AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
8 Days | Southeast Alaska

JUNEAU ROUNDTRIP

Day 1 | Juneau, Alaska. Watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska as you begin your journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Experience the wonders of nature with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier. At its widest point, this glacier is an impressive half a mile wide, with ice about 1,000 feet deep. Soar to new heights in an enclosed gondola tramway from downtown Juneau to the top of Mount Roberts. From high above, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor, the sea, and the mountains. Be sure to bring your camera!

Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau City Tour. A guided tour through the city of Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier. On this guided tour through the city of Juneau, your guide will share the colorful history of Juneau's gold rush era and point out buildings of historical significance. As the tour takes you away from downtown Juneau, you will be able to experience the wonders of nature with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier. At its widest point, this glacier is an impressive half a mile wide, with ice about 1,000 feet deep. This tour will stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center, where you can discover the mystery behind this magnificent geological phenomenon from an unobstructed vantage point. Further explore this towering glacier along one of its many nature trails and experience the breathtaking views of this impressive feat of nature before returning to the ship's gangway.

Day 2 | Glacier Bay. The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is like no place else on earth. The park includes magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains and abundant wildlife. A National Park Service Ranger will board the American Spirit  for the day and provide a comprehensive interpretive program. In addition, American Cruise Lines has made special arrangements to have a Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter come onboard to share the fascinating human history of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.

Narrated Glacier Bay Tour. Experience the beauty of Glacier Bay during a narrated tour. The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is like no place else on earth. The park includes magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and miles of pristine coastline. Experience all of Glacier Bay’s beauty from the comfort of the American Spirit. An expert National Park Service Ranger will board the American Spirit for the day and will provide expert narration as we cruise through Glacier Bay, identifying wildlife including Orcas, Humpback Whales, Brown Bears, and Bald Eagles. Your tour will include a stop at a majestic tidewater glacier where you may experience the sounds of a calving glacier. American Cruise Lines has also made special arrangements to have a Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter join us onboard who will share with you the fascinating human history and family stories of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.

Day 3 | Icy Strait. Hoonah. Experiencing Icy Strait is a wondrous adventure. The coves and inlets offer enticing opportunities to observe sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise in their natural habitat. Hoonah is a lively fishing town featuring the world’s largest Tlingit village. Discover how to read a pair of Tlingit totem poles and learn about the feats of local fishermen. With endless possibilities, you can stay as active as you want or simply soak up the sights and sounds of this novel destination.

Spasski River Valley Wildlife and Bear Search. Discover the rich heritage of Hoonah during a narrated coach tour and observe wildlife in its natural habitat along the Spasski River Valley. Hoonah is a lively fishing town featuring the world’s largest Tlingit village. Discover the rich heritage of this vibrant town during a narrated coach tour. During the drive, your guide will enlighten you with tantalizing stories about the Tlingit Indians and the history of Hoonah. You may spot bald eagles, woodpeckers, Sitka black-tailed deer and/or Alaska brown bears that could be anywhere along the road. The tour will conclude at Spasski River Valley, where your guide will lead you to a series of viewing platforms strategically positioned over the lower Spasski River.

Day 4 | Haines. Watch for eagles, hawks, bears, and other wildlife on a spectacular river float trip. Begin your adventure with a ride up the Alaska Highway and into the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The eagle preserve boasts the largest congregation of bald eagles in the world. Moose are often spotted crossing the river or feeding in the ponds of the valley.

Nature and Wildlife Expedition. Join a guided tour through the "Valley of the Eagles" to experience Alaska's magnificient nature and wildlife in six different habitats. Knowledgeable and experienced local naturalists will guide you through the "Valley of the Eagles" to take in Alaska's magnificent nature and wildlife in six different wildlife habitats: ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, and rainforest. Nestled between rugged glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the fertile Chilkoot Valley provides you with the potential to observe a wide variety of wildlife including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, and river otters.

Day 5 | Skagway. Often called the "Gateway to the Yukon" since the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, Skagway offers breathtaking views of the National Park Historic District.

Rail and Highway Tour. Explore the "Gateway to the Yukon" by train and by bus (2:45 hours) Skagway has called itself the "Gateway to the Yukon" since the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. This tour experience gives visitors an overview of the town, a spectacular ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route narrow gauge railroad into British Columbia, a bus tour over the scenic Klondike Highway, and time to explore historic Skagway's attractions and shops.

The Skagway Street Car Tour. Experience Skagway with Alaska's original historical city tour for an informative and fun-filled 90 minutes to all points of interest (1:30 hours) experience Skagway with Alaska's original historical city tour for an informative and fun-filled 90 minutes to all points of interest. Aboard your beautifully restored yellow 1927 sightseeing bus, your costumed "conductor" passes on a century of history, behind-the-scenes tales, and stories of life in small town Alaska. Explore the waterfront and National Park Historic District, enjoy the panoramic views from the Scenic Outlook, and have your camera ready for the recounting of the Soapy Smith gunfight at the Gold Rush Cemetery. Motor through Skagway's residential neighborhood, famous for its flower gardens, making a stop downtown before returning to your ship.

Day 6 | Petersburg. Petersburg is a thriving fishing community with a strong Norwegian heritage. While roaming the streets of Petersburg, you’ll find artistic designs stamped into the concrete sidewalks, and Rosemaling (Norwegian folk-painting) on storefronts and residences. Enjoy fresh local seafood or visit many of the art galleries located in downtown Petersburg. Explore Mitkof Island, home to the largest temperate rainforest in the world.

Petersburg Walking Tour. Discover the rich heritage of this small, fishing town during a walking tour of Petersburg. Petersburg is a thriving fishing community with a strong Norwegian heritage. Discover the rich heritage of this small fishing town during a walking tour of Petersburg. While roaming the streets of Petersburg, you’ll find artistic designs stamped into the concrete sidewalks, and Rosemaling (Norwegian decorative folk paintings) on storefronts and residences. During this walking tour, be sure to stop at Clausen Museum. The museum’s collections of artifacts, photographs and archives span the history of Petersburg and surrounding areas. With over 5,000 artifacts and 45,000 photographs, this museum has become a focal point for the preservation of Petersburg's unique history.

Day 7 | Tracy Arm. Sawyer Glacier. Cruise under Tracy Arm’s 1,500 foot high vertical cliffs and experience the awe and wonder of nature. Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the sides of this fjord, creating a majestic atmosphere. Observe and admire seals in their natural habitat among small icebergs surrounding South Sawyer Glacier. You are sure to feel humbled in the midst of this mile wide glacier.

Tracy Arm Tour.A tour through Tracy Arm fjord. Cruise under Tracy Arm's 1,500 foot high vertical cliffs and experience the awe and wonder of nature. Our expert naturalist will join us onboard to provide narration as we cruise through this mighty fjord. Witness hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the sides of this fjord, creating a majestic atmosphere. You will be inspired and impressed by the grandeur and beauty of Tracy Arm fjord.

Day 8 | Juneau. Welcome back to Juneau! Juneau's stunning natural landscape has inspired many artists, whose works of art are displayed throughout the city. As your adventure through Alaska’s Inside Passage nears its end, be sure to visit Juneau’s downtown district to explore the nature inspired art galleries and do some shopping. This historic district is just a short walk from the waterfront.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

ITINERARY 8 DAYS | JUNEAU ROUNDTRIP