Departing august 25 for 13 days / 12 nights

Join us for this truly amazing Alaskan Adventure.  We start our amazing journey by flying to Fairbanks, AK. Once a gold rush boomtown, Fairbanks is now Alaska’s second largest metropolis known as the “Golden Heart City,” a testimony to the warmth of the people. The Alaska Highway, trans-Alaska oil pipeline, military bases, mining and the University of Alaska are all integral to Fairbanks’ past and future. The city population hovers around 32,000, but nearly 98,000 live in the Fairbanks North Star Borough—an area the size of New Jersey. Visitors find Fairbanks, the Last Frontier, inviting, invigorating and awe-inspiring.

Our other main visit during the land portion of our tour is Denali National Park and Preserve. Located in Interior Alaska, the Park contains Mount McKinley (Denali), the tallest mountain in North America. Denali is home to a variety of Alaskan birds and mammals, including a healthy population of grizzly bears and black bears. Herds of caribou roam throughout the park. Dall sheep are often seen on mountainsides, and moose feed on the aquatic plants of the small lakes and swamps. Despite human impact on the area, Denali accommodates gray wolf dens, both historic and active. Smaller animals, such as hoary marmots, arctic ground squirrels, beavers, pikas, and snowshoe hares are seen in abundance. Foxes, martens, lynx, wolverines also inhabit the park, but are more rarely seen due to their elusive natures. The Alaska Range, a mountainous expanse running through the entire park, provides interesting ecosystems in Denali. Due to the tree line falling as low as 2,500 feet (760 m), wooded areas are rare inside the park, except in the flatter western sections surrounding Wonder Lake, and lowlands of the park where flowing waters melt the frozen ground.

Following our Land Tour we embark on an incredible 7 night southbound Alaska Inside Passage Cruise.  Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas offers the ultimate "at sea" experience by combining speed, added comfort, greater open spaces, sweeping ocean vistas and an exceptional cruise staff committed to serving your every whim. Among her spectacular features are the 10-story glass-constructed Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea, and the highest percentage of outside staterooms in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The Radiance class of ships offers the ultimate in sightseeing with more glass, open space and balconies than any other cruise ship of its size. In fact, you'll find amazing views everywhere you go, from the Sports Court to the Day Spa to the glass elevators in the nine-story Centrum. Want to see for yourself?

Book now for this fabulous vacation.

itinerary:

Day 1 – Home Airport to Fairbanks, AK - Alaska’s Golden Heart City
After checking-in at your designated departure airport, please go directly through to the departure gate so you don’t get caught in a long line for security.  When you arrive in Fairbanks, AK, proceed to the baggage re-claim area and an ABS Travel Group Representative will be there to meet you. Once all bags have been re-claimed, you will be directed to your transportation for transfer to the hotel in Fairbanks for overnight.
Overnight Fairbanks, AK – no meals included

Day 2 – Fairbanks, AK
Today, we will enjoy a scenic city tour of Fairbanks including a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.  In addition we will visit the North Pole to visit Santa Claus’ house where it is always Christmas, and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. This afternoon, we enjoy a cruise on the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler and experience the thrill of river travel.
Overnight Fairbanks, AK – no meals included

Day 3 – Transportation from Fairbanks, AK to Denali National Park, AK
This morning we will board our vehicle for a scenic transfer south to Denali National Park. Upon arrival into Denali we will have the remainder of the day at our leisure in a beautiful tranquil spot, in the heart of Alaska.
Overnight Denali National Park, AK – no meals included

Day 4 – Full day Tundra Wilderness & Wildlife Tour in Denali National Park, AK 
Today we will experience the wonders of Denali National Park on our 6 – 8 hour journey and tour. Traveling along the park road deep in Denali National Park, we may encounter moose, Dall sheep, caribou, grizzly bear, the state bird - the Willow Ptarmigan or others. Your Driver / Naturalist will point out sights, describe the flora and fauna in the area, and discuss park activities like climbing Mt. McKinley. This full day tour includes a snack box meal & drink.
Overnight Denali, AK – box lunch included

Day 5 – Train from Denali National Park to Anchorage, AK
After a leisurely morning, we leave the hotel mid morning today for our journey back to Anchorage. We will be transferred to the Denali Rail Depot where we will board a deluxe dome railcar for a scenic train ride south to Anchorage (10:15AM – 5:30PM).  This afternoon your fellow cruise passengers will arrive who are taking the cruise only option.
Overnight Anchorage, AK – no meals included

Day 6 - Transfer from Anchorage to Seward, board Radiance of the Seas and Set Sail 8pm
Seward is perched on a peninsula where the ice age has had lasting power. Where ocean and mountains meet, the frosty waters and rugged coast of Resurrection Bay sustain birds, sea mammals and other marine life. 
As we journey south towards Seward we stop just outside of Portage Glacier for lunch. The scenic journey to Seward will take around 3 hours by bus with the opportunity for picture stops. Watch for Dahl Sheep and Beluga Whales...we will then arrive at the Port of Seward and Cruise Ship Terminal and it’s time to board our magnificent floating resort.  Reservations have been made for Dinner in the main Dining Room at 5.30pm each evening.

