Norwegian Cruise Line
Denali-Alyeska Explorer - Northbound Cruisetour from Vancouver, British Columbia
The best way for nature lovers in search of rustic elegance to experience Denali and the heart of Alaska's wilderness.
Tour Highlights:
- 7-Day Alaska Cruise, 5 Ports + 5 Day Post-Cruise Land Tour
- Overnights in Girwood, Denali and Anchorage
- Deluxe Dome Railcar journey from Denali to Talkeetna
- Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour
- Overnight stay at the deluxe Hotel Alyeska Resort
- Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- So much more…
Day 1 |
This vibrant, diverse British Columbia seaport is one of the jewels of Canada. Surrounded by ocean and mountains alike, Vancouver offers breathtaking vistas, not to mention world-class outdoor activities, culinary delights, fine art, and cultural events.
Must-see attractions in Vancouver include Stanley Park (such scenery!), Granville Island (shopping and art!), Capilano Suspension Bridge (such great heights!) and Vancouver Art Gallery (culture!). The distinctive neighborhoods of this metropolis are meant to be explored. Coffee, boutiques, a dizzying array of restaurant options... Vancouver is everything a traveler could want in destination! |
Day 2 |
This coastal route runs between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound, and is a popular route for cruise ships. Cruise passengers can expect to see a breathtaking amount of wildlife, as well as Ketchikan, Wrangell, Prince of Wales, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, Skagway and Glacier Bay. |
Day 3 |
A favorite for many cruise-goers and tourists, Ketchikan, Alaska, is a charming city located near the state’s southeastern edge. A well-traveled fishing destination first used by Alaska natives, including the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian peoples, Ketchikan became an important commercial hub for international fishing operations in the nineteenth century. The city has embraced its nickname, “The Salmon Capital of the World,” and remains a popular site for commercial and sport fishing alike.
A plethora of totem poles, crafted by Native Alaskans, have been preserved by the city and comprise the largest collection of totem poles in Alaska. Visitors will spot totem poles while exploring the city’s waterfront and main streets, but most are housed in Saxman Village or the Totem Heritage Center. Shopping, culture, and history abound in downtown Ketchikan, where art galleries, seafood restaurants, and the historic Creek Street are merely a short walk away. Nature lovers will delight in the abundant natural areas that surround the city. A quick boat ride or flight provides stunning views of the alluring and majestic beauty of the Misty Fjords National Monument. The nearby Tongass National Forest boasts spectacular wildlife, which can be seen on hikes through Eagle Creek and the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Those who seek adventure can zip-line, snorkel, or go off-roading in an all-terrain vehicle, all amidst the natural splendor of Alaska’s lush forests. The possibilities in Ketchikan are endless! Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
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Day 4 |
Juneau's majestic sprawl and abundance of nature set it apart from most capital cities in America. Tourists arrive via air or water, many coming in on cruise ships.
Sea kayaking, humpback whale watching, dog sledding and gazing at Mount Juneau are just some of the activities Juneau has on offer. Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, see Mendenhall Glacier, and walk the vibrant downtown area, where restaurants and historic saloons beckon wanderers in from the cold. Annual events in Juneau include Gold Rush Days, the Alaska Folk Festival, Golden North Salmon Derby, and Juneau Maritime Festival. Arrive Time: 9:30 AM – Depart Time: 8:30 PM
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Day 5 |
This small yet charming city in Alaska's panhandle is a throwback to the gold rush era. Skagway is a well-preserved part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Vintage trains run through this cozy Alaska destination, while cruise ships regularly arrive and depart from its Inside Passage-situated port.
