TBD 

We really outdid ourselves this time. Join PhotoFly on our inaugural adventure throughout the unmatched beauty of Alaska's land & sea. This Alaska Cruise-Tour blends the best of both worlds: five nights deep in the wild heart of Alaska, where mountains, forests, and wildlife reign, followed by an intimate 7-night small-ship journey past calving glaciers and into remote coves. Think whale watching, kayaking, and zodiac landings in spots the big ships never see!

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Part 1: The Wild Interior (5 Nights)

Ride the rails through the heart of Alaska, from the gold-rush heritage of Fairbanks to the wild landscapes of Denali and beyond. Watch for moose and grizzlies on a full-day park tour, with North America’s tallest peak looming on the horizon. Stop in quirky Talkeetna for flightseeing and small-town charm before continuing south to Anchorage. With glass-domed rail cars, glacier-capped mountains, and endless wilderness out your window, this trip is classic Alaska in motion.

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The Alaska Rail

Traveling by rail in Alaska is more than just getting from A to B—it’s part of the adventure. The tracks wind past glacier-fed rivers, towering peaks, and endless forests, all while you sit back and soak it in. Unlike driving, there’s no need to keep your eyes on the road, so wildlife sightings—think moose, caribou, even bears—are yours to savor. With onboard guides sharing local lore, the journey becomes a rolling introduction to Alaska’s vast and wild character.

Optional Dome Car Upgrade

For the ultimate Alaska rail experience, upgrade to a glass-domed rail car. Panoramic windows curve overhead, surrounding you with breathtaking views from every angle. Enjoy spacious seating, exclusive access to outdoor viewing platforms, and enhanced dining options that make the ride as memorable as the destinations themselves. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Alaska’s wild beauty in comfort and style.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is Alaska’s quirky northern hub, where frontier history meets Arctic adventure. Wander through the University of Alaska Museum of the North for a crash course in the state’s wildlife, art, and Indigenous cultures, then cruise the Chena River on a sternwheeler for a taste of gold-rush nostalgia. In summer, the midnight sun keeps the city buzzing, while winter brings aurora-lit skies and the thrill of dog sledding under the stars.

- Sternwheeler Adventure (optional): A day that blends gold-rush history, river adventure, and authentic cultural encounters

- Legendary Gold Dredge No. 8: Pan for treasure at this historic mining site near Fairbanks, where we can relive Alaska’s gold rush era. Tour the massive dredge, try your hand at gold panning, and uncover the stories of prospectors who once struck it rich in the "Interior".

- Discovery II Sternwheeler: Step aboard the Discovery II for a 3½-hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers—rated the top boat tour in North America.  This Sternwheeler is a classic riverboat powered by a giant paddlewheel at the back, once vital for hauling people and supplies along the state’s untamed rivers. Along the way, watch a bush pilot take off from a backcountry airstrip, hear stories from four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher, and witness the dramatic “wedding of the rivers” where the clear blue waters of the Chena meet the glacier-fed, silty Tanana—two rivers flowing side by side in a striking natural display.

- Visit Chena Indian Village: Here, Athabascan guides share their traditions and survival skills, offering a rare glimpse into Alaska’s Indigenous heritage passed down through generations.

- Alaska University Museum of the North (Optional):  Discover this treasure trove of Alaskan art, wildlife, and Indigenous culture. From towering totem poles to rare wildlife exhibits, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history and natural wonders.

Denali

Experience Alaska at its wildest, where towering peaks, sprawling tundra, and abundant wildlife, including grizzlies, caribou, and Dall sheep roam the land. Photograph stunning viewpoints like Polychrome Pass and Wonder Lake. For a bird’s-eye view, flightseeing adventures provide unparalleled vistas of glaciers, alpine tundra, and the iconic peak itself. Going to Alaska without witnessing Denali is like visiting Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower.

- The Heart of Denali: Experience a full-day Denali adventure with breathtaking views of Mt. Denali, wildlife spotting, and optional hikes. Along the way, scan the ridges and riverbeds for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and foxes. Birders are in for a treat too, with over 150 species calling this vast wilderness home. With trails to suit every level, hiking here puts you right in the heart of Alaska’s most celebrated landscape.

- Nenana River Adventure; Wildlife & Whitewater (optional): All you need is a sense of adventure to float 11 miles down the scenic Nenana River, with our guide paddling & handling the rapids. Drift past glacial ravines and the edge of Denali National Park, keeping an eye out for moose, caribou, bears, and Dall sheep. This "float" through a glacial valley is gentle enough to enjoy the scenery, yet active enough to be an unforgettable adventure.

