roald amundsen alaska and canada cruise

Alaska and Canada – Aleutian Islands, Bears and Inside Passage

  • Overview

    This exciting voyage begins in polar waters, sailing among glaciers, wildlife and tundra, and progresses towards warmer ports with fascinating cultures. Our cutting-edge explorer ship weaves southbound through islands and fjords, seeking out horned puffins, brown bears, hardy indigenous cultures, fascinating fossil forests and volcanoes. No place like Nome - Nome was the end point for two of Roald Amundsen's expeditions and it is the starting point for ours! The great Norwegian explorer completed his crossing of the Northwest Passage in 1906 in Nome and this was a landing place for his first flight over the North Pole in an airship. We will bring you to this fascinating Alaskan frontier town by air, before boarding MS Roald Amundsen. Coastal Alaska at its most remote - Our first days will be spent exploring the Bering Sea Wilderness. We aim to do our first landing at Saint Matthew Island, situated right in the middle of the Bering Sea, between Alaska and Siberia. At the island of St. Paul, we will encounter a wildlife lovers' paradise. Northern fur seals live in the waters surrounding the island that is itself a breeding ground to many different species of sea birds and an important stop-off place for migratory species. Islands, villages and bears - Next, we reach the Aleutian chain. Look at any map of the world and this sinuous archipelago seemingly at the edge of the world draws the eye, beckoning to explorers. Our first stop is Dutch Harbour, home to the fishing fleet featured in the "Deadliest Catch". The area features the Mount Makushin volcano, a World WarII center and wonderful green scenery atop steep cliffs. At Unga village, we will have the chance to walk in a 25 million year old forest of petrified trees. These fossils are the remains of a wood flattened by a volcano and preserved. We hope to see brown bears on this voyage, and you should keep a particularly sharp eye out in Geographic Harbour in the Katmai National Park for the predators. Russian and Native American interaction can be explored at Kodiak. The area has a history of fur traders from Russia and the Russian influence remains here in the form of a beautiful Russian Orthodox Church. Stunning Southeast Alaska - After crossing the Gulf of Alaska, we arrive on the northern reaches of the Inside Passage region. Our ice-strengthened ship will attempt to negotiate Disenchantment Fjord and cruise along the spectacular Hubbard Glacier so that you can enjoy the many shapes and colours of the icebergs. Alaska's inside passage boasts lush forest scenery and fjords full with life. It is also home to native Alaskan cultures whose history is reflected in towering totem poles. At Icy Strait Point, we will learn about the Tlingit culture and enjoy a wide range of activity options. Our next stops, Sitka and Ketchikan, are larger ports where you can explore cultural and historical highlights, learn about the rich Alaskan native presence, and visit fine galleries, restaurants, museums and shops. Still, wild Alaska is not far away with plenty of chances to hike through the forest and scan for wildlife. Cosmopolitan Vancouver - After a wonderfully peaceful day at sea, we arrive in Vancouver where our expedition ends. Canada's third largest city offers plenty to see and do. Several museums and art galleries cater for all tastes and there is a lively arts and music scene to enjoy.

    Duration: 18 days
    Passengers: 530 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Vancouver, Canada
    Disembarkation Point: Vancouver, Canada
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 0.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Vancouver, Canada; Arrival Day

      Vancouver is often rated at the top of lists for liveability and quality of life. The city grew from a humble tavern by a river, expanding upon the arrival of the railroad in 1884. Despite its large size today, this city retains the laid-back charm typical of Canada. Take your time to explore some of this young and energetic city’s cultural institutions. Enjoy an overnight here.

    • Day 2 - Nome, Alaska; Embarkation Day

      Early in the morning, we will transfer you after breakfast to Vancouver airport for your flight to Alaska. After arrival in Nome, we will transfer you for embarkation to the ship, MS Roald Amundsen.

      Nome is a place of fascinating history. In 1898, three lucky Swedish men discovered gold in the nearby Anvil Creek, and within a year, 10,000 men had arrived desperate to repeat the feat. In the winter of 1925, Nome suffered an outbreak of diphtheria whilst cut off from the rest of the world by snow and sea ice. The only way to get the serum from Anchorage, 1,600 km away, was by a rely of dog sledges.

    • Day 3 - At sea

      Enjoy a relaxing first day on board! MS Roald Amundsen sets course to the south through the Bering Sea, named for the Danish navigator Vitus Bering who in 1728 became the first to explore this route to the Arctic Ocean. This sea area is biologically rich – more than half of the US seafood catch comes from this sea – so take time on deck to look out for the fin and humpback whales which also benefit from nature’s bounty. Onboard, the Expedition team will start the lecture programme covering history and the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography and climate change.

    • Day 4 - St. Matthew Island

      As we step ashore on the black sand and gravel beaches of St. Matthew Island, you and your fellow explorers from MS Roald Amundsen will be the only humans on the isle.