Skagway activities include day hikes, walking tours, fishing charters, and even dog sledding. Wooden boardwalks, old buildings and a spectacular natural setting all make this town a memorable part of any Alaskan journey. Dining and shopping opportunities also abound here. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
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Day 6 |
Icy Strait, Alaska, is a hidden gem for adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience. Nestled between the rugged coastlines of the Inside Passage and the stunning wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, Icy Strait offers unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife encounters. This remote destination is ideal for those looking to explore the great outdoors, with opportunities for whale watching, fishing, and hiking through pristine landscapes. The area's primary town, Hoonah, is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska and provides a rich cultural experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tlingit traditions by visiting local art galleries and cultural centers. The Hoonah Cultural Center, for example, showcases traditional Tlingit crafts and offers insight into the community’s history and heritage. Additionally, the town is known for its friendly atmosphere and charming small-town feel, perfect for exploring on foot. One of Icy Strait’s standout attractions is the world’s largest zipline, the Icy Strait Point ZipRider. Soar over the treetops with breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and forests. For a more tranquil experience, consider a scenic floatplane tour that offers stunning aerial views of the glaciers, mountains, and ocean. A fun fact about Icy Strait is that it is one of the prime locations in Alaska to witness the migration of humpback whales, with peak sightings occurring from late June through September. This natural spectacle is a highlight for many visitors. For the best experience, plan your visit during the summer months when the weather is milder and wildlife sightings are at their peak. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 6:30 PM
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Day 7 |
A moving sight...literally. Hubbard Glacier's recent nickname "the galloping glacier" refers to its rapid movement through Disenchantment Bay in the direction of the Gulf of Alaska. This tidewater glacier is a natural wonder over 6 miles wide! Those on ships are usually able to get within about a half mile of Hubbard Glacier's face. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 11:30 AM
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Day 8 |
Nestled between Anchorage and Prince William Sound, Whittier, Alaska is a port town on the banks of Passage Canal. Whittier is the perfect place to explore Alaska's natural beauty, providing access to nearby Emerald Cove Trail and Portage Pass Trail as well as Chugach State Park further northwest. Considered the gateway to Prince William Sound, this small port town is a popular stop on Alaskan cruises. |
Day 9 |
This quaint port city is breathtakingly beautiful! Surrounded by peaks, Seward fjords are the perfect whale and porpoise habitat, and both seals and puffins fill the Alaska SeaLife Center. Those looking for a challenge can hike the western trail to the summit of Mount Marathon. |
Day 10 |
Denali National Park and Preserve is an adventurer’s paradise! This scenic landscape and arctic tundra in the Alaska wilderness is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, and with over six millions acres of land, the park offers plenty of exhilarating activities, breathtaking hikes, and majestic sights, all of which will leave you in awe. Go off-roading in an ATV through winding stretches of Denali forests, fly above snow-capped Denali Mountain and the Alaska range, take a rafting excursion along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, or zip-line past massive spruce trees. While in the park, you’ll likely spot some spectacular wildlife, including grizzly bears, golden eagles, moose, and wolves. Untouched by urban light pollution, Denali National Park is the perfect site for stargazing; you may even catch a glimpse of the resplendent Aurora Borealis as it weaves through the sky. |
Day 11 |
Denali National Park and Preserve is an adventurer’s paradise! This scenic landscape and arctic tundra in the Alaska wilderness is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, and with over six millions acres of land, the park offers plenty of exhilarating activities, breathtaking hikes, and majestic sights, all of which will leave you in awe. Go off-roading in an ATV through winding stretches of Denali forests, fly above snow-capped Denali Mountain and the Alaska range, take a rafting excursion along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, or zip-line past massive spruce trees. While in the park, you’ll likely spot some spectacular wildlife, including grizzly bears, golden eagles, moose, and wolves. Untouched by urban light pollution, Denali National Park is the perfect site for stargazing; you may even catch a glimpse of the resplendent Aurora Borealis as it weaves through the sky. |
Day 12 |
Alaska's largest city is the perfect place for anyone who wants a vacation filled with wildlife, outdoor activities, glaciers and gorgeous parks. Explore the rich culture and history of the indigenous people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, hike the exquisite landscape of Flattop Mountain and finish the day with one of the many diverse restaurants and local beers. |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|
06/30/25 - 07/10/25 |
Starting At $2,107 |
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07/14/25 - 07/24/25 |
Starting At $2,007 |
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07/28/25 - 08/07/25 |
Starting At $2,087 |
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08/11/25 - 08/21/25 |
Starting At $1,987 |
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05/18/26 - 05/28/26 |
Starting At $2,288 |
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06/01/26 - 06/11/26 |
Starting At $2,318 |
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06/15/26 - 06/25/26 |
Starting At $2,418 |
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06/29/26 - 07/09/26 |
Starting At $2,418 |
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07/13/26 - 07/23/26 |
Starting At $2,468 |
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07/27/26 - 08/06/26 |
Starting At $2,438 |
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08/10/26 - 08/20/26 |
Starting At $2,388 |
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08/24/26 - 09/03/26 |
Starting At $2,338 |
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09/07/26 - 09/17/26 |
Starting At $2,288 |
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