Category: North America

RAINFOREST ISLAND ADVENTURE

Explore the wilds of Southeast Alaska on this excursion of around four hours, which begins with a cruise to a remote island. Once ashore, you’ll take a guided nature walk through the forest to learn about local flora and fauna, before enjoying a snack by a campfire.

Excursion details

Experience Alaskan nature up-close throughout this approximately four-hour excursion. Begin with a transfer of around 30 minutes to Knudson Cove Marina while enjoying commentary about Ketchikan from an onboard guide.

Once at the marina there’s about 15 minutes for an orientation and safety briefing, including time to change into all the necessary gear. Then walk to the dock and board your vessel, a motorised inflatable boat called a Seahawk.

As you sail through the waters of Clover Passage for around 30 minutes, keep a lookout for local wildlife, but please note that, although common in this region, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

You’ll land at a beach on Betton Island, where you’ll spend about 90 minutes. The island is part of the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest and the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. Learn about biodiversity in the area during a walk through the rainforest with a naturalist guide, who will tell you about some of the species that inhabit the island. Your guide will also help you try and spot wildlife during the walk, but again please be aware that sightings are not guaranteed.

After the walk, your time on Betton Island ends with an Alaskan-style snack around a campfire. Then return to your Seahawk for the scenic trip of approximately 30 minutes back to Knudson Cove Marina. From here, it’s a transfer of around 30 minutes to the port.

Important Information: the spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate.

Moderate to good physical condition is necessary for participation in this excursion. The trail has a gradual slope and is well maintained. Guests must weigh at least 40 lbs. in order to fit into life jackets, which are required to be worn. Restroom facilities are limited. Protective rain gear, boots and life jackets are provided

TOTEM BIGHT AND RAINFOREST CANOE COMBO

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s past before enjoying the great outdoors on this excursion of around four hours. Begin by viewing totem poles at a state park – carved by two Indigenous Alaskan communities – then head to Harriet Hunt Lake for a canoe trip and nature walk.

Excursion details

This approximately four-hour excursion starts with a transfer of around 25 minutes to Totem Bight State Historical Park, where you’ll have about 70 minutes to explore. Within the grounds of the park – which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 – you can view a collection of restored and replica totem poles, many crafted by carvers from Indigenous Alaskan Tlingit and Haida communities. Learn more about both Tlingit and Haida history and culture as you view the totem poles and get to understand the significance of these intricate carvings.

Next, a transfer of about 20 minutes takes you to Lake Harriet Hunt, a forest-fringed body of water to the northeast of the park. You’ll spend around 15 minutes receiving a safety briefing and orientation, and you’ll also hear how traditional Alaskan canoes were carved by Indigenous communities.

Then head out onto the lake to begin paddling in your canoe for approximately 20 minutes, which you’ll share with other guests. Make your way across the lake, where you’ll stop for approximately 30 minutes for a snack and – for those who want to participate – a nature walks. The finally spend around 20 minutes paddling back to the starting point. From here, you’ll return the canoe before a drive of around 40 minutes transfers back to the port.

Important Information: Participation in the nature walk is optional. Rain gear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. It is recommended that guests dress warmly, in layers, and wear comfortable shoes. The minimum age to participate is 7 years old

RAINFOREST CANOE AND NATURE TRAIL

Canoe across a remote Alaskan lake in this outdoorsy excursion of around three and a half hours, with stops to soak up the surroundings. You’ll then enjoy a nature walk through a forest, with your guide pointing out further sights.

Excursion details

Get a taste of Alaskan scenery from both land and water in this excursion, lasting around three and a half hours. Begin with a transfer drive of around 45 minutes to Harriet Hunt Lake.

This secluded lake north of Ketchikan is set within the Tongass National Forest – the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest – and its waters are bordered by thick, green vegetation, making for an impressive setting.

Once at the lake there’s an orientation and safety talk for about 15 minutes before setting off on your canoeing adventure, lasting approximately one hour. As you and fellow guests paddle the large, traditional-style canoe across the calm waters, there’ll be stops for your guide to point out local flora and fauna.

