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Whale Tail

Alaska Inside Passage – Smithsonian Journeys

from $6,650

DATES: 2024- Jul 05, 20

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

EMBARK: VANCOUVER, CANADA

DISEMBARK: SITKA, ALASKA 

SHIPS: LE SOLEAL

FROM: $6,650  (All inclusive, Including Air Sitka to Seattle)

 

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All about the Alaska Inside Passage – Smithsonian Journeys.

Activity in each port of call + one-way flight Sitka/Seattle + transfers included

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This voyage aboard the state-of-the-art expedition vessel Le Soléal offers the very best of what Alaska’s Inside Passage has to offer—myriad bays, coves, inlets and islands, teeming with whales, dolphins, bears, and sea birds. It also introduces you to the diverse cultural history of the area, from the Alaska Native Tsimshian and Tlingit tribes of Metlakatla and Kake, to the Scandinavian and Russian heritages of Petersburg and Sitka.

Setting out from Vancouver, you sail through the Johnstone Strait, renowned as the best place in the world to see orcas in the wild, and then into the Inside Passage proper, home to bald eagles, deer, black bear, salmon, dolphins, seals, and much more, before calling at Metlakatla, where Tsimshian dancers perform in full regalia.

In Misty Fjords National Monument, you will want to be on the lookout for grizzly bears, orcas, and bald eagles, and when Le Soléal calls in Petersburg, known as “Little Norway,” you will have the opportunity to see the lush vegetation of the region up close on a hike through Tongass National Forest.

The ancient village of Kake is your introduction to the customs and traditions the Tlingit people, as you visit their community center and see totem carvings, including one of the largest totem poles in the world, while nearby Endicott Arm provides a close encounter with Dawes Glacier aboard local excursion boats.

A day on the northern end of Chichagof Island includes whale watching at Point Adolphus and a visit to the remote fishing village of Elfin Cove for a leisurely hike in the surrounding forest.

The final day of your expedition is spent in Sitka, originally a Russian trading post, where a cruise among the small islands and inlets of Sitka Sound provides your last chance to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, brown bears, blacktail deer, bald eagles and a variety of marine birds, and where a walking tour through Sitka National Historical Park includes a host of Tlingit totems.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • All accommodations, meals, and excursion described above
  • Fight from Sitka to Seattle
  • Gratuities to crew, guides and drivers on included excursions
  • Comprehensive cruise aboard the deluxe LE SOLEAL, with all the amenities for which Ponant ships are famous.
  • All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands… list available upon request)
  • Evening entertainment and events
  • Shore Excursions
  • Room service 24h (special selection)
  • Park entry fees into protected areas
  • Port fees and charges

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Travel and Emergency Evacuation Insurance
  • Air fare, except as may be included – ie Sitka-Seattle
  • Items of personal nature
  • Premium alcohol
  • Pre- or Post-cruise arrangements

  1. Day 1 VANCOUVER, CANADA

    Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, it’s surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. NOTE: It is important to arrive at least one day prior to avoid problems associated with delays in arrival. We are happy to assist with hotel.

  2. Day 2 CRUISING JOHNSTONE STRAIT

    Along the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100 km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife. Humpback whales and resident orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck, or your private balcony.

    During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

  3. Day 3 METLAKATLA, ALASKA

    On the western coast of Annette Island, the small settlement of Metlakatla will welcome you for a timeless experience. Founded in 1887 by a group of Tsimshians, from British Columbia, the Annette Island Reserve is today the only federal reservation for the indigenous peoples of Alaska. You will have the opportunity to discover their culture, between local arts and crafts, artistic performance and discovering the famous totem poles. A walking tour is also on the agenda for this port of call, in the heart of Alaskan culture.

  4. Day 4 MISTY FJORDS, ALASKA

    Rain forest, hypnotic blue lakes, snowy peaks, glacier valleys, waterfalls… You will behold a heavenly vision. This United States monument covering some 8,600 square kilometers is a designated Wilderness Area. This awesome countryside rolls out its majestic carpet of cedars, fir spruces and hemlocks. Here, you can feel Nature’s throbbing heartbeat. You may be lucky enough to spot some of the many animal inhabitants, such as  sea otters, sea lions and grizzlies.

  5. Day 5 PETERSBURG, ALASKA

     Picture this: all around you, translucent waters. In the distance – snow-capped mountains. This is the vision that greets you on disembarking in Petersburg, one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing towns. The heart of the Tongass National forest is for people who yearn for a lungful of the great outdoors. There is some fauna here including no less than 240 species of birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales. Another special feature of this very lively town is its penchant for art. On its pavements and facades you can admire several murals, totems and sculptures.