Day 7 - Cruising: Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) - ARRIVES 3:00 PM DEPARTS 5:00 PM
At 3pm we arrive at the Hubbard Glacier and dependent on the ice flow, the ship gets pretty close to the face of this huge glacier. Hubbard Glacier is 76 miles long, 7 miles wide and 350 feet above the water line where it meets the bay. Watch as massive chunks of ice crash into the bay, a process known as calving that the Tlingit people call "White Thunder."

Day 8 - Port of Call: Juneau, Alaska - ARRIVES 9:00 AM DEPARTS 9:00 PM (DOCKED)
This morning, we arrive in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Juneau was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaskan Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby. Surrounded by fjords, forest and snow-capped mountains, Juneau is one gorgeous state capital. Its historic downtown harkens back to its gold-rush origins and you can still pan for gold. But nature is the priceless treasure.

Day 9 - Port of Call: Skagway, Alaska - ARRIVES 7:00 AM DEPARTS 8:30 PM (DOCKED)
The great Klondike Rush lives on in Skagway’s charming downtown of restored 19th-century buildings and its historic railway. From the vintage train, admire the mountains and see the 1898 trail that fortune seekers traveled on foot. When gold was discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon Territory, (just across the border from Alaska), it resulted in the historic Gold Rush of 1898. As thousands of gold-crazed adventurers sought the best jumping-off spot for their arduous trek, they found the deepest penetration by boat was at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. That is how Skagway was born.

Day 10 - Port of Call: Icy Strait Point, Alaska - ARRIVES 6:30 AM DEPARTS 3:00 PM (DOCKED)
The Huna Tlingit welcome visitors to Chichagof Island, where you can experience their rich culture, unspoiled wilderness and the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Inside the 1912 cannery complex visit the free museum. 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 11 - Port of Call: Ketchikan, Alaska - ARRIVES 9:00 AM DEPARTS 6:00 PM (DOCKED)
Ketchikan is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, whose landscapes and dramatic seascapes can only be reached by plane or boat. The Salmon Capital is a hub for sports fishing and home to a collection of totem poles. Ketchikan originated as an Indian fish saltery, but the town's growth began when it became a supply base and entry port for miners during the 1898 gold rush to the Klondike. Much of the town's colorful past is still in evident, especially in the nearby Indian villages where you'll see colorfully carved totem poles and hear the fascinating legends that surround them.

Day 12 - Cruising: Inside Passage
A full day at sea cruising the Inside passage…The Inside Passage embodies the best of Alaska's pristine nature and rugged beauty. The wildlife, rainforest shrouded in mist and magnificent fjords are among the many photo ops.

Day 13 - Port of Arrival: Vancouver, British Columbia - ARRIVES 7:00 AM
This morning, we arrive in Vancouver where we will say good-bye to our floating Five Star Resort. During the cruise you will be given instructions about how we get off the ship, transfer to Vancouver & meet our transportation for the journey back home.

Pricing

$5,995 per person based on double occupancy of an Inside Stateroom

$6,495 per person based on double occupancy of an Oceanview Stateroom

$6,995 per person based on double occupancy of an Oceanview with Private Balcony Stateroom

Weather averages

Itinerary at a Glance

Starts: Sunday August 25th 2019
Ends: Friday September 6th 2019

    

What's Included

• Flight from Rapid City to Fairbanks, AK
• All transfers
• 2 Overnights in Fairbanks
• 2 Overnights in Denali National Park
• Full Day Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
• Box Lunch in Denali National Park
• Scenic Train Journey from Denali to Anchorage
• Overnight Anchorage, AK
• 7 night southbound Inside Passage Cruise
• Cruise Gratuities for Stateroom Attendant
• Cruise Gratuities for Dining Room Staff
• All main meals and entertainment aboard ship
• Four Ports of Call
• All entrance fees, baggage handling and taxes
• Return flight to Rapid City from either Vancouver or Seattle (transfers included)
• Airline baggage fees paid (1 suitcase per person, up to 50lbs)
• Fully escorted

Pricing

• Price: from $5,995pp (double occupancy & see Stateroom Choices)
• Single Supplement: Call for pricing

Tour Brochure

• Itinerary (PDF)

How to Book

• Deposit of $1,000pp due at time of booking
• February 15th 2025 - further $750pp due
• May 2nd 2025 - Final Balance due 
• Booking Form

What You'll Need

• A camera is a must
• Binoculars would be a great idea
• Warm clothing
• Passports are required for this tour (note a Passport Card WILL NOT be sufficient, full Passport is required)