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The Call of the Wild - Vancouver to Nome
MS Hanseatic - July 29 - August 14, 2012
Voyage HAN1214
Famous explorers have always been fascinated by Alaska's west coast. Between steep fjords and
an intricate network of islands, life still seems wild and unspoilt. Where the glaciers have
left their mark on the landscape, the Zodiacs set off on one of the last big adventures to
discover the land of brown bears, sea eagles, whales and seals.
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| Date |
Destination |
| 29-Jul-2012 |
Embarkation in
Vancouver/Canada, departure 22.00 hrs |
| 30 Jul - 31
Jul - 2012 |
Sailing through
British Columbia's Inside Passage |
| 01 Aug - 05 Aug -
2012 |
Alaska's Inside
Passage (Ketchikan , cruising in Misty Fjord, Wrangell, Skagway, cruising off
Point Adolphus, Pelican ) |
| 6-Aug-2012 |
Cruising in Yakutat
Bay (Hubbard Glacier) |
| 7-Aug-2012 |
Cruising by the
Chenega Glacier |
| 8-Aug-2012 |
Seward/Alaska |
| 9-Aug-2012 |
Kukak Bay and Amalik
Bay/Alaska |
| 10-Aug-2012 |
Unga
Island/Alaska |
| 11-Aug-2012 |
Akutan
Island/Aleutian Islands/Alaska |
| 12-Aug-2012 |
St. Paul/Pribilof
Islands/Alaska |
| 13-Aug-2012 |
Relaxation at
sea |
| 14-Aug-2012 |
Nome/Alaska, arrival
6.00 hrs. Disembarkation and charter
flight to Vancouver, Canada. |
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A Journey Between the Worlds
When the
HANSEATIC slowly makes her way through the majestic fjords of British
Columbia's Inside Passage, thickly wooded slopes and snow-covered peaks
pass by on the mainland. Small settlements, some of them abandoned, and totem
poles along the shore testify to the still strong influence of the indigenous
peoples. The constant denizens of the narrow passage include not only sea
eagles but also orcas. With a bit of luck, you may be able to see them in their
spectacular leaps above the water. On the flight over Misty Fjord*
starting from Ketchikan, you can explore this landscape from a bird's
eye point of view. Other fascinating excursions are offered as an alternative -
if you opt to watch bears in Traitor's Cove*, for example, you may with
a bit of luck catch sight of brown bears in their natural habitat. The
spectacular backdrop of Misty Fjord can be best enjoyed from the deck.
Between fjords that cut deep into the landscape, waterfalls thunder into the
depths, framed by mighty glaciers and crystal-clear lakes. No less steeped in
history than Ketchikan is Wrangell, one of the oldest settlements in
Alaska. On a boat trip and hike to Anan Creek* you can observe - with
patience and a bit of luck - black and brown bears. Steller sea lions, dolphins
and seals can also be seen here in the jagged fjords. Pristine nature is again
the setting of a multifaceted trip by speedboat on the Stikine River*.
This takes you by way of the delta and Andrews Creek to Shakes Lake and the
majestic glacier. During the subsequent passage through the Wrangell
Narrows with their overwhelming panorama of mountains and islands, you may
even have the opportunity to observe whales. |
The White Gold of Alaska
In the heritage-protected hamlet of
Skagway, the time of the gold fever comes back to life. A trip with the
historic railway is practically mandatory - the White Pass & Yukon Route
Railway* winds its way up to the summit of the Coast Mountains. Alternatively,
a helicopter flight over the glaciers* offers you fantastic views of
Alaska's glacial landscapes. A little to the south of Skagway, on the periphery of
the Glacier Bay National Park, lies Point Adolphus. This is a popular haunt
of humpback whales which regularly visit every summer. You can continue to dream of
the impressive spectacle presented by the marine mammals as they dive and surface,
while your voyage continues through the South Inian Pass to Pelican. The
Zodiacs will take you to the remote fishing village with its 100 or so inhabitants,
where some of the wooden houses are built on boardwalks. In the following days you
can discover the forces responsible for creating the fjords - the Hubbard
Glacier in Yakutat Bay and the impressive spurs of the Chenega
Glacier. Various seal species can frequently be seen on the shiny, silvery
floes.
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The Sea of Wild Animals
The favourable strategic position
of Seward was already recognised back in the time of the gold-diggers.
Today, it is an ideal starting point for a boat trip to the Kenai Fjord National
Park*. Past steep mountainsides, this excursion takes you all the way to the
spurs of the Holgate Glacier. On fine days, sea otters and Steller sea lions can be
seen occupying the rocks. Alternatively, you could set out in search of dolphins on
a kayak tour in Resurrection Bay*. The discoveries you will make in Kukak
Bay and Amalik Bay again focus on bears. With the help of the Zodiacs,
you have a chance of catching sight of the brown bears and their young that live
here - a unique experience. The power of nature is no less apparent when you visit
Unga Island. An abandoned fishing village seems to defy a world of
blossoming plants which are steadily reclaiming their natural territory. Following
a visit to the small museum of the former fur traders' camp in Akutan, you
come to the Pribilof Islands and the bird paradise on St. Paul. Besides fur
seals, you can encounter more than 120 species here, including guillemots and
black-legged kittiwakes. Listen to them raising a mingled clamour on the bird
cliffs to mark the conclusion of your expedition.
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On this expedition the Zodiac landings are subject to official permission, and a
change of itinerary may be necessary. The captain will decide on the best possible
alternatives depending on the weather and local conditions.
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore
activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes. |
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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