August 4: Travel from Portland Maine to Vancouver, BC. Check into our hotel ( The Sutton Place) and have dinner. We are planning on an early night after a long day of traveling.
August 5, 6, 7 & 8: Explore Vancouver. We are taking the hop on/hop off trolley around town and will visit places like Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and the Dr. Sun-Yet Sen Chinese Garden.
August 9: Board ship around 11 and then have lunch. Get to know our ship (the Disney Wonder) and then sail away around 4 pm
August 10: At sea. Who knows what we will do?
August 11: Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord
August 12: Skagway, AK. We are scheduled for the Alaska Nature and Wildlife Expedition.
From the Disney Cruise Line website:
On this tour you will:
*Cruise approximately 45 minutes down the glacial fjord between Skagway and Haines on a catamaran, enjoying a narration and close-to-the-water views of scenic waterfalls and marine wildlife.
*Arrive in Haines and travel by expedition bus to a location where seasonal wildlife viewing is the best. Explore 6 wildlife habitats including: ocean, estuary, river, lake, old growth forest and muskeg.
*Use binoculars and powerful spotting scopes (photos can be taken through the scopes), as guides search for and identify: mountain goats in alpine meadows, bears along the river, bald eagles, colorful song birds, shore birds and waterfowl. This is a great opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife in their natural habitat. Historic photos of Tlingit villages are available to compare the current landscape to how it appeared 100 years ago.
*Watch a fish technician count and sample the run as they net, measure and weigh one in ten salmon crossing the weir. On the shore of a picturesque lake, experience the living tapestry beneath towering hemlock and spruce trees on a nature walk through an ancient muskeg. Learn the relationships between species, their edible or medicinal uses and identify the carnivorous plants along the trail. Check off the day's discoveries with complimentary checklists for the wildlife and birds of Haines.
*Enjoy a leisurely pace where enough time is taken for exploration, photography, observation of animal behavior and lots of questions.
*Relax during a picnic-style lunch with your experienced naturalist/guide who might be a biologist, a forester, a published botanist, a science teacher, an environmental educator or the former head ranger for Glacier Bay National Park.
*Learn about the small Alaskan town of Haines and the National Historic Landmark Ft. Seward during the drive back to the Haines dock.
*Return to Skagway on a 45-minute, scenic catamaran cruise.
August 13: Juneau, AK
We are doing the Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier and Salmon Bake Excursion!
From the DCL website:
On this tour you will:
*Journey to the spectacular ice wall of the Mendenhall Glacier and its adjacent Visitors Center. Roam the grounds, take in the interactive exhibits, and ask questions to a ranger who can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders of the Mendenhall during the approximate 1-hour visit.
*Board your vessel in Auke Bay Harbor and set out on a search for humpback whales, Orcas, porpoises, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife during an approximate 2-hour expedition. In the comfortable heated cabin, surrounded by huge view windows, a naturalist will explain wildlife behavior and point out the sights. Grab a pair of complimentary binoculars (for onboard use only) and venture on deck for a closer view and amazing photo opportunities. Your captain knows these waters, and where to find whales a sighting's guaranteed or you receive a $100 refund ($50 for a child)!
*Next, a short transfer ride takes you to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, set in a beautiful lush rain forest alongside a creek, under translucent domes that protect you from the elements, rain or shine. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood. And settle in for a feast for all your senses!
*Choose from Grilled Salmon, Cheechako Chicken, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, White Pass Pasta and a robust selection of other sides. Come back for seconds, or thirds, while a local musician sets a festive mood. And, just when you think you've had enough bring on the blueberry cake for dessert!
*After your meal, stroll through forest to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall. Explore the remains of the Wagner Mine, learn about the natural history of the area, and try your hand at panning for gold (souvenir gold panning kits are available for purchase at the Salmon Creek Trading Post). Have your picture taken with our resident Alaskan malamute, Mac.
August 14: Ketchikan, AK
We are going to do the Saxman Native Village excursion!
From the DCL website:
On this tour you will:
*Board a motor coach for an approximate 15-minute scenic drive to Saxman Native Village.
*Get an exclusive look at the fascinating culture of South East Alaska's original inhabitants. The Tlingits welcome Guests in the traditional style that defines the culture of Southeast Alaska. Children will be able to collect exclusive stickers throughout the different exhibits.
*Be invited into the Community Center for a welcoming video and presentation. Visit with elders as they create their native crafts or enjoy a gentle stroll through Ketchikan's exquisite rainforest and learn about the region's flora.
*Become entranced by the Cape Fox Dancers as they perform traditional dances in their clan house. *Your guide will make the Totem Pole stories come alive as you listen to the legends of each pole.
*Visit the carving shed to learn about the art of totem pole carving.
*Enjoy some free time (within your approximate 2-hour visit) in the Native Faces gift shop before returning to your cruise ship pier.
August 15: At sea. We hope to be able to do a special brunch this day, but if we can’t we won’t be too upset about it. We are going to relax and enjoy the scenery.
August 16: Return to Vancouver and disembark our ship. Head to the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, where we will relax some more...we’ll need it!
August 17: Leave Vancouver at 6 am! Fly back to Maine. Arrive in Portland approximately 5 pm. (Can anyone pick us up?)
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