After journeying to the far side of the lake and enjoying the scenery, you’ll stop for around 30 minutes and disembark the canoe for a well-deserved rest and a snack. During this time, you’ll also head off on a guided nature walk, with your guide highlighting more natural wonders as you stroll through some of the old-growth forest that you paddled past earlier.

Then head to your canoe for the return trip across the lake, lasting around 30 minutes. Once ashore, give back your gear and then relax on the approximately 30-minute transfer to the port.

Important Information: The minimum age to participate is 7 years old. Restroom facilities are limited. Raingear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. This tour is not available for women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy

BACKCOUNTRY JEEP AND CANOE SAFARI

Take control in this approximately four-hour excursion, which lets you experience Alaska by self-driving a Jeep and paddling a canoe across a remote lake. You’ll also embark on a guided nature walk to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna.

Excursion details

Navigate two very different forms of transport during this excursion of around four hours: a Jeep Wrangler and a traditional-style Alaskan long canoe. Start with a drive of around 20 minutes, which transfers you to a nearby base camp venue to pick up your Jeep.

You’ll be given a short safety talk and orientation, and will sign waiver forms, before starting up your sturdy Jeep Wrangler and heading out to follow your guide in the lead car. Then enjoy the ride of approximately 80 minutes, as you navigate your Jeep – built to handle off-road conditions – across rugged terrain and former logging roads, passing stretches of green forest along the way. As you drive, your guide will supply insights about the region’s history via two-way radio.

Your destination is Harriet Hunt Lake (set amongst the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world), where you’ll park your vehicle and get ready for the next part of the excursion: a canoe trip. Spend a short time getting kitted up and then launch gently into the water.

The next section of the excursion lasts about 80 minutes. You and fellow guests will paddle the canoe across the lake, soaking up the peaceful setting and Alaskan scenery, before disembarking at the other side and refuelling with a snack. Then your guide will lead a nature walk through old-growth forest, pointing out plant species and potentially any local wildlife that might be visible, although please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Following the nature walk, you’ll paddle back across the lake, marking the final part of the 80-minute section.

Climb out of your canoe for a transfer of around 20 minutes back to the base camp, before a return drive to the port, also lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Important Information:This is a self-driving tour. The tour order may vary. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. Child seats for children aged 5-8 can be provided upon request and are subject to availability. Please inquire with the Shore Excursions Desk at least 48 hours prior to the call date.

It is recommended that guests are dressed in warm layers. Rain gear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. Each jeep can take up to four (4) guests. However, if your party is smaller than 4, you may be required to share the vehicle with other guests. If you wish to have your own jeep, you will be required to pay for its full capacity of 4 guests. Please inquire with the shore excursions desk onboard should this be the case so that the remaining spaces can be charged to your onboard stateroom account.

This tour is not available for guests in their third trimester of pregnancy. Guests with back/neck issues should use caution as this tour travels over rough terrain. Guests must be at least 25 years old to drive, and are required to show a valid driver’s license, must provide the name of their insurance company, and sign a waiver

ALASKA AMPHIBIOUS TOUR

Enjoy a Ketchikan sightseeing tour with an amphibious twist during this unique excursion of around 90 minutes, which takes place on a special vehicle known as a Duck. You’ll begin with a city tour around the streets, before launching into the water for a harbour tour, all without leaving your seat.

Excursion details

Lasting approximately 90 minutes, this memorable excursion lets you view the best bits of Ketchikan from a smart and truly versatile form of transport. The fun begins when you board the Duck, an amphibious vehicle that’s been engineered to travel on both land and water.

For the first part of the journey you’ll be sticking to the roads as you set off on a city tour of about 45 minutes. Sights you’ll pass include historic Creek Street and its rows of colourful buildings, as well as the ‘salmon ladder’, a staircase-like structure in the creek, built to help salmon move upstream and therefore continue to spawn. You might even spot some salmon in the water here, depending on the time of year and conditions on the day, but please note that salmon sightings cannot be guaranteed. You’ll also see Whale Park, a pretty, green space with flowers and a totem pole.

Next, move on to nearby Bar Harbor in downtown Ketchikan for more sightseeing – this time from the water. The Duck will transform into an aquatic vehicle that’ll sail through an approximately 30-minute tour. Soak up views of other key sights, including the city’s remaining canneries, which once numbered 13 back in the 1930s, when 1.5 million cases of salmon were packed annually in Ketchikan.

