Compare Alaska's Inside Passage Up Close by Road Scholar

Day 1 Arrival in Sitka, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Sitka, AK

Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. If you arrive before your room is ready, you may store your luggage at the hotel until check-in is available.

All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions may affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. Upon arrival in Sitka, we will be met by Alaskan Dream Cruises staff and transferred to the hotel. Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table outside the meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Following dinner we'll have a brief introduction to the program. A more in depth orientation will take place the next morning. Each afternoon before dinner aboard the ship, we’ll have a social hour to recap the day’s activities, preview what will happen tomorrow, get to know our fellow participants better and see amazing scenery. As a tasty treat, enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate; other beverages available for purchase. Evenings aboard the ship will often include a presentation for the group, unless specified otherwise. It might be a narrated slide presentation, a talk, an opportunity for questions and answers, or just a good story. Durations of hikes will be dependent on the group pace and ability level, which can vary. Unless specified otherwise, transportation on land will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring the going up/down of a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions for activities. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

In our private meeting space at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal which will include an entrée, salad, starch, coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 2 Explore Sitka, Free Time, Embark Ship, Daily Preview Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Please bring luggage from hotel rooms to hotel lobby (assistance as needed). During Sitka field trip, walking up to 1 mile with stops along the way.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any program changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. After bringing our luggage down and checking out of the hotel, we'll board a motorcoach and make our way to the Alaska Raptor Center. Here we'll witness all of the wonderful work this place doing to rehabilitate the local raptors. Following our tour of the Alaska Raptor Center, we will have the chance to explore the historic Sitka National Historical Park. One of Alaska's most charming communities, Sitka lies in a protected harbor rich in natural resources and has a complex history dating back over 8,000 years beginning with the Kiksadi Tlingit people as the native residents. Serious Russian interest began in 1725 when they began to explore the Pacific coast of North America until they eventually established, after much fighting with the Tlingit people, Sitka as an administrative center.

Free Time. Take the afternoon to explore Sitka on your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you would like to visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum or the Sitka Sound Science Center during your free time please make sure you are wearing your Road Scholar name tag. Your name tag is your ticket to those two places. Following our free afternoon we'll meet back at the hotel where we'll board a motorcoach that will take us to the dock. We will then board our vessel and begin our journey along Alaska's Inside Passage. After boarding, we will meet the Captain and crew and have an orientation session outlining safety procedures as we get underway. After we settle in, we’ll transit two beautiful, twisty narrow passages where we can look for sea otters, bald eagles, and other creatures.

A staff member will provide an overview of tomorrow’s activities as well as discuss the local history and culture. The ship’s public address system allows participants to hear programs in the forward lounge (where most of our onboard programming occurs) or in the comfort of staterooms.

Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes oatmeal, French toast, eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice, tea, milk.

At the Alaskan Dream Cruise Hospitality Suite, we’ll choose from a selection of pre-made sandwiches along with dessert items, fresh fruit and sodas, water, coffee and tea.

In the dining room, enjoy plated meals prepared by professionally trained chefs using fresh and locally produced foods plus one complimentary glass of beer or wine with all dinners aboard the ship. Coffee, tea, milk, hot chocolate and water are included; other beverages available for purchase. Menus change daily, usually including a seafood or meat entrée.

Day 3 Kake, Frederick Sound Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Walking with guide 1 mile on a maintained road. There are some hills. A bus is available for those who don't want to walk. Sitting or standing during totem carving demonstration. Sitting during the Tlingit dance performance but there is an opportunity to participate and dance with the group.

This morning we arrive in Kake. Of the twenty largest islands in the United States, seven of them are in Southeast Alaska. At 1,086 square miles, Kupreanof Island is 13th largest, yet fewer than 600 people call the island home. Most of them live in the first-class city of Kake, a mostly Tlingit village situated on the island’s northwest shore facing Keku Strait, a skinny thread of ocean that separates their island from neighboring Kuiu Island to the west. Arriving in Kake, we will meet with our local guide who come on board to offer a short presentation. Following this presentation we will disembark the ship and make our way to the totem carving demonstration. After the demonstration we’ll continue on to view one of the world’s largest totem poles. This totem pole was raised in 1971 and stands at 136 feet tall. Then we’ll make our way to the community center where we’ll watch a traditional Tlingit dance performance. You’ll even have a chance to participate in the dance!

This afternoon we’ll cruise along Frederick Sound, which is virtually unknown to many travelers. We will spend the afternoon cruising through this delightful and lovely, yet rarely visited part of Alaska. View the temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and pristine beaches from the comfort of the ship, scan the skies for birds and the shores for wildlife.

