Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise

Introduction

More than twice the size of Texas, Alaska is the largest state in the US by area and is situated in the North West extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the East.

With snow covered peaks, thick pine forest, turquoise lakes and stunning rivers, this dream holiday destination comes highly recommended by Medway Travel, whether you are looking for adventure or romance on your long haul holiday. A vast area with gold mining and plenty of outdoor activities, Alaska is also one of the top cruise destinations in the world, so if your idea of a once in a lifetime holiday has always been a luxury cruise then let us take care of the details leaving you free to marvel at Alaska's spectacular glaciers. 

The longest river of ice in North America, the Hubbard Glacier is also one of the most active glaciers of its kind in Alaska. Also, since the ships that cruise this part of our world are designed to provide guests with the best viewing possible, you'll be able to see this massive natural wonder, with its 1,350 square miles of blue ice, from just about anywhere on your ship.

Image credits to Travel Alaska - Frank Flavin, Brian Adams, Matt Hage

Overview

 

Ports of Call

Ports of call vary from cruise to cruise. Listed below are details of all the ports any cruises may visit - your chosen cruise will visit some, but not necessarily all. of the places listed below. For details of which ports you will visit, please refer to the itinerary of your selected cruise ship, which we can provide you with.
 

Inside Passage (Cruising)

This is one of the most famously beautiful passages in all the world. It features virtually everything you came to Alaska hoping to see, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords and white-capped peaks. All of which create a setting that's perfect for viewing whales and sea lions.

Juneau, Alaska

Where Earl Grey meets Eddie Bauer would be a good way to describe the charms of Alaska's capital city. Here the pioneering spirit lives on in an interesting mix of cosmopolitan chic and frontier ruggedness. Visit the Alaska State Museum and its exquisite collection of Russian Orthodox and Gold Rush relics.

Skagway, Alaska

It's doubtful you'll succumb to gold fever, but if any place on earth can summon up the thrill of prospecting, it's Skagway. By embracing its gold-rush past, Skagway has managed to preserve a frontier spirit complete with saloons and dance-hall revues. If the spirit does overtake you, passage on the White Pass & Yukon Railway or a ride on the Klondike Highway will take you to places where you can roll up your sleeves and do some prospecting of your own.

Hubbard Glacier (Cruising)

Hubbard Glacier is the one glacier in the world that does not move at a glacial pace. Quite the opposite. In fact, in 1986, Hubbard Glacier - the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent - moved an average of just under 5.5 feet per hour. Keep a watchful eye as you sail through the Yakutat Bay, as you may be a witness to geological history.

Ketchikan, Alaska

In addition to being the jumping-off point for seaplane excursions into the Misty Fjords National Monument and its 2.2 million acres of wilderness nirvana, Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tlingit tribe. Another "must-see" here is the world's largest collection of totem poles. You can learn what motivates someone to turn a piece of lumber into a towering work of art at the Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight and Totem Heritage Centre.

Cruise Options

We offer a selection of cruises with some of the leading cruises lines of the world. Listed below are the unique attractions of each cruise line and details of the ships they operate.

Alaska Cruise West

Small Ship Cruising – These ships are designed with unbelieveable sights and experiences in mind. They are able to slip through narrow passages and get close to whales, glaciers and waterfalls. They will stop to give you a closer look at a bear on shore and turn off their engines so that you can hear the crackling of the glacier ice. On these small ships (the largest one holds just 114 passesngers) you can expect a casual atmosphere with friendly, helpful people. These smaller ships put the emphasis on what’s outside, wildlife glaciers and difficult to reach natural spectacles – it’s an experience unlike that offered by the large cruise ships.

Holland America Line

Holland America offers more than 125 years of excellence – combined with one of the world’s most modern fleets – a five star rated fleet of ten cruise ships. Each ship carries over one million dollars’ worth of fine art and antiques which are displayed in the lounges and public areas, fresh flowers are displayed everywhere and each stateroom has a complimentary fresh fruit basket, which is replenished daily. All staterooms are larger than the industry average and are fully equipped with all the amenities you will need.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to bring you “Freestyle” cruising, the best idea for cruises since NCL pioneered the first Caribbean cruise. Freestyle cruising gives you complete flexibility, freedom and choice. You can choose from up to 10 different restaurants and dine whenever you want, wherever you want and with whomever you want, and, there is no need to dress up, unless you want to. Enjoy the excitement of discovering new places but now with the relaxed lifestyle of a fine land-based resort. It’s the best of both worlds.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is recognised as one of the world’s premier luxury lines with features such as the world’s only all-suite, all-balcony ships and superior space and service ratios. Cruise to Alaska aboard Seven Seas Navigator, catering to only 700 guests, she is one of the most spacious cruise ships afloat, and, her ratio of 2 staff to every 3 guests provides the highest level of personal service. Your cruise fare includes all shipboard gratuities, complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24 hour room service; refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily, and much more.

