Win an Alaskan cruise worth up to S$18,000
One of Earth’s last wild places, with soaring mountains, pristine seas and giant tidewater glaciers, Alaska is perfect for small ship cruising. Meandering through a myriad of islands, sailing into narrow inlets and feeling the spray from towering waterfalls, is the way to experience this spectacular destination up-close and personal. With fewer than 90 guests onboard there is plenty of opportunity for flexibility and adventure. Search for whales and grizzly bears, feel the icy touch of a glacier, explore forested shores with an expert guide, or kayak tranquil bays and remote inlets.
At Natural Focus we have a passion for travel, and in particular immersive and authentic experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular wilderness locations. We specialise in small group and small ship adventures, luxury safaris, intimate boutique accommodation and exclusive wilderness lodges. From bear viewing in North America, to tiger trails in India or big game safaris in Africa, we offer memorable adventures that reconnect you with nature. Our expertise is in creating personalised tailor-made itineraries, drawing on our in-depth knowledge of each destination, and 39 years’ experience in travel.
Alaska is one of our favourite destinations, with dreamy expanses of unspoilt wilderness teeming with wildlife. The famous Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway of islands and fjords where whales, dolphins and seals flourish, grizzly bears roam dense forests where rivers are filled with salmon, and mountain goats scale the steep-sided cliffs. Magnificent Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with jaw-dropping scenery, ice blue glaciers, narrow channels and incredible wildlife.
The prize
Go into the draw for your chance to WIN an 8 day/7 night small-ship expedition cruise, exploring Alaska’s stunning coastline. Departing from the capital Juneau you will explore the famed Inside Passage and Glacier Bay accompanied by expert guides. Get close to massive glaciers, and search for humpback whales, sea otters, seals and seabirds.
Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime to visit one of the world’s greatest wilderness areas.
Tour details
Available 2024 Departure Dates:
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 June6, 13, 20, 27 July3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August7, 14, 21 September
- Visit Sitka, with a fascinating history and the Russian Capital of Alaska
- Experience the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park
- Witness Margerie, Grand Pacific and Reid glaciers
- Cruise into Red Bluff Bay with towering mountains and waterfalls
- Search for humpback whales in Icy & Chatham Straits
- Visit Marble Islands sea lion haulout and puffin rookery
- Kayak, paddle board and skiff remote inlets
- Hike and bushwack in the Tongass National Forest
- Transfers to/from vessel on embarkation and disembarkation day
- 7 nights onboard the Safari Endeavour in a Navigator Cabin (twin share)
- Sightseeing and shore excursions as per the itinerary
- All meals while onboard including wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- All activities and equipment (except snorkelling) including hot tub and yoga
- Services of onboard professional naturalist or escort
- Taxes and port charges
- Airfares
- Gratuities
- Pre/post land arrangements
- Travel & cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
Juneau is easily reached by air from both Seattle and Anchorage. Alaskan Airlines run regular flights from each city to Juneau. Flying time from Anchorage is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes while from Seattle it is roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
Itinerary
Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka
Sample Itinerary
8 days/7 nights
Day 1
Juneau, Embarkation
This morning your cruise departs from Juneau, a charming small town first settled during the gold rush of the 1880’s. Meet your fellow travellers and expedition staff and toast your voyage as the Safari Endeavour departs towards Icy Strait. D
Day 2
Captain’s choice
Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, your captain makes the call today. Either choice will offer amazing sights to see. Your guides will help you gear up and lead your adventure along the rocky outcroppings by kayak or paddle board, taking in the wilderness as you go. Keep an eye out for Bald eagles that dot the tree tops, or for Harbor seals or pods of orcas (the largest in the dolphin family) at water level. B L D
Day 3
Glacier Bay National Park
Today is devoted to exploring the wonders of The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Glacier Bay National Park. The jewel in Alaska’s crown, the park is 3.3 million acres in size and is a playground of adventure. Explore renowned South Marble Island, a birder’s paradise home to Puffins, Guillemots and Gulls, as well as a haul out of sea lions. Cruise to the far to see magnificent Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers calve into the water. If time and daylight allow tuck into Tidal Inlet, where in may be possible to see bears foraging along the shoreline. End today with your feet up sailing into Icy Strait. B L D
Day 4
Icy Strait
If conditions permit, visit George Island with sights of the Pacific Ocean and an optional hike to an abandoned WWII coastal defence cannon. Icy Strait is remote and wild, home to whales and marine mammals. Don’t forget your binoculars, as spouts and fin slaps are certain giveaways. Look skyward to see seabirds, while below, Porpoises and dolphins may hitch a ride on the bow wave. Your crew will be there to help, as thry point out any creatures they spot. Later on, head for a quiet pocket along the rugged coastline. A different sort of wild than the open strait, muskeg leads to forest bushwhacks. Jump aboard a skiff and traverse the shore down kelp-threaded channels. B L D
Day 5
Chichagof Island
Kick off this morning with on-deck yoga stretches, before meandering through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast where It’s a prime time to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Camera in hand, set off on land and sea explorations. Get up close to the coastline by skiff among the moss-dripping trees that run right down to the water – keep your eyes peeled for bears. With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools with your guides on a hike through the Tongass National Park. B L D
Day 6
Baranof Island / Peril Strait
This morning, visit Baranof Island and Red Bluff Bay, with its towering red mountains, waterfalls, and a chance to view brown bears. Cruise through a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. Peril Strait runs 50 miles to Salisbury Sound. The shorelines are close, so there’s plenty of chances to skiff ashore and hike into the backcountry. This is a great sport to see otters floating peacefully on their backs. Opening at Hoonah Sound, the squeeze is back on. Wind into Neva Strait. Watch the scenery change in the late fading light from either on deck or the hot tub. B L D
Day 7
Krestof & Nakwasina Sounds
There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island. Its western side is spattered with remote, uninhabited islands, secluded coves and tree-covered islets, which create endless opportunities for adventure. The Captain will drop anchor, and guests choose whether to kayak, paddle board, or skiff. There may be curious sea lions and possibly whales around these shores. The rocky intertidal zones make for good beach combing. Turn a stone or two to see what’s underneath. This evening, toast your voyage with a Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip. B L D
Day 8
Sitka Disembarkation
Cruise into Sitka this morning. After breakfast, farewell your crew and new friends and disembark. Tour ends. B
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Safari Endeavour
The Safari Endeavour
Polished, unwavering, and upscale, the Safari Endeavour may be the workhorse of the fleet but it’s her zest-for-life persona that’s remembered most. She looks sharp—a nod to the crew who work hard to keep her that way. Wood fixtures and accents shine and artwork highlights the warm and cool waters where she sails. No other UnCruise vessel covers more territory, and like her namesake, Captain Cook’s Endeavour, both the ship and crew are true explorers. Her roomy lounge, dining room, and sun deck are undisputed, but the Safari Endeavour claims to have the biggest heart, too.
Specifications
- Year built – 1983
- Length – 70 metres (230 feet)
- Beam – 12.1 metres (40 feet)
- Speed – 12 knots (14 mph)
- Guests – 84 guests | 42 Cabins
Don’t fancy your luck in a competition?
Prices from USD $4,400 /pp twin share*
Purchase this same trip by June 30 and save USD $1,000 per couple
*Valid for select travel dates when booked by 30 June 2024. Prices advertised based on Navigator Cabin (inclusive of saving). Minimum two people travelling together. Single travellers on request. Strictly subject to availability. Conditions apply.
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