Alaskan Explorer Cruises from Seattle to Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, B.C..

	Hubbard Glacier Cruising

Come face to face with a gigantic wall of ice that fills your view and extends for miles in either direction. It�s a titan on the move, advancing faster than almost any other glacier on the continent. When it reaches saltwater at Disenchantment Bay, the imposing architecture of this behemoth measures five miles in width and 40 stories in height, dwarfing even the largest ships. As you glide along this sparkling blue marvel, watch for seals basking on ice floes, listen for the loud, deep rumble and wait for the mighty crack and thunderous crash. At any moment, you could be witness to an eternal drama as nature�s hand sculpts icebergs before your wondering eyes.

	Juneau, Alaska

Sample Excursions:

Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watch & Wildlife Quest: Experience Alaska's premier attractions, glaciers and wildlife, from two very different vantage points--by land and by sea! Take a narrated motorcoach tour to view and photograph Alaska's most famous glacier, the Mendenhall. At the newly renovated Visitor Center, you'll have the opportunity to visit with Forest Service interpreters, and--through interactive exhibits--appreciate the landscape-carving force of glacial ice. As time allows, stroll the glacier-view path, or take a short walk to watch salmon spawning in a nearby stream.
Mendenhall Lake Native Canoe Adventure: Paddle across an iceberg-studded lake to the face of the dramatic Mendenhall Glacier in a 12-person, traditional, Native-style canoe. Navigate the shimmering waters of Mendenhall Lake as your guide shares traditional legends of the time when the region's first people, the Tlingit, traversed the waters of Southeast Alaska. Land on the shore near Nugget Falls for a snack, then paddle back across the lake.
Sled Dog Discovery & Musher's Camp: What better way to enjoy Alaska than to experience a team of powerful huskies in the great backcountry wilderness! This is your chance to glimpse a truly northern pastime. Learn about the life of sled dogs and their musher, and see these dogs in action when they pull you on a fast and thrilling summertime ride across dry ground.
Glacier View Bike & Brew: This tour is more than just a bike ride--it gives you a chance to experience the beauty that surrounds Juneau at a slower pace with friendly, knowledgeable, local guides. On the van ride to the departure point, you will hear about Juneau's history and some interesting information about the city and its surroundings. You'll be fitted with a mountain bike and helmet, and attend a safety briefing. Auke Lake is the beginning of the ride that takes you past memorable glacier views.

Sitka, Alaska

Sample Excursions:

Historic Sitka & Nature Walk Tour: Explore Sitka on foot in the company of a knowledgeable guide. On your 2 1/2-mile walk, stroll around the base of Castle Hill, where Alaska was purchased from Russia, through the historic district, past Totem Square, the Prospector Statue and Russian Blockhouse. Pass St Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House en route to Sheldon Jackson College (home to James Michener during the writing of his book, Alaska). At Sitka National Historical Park, flat walking trails lined with authentic totems guide you through the lush Tongass National Forest. On the way to the Raptor Center, you'll encounter the swamp-like muskeg that is home to most of Alaska's bird, plant, and wild berry life. Explore and photograph the Raptor Center's open bird habitat and clinic area with great views of bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey. At the end of the tour you may elect to stay in the historic downtown area next to the cathedral, or return to the tender pier.
Half-Day Salmon Sportfishing Tour: Sitka Sportfishing is one of Southeast Alaska's best-kept secrets. Sitka Sound offers an abundant supply of king, silver, chum and pink salmon. Combine this with dramatic views and opportunities to see marine wildlife, and you have an exciting excursion to experience.
Advanced Mountain Bike Tour: This tour is designed for the physically fit and experienced mountain biker--it's a challenging ride! Start from downtown Sitka and parallel the coast during the majority of the ride. On the way, you'll stop at Whale Park for a breathtaking view of Silver Bay and at the old Alaska Pulp Mill site, you'll turn off for the climb to Blue Lake. The ride is strenuous and gains approximately 500 feet of elevation as you pass tumbling waterfalls, but there are stunning views at the top.
Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure Tour: Meet on the dock and prepare for your adventure by suiting up in rain gear and life jackets. Board a motorized inflatable raft for an exhilarating ride to the floating kayak base camp, where your guide will provide instruction on the use of ocean-going two-person kayaks.
Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest Tour: Enjoy guaranteed wildlife viewing on this award-winning cruise through one of the world's most beautiful coastal environments. You will have the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, brown bears, black-tailed deer, bald eagles and a variety of marine birds. An on-board naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem.

