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Steep, tree-covered mountains rise from the calm waters of a fjord in Alaska under a blue sky.
Alaska

Expedition Alaska: Fjords, Glaciers & Wildlife

Program No. 25575RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
35 meals ( 12B, 11L, 12D )
9 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to meet with 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 the hotel.
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. You are invited to take advantage of the many activities and events aboard ship. 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 145 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. At the U.S.-Canada border, we will step off the motorcoach to show passports.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and start the journey to Vancouver, BC.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will make our way to the University of British Columbia’s Botanical Garden. Established in 1916, the UBC Botanical Garden is home to approximately 120,000 specimens. With an expert docent, we will explore a garden and learn about some of the species within their collection. Following our visit to the botanical gardens, we’ll make our way to the hotel where we will check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Pack passports and any medications needed for the next day in carry-on bags.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time with stops; walking and standing for up to 1 hour during field trips. Embarking the ship.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Have luggage ready for pick-up and transport to the ship before leaving for our morning activity. After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and set out on an expert-led exploration of Vancouver, BC. Following our morning activity, we will make our way to Canada Place Cruise Terminal where we’ll complete the embarkation procedures and board the MS Roald Amundsen.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
After getting your cabin, take some time getting acquainted with the ship and its amenities. Before dinner, the ship’s staff will have a special welcome and introduction for us. We will also take part with everyone on board in the ship’s muster/safety drill when announced.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
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 myriad of islands, fjords, bays, and channels extending from cosmopolitan Puget Sound to remote southeastern Alaska.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
As the MS Roald Amundsen continues through the Canadian Inside Passage, we’ll enjoy more lectures and activities provided by the expedition team. You will also have a chance to enjoy some free time on the ship. As we sail, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including whales, orcas, and minke whales.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats 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:
Weather permitting, we will head out with the expedition team in their Zodiacs to explore the area up close. Along the way, we’ll keep our cameras ready as we search for wildlife, including sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoises, herons, and bald eagles. Back aboard the ship, we can enjoy activities and lectures provided by the expedition team.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking around the totem park. Walking distance based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
By motorcoach with a local expert, we will visit the small town of Klawock, which sits on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. With a population of just 700, this town is a center for Tlingit culture. While here, we will get a chance to see 21 carved totem poles including replicas of originals that stood in the village of Tuxecan.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship
Afternoon:
We’ll have a chance to enjoy more onboard activities and lectures. Enjoy some free time on the ship. Take advantage of the ship decks to look for wildlife. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiacs from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will spend the day exploring the scenic bays of Chatham Strait. This narrow passage extends for 150 miles and makes up part of the Inside Passage. This will be a big wildlife scouting day as the Chatham Strait is known for its whale watching. Our captain and expedition team will take a look at sea conditions and weather to determine the best destination for us to explore. If possible, we will head out on the small Zodiacs to explore the area.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue searching for wildlife this afternoon. We will also have onboard activities and lectures to participate in.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today is another exciting exploration day as we make our way through the Icy Strait. Like the previous day, the captain and team will take a look at weather and sea conditions to pick the best place for us to explore. We may be able to get out on the expedition boats and we may have the chance to land and go ashore for a nature walk. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our exploration of the Icy Strait. Back aboard the ship, we’ll enjoy a lecture put on by the expedition team.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we get to immerse ourselves in an icy wonderland as we explore Icy Bay. There are three glaciers that feed into the bay’s waters: Guyot, Tyndall, and Yahtse. If weather allows, we’ll get out on the expedition boats to get a closer view of the icy landscape. Of course, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for wildlife as humpback whales, harbor seals, orcas, and otters are often seen in these waters.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the ship, there will be opportunities for activities and lectures.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking around the museum. Walking distance based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we’ll learn about the rich history of Valdez, Alaska, known for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Heading out by motorcoach, we will have a chance to see and learn about the area’s remarkable recovery. During our self-guided exploration at the Valdez Museum, we will learn about the history of Alaska’s Bush Pilots, see artifacts from the Gold Rush era, and see exhibits of Native art and culture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Aboard the ship, there will be opportunities for activities and lectures.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off expedition boats from ship launch platform.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we’ll get to experience more glaciers as we explore Prince William Sound, a unique region housing 17 tidewater glaciers. The captain will select a location, and we’ll do our best to get as close as we safely can to the glaciers.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Back on the ship, there will be opportunities for activities and lectures.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 61 miles from Whittier to Anchorage, 1 hour and 30 minutes riding time. Walking around Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We'll disembark the ship and board a motorcoach to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where we'll go on a self-guided walk to explore the animal enclosures. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit organization that cares for hundreds of displaced animals each year to rehabilitate them for return to the wild. They often have iconic Alaskan animals such as musk-ox, moose, caribou, bison, bear, and elk in their care.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll then make our way to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the largest cultural institution in Alaska, to learn about the unique indigenous cultures that have shaped Alaska’s history. During our self-guided exploration, we’ll take a virtual journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native games demonstrations, exhibits, and walk through traditional Native dwellings. We'll then ride a short distance to our hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The program will end after breakfast, with transfer to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport available for those departing today. 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 like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!