Silversea

Join Silversea as they sail to Alaska’s untamed wilderness with inspired voyages celebrating the wonders of North America’s final frontier. Silversea is a six star luxury cruise line, purpose-built for the ultra-luxury market, establishing a new class of smaller, intimate vessels that can slip into more exotic ports off the beaten track. These elite vessels were specifically designed for fewer guests, more space and the highest levels of personalised service, delivered by Italian officers and European staff.

 

Itinerary

Below you will find a day-to-day description of an example three-week holiday itinerary, which takes in many highlights of British Columbia, Alberta and Alaska, plus a cruise to the Hubbard Glacier.

If you do not have as much time to spare but would love your holiday to incorporate many of the destinations featured below, please contact us on 01622 608265 or email enquiries@medwaytravel.co.uk and let us design a personalised holiday itinerary especially for you.

For further ideas and inspirations, please click to the "Pick & Mix" tab.

Alberta, British Columbia and Alaskan Cruise 

 

Day One - London to Calgary

Depart London Heathrow and arrive into Calgary.
On arrival, collect your hire car and drive to your overnight hotel in Calgary.

Day Two - Lake Louise

Drive from Calgary to Lake Louise. Today’s journey takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos, Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise

We highly recommend a Lake View Room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - the Fairmont Chateau nestles amongst the snow capped Rocky Mountains and next to beautiful Lake Louise. The Fairmont is a quality hotel and all the rooms have been finished to a high standard. One of six Fairmont hotels to feature luxury spa facilities, the hotel also promotes several outdoor activities such as golf and in season, skiing. Indoors, the hotel has a variety of dining options, offering both formal and informal.

Day Three - Jasper

Drive from Lake Louise to Jasper. Travel north to Jasper via one of the most scenic highways in the world, spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield you will have the opportunity to ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. With sightseeing stops, we recommend allowing at least four hours for today’s drive.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Jasper

We suggest the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - surrounded by snow-capped peaks and sparkling lakes, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge welcomes you to the Grand Canadian Lodge Experience. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, the charming cabins and rustic elegance of The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge make it the embodiment of peace, tranquility and natural beauty. Having the #1 Best Golf Resort in Canada, as rated by the readers of SCOREGolf Magazine, spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities, uncrowded ski slopes and fine cuisine.

Day Four - Jasper

Enjoy a day at your leisure in Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the area’s highlights are Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistler’s Mountain.

Day Five - Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer (we recommend the Golf Leaf service for the ultimate experience) from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior (breakfast and lunch included). Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day Six - Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver (breakfast and lunch included). On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
On arrival make your own way to the centre of Vancouver for a four night stay.

We recommend the Sheraton Vancouver Wall - Sheraton Vancouver Wall is a large modern hotel in the heart of Vancouver surrounded by the boutiques of trendy Robson Street and Yaletown, outdoor markets, clubs, art galleries and theatres, along with a wide variety of local and international dining choices. The hotel is home to the Indigo Bistro and Bar One. The 12,000-square-foot health club includes state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a European-style lap pool, personal trainers, Jacuzzis, saunas, and a hair salon. Vida Wellness Spa offers range of treatments. All guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase spectacular panoramas.

Days Seven to Nine -Vancouver

Time at leisure. Canada’s third largest city, Vancouver is blessed with one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Ocean and mountains surround the city and expanses of tree-covered parkland fall within its boundaries. Vancouver is also the jumping-off point for exploring the spectacular scenery of British Columbia, from the islands and fjords of the Pacific Coast to the mountains of the interior.

Day Ten - Alaska Cruise

Make your own way to the cruise terminal in Vancouver to embark on your chosen Alaskan Cruise. We have based this example itinerary on a cruise with Royal Caribbean on the Radiance of the Seas for a 7 night ‘Alaska Northbound’ cruise. The cruise will depart the port at approximate 17:00.

Day Eleven - Alaska Cruise

Inside Passage. The fabled Inside Passage is one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. The scenery is unbelievable, with forests in a hundred shades of green, tumbling turquoise glaciers, and evocative towns loaded with history, culture and adventure. With most of Southeast Alaska accessible only by boat or plane, the Inside Passage is a lifeline to the outside world. All day long it hums with activity.

