Extraordinary Alaska: Misty Fjords to the Hubbard Glacier - Orion
Travel away from the main waterways and get up close to a massive glacier on this unique new itinerary offered only in 2022 on this spacious and lovely, 102 passenger expedition ship.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
102
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Alaska: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Adventure in style aboard National Geographic Orion on its first-ever exploration of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Enter a world of unforgettable fjords and snowcaps, temperate rainforests, and massive glaciers, taking time to discover the lesser-known corners of Alaska’s coastal wilderness. From Vancouver, trace the rugged coast of British Columbia, exploring wildlife-rich waters on the way to Alaska’s Misty Fjords National Monument. Spot seabirds and whales while kayaking or paddleboarding among the intricate channels and islands of the Alexander Archipelago. Then sail across Yakutat Bay to the face of the six-mile-wide Hubbard Glacier.
- -Take a closer look at the six-mile-wide Hubbard Glacier by Zodiac than most Alaska visitors.
-Do deep dives into First Nations and Russian culture with highly credentialed National Geographic-level guides.
-Travel with one of the most respected, eco-passionate operators in the world.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver, Canada
Arrive in Vancouver this afternoon and settle into your cabin aboard the National Geographic Orion. Dinner is included on this day.
Days 2-3: British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Trace the wild coastline of British Columbia, exploring inlets and islands and watching for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. all meals included this day.
Day 4: Misty Fjords, Alaska Visit magnificent Misty Fjords National
Monument, where sheer cliffs, pine-covered slopes, and snow capped peaks tower more than 2,000 feet above a sparkling blue fjord. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to explore the thick forests along the shoreline and discover hidden waterfalls cascading from the mountaintops high above. All meals included.
Day 5: Totem Bay / At Sea
Enter the placid waters of Totem Bay and take kayaks or Zodiacs along the coastline to see the unusual rock formations that gave the bay its name. Go beachcombing with naturalists, learning about the creatures of the intertidal zone. Continue along Sumner Strait, on the lookout for humpbacks and killer whales. As we pass Kuiu Island, watch for wildlife on the shore, including Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, black bears, wolves, and bald eagles. All meals included.
Day 6: Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
Cross the Frederick Sound to the Chatham Strait, prime waters for observing killer whales and humpbacks. With luck, we’ll be able to watch some of their behavior from on deck, hearing insights on feeding, breaching, and more from the onboard naturalists. Look for Steller sea lions stretched out on the rocky islands that dot the channels. Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation (their schedule permitting)—whose work is supported by a grant from the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund—and discuss their recent studies on the region's marine mammals. All meals included.
Day 7: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today, nature is our guide as we set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of the wildlife and weather conditions. We may stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. If conditions permit, we’ll do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. All meals included.
Day 8: At Sea / Hubbard Glacier
Enjoy a relaxing morning on the Gulf of Alaska, follow the rugged coast north to Yakutat Bay. Keep an eye out for a glimpse of Mt. Fairweather, which scrapes the sky at over 15,000 feet. Late this afternoon, we’ll enter the bay and head toward the face of Hubbard Glacier, a six-mile-wide sheet of ice within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Depending on ice and conditions, we may deploy our Zodiacs to explore. All meals included.
Day 9: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Spend today exploring the nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an upwelling of undersea organisms attracts Steller sea lions and other marine life. Paddle a kayak in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay. Or hike into the lush temperate rainforest, watching for bald eagles and unique flora and fauna. All meals included.
Day 10: West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness
Covering the western portions of Chichagof and Yakobi Islands, this protected stretch of the Tongass National Forest is pounded by the Pacific waves, carved with serene bays and inlets, and blanketed with pine forests and muskeg. Get a close-up look at these unique ecosystems on outings by Zodiac or kayak, watching for migratory waterfowl, brown bears, and otters. All meals included.
Day 11: Sitka
rrive in Sitka and head to the airport for flights home.
Please Note: This voyage also runs in reverse.
Special Offer Details: Book by June 30, 2022 on select 2022 departures and receive 25% off your cabin fare. Exclusive to special voyages designed for summer 2022. (Rates listed reflect 25%-off special.)
National Geographic Orion
Built in Germany by the Cassens shipyard, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion was created with a high-ice class to be able to venture safely into polar regions. A ship of her size is seldom built with such ice-cutting ability, which makes her a rarity. She is yacht-scale, yet rugged enough to venture far afield, making her a perfect addition to the Lindblad fleet, which she joined in 2013. Her size and nimbleness offer the perfect combination of safety and liberty to voyage untrammeled locations. In fact, Orion currently holds the distinction of having sailed further south than any other of this operator's vessels.
Orion is gracious and intimate, with a rewarding, almost clubby feeling. Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outside deck space which beckons in the balmy reaches of the Pacific and offers a range of panoramic viewing options for up-close marine life encounters.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 ”Best Cruise Ships in the World" Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
2023 "Best Expedition Ships" Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards
2022 "World's Best Cruise Line" World Cruise Awards
2022 "GOLD: Best Expedition Line" Reader's Choice Awards, Recommend Magazine
"The Orion is a lovely expedition ship with huge cabins and hotel-quality soft furnishings and amenities. She is operated by a world class expedition team and joined by highly credentialed experts in many disciplines to offer you an adventure that seems right out of National Geographic Magazine. Her public areas are spacious and attractive and her expedition equipment like an underwater viewing device and splash camera will bring the undersea world to life while you enjoy the comfort of the ship."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
This special 2022 itinerary was crafted to take the place of cancelled Europe adventures on the lovely Orion. I doubt it will ever be repeated again so sign up today, before it fills!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; park and entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes.
NOT INCLUDED
Air transportation; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips to Naturalist staff and crew.