Talkeetna

This quirky, laid-back town with a frontier spirit serves as the gateway to Denali and the Alaska Range. Its historic downtown is filled with colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and local shops, giving visitors a taste of small-town Alaska charm. Take flightseeing tours over glaciers and peaks, or enjoy fishing, hiking, and river activities. The town's stunning views and easygoing vibe make it the perfect base for exploring the wild landscapes of Alaska’s interior.

- Denali Overflight & Glacier Touchdown (optional): Soar from Talkeetna into a dramatic landscape shaped by glaciers and the last ice age, with rugged peaks and wide, ice-filled valleys all around. Fly within six miles of Mt. Denali’s summit while your pilot shares stories of the park’s geology, wildlife, and natural history. Highlights include the Sheldon Amphitheater, Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge, and the option to land on a glacier beneath the towering “Great One”!

- Alaska Jetboat Thrills (optional): Cruise 20 miles of Alaskan river on the Talkeetna Jetboat Queen, spot bald eagles, explore a Dena’ina encampment, and visit a trapper’s cabin to learn about local history and plants.

- High Adventure in Devil's Canyon (optional): Blast deep into the wild heart of Denali State Park on a 130-mile jet boat adventure up the mighty Susitna River. This high-octane ride offers jaw-dropping views of the Alaska Range and Denali itself—if the mountain decides to show. Skim across glacial waterways and feel the power of Class V rapids from the safety of a 44-foot jet boat. 

Anchorage

Anchorage blends wild Alaska with urban energy, where moose wander greenbelts and the Chugach Mountains rise just beyond downtown. Stroll the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for sweeping inlet views, or dive into local history at the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center.  Fresh-caught seafood, buzzing breweries, and easy access to glaciers and wilderness are just a short drive away.

Explore the city: Venture off to experience the vibrant nightlife of Alaska's most populous city and grab a bite to eat on your own or with our Tour Director. 

Local Flavors (optional): Join our Tour Director for a delicious meal of local delicacies at a great restaurant near our hotel.

Part 2: Cruising Alaska Off the Path (7 Nights)

Our small-ship adventure cruise is your front-row seat to one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring wildernesses, where thunderous tidewater glaciers calve into icy fjords and humpback whales breach against snow-draped peaks. Unlike the big liners, nimble vessels slip into secluded coves and narrow inlets, giving you access to hidden bays alive with sea otters, puffins, and brown bears foraging along the shore. Days are filled with kayaking beneath towering cliffs, hiking old-growth rainforests, and Zodiac excursions that bring you nose-to-ice with glacial walls—every moment a chance to feel the raw pulse of wild Alaska up close. This is the cruise for travelers who crave intimacy, adventure, and a true connection with nature’s grand stage.

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The Ship

Our ship is a one-of-a-kind vessel blending vintage charm with modern adventure, complete with carved wood interiors, spacious decks, and a launch platform for kayaks and paddleboards. Four decks offer everything from sunny bow viewing areas and bubbling hot tubs to a luxurious lounge, bar, and elegant dining room serving gourmet meals with unlimited beverages. Guests can spot wildlife from the largest lounge in the fleet, swap stories over cocktails, or relax in comfort between explorations. With its welcoming whistle and unmatched viewing spaces, our ship is built for discovery and camaraderie on Alaska’s wild frontier.

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Juneau

Juneau, Alaska’s quirky capital, is tucked between snowcapped mountains and the shining waters of the Inside Passage, where no roads lead in or out—just planes and ferries. The star attraction is the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, easily reached from town, while whale-watching cruises, flightseeing tours, and glacier hikes open the door to unforgettable adventures. Downtown, historic saloons, fresh-caught seafood, and a vibrant arts scene give this frontier city a lively, down-to-earth charm.

- Embarkation/Disembarkation: Part II of our adventure begins and ends in the iconic capital

Exploring the Inside Passage & Glacier Bay National Park

Sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage is a journey through a labyrinth of emerald isles, fjords, and towering mountains, where glaciers calve thunderously into icy waters. In Glacier Bay National Park, colossal rivers of ice spill from the Fairweather Range, creating a landscape alive with cracking ice and echoing roars. Humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins thrive in these nutrient-rich waters, while brown bears and mountain goats roam the rugged shoreline. Few places on earth combine such raw wilderness, cultural history, and wildlife encounters, making this one of Alaska’s most unforgettable voyages.

