Between May-September each year is the time when thousands of people all over the world jostle to travel to Alaska. This 49th and the largest State of the US with over 17 Lac Sq Km of pristine land offers you an ultimate experience of serene beauty.
Various Cruise Liners offer exciting seven day round trip originating either from Seattle in the US or from Vancouver in Canada. Popular among them are Holland-America, Norwegian, Princess Cruise and few others. These huge liners with capacity to carry 3000 – 5000 guests at a time usually have a few fixed halts. They include the Capital of Alaska, Jeneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and occasionally Inian Islands.
However the ones like the “Seabourn”, take you through the internal, exceptionally picturesque one side passage through this wonderland. (You can select to travel either from Anchorage to Seward or Seward to Anchorage). With just 400-500 Guests in this relatively smaller liner, and with Guest to Crew ratio of 1:1, one can be certain of a pampered eleven day sojourn.
cost
Alas, all good things come with a premium. Whereas the popular seven days cruise costs between US$ 2000-3000, depending upon the Category of Cabin you choose (Inside/Seaview/Balcony), liners like Seabourn charge anything between US$ 5500 to US$ 8500 varying upon cabin category and price prevailing at the time of Booking.
My choice for eleven days cruise depended primarily considering the fact that you don’t travel to Alaska many times in your life time. So make it special and elaborate in the first itself.
On reaching Vancouver, on the day your cruise is schedule to commence, you report at the port by 2 pm with a valid US Visa. The Custom, Immigration and Check-in procedures are similar to as when you board any International Flight.
With Check-in formalities complete, you proceed towards your Ten deck distinguished liner -“Seabourn Sojourn”. Through its third deck you enter this elegant centrally air-conditioned, well carpeted imposing craft from where you are respectfully escorted towards a remarkable hall for quick registration formalities. With your cabin keys in your hand you then move towards the lift and to your cabin on the 7th deck.
Cabin
Open the door and you have before you a lavish 350 Sq Ft. self-contained stateroom. A comfortable bed, an attached bathroom, a Sofa Set, a small Dining table and an impressive balcony right in front.
A complementary bottle of Champagne, some fresh fruits and few chocolates placed along with a striking blue Seabourn Jacket on the table broadens your smile. Moreover your checked in baggage has arrived and placed in your cabin even before you have moved in.
Vancouver Port
As you make yourself comfortable in this exciting environment, its 5 pm when you suddenly feel a soft jerk. Your ship has begun to take off.
So you walk swiftly to the balcony and witness the Vancouver port leave behind. Splitting the mighty Pacific, this small monster begins its 11 day, 10 Stop journey towards ostensibly one of the most sought after place on this planet. Your excitement therefore is natural.
Exploring “Seabourn Sojourn”, the gourmet within you discovers a few eateries. First, you find a restaurant located on deck 4 that serves lunch & dinner. Following that is this semi-open Colonnade right at the end on deck 8. Sitting here you can eat and drink while enjoying the passing vistas.
Next is the Patio, also on deck 8. Positioned besides the pool and an open Bar, this place serves snacks. An alluring combo indeed you tell to yourself; an open Bar on one side and canapés (refreshments) on the other.
Finally is “The Grill by Thomas Keller”. This too is on Deck 8 but is reserved exclusive for dinner. However, you will have to make prior reservation before coming here to enjoy its cuisines.
Seabourn is also equipped with a spa and gym on deck 9.
In case of further inquires, expedition related information or future bookings, visit the ‘Square’ located on Deck 7. Outside of ‘Square’ is a Coffee and snacks bar. An elegant Boutique is here too. And for avid Gamblers, you can peacefully gamble at the Casino on Deck 5.
Ketchikan
After a day’s Sail, Sojourn’s approaches the city of Ketchikan, reputedly the most populated city of Alaska (8000 inhabitants).
From the Balcony you see small colorful houses lined up along the coast. On the other side are multiple hills showing up from within the Ocean with charming white clouds romancing its peaks.
The scene gets increasingly spectacular as speed boats move speedily from one place to another leaving a trail of white froth behind. Then you also see Sea-Planes or Float-Planes speed over the surface of Ocean to take off and fly to unknown destinations.
There is no way you would leave this drama not been captured in your DSLR.
Bald Eagle
After quick breakfast, as you plan to disembark the ship to visit the city, you are in for a pleasant surprise. A stunning Bald Eagle has perched itself over the lamp-post right where the Ship is anchored. May be this National bird was here to welcome guests aboard Seabourn. Who knows… So there goes click, click from your camera.
