Lindblad Expeditions Alaska

Itinerary

DAY 1 — Seattle/Embark Ship

Embark the ship in the heart of Seattle, with the Olympic Mountains, majestic Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline as the backdrop. (D)

DAY 2 — San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands are the gems of northern Washington State and today we explore them with the freedom of no specific plan. We explore this archipelago of some 170 idyllic forested islands with varied coastlines offering wonderful opportunities to observe seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and orcas as sea birds form patterns in the sky overhead. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait

We arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Once the ship is secured, we make our way to the U’Mista Cultural Center, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. At the Center, anyone related to any member of this tribe is able to trace their ancestry. We then walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance movements.

Back on board we head to Johnstone Strait. Johnstone Strait is one of the foremost viewing areas for orca whales in the entire Northern Hemisphere and since nineteen whale pods are known to spend part of the year here, there is a chance of exciting whale watching. (B,L,D)

DAY 4-5 — Inside Passage of British Columbia

You’ll feel like a true explorer as we continue northward looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. This is an area where vast sections of untouched coastal rain forest still exist — and where an expedition ship proves to be the perfect vessel. Without a specific plan, open to spontaneity and adventure, we’ll freely rove within the near-limitless expanse of pristine wildness — to explore any intriguing bay or inlet we happen upon, or reverse course to follow a sighted whale pod. Our small ship gives us this freedom. Our onboard kayaks and Zodiacs can be lowered swiftly to bring it all closer. Wherever we choose to stop and explore, we’re certain to be the only human life, accompanied by spectacular birds and animals. In such a populated and busy world, these opportunities are tonic for the mind, body and soul. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Misty Fiords

Misty Fiords National Monument, often referred to as “Yosemite of the sea” for its sheer majesty, is 2.3 million acres of pristine wilderness that will leave you with exquisite memories of your stay in Alaska. Head out on a personal kayak reconnaissance or take a Zodiac cruise beneath glacier-carved cliffs with saw-tooth tops. Float past sheer cliffs and icy waterfalls, easily navigating in and out of areas the “big white boats” that ply Alaska’s waters can’t get near. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald eagle which you may see keeping watch atop a tall spruce. As for whales, it’s not uncommon here to see herds of up to 30 humpbacks or orcas. We’ll then get to observe fascinating behavior — breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding — as we fill the deck, delighting in their activities and listening to the play-by-play from our expert Naturalists, as our skilled Captain and crew keep us in perfect proximity. We may also see Steller’s sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands and dozing. Once ashore, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail, accompanied by our Naturalists. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for appreciating this area close up. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Sitka

Whale sightings may make for some exciting diversions en route to Sitka. In the native Tlingit language, Sitka means the village behind the island and it has been home to various cultures for thousands of years. Sitka has a strong Russian heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church with its onion domes right in the middle of town. Gaze up at the grand totem poles throughout Sitka National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we have views of species normally seen in the wild — bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Sitka’s oceanfront setting is framed by the volcanic peak of Mount Edgecumbe and a string of small islands. The crystalline waters of Sitka Bay abound with sea stars and translucent moon jellyfish. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords

Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. There are many options for landings on islands such as Baranof and Chichagof, where bald eagles nest and brown bears make themselves at home. If you’re a beachcomber, the shoreline is rich with treasures. The forest trails are dense and beautiful, whether you choose the long walk option or a short stroll, accompanied by one of our Naturalists familiar with the local terrain. Hemlock and spruce abound in the old-growth forest. When kayaking, we always offer choices. If you’re looking for exercise and excitement, choose a more strenuous course. If you want scenery and relaxation, you’ll have the option to paddle slowly — exploring, poking into little inlets and relishing the quiet and up-close, personal view. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Glacier Bay National Park

We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll see glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them “calving” — tons of ice crashing into the sea — accompanied by an exhilaratingly thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals and Steller’s sea lions are some of the creatures we may observe in these icy waters. You may have the opportunity to see not only one, but two kinds of puffins: the tufted and the horned puffin. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. If the timing is right, a bear and her cub may be playing in the water. We’ll watch their interactions, knowing the cub will be on its own next year. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Point Adolphus & Chichagof Island

Our day begins on the waters off Point Adolphus, a favored area for marine mammals. Keep watch on deck and you may find yourself rushing to the side as a pod of whales begins lunge-feeding right off our bow. As we watch with awe, our Naturalist lowers the hydrophone and we’re not only watching the whales, we’re listening in on their communications. A sense of wonder pervades. When questions come up, as they surely will, our marine mammal expert can tell you everything you want to know and more. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Juneau, Alaska/Disembark Ship/Seattle

After breakfast, disembark in Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. Here we’ll visit the Alaska State Museum, viewing its fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska’s native peoples and natural history. Explore on your own before flights home in the afternoon. Fly from Juneau to Seattle. (B)

Dates & Rates

Deposit amount: $900 per person
Travel Protection insurance is strongly suggested.