Following the water tour, the Duck will return to land and receive a quick rinse to clean off the salty seawater – but don’t worry, you’ll stay completely dry, ready for the brief return journey back the port.

Important Information: Guests must be able to climb the 9 steps onto the Duck.

SAXMAN NATIVE VILLAGE

Discover the heritage and customs of Alaska’s Indigenous Tlingit community on this excursion of about two hours, with a visit to Saxman Totem Park. You’ll embark on a guided tour of the site, finding out about totem pole carving, canoe building and fishing, as well as watching a musical performance.

Excursion details

No trip to Southeast Alaska is complete without learning about the region’s Indigenous communities. This approximately two-hour excursion is a chance to find out about one such group: the Tlingit people.

A transfer of about 15 minutes will take you from the port directly to Saxman Totem Park. Established in the 1930s, the park sits within the grounds of the original Saxman village, a settlement founded by Tlingit groups who relocated from nearby villages in the late 1800s.

Once arrived, you’ll head out on an approximately 90-minute guided tour of the site. During the tour, you’ll hear about Tlingit carving techniques used to craft traditional canoes, and will also learn about the community’s methods of fishing.

Gain more insights at the carving centre, where you may be able to see totem poles being carved by hand, before moving on to the totem pole park to view the collection of largely restored totem poles, many worked on by Tlingit carvers. As you stroll, informative displays will explain the significance of each totem pole and the figures carved into it.

The guided tour also involves a presentation of traditional songs and dance, performed in a Tlingit dialect.

Afterwards, there’s a transfer of around 15 minutes from Saxman Totem Park back to the port, concluding the excursion.

Important Information:Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests wear proper attire and comfortable shoes

LIGHTHOUSE, TOTEMS, AND EAGLES EXCURSION

Discover Ketchikan’s key highlights from the water on this excursion of around three hours. As you sail, take in views of Tongass National Forest, totem poles at Totem Bight State Historical Park and the historic Guard Island lighthouse. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the iconic American bald eagle, along the way.

Excursion details

Explore Southeast Alaska’s coastal sights and scenery during this excursion, lasting about three hours. Begin with a bus transfer of approximately 20 minutes to a private dock in Ward Cove, the site of what was once Alaska’s longest-operating pulp mill. Today, it’s a growing cruise port, and it’s from here you’ll set off on a cruise of approximately two hours.

During the cruise, your captain and crew will share details of Ketchikan’s history and ecology.

You’ll see portions of Tongass National Forest – the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest – and will also pause for panoramic views of Totem Bight State Historical Park from the water. This site features a clan house and a series of restored and replica totem poles, carved by artists from Alaska’s Indigenous Tlingit and Haida communities.

You’ll also get the chance to photograph Guard Island Light, a lighthouse perched on one of two small, rugged islets northwest of Ketchikan and Totem Bight. The lighthouse was built in the first years of the 20th century and still operates today. An Alaskan snack plate and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks will be served during the trip.

Afterwards there’s a short time to disembark and return to your vehicle for the transfer back to the port of around 20 minutes.

Important Information:All guests must be able to navigate three steps (with assistance) on/off the bus transport and tour vessels. Guests do not disembark the tour boat at any time during the tour, and all venues are viewed from the water. Guests are recommended to dress in layers. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed

CITY HIGHLIGHTS, TOTEMS and CREEK STREET BY TROLLEY

This approximately 75-minute excursion takes you on a trolley ride through Ketchikan’s waterfront district, passing landmarks including Thomas Basin and Creek Street. Continue to Saxman Totem Park and learn about the significance of its many totem poles and how they were carved.

Excursion details

Ketchikan’s downtown landmarks and Indigenous carving traditions come together on this roughly 75-minute tour, which includes a trolley ride through the city’s historic district and a visit to Saxman Totem Park.

Depart from the pier for an approximately 15-minute drive on a trolley through downtown Ketchikan. The trolley will pass Thomas Basin, where fishing boats often line the waterfront, and will also visit Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on wooden pilings above Ketchikan Creek. The district now houses a lively and colourful row of restaurants, shops and galleries.

