjoy a lively dinner where you'll explore fun and unique features of the park with a presenter from the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,D)

You may purchase the following optional excursions in advance from our Guest Services team.

DogGoneIt Dog Sled Tour: Visit the home and kennel of Iditarod musher, Mike Santos, for an authentic look into rural Alaskan life. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a championship dog-sled team, and hear compelling stories from the trail—see actual racing sleds, arctic survival gear, and equipment used to traverse 1,100 miles of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. Meet Alaskan husky puppies before watching adult huskies explode from the kennel on a training run. This excursion (including round-trip transportation) lasts approximately 3 hours. Transportation is included.
$65 per person; $55 per youth 12 and under (not recommended for children under 3)

Denali Glacier Landing Flight: This exclusive 100-minute plane tour of Denali is the only tour where guests are granted permission to land and stand (for approximately 20-25 minutes) on one of Denali's glaciers. On board the aircraft, witness dramatic views of Denali's summit and the surrounding peaks and glaciers in the park, including the worlds deepest gorge at Ruth Glacier. Flight routes may change based on weather conditions. This excursion (including round-trip transportation) lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Transportation is included.
$685 per person; $635 per youth 10 and under

Arctic Circle Flight: Travel to the Arctic Circle on an extensive air-and-land adventure. From Denali, fly north across the Arctic Circle for a birds-eye view over the Alaskan wilderness, including the Brooks Mountain Range, Yukon River and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Land and visit an Arctic community with a population of less than 15. In the Brooks Mountain Range, take a walking tour with your guide, a descendant of the first homesteaders, and learn about subsistence living, survival ingenuity and the choice to live in the Arctic year-round. Re-board the plane for the return flight and, if the weather permits, take in aerial views of Denali. Upon returning, receive an official Arctic Circle Certificate. This excursion (including round-trip transportation) lasts approximately 7 hours. Transportation is included. Age and weight restrictions apply.
$565 per person (not recommended for youth under 10)

Wilderness Wave Raft Tour: Enjoy a rafting trip along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. Glide through 11 miles of glacially carved valleys and amazing vistas with panoramic views of Mount Fellows and the Nenana Canyon with your rafting guide. Although you’ll encounter the occasional rapid, this option is mellow enough for all ages. You can actively paddle or sit back and relax.
$120 per person; $70 per youth 11 and under

Canyon Wave Raft Tour: Set off on a rafting excursion through 11 miles of amazing rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Paddle with the rafting team or sit back and enjoy the ride on the oar boat.
$120 per person; $70 per youth 11 and under

Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure: Whether a novice or experienced ATVer, this excursion is a memorable experience in the Alaskan wilderness on your own automatic single ATV or 2-passenger side-by-side ATV. Led by knowledgeable guides, ride along trails around Denali National Park, at speeds up to 30 mph, including photography stops with breathtaking 360° views of the Alaska Range. This excursion covers approximately 10 miles during 1.5 hours on the trails.
$130 per single-rider ATV; $225 per 2-person side-by-side ATV

Midnight Sun ATV Adventure: Make the best part of your day the start of your night. Novice and experienced riders, night owls and daylight adventurers can appreciate this exclusive Wilderness Adventure guided tour departing at 9:00 pm during the weeks surrounding the Summer Solstice. The Midnight Sun illuminates forest trails and prolonged sunsets bathe the mountains in a rosy glow. Choose from an automatic single ATV or multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. This excursion covers approximately 10 miles during 1.5 hours on the trails. NOTE: This tour is offered during certain departure dates due to seasonality and varying hours of daylight. Call for more information.
$130 per single-rider ATV; $225 per 2-person side-by-side ATV

Optional excursions are non-refundable within 90 days of departure; prices subject to change. Not all excursions may be available. Availability is subject to sufficient participation and weather conditions. Space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability. For flight excursions, weight and minimum age requirements apply. Individual dressed weight and birthdate must be provided at time of booking.