Included

• All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
• All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated
• Air transportation where indicated as included
• Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits
• Transfers to and from group flights
• Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available)
• Tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff

Not Included

• Air transportation (except where shown as included)
• Extensions
• Passport, visa, immigration fees
• Scuba diving (where available)
• Meals not indicated
• Baggage/accident/travel protection plan
• Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry
• Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion

Ships

National Geographic Sea Bird & National Geographic Sea Lion

• Capacity: 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.
• Registry: United States.
• Overall length: 152 feet.
• Public Areas: These twin sister ships feature a Library; Global Market; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Observation Deck; partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables. The “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet the Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
• Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.
• Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities and climate controls.
• Expedition Equipment: Bow camera, hydrophone, kayaks, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
• Special Features: Guest Internet access. A Video Chronicler on board all voyages.
• Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features exercise equipment, LEXspa and outdoor stretching area.

Deck Plan

• Category 1: Main Deck #300-305 — Conveniently
  positioned between the dining room & lounge, these
  cabins feature two single lower beds, a writing desk
  and a large view window.
• Category 2: Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck
  #200-212, 215 — These well-located cabins include
  two lower single beds & a view window.
• Category 3: Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck
  #214, 216, 217, 219 — These cabins feature a seating
  unit with table and two large view windows. Upper
  Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can
  convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for
  a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower
  single beds only.
• Note: Sole Occupancy cabins are available in
  Categories 1 and 2 only. Third person rates are available
  in certain categories at one half the double
  occupancy rate.
• Shared Accommodations: Shares can be arranged at
  the double occupancy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

Expedition Leaders

Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, staff schedules may change.