      St. Matthew has enjoyed status as a nature reserve since 1909, and is today home to countless nesting seabirds. The only mammals currently found on the island are the native St. Matthew island vole and the arctic fox.

    • Day 5 - St. Paul

      A bird lovers’ paradise! One cannot help but be enchanted by the horned and tufted puffins found here. The rare red-legged kittiwake makes use of the cliffs as a breeding site. During the fall, migratory species can also be seen around the green, rolling hills or on the black basalt beaches.

      Around 400 people live on St Paul, all descended from Aleut slaves forcibly moved to the island by Russian fur traders in 1780’s. Today, the fur seal population is thriving, around half the world’s northern fur seal population live in the waters around the island.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 6 - At Sea

      MS Roald Amundsen continues south through the Bering Sea, approaching the Aleutian Islands and our next stop of Dutch Harbor. The Expedition team will prepare you for our upcoming destinations and continue their lecture series.

    • Day 7 - Dutch Harbour

      Also known as "Unalaska", Dutch Harbor sits in the middle of the Aleutian Islands chain. As we sail towards the harbor, you will see the highest point on the island, Mount Makushin, a steaming volcano almost 6,000 feet high.

      One unexpected product of the rich seas around Dutch Harbor is a well-known television programme, "Deadliest Catch", which features the crews from the area as they venture into the often-dangerous world of commercial fishing. We are looking forward to calm conditions for our visit.

      Take a walk around the town, maybe call in at the Museum of the Aleutians to discover more about the history of this fascinating region where Native Americans met Russian fur traders. There is even a Russian Orthodox Church.

      Visit the World War Two Center, where US codebreakers intercepted messages warning of a Japanese attack but were unable to prevent the Battle of Dutch Harbor in June 1942. If you would like to escape the town, why not hike up Ballyhoo Mountain, 498 metres high, for a view over the green island and steep sea cliffs.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 8 - Unga Village

      Unga is the largest of the dozen or so Shumagin Islands, 970 km southwest of Anchorage. Today, the constant ocean winds prevent much by way of tree growth; but that was not the case 25 million years ago and incredibly, tree stumps and logs from that time survive as a petrified forest. The woody remains are found along the beaches at low tide, and stumps range in diameter up to about four metres across.

      Unga Village, nearby, is an eerie ghost town. Settled by Aleuts in 1833, the sparse mining and subsistence fishing were not enough to support the community which moved to the larger Sand Point settlement in 1969. Today, a collection of wooden buildings, including a church with the roof and floor are all that remain, surrounded by a carpet of pink louseworts.

    • Day 9 - At Sea

      Enjoy a day at sea as we sail east along the south side of the Alaskan Peninsula. Our Expedition team will present the plans for the upcoming days.

    • Day 10 - Geographic Harbour

      Katmai National Park is located where the Alaskan Peninsula joins the continent, and Geographic Harbor, named for the National Geographic Society who funded five expeditions here in the early 1900’s, lies within the park.

      The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes gives a clue to the dramatic volcanic nature of the landscape, and with mountains rising to almost 915 meters (3,000 feet) there is snow too. Here we hope to find brown bears as they forage along the shore for clams, and lunch on berries or fish in the clear running waters of the mountain streams.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 11 - Kodiak

      Kodiak is a bustling fishing harbour with around 6,000 residents. It has two floatplane harbours, a testament to the opportunities to explore the expansive surrounding countryside from the air for another chance to find brown bears.

      In the town, you can shop at souvenir and local handicraft and artwork stores. The Baranov Museum presents artefacts from the area’s Russian past, as does the stunning Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, with exhibitions on the local flora and fauna, includes a complete 36-foot skeleton of a male grey whale.

      Take a walk to Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park where you can combine history with wildlife spotting. The historic ruins of a World War II coastal defence installation are coupled with the steep surf-pounded cliffs, deep spruce forests and meadows laden with wildflowers. Stop for a while on the cliff edge of Miller Point, and watch the sea for the chance to see fin or humpback whales.

      You can also join one of our excursion options for the day, taking you to scout for bears in this scenic blend of tundra, deep fjords and mountains.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 12 - At Sea

      A day at sea means you can join the lectures by the Expedition team, spend time on deck or in the Panorama Lounge with fellow travellers as we sail towards Alaska’s Panhandle.

    • Day 13 - Cruising the Hubbard Glacier

      The ice you see today as we cruise the Hubbard Glacier fell as snow around 400-500 years ago and more than 100 km inland. A glacier is a flowing river of ice, albeit a slow-flowing river. In the last few decades, the Hubbard Glacier has surged forward and in 1986 completely blocked the fjord until a build-up of water burst through the ice. Bergs come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, so have your camera ready!