Day +3: Denali National Park Wilderness Excursion
Today, travel along the Denali National Park Road on a naturalist-guided, back-country adventure for incredible scenery and some of the best opportunities to view the majestic Mount Denali. This tour includes walks in Denali's wilderness to learn more about its landscapes, wildlife, and history. Enjoy a box lunch in this special setting. Be sure to have your binoculars ready to spot for the many species of plants and wildlife.

The evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,L)

Day +4: Denali National Park
After breakfast, participate in one of the pre-purchased optional excursions or enjoy free time to explore Denali. Take advantage of the many self-guided hiking trails or informative ranger-led talks and activities offered in the park while marveling at the scenery.

Later, reconvene for wine and hors d'oeuvres as you listen to Alaskan homesteader, Jimmie Hendricks, as he relives his journey and lifelong dream to explore Alaska and make it his home. Be amazed by his years of training, hard work, determination, and eventual summiting of North America’s tallest peak.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,R)

Day +5: Denali National Park | Talkeetna | Anchorage
After an early breakfast, continue the journey to Anchorage by motor coach, following the nearby Alaska Railroad route.

Arriving in Talkeetna, embrace the panoramic views of Denali, North America's tallest peak (weather permitting). Enjoy free time to explore the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum and the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station to learn about mountaineering operations, the scenic Talkeetna river trail, and various shops and cafes in town.

Arriving to the Anchorage Museum—Alaska's largest museum—learn about Alaska's history, native cultures and many other facets of the Last Frontier.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions for a farewell reception followed by leisure time to explore downtown Anchorage's many fine eateries and shops.
Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook (B,L,R)

Day +6: Depart Anchorage
After breakfast, take the complimentary transfer to Anchorage International Airport for the group flight to join guests on the main program. (B,L)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

Guests should be able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance.

Accommodations

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge

Situated on the Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers unbeatable views and warm, comfortable accommodations. Enjoy hotel amenities, including an aromatherapy steam room, fitness room, restaurant, cozy lounge, ATM, 24-hour guest laundry and gift shop.

Room Amenities: Chena River view room, air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee and tea maker, safe, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer and Aveda® shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap.

Grande Denali Lodge

The Grande Denali Lodge is located just north of the Denali National Park main entrance on the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain with unparalleled views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River Canyon. Spacious guest rooms, on-site dining, and dedicated staff make the Grande Denali Lodge the perfect place to launch all your adventures. Amenities include a restaurant, a bar and lounge, convenient shuttle services, a self-service laundromat, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an espresso/snacks stand.

Room Amenities: View room, air conditioning, cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, mini-fridge and en suite bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and hair dryer.

Hotel Captain Cook

Built by former Secretary of the Interior and two-term Alaska Governor Walter J. Hickel to help Anchorage's economy recover from the devastating 1964 earthquake, this renowned hotel boasts Alaskan history from its reclaimed teak interior features to artifacts and art illustrations from Captain Cook's 18th-century voyage. Expect exceptional Alaskan hospitality and service at its four restaurants, on-site shops, athletic club, and spa.

Room Amenities: Deluxe room, air conditioning, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, bathrobes and slippers, safe, and en suite bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

What's Included

  • 1 night accommodation at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, 3 nights accommodations at Grande Denali Lodge, and 1 night accommodation at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage
  • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 receptions
  • Rail transport to Denali National Park along the distinguished Alaska Railroad with reserved seating in the upper-level glass-dome car and priority seating in the dining room for breakfast and two complimentary alcoholic beverages (and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages) 
  • Hotel courtesy shuttle between the rail depot, Grande Denali Lodge, the Denali Park Visitor Center and town
  • A full-day guided wilderness tour into Denali National Park
  • Deluxe motor coach transport to Talkeetna and Anchorage 
  • Services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader
  • Gratuities for Orbridge Expedition Leader, local guides, drivers, porters, housekeeping, and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times 

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