HIGHLIGHTS
- A cruise to take the time to discover the Alaska of vast
spaces and forests stretching as far as the eye can see: this region at
the origin of adventures that have fired the imagination of several
generations of travellers.
- The presence of an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
- Exploring Alaska’s majestic landscapes during
scenic cruising or hikes, outings in local boats or tender motorboats.
- Visit traditional villages and meet the peoples of the Far
North, particularly the Kwakwaka'wakw and Tlingit communities, in Alert
Bay and Kake.
- 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 |
|---|
| Jul 28, 2024 | Aug 07, 2024 | 7,480 | 8,010 | 8,740 | 9,110 | 9,550 | 12,800 | 16,860 | 17,670 | 26,230 |
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 |
|---|
| Jul 28, 2024 | Aug 07, 2024 | 7,480 | 9,550 | 26,230 |
ITINERARY
Day
1-2 : 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
3 : 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
3 : 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
4 : 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
4 : ENDICOTT ARM, ALASKA
In
the heart of the Alexander Archipelago, Endicott Arm fjord is a short
inlet on the southern coast of Alaska that boasts spectacular views of
virgin wilderness. The azure-blue waters, snow-capped mountains and
lush forest are incredible but the main attraction is the Dawes
glacier, whose vast, bluish back snakes down the mountain’s
flank. Weather permitting, you can observe how icebergs are formed by
getting a closer look at the white cliff where glacier meets water, or
just enjoy watching the resident harbour seals frolicking in the icy
waters.
Day
5 : 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
6 : 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
7 : METLAKATLA, ALASKA
On
the western coast of Annette Island, the small settlement of Metlakatla
will welcome you for a timeless experience. Founded in 1887 by a group
of Tsimshians, from British Columbia, the Annette Island Reserve is
today the only federal reservation for the indigenous peoples of
Alaska. You will have the opportunity to discover their culture,
between local arts and crafts, artistic performance and discovering the
famous totem poles. A walking tour is also on the agenda for this port
of call, in the heart of Alaskan culture.
Day
8 : 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
9-10 : 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
10 : 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
11 : 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
- Flight Seattle/Sitka selected by PONANT in economy class.
- The transfer mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
Excluded
from this voyage:
- Personal expenses. Any other service not mentioned in the
programme.
