Those who have done Alaska before know how important getting off the ship into the heart of Alaska can be in making a truly memorable experience. Pre and Post cruise land tours commonly added by savvy travelers make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience but do have their cost. In a bit of a twist on the standard fare, American Cruise Lines announced today a magnificent lineup of complimentary shore tours for its Alaskan itineraries beginning this summer that will take passengers to the finest local sites at each port and provide insight into the area’s culture, heritage and history.
American Cruise Lines runs a seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise that departs from and returns to Juneau. During the cruise, American Cruise Lines will travel into Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord, and will visit Sitka, Hoonah and Petersburg. At each port of call, two or three tours will be offered, so that every interest is accommodated. Examples of the complimentary shore excursions include:
Glacier Bay National Park:
American Cruise Lines brings passengers deep into the heart of this pristine environment on an exclusive tour for an experience unlike any other. Passengers will come face-to-face with impressive glaciers, view snow-capped mountains towering above, and see wildlife all around the ship. A National Park Service Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter will join passengers aboard to provide narration and unique insight throughout the exploration, as well as help identify the area’s abundant wildlife.
Stikine River Jet Boat Tour (Petersburg):
A jet boat tour on the fastest navigable, free-flowing river in North America takes passengers through this area’s extraordinary habitat where a variety of wildlife can be spotted, including moose, deer, bald eagles, and brown and black bears.
Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends Excursion (Hoonah): Passengers will gather at the Heritage Center Native Theater for the Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends performance, showcasing the rich heritage of a people shaped by the wild lands and inland seas of southeast Alaska.
Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau Tour (Juneau):
A guided tour through historic downtown Juneau, plus a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center where passengers can discover the mystery behind the impressive half mile-wide glacier and view it from an unobstructed vantage point.
See a complete listing of shore excursions here.
Seven-night round-trip
cruises from Juneau and 11-night one-way cruises between Juneau and Seattle are being offered aboard the 100-passenger American Spirit. The newest vessel to operate in Alaska, American Spirit offers a full range of onboard amenities, some of which are not normally found on small ships including an elevator to all decks, numerous glass-enclosed lounges and oversized staterooms, most of which have private balconies.
The ship is specially designed to navigate calm, narrow inland waterways like those of the Alaska Inside Passage, with an intimate and refined onboard atmosphere perfect for guests who seek enriching travels and share their passion for exploration, adventure and discovery.
Related articles
- American-flagged cruise line adds bonus amenities (chriscruises.net)
- Travel site review: TravelAlaska.com (chriscruises.net)
- Alaska: Why 2012 Is the Perfect Year to Visit (cruisesonlyblog.blogspot.com)
- American Cruise Lines to Feature Lewis and Clark Theme Cruises aboard Queen of the West (prweb.com)
- American Cruise Lines Releases Video of Launching of Queen of the Mississippi (prweb.com)
