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8 Night Emblematic Alaska Cruise from Sitka

Ship: Le Soleal

Cruise Line: Ponant Cruises

Sailed: Thursday, Jun 27, 2024 from Sitka, United States

Ended: Friday, Jul 5, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Thursday, Jun 27, 2024 departure of the Le Soleal. If Ponant Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Thursday - Jun 27, 2024

Sitka, United States

Formerly a Russian colony located on Baranof Island to the west of the Alexander Archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range around the port. In the distance, the snow-peaked Edgecumbe Volcano stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.

Day 2 - Friday - Jun 28, 2024

Sitka, United States

Depart: 11:59 pm

Day 3 - Saturday - Jun 29, 2024

Kake, Alaska, United States

Discover the small Tlingit village of Kake, around 60 kilometres 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 Creek near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do black bears, which come to enjoy the fish. Another singularity of these parts: the presence of a totem pole standing over 60 metres tall, considered the highest in the world.

Endicott Arm, United States

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 harbour seals frolicking in the icy waters.

Day 4 - Sunday - Jun 30, 2024

Petersburg, United States

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, and 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.

Day 5 - Monday - Jul 1, 2024

Misty Fjord, Alaska, United States

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.

Day 6 - Tuesday - Jul 2, 2024

Metlakatla, United States

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 the famous totem poles. A walking tour is also on the agenda for this port of call, in the heart of Alaskan culture.

Day 7 - Wednesday - Jul 3, 2024

Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, United States

Sheltered from the ocean currents of the Gulf of Alaska, this maritime route that weaves a path around the islands and islets of Southeast Alaska will offer you wonderful sailing experience. Coniferous forests stretch on forever, interspersed with numerous coves, bays, huge valleys, and deep fjords formed as ancient glacial valleys. Accessible only by sea, the fishing villages are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers that plunge into the waters of this veritable wildlife sanctuary. From your ship's deck, you can try spotting humpback whales or the famous bald eagle, emblem of the region.

Day 8 - Thursday - Jul 4, 2024

Alert Bay, Canada

Right near the north coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, hides the small wooded Cormorant Island. Surrounded by pebble beaches, it offers wonderful opportunities for hikes and for whale watching. The surrounding waters are also home to harbour seals, orcas, Steller sea lions, dolphins, and a multitude of seabirds. 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.

Cruising Johnstone Strait, Canada

Along the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100-kilometer-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.

Day 9 - Friday - Jul 5, 2024

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. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market district, and explore the historic area of Gastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville Island is a fascinating revitalised industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants, and a large produce market.