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DATES & PRICES
| Ship Outside | Ship Balcony |
|---|---|
Accommodation DetailsA cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside. |
Accommodation DetailsA cabin featuring a verandah, or balcony, that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck. |
DATES & PRICES
| Ship Outside | Ship Balcony |
|---|---|
Accommodation DetailsA cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside. |
Accommodation DetailsA cabin featuring a verandah, or balcony, that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck. |
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon: Program Registration 5:00-5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please contact your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat “Expedition” program. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The itinerary may change based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. Routes, port stops, field trips, and excursions could be impacted; the cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures, field trips, and activities exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. Due to the remote location of the ports, some embarkation and disembarkation will be via Zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance.
Dinner: At a specified time, we will gather in the lobby and walk to a local restaurant.
Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops are subject to change as weather and ocean conditions could affect the progress of the vessel. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time in each port is set by the cruise line. The cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will give lectures throughout the program on the natural and human history of Coastal Alaska. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of the many activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. Unless specified otherwise, land transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring going up/down a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. 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. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles. Walking about 2.5 miles and standing during field trips; mostly flat surfaces.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will be joined by a local expert at our hotel where we will board a motorcoach and set out to explore Seattle. We will explore some city highlights such as the Seattle Center, Fremont/Gasworks Park, and the Amazon hi-rise campus and spheres. Reaching Pike Place Market, our expert will give us an introduction followed by time for self-directed exploration.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: Next, we will rendezvous with our expert at announced time and place, board the motorcoach, and ride to Pioneer Square. There, we’ll explore the Klondike Goldrush Museum and the Waterfall Garden Park. We’ll then ride back to the hotel.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Pack passports in carry-on bags.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 145 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. At the US-Canada border, we will step off the motorcoach to show passports.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and begin our transfer to Vancouver in the province of British Columbia, Canada.
Lunch: On your own to have what you like in Vancouver. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: We will check in to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2.5 hours with stops. Boarding Ocean Victory.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll set out on a field trip by motorcoach with an onboard expert providing educational commentary. We’ll explore some of Vancouver’s most vibrant and diverse communities. Along the way, we’ll make stops in fascinating neighborhoods with photo opportunities. We’ll end up at the Canada Place Terminal, where we’ll step off the motorcoach, complete embarkation procedures, and board the Ocean Victory.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: After getting your cabin, take some time to start becoming acquainted with the ship and its amenities. We will take part with everyone on board in the ships’s muster/safety drill when announced.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure. The Ocean Victory features a lecture room, library, observation lounge, and fitness center in addition to the restaurants, bar-lounge, and pool deck.
Activity note: Full day aboard ship. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will begin our educational program aboard ship with a lecture by the Group Leader exclusively for our Road Scholar group. We will learn about the Inside Passage, a seamless expanse of protected North American coastline that extends between cosmopolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, and nature-rich Alaska.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. The Ocean Victory will continue through the Inside Passage.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will hop aboard Zodiac boats from the ship’s launch platform for a field trip led by on-board expedition experts. We will explore the Fiordland Conservancy, a marine park rich with wildlife, and Kynoch Inlet. (Access to this inlet is only by sea as conditions permit). These glacially gouged fiords on the coast have sheer granite cliffs, some of which rise more than 3,000 feet, surrounded by dense forests, lush vegetation, and wildlife including grizzly and black bears. The Conservancy is situated within the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation territory. We’ll return to the ship after our field trip.
Lunch: Aboard the ship
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests each of us most.
