Planning an alaska cruise vacation can be complicated especially if you are a first time cruiser. Best time to see whales in alaska alaska whale watching. Board a rigidhull inflatable boat for a 20minute ride out to a secluded island. The dead whale was removed after the cruise ship docked in ketchikan on wednesday morning, and towed to a nearby beach for necropsy. Whale watching aboard small ship cruises in alaska. Humpback whale discovered on bow of cruise ship as it arrives. From juneau to kodiak, these whale watching areas are popular among tourist and residents alike. Whale watching cruise with kenai fjords tours in seward alaska. Travelers are bound to view whales aboard just about any small ship cruise in alaska and whale watching is a big part of any cruise experience. The 10 best alaska whale watching tours book alaskan excursions.
Last year, the same ship was discovered to have a dead fin. Alaska whale watching tours whalewatching in alaska page 2. After the whale was reported, investigators from noaa and members of the alaska marine mammal stranding network and alaska sealife. Cruise along the giant icebergs of the disco bay in greenland or through the magic. Your whale watching juneau adventure begins with convenient pickup near the cruise docks, followed by a 25minute drive through downtown juneau, with narration provided during the journey to introduce you to the sights of alaskas capital city and its rollicking history as a wild frontier mining town. Youll cruise the same waters as tlingit natives did centuries ago and sail through icefields from which norwegian immigrants gathered glacier ice to preserve. We specialize in the finest juneau whale watching and hiking shore excursions and can arrange custom trips by land and sea for families or groups seeking private wilderness experiences. Cruising among some of the worlds largest mammals and observing their behavior is an experience like no other. It was our first time on a princess cruise and were. Alaska the best tips for whale watching in alaska whaletrips. Your experience will be indepth, authentic, genuine and personalized.
While seeing whales from your cruise ship is a very real possibility on your alaska cruise, the best way to ensure you spot some whale wildlife in action is to do a whale watching shore excursion in the ports of call that are near the migration paths the whales take each year and their main feeding zones in alaska. In july 2010 we were off on a 7day alaskan cruise aboard diamond princess. Enjoy cozy comforts on the highspeed catamaran and wander its outdoor decks as you come within 300 feet of massive tidewater glaciers. Visit alaska to enjoy a unique whale watching experience during your cruise. Whale watching in alaska via princess cruises youtube. Cruise ship arrives in seward with dead endangered whale draped. The grand princess, a 949foot ship in the princess cruises fleet, on. One of the biggest thrills for many alaska visitors is to see these giants of the sea. This trip was the best day we had by far on our alaska cruise. For a limited time in early summer, this cruise departs from seward in search of our favorite black and white marine mammal the orca. Feds investigate video of cruise ship in nearmiss with humpback. Cruise ship impales baby humpback whale in alaska abc news. The complete guide to the alaska cruise experience by anne vipond is also a recommended read.
Your guide to whale watching in alaska in 2020 scenic states. Multiple news sources are reporting that the grand princess operated by princess cruises struck a humpback whale two days ago. Quite often, a local operator offers tours, while the cruise ships are. Orca quest cruise in kenai fjords major marine tours. The whaleplanner august a whale watching infographic whaletrips. Step into alaska juneau whale watching tours and hiking. Whale watching for the cruise ship alaska forum tripadvisor. Whether you want to go whale watching for orcas, humpbacks, grays or beluga whales, most alaska whale watching tours are just an easy day cruise away. We dont want a large boat and want to hear from anyone that has taken one and who you used. Experience an allinclusive alaska small ship cruise through the inside passage. Juneau alaska cruise excursion and whale watching june 5, 2017 duration.
Witness the return of gray whales to alaska waters on their annual 10,000 mile migration. To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and. Isp is the most active whale watching port i have experienced in 15 visits to alaska. Here, you will board a mammalfriendly jet boat equipped with water jet drives to ensure a quiet underwater operation without dangerous propellers that may frighten or harm the animals. Aug 10, 2017 anchorage, alaska a cruise ship reached an alaska port with a surprise on its bow. This question just popped up for me after reading some of the other forums. Whale watching, bear viewing, kayaking and paddleboarding amongst icebergs, glacier viewing, fishing and many more exciting and.
Join major marine tours the local whale experts as we search for orcas, distinguishable by their stately dorsal fins and fascinating social behaviors. This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in juneau. So after months of planning, the birthday cruise was finally booked. While you will see humpies from a cruise ship, booking a whale watching excursion in juneau or icy strait point will get you much, much closer. The best alaska cruise is one that is customized based upon what you and your family want to do. Whale sale alaska whale watching carnival cruise line. Whale song cruises set sail with a 40year alaska resident. Best places to see whales in alaska and where to see whales in alaska is answered in full. You can book these ahead of time through the cruise line or directly through companies like juneau whale watch. Jan 6, 20 whales that breed and birth in warm climates like hawaii and mexico come to alaska to feed in our nutrient rich waters. Whale watching cruises in anchorage, alaska usa today. I saw 14 separate whale breeching episodes during my halsponsored excursion. From the mighty caribou and the grizzly bears to humpback whale and seals. Alaska whale watching tours whalewatching in alaska.