• Stephanie Martin – Expedition Leader: Stephanie is a marine mammal scientist who began her career studying finback and humpback whales from a small isolated lighthouse island off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine. She has a B.A. in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and a Masters in Marine Policy from the University of Rhode Island. She has also worked on various marine mammal projects ranging from collecting small skin samples using a crossbow to spending countless hours in small planes during aerial surveys. She was part of the North Atlantic Right Whale project studying one of the most endangered large whales. Stephanie has worked on expedition cruise ships since 1999. She has sailed on trips as a naturalist, lecturer and Zodiac driver in both Polar Regions and throughout the Atlantic Ocean. She loves sharing her knowledge of the natural world and the spirit of adventure found on expedition ships.
• Berit Solstad – Staff: Berit Solstad grew up sailing and exploring the ocean’s edge in Marblehead, Massachusetts. After studying tropical ecology, coral reefs and oceanography at Bates College, she combined her biology degree and love of the ocean and began teaching marine biology.
• Bette Lu Krause – Staff: Bette Lu’s adventurous spirit has taken her around the world by sea. Her Merchant Mariners’ escapades span two decades and include tramping about the oceans on old break-bulk freighters, navigating the South Pacific Ocean and on to Antarctica on research vessels as well as several seasons in the Alaskan arctic as a tugboat captain dodging icebergs in the Beaufort Sea.
• James Napoli – Video Chronicler: Jim was born in rural New England where he quickly developed an appreciation for the outdoors and a love of exploration. At 20 years of age he joined the U.S. Navy, serving for four years on two vessels as a Journalist, taking him to the far reaches of the globe. He studied Television at Boston University and Northeast College of Communications, while working as an editor at a Boston television station.
• Susan Weber – Wellness Specialist: Susan grew up playing in the forests and lakes of northern Michigan and on a dairy farm with six siblings! She received a degree in Social Work from Western Michigan and practiced with a few organizations in Traverse City, Michigan. Susan traveled West to complete a 1000 hour program in massage therapy in Santa Fe at the New Mexico Academy of Advanced Healing Arts in l987. “The mountains, blue skies and 300 days of sunshine captured my soul, so I have made it my home. I live on the Chama River in a rural area called Medanales, the back yard of Georgia O’Keeffe!” In 1998, she completed a yoga teacher training, and finds it very complimentary with massage for maintaining health and well-being. “It is also a great way to age gracefully, and I so enjoy sharing both and adapting the yoga to all body types!” Traveling with LIndblad since 2006, Susan also teaches and does massage at Ghost Ranch Conference Center in Abiquiu, and recently taught yoga on a raft trip in the Grand Canyon with CRATE! Besides enjoying being in the desert and on the water, Susan loves to hike, ski, dance, kayak, write and design beaded jewelry. She lives with one queenly cat named Cassiopia.
• Elise Lockton – Staff: Elise’s passion for travel and interpretation is obvious when you learn about the places she has chosen to live, work and travel. A degree in Environmental Studies introduced her to the world of interpreting nature, which has evolved into both a passion and profession. Since 1993 Elise has worked as a naturalist-at-large in latitudes both north and south. Her naturalist career started in the jungles of Costa Rica, Peru and Ecuador working as resident naturalist at remote jungle lodges. After discovering Alaska, she was able to combine her love of tropical ecology with winters south and summers north. Elise has spent the last 13 years working in Alaska both on land and sea. She has also led polar bear trips on Hudson Bay, and worked as a member of expedition teams traveling the length of the Russian Far East coast and Baja’s beautiful desert coastline surrounding the Sea of Cortez. There is nothing she enjoys more than integrating biological, cultural and historical information and sharing that with intrepid travelers. When she is not working or traveling, Elise resides near the entrance of Denali National Park.
• Kim Heacox – Staff: Kim Heacox has worked for the National Geographic Society (as an assignment writer/photographer) since 1985. He’s written four books for National Geographic, including Visions of a Wild America (200,000+ copies sold since 1996) and An American Idea: The Making of the National Parks (2001), which earned him a consultant position on Ken Burns’s forthcoming 12-hour PBS film on national parks and the U.S. conservation movement (to air in September/October, 2009).
• Rich Kirchner – Staff: Rich Kirchner has worked as a naturalist in Antarctica, Alaska, the Bering Sea, Baja and the High Arctic, including Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and Iceland. His 25 years as a professional wildlife photographer has granted him international publication credits included in magazines such as Geo Germany, Geo France, Natural History, Audubon, National Wildlife and Ranger Rick, as well as more than a hundred books.
• Sue Perin – Expedition Leader: Sue started her naturalist career working as a wildlife biologist in the forests of Maine, Newfoundland and the Washington Cascades. Employing her B.S. in wildlife management for the University of Maine, she has counted bald eagles from a raft in the middle of winter, live-trapped pine marten and studied spotted owls. After that, wanting to share her knowledge and love of natural areas with others, she moved into the realm of education.
• Darcy Vanderbush – Wellness Specialist: Darcy lives in Boulder, Colorado, and has been in the wellness field for 20 years. She is a yoga teacher, massage therapist and fitness instructor. Darcy also does nutritional counseling plus teaches meditation and relaxation practices. She received her M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado in 1997. She is a Lindblad Wellness Specialist fleet wide with voyages to Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica/Panama, and Iceland/Greenland. Her other Lindblad highlights include expeditions to the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica.
• Nancy Sanders – Video Chronicler: Nancy Sanders is a self taught independent videographer. Always prefering to work outdoors, she grew up doing many unusual occupations including towing airplane banners, tree climbing, and house painting. She read constantly about epic adventurers, the Arctic, Antarctic, and long sea voyages. She was freelancing video and working as a substitute mail carrier in Harpers Ferry West Virginia when she delivered a DVD with penguins on the cover. Curious, she contacted Lindblad and has been working with them since 2005 on all their ships in various locations.
• Michael Nolan – Photographer: Michael Nolan was born in the small town of Bitburg, Germany to an Air Force family stationed there. His first ocean experience came at the age of 12 when he learned to snorkel in the Mediterranean in Italy. At age 17 he moved to Tucson, Arizona and became a PADI SCUBA instructor. He then started a SCUBA diving business that specialized in diving trips to the Sea of Cortez.
• CT Ticknor – Photographer: Born in California, CT Ticknor now resides in Maui, Hawaii, where she feeds her passion for photography and the natural environment. She can often be found near the sea, teaching kids & kids at heart, working with the Ocean Project, an organization dedicated to marine research, education & extraordinary experiences. She is motivated by the unique moments and life changing experiences that nature provides. Such experiences, sum up her love of photography