Follow in the footsteps of the gold prospectors on this 8-day cruise aboard Le Soleal. Sail from Vancouver and make your way up the coast of Alaska, whose Inside Passage, shaped by the sculpture of imposing glaciers, is home to vertiginous fjords. Here, the natural environment includes glaciers, coniferous forests, and myriad islands and islets magnified by the wonderful play of light. Discover the small city of Ketchikan, home to charming, colorful stilt houses, discover Sitka, a former Russian settlement surrounded by tall mountains known for their centuries-old totem poles. Sailing along Tracy Arm, one of Alaska’s most beautiful fjords will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your cruise.
Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canadaﾒs most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canadaﾒs west coast, itﾒs surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market Indian district and explore the historic area of ﾠGastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalized industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants, and a huge produce market.
Along the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100 km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife. Indeed, blue whales, humpback whales and the world’s largest population of orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck.
The most southern town in the state is Ketchikan. This spectacular doorway into the Inside Passage, the glory of Alaska cruises and the old world capital of salmon will blow you away. It takes no time at all to realize how deeply peaceful this port and its surrounding wilderness is. Nearby, you can delve more deeply into the rich indigenous culture in the Totem Heritage Center, which houses one of the largest totem pole collections in the world. The town also offers a number of charming art galleries. Ketchikan’s richness resides in its hospitality and sense of adventure.
Formerly a Russian colony located on Baranof island, to the west of the Alexander archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range around the port. In the distance, the snow-peaked Edgecumbe volcano stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.
When you reach Tracy Arm fjord, 80 kilometers south-east of Juneau, you will sail into the middle of the inlet, surrounded by waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs into the sea. A few seals guarding their spur of ice may add an unexpected spice to your expedition. This is your opportunity to see the Sawyer glacier close up. Majestic and otherworldly, it spans the whole length of the mountain in shades of crystalline blue: without a doubt, this is one of the most breath-taking wonders of Alaska.
In the 19th century, it was through Skagway, a small town in the south-east of Alaska, that swarms of gold seekers passed in their quest for gold. You can get a sense of these pioneers as you wander along the main street, Broadway, edged with the painted houses typical of this region. From White Pass & Yukon Route station, trains across pristine landscapes over the Alaskan border. All around the town, a handful of paths taken by the seekers of the precious metal, fan out into superb natural surroundings offering a glorious scenery of mountains, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers.
Hidden in the heart of this spectacular wilderness, between jagged peaks and a sapphire ocean, the legendary small port of Haines lays out all the richness of its traditions. Founded by the Tlingit Indians, peopled by the pioneers of the famous gold rush, the village is now a rallying point for modern-day adventurers. You can visit its streets trimmed with colorful houses, soak up local history at Fort Seward or visit the Indian art museums, before a possible excursion into the nearby wilderness. The very beautiful Chilkatriver is especially worth a visit.
Day 8: Juneau, Alaska | Disembark | Flight to Seattle
1 Breakfast
In 1880, gold diggers flocked here, and it didn't take long before Juneau was singled out, getting itself a solid reputation and henceforth becoming the capital of Alaska. Along the Gastineau Strait, in the heart of the spectacular Inside Passage, the 31,000 or so inhabitants of Juneau enjoy some of the world’s most incredible fauna and scenery every day of their lives. Perhaps you’ll even be able to watch the antics of humpback whales against a backdrop of majestic glaciers. Culture and shopping are certainly not lacking; the city is full of places to experience, enjoy and relax in.
After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark and transfer to the airport in Juneau for your included flight to Seattle.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,320
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Superior Stateroom
The Superior Stateroom has a capacity of up to 3 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds.
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Deluxe Stateroom
The Deluxe Stateroom has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
The Prestige Suite on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
The Prestige Suite on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
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Owner Suite
The Owner's suite is situated on Deck 6 with a capacity up to 2 passengers per cabin. With a king-sized bed, it has been decorated by French interior designers and provides you with a breathtaking panoramic sea view.
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
Discounts are available for children sharing a cabin with two adults and third adult passengers in select cabin categories. Please contact us for details.
Single travelers can opt for a solo cabin - supplements start at 50%.
*Rates are capacity controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Cruise fares are per person and include the following:
All meals while on board the ship
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
Gratuities to onboard crew, local guides and drivers
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
Evening entertainment and events
24h room service (special selection)
English-speaking lecturer
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite
Highly experienced bilingual (French-English) Expedition team
Park entry fees into protected areas
Free and unlimited Wi-Fi (Internet access may be slower or in some situations interrupted, depending on certain geographic locations or other circumstances beyond the ships control).
Flight Juneau / Seattle selected in economy class
Transfer as per program
Cruise fares do not include:
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions mentioned
Visa expenses and/or immigration reciprocity taxes if applicable
Luggage handling
Optional Spa package to be booked prior to your departure
Beverages other than the ones mentioned
Laundry services, hair salon, and à la carte Spa treatments
Personal expenses, on board medical consultations and drug prescriptions
These voyages include activities such as Zodiac® landings (sometimes wet landings), Zodiac® outings, moderate walks, to more active hikes. All this accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides. Considering the nature of the programs, a reasonable level of mobility is required to enjoy these expeditions.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
