Sunday, June 15 – Wellsboro - Vancouver (average temperatures, 51-66)
- Depart for the airport (TBD) via Benedict's Motorcoach. Available pickups: Mansfield, Blossburg, Liberty, Williamsport
- FLIGHT to VANCOUVER, BC.
Monday, June 16 – Embarkation
- This morning enjoy VANCOUVER at your leisure. Positioned between the snow-dusted North Shore Mountains and the rich, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver blends big-city sophistication with small-town charm. Don't miss Queen Elizabeth Park – a 130-acre civic arboretum accented with sculptures by modern artist Henry Moore.
- Board the NORWEGIAN JADE and set sail at 5:00 pm.
Tuesday, June 17 – Cruise Inside Passage (average temperatures, 49-61)
- CRUISE INSIDE PASSAGE...Get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else as you sail through the islands of Alaska's Inside Passage.
Wednesday, June 18 – Ketchikan (Ward Cove) (average temperatures, 47-61)
- KETCHIKAN (WARD COVE)...Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world's most lush wilderness. Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you'll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree during your Alaska cruise to Ketchikan (Ward Cove).
Thursday, June 19 – Juneau (average temperatures 47-62)
- JUNEAU...Juneau has been called “Alaska's peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area's many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, a trek worthwhile.
Friday, June 20– Skagway (average temperatures 48-62)
- SKAGWAY...In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days.
Saturday, June 21 – Icy Strait Point (average temperatures 44-60)
- ICY STRAIT POINT...Venture “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” Known for this famous saying, Icy Strait Point is the ideal landing spot for adventurers seeking a new experience. Breathtaking and exciting, Icy Strait Point truly takes you where the wild things are. It’s one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. A trip here certainly satisfies your taste for adventure. Take a cruise from Icy Strait Point and enjoy Alaska's awe-inspiring scenery and the many excursion options that Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer.
Sunday, June 22 – Hubbard Glacier (average temperatures 47-62)
- HUBBARD GLACIER...The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Its awe-inspiring, turquoise-colored face towers nearly 400 feet tall — 250 feet of which are underwater — while its icebergs are often three or four stories high. At nearly six miles wide where the ice meets the ocean and 76 miles long, viewing this massive glacial mass is an experience not soon forgotten. As you cruise near the glacier, keep an eye out for the region’s rich variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to harbor seals, orcas and humpback whales.
Monday, June 23 – Whitter - Homer -Disembarkation/Land Tour Begins (average temperatures 47-60)
Meals are not included in the land tour portion unless otherwise stated in your itinerary. All hotels have restaurants on-site. Other options available are either within walking distance or a short taxi ride from your hotel. Your Tour Director can help recommend restaurants.
- Your NCL TOUR DIRECTOR will greet you in Seward upon debarkation of Norwegian Jade. Board your DELUXE MOTORCOACH for your journey through the Kenai Peninsula where Alaskans go to play! In dramatic fashion, see where mountains meet the sea. Watch along the banks of the rivers where fishermen call this area home from May to September.
- A lunch stop will be made in the community of SOLDOTNA, also known as the “Fishing Capital of the World.” Enjoy a brief stop near the worldfamous KENAI RIVER and see where monster King Salmon fish are lured by fishermen, and learn about the five species of salmon that call Alaska home. As you continue through the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula down the coast, enjoy the spectacular views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains and several volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet, including Mt. Augustine, Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Redoubt. Near the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll encounter the town of HOMER, an authentic Alaskan community not geared toward mass tourism, often described as “where the land ends and the sea begins.”
- Visit the ALASKA ISLANDS & OCEAN VISITOR CENTER before arriving at the HOTEL for your 2 NIGHT STAY – your window to the largest seabird refuge in the world with all the natural wonders of Kachemak Bay right outside its doors. The Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is a partnership between the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, dedicated to understanding and conserving the marine environment. Enjoy the modern displays, movies and information throughout as the Center takes you on an incredible journey through this rough and rugged land.
- Homer has a history steeped in commercial fishing and a mild climate moderated by the Pacific Ocean. This results in warmer winters and cooler summers compared to other areas of Alaska. Homer is also famous for the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile-long natural spit of land extending into Kachemak Bay, which you can explore in the evening.
Norwegian Jade
Your dream vacation awaits on Norwegian Jade. As you cruise from port to port along stunning coastlines, you will be entertained day and night with exciting nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, a grand casino, swimming pools, a pampering spa and so much more. After extensive upgrades, the Jade returns to the fleet with new venues, modern decor and design, and refurbished staterooms.
Specialty Dining Options:
- Moderno Churrascaria: Looking for a unique experience? This authentic Brazilian churrascaria is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar, but save plenty of room for our slow-roasted meats carved tableside by our Passadores.
- Sushi: In the mood for sushi? Take a seat at this contemporary sushi bar for some traditional Japanese culinary bites.
- Cagney's Steakhouse: Premium cuts are the standard at our American steakhouse serving Certified Angus Beef. Sip your favorite cocktail and don't forget to order our famous Parmesan dusted truffle fries!
- Le Bistro: Romance is in the air at our signature French restaurant. Elegant interiors, crisp white linens and attentive servers make this an intimate dining experience. By the end of your meal, you might just be proclaiming c'est magnifique!
- La Cucina: Buona Sera! Enjoy the finest ingredients at this vibrant Italian ristorante. Dine on Italian classics and indulge with a rich homemade Tiramisu. Your good evening just got better.
- Teppanyaki: Sit at a lively shared table as a skillful chef perfectly prepares shrimp, steak, chicken, and fried rice on a large steel grill. You've got a front row seat to all the sizzles and surprises in this Japanese restaurant.