Grab it and get up here because alaska is a natural wonder through and through, and the coastal panhandle region carnival sails to is perhaps the most stunning. An alaska cruise vacation will get you front and center to see humpback whales, orcas also known as killer whales, gray whales, and blue whales. Dead whale found pinned to alaska cruise ship reuters. Alaskan wildlife and whale watching trip disney cruise line.
Easily recognized by their tall black tails, orcas are seen throughout the alaska cruise area. Browse alaskan cruise itineraries for the best way to see the most of the last frontier. Our cruises into kenai fjords national park offer some of the best whale watching opportunities in alaska. Apart from classic whale watching tours, there is also a range of multidaytrips and cruises. Find custom cruises to alaska departing from the pacific northwest that offer whale and wildlife watching, sport fishing, scenic excursions, gourmet cuisine and more all from the comfort of a luxurious cabin and spacious viewing decks. Its easy to book a whale watch excursion from juneau but theres a lot more you can do in the area. Aug 10, 2017 a cruise ship reached an alaskan port with a surprise on its bow. Based in anchorage, the alaska tours company offers three, fullday whale watching cruises that last from six to nine hours. One of the most unique experiences that alaska cruisers can look forward to is whale watching. Alaska cruises alaskan cruise deals carnival cruise line. Under federal law, vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from humpback whales in alaska.
Alaskan whales winter makin whoopee in hawaii pretty smart and summer havin babies and eating tons of fresh seafood in alaska. Whale watching in alaska is special since you can meet different species of whales here. Your whale watching juneau adventure begins with convenient pickup near the cruise docks, followed by a 25minute drive through downtown juneau, with narration provided during the journey to introduce you to the sights of alaska s capital city and its rollicking history as a wild frontier mining town. Whether you decide to book a shore excursion or do some whale watching from the deck of the cruise ship, make sure to bring a pair of binoculars to get a glimpse of the wildlife at further distances on your alaska cruise. How did a dead whale get stuck to the bow of this cruise ship. The jawdropping scenery, fun shore excursions, and onboard luxury make for a truly unique travel experience. Step into alaska with one of these dedicated and knowledgeable local guides. Alaskan whale watching and glacier tour disney cruise line.
See more ideas about whale, alaska and sea creatures. Grand princess strikes humpback whale in alaska cruise. Whale found dead on princess cruise ship bow in alaska. If you are heading out on an alaska cruise check out a few of our other great alaska cruise articles. Whale watching boat in juneau alaska cruise critic. Your whale watching cruise adventure begins with a short drive to a scenic harbor. Line cruise ship narrowly missing a pod of humpback whales while on its way to juneau. Alaska cruises will do it with quaint seaside towns like ketchikan and skagway, and with stunning harbor vistas like juneaus.
To obtain access, go to the maplify website and sign up to set up an account. It was about a 2030 minute boat ride to the west side of admiralty island where six other whale watching boats were hovering. Alaska whale small ship cruise northwest navigation co. Princess cruises vessel sailing through southeast alaska s inside passage hit a whale that was lodged on the bow. Best port for whale watching juneau, skag, ketchikan. Whale watching and wildlife tours seeing humpback whales, killer whales, bald eagles, blue heron, eagle nests, salmon jumping, dall porpoise, light houses, bears, harbor porpoise, sea gulls, surf scoters, oyster catchers, harlequin ducks, harbor seals and steller sea lions just to name a fewlocated in juneau, alaska, usa. Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, orcas, belugasall of them inhabit the waters around the state. Will be on a holland cruise next summer and want to book a whale excursion. It was the third whale incident involving a princess cruises ship since 2001. From the mighty caribou and the grizzly bears to humpback whale and seals, theres a good chance youll be close to more than one type of wildlife when you visit alaska. In alaska, cruise ships and state ferries can set up a maplify account to view whale sightings online via whale alert. The humpback whale is one of the worlds most endangered species of whales.
The grand princess, a 290metre ship in the princess cruises fleet, pulled into ketchikan with. Cruise passengers watch as majestic whales breach the surface of the pristine waters of alaskas inside passage near. From midmay through midjune, orca whales frequent the waters outside of seward in search of food. When you do, keep an eye out for spot, and tell him i said hi. Cruise ships and alaska ferries can use maplify and whale alert to select areas along their routes green boxes to get notifications about. Join us as we welcome back marine biologist, educator, and killer whale researcher, josh mcinnes for an exciting cruise where well explore the ecology of southeast alaskas marine life. Upon arrival, you will meet your whale watching cruise excursion captain and staff who will welcome you aboard and give you a quick safety orientation. Alaska gray whale watching cruise major marine tours. The itinerary features many icescapes, including the famed leconte glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier in north america, as well as baird glacier, sawyer glacier and south sawyer glacier. There are many considerations to take into account when choosing a trip like this. Whale watching on an alaska cruise is nothing short of spectacular, and not just because of the magnificent wildlife.