Onboard staff will lead an orientation to procedures for tomorrow’s outdoor activities in Hobart Bay.

Aboard the ship, we’ll have plated meals featuring fresh and locally produced foods including items such as pancakes, cereals, egg dishes, and breakfast meats with coffee, tea, milk, hot chocolate, juice and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Aboard the ship, we’ll have plated meals featuring fresh, organic, and locally produced foods with coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Aboard ship.

Day 4 Hobart Bay, Inside Passage Lecture Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference. Option for skiff ride - climbing up/down ladder to get to loading dock. Climbing in and out of 22 foot skiff with assistance from crew. Option to kayak - climbing in and out of kayak with assistance. Kayak groups will be led by 2 staff leaders. Option to hike- it will last approx. 1 hour and distance covered is dependent on pace of group. Hike takes place on gravel road with moderate incline and is led by 2 staff leaders.

After arriving at Hobart Bay, we'll begin our wilderness adventure with a full day of exhilarating outdoor activities. You will have the choice to explore the bay via 2-person sea kayaks or on 22-foot skiffs for quiet exploration. Kayak launchers make it easy to get into kayaks that are then slid into the water slowly. Groups will be limited to 10-12 on the skiffs providing room to easily maneuver and catch sight of wildlife and take photos as well as watch for eagles or bears along the shore.

Continue exploring this secluded bay. A variety of marine life and birds are visible as well as an occasional black bear roaming the shoreline. We’ll also go ashore for a short hike to a view point along a gravel road in the late afternoon passing a muskeg/bog with some unusual plants, including a carnivorous species!

Our Road Scholar Group Leader will give a presentation on more fascinating aspects of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 5 Tracy Arm Fjord, Waterfalls, Wildlife Watch Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Climbing up and down steep stairs to get to the deck for wildlife viewing. Climbing in and out of the 22 foot skiff for tours (weather permitting).

Perhaps Alaska’s most scenic fjord, Tracy Arm, a photographer’s paradise, is a narrow inlet of ocean running between cliffs or steep slopes. Tracy Arm twists and turns for more than 30 miles through some of the most dramatically scenic landscapes anywhere, dotted with thousands of icebergs from glaciers - North Sawyer and South Sawyer - at the end of the fjord. Wildlife is seasonally prolific, with whales and sea lions, seals on floating ice, bears, deer, mountain goats, wolves, and smaller animals inhabiting surrounding forests, and bald eagles and other birds flying above. Along the way, our staff will narrate and point out the highlights.

We’ll wind our way back down the arm, pausing to view some of the spectacular waterfalls that spill out of the granite cliffs along the fjord. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we will also have the opportunity to ride the skiffs with our expert leaders to explore either the area. As we depart Tracy Arm, we will scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in these world-renowned whale waters.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 6 Exploration, Orca Point Lodge Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference. Option for skiff ride - climbing up/down ladder to get to loading dock. Climbing in and out of 22 foot skiff with assistance from crew. Option to kayak - climbing in and out of kayak with assistance. Kayak groups will be led by 2 staff leaders. Option to take a walk on the shore- distance covered is dependent on pace of group. The walk will be a bit rocky and will be led by 2 staff leaders.

This morning we'll have the chance to explore the area via kayak, DIB ride, or shore walk.

We will continue to explore the area, watching for marine animals, wildlife, and the pristine Tongass National Forest. This afternoon enjoy a lecture in the ship's lounge.

At the lodge's touch tank, get “up close and personal” with Alaskan sea life. Take a stroll on the private rocky beach and, if weather permits, enjoy a bonfire on the beach. We'll have ingredients to make smores! We’ll then board the ship for the evening.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

As a special treat, we have an exclusive stop at Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island to enjoy a wonderful buffet meal of Alaskan salmon and all-you-can-eat King Crab. A glass of wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea and water are included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 White Pass Railway, Skagway & Gold Rush, Free Time Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Getting on/off street cars. Minimal walking on sidewalks and city streets. Train ride is approx. 40 miles roundtrip; about 3.5 hours.

Making our way up the spectacular Taiya Inlet, we’ll dock in Skagway. This famous gold rush town is also home to Klondike National Historic Park, which owns and has restored many of the buildings. We will take a narrated shuttle from the ship to the White Pass Railway depot, board the train, and take a narrated rail road trip up to the White Pass summit located in British Columbia, Canada, with spectacular views along the way. This narrow gauge railway route was built during the Klondike Gold Rush. Its proposed 110-mile journey through coastal mountains was considered impossible but became a reality in only 26 months of construction from 1898-1900. The railway operated as a business until 1982, then re-opened in 1988 for seasonal excursions.

