Denali/Valdez Explorer - Northbound Cruisetour

Get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else as you sail through the islands of Alaska's Inside Passage.

Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world's most lush wilderness. Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you'll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree during your Alaska cruise to Ketchikan (Ward Cove).

Juneau has been called “Alaska's peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area's many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, a treck worthwhile.

In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.

Venture “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” Known for this famous saying, Icy Strait Point is the ideal landing spot for adventurers seeking a new experience. Breathtaking and exciting, Icy Strait Point truly takes you where the wild things are. It’s one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. A trip here certainly satisfies your taste for adventure. Take a cruise from Icy Strait Point and enjoy Alaska's awe-inspiring scenery and the many excursion options that Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer.

The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Its awe-inspiring, turquoise-colored face towers nearly 400 feet tall — 250 feet of which are underwater — while its icebergs are often three or four stories high. At nearly six miles wide where the ice meets the ocean and 76 miles long, viewing this massive glacial mass is an experience not soon forgotten. As you cruise near the glacier, keep an eye out for the region’s rich variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to harbor seals, orcas and humpback whales.

Although situated only approximately 60 miles from Anchorage, Whittier feels a world away. This small, secluded town — only accessible by land via the two-mile long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel — is nestled between soaring mountain peaks and the Passage Canal. Having been originally founded as a military facility during World War II, today, Whittier is your gateway to the famous Prince William Sound. The spectacular rugged coastlines and waterways are home to abundant wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, Dall sheep, whales, sea lions, otters and much more. Unleash your inner explorer on one of the many outdoor activities or enjoy a scenic boat tour along a portion of the sound.

Your Norwegian Cruise Line Tour Director will greet you in Whittier upon debarkation of Norwegian Jade for your fully escorted tour. Board your deluxe motorcoach and make a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to view large animals found throughout Alaska. You’ll get up close to moose, bears, musk ox and other indigenous animals of the region. Taking in orphaned animals and providing quality animal care year-round, the Conservation Center is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Alaska’s wildlife. Animals that cannot be released back into the wild are given a permanent home at the Center. Continue on towards the unique town of Whittier, where you will board your cruise through the majestic Prince William Sound and along the 3-mile face of Meares Glacier, keeping a watchful eye out for wildlife, including seals, sea otters, birds and even whales! View the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline Terminal where supertankers are loaded with crude oil from Prudhoe Bay as you enter the harbor of Valdez. Light meal included on board.

Overnight: Valdez

Today’s journey travels north along the Richardson Highway to Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart City. Enjoy spectacular vistas of the Alaska Range over one of the rarely utilized highways in Alaska.

Overnight: Fairbanks

This morning, enjoy a visit to the historic Gold Dredge #8 where you will get the chance to do some panning just like the early pioneers of Alaska. Afterwards, board your deluxe motorcoach for a city tour of Fairbanks before stopping in historic downtown for lunch on your own. Open evening to explore Fairbanks or take an optional tour.

Overnight: Fairbanks

This morning, depart Fairbanks towards Denali National Park on your deluxe motorcoach. Today’s itinerary includes an afternoon kennel tour in Denali. Learn about the Alaska state sport of dog mushing with a stop at a local Iditarod sled dog kennel. You’ll be amazed to learn about this fascinating sport, the musher and the dogs — you’ll even get to hold a future champion puppy in your arms. After this authentic visit, we won’t be surprised if you are ready to run “The Last Great Race” yourself. Open evening for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programs.

Overnight: Denali

More than just the mountain, Denali National Park is six million acres of wild land. This morning, your tour will take you into this pristine region of Alaska on the only road into and out of the park. Along the way, enjoy a fully narrated ride learning about the flora and fauna of the area while looking out for the wild animals that roam freely and call this park home. While in this beautiful area, set aside time to experience the solitude and tranquility that vast wilderness can provide. During your included Tundra Wilderness Tour, you will travel into Denali National Park, enjoying the incredible scenery and some of the best opportunities to see wildlife in its natural setting. A light snack is included on the tour. Open evening for optional activities.

Overnight: Denali

Your morning is open for optional activities in Denali. Travel by motorcoach to Talkeetna. Later in the day, you’ll ride along the rails of the world-famous Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Anchorage with 360-degree views from your deluxe dome railcar seats. As the gorgeous scenery of Alaska rolls past, be watchful for wildlife, as well as glimpses of Mt. Denali, or as local Alaskans call it, “The Great One.” Full bar and meal service are available for purchase during your rail journey.

Overnight: Anchorage

Transfer to the Anchorage International Airport for your flight home.

*The transfer from Hotel to Airport is included when departure flight information is provided to Norwegian Cruise Line at least 10 days prior to your cruise start date. Transfer is offered only on the last day of the tour. Guests who do not provide flight information within the guidelines forfeit this service. Unused transfers are nonrefundable.