ANCHORAGE: Begin your day At 10 AM in your lobby, with our escort whisking you off to Seward, passing through Anchorage along the shores of Cook Inlet. There’s a special mystique to Alaska. The name conjures up adventure, raw natural beauty — glaciers, mountains and seas, unmatched the world around — fascinating wildlife, a unique cultural heritage, and independent, pioneering people. A unique part of Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula offers up mountainous passes and gorges along the magnificent Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.

Your first stop will be at Potter’s Marsh, a State game refuge, is a very popular stop for bird watching from a boardwalk. This is a nesting area for waterfowl as well as arctic tern, Canada geese, swans, and ducks. From hawks, to eagles, guests love this walk to view salmon as well as the birds. We even see an occasional moose.

Next, enjoy the hopping town of Girdwood, our local ski resort area in winter and hot spot for Tram views in summer. Here you will have a stop for a deli-style lunch along with the infamous views of Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet.

Upon completion of your lunch, leisure time is offered for photos and visit a Jade shop in Alyeska. Jade is Alaska’s state precious stone and found in many stores but this store is the prime shopping stop!

Following your stop, a beautiful drive stops at Windy Point & Beluga point will allow for Dall Sheep sightseeing as well as Beluga Whale spotting. Binoculars are provided on board as well as complimentary beverages.

Here come “Them Thar Bears…”! Join the fun at the 140-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where jaws drop in awe – even those of longtime Alaskans who’ve studied grizzlies and other animals up close. AWCC’s mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured, and ill animals-those that can’t survive in the wild.

The center, which opened to the public in 1993, also educates visitors about Alaska’s wildlife. On your visit, you might see a Siberian boar snoozing, moose foraging, baby moose napping, plus caribou, elk, bison, baby Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, and other animals. The musk oxen are worth the visit all by themselves. Set on the shores of Turnagain Arm, surrounded by mountains and hanging glaciers, the center is the perfect setting to learn about Alaskan wildlife. The animals are located in different areas grouped around several road loops. Each habitat area has a sign explaining the history and habits of the particular animals.

Enjoy this afternoons scenery further down the Seward Hwy corridor. As you approach Turnagain Pass, a restroom break will open up a world of unbelievable photos! Views will rival the best Alps. Flora and fauna of this area include lupine, columbine, arctic chocolate lilies, pasque flowers and more. Streams are carved out of solid rock and cavernous canyons call to visiting raft thrill seekers. Moose Pass features a quick stop for ice cream scoops or souvenirs at the original Estes Groceteria.

Arriving at Exit Glacier, an eight mile drive off the main road, reveals a spectacular view and a short easy riverbed walk provides a close-up and personal view of a magnificent glacier. Leisure time allows for hikes, comfortable walks or photo moments. The Visitor Center features books and information from park rangers. Watch for black bear as they are prevalent in this area.

Finally, after a day of photos galore, you will discover our busting harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Here you will be transferred to the cruise ship terminal, and after boarding and settling in, you may choose to get off the ship and walk around this 10 block town to see a bit more of its fun and history. Be sure to be back on board – your cruise adventure awaits you.

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REQUIREMENTS: Children under the age of 8 or under 80 pounds require a booster seat. Client must contact our office with details and a booster seat will be provided. Children under the age of 4 or under 40 lbs require a full child car seat. Client must contact our office with details and a full child car seat will be provided.