E-mail a friendShip: Spirit of Columbia
Itinerary: Glaciers of Prince William Sound + Denali
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Otters greeting the ship
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Arrive in Fairbanks |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Fairbanks Sightseeng to Denali National Park and Reserve |
| Day 3 : | Denali Exploration |
| Day 4 : | Denali to Anchorage Via Rail and Motorcoach |
| Day 5 : | Sail from Whittier |
| Day 6 : | College Fjord and Esther Passage |
| Day 7 : | Cordova |
| Day 8 : | Chenega Glacier and Knight Island |
| Day 9 : | Arrive in Whittier |
| Click for full itinerary |
Prince William Sound lies just south of the rugged Chugach Mountains-a breathtaking maze of forested islands, glacier-carved fjords and wildlife-filled waterways. This area is every bit as spectacular as the traditional Inside Passage, but far less traveled, giving you a hint of what the world looked like after the last Ice Age. Add an extension to breath-taking Denali National Park on this option!
Day 1 : Arrive in Fairbanks
Transfer from the airport to Pike's Waterfront Lodge for a casual wine and cheese reception.
Day 2 : Fairbanks Sightseeng to Denali National Park and Reserve
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Fairbanks, including an authentic sternwheeler riverboat cruise and lunch. Travel by motorcoach to Denali and overnight at a Denali hotel. BLD
Day 3 : Denali Exploration
A guide from the park helps you look for wildlife as you travel into the park. Many optional adventures are available for you. B
Day 4 : Denali to Anchorage Via Rail and Motorcoach
Take a deluxe domed railcar to Talkeetna, where a motorcoach will take you through the Mutanuska-Susitna Valley to Anchorage to overnight at the Sheraton Hotel. BD
Day 5 : Sail from Whittier
In Anchorage board a Cruise West motorcoach to travel to Whittier along beautiful Turnagain Arm. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Columbia. Depart for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with a visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay. The ship will anchor for a quiet overnight stay in a secluded cove. D
Day 6 : College Fjord and Esther Passage
Wake up near the face of a glacier in College Fjord. You will ease close to the active faces of numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the tidal waters below. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on crabs. Explore the serene Eaglek Bay. BLD
Day 7 : Cordova
Make a port call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. Upon your arrival enjoy an included cultural experience highlighting the area rich in Native history. Optional wilderness tours include sea kayaking, hiking, and river rafting. BLD
Day 8 : Chenega Glacier and Knight Island
Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Later, enjoy “gunkholing” around the nearby islands - a nautical term for poking around the next corner just to see what’s there. BLD
Day 9 : Arrive in Whittier
After a cruise past a bustling black-legged kittiwake colony, disembark the Spirit of Columbia at Whittier. Transfer to motorcoaches for your trip via Turnagain Arm back to Anchorage. B
Please note an additional fuel surcharge of $15 per person per night on ship.
Ship Description: Spirit of Columbia
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Spirit of Columbia
The Spirit of Columbia is a cozy vessel perfect for shared adventure in Prince William Sound. With her shallow draft and stately pace of cruising, you won't miss a thing as she lingers among the back channels, bays and wilderness islands.
The range of cabin categories is one of the widest in our fleet, ranging from lower-deck inside cabins to Deluxe and AAA categories with picture windows and a TV monitor/VCR. All staterooms offer private facilities and air conditioning.
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C 80.5 sq. ft. Two single beds and no windows on lower deck. Category C stateroom is slightly more narrow than a Category B stateroom. |
B 80.5 sq. ft Two single beds and no windows on lower deck. |
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A 110 sq. ft. Two twin beds, TV monitor/VCR |
AA 92 sq. ft. Two single beds and large view window. |
AAA104 sq. ft. Two single beds and large view window. |
Deluxe 126 sq. ft. One queen bed (Willamette only) or two twins, writing desk, chair, TV monitor/VCR, refrigerator and large view window. |