Day Twelve - Alaska Cruise

Ketchikan, Alaska. Built out over the water and climbing weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows and drapes the mountains with a cheerful air. Besides the main attractions - Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village, try a flightseeing trip to breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument - a transformational adventure not to be missed. These deep water fjords left by retreating glaciers left granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls cascading into placid waters. The souvenir photos you'll take from the pontoons of the plane are worth the trip alone.

Day Thirteen - Alaska Cruise

Icy Straight Point. Icy Strait Point is located near the city of Hoonah, the largest native Tlingit Indian settlement in Alaska, and very near Glacier Bay National Park. Home to a historic cannery, the port's connection to the sea is strong. Locals share the sea with humpback whales, orcas, Dall porpoises, seals, sea otters, halibut and all five species of Pacific salmon. It is not uncommon to spot a humpback or an orca while walking along the shore.

Day Fourteen - Alaska Cruise

Juneau, Alaska. Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the town of Juneau has the massive Mendenhall Glacier and the immense Juneau Icefields at its back door. Juneau is the place to let your imagination run wild. Explore the lush Tongass National Forest. Visit the rustic shops in town. Or get out and kayak, dogsled, raft, hike, whale watch, flightsee or fish. There is no end to the adventure because of the long daylight hours. Climb aboard the Mt. Roberts Tramway for a great spot to hike and shoot a souvenir photo.

Day Fifteen - Alaska Cruise

Skagway, Alaska. The sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway come winter, so you can only imagine the frightful conditions endured by the gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, with a mandatory ton of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of '98. Today, summertime visits to Skagway require nothing of the sort, but you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then.

Take your time and poke into every little store from the Trail Bench to Lynch & Kennedy's Dry Goods. The Red Onion Saloon, with its honky tonk piano and costumed barmaids, is a treasure trove of memorabilia featuring pictures of Klondike Kate, Peahull Annie and other vintage characters. To complete the picture of those rip-roaring days, visit the nostalgic Trail of '98 Museum. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park boasts restored buildings and wooden boardwalks that invite you to take a stroll into the past.

Day Sixteen - Alaska Cruise

Hubbard glacier. The longest river of ice in North America, the Hubbard Glacier is also one of the most active glaciers of its kind in Alaska. And since your ship is designed to provide guests with the best viewing possible, you'll be able to see this massive natural wonder, with its 1,350 square miles of blue ice, from just about anywhere on the ship.

Day Seventeen - Anchorage

Arrive into Seward and disembark in the morning. Take a coach transfer to Anchorage for an overnight stay.

We recommend the Clarion Suites - Clarion Suites located near the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Centre, is a first-class hotel featuring suites with two queen beds, sleeper sofas, microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers. This hotels offers a wide range of amenities, including free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, exercise room and free wireless high-speed Internet access. It is also within walking distance to the city's best shopping destinations, such as 5th Avenue Mall and the Anchorage Market & Festival. The Egan Centre, Alaska Centre for the Performing Arts and a variety of restaurants and attractions are also nearby.

Day Eighteen - Denali

Transfer to the train station. Depart Anchorage in the morning and travel on the Denali Star Train (we recommend Gold Class) to Denali.

Easily accessible from Fairbanks to the north or Anchorage to the south, Denali is a wonderful national park. The scenery is varied, however the main reason visitors flock here is to view North America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley. Soaring over 20,000 feet, the snow and glacier covered mountain dominates Denali and will, on clear days, be your constant companion. Classified as a sub-arctic desert, Denali has many rare plants and an abundance of wildlife. Brown Bears roam the six million acre park, along with moose, Dall Sheep, caribou and wolves. Hiking trails exist all over Denali allowing you to get up close to the rich flora and fauna.
Spend two nights in Denali National Park.

We suggest the Grande Denali Lodge. Located one mile north of the Denali Park entrance, the Grande Denali Lodge is situated atop a hillside overlooking the entire Denali Canyon. This lodge has 169 well appointed rooms with unsurpassed views of the Alaskan Range.

Day Nineteen - Denali

Full day tour of Denali National Park (Including lunch).

Day Twenty - Fairbanks

Morning at leisure before taking the Denali Star Train to Fairbanks departing in the afternoon and arriving into Fairbanks in the evening.
Spend two nights in Fairbanks.

Day Twenty Two - Return

Transfer to Fairbanks Airport to meet a flight to Seattle. On arrival into Seattle, connect with your overnight international flight back to Heathrow.

 

Pick & Mix

As well as suggested holiday itineraries, Medway Travel are delighted to create bespoke holiday experiences.

