Explora Journeys Debuts Its First Alaska Shore Excursions
Alaska is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places to visit on a cruise, and Explora Journeys is preparing to wow its guests in The Last Frontier with an impressive lineup of shore excursions.
Next summer, Explora Journeys’ upcoming ship Explora III will operate the line’s first-ever season in Alaska. Summer is one of the best times to visit the region, when the wildlife is most active and the landscape is most vivid. Sailing from May to September 2027, Explora’s inaugural Alaskan Journeys Collection has been designed for travelers who want to explore the state’s grandeur at a leisurely pace. Excursions fall into four themes that encompass Alaska’s dramatic marine landscapes and its rugged, beautiful interior.
Where Ice Becomes Emotion
Between glaciers and horizons, visitors will discover the frozen landscapes of the Alaskan coast:
- Juneau: A helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield will lead to an exploration of Mendenhall Glacier
- Hubbard Glacier: A catamaran will bring visitors close to North America’s largest tidewater glacier, where they might be able to spot calving ice
- Wrangell: A jet boat skimming the water towards LeConte Glacier Bay or Shakes Glacier will allow passengers to spot harbor seals, eagles, and icy glacial landscapes
Wildlife as Nature Intended
Unscripted encounters with the region’s native species will include:
- Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island): Visitors can spot black bears fishing for salmon after a floatplane journey and short hike deep into the Tongass National Forest, or from elevated platforms reached via rainforest trails at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary’s Herring Cove
- Prince Rupert (Kaien Island): A late-season whale-watching adventure offers the chance to see humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and coastal birds
- Juneau: Marine wildlife watching is combined with a guided rainforest hike through Tongass National Forest towards Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
Blue Wrapped in Green
Elemental landscapes where fjords and rivers meet wild, green wilderness:
- Wrangell: A boat journey along the Stikine River reveals forests, waterfalls, cliffs and wildlife, enriched by the direction of local guides and refreshments
- Seward: Explore one of Alaska’s most striking coastal landscapes by boat, gliding beneath towering mountains and towards tidewater glaciers
Connections to Stories of Land & Sea
Deep insight into the traditions, histories, and communities of the region are provided:
- Prince Rupert (Kaien Island): In the Great Bear Rainforest, travelers are welcomed by the Kitsumkalum community with stories, drumming, and dance before enjoying a unique nomadic gastronomy experience
- Skagway: A vintage rail journey retraces the historic route to White Pass Summit, passing waterfalls, tunnels, and landmarks connected to the Klondike Gold Rush