Complimentary Dining Options:
- O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill: Dine on Irish pub classics while sipping your favorite draft beer, all in a casual atmosphere 24 hours a day. There's no charge to dig into your favorite comfort foods such as Fish n' Chips or throw some darts while taking in a sports game.
- Alizar: One of the two Main Restaurants serving a variety of culinary delights with a contemporary flair.
- Garden Cafe: Whatever you're craving, chances are you will find it at the Garden Cafe. This complimentary, indoor buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Grand Pacific: Stunning in design with ocean views, this Main Restaurant offers traditional cuisine to please every palate.
- Jasmine Garden: Enjoy a complimentary Asian restaurant featuring freshly prepared noodles, delicious wok fried dishes, authentic soups, and more.
- The Great Outdoors: Come as you are, even in your swimsuit, to this casual, buffet bar serving grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and great ocean views.
Popular Shore Excursions: These are just a few of the many excursions offered on this wonderful Alaskan Adventure.
White Pass Railway, Klondike Gold Fields & Panning...At the White Pass & Yukon Route Depot, board a vintage railcar for a ride up the White Pass Summit. View the incredible scenery as your train ascends dramatic mountains and your guide shares colorful stories and the history of the gold rush. (Skagway)
Whale Watching & Seafood Fest...Cruise into waters teeming with humpback whales and other marine life, and then dine on traditional Alaskan dishes at a seafood feast. Point Adolphus has the highest concentration of humpback whales in the Alaskan panhandle. (Icy Strait Point)
Mendenhall Glacier, Hatchery & Gardens...This comprehensive tour offers the highlights of Alaska's capital city including a visit to stunning Mendenhall Glacier.. (Juneau)
Alaskan Cultural & Lumberjack Show Experience...From Alaskan history and native culture to a culinary tasting, enjoy all aspects of what makes Ketchikan unique! (Ketchikan)
Private Halibut Fishing...Try your luck fishing for halibut, a species of flatfish that gets massive and feeds voraciously in the summer. (Ketchikan)
Goldbelt Tram...Soar by Juneau aerial tramway up 1,800 feet above the city to take in one of the most expansive and beautiful views in Alaska. (Juneau)
Gold Fever & Sled Dogs... Your adventure begins as you board your motor coach for a ride through the historic streets of downtown Skagway to Alaska 360’s Dredge Town. (Skagway)
In Alaska's Wildest Kitchen...Learn hands-on how to prepare and grill locally caught seafood and then savor the feast that you have masterfully created. This one-of-a-kind culinary class isn’t just educational and entertaining; it’s immensely satisfying to the palate, as you will dine on the specialties that you have grilled. (Icy Strait Point)
Optional Land Tour Excursions: Land tour excursions cannot be booked ahead of time and can be purchased along the way through your Norwegian Tour Director. Tours are subject to change and the complete program will be provided by your Norwegian Tour Director. These are just a few of the options available.
Helicopter – Denali by Air...Enjoy a 50-minute helicopter thrill as you soar high above the land and view wildlife and alpine glaciers while observing the Alaska Range and Denali. (Denali)
Alaska Salmon Bake... Feast the Alaskan way! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Alaskan-style meal as you dine on fire-grilled king salmon, roasted prime rib, and cod direct from Alaska’s icy waters. Served with a salad bar, dessert and beverages. Afterwards, stroll through the neighboring Pioneer Park, an Alaskan theme park featuring historical buildings, transportation venues and shops, or catch a show! (Fairbanks)
Anchorage Day Hike... Enjoy the long Alaska summer days and midnight sun by hiking the beautiful Chugach Mountain Range from Anchorage. The hikes include: transportation from downtown office to trailhead, a guided naturalist hike in the valleys and peaks surrounding Anchorage, bottled water and a snack. Each hike is tailored to your hiking and fitness levels. Valley stroll or mountain climb? Your naturalist guide will point out and discuss the flora and fauna of these unique coastal Alpine mountains. (Anchorage)
Haibut and Salmon Charter Fishing... Let’s go halibut and salmon fishing! Full-day adventure in Kachemak Bay seeking out halibut to impress your neighbors back home! Early morning check-in to purchase your license before you head to the boat for departure to fishing grounds. For those wanting to participate without the work, onboard staff assist with baiting the hook and handling the halibut once you bring it up from the ocean floor. A local fish processor can assist with vacuum packing and freezing your fish to send home at an additional cost. Dress in warm layered clothing and bring along a hat and gloves. Don’t forget your lunch and drinks! Approximately $325 per person – may charge $10 fuel surcharge at check-in. They have strict cancellation penalties! License is not included but is available at check-in for an extra cost. (Usually $20 for 1-day license). Includes fish cleaning but does not include fish processing or gratuity. Daily limit is 2 halibut per person (subject to change) - one fish of any size and a second fish of 29 inches or less. Annual bag limit for charter caught halibut is 5 per person. Space is limited. Fishing regulations in Alaska are subject to change. (Homer)
Guided Sea Kayaking... Great for beginning or experienced sea kayakers. The trip begins with a water taxi ride across Kachemak Bay to the protected waters of the fjords in Kachemak Bay State Park. Your guide will provide orientation and assistance throughout the tour. Spend the day paddling in spectacular scenery with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Single and double kayaks (Necky style) are used and are very stable for beginners. Bring along warm clothes, light rain gear, lunch, snacks, and drinks. Small or waterproof cameras and binoculars recommended! Includes: instruction, guided adventure, and all transportation. (Homer)
An optional group dinner at Denali Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre will be available for an additional cost closer to the trip date