If you are looking for something different to the suggested itinerary on the previous tab, picking and mixing the resorts, activities and trips that you specifically wish to enjoy might be a fantastic solution for you!

Contact Us with information of when you are looking to travel and what highlights you would like your holiday to include, and our expererienced travel consultants will put together a personalised itinerary especially for you!

For ideas and inspiration of where to visit and what to do in Alaska, please take a look at the below details...

PLACES TO GO

Anchorage

Between the mountains and the sea, almost in the center of Alaska, lies Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, yet no stranger to the wilderness. There is no other city like it. 
Among the northernmost cities on Earth, Anchorage is a place with big-city amenities; fine restaurants, museums, theaters and an excellent music scene. Creating the backdrop are the salmon-rich waters of Cook Inlet and the 5000-foot-plus peaks of Chugach State Park, the third largest state park in the country. Within a short drive from downtown are dozens of wilderness adventures and within an even shorter plane ride, almost any type of adventure is possible, the reason Anchorage’s Lake Hood is the world’s busiest floatplane base.

Take in the many attractions and museums, soak in the outdoors, head out on a day trip in almost any direction; Anchorage is a place where visitors can stay put for a while or never leave at all.

Juneau

The state capital, Juneau is one of the most beautiful cities in Alaska. Downtown Juneau hugs the side of Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts and is a maze of narrow streets running past a mix of new structures, old storefronts and quaint houses featuring early 19th century architecture left over from the town’s early gold mining days. The waterfront bustles with cruise ships, fishing boats and floatplanes zipping in and out. Descending from the Coast Range Mountains are the frozen fingers of glaciers reaching for the sea.

For many visitors Juneau’s best experiences, glaciers and whale watching, are both within minutes of downtown. Egan Drive, the region’s only four-lane highway, heads north from the city center and swings into the Mendenhall Valley. Located at the head of the valley is Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska’s famous drive-up glacier, where you can watch icebergs calve off its frozen face and float away on Mendenhall Lake. The Mendenhall is one of the 38 major glaciers that extend from the 1500 square-mile Juneau Icefield. More glaciers can be seen from Glacier Highway or from the air as part of a flightseeing tour. Most helicopter tours offer glacier landings, glacier treks and dog sled rides.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of Alaska’s best year-round destinations, and visitors will find plenty to do whether they come for the summer warmth and long days or in winter, when spectacular Northern Lights displays color the night sky. A wide range of activities are available, including shopping the many art galleries filled with pottery, painting, textiles and Alaska Native art and jewelry; rafting or kayaking the meandering Chena River as it winds through town; golfing; fishing; snowmobiling; enjoying tours and attractions like Pioneer Park that celebrate the town’s gold history and rough-and-tumble beginnings; cross-country and Alpine skiing; wildlife viewing; soaking in hot springs; or even enjoying a locally brewed beer.

Skagway

A colorful history, scant rain and a lot of cruise ships makes a Skagway one of the most interesting towns to visit in the Inside Passage.

Skagway rarely disappoints visitors. A seven-block corridor along Broadway features historic false-front shops and restaurants, wooden sidewalks, locals in period costumes and restored buildings, many of which are part of the National Park Service-managed Klondike National Historical Park.

For the adventurous, Skagway has an excellent trail system that begins just blocks from the downtown area and allows hikers to trek to alpine lakes, waterfalls, even the graves of Skagway’s most notorious residents, Soapy Smith and Frank Reid. The town also serves as the departure point for one of Alaska’s most popular backpacking adventures: the Chilkoot Trail, a three to four-day hike along the same route that the stampeders followed on their way to the Klondike Gold Fields in Canada to the north.

Essential Information

Weather

The best time to cruise Alaska is generally in late May/early June or early September, but the best time for you depends on several factors. The Alaska cruise season runs from May to mid-September. While it is warmest in the months of July and August, the temperature never gets much above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) on average in most of coastal Alaska.
Therefore, expect the temperature to be cool for most of your cruise, though it may warm up to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius). It also is bound to rain at some point on your cruise, no matter when you go, as much of coastal Alaska is a temperate rainforest.

 

Passports and Visas

The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. The types of journeys that are permissible under the VWP include general travel/tourism, certain types of business and when transiting to another country.
The US requires all those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to provide details online at least 72 hours prior to travel. This is known as an Electronic Travel System Authorisation or ESTA. This is mandatory. If you do not have an ESTA you will be refused travel to the USA. For more information, and to apply online, please visit the ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. ESTA is valid for a period of two years, or the validity of the traveller's passport (whichever is shorter)
To visit the USA, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA.

Health

For up-to-date health advice for the USA, please consult your GP.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our  Online Insurance Quotation System