Alaska Off the Beaten Path: Cruise, Rail & Tour Experience (May 2024)

  • history
    DURATION
    15 days, 14 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    15 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    14 nights
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    DEPARTS
    25 May 2024
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    RETURNS
    8 June 2024
  • Search for the "Alaskan Big Five"
  • Includes a once-in-a-lifetime rail journey
  • Find stunning scenery at every turn

Go deeper into Alaska on this sensational 14 night journey taking you off the beaten path giving you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in all things Alaska!

O​n this cruise/tour you'll visit Denali National Park, home to the famous Alaskan Big Five — grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. With only one park road, nature exists as it has for thousands of years, and your visit offers a glimpse into an era that most can’t imagine, even in their wildest dreams.

You will also have the opportunity to experience Kenai Fjords National Park — one of the most accessible ways to experience the wilderness. The Harding Ice-field includes forty glaciers which carved the fjords and continue to feed into the ocean. With forests, glaciers, mountains and rivers within this Alaska national park, it is the perfect place to experience the Great Land all at once.

Combining these National Parks, a 7 night cruise and a once-in-a-lifetime rail journey, this holiday will be one you'll never forget!

Photos

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A Nature Lover's Dream - From bald eagles to humpback whales, many animals call Alaska home.

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • Coach Transfer Vancouver Airport to cruise terminal*
  • 7-night cruise onboard the Sapphire Princess
  • Medallion Class experience
  • All meals onboard the ship
  • Select Beverages onboard the ship (Iced Tea, Lemonade, Water, Tea varieties, Non-Specialty Coffee)
  • 2​ nights Kenai Wilderness Lodge
  • 1 night Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge
  • 2 nights Denali Wilderness Lodge
  • 2 nights Fairbanks
  • Alaska rail journey
  • Natural History Tour
  • S​ternwheeler Riverboat Cruise

*​Airport transfers are only available for flights connecting directly with the cruise on day 1.

Your fare excludes:
  • T​ravel insurance & airfares

Itinerary

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Day 1: Upon arrival in Vancouver you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. Set sail at 4pm.

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska - 6am to 2pm

Day 4: Juneau, Alaska - 8am to 9pm

Day 5: Skagway, Alaska - 7am to 8:30pm

Day 6: Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)

Day 7: College Fjord (Scenic Cruising)

Day 8: Disembark the ship in Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska and travel by scenic motorcoach to the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge for a 2-night retreat.

D​ay 9: A full day in the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula awaits you. Perhaps you'll explore Kenai Fjords National Park, spend the afternoon river rafting or go fishing. Later, return to your bungalow-style room with its wood-burning stove and sun porch for an evening of pure relaxation.

D​ay 10: Sightsee by motorcoach to the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge for 1-night. Here you'll settle in with Denali never far from view. Sit and gaze at the majesty of "The Great One" from the lodge's treehouse designed and built by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's Treehouse Masters. You can choose optional excursions or simply enjoy the grounds of your lovely lodge.

D​ay 11: Between our two Denali lodges is some of Alaska's most beautiful scenery. Sightsee by motorcoach to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Check in with the Guest Service Desk for help in planning your own Denali adventure like a husky homestead tour, river rafting, hiking, glacier flightseeing or an off-road ATV adventure. Or you may enjoy the spectacular main lodge, river view deck, and Princess Village with the popular Christmas cottage and sugar shack. Be sure to check out Fannie Q's Saloon, named after a famed local homesteader, or sit outside at a fireside patio.

D​ay 12: Explore Denali National Park on a Natural History Tour, watching for glimpses of Denali as well as bears, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Later today, you may want to simply relax with a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the Nenana River. Visit the Grizzly Burger or grab a slice at Lynx Creek Pizza.

D​ay 13: This afternoon, proceed via rail to Fairbanks, Alaska's "Golden Heart" city. Spend the evening immersing yourself in the gold Rush history, Native culture and authentic hospitality of the city.

D​ay 14: Take a Gold Dredge 8 tour with the chance to pan for your own gold. Enjoy a hearty miner's lunch before taking a cruise on an authentic Sternwheeler Riverboat down the Chena River. The evening is at leisure in Fairbanks.

D​ay 15: Your memorable vacation ends this morning in Fairbanks.