  6. Day 6 KAKE & ENDICOTT ARM, ALASKA

    Discover the small Tlingit village of Kake, around 60 kilometers west of Petersburg. Located on Kupreanof Island, it houses a community of over 500 inhabitants. Kake is paradise for salmon, which spawn in the Gunnuk River near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do black bears, which come to enjoy the fish.

    In the heart of the Alexander Archipelago, Endicott Arm fjord is a short inlet on the southern coast of Alaska that boasts spectacular views of virgin wilderness. The azure-blue waters, snow-capped mountains and lush forest are incredible but the main attraction is the Dawes glacier, whose vast, bluish back snakes down the mountain’s flank. Weather permitting, you can observe how icebergs are formed by getting a closer look at the white cliff where glacier meets water, or just enjoy watching the resident harbor seals frolicking in the icy waters.

  7. Day 7 POINT ADOLPHUS & ELFIN COVE, ALASKA

    Adolphus Point is located opposite the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This dreamlike site is world famous for watching humpback whales. In the summer season, these majestic mammals come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. They sometimes even come a few dozen feet from the shoreline, close to the houses and marinas. Orcas, sea lions,… maybe you’ll happen upon other marine species in these landscapes of fjords and ice fields. One thing is sure; here are the most beautiful Alaskan waters.

    Peaceful Elfin Cove shelters a fishing community that’s only linked to the rest of the world by the sea. There is just a dozen wooden houses, a long wooden pontoon and a tiny port surrounded by crystalline waters… It doesn’t get any quainter than this. Choose from a network of hiking paths that weave through a pristine forest, to lead you to secret beaches where silence reigns.

     

  8. Day 8 SITKA, ALASKA - DISEMBARK

    Former Russian colony and capitol of Russian America, which stretched as far south as central California, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too.

  9. Day 11 KAKE, ALASKA

    Discover the small Tlingit village of Kake. Located on Kupreanof Island, it houses a community of over 500 inhabitants. Kake is paradise for salmon, which spawn in the Gunnuk River near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do black bears, which come to enjoy the fish.

  10. Day 12 PRINCE RUPERT, CANADA

    Wild and extraordinary, Prince Rupert is a dynamic town where the open spaces are “larger than nature”. Located on the remote Kaien Island, off the coast of British Columbia, this little town founded in 1910 witnessed the history of the North West Pacific with the birth of American Indian nations, such as the Haida and Gitksan.

  11. Day 13 CRUISE THE INSIDE PASSAGE
  12. Day 14 ALERT BAY & JOHNSTONE STRAIGHT, CANADA

    When your ship calls at Alert Bay, a small sheltered fishing port located in the island’s south, set off to discover the indigenous culture and its traditions. The ‘Namgis community, which is part of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, lives here in harmony with the other village inhabitants.

  13. Day 15 VANCOUVER, CANADA - DISEMBARKATION

    Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, it’s surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. Post-cruise arrangements are available to explore more of Vancouver and British Columbia.

LE SOLEAL

Le Soleal is a superb mega-yacht with 132 staterooms is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. She remains faithful to our philosophy – to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give Le Soleal her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. A welcoming atmosphere of relaxed sophistication revolves around shades of grey, taupe, white and ivory enlivened by touches of cinnamon, caramel and tan.. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

 

Fast Facts:

  • Length: 466 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15.3 ft
  • Cruising speed: 14 knots
  • Guest decks:  6
  • Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 264 PAX
  • Normal crew size: 140
  • Gross tonnage: 10 992 UMS

 

RESTAURANTS

Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.

Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompanied by fine wine.

At the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportunity to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.

 

PUBLIC AREAS

Main Lounge

Afternoon tea, lounge, live music, dance floor and cocktail bar

Access to the outside terrace

 Panoramic Lounge

Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

Open-air Bar (Pool deck)

Overlooking the pool deck

 

ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD LE SOLEAL

Elegance and flexibility of the suites and staterooms, decorated by French interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel.

  • Flexible capacity: from 112 to 122 suites & staterooms.
  • Maximum configuration: 13 suites & 108 staterooms.
  • Maximum number of suites configuration: 24 suites & 86 staterooms.
  • Magnificent ocean views: 114 staterooms and suites with balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Bose Speaker
  • Desk with stationery
  • Electronic safe
  • French bath products
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Satellite direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • 24hr room service
  • WiFi

DELUXE STATEROOM

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE

  • Area : 27 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 4

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 5

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 5 SUITE

  • Area : 36 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6 SUITE

  • Area : 36 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

OWNER’S SUITE

  • Area : 54 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

SUPERIOR STATEROOM

  • Area : 21 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin