Windstar’s just-announced pre-and post-cruise Alaska land tours are available to be added to many of Windstar’s Alaska sailings in 2018. The five-day (four night) journey from Seward to Fairbanks, and the reverse, will captivate guests with the unspoiled beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
If beginning in Seward, a Windstar guide will greet travelers after they disembark and then journey to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Time will be spent exploring the Anchorage Museum before continuing onward for an overnight in the hidden gem of Talkeetna, a unique Alaskan aviation, mining, and climbing town.
On day two, the voyage continues via rail with a guided tour into Denali National Park and includes a fun musical dining experience and an orientation about the park, prepping all on the big adventure that awaits them the next day.
Day three will delve into the magnificence of Denali with a roughly seven-hour tour, encompassing the park’s history and catching glimpses of a few local friends like caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. On day four, guests will board a motor coach to Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart. Here, highlights include a cruise down the Chena River, taking in the history of this pioneering community and a farewell dinner that captures the frontier spirit.
Adventures Never End with Exceptional Shore Excursions, Tailored for Skilled Travelers
Guests can create the ultimate Alaskan adventure, Windstar has crafted a new collection of unparalleled shore excursions highlighting the very best that Alaska has to offer. Travelers are able to choose from the following highlights, amongst a plethora of other exclusive outings.
Kroschel Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary near Haines sprawls over 60 acres and will provide incredible photo opportunities of orphaned Alaskan animals living in their natural habitat. The venue is overseen by caregiver Steve Kroschel, a real life Alaskan Dr. Doolittle. Kroschel was born and raised on a farm in Northern Minnesota and has worked with wild animals since childhood in a variety of ways, including producing his own wildlife documentaries and working on films for Disney and National Geographic.
Taku Lodge Feast & 5 Glacier Seaplane: For those looking for an authentic, one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience, the seaplane-only-access to Alaska’s famous Taku Glacier combines true wilderness with glacier-view dining. From Juneau, a classic DeHavilland seaplane will ascend over five breathtaking glaciers surrounded by the majestic Tongass National Forest and land on the Taku River at the elegantly rustic and historic Taku Lodge where travelers will savor a menu of fresh and homemade local fare. All participants get to enjoy a window seat and headset for continuous narration.
Fishing the Inside Passage: This scenic outing in Wrangell offers a chance to catch a variety of fish from halibut to salmon in the abundant waters of the Pacific along the famed Inside Passage of Alaska. A quick boat ride ensures that the most time is actually spent fishing rather than just getting there. With “captain’s choice”-style fishing there is also a higher likelihood of catching a specific species for that given day. To top it all off, any catch can be professionally processed and shipped home for an additional fee.
Windstar announced its plans to return to Alaska after being away from the region for more than two decades. The inaugural 2018 sailing in the region begins in May aboard the 212-passenger, all-suite Star Legend, with the sailing season continuing through September 10. The itineraries include less-visited ports like Metlakatla and Wrangell, as well as feature longer 14-day cruises to slow down and truly enjoy scenic cruising amongst the glaciers, including Tracy Arm and Misty Fjord.
