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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. |
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
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: This morning we'll gather in the hotel meeting space for a lecture by our Group Leader. Then we will board a motorcoach with a local expert and set out to explore Seattle. We will visit many city highlights including the Seattle Center and Fremont's Gasworks Park. We'll arrive at Pike Place market and our expert will give us an introduction to this historic market. We will then have some time for self guided exploration.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. There are many venues for lunch at the Market, and the Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: Next, we will rendezvous with our expert, board the motorcoach, and drive to Pioneer Square. We will explore the Klondike Goldrush Museum and the Waterfall Garden Park. Then return to the hotel late in the afternoon.
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. Walking roughly a mile and standing during a museum visit on flat surfaces.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and begin our scenic drive to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Upon arrival to the hotel, we will check in.
Lunch: At a restaurant in the hotel.
Afternoon: Following lunch we will walk to the nearby Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coastal art. Here we will see classical and contemporary Northwest Coast art created by the great Bill Reid. Following this gallery visit we will have the remainder of the afternoon 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 will board a motorcoach and set out to explore Vancouver, BC. We'll stop at Stanley Park, University of British Columbia's Botanical Garden, and Granville Island.
Lunch: There are many exciting venues at Granville Island Public Market. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like.
Afternoon: Following lunch we will have time to explore Granville Island on our own. Then we will board our motorcoach and make our way to the Canada Place Cruise Terminal where our field trip concludes. Here we will complete the embarkation procedures and board the Ocean Victory. After getting your cabin, take some time to start becoming acquainted with the ship and its amenities. The Ocean Victory features a lecture room, library, observation lounge, and fitness center in addition to the restaurants, bar-lounge, and pool deck. Before dinner, the ship's staff will have a special welcome and introductions for passengers. We will also take part with everyone on board in the ship’s muster/safety drill when announced.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
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 the ship with lectures by the ship's staff. We will learn about our route along the Inside Passage, a nature-rich expanse of islands, fjords, bays and channels that extends from cosmopolitan Puget Sound to remote southeastern Alaska.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: As the Ocean Victory continues through the Canadian Inside Passage, we'll enjoy more lectures provided by the expedition team as well as lectures by Road Scholar staff, exclusively for Road Scholar participants. You will also have a chance to enjoy some free time on the ship. Take advantage of the library or gym. Or spend time out on the ship deck looking for wildlife.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Full day aboard ship. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: This morning we will continue sailing the Inside Passage. Sheer granite cliffs, some of which rise more than 3,000 feet, loom over the glacially gouged fjords. Dense forests, lush vegetation, and wildlife including grizzly and black bears inhabit this area.
Lunch: Aboard the ship
Afternoon: Following lunch we'll have a chance to enjoy two more lectures. This afternoon enjoy some free time on the ship. Take advantage of the viewing platforms on the ship to look for wildlife. Don't forget your binoculars!
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 rainy 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. This world-class collection of totem poles includes some that were moved from the old Cape Fox village and are more than 100 years old. During our expert-led exploration, we'll learn the stories and history of these grand works of Native art, as well as the traditional tools, paints and carving techniques. Next, we will watch carvers ply their craft at the totem carving shed. Then we will explore downtown Ketchikan and Creek Street on our own before returning to the ship. We’ll then have a chance to explore Ketchikan on our own before going back to the ship.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Use this time to do something that interests you the most. We will gather in the late in the afternoon for a lecture by Road Scholar Staff, exclusively for Road Scholar participants.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Today we'll have a chance to explore Misty Fjords National Monument via Zodiac with the expedition team. The national monument is called Misty Fjords due to almost constant precipitation—more than 150 inches of rain fall here each year.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We will have a chance to participate in a hands-on science activity as well as a lecture. Staff from the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences at the California Polytechnic State University will tbe on the ship with us sharing their knowledge of these waters. We will also have a chance to go out and explore one of the many bays or coves in kayaks with some of our expedition leaders.
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 and a sandy/gravelly beach. 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’ll step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and set out on a field trip to explore key Wrangell sites with an Alaska Native expert. A short drive takes us to the Chief Shakes Island Tribal House, where there will be a presentation introducing the tribal house, Tlingit legends, history, and culture. Later at Petroglyph Beach, we will have an opportunity to make petroglyph "rubbings" and learn more about Wrangell's diverse history. Finally, the Wrangell Museum, showcases the history of Europeans, Americans and Natives in Wrangell.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most in Wrangell. Later in the afternoon there will be a chance for lectures by Road Scholar staff, exclusively for Road Scholar, or lectures by ship staff.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats or kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: With the expedition team, we'll set out on a field trip by kayak or Zodiac to explore tucked away bays and inlets. Other morning activities include Hands-on Science and lectures by ship staff.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We will have another opportunity to go out and explore the bays by kayak or Zodiac or participate in Hands-on Science and lectures by Road Scholar staff and ship staff.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats from ship launch platform. Walking about 1 mile on paved walkways. Additional walking as far you choose. Dress for weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will gather for a Norwegian welcome at the colorful and traditional Sons of Norway Hall, a short walk from the dock. Here we’ll enjoy a tasty treat featuring three Norwegian pastries and coffee. We’ll also see traditional Norwegian dances by a local group of young people wearing the Petersburg Bunad (Norwegian clothing).
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to explore Petersburg and see and do what interests each of us most.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off Zodiac boats and kayaks from ship launch platform.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: We will spend the day exploring the stunningly scenic Tracy Arm fjord from the ship and by Zodiac boats or kayaks. Tracy Arm, a photographer’s paradise, may be Alaska’s most scenic fjord. This narrow inlet runs between cliffs and steep slopes. Tracy Arm twists and turns for more than 30 miles through dramatically scenic landscapes, dotted with thousands of icebergs from the North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers located at the head of the fjord. Wildlife is seasonally prolific, with humpback whales, sea lions, seals on floating ice, bears, deer, mountain goats, wolves, and smaller animals inhabiting surrounding forests. The expert staff will provide commentary as we travel up Tracy Arm.
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: The ship anchors at the village of Kake. To go ashore, we use the Zodiacs, which we board from the ship's launch platform. In Kake, we have a short walk along a maintained road. A bus is available for transfer between points of interest. Sitting or standing during totem carving demonstration and sitting during Tlingit dance performance with an opportunity to participate and dance with the group. Dress for the weather, and 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 native community and see handcrafted native art directly from artisans.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: The ship will take us along Frederick Sound where we will 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 arrives at Sitka early in the morning. Getting on and off a motorcoach; driving about 8 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking up to 2 miles; paved walkways and hardened paths.
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 people line the park’s scenic coastal trail. 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. 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 bald eagles and other raptors. Following the Raptor Center we'll make our way to the Sheldon Jackson Museum where we'll be greeted by museum staff and then have a chance to explore on our own.
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: Following dinner, we will have an overview of our Road Scholar program. Prepare for check-out and 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!