HIGHLIGHTS
- With featured guest Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo
Ambassador.
- A cruise discovering Alaska in all its forms, featuring
sumptuous scenery, from temperate rainforests to majestic glaciers,
encounters with local communities and observation of abundant wildlife.
- A dive into the history of the region to take the time to
discover the Alaska of trappers and gold hunters whose past will be
revealed to you during a stopover in Skagway.
- Visit traditional villages and meet the peoples of the Far
North.
- The presence of an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
- A voyage to discover some of Alaska's most beautiful
glaciers, particularly in the Tsaa Fjord or Prince William Sound.
- Prince William Sound, the jewel of Alaska, with its islets
and jagged and snow-covered fjords, mineral landscapes and old-growth
forest, which is home to rich wildlife.
- Exploring Alaska’s majestic landscapes during
scenic cruising or hikes, outings in local boats or tender motorboats.
- Landscapes: fjords, tall mountains, huge glaciers, primary
forest, jagged cliffs.
- Wildlife: humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, grizzlies,
sea otters, Steller sea lions, bald eagles.
- Enjoy a carefully selected program of included activities
with our local partners, on land and on the water, with a team of
naturalist guides and local guides.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | Superior Stateroom | Deluxe Stateroom | Prestige Stateroom-I | Prestige Stateroom-II | Prestige Stateroom-III | Deluxe Suite | Prestige Suite-I | Prestige Suite-II | Owner's Suite |
Aug 17, 2024 | Aug 29, 2024 | 8,580 | N/A | 10,060 | 10,490 | 11,010 | 14,820 | 19,590 | 20,540 | N/A |
Aug 29, 2024 | Sep 09, 2024 | 8,020 | N/A | N/A | 9,930 | 10,450 | N/A | 19,030 | 19,980 | 28,230 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Superior Stateroom | (Mid-range) Prestige Stateroom-III | (High-end) Owner's Suite |
Aug 17, 2024 | Aug 29, 2024 | 8,580 | 11,010 | N/A |
Aug 29, 2024 | Sep 09, 2024 | 8,020 | 10,450 | 28,230 |
Day
1 : SEWARD, ALASKA
Seward
is located on the Kenai peninsula, south of Anchorage. This bustling
port, built for the fishing and shipbuilding industries, will show you
just how vibrant it is, with its shops and galleries. The entrance gate
for the sublime Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward nestles in the heart
of very beautiful scenery, between glaciers, mountains and very rich
marine life (whales, sea otters, orcas, seals).
Day
2 : COLLEGE FJORD, ALASKA
A
secret inlet in a hewn-out bay on the southern coast of Alaska, College
Fjord features outstandingly rich glacier scenery. Come and admire the
five tidewater glaciers and high altitude glaciers. These glaciers were
named after the prestigious US East Coast schools attended by the
professors who first laid eyes on them at the end of the 19th century.
The setting is awe-inspiring, but don't forget to listen out for the
thunderous crack as great pillars of ice break off from the glaciers.
Day
2 : SAILING IN THE PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
On
the eastern coast of Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound unfolds its
majestic beauty. You will sail in this labyrinth of islets, icebergs,
narrow fjords, surrounded by the Sitka spruce and western hemlock that
make up the incredible decor of the Chugach National Forest. If you are
lucky, you may spot some of the otters, orcas, grizzlies, bald eagles,
sea lions and humpback whales that live here. There are still traces of
the 1964 earthquake, one of the most powerful episodes ever recorded on
Earth, at a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter scale. Sailing in Prince
William Sound is also an opportunity to contemplate the imposing
Harvard and Mawr glaciers as they form on the horizon.
Day
3 : TSAA FJORD, ICY BAY, ALASKA
Formed
by the retreat of the Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall glaciers over the past
100 years, Icy Bay is one of those timeless places where silence reigns
supreme. Let yourself be enthralled by landscapes of breathtaking
beauty, enhanced by magnificent views over the Saint Elias Mountains,
visible in the background. The bay, several kilometres wide, is often
scattered with icebergs sliding on clear and deep waters. It will let
you access several sounds, among which are the Tsaa fjord, very close
to the Guyot glacier. Many marine mammals and sea birds have chosen to
live on this territory with very few visitors in the south of Alaska.
Day
4 : SITKA, ALASKA
Formerly
a Russian colony located on Baranof island, to the west of the
Alexander archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical
national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree
that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the
former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural
wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range
around the port. In the distance, the snow peaked Edgecumbe volcano
stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out
before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.
