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Cruise West Gold Rush Cruise
Enjoy our value-priced Gold Rush Inside Passage cruises early and late in the Alaska travel season, before the crowds arrive, and when the scenery is often at its dramatic peak.
May is alive with spring greenery, teeming with wildlife near shore, and filled with sunny days. September gives you the added benefit of spectacular fall foliage peeking out between the evergreens. Our Gold Rush journeys follow the route of the original Klondike Gold Rushers of 1898 between Seattle, Juneau and Skagway. Our Gold Rush Cruise is cruise-only from Seattle to Juneau or reverse.
Highlights:
- Explore far beyond Alaska's travel mainstream.
- View pristine wilderness, tiny native villages, and isolated cultures
- See Alaska as it was over 50 years ago
- Experience the Alaska Coastline and Beringia
The Ships:
The Spirt of Discovery is designed for up-close coastal cruising. She carries 84 guests in casual comfort and easy-going style.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN SEATTLE
Transfer to your ship to begin your cruise.
Day 2 CRUISING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Explore the charming resort village of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, once an important whaling center.
Day 3 STRAIT OF GEORGIA
Cruise among pristine islands nestled between Vancouver Island and the mountainous mainland of British Columbia, home to harbor seals, bald eagles, and orcas.
Day 4 CRUISING NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Along this remote coastline, you will enjoy pristine and quiet reaches past ancient glacially carved fjords. Cruise by old growth forests, quiet coves, and nutrient-rich waters that support many mammals and seabirds in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Day 5 KETCHIKAN
Cruise into sparkling Alaskan waters and visit Ketchikan, the salmon capital of Alaska, and home of impressive collections of Tlingit totem poles and art.
Day 6 PETERSBURG
Accept a warm welcome at the Norwegian-heritage fishing village of Petersburg, where no large cruise ships visit. Explore iceberg-filled LeConte Bay or nearby wilderness waterways such as Thomas Bay.
Day 7 FREDERICK SOUND AND TRACY ARM FJORD
Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound. Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer 2,500-foot-high vertical cliffs to the twin Sawyer Glaciers.
Day 8 SITKA
Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the “inside” route to beautiful Sitka. A guided walk through Sitka’s National Historic Park offers towering totems and thriving wildlife in the forest.
Day 9 GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE CRUISING
Glide through this awesome wonderland, closely approaching the “rivers of ice.” A National Park Service Ranger offers insightful narration and helps you spot wildlife such as harbor seals, mountain goats, brown and black bears in one of the rare regions the two share territory.
Day 10 SKAGWAY AND HAINES
Relive the Gold Rush of 1898 in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the jumping off place for thousands of early gold seekers. Visit charming Haines, renowned for its remote beauty.
Day 11 Arrive in Juneau
Travel through impressive Gastineau Channel to Juneau. Transfer to the airport or choose to spend a few days exploring Alaska’s capital city and the activities available there.
Cost of This Trip
10 Night trip
The least expensive cabin costs:
$420 per person per night
The most expensive stateroom costs:
$700 pp pn
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