Alaska is Still Calling You

Canada has extended it's ban on cruise ships docking until February 28, 2022. Cruise ships that have overnight accommodations for more than 100 people will not be allowed to operate in Canadian waters during the ban.

“As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe,” Omar Alghabra, federal minister of transport, says in a statement. “Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do.”

 Since foreign flagged cruise ships must stop at a foreign port before sailing between two U.S. ports, the Canadian ban puts the Alaskan Cruise Season and the Canada / New England cruise season in jeopardy. The Canadian government could rescind the order should conditions improve but until then, this announcement leaves the major cruise lines scrambling to see what operations can be salvaged.  Many of them also operate lodges in Alaska, which initial indications are they will continue to do to allow for land-based itineraries to proceed.

The cruise industry is key to the economic recovery in Canada and Alaska, so this announcement is a huge blow to the hospitality industry in both countries. 

 So You Had Your Heart Set on Seeing Alaska 

While it appears that a cruise to Alaska won't be possible again this year, there is a vast amount of Alaska still waiting for you to explore it. I always recommend that my guest include a land portion to their Alaskan vacation plans, so my suggestion is that you continue your Alaskan vacation plans for 2021.  As an Alaskan expert, I can help you plan an amazing Alaskan trip.

Majestic Beauty

Imagine gazing out the window of your railcar and catching this glimpse of Denali (Mount McKinley).   We were fortunate enough to capture this view many years ago, and I can still remember the thrill of seeing this amazing site.

Let's begin your Alaskan vacation with Natures Best: Alaska tour. 

Peaks. Glaciers. Whales. Wildlife. 

You couldn’t see more of the great state of Alaska in one week if you were an Iditarod sled dog.

Fairbanks to Anchorage (7 Days)

FAIRBANKS: Your Alaskan trip of a lifetime begins in Fairbanks with a hotel stay along the banks of the Chena River.  The tour continues with a scenic sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River. Visit the Chena Indian Village and then continue with a scenic drive to Denali National Park. 

DENALI NATIONAL PARK: A must see for any stay in Denali National Park is the Tundra Wilderness tour which is included. You'll have free time in the evening. in the morning you'll visit the home of an Iditarod Musher before heading for a train ride. 

ALASKA RAILROAD: All aboard for a scenic train ride to Talkeetna. View breathtaking scenery as the train takes you comfortably to your next stop where you'll have free time that evening. 

TALKEETNA–SEWARD: Start your day with an Alaskan treat at the Talkeetna Roadhous and continue with a scenic drive along the Kenai Peninsula en route to Seward. 

SEWARD: Day 6 begins with a scenic cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Following the cruise you'll return to Anchorage. 

ANCHORAGE: Your vacation ends with breakfast but the memories will last a life time.

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Akaroa by Sailing Ketch

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Fox II - Akaroa

Akaroa Harbour is home to Hectors dolphins, yellow-eyed and blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, albatross and other sea birds. We love seeing wildlife up close, so we looked for an excursion that would give us that opportunity.  There were two excursions to pick from; we selected the Wildlife Cruise by Sailing Ketch.

After a short tender boat ride to shore, we boarded Fox II, the oldest gaffed rigged ketch in the area. It was built in Auckland, New Zealand in 1922. She was originally a sailing cargo vessel, then a fishing boat, and since being overhauled it 1995, it has been used for excursions.

We were surrounded by giant volcanic sea cliffs, caves and rock formations along our journey. The tour began with a close look at one of the caves. After sailing around the harbour viewing various sea birds, the ketch set a course in search of Hectors dolphins, the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world. They have distinct black facial markings, short stocky bodies and a dorsal fin shaped like a Mickey Mouse ear.  The crew guarantees that guests will see dolphins.  Their secret is a silent running vessel, along with the classical music serenade they put on for the dolphins.

Additional photos can be found on our Australia & New Zealand Shutterfly page

Sailing Ketch Cruise



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Beagle Channel Wildlife Cruise

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Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego)
Argentina

On Day 7 we followed in the wake of Charles Darwin, the English naturalist, who sailed on a five-year voyage around the tip of South America.

Beagle Channel was named after the HMS Beagle, the ship that carried him on that voyage.

He wrote the famous book On the Origin of Species which explained his revolutionary theory of natural selection and evolution.

The ship docked in Ushuaia, but we still gathered in the Wheelhouse Bar to check in to get stickers for our tour.  When our group was called we were escorted to the gangway.

Once dock side we met the tour guides who escorted us to one of the two awaiting catamarans.  We passed some shops along the way and figured we'd check them out on our return.

Scenic Highlights

We cruised past Mount Olivia and Mount Escapardo, two of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.  The captain of the catamaran got us very close to several stopping points during the cruise.
The first stop was at a small island for picture postcard images of the towering "Les Eclaireus" Lighthouse.  The South American sea lions were camped out on this island.  They were quite entertaining during our brief stop.

There are several species of Cormorants including Imperial and Blue-Eyed that live in rookeries along the channel.  Our catamaran approached several small islands for a close-up look the birds in their natural surroundings.

Viewing

There were plenty of outdoor and indoor seats to accommodate everyone's preference.  When we approached one of the stops the captain would circle so that no matter where you were seated you'd have the chance to view the birds or other wildlife.

Dress in layers for this excursion because the weather changed during the trip.  At times it was quite sunny and warm and other times it was cloudy, chilly and windy.  You won't go wrong if you have a hooded sweatshirt as one of your layers.

We highly recommend this excursion which you will must likely need to book through the cruise line (as they will book up all the available times).



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Beagle Channel


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