Sunday, April 21, 2024

Viking Cruises 11-Day Alaska & the Inside Passage

viking cruise alaska

Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Refer to the Dates & Pricing itinerary for specific details by departure date. The weather had been unseasonably warm in Alaska but there was still snow on the mountains and we were generally lucky (I think) with the weather throughout the cruise. Probably more expensive than other cruises but almost everything is included in the price and there is no “nickel and diming” that is common with other companies. This article is a summary of the cruise and links to all the separate stories I have written to describe and illustrate the voyage.

Night Alaska & The Inside Passage

This 15-day cruise from Sydney to Auckland (or the reverse) sails the southern seas to charming ports offering a unique blend of European and Māori culture, as well as fascinating wildlife and picturesque settings. Fur trading brought Russian settlers here in 1799 as part of a colonial merchant company. The town grew to become the capital of Russian Alaska, and remains of those days can be found in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, the latter built by the Tlingit with guidance from Finnish carpenters in the 1840s.

5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024 - The Points Guy

5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024.

Posted: Mon, 25 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Classic Panama Canal Passage

The ships feature an array of dining venues, each promising culinary excellence, a luxury spa featuring a snow grotto, and a panoramic Explorers' Lounge. Cultural enrichment is a cornerstone of Viking's service, with onboard lectures, art classes, and cooking demonstrations available for guests. The ships also feature heated infinity pools and walking decks, ensuring guests can fully appreciate the Alaskan scenery from the comfort of the ship. This 11-day journey from San Juan to San Juan (roundtrip) visits a new Caribbean port every day, where you will experience the rich influences of British, French and Dutch culture in the Lesser Antilles.

Destinations & Ports

Immerse yourself in the world of Tlingit heritage in Icy Strait Point, with hints of Russia at Sitka, and Skagway where an outpost atmosphere prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Experience the Viking Difference on board Viking Orion or Viking Sea, which hold just 930 guests. Ketchikan is set among the soaring coastal mountains and sloping woodlands of the Tongass National Forest. The gateway into America’s 49th state, it is known to travelers journeying north by ship as Alaska’s “First City” and the “Salmon Capital of the World” for its thriving fishing industry. Ketchikan also embraces its rich and enduring Tlingit heritage; it is home to the most standing totem poles anywhere in the world. The artful icons are sprinkled throughout the town as well as its parks and cultural centers.

Booking Terms & Conditions

viking cruise alaska

Experience Native American culture through song, dance and stories during a visit to the Saxman Native Village. Fly deep into Alaska’s pristine wilderness and witness some of its most spectacular scenery from the air. This 29-day voyage from Stockholm to London (or the reverse) traces the shores of 11 countries, exploring Norway’s fjords, the Scottish Highlands and the heart of vibrant cities such as Berlin and Bergen. This 8-day journey from Istanbul to Athens (or the reverse) showcases the most important sites of antiquity in Turkey and Greece, providing insight into how some of the greatest moments in Western civilization unfolded. Uncover 200-plus years of history as you stroll the city; shop for crafts at Bear Town Market. Journey into “yesterday” and raise a glass to celebrate this time-honored tradition.

Day Alaska & the Inside Passage

We did take the shuttle to the small town of Hoonah, thinking it would be some sort of nice Tlinkit community, but it really has very little (OK, make that nothing) to make the journey worthwhile. Some people were walking there to save the cost of the shuttle bus, which must have been disappointing when they arrived. But Icy Strait Point now has two cable car/gondolas as well as a very fast zip line from the top of the mountain to the waterfront. I’ve written two stories about this day – one about the historic pier and salmon canning building, now a museum and shop and one about the cable car gondola ride up the mountain. Viking Ocean Cruises promises an unforgettable journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska. With its luxurious amenities, enriching onboard activities, and extensive itinerary options, a Viking Alaskan cruise is truly an experience of a lifetime.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Night Alaska & The Inside Passage sailing on the Viking Sea

The line's all-inclusive package ensures a hassle-free journey from the moment you board. Choose Viking Ocean Cruises for your Alaskan voyage to enjoy an enriching, luxury travel experience like no other. Find and plan your next 2024 Alaska cruise out of Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia. Viking Ocean Cruises offer an all-inclusive cruise package on their Alaskan voyages, enhancing the travel experience.

We thought this might have been on the coast, but it is actually just a little inland along the fast-running creek. I’ve written a story here about using digital painting techniques to bring some life and warmth back into the rather drab scene on Creek Street in the rain. There is the National Historical Park here with a collection of many totem poles carved by the local Tlinkit people installed in the forest as well as a Raptor rescue center, both of which are an easy walk from the town. Both well worth a visit and you can see my recollections of the place in this story about Sitka.

Sea lions and otters reside in these waters, and moose and brown bears are often spotted as they wade along the coast. Enjoy views of this bayside city including the Sakyrajima volcano; learn about bathing rituals. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Learn about the native craft and legends of totem poles or venture to Alaska’s misty fjords.

Believe it or not, this is more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean and rises to 400 feet or so. The ship stayed around 2 hours in the bay, slowly rotating so that everyone could see the glacier and surrounding mountains before we cruised away for our next stop. Aboard Viking Ocean Cruises, guests can enjoy a plethora of amenities and services.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting wilderness of Alaska with Viking Ocean Cruises. These voyages offer a unique way to explore Alaska's pristine landscapes, majestic wildlife, and intriguing culture. Viking's Alaskan cruises offer an unparalleled experience of exploration, discovery, and learning, wrapped in the comfort of Viking's award-winning cruise ships. From glacier-carved fjords to rugged mountain peaks, every day is an invitation to adventure in the Last Frontier.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Day 3 was marked by the arrival in Valdez, which enjoys a breathtaking setting at the head of the fjord in Prince William Sound. We decided to take the Highlights of Valdez tour, which included the old town, the salmon hatchery and then a drive through Keystone Canyon to the Thompson Pass and Richardson Glacier. As a result, we didn’t get to walk around the town itself, although we could probably have fitted it in.

Viking Ocean Cruises' Alaskan voyages typically span 11 days, providing ample time to explore the region's natural wonders. Guests will experience scenic cruising through the Inner Passage and the Tracy Arm Fjord, and visit captivating ports of call including Ketchikan, Sitka, and Valdez. The cruise line also provides a wide array of shore excursions, enabling guests to experience local culture, wildlife viewing, or adventurous hiking, and more.

I wrote a separate story about the waterfalls in Keystone Canyon which can be found here. Gain fascinating insight into Sitka’s past and visit local sanctuaries that care for injured or orphaned animals. This 14-day journey from San Juan to Barcelona highlights the Spanish colonial architecture of San Juan, Dutch and French influences in St. Martin, Portuguese culture of Madeira and impressive landmarks of Seville, Valencia and Barcelona.

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