Alaska Cruise & Cruisetour
July 15-28, 2008 (Cruisetour)
July 21-28, 2008 (Cruise Only)

Overview
Itinerary
Ports of Call

Overview (Return to top)

Back by popular demand, this outstanding program has it all: unparalleled beauty, plentiful wildlife, fantastic photography, great food and entertainment and exceptional on-board service. Alaska is a true American treasure-one that everyone should experience.

There are two wonderful options: the 7-day southbound "Voyage of the  Glaciers" cruise sailing from Whittier to Vancouver or the 14 day cruisetour. The latter program combines the aforementioned cruise with 7 days of land travel beginning in Fairbanks. Highlights of the land program include Denali National Park, Mt. McKinley and the amazing Kenai Wilderness. Conclude your journey in Whittier where you will board the Island or Coral Princess for the cruise down to Vancouver. Ports of call include Skagway, Juneau and  Ketchikan. You will revel in the beauty and power of calving glaciers in College Fjord, the immense wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park and the famed Inside Passage. The cruise ends in Vancouver where you may stay over to visit charming Victoria or return home.

These two sister vessels, the Island and Coral Princess are perfect for sailing the waters of southeast Alaska. With many amenities, a variety of eating venues, nightly entertainment and highly personalized service, either ship is sure to fill all of your comfort needs.

Alaska is a fantastic travel destination. There is something for everyone and it is great trip for families. Please join us as we explore this amazing national treasure.

Priced from $1,395 for the cruise and $2,995 for the cruisetour
Alumni Travel Group

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks and check into the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge for a two-night stay.

Day 2
Fairbanks
Today, tour the El Dorado Gold Mine, then enjoy a riverboat cruise on an authentic sternwheeler. The evening is at your leisure in Fairbanks.

Day 3
Fairbanks/Denali
Board Princess luxury rail to Denali. Upon arrival, take a natural history tour into the park. Overnight at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Day 4
Denali/Mt. McKinley
The morning is yours to relax. Then, reboard the train for a scenic journey to Talkeetna. Transfer to the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge for the night.

Day 5
Mt. McKinley/Kenai
This morning, continue by motorcoach to the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge for a two-night retreat.

Day 6
Kenai
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Choose one of the many optional excurions such as fishing or hiking. Or, just relax on the deck overlooking the beautiful Kenai River.

Day 7
Kenai/Whittier
Motor coach to Whitter and your awaiting ship. Embark and sail this evening.

Day 8
Scenic cruising at College Fjord

Day 9
Scenic cruising at Glacier Bay National Park

Day 10
Skagway

Day 11
Juneau

Day 12
Ketchikan

Day 13
At sea

Day 14
Arrive Vancouver, B.C.

Ports of Call (Return to top)

Anchorage
Anchorage, beautifully situated on Cook Inlet and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, is a hub of activity for everything from fine restaurants and frontier saloons to museums and art galleries.

College Fjord
Only one place in Alaska surrounds you with flowing rivers of ice.  Imagine cruising past one dramatic tidewater glacier after another—an awesome assemblage of ice Age wonders named after the nation’s leading Ivy League colleges,  Yale, Bryn Maw, Hubbard, and Vassar glaciers line up around you.  Linger here for an in-depth lesson in nature’s power. 

Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in concert with an ever-changing glacial landscape.  Your cruise ship will be your visitor center for this unforgettable day. 

Skagway
Skagway boasts restored buildings, wooden boardwalks and the famed White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which is steaming through its second century of traveling “the scenic railroad of the world.”  Browse the rustic shops along Main Street and enjoy the honky-tonk piano music at the Red Onion Saloon.  To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of ’98 Museum.

Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is the place to let your imagination run wild.  Explore the lush Tongass National Forest or visit Juneau’s marquee attraction, the famous Mendenhall Glacier.  Visit the rustic shops in town, fish for salmon in one of the most productive fishing grounds in southeast Alaska, go flight seeing or whale-watching, or discover the fun of white-water rafting.  And climb aboard the Mt. Roberts Tramway for a great spot to hike and shoot a souvenir photo of your ship in port. There’s no end to the adventures.  History buffs can browse the Alaska State Museum.  Gold rush fans can tour the Last Chance Mining Museum.  And for those who like to shop, downtown Juneau is filled with colorful curio shops and art galleries.  At the end of the day, you will want to visit the famed Red Dog Saloon, a great place to enjoy the nostalgic flavor of Alaska’s past.  Cherished Alaskan memorabilia, swinging doors, and sawdust floors add to the atmosphere.

Ketchikan
Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and rapes the mountains with a cheerful air.  Besides the main attractions—Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bright State Park, and Saxan Village—there’s one thing we highly recommend you to do.  A floatplane flight seeing trip to breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument is a transforming adventure not to be missed.  Or, go on a Ketchikan shopping spree to its numerous galleries exhibiting native art and works by talented local artisans.   Jewelry and souvenir shops line the docks. 

Vancouver
You may want to extend your stay in Vancouver and visit the many museums and beautiful gardens, or shop at the Grandville Island Market, downtown, and Gastown.  Or, you may want to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island and tour the beautiful Butchart Gardens and Victoria for a bit of Olde England.