Dinner: Aboard ship
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking 2 miles; paved and hard dirt trails. Dress for weather, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Arriving at Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, we will step off the ship and board a motorcoach for a field trip to the Saxman Village Totem Park with the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Some were moved here from the old Cape Fox Lodge and are more than 100 years old. During our expert-led exploration, we’ll learn the stories and history of these grand historic works of Native Art as well as traditional tools, paints, and carving techniques as we watch carvers perform their craft at the Carving Shed. We’ll then have a chance to explore Ketchikan on our own before going back to the ship.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Our field trip by Zodiac boats will take us to Misty Fjords National Monument in the Tongass National Forest. With the expedition team, we will explore the shoreline of the fjords that extend across Tongass. With luck, we will have an opportunity for a close-up wilderness experience in one of the bays or coves. The national monument is called Misty Fjords due to almost constant precipitation. There are more than 150 inches of annual rainfall.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme. Staff from the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences at the California Polytechnic State University will be travelling with us and will share their understanding of these waters. We will be on and off the ship exploring fjords.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile; paved or hard dirt trails. Dress for weather, wear comfortable walking shoes. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will gather for an expert presentation introducing Tlingit legends, history, and culture. We’ll then step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and set out on a field trip to explore key Wrangell sites with an Alaska Native expert. Wrangell is situated on the northern end of Wrangell Island in the heart of the Inside Passage and Tongass National Forest. We will visit the Shakes Island Tribal House, the Wrangell Museum, Petroglyph Beach, and more. We will learn about Wrangell’s diverse history from its first inhabitants — the Tlingit Nation — whose history spans 10,000 years to the present.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most in Wrangell.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats or kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will gather for a lecture about what is known as the Waterfall Coast. We are near Baranof Island’s eastern coast, home to brown bears in the surrounding meadows. We’ll then set out on a field trip with naturalists by kayak or Zodiac to explore tucked away bays at the base of sheer mountains and cliffs that make up the Waterfall Coast.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We will have another opportunity to go out on the bay by kayak or Zodiac. Those who wish to stay aboard ship and enjoy views from the Observation deck are welcome to do so.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking about 3 miles; paved walkways. Dress for weather, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will gather for a Norwegian welcome, then step off the ship for a field trip to the colorful and traditional Sons of Norway Hall, a short walk from the dock. We’ll enjoy a tasty treat featuring three Norwegian pastries. Lefsa is a butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar soft pastry. Almond Puff is an almond filling on a pastry crust with frosting and almonds sprinkled on top. Scorpa is a twice-baked cookie with cardamom. We’ll also see traditional Norwegian dances by a local group of young people wearing the local Bunad (Norwegian costumes).
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests each of us most.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will spend the day exploring the stunningly scenic Tracy Arm fjord by Zodiac boats. Tracy Arm, a photographer’s paradise, may be Alaska’s most scenic fjord. This narrow inlet of ocean runs 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 the North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers 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. The expert staff will provide commentary as we go.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll wend our way back down the arm, pausing to view some of the spectacular waterfalls that spill out of the granite cliffs along the fjord. As we leave Tracy Arm, we will be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine mammals.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking about 1 mile; maintained road, some hills. Sitting or standing during totem carving demonstration. Sitting during Tlingit dance performance with opportunity to participate and dance with group. Dress for weather, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will set out on a field trip to learn about and experience significant aspects of Kake Tlingit culture. We’ll walk to the local community hall for a carving or weaving demonstration. There will also be a dance performance with an opportunity to join in! At the world’s largest one-tree totem, we will hear some history and a Tlingit legend. There will also be opportunities to see more of this authentic native community, visit the hatchery where bears often congregate, and see handcrafted native art directly from craftsman.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: The ship will take us along Frederick Sound, virtually unknown to many travelers. We’ll be able to view the temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and pristine beaches, scan the skies for birds and the shores for wildlife.
Dinner: Aboard ship. Enjoy our last dinner together aboard the Ocean Victory.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Activity note: The ship is scheduled to arrive in early morning. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; paved walkways. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After arrival in Sitka, we will complete disembarkation procedures, then board a motorcoach for a field trip to Sitka National Historical Park. From the National Park Service: “On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Totem poles from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park’s scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop’s House is a rare reminder of Russia’s colonial legacy in North America. Sitka is one of Alaska’s most charming communities, situated in a protected harbor rich in natural resources. Its complex history dates back more than 8,000 years beginning with the native Kiksadi Tlingit people.” We’ll then ride to the Alaska Raptor Center where we’ll see and learn about the wonderful work the center is doing to rehabilitate raptors.
Lunch: On your own to have what you like in Sitka. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests each of us most in Sitka.
Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friend during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and morning departure in the morning.
Activity note: Bring luggage from hotel rooms to hotel lobby (assistance provided as needed). Airport transfers will be provided to all participants. Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast: At the hotel depending on flight times. Those who need to depart early will have a box breakfast provided. This concludes our program.
Morning: 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. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!