Free Time. You may wish to visit the Klondike National Historic Park's museum, go on a walking field trip with our Group Leader, or explore the town of Skagway on your own. The park offers park ranger walks at regularly scheduled times from the visitor's center. The ship is scheduled to depart mid to late afternoon. The exact time to return to the ship will be announced. We’ll cruise back down the scenic Taiya Inlet and Lynn Canal towards Icy Strait as we head towards tomorrow’s destination.

Aboard the ship, enjoy an evening of native storytelling or other Alaskan tales.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship or at your own cost in town.

Aboard ship.

Day 8 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage

Climbing up and down steep stairs on the ship to get to the different deck levels for wildlife viewing.

Birders and wildlife watchers will want to be up and out on deck as we enter Glacier Bay early this morning. We will be joined by a National Park Service (NPS) Ranger who will lead our programming today. The NPS citation reads, “Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site — one of the world’s largest international protected areas.” The entrance to Glacier Bay teems with wildlife, particularly sea birds. This is also an area frequented by feeding humpback whales. The Huna Tlingit people once lived here and consider it their spiritual homeland. A Native Tlingit interpretive naturalist will join the NPS Ranger to discuss their traditional ties to this stunning natural treasure.

We’ll continue our exploration of Glacier Bay National Park, the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska considered by many to be the United States’ Number 1 national park. Glacier Bay boasts the largest number of tidewater glaciers in North America, with the backdrop of the stunning 15,000-foot Fairweather Mountain range, some of the most stunning scenery anywhere, and a prolific array of wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, mountain goats and much more, often amid calving icebergs. Watch for all these wonders from the deck of the ship (binoculars provided). The Ranger and naturalist will be on deck for commentary, to point out highlights, and answer questions.

At leisure. As we head to Juneau overnight, prepare for departure in the morning and get a good night’s sleep.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard the ship, we'll enjoy a delicious plated meal with standard beverages in the company of the captain. Toast to a successful program and share your favorite memories with your Road Scholar friends.

Day 9 Juneau, Disembark, Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska State Museum Juneau, AK

The ship is scheduled to arrive in Juneau at approximately 7:30 a.m. Disembarkation from the ship will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. Climbing on and off a motorcoach. Opportunity for short hike on a groomed trail at Mendenhall Glacier. Walking on paved walkways during free time (shuttle available for those who need it).

After disembarking the ship we will take a field trip to one of Alaska’s extraordinary natural wonders: the Mendenhall Glacier. This river of ice is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1,500 square mile Juneau ice field formed about 3,000 years ago. The glacier stretches 12 miles from the ice field down to its terminus at Mendenhall Lake. The glacier and surrounding area are protected by the National Forest Service as part of Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S., encompassing 17 million acres. The Visitor Center offers magnificent views of the Glacier and the lake, many displays and presentations, a short movie, and hiking trails. National Forest Service interpretive rangers will be available to provide information and answer questions as we explore independently. We’ll then explore Juneau via motorcoach as our driver provides commentary on our surroundings and the local history. Originating with the Alaska Gold Rush in 1880, the miners’ tent camp grew into a small town and then kept growing as mines produced millions of dollars in gold well into the 20th Century. Tourism expanded as adventure travelers were attracted by the surrounding old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, salmon streams, bear habitat, and migratory whale routes. En route, we will pass the Capitol Building and the governor’s mansion, among other city highlights. Following our exploration of Juneau, we will head to the Alaska State Museum for a self-directed exploration of the Museum, which is the repository for the state's history, highlighting the distinct native cultures of Alaska.

Following lunch we will have an opportunity for some free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to take a walking excursion with the Group Leader or explore on your own visiting other interesting sites in Juneau including the Sealaska Heritage Institute , Mt. Roberts Tramway, Capitol building, or city museum.

Enjoy a wrap up presentation at the hotel reviewing our adventures with Road Scholar staff. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Aboard ship.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

In our private meeting space at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal which will include an entrée, salad, starch, coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Program Concludes Juneau, AK

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. If departing this day and you purchased air through Road Scholar, transfers will be provided to the airport.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel. You will receive a voucher to enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant. This concludes our program. If your flight is early causing you to miss the hotel breakfast, a boxed breakfast will be provided for you.