For those with a spirit for adventure, Alaska represents one of the last frontiers in travel. The frozen expanse of this inspiring landscape delivers some spectacular insights into the power of Nature. Of course, it’s simply not feasible for most people to strap on the snowshoes, saddle up the huskies and set off under their own steam, but exploring the waterfalls, fjords, glaciers and icebergs from the comfort of a luxury Alaska cruise is something everyone can enjoy. And should.
The Safari Endeavour: Embark on a Stylish Adventure
One of the most comprehensive and luxurious Alaska cruise options is aboard the specialised vessel, the Safari Endeavour. For those who enjoy the finer accoutrements of travel, it’s proof you don’t need to check your penchant for the good life at the door. Passenger ships don’t come better equipped than this, with its spacious cabins, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, ambient common areas, on-deck hot tubs and subdued, elegant décor. It truly is like a floating hotel.
Highlights of Your Alaska Cruise
As the Safari Endeavour cuts its way through the glorious unspoilt wilderness, every new day on the itinerary brings a kaleidoscope of unfettered beauty.
Voyage Through an Ice Passage
On the first day you’ll cruise through Stephen’s Passage, a natural ice corridor with waters as deep as 300 metres, carved by time and the elements during the last ice age. Rising up on either side, the surrounding mountains provide a haven for countless sea birds, and chances are high you’ll encounter pods of magnificent humpback whales cavorting in the icy waters. Cameras at the ready!
Into the Glacier at Baird’s Moraine
It’s not all about viewing the landscape from the deck, and you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and hike through the Baird’s glacier to explore its moraine – the glacial debris of gravel, gold, quartz, mud and larger rocks that are deposited as it melts. It’s an eerie experience to crunch the fragments of geological history underfoot in this most otherworldly of places, and one not forgotten in a hurry.
Witness the Retreat of LeConte Glacier
The LeConte tidewater glacier is renowned as one of the fastest retreating glaciers on the planet. Home to breeding colonies of seals, it’s a delightful treat to be able to observe them taking in some sun on the icebergs as you pass. The southernmost tidewater glacier in North America, the ice here extends as deep as 200 metres beneath the surface. One of the most indulgent and memorable joys of the experience aboard this wonderful vessel is to partake in a cocktail at sunset as you soak in a hot tub on the deck, with the splendour of the bay spread out before you.
Luxury Adventures on the Water
Discovering the heart and soul of a destination is not reserved for those who want to pare down, pack up and wander their way around the world. Through an experience like this one, it’s possible to achieve total immersion in a truly astounding natural environment while still enjoying the pleasures of luxury travel.
John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade he has been sending his clients on Alaska cruise itineraries, handcrafted by his award-winning team. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
This article is copyright free.