The best way to cruise alaska just got better with five ships now cruising alaska, you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the onboard experience thats right for you. The best place to look for them are in western johnstone strait, where they seem to congregate to feed on salmon in the summer, and lynn canal, between juneau and skagway. For my motherinlaws 60th birthday she had dreamed about a family cruise to alaska. You technically can spot whales from different shorelines and cruise points, but the only way you can guarantee that you actually get to spot whales in alaska is to go on a whale watching boat tour is morning or afternoon better for whale watching. Whales, salmon and glacier trekking in juneau, alaska. Thrill seekers will jump for joy at our twolevel race track and laser tag. This halfday whalewatching cruisethe only orcafocused cruise in sewardtakes you into resurrection bay and kenai fjords national park. The dead whale was discovered lodged on the cruise ships bulbous bow upon entering the port in ketchikan, alaska. Keep your eyes open as the whales breech right near the cruise pier. Read this before planning your whale watching tour in alaska. The 10 best alaska whale watching tours book alaskan.
Join us for our first tour of the season as we cruise through resurrection bay to the gulf of alaska in search of our returning visitors. Aug 11, 2017 humpback whale discovered on bow of cruise ship as it arrives in alaska port by jessica hathaway august 11, 2017 noaas office of law enforcement is investigating the death of a humpback whale that arrived in ketchikan, alaska, on wednesday, aug. Alaska whale watching cruise discusses whale watching as being one of those unforgettable alaskan experiences. View more articles from sojourner join inspiration on an exceptional alaska cruise. Youll spend, as i did, about two hours whale watching and 45 minutes to an hour at mendenhall glacier.
The inside passage is where norwegians cruise ships make their way to various destinations, like ketchikan, juneau, and skagway, and its also a zone thats primed for observing whales in the wild. Auke bay, with its pristine marine habitat and dazzling mountain and glacier views, is the ideal place to commence your wildlife cruise. Knowing this, my husband and i had to make it happen. Whale watching and wildlife quest is a disney cruise line port adventure in juneau, alaska featuring whale watching and sightseeing from a catamaran. Weave through a series of small islands with massive cliffs that rise hundreds of feet out of the ocean, check out active bald eagle nests and look for sea lions and seabird rookeries along the way. The best time to see these majestic marine mammals is from june until august. Jun 24, 2015 6 of the best cruises for whale watching photo courtesy of thinkstock during the spring and summer months, many species of whales make the northern waters in alaska, the arctic, canada, and new england their homes. If you find yourself on an alaska cruise, i highly recommend a whale watch. The where and when of the best time to see whales in alaska. Witness the amazing annual migration of california gray whales, traveling 5,000 miles to kenai fjords national park, alaska. We are planning on cruising the inside passage with one day spent on the cruise ship in glacier bay in late july.
In addition, pack a good camera for capturing stunning photos and videos as well. What type of whale youll see depends on what region of alaska youre sailing through, while. This tour combines a thrilling whale watching cruise with a relaxing alaska salmon bake for the best of picturesque juneau. Our list of frequently asked cruise questions should help you address many aspects of your alaska cruise vacation. Theyre known to surface and breech throughout the inside passage, prince william sound and glacier bay, and are able to stay underwater for up to 30 minutes.
Because small ship overnight cruises usually spend a week or more in the alaskan wilderness your chances of seeing. Rather than following a set route, your seasoned captain navigates the boat to orca hot spots of the day. Do you have to get on a boat cruise or smaller tour boat to see the whales. Browse alaskan cruise itineraries for the best way to. Alaska whale watching in kenai fjords major marine tours. Phillips 26 glacier cruise, out of whittier, will take you to 26 different glaciers in just 5 hours. Then the van took us to auke bay harbor to board the whale watching boat. Watching for alaska wildlife on vacation princess cruises. Set sail with a 40year alaska resident who is anxious to introduce whale song cruise guests to the spectacular sights of what many say is the most beautiful part of southeast alaska. Consider wearing lightweight or fingerless gloves to more easily access your cameras functions while whale watching in alaska. The best time to go to alaska for whale watching is between the months of april through september. Apr 16, 2008 whales come up to alaskan cruise ship racebest00. Unlike whale watching in the open ocean, the waters of juneau alaska are more restricted, which brings the whales closer together.
Booking a tour with alaska shore excursions has a 100% guaranteed whale sightings or they will give a full refund for the whale watching portion of the tour. You will savor wild alaska salmon amidst amazing scenery at the gold creek salmon bake. Apr 15, 2020 i meant whale wathcing from the cruise ship. While out on the water, there is no doubt that youll see humpback whales this is the time of year they travel to alaska to feed on thousands of pounds of krill a day. Best alaska whale watching tours alaska shore excursions. When you are whale watching aboard your alaska small ship cruise, keep your eyes open, and you will likely get the delight of seeing a dall porpoise playing nearby. Whale watching and wildlife tours juneau 2020 all you. Whale watching in alaska is fun, accessible andexciting. You can enjoy marine wildlife with whale watching from seward in kenai fjords national park. Juneau exclusive whale watching excursion juneau excursions. Jun 24, 2010 join me on a shore excursion with gastineau guides. Whale watching imagine viewing humpback whales as they rigorously bubble net feed by propelling their 40 to 50 foot bodies completely out of the water and then slamming back down to excite and confuse the fish they are feeding on.
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