* Places we hope to visit (specific sites vary depending on sea conditions, weather, regulations, & other unpredictable circumstances)

Inside Passage

- Hobart Bay: Paddle tranquil waters by kayak, hike with naturalists to discover hidden flora and fauna, or spot eagles soaring above the treetops. The day winds down with wildlife watching, happy hour, and expert talks back on deck.

- LeConte Glacier: This southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere offers an intimate wilderness experience unreachable by mega ships. Spend the day exploring by kayak or small boat, with the chance to land ashore and wander among icebergs beached like frozen sculptures.

- Thomas Bay: Explore this ethereal, misty bay, where whales surface and Cascade Creek thunders through the forest in a dramatic series of waterfalls. With trails for every level, plus unmatched water access for kayaking, zodiac tours, and wildlife encounters, it’s one of Southeast Alaska’s hidden gems.

- Whale Watching & Kuiu Island: This island’s wild west coast offers calm bays teeming with playful sea otters and some of the world’s highest densities of black bears. Add in the chance to spot humpbacks bubble-net feeding along the reefs, and you’ve got a quintessential Alaskan wilderness experience.

- Snorkeling in Alaska!: Slip into one of the warmest wetsuits around and snorkel into a surprisingly vibrant “cold-water tropical reef.” Explore an astonishing variety of sea stars and the Pacific’s hidden underwater wonders in this wild, touchable world. *More details below...

Glacier Bay National Park - At 3.3 million acres—this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. In the calm of the night, the ship’s crew has taken us deep into Glacier Bay National Park.

- Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!  Less than 1% of visitors to the park have the opportunity we are about to have – get on land with, or kayak in front of Margerie Glacier, a deep blue, mile-wide chunk of ice!

- The Brown Bears of Chichagof Island: A rugged wilderness paradise, renowned for its dense populations of brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer. Towering old-growth forests meet glacial streams, while coastal inlets teem with sea otters, seals, and bald eagles. For adventurers, every turn offers kayaking, hiking, and wildlife-spotting opportunities in one of Alaska’s most pristine and remote landscapes.

- In the Backcountry: Discover the vast, infinitely discoverable Tongass National Forest where calm waters and gentle shorelines invite kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided hikes amid bald eagles, harbor seals, and the occasional whale spout. With every turn dictated by wildlife and the seasons, this is an intimate introduction to Southeast Alaska’s wild beauty.

Activities & Adventures

All Activities listed below are optional but INCLUDED in the cost of the trip

* Shore Excursions and Zodiac Cruises: Zodiac rides emphasize active wildlife and nature experiences. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting, and Zodiacs to/from landings are all included!

 * Hiking: Venture beyond the shore and reach higher ground for more expansive vantages on guided hikes through forests and across glaciated environments. The leadership of certified mountain guides & assistants makes this a safe and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Physical fitness is essential. Special alpine equipment is provided if needed (ropes &/or crampons). *Optional BUT INCLUDED for those interested

* Kayaking & Paddle Boarding: We hope to offer kayaking & paddle boarding on several days in the "passage". Basic kayak experience is welcome but not required. Physical fitness is essential to participate. Kayaks/paddles are provided. *For more details, please refer to the daily itinerary.

* Snorkeling: Try your hand at a snorkel (we have the warmest wetsuits known to man, fear not) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you peruse the most diverse population of sea-stars on earth – a surprise to many who visit this place. For just a moment, the cold water is forgotten as you’re transported into what can only be described as a “cold water tropical reef”. The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine.

* On-Board Workshops/Presentations: Most of our time will be spent experiencing & photographing the landscapes & wildlife of this Alaskan region. In the evenings, and when cruising from one location to the next, we'll have the option of partaking in a wide range of onboard workshops and presentations. Certain topics may include navigation, astronomy, geology, & botany along with in-depth presentations that explore the fascinating life of the regions' whales, land mammals, birds, and other animals that call this magical realm home. *Presentations of particular topics depend on the availability of the expedition team and their specialties. 

Encounters with Whales

Alaska teems with the world’s largest mammals, offering unforgettable encounters with the giants that frequent its wild waters

Whale watching in Alaska is nothing short of breathtaking, with chances to encounter the ocean’s most majestic giants in a pristine, untamed wilderness. From the deck of an expedition ship or the spray-kissed edge of a zodiac, every sighting is unforgettable in its own way.

From the Ship: Majestic, Panoramic Views

From the deck of our expedition ship, watching whales surface amid towering glaciers and snow-draped peaks offers a breathtaking window into Antarctica’s wild seascape.