You’ll arrive at Saxman Totem Park, located south of town, where around 45 minutes are set aside for a guided tour. The park features more than 20 totem poles carved by Tlingit artists, many recreated or restored to preserve traditional designs from older villages in Southeast Alaska. You’ll also find out about the symbolism and significance of the poles and the techniques used to create them when you make a stop at the park’s carving area.

Finally, you’ll be able to browse and buy locally made artwork and souvenirs at a store within the wider Saxman village, before a drive back to the port, lasting 15 minutes or so.

Important Information:It is recommended that guests wear proper rain gear and footwear on the tour. Tour operates rain or shine

LUMBERJACK SHOW and CRAB FEAST

Take in an exciting performance featuring lumberjacks competing in logging sports during this excursion of about three hours. Afterwards, you’ll walk to a restaurant on Ketchikan’s harbour for an all-you-can-eat crab meal, with sides.

Excursion details

Lasting around three hours, this excursion allows you to tick off two thoroughly Alaskan experiences during your time in Ketchikan, while also learning about the area’s history.

Start with a walk of about 10 minutes from the port to the site of Ketchikan’s former spruce mill, now an arena that hosts the much-loved Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This competitive display lasts approximately one hour and involves real-life lumberjacks showcasing strength, dexterity and accuracy across a series of challenges. Events may include speed sawing, axe throwing and tree climbing.

Following these feats, walk to Ketchikan Harbor Haus, a restaurant on the Thomas Basin harbour, where you can soak up the waterfront views while enjoying all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab and accompanying side dishes. After your roughly 75-minute feast, a walk of approximately 10 minutes returns to the ship.

Important Information: No age restrictions on this tour. We have a concession stand open for purchase during the show. It has pretzels, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, chips, candy, beer, wine, soda, hot drinks, and water.

If the ship is docked on dock 4 (furthest away from us, we do offer a complimentary shuttle to and from the show site. Vegetarian and non-crab options are available. One alcoholic beverage included during meal per guest (beer or wine) additional glasses can be purchased at your own expense. Tour may run in reverse

FLIGHTSEEING and TASTE OF ALASKA

This excursion of around three hours lets you view Alaska from the air on a “flightseeing”trip before touching down to visit a countryside resort and fishing retreat, where you’ll savour a seafood meal.

Excursion details

Prepare to enjoy two different but equally rewarding sides of Southeast Alaska during this approximately three-hour excursion, beginning with a drive of around 15 minutes to Taquan Air. This Alaskan airline specialises in trips which reveal the visual splendour of the state’s southeast region by cruising over some of its most impressive terrain.

After a short orientation and safety briefing, it’s time to board the aircraft, a de Havilland Beaver. Designed for flying in a range of tough conditions, it’s the perfect aviation vehicle for the Alaskan wilderness.

Over the next 25 minutes or so, your flightseeing trip will take you over scenic stretches of Alaskan wilderness featuring soaring mountains, carpets of thick forest and other dramatic natural wonders.

After your plane has landed, there’s around 15 minutes to disembark, meet your host and transfer to World Famous George Inlet Lodge by cart. On the way, you’ll make a quick photo stop at a nearby waterfall.

Once you’ve arrived at George Inlet Lodge, settle in for a seafood-based feast and drinks over approximately 70 minutes (an alternative menu is served on early-morning excursions).

Following the meal, spend 15 minutes or so browsing the gift shop and boarding your vehicle before the roughly 25-minute drive back to the port.

Important Information: Depending on the tour departure time, guests may receive brunch with Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict and smoked salmon bagels, while later tours will receive a Ketchikan Green Salad and a seafood feast with crab cake, honey soy salmon, and halibut. This tour may operate in reverse order, starting with the drive to Salmon Falls, followed by the flight. The FAA requires guests’names and weights for weight and balance calculations and flight manifesting. This ensures the aircraft operates within the safety parameters.

Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as for guests’safety and comfort, guests weighing 250 lbs. (114 kg) or more will incur a weight surcharge of $168. If applicable, this surcharge will be paid directly to the tour operator prior to the tour departure. Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated on the day of the tour and must be communicated to the shore excursions desk at least 48 hours prior to tour commencement. There is a set price per person for this tour. Child rates are not applicable. Flight time is approximately 25 minutes