Witness the graceful movements and harmonic notes of some of the world’s largest mammals as they traverse the chilled waters around Sitka with Regent Seven Seas. Discover the fresh flavors of Alaskan cuisine and micro-brewed favorites made with pure glacial water enriched by local ingredients around Juneau. And, with Regent's special Inside Alaska programming, much of the incredible opportunities found in this glacial-clad locale are brought aboard for an entirely new way to enjoy America’s Last Frontier. Then, look forward to a truly unforgettable journey.
Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait, surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more form the harmonious tapestry of life in this Alaskan hinterland. Visit the Native Theater and Heritage Center to see Tlingit tribal members performing song and dance. Keep an eye out for elaborately carved totem poles and buildings constructed from sustainable local timber by local Tlingit workers. Stroll over to the Cannery Museum and discover how this staple of the Alaskan diet is processed. Shop for locally made preserves, jewelry, wooden carvings, clothing and bath products at the local market. Meander along the well-marked nature trail to Hoonah for insight into Tlingit history and culture. And with an abundance of Dungeness crab, salmon, shrimp and cod, you’ll never lack for something to eat in Icy Strait Point.
Hike through lush meadows brimming with wildflowers amid waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs in Tongass National Forest. In Sitka, behold the contrasting cultures on spectacular display upon the totem poles of the native Tlingit people and the regal domes of the Russian Orthodox church. Watch the drama unfold as Alaska's tranquil waters are disrupted by the thunderous roar of Hubbard Glacier calving into the sea or the crash of a tail fin as a humpback whale suddenly breaches.
In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Native American guides when they discovered nuggets “as large as beans” at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined. Juneau’s surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880’s. Here you can spend your days exploring glaciers, whale watching, hiking or at one of the city’s vivacious shops and restaurants.
Beautiful Juneau was once one of the largest gold digs in the world, where over $150 million in gold was mined. Today, you can watch the hours fade away while taking the fishing trip of lifetime, exploring glaciers or simply enjoying the city’s amazing restaurant and shopping scene.
Discover the very best of the Tracy Arm wilderness area and an expansive close-up view of the majestic Sawyer Glaciers during this exclusive catamaran tour. Depart aboard a high-speed catamaran for a relaxing ride in a warm, spacious cabin surrounded by large windows. Along the way, your captain will guide you past curious seals resting on floating icebergs and extraordinary up-close views of the South Sawyer Glacier.
From the topside Observation Deck, you can take in spectacular vistas and photo opportunities of this unforgettable sensory experience. At times, you can feel immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Before leaving Tracy Arm, you will view the beautiful North Sawyer Glacier, which cannot be approached by large cruise ships. While exploring the length of this ice-carved fjord, you will cruise beneath cliffs that rise 4,000 feet above the jade-colored sea. Frequent stops will be made to view and photograph wildlife, including pigeon, guillemots, bald eagles, harbor seals, and on occasion, mountain goats and black bears. Next, you will feel the mist on your face as the vessel maneuvers almost directly under a plunging waterfall. Departing Tracy Arm, your onboard naturalist will relate interesting information about the area, called "one of Southeast Alaska's most dramatically stunning fjords" by naturalist John Muir. Your crew will serve you complimentary snacks and beverages during the return cruise from Stephens Passage north to Juneau. Binoculars will be provided.