- Species Sightings: Humpback whales are the most commonly spotted, known for their dramatic breaches and bubble-net feeding. Minke whales and orcas (killer whales) are also frequent visitors, often seen gliding through the water in groups.

- Distant Yet Stunning Views: From the deck, scan the horizon for the misty plume of a whale’s blow and watch as these giants arch, dive, and flick their flukes against a backdrop of icy wilderness. With binoculars or a telephoto lens, every movement comes into sharp focus, turning the vast seascape into an intimate encounter.

- A Sense of Scale: From the ship’s elevated vantage point, take in the sheer scale of whales as they move gracefully against the sweeping backdrop of Alaska’s untamed wilderness.

From a Zodiac/Skiff: Intimate, Heart-Pounding Encounters

For a more immersive experience, nothing compares to encountering a whale from a zodiac or skiff—a small, inflatable boat that brings us much closer to the water’s surface for some of the most unforgettable encounters (& photographs) in a lifetime.  Glide into hidden coves and secluded shorelines, where intimate encounters with wildlife and wild landscapes reveal Alaska at its most untamed.

- Close Proximity: A Zodiac ride can bring you eye to eye with a humpback surfacing just yards away, its barnacled head breaking the water in slow, graceful arcs. At water level, the whale’s immense size and quiet power feel even more humbling and unforgettable.

- The Sounds of the Wild: Unlike the relative noise on a ship, the encounter turns intimate—you hear the thunderous exhale of a whale’s breath, the soft slap of water against its body, and, if you’re lucky, the haunting, yet beautiful songs of humpbacks carrying through the air.

- Unexpected Moments: Curious whales sometimes circle beneath the Zodiac or even spy-hop, rising to eye you with astonishing intent. Peering into a whale’s gaze, with only a thin rubber hull between you, is a truly unforgettable moment and a vantage point that few get to witness and photograph. 

* As always this entire trip will be amazing for photography (PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!) 

Price From: $7,995.00

*For our solo travelers, we will pair you up with same sex UNLESS single occupancy is requested to have your own room. 

*For cabin size & layout details, please e-mail us to request the daily itinerary OR fill out the form on this page above | All cabins are outdoor-facing with windows!

Double/Share Navigator Cabin (1 double bed): $7,995.00 (Sold Out)

Double/Share Trailblazer Cabin (1 double bed OR 2 twin beds): $8860.00

Double/Share Admiral Cabin (1 double bed OR 2 twin beds) $10,060.00

Double/Share Jr Commodore Suite Cabin (1 double bed) $11,020.00 (Sold Out)

Commodore Suite Cabin (1 double bed, 1 sofa bed): *Please e-mail for rates *ONE cabin left!

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Single Occupancy:

Single Navigator Cabin: $12,360.00 (Sold Out)

Single Trailblazer Cabin: $13,625.00

Single Admiral Cabin: $15,705.00

Jr Commodore Suite Cabin: $17,385.00 (Sold Out)

Commodore Suite Cabin: *Please e-mail for rates *ONE cabin left!

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Alaska Rail Optional Dome Upgrade: $450.00 per person  

Includes:

ALL 3 segments/3 days: Fairbanks --> Denali / Denali --> Talkeetna / Talkeetna --> Anchorage

• Glass-dome ceilings + 360° upper deck
• Dining & Drinks Full-service meals + soft drinks + 2 adult beverages per segment
• Comfort Forward-facing seats + bar + narration
• Accessibility: Fully accessible cars

E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

70% of the deposit is refunded for all cancellations made 170 days (March 7th, 2026) or more prior to trip departure date. An additional 200 USD admin fee is subtracted from the total refund. Cancellations less than 170 days (March 8th, 2026) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and paypal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance required (ask us about policy options). *Hotels subject to change based on availability

Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.

Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider, and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money.

*Notice: Payment online incurs 3.7% credit card processing fee OR 3.6% PayPal* processing fee (automatically added to shopping cart). PayPal Payments from outside the USA incur a 4.5% processing fee. Please mail check to avoid fees to:

Local Planet Travel
325 Rocky Slope Road, Suite 104-240
Greenville, SC 29607

*You can use a credit card on PayPal and do not need a PayPal account. 

*We also accept no fee payments via Venmo & Zelle. Should you wish to pay via either method see the instructions below:

Venmo: Send trip payments to @photofly (www.venmo.com/photofly)
Zelle: Send trip payments to steve.juba@localplanettravel.com

*If mailing a check, please reserve your spot via the above trip page and select "check payments" on the checkout page.

CST # 2101181-40