Dates and Prices

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Package prices for 25 May 2024 departure

  • Inside from $3,816 pp twin share / $5,937 pp sole use*
  • Oceanview from $4,726 pp twin share / $7,211 pp sole use*
  • Balcony from $5,476 pp twin share / $9,640 pp sole use*
  • M​ini suite from $5,896 pp twin share / $10,480 pp sole use*
  • S​uites sold out

Please call our travel team on 1300 414 198 for more information.

*Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

If you want the most value out of your holiday it really Pays to Plus. With a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package you could treat yourself daily to cocktails, enjoy a fitness class or unlimited juice. Plus indulge in a premium dessert. What’s more, you’ll be free to stream your favourite shows and stay in touch with your loved ones thanks to Wi-Fi included. Save money on the things you’re going to do anyway with the Princess Plus package. 

Upgrade to Princess Plus (for just $65 pp/day) to enjoy:

  • Wi-Fi (one device per guest)
  • Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to $22 each)
  • Unlimited juice bar
  • Premium Desserts (2 per day)
  • Fitness Classes (2 per cruise)
  • NEW 2 casual dining meals per guest
  • NEW OceanNow delivery
  • NEW Room service delivery
  • Overall savings of over 60%!

Accommodation

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Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge

S​apphire Princess Cruise Ship

As you set your sights on the wonders of the world, let Sapphire Princess indulge your every whim. Over 700 balconies, world-class gourmet dining and dazzling entertainment options are just the beginning of your sea-going adventure. Dance the night away, enjoy casino gaming or relax and rejuvenate body and mind at the Lotus Spa®.

  • R​efurbished: March 2018
  • Guest Cabins: 1,337
  • Guest Capacity: 2,670
  • Number of Decks: 18
  • Tonnage: 115,875
  • Length: 952 feet

Kenai Wilderness Lodge: A one-of-a-kind Alaska lodge overlooking the Kenai River. There’s a reason why this unique Alaska lodge was named one of the “Top 12 Resorts in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest” by Conde Nast Traveler readers. The Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge® offers direct access to Alaska’s playground — also known as the Kenai Peninsula. Sail past glaciers and fish for wild salmon. Then, return to the coziness of your Alaska wilderness lodge after a day full of adventure.

Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge: Situated within Denali State Park near the Chulitna River, the Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge® offers unparalleled views of Denali from the treehouse as well as the Great Room and expansive deck in the main lodge. Tour a working Alaska homestead and learn how the Great Land’s residents have become so self-sufficient.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: Imagine a charming Alaska lodge settled near the heart of wilderness, wildlife and six million acres of untouched lands. Meet Denali Wilderness Lodge®, your ticket to exploration just one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park – one of the world’s most incredible locations. With comfortable accommodations and a breathtaking location, the Denali lodge serves as the perfect home base for any adventure.

FAQs

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Suggested Flight Arrival Time:

No later than 2:30 p.m domestic / 2:00 p.m. international on embarkation day. Flights become available to be booked 300 days prior to departure. Travel at 60 can assist you with booking flights. Please call us on 1300 414 198 for more information.

What to Bring?

Clothing Suggestions:

Alaska is very casual both in the evenings, as well as the day. Casual, active sportswear is the best option, as you will likely be enjoying tours and activities outdoors. You'll want comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, and the ability to be layered for everything from sunny afternoons to chilly nights. As the weather can be unpredictable, a warm jacket is advisable.

Here is a brief listing of suggested items:

Daytime:

  • Water repellent coat or jacket
  • Rain hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
  • Lightweight windbreaker
  • Sweaters
  • Pants or shorts

Evening:

  • Warm coat (temperatures can get lower in the evening)
  • Same attire as worn during the day - casual

Other Recommended Items

  • Cameras
  • Binoculars
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Insect repellent
  • Collapsible umbrella
  • Sunglasses

Coach Transportation

  • Coach segments between all points tend to be shorter in duration than rail.
  • Seating aboard the coaches is not assigned, but guests may be asked to rotate throughout each day to allow everyone access to the forward seats.
  • Ample stops are made for photo and rest breaks.
  • Coaches are equipped with restrooms.
  • All sightseeing tours inside Denali National Park are operated by the National Park Service concessionaire. Sightseeing tours inside of Denali National Park use school buses.

T&Cs

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