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BEGINS IN: BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

The Best of Alaska’s Inside Passage

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8 Days | 7 Nights
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Apr 12 — Apr 19, 2013

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Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day One: Friday, April 12 - Depart Bellingham. North to Alaska! 
Arrive To: Check in at Ferry Terminal begins at 4:00 PM. Group will meet in the upstairs portion of the terminal which is accessible by elevator or stairs. The group will walk onto the ferry from this location.

Afternoon: Board vessel, locate your room and orient yourself to the vessel.

Dinner: Meals are taken in the ferry cafeteria. There isn't dedicated eating space for our group. Instead will take our meals with the general ridership. Food is ample and good and there are several choices, often including seafood.

Evening: Orientation to program and introductions

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Two: Saturday, April 13 - British Columbia Inside Passage 
Note: Outdoor walks of 1/2 mi in each town

Breakfast: In the ferry cafeteria

Morning: Introductions and an introduction to Alaska terminalogy will start off our morning. An Overview of the State of Alaska will help orient you to Alaska's Inside Passage and the areas we will visit. This day is spent enjoying the scenery of British Columbia all day, and we will not be making a port of call. Watching for orca and humpback whales as well as bald eagles will be high on the agenda. Several programs will be offered for you to attend, but programs stop for wildlife sightings. Two open water crossings, Queen Charlotte Sound and Milbanke Sound are negotiated today.

Lunch: In the ferry cafeteria

Afternoon: Pre-port lecture for the city of Ketchikan. Meet and Greet Reception in the bar.

Dinner: In the ferry cafeteria

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Three: Sunday, April 14 - Ketchikan/Wrangell 
Breakfast: In ferry cafeteria

Morning: During the night we crossed into Alaskan waters. An orientation talk will prepare us for the first port of call, Ketchikan. We will take an excursion through Ketchikan and learn about its history and lifestyle with an emphasis on the native culture.

Lunch: In ferry cafeteria

Afternoon: Back aboard, we make our way through the Alaskan portion of the Inside Passage toward Wrangell. The port talk will cover interesting items of Wrangell's history, including the John Muir connection. If time allows, we will take a brief walking tour in Wrangell, a logging community.

Dinner: In the ferry cafeteria

Evening: Free time--the observation lounge is a great place to spend an evening watching the lights as the ferry sails along. If you want to read a book the best location is the cafeteria area as the observation lounge lights turn off at night so as not to obstruct the navigation of the ferry.

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Four: Monday, April 15 - Mendenhall Glacier 
Note: Walk from bus to glacier viewing area 1/4 mi. Walking into Skagway from ferry 1 mile roundtrip. Walking tour of Skagway 1 mile

Breakfast: In the ferry cafeteria

Morning: The capital city of Juneau will be visited today. After the orientation port talk we will be on our way. Depending on the ferry schedule, our field trip will take us to the Mendenhall Glacier. After viewing the blue ice and the peaceful lake at the base as well as the visitor's center, we may be able to fit in a tour of the city.

Lunch: In the ferry cafeteria

Afternoon: Back on board we continue northward up the Lynn Canal, one of the most stunning fjords in the world. Instructors offer educational programming along the way on our journey to Skagway and Haines.This is the route of the goldminers seeking gold in the Yukon. There will be a short stop in Haines and a longer stop in Skagway where we will disembark and walk the gold-mining era town.

Dinner: In the ferry cafeteria

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Five: Tuesday, April 16 - Excursion in Sitka 
Note: Walking of up to 1/2 mi in town. Standing for 1/2 hour for Bishop's House tour

Breakfast: In the ferry cafeteria

Morning: The Russian Colonial town of Sitka is characterized by the onion-domed spires of St Michael's Orthodox Cathedral in the center of town. We will have a guided tour of the Russian Bishop's House. It is one of 4 original Russian Colonial era buildings in North America, and the best preserved. There may be some time for you to look around Sitka on your own.

Lunch: In the ferry cafeteria--if departure for a port visit is scheduled close to the start of lunch, it is possible to get a sandwich to take with you from the cafeteria.

Afternoon: Transit back through the Sergius Narrows where we hug the shoreline for excellent wildlife viewing. We retrace our route southward to Petersburg and Wrangell. The Wrangell Narrows is another passage where we are very close to the shore and where the ship makes numerous course corrections that are interesting to watch.

Dinner: In the ferry cafeteria

Evening: Free time

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Six: Wednesday, April 17 - Travel to Alaska's southern border with a stop in Ketchikan. Cross... 
Travel to Alaska's southern border with a stop in Ketchikan. Cross into British Columbia in the evening.

Note: Walk around the town of Ketchikan. 1/2 mi

Breakfast: In the ferry cafeteria

Morning: Return to Ketchikan and have another chance to learn about this community. After we depart, we will continue our educational programs and cross into British Columbian waters during the night.

Lunch: In the ferry cafeteria

Afternoon: On board

Dinner: In the ferry cafeteria

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: The Alaska Marine Highway provides an opportunity to experience coastal Alaska at an unhurried pace and in close-up detail. As your vessel glides through the waters of the Inside Passage or along Alaska's rugged coastline, you may see whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles, and perhaps even bears. In addition to interesting ports of call, you will pass fishing outposts, small villages, and see Alaska's bustling maritime activity from the decks of the ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway has been named an All-American Road, a rare national designation that recognizes the spectacular and unique experiences it offers travellers.

Ship Information: The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). There are a total of 103 cabins.

Contact info:
N/A
Juneau, AK 99801 USA
phone: 800-642-0066
web: www.FerryAlaska.com

Room amenities: All rooms are double occupancy. If you have not specified a roommate, we will assign one for you. The berths are upper and lower bunk beds. The upper bunk is accessed by a ladder. Cabins are small and basic in nature with limited storage space. There is a small clothes rod. Cabins do not have dressers. Cabins are made up with fresh linen at start of the trip, but daily housekeeping service does not exist. Fresh towels and sheets are available upon request. Linen exchange halfway through the trip will be arranged by the Group Leader.

Facility amenities: The ferry has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge. Laundry facilities are not available on the ferry.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Seven: Thursday, April 18 - Classes and viewing scenery and wildlife 
Breakfast: In the ferry cafeteria

Morning: Cross into Canadian waters early this morning. No stops scheduled for today. We will be on the lookout for wildlife and the red-roofed Canadian lighthouses.

Lunch:

Afternoon: Instructors continue with presentations along the way

Dinner: In the ferry cafeteria

Evening: After dinner participants join together one last time for some departure information, closing thoughts and farewells to our sailing companions.

Lodging: Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - M/V Columbia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Eight: Friday, April 19 - Program ends 
Depart From: Expected departure from Ferry Terminal at 8:00 AM.

Breakfast: In the ferry cafeteria

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Inside Passage, Alaska and Washington
Alaska State Chamber of Commerce
For additional information, visit: www.alaskachamber.com
Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention & Visitor's Bureau
For additional information, visit: www.bellingham.org
Fairhaven in Bellingham, WAThe Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal has luggage lockers that can be rented for a small fee from the terminal's front desk. If you arrive early, you may rent a locker for your luggage and walk to this area of Bellingham which is about 4 blocks from the ferry building. This area has many restaurants and shops.
For additional information, visit: www.fairhaven.com
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
Currently selected:Prices Starting At:
Apr 12 — Apr 19, 2013 waitlist only  

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•7 nights of accommodations
•20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
•9 Expert-led lectures
•5 Field trips
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