Alaska's Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture (Northbound) (Tour code: 12205)

MS Roald Amundsen is a state-of-the-art vessel featuring new environmentally sustainable hybrid technology and that offers premium expedition comfort.

The stunning scenery is reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool are used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside cabins, of which 50% have private balconies, and aft suites feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

One of the most eye-catching exterior design features is the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. It is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch for wildlife with your binoculars.

The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

Polar Outside Cabin | Credit: Agurtxane Concellon / Hurtigruten

Your adventure begins in the beautiful city of Vancouver at the foot of the Rockies, where you'll spend the night before your expedition cruise. Vancouver has a flavour all its own – and so does its global cuisine. Chinatown, Punjabi Market and Little Italy are all waiting to tempt your tastebuds. Visit Gastown, the city's oldest neighbourhood, and climb Vancouver Lookout for a citywide panorama overlooking neon-lit Granville Street, West End beaches and the towering cedars of Stanley Park. 

Overnight in Vancouver at the Sheraton Wall Centre

Vancouver | Credit: Destination BC

After an enjoyable breakfast at your hotel, you'll go on a city tour showcasing the main highlights of fabulous Vancouver.

When the tour is over, you’ll be dropped at the pier where your expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen awaits you. Settle in and take your time to get to know the ship, before listening to the safety briefing. 

Your knowledgeable Expedition Team will lead the way on excursions and landings. Get to know them and sit down to enjoy a welcome dinner — your grand Alaska adventure is now underway.   

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

MS Roald Amundsen | Credit: Karsten Bidstrup Hurtigruten

The Inside Passage coastal route takes you through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long. Unlike other cruises which pass through at night, you’ll be able to view the sublime scenery in all its glory during the day.   

The smaller expedition ship allows us to reach areas that larger vessels can’t, meaning you’ll get to explore lesser-travelled channels with breathtaking scenery. Keep your cameras and binoculars at the ready to catch sight of whales, including humpback, fin, minke and perhaps even orca.  

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​.

MS Roald Amundsen | Credit: Andrea Klaussner Hurtigruten

Part of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreens, waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. The revered naturalist writer John Muir described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.  

Weather permitting, you'll join the Expedition Team to tour Misty Fjords in small expedition boats or take kayaks out. 

Misty Fjords is rich in wildlife. You’ll scan for mountain goats, black and brown bears and moose as you explore. The waters are home to Pacific salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Skywards, you might spot herons and Bald Eagles. 

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​.

Misty Fjords | Credit: Travel Alaska

Continue cruising the Alaskan islands towards Wrangell. Only a mile out of town, Petroglyph Beach is where you'll see ancient rock carvings among the sand. 

Visit the local museum to learn more about Wrangell's fascinating past. Now part of the United States, it was once governed by Britain, Russia and the Tlingit people. Cross to Shakes Island, where the Chief Shakes Tribal House and totem poles tell the story of the Indigenous Tlingit people.  

Hikers will enjoy the nature trails, surrounded by alluring scenery at the mouth of Stikine River, and the foot of Mount Dewey at the edge of the rainforest.  

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

Wrangell | Credit: Ashton Ray Hansen Hurtigruten

Explore Alaska in true expedition style on today’s exploration day in this magical corner of the Inside Passage.

Conditions permitting, you’ll head out in small expedition boats to discover secluded coves, iceberg-filled bays, and thickly forested shorelines. Keep an eye out for some of Alaska’s iconic wildlife, including bald eagles, pigeon guillemots, otters, whales, and, if you’re lucky, even bears.

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

MS Roald Amundsen | Credit: Hurtigruten Expeditions / Oscar Farrera

Holkham Bay has two arms – Tracy and Endicott – beautiful fjords that are out of reach for larger cruise ships. Your captain will decide which offers better exploration options on the day, but don't worry, both are equally special. At the end of each fjord, fresh icebergs calve from the glaciers against a stunning backdrop of forested cliffs. Endicott Arm is a breeding ground for harbour seals, often seen on the floating ice. You might also see whales, bears, mountain goats and moose. Get wildlife tips from our onboard photographer before we head out on expedition boats to get closer to these unique sights.

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

Tracy Arm | Credit: Matt Hage Travel Alaska

Near the head of the Lynn Canal lies the frontier town of Haines, which was originally home to the Chilkat Tlingit people. They are renowned for their weaving skills, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark woven into intricate designs, and here, you’ll see excellent examples of their work. 

Haines has a flourishing art scene, with galleries and workshops showcasing totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures. Taking home some Alaskan arts and crafts is a great way to support local creators. The beautiful landscapes here are also ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin

Haines | Credit: Hurtigruten / Oscar Farrera

Explore ancient forests, wildlife, and whales on this day. At William Henry Bay on the edge of the Chilkat mountain range local guides will lead you through the old-growth forest. They’ll keep you safe as you watch for brown and black bears, black-tailed deer and moose.

Back in the comfort of the ship, we’ll get going again as we cruise towards Sitka. Keep an eye out for humpbacks as you pass Point Adolphus on Chichagof Island — it’s known as one of the best places for whale sightings in North America. 

​Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

William Henry Bay | Credit: Hurtigruten

Surrounded by Tongass National Forest, Sitka is only accessible by sea and air. Get out on deck for stunning views of the Sisters Mountains and Mount Edgecumbe Volcano.

Discover Sitka's fascinating history with Expedition Team. Inhabited by the Tlingit for 10,000 years, it was occupied by Russia in 1804, before being sold to America after the Crimean War. Today, Sitka blends all three cultures.

Visit the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Russian Bishop's House. Sitka National Historic Park is a real highlight, where you'll see ornate Haida and Tlingit totem poles. Or enjoy a walking trail through the forest to the ocean.

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

Sitka | Credit: Jonathan Tramontana Hurtigruten

Today is an exploration day in Icy Bay. Three glaciers – Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall – regularly calve into this bay. If conditions allow, you’ll explore in small expedition boats or by kayak, immersing you in the remarkable beauty of this icy landscape.  

Wildlife abounds in the Gulf of Alaska, offering unrivalled photography opportunities. Humpback whales, orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and harbour seals lazing on floating chunks of ice are often seen in these waters. 

​Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

Credit: Hurtigruten

Sitting in the Chugach National Forest and only accessible by boat or plane, remote Cordova has retained its tradition small-town authenticity, and its friendly residents will welcome you as you explore the salmon fishing town. You'll be in awe of its spectacular setting between Orca Inlet, Hawkins Island, Mount Eccles, Eyak Lake and the Copper River Delta.

In 1989, Cordova was probably best known for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Today, after major clean up efforts, its coastline has mostly recovered, and you'll be able to see wildlife like sea otters, eagles, tundra swans, beavers, moose and bears.

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

Cordova | Credit: Jonathan Tramontana Hurtigruten

Today, visit College Fjord, which features five tidewater glaciers and five valley glaciers, as well as a dozen other types.  

The 1899 Harriman expedition team, which charted the fjord, named the glaciers after their alma maters, including Vassar, Harvard and Yale. Princeton is missing, apparently a deliberate snub.  

Get as close to the glaciers as we safely can, taking small expedition boats into the fjord or even exploring by kayak if conditions permit. From the water, you might catch sight of humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and sea lions, all of which inhabit this icy wilderness. 

Overnight stay onboard in a Polar Outside Cabin​

Credit: Hurtigruten

Your expedition cruise ends in Seward, the only deep-water, ice-free port with road, rail and air connections to Alaska’s interior. Keep your eyes open as you cruise into Resurrection Bay as the area is known for its population of beluga whales.