Day
5 : ELFIN COVE, ALASKA
At
the tip of an island in the Alexander Archipelago, not far from the
Canadian border, peaceful Elfin Cove shelters a fishing community
that’s only linked to the rest of the world by the sea. There
is just a dozen wooden houses, a long wooden pontoon and a tiny port
surrounded by crystalline waters. It doesn't get any quainter than
this. Choose from a network of hiking paths that weave through a
pristine forest, to lead you to secret beaches where silence reigns.
The wonders of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, accessible
by a short boat trip, are many.
Day
5 : POINT ADOLPHUS, ALASKA
Adolphus
Point is located opposite the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve. This dreamlike site is world famous for watching humpback
whales. In the summer season, these majestic mammals come to feed in
the nutrient-rich waters. They sometimes even come a few dozen feet
from the shoreline, close to the houses and marinas. Orcas, sea
lions... maybe you’ll happen upon other marine species in
these landscapes of fjords and ice fields. One thing is sure; here are
the most beautiful Alaskan waters.
Day
6 : SKAGWAY, ALASKA
In
the 19th century, it was through Skagway, a small town in south east of
Alaska, that swarms of gold seekers passed in their quest for gold. You
can get a sense of these pioneers as you wander along the main street,
Broadway, edged with the painted houses typical of this region. From
White Pass and Yukon Route station, trains across pristine landscapes
over the Alaskan border. All around the town, a handful of paths taken
by the seekers of the precious metal, fan out into superb natural
surroundings offering a glorious scenery of mountains, waterfalls,
lakes and glaciers.
Day
7 : KAKE, ALASKA
Discover
the small Tlingit village of Kake, around 60 kilometres west of
Petersburg. Located on Kupreanof Island, it houses a community of over
500 inhabitants. Kake is paradise for salmon, which spawn in the Gunnuk
River near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do
black bears, which come to enjoy the fish. Another singularity of these
parts: the presence, on a hill, of a totem pole standing over 60 metres
tall, considered the highest in the world.
Day
8 : PETERSBURG, ALASKA
Picture
this: all around you, translucent waters. In the distance - snow-capped
mountains. This is the vision that greets you on disembarking in
Petersburg, one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing towns.
The heart of the Tongass National forest is for people who yearn for a
lungful of the great outdoors. There is some fauna here including no
less than 240 species of birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales.
Another special feature of this very lively town is its penchant for
art. On its pavements and facades you can admire several murals, totems
and sculptures.
Day
9 : MISTY FJORDS, ALASKA
Rain
forest, hypnotic blue lakes, snowy peaks, glacier valleys,
waterfalls... You will behold a heavenly vision. This United States
monument covering some 8,600 square kilometres is a designated
Wilderness Area. This awesome countryside rolls out its majestic carpet
of cedars, fir spruces and hemlocks. Here, you can feel
Nature’s throbbing heartbeat. You may be lucky enough to spot
some of the many animal inhabitants, such as sea otters, sea
lions and grizzlies.
Day
10 : INSIDE PASSAGE
Sheltered
from the ocean currents of the Gulf of Alaska, this maritime route that
weaves a path around the islands and islets of Southeast Alaska will
offer you wonderful sailing experience. Conifer forests stretch on
forever, interspersed with numerous coves, bays, huge valleys and deep
fjords formed by ancient glavial valleys. Accessible only by sea, the
fishing villages are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers
that plunge into the waters of this veritable wildlife sanctuary. From
your ship’s deck, you can try spotting humpback whales or the
famous bald eagle, emblem of the region.
Day
11 : ALERT BAY
Right
near the north coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, hides
the small wooded island of Cormorant. Surrounded by pebble beaches, it
offers wonderful opportunities for hikes and for whale watching. The
surrounding waters are also home to harbour seals, orcas, Steller sea
lions, dolphins, and a multitude of seabirds. When your ship calls at
Alert Bay, a small sheltered fishing port located in the
island’s south, set off to discover the indigenous culture
and its traditions. The ‘Namgis community, which is part of
the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, lives here in harmony with
the other village inhabitants.
Day
11 : SAILING IN THE JOHNSTONE STRAIT
Along
the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100
km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of
lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic
opportunities to observe the wildlife. Humpback whales and resident
orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and
you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck.
Day
12 : VANCOUVER
Verdant
and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada's most multi-cultural
cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada's west coast, it's
surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the
city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling
Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market
Indian district and explore the historic area of ?Gastown. Vancouver
Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of
Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville
Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalised industrial area that hosts
galleries, restaurants and a huge produce market.
Le Soleal (Luxury Expedition, 264-guests)
Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soleal embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant's signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites) make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night before
embarkation.
- (Hospitality desk at the hotel in Anchorage.)
- Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Excluded
from this voyage:
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.