Ventures by Seabourn: Catamaran Glacier Exploration
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Port
Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm
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Activity Level
Easy Activity
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Excursion Type
All,83
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$350
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Exciting, exhilarating, memorable -- welcome to Expedition Experiences by Seabourn. Zodiac, kayaking, catamaran or hiking activities enable you to experience the wonders of nature up close; in-depth cultural, ethnographic and archaeological discoveries connect you to the human and natural history of Seabourn's world. Each Expedition is expertly planned, professionally operated, and escorted by skilled expedition staff.
Travel in comfort aboard a deluxe expedition vessel to visit Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm Fjord (captain's choice on the day).
Your ship glides to a brief stop in the Inside Passage, allowing you to board the catamaran right from the ship. The smaller craft is specially designed to provide the closest possible views of the many wonders you'll discover on this majestic, 35-mile fjord adventure.
Enjoy complimentary Alaska-inspired hors d'oeuvres as well as a choice of and beverages including beer, wine, coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, sodas and bottled water. Additional snacks, cocktails, and souvenirs are available for purchase at the onboard galley gift shop.
In the ice-carved wonderland of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, you will trace the base of cliffs that rise abruptly 4,000-feet above the jade-colored sea. The on-board naturalist provides a wealth of information about the area and the fjord itself. Spend as much time as possible out on deck, where enchanting full sunlight or eerie mist makes the scenery dramatic and memorable whatever the weather. The captain guides the vessel up to a plunging waterfall and makes frequent stops for you to view wildlife -- keep an eye out for bald eagles, harbor seals, mountain goats and bears.
The catamaran's extraordinary maneuverability gets you close to the majestic Sawyer Glacier (Tracy Arm) or Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm). Gleaming blue icebergs dot the typically calm waters of Holkham Bay. There are giants among them -- stark sentinels of the entrance to the inlet you'll travel -- as well as the smaller 'bergie bits'. You'll cruise slowly past groups of seals resting atop icebergs as you approach the face of the spectacular glacier. Listen for the snap and pop of this river of ice inching its way down the valley, and for the 'white thunder' that marks the demise of an immense spire of ice as it breaks off from the glacier and crashes into the sea, to become a mortal iceberg.
After an extended drift near the glacier's face, the catamaran will maneuver back into open water to pull alongside your waiting ship, so you can step back aboard and continue with your cruise.
Please note: The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. Guests must be able to take a few unassisted steps onboard. Strollers and walkers are not allowed on the gangway. Very little walking is required; however, participants must be able to negotiate transit of a narrow, moderately steep gangway (with only minor assistance) to embark the tour vessel. It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing in order to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion. Outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. The vessel features an outside viewing deck, a comfortable inside heated cabin with large panoramic windows, and restrooms.