	Ketchikan, Alaska

Sample Excursions:

Ketchikan Sportfishing Adventure: Come fish from Knudson Cove Marina located right on some of the best fishing grounds in Southeast Alaska. A 25- to 30- minute narrated coach ride along the Tongass Narrows provides a glimpse into the history and lifestyle of Ketchikan's interesting sites and takes you to the scenic harbor where you will meet your captain, board his modern fishing boat, and head to the nearby salmon fishing grounds. Eagles, whales, seals, sea lions or other wildlife may be on the agenda as well!
Eagle Islands Sea Kayak Tour: Your paddle in the Tongass National Forest begins with a ride to Clover Pass at the north end of Ketchikan. You will be introduced to your tandem kayak and receive a safety briefing from your guide. Gain confidence as you paddle out to Eagle Islands. The protected waters provide the opportunity to experience the tranquil, luch, green setting of the Tongass National Forest. You will learn about the natural and cultural history of the area while keeping a keen eye out for bald eagles and their nests, seals, jumping salmon and when the tide conditions are right, sea stars.
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Treat yourself to an action-packed experience at The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where the world's best lumberjacks go head to head in more than a dozen exciting events such as chopping, sawing, relay races, axe throwing, log rolling and a 50-foot speed climb. The colorful host will introduce the events and offer a historic view of the Alaskan timber industry which has shaped this rugged land. Just a short walk from your cruise ship pier, this celebration of a bygone era is a rip-roaring good time and quality entertainment for all ages.

	Victoria, B.C.

Sample Excursions:

A Taste of Victoria: City Lights, Wine & Chocolate Tour: Take an orientation of Victoria, departing from Ogden Point. Your guide will point out the majestic Legislative Building, the Empress Hotel and the picturesque inner harbor. Continue to Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) passing through the Gates of Harmonious Interest and Antique Row, with a wealth of history dating to the gold rush days. Then, you will continue through scenic farmland to the Church & State Winery.
Orca Whale Watching by Day: Tour Victoria's Inner Harbour and surrounding coastline in an enclosed, high-speed boat, then head for open water to observe the abundant local wildlife. Although sightings can't be guaranteed, these excursions boast a 90% success rate of seeing seals, sea lions, porpoises and numerous species of sea birds, as well as the killer (orca) whales that make their home in these waters.
Victoria Highlights & Craigdarroch Castle Tour: Discover Victoria's rich history and scenic beauty on a tour of this charming Provincial Capital. Driving through the stately downtown core you will see Government Street, the Legislative buildings, and Chinatown's Gates of Harmonious Interest. See the last remnants of Fort Victoria in Olde Towne together with Bastion Square, the home to the "Hanging Judge."
Ale Trail & Pub Tour: Victoria is perhaps best known for its flowers and gardens, but it has a secret treasure that few visitors have time to really enjoy--pubs! Some are in the traditional English style; others are truly Canadian. Three separate pubs and select samples of local brews at each location are included.

	Seattle, Washington

Sample Excursions:

Seattle Boats, Buildings & Billionaires Tour: Meet your driver/guide dockside, then set out for a narrated drive to Lake Union. Step aboard a sightseeing boat and enjoy both Lake Union and Lake Washington on this 1 1?2-hour cruise. Hear live narration on the fascinating history and interesting facts of Seattle. See Gasworks Park and the historic houseboat and floating home communities, including the home featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle. Your tour will bring you through the Montlake Cut into Lake Washington, passing by the University of Washington's Husky Stadium, cruising further into the lake past the world's longest floating bridge. Here, you will catch a glimpse of the residence of Seattle's most-recognized Microsoft multi-billionaire. Explore Seattle's unique blend of city living and the natural beauty that surrounds it, with the chance to view both Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. Limited food and drinks are available for purchase on board. After returning to Lake Union, you'll reboard your motor coach for a narrated ride back to the ship.

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