Alaska cruise, Canadian cities and Rockies from just A$4129 out of Sydney or Melbourne
Alaska’s Inside Passage, a scenically dramatic expanse of cliff-rimmed fjords and forested islands, is one of the world’s must-see destinations. Little villages are set against giant glaciers and mountain peaks in a region rich in wildlife and set in pristine waters.
Cruiseaway is offering an affordable way to explore this amazing region in comfort and style aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s sleek Norwegian Jewel. A seven-night Inside Passage scenic roundtrip cruise from Seattle aboard this four-star ship is part of a 17-day fly-cruise-stay holiday called ‘Glaciers, Rail & Whales’.
‘Glaciers, Rail & Whales’ includes flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Seattle and return from Vancouver. There’s a Rocky Mountaineer ‘Sea to Sky’ rail journey from Vancouver to Whistler, one of Canada’s great rail trips, taking in the magnificent scenery of Howe Sound and British Columbia’s Coast Mountains.
Plus a night’s accommodation in Seattle, a two-night stay the Hilton Whistler resort, two-nights in a centrally located three-star hotel in downtown Vancouver, a whale-watch tour and a scenic floatplane ride between Whistler and the city of Victoria. The holiday also includes a two-night stay at the Inn at Laurel Point in stately, English-style Victoria and a tour to the famous Butchart Gardens.
Prices for all that start from A$4129 per person twin-share. ‘Glaciers, Rail & Whales’ is valid for sale at that rate until 2 May 2012. Departures from Australia take place on 25 May 2012 and again on 1 June 2012.
The holiday starts with a flight from Sydney to Seattle, with an overnight in a Seattle hotel before boarding Norwegian Jewel for the cruise. With its mild, maritime climate, Alaska’s Inside Passage is prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoise and whales. Highlights include the historic town of Juneau at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the Klondike gold-rush settlement of Skagway and Ketchikan with its totem poles.
The scenery is great and so is the ship. Norwegian Jewel is a giant floating luxury resort with swimming pools, hot tubs, a health spa, casino, 12 different restaurants, 24-hour room service and 11 bars and lounges. All shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included in the price, as is onboard entertainment. Ship’s gratuities are covered as well so you can forget about tipping while aboard.
Then, take a grand train journey to Whistler, cool and beautiful, where two nights give plenty of time to explore. Free entry is included to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which focuses on two local indigenous nations, the Squamish and the Lil’wat.
Other highlights include two nights in Vancouver, consistently rated as one of the world’s best and most livable cities. Not to forget another two nights in Victoria on Vancouver Island, with its own mild microclimate, lively microbreweries. A tour of Butchart Gardens, famed throughout North America, is included.
At the end of a great holiday, head back to Vancouver to spend the second of your two nights there before flying home to Australia.
For details, contact: Cruiseaway 1300 887 590 www.cruiseaway.com.au