Ketchikan Island is 55 mile long and 32 mile broad and receives rainfall for 300 days out 365 in a year. Fortunately this day was among the other 65. Dry and Sunny. ]
So along with your Nikon D850, you go out to venture on the happening “Front Street”that’s adjoining the pier. Here, lined up are copious souvenir shops displaying alluring T Shirts and attractive Jewelry and of course the iconic sculpted rock too is just there.
Store at Ketchikan
Rock at Ketchikan
After a good stroll, at 2.30 in the afternoon was the time for the expedition to “Rain Forest Tongass & Bear Sighting”. Braden, takes the 20 of us on a 30 minute drive on his Bus till the gate from where two Young women guides, one of them by the name ‘Calra’ takes over.
Tongass Rain Forest
After saying “Gonesh Chesh Ho Ho” to Braden (meaning “Good Bye from my Heart” in local language), we enter this legendary forest. After a walk through a short trail, you reach a long wooden bridge build around 12 feet above the forest. On its one side is a small river and on the other is green grass rich vegetation.
Soon you get the first sight of Alaskan Black Bears as one emerges from within the grass to cross over towards the river. Then suddenly your attention is drawn towards a young bear. He is seen perched on a branch of tall tree, ostensibly to remain obscure and protected from predators who ironically could be from within their own clan.
The 200-500mm Lens does the trick as you get some memorable shots. As you move further, more bears are seen meandering.
Along with the fascinating bear sighting, you also get to see a few enchanting Bald Eagles. So together, as the excursion ends, each one present in the group is unquestionably delighted.
Once back on the Ship, you take some rest before heading for some wine & dinner and then going to bed.
The ship now slowly moves to resumes its journey. The next destination is -“Misty Fjords”.
Misty Fjords
Next morning, Seabourn anchors itself at ‘Rudeyard Bay’ after passing through a long narrow inlet of the Sea, between high Cliffs, formed by the submergence of the Glacial Valley, also called ‘Misty Fjords’.
The atmosphere outside is incredibly Misty as clouds seem to play and enjoy amalgamating with lofty hills and deep ocean. At 11 am, four Zodiacs (inflated boats fitted with motors), having capacity for 10-12 passengers in each, take off towards the Fjords.
Subsequently, meandering between hills crowded with tall Sitka-Spruce, Western-Hemlock and Mountain-Hemlock trees, you come across set of white seagulls floating over calm azure waters. They remain unperturbed even as rain drops fall over them and slip down their water repellent feathers.
The rains have incredibly beautified the entire landscape with water falling down from nearly every place possible from within the rocks. Passing near one such fall your excitement is ratcheted seeing two fully grown Sea Seals resting on the rock below (one white and other grey) who remained unmindful of us, the admiring humans around.
Regretfully the camera remained mostly ensconced within the bag for fear of it getting wet as this hauntingly mesmerizing 90 minute trip ends. The Mobile Camera albeit compensated somewhat.
After all are back on the Ship, it lifts its anchors and slowly moves to the next destination – Wrangell. Specially ordered Butter Chicken and Rice later that evening completed this eventful day.
Part 2 and Part 3
The following parts of Journey will include Wrangell, Sitka, Tracy/Endicott Arm Fjords, Haines, Juneau, Inian Islands and finally to Icy Strait Point before reaching the final destination – Seward.
Anonymous
Nice
Anonymous
4.5
Sanjay CHOPRA
😊👍
Devang
Great Sir……
Raghuveer khanuja
Wow the way you Explain the trip like I was back to Alaska . Tremendous photos like pro keep on righting your trips .you the best
Bhupender
Thankyou
Anonymous
0.5
Anonymous
,
Anonymous
It’s great to read. I almost got transported there. Very tempted to visit with family. But, how wheelchair friendly is it? Also, please let us know before you visit. Maybe you can send us some real postcards when you are there.
Bhupender
Thankyou for your encouraging comment. But I should know your identity.
minecraft
This is my first time go to see at here and i am really pleassant to
read all at single place.
Susy
Beautiful
Kiara
wow just stunning your photos are amazing, I had no idea a cruise could be so luxurious
Samantha
Beautiful blog and photos
I would love to one day do a cruise. Maybe if luck permits ” Seabourn” . Just love their tour description
I would love to see Alaska one day…
Ana
With your type of itenary a trip round Alaska with “Seabourn” sounds and looks just magical, wow 😊
Lovely photos👌👌
Linda
never been tempted by a cruise before but this something different….looks incredible!
Beautiful photos.
Fatima
wow just stunning your photos are amazing, I had no idea a cruise could be so luxurious and take you into the interiors of Alaska…. definitely on my bucket list
Anonymous
5
Rosy
Lovely picture’s, the ship looks amazing… lucky those who can cruise… this is definitely on my bucket list…
Just came across this blog . My friend recommended.
Keep it up😊
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