      This waterway was named Disenchantment Fjord by Spanish naval officer Alessandro Malaspina in 1792, when he was disappointed to discover it was not the Northwest Passage, as he had hoped. We trust that you will be enchanted, maybe even spellbound, by the beautiful ice scenery here.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 14 - Icy Strait Point

      Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island and boasts attractions owned and managed by local Alaskan natives with aboriginal ties to the area. Expect to be greeted by local guides in traditional costumes. Experience Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, which shows visitors the importance of salmon and subsistence fishing in the Tlingit culture.

      There is even a culinary instruction space where local residents demonstrate how to fillet fish such as halibut and salmon. We can visit a 1930s Hoonah Packing Company facility, now converted into a museum. If you feel this is all a little sedate, stimulate your adrenaline by tackling one of North America’s longest zip lines: 1,620 metres long!

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 15 - Sitka

      Located on Baranof Island, Sitka faces the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska to the west and striking scenery with mountains and forest to the east. The majestic Mt Edgecumbe with its perfect volcanic cone looms above the horizon across the Sitka Sound.

      Sitka is a town of about 9.000 people, brimming with history, natural wonders and fascinating sites for you to discover. Sitka National Historic park with tall trees and totems carved out of red cedar are testimonials of the Tlingit culture and Sitka’s first inhabitants. St. Michaels Cathedral is a picturesque remnant of the town’s Russian heritage. You may explore the town at your own pace or join one of the optional excursions.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 16 - Ketchikan

      Our southernmost Alaskan port call is Ketchikan, located on the southwest corner of Revillagigedo Island. The town of just more than 8,000 bills itself as the salmon capital of the world, and is known for both its commercial salmon fishing and sport fishing.

      Ketchikan offers plenty of natural and cultural attractions. Enjoy a stroll around the town and visit some of the delightful shops, cafes and galleries. Explore the town’s indigenous heritage and visit the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Discover Ketchikan at your own pace or join one of the many excursions on offer here, taking you on fishing tours, scenic flights over the Misty Fjords or hiking through or zip lining above Alaskan rainforest.

      *Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.

    • Day 17 - At Sea

      Our last day on board is a chance to chat with new friends, read, or just relax and watch the world sail by.

    • Day 18 - Vancouver, Canada; Disembarkation day

      Sailing into Canada’s third-largest city and busiest seaport may come as a bit of a shock after so many days exploring the wilderness and enjoying small settlements. But this green city´s foliage will be beginning to show their wonderful autumn colours, and local beaches are plentiful and close at hand. Our expedition ends where we started, in the beautiful city of Vancouver.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions

    Expedition Jacket

    Wind and water resistant jacket

    Economy Flights from Vanvouver

    Your voyage includes a one-way flight from Vancouver to Alaska.

    Pre-cruise hotel in Vancouver

    Your voyages include a pre-cruise night at a hotel in Vancouver.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team
    - Transfers on embarkation and disembarkation day

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Items of a personal nature such as; Beverages / Laundry / Medical expenses / Gratuities / Internet & Wifi
    - Travel insurance (mandatory)
    - Optional excursion and activities not included in the voyage itinerary
    - International and internal flights that are not specified
    - Luggage handling
  • Map
    874
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    ROALD AMUNDSEN

    Named after two of the greatest heroes in Polar history, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, our new hybrid-powered expedition ships, will combine state of the art technology and premium onboard experience with 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations. The result: The next generation of adventure travel. With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, these ships aim to be one step ahead when exploring the world. They will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests. Currently under construction at Kleven Yard in Norway, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will debut in 2018 and 2019 – and has been branded as the world’s greenest, safest and most advanced expedition ships. One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center / Nansen Science Center. Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand-picked Exedition Team. In addition to vast in- and outdoor Observation Decks, guests can enjoy the scenery and drinks through the large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10. The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 500
    Crew #: 151
    Ice Class: PC6
    Speed: 13
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2018
    Length: 140m
    Width:
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 20889
    Registry: Norway
    Elec Outlets: 2 Round Prongs
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We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
roald amundsen expedition suite

3. Expedition Suite

10 Sep 2019 - 27 Sep 2019
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have private outside Jacuzzi. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes an amenity kit, bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. Can accommodate up to four passengers. [IMPORTANT] Please note that on board the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen each cabin category has multiple sub-categories. These vessels work with a dynamic pricing structure based on yield, which is why are unable to show the cost of the cabin. Enquire now for the cost of this cabin category.
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roald amundsen polar outside

1. Polar Outside

10 Sep 2019 - 27 Sep 2019
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers. [IMPORTANT] Please note that on board the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen each cabin category has multiple sub-categories. These vessels work with a dynamic pricing structure based on yield, which is why are unable to show the cost of the cabin. Enquire now for the cost of this cabin category.
USD$ $POA
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roald amundsen arctic superior

2. Arctic Superior

10 Sep 2019 - 27 Sep 2019
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes an amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers. [IMPORTANT] Please note that on board the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen each cabin category has multiple sub-categories. These vessels work with a dynamic pricing structure based on yield, which is why are unable to show the cost of the cabin. Enquire now for the cost of this cabin category.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA