Alaska Cruise – Episode 899

Hear about cruising the waters of Alaska and British Columbia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Susan Portnoy about her recent experience on a Hurtigruten expedition ship.

Why should you do this cruise?

Susan says, “I think it’s not going to be for everybody. It is a long journey. It’s 18 days. That is music to my heart, but may not be for everyone. But it’s also more intrepid. It’s not the kind of trip where you’ve got a lot of boardwalks and stores and places to hang out, which you might do and have in Juneau or Haines. We went to uninhabited islands. One was, for example, St. Matthews, which belongs to Alaska. Very few people know that. And more people have climbed Everest than been on St. Matthews.”

Adventure Cruise from Nome, Alaska to Vancouver: A Day-by-Day Journey

Susan Portnoy recently embarked on an unforgettable Hurtigruten expedition cruise from the remote town of Nome, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada. This 18-day journey was perfect for those seeking adventure, wildlife, and a deeper connection with nature and culture. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of this remarkable voyage:

DAY 1: The Expedition Began

The adventure started in Nome, Alaska. After flying into Anchorage and boarding a charter flight to Nome, everyone embarked on the MS Roald Amundsen. This expedition class ship can hold up to 500 passengers.

DAY 2: Crossing the Bering Sea

The group spent the day at sea, crossing the Bering Sea. This time was perfect for getting familiar with the ship’s amenities, attending informative lectures, and keeping an eye out for marine life from the observation deck.

DAY 3: Wild St. Matthew

The ship explored the uninhabited island of St. Matthew, known for its rugged and dramatic landscape. This remote location provided a haven for bird enthusiasts, especially those eager to spot the rare McKay’s bunting.

DAY 4: Aleut Life in St. Paul

The travelers visited St. Paul in the Pribilof Islands, home to a small fishing community and thousands of fur seals. They discovered this unique island’s rich history and wildlife and experienced the local people’s warmth and hospitality.

DAY 5: Learning and Leisure

A day at sea offered opportunities for learning and leisure. The travelers attended lectures by onboard experts, joined guided wildlife-watching sessions, and relaxed while taking in the stunning views from the deck.

DAY 6: Discover Dutch Harbor

Arriving at Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, a location steeped in World War II history, the group explored the local museum, visited the Russian Orthodox church, and learned about the significant events that took place there. Dutch Harbor, known as the second place on American soil bombed by the Japanese after Pearl Harbor, provided a sobering yet fascinating historical experience.

DAY 7: The Ghost Town of Unga

The deserted village of Unga, a once thriving fishing and mining community, was explored. The travelers wandered through the remnants of this ghost town and imagined the lives of those who once called it home. Susan, a fan of abandoned places, found it a photographer’s dream with its stunning location and historical remnants.

DAY 8: The Remote Bays of the Alaska Peninsula

The ship sailed through the remote bays of the Alaska Peninsula. The travelers kept their eyes peeled for wildlife and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect day for photography enthusiasts. Humpback whales lunge-feeding and thousands of seabirds created a spectacular scene.

DAY 9: Katmai National Park

The group visited Katmai National Park, renowned for its brown bear population. They watched these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and marveled at the park’s stunning landscapes. Seeing the bears up close as they turned over rocks and searched for food was a thrilling highlight.

DAY 10: Kodiak’s Brown Bears

The travelers spent the day on Kodiak Island, famous for its large population of brown bears. Susan hiked through the trails of Fort Abercrombie and explored World War II artifacts amidst the island’s beautiful scenery. 

DAY 11: Across the Gulf of Alaska

Another day at sea allowed the group to cross the Gulf of Alaska. They attended more lectures, participated in activities on board, and relaxed while watching for whales and other marine life.

DAY 12: The Glaciers of Icy Bay

The group arrived at Icy Bay, home to three stunning tidewater glaciers. Some took an optional kayaking excursion among the icebergs and bergy bits and enjoyed the spectacular views of Mount St. Elias on a clear day. The bright and shiny day made for perfect kayaking conditions.

DAY 13: Blended Cultures of Sitka

The travelers visited Sitka, a charming town with a rich blend of Tlingit and Russian heritage. They explored the town’s historical sites, enjoyed local cuisine, and some took an optional whale-watching tour. Sitka, although more touristy, provided a change of pace.

DAY 14: Wrangell’s Petroglyphs

The group discovered Wrangell Island, known for its ancient petroglyphs. They walked around the island, learned about its history, and experienced the beauty of this unique destination. Susan had eagerly anticipated the Bears of Anan excursion, where she witnessed bears fishing for salmon and cubs climbing trees. This tour was an extra cost and could only accommodate a limited number of people from the ship.

DAY 15: Unspoiled Misty Fjords

The ship sailed through the Misty Fjords, a pristine wilderness area with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. The travelers took in the unspoiled beauty of this region and enjoyed the serenity of the fjords. The tides in the Misty Fjords made it a brief but beautiful visit.

DAY 16: Canada’s Inside Passage

Navigating through Canada’s Inside Passage, a scenic coastal route with lush forests and rugged coastline, the travelers relaxed and took in the picturesque views. This scenic route provided a perfect day for reflection and relaxation.

DAY 17: Vancouver

The incredible journey came to an end as the ship arrived in Vancouver. The travelers reflected on the unforgettable experiences and new friends made along the way as they disembarked and prepared to head home.

This 18-day expedition cruise offered a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, history, and culture. Whether seasoned travelers or first-time explorers, this journey from Nome to Vancouver promises to be an experience of a lifetime. Susan found the trip to be incredibly enriching, filled with breathtaking sights, fascinating history, and wonderful wildlife encounters.

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Show Notes

Susan Portnoy Photography
The Insatiable Traveler
Aleutian Islands
Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands
St. Matthew Island
St. Paul, Alaska
MS Roald Amundsen – HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Dutch Harbor
Aleutian Islands campaign
Museum of the Aleutians
Unga Island
Unga Island (U.S. National Park Service)
Chignik, Alaska
Katmai National Park
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site
Icy Bay
Sitka
Wrangell Island
Up Close and Personal with Bears on the Tongass National Forest
Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska
Yupik peoples

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