ExploringCircle Family-Oriented Alaska Small Ship Cruises
ExploringCircle Family-Oriented Alaska Small Ship Cruises
OCEAN CRUISE NEWS: ExploringCircle Family-Oriented Alaska Small Ship Cruises
ExploringCircle Presents Two Family-Oriented Itineraries
For Small-Ship Cruises of Alaska This Summer
There’s a new adventure cruise company in town… Seattle-based environmental crusader ExploringCircle is a new company that combines a long adventure travel legacy with a strong sense of purpose. For meaningful family travel this summer they are recommending two small-ship cruise itineraries into the Alaskan wilderness.
“Then the fun begins,” says Lori Goodwin, ExploringCircle’s Alaska expert. “On the cruise, naturalist guides spark the curiosity and sense of wonder of kids young and old, with scheduled daily adventures that any age can explore at their own pace and interest.”
“The small ship expedition cruise philosophy of truly immersing people in Alaska’s remote bays and forests is especially meaningful for youngsters, many of whom have never experienced such wild places before,” adds Erin Kirkland, Youth Specialist for the cruise company.
There are two itineraries recommended for families with children ages eight (exceptions may allow for as young as age four) and up. The season is May through August. On each, children and adults will kayak, hike, examine starfish in tidal pools, paddle board, and beachcomb. Opportunities abound to sight whales, bears, dolphins, sea otters, eagles and all kinds of wildlife close-up from the decks of the vessel or by inflatable launch. Kids enjoy the hot tubs, games, kid-friendly DVDs, and books available onboard. Other children’s activities may include: a Polar bear plunge, field research with on-board equipment, crafts involving nature, wildlife and native culture, cooking opportunities, bridge visits featuring 20 Questions with the Captain and beach bonfires with s’mores.
OCEAN CRUISE NEWS: ExploringCircle Family-Oriented Alaska Small Ship Cruises
Two recommended family cruise itineraries are:
- Inner Reaches (Eastern or Western Coves) on the 84-passenger M/V Safari Endeavour. This cruise transports guests for eight days exploring Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness and Misty Fjords National Monument taking in the region’s glacial ice, fjords, alpine-to-sea creeks, rainforests and the Tlingit culture. The ocean voyage goes from Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse). The per person double rate is from $4,295. Cruise dates for 2016 are: May 8-15 and Sept. 18-25.
- Discoverer’s Glaciers Country on the 60-passenger M/V Wilderness Adventurer is an eight day cruise that features an exclusive two-day visit to Glacier Bay National Park accompanied by a Park Ranger. Here families will discover scenic coves and fjords by kayak, paddle board and skiff. Later they hike in Tongass National Forest, watch for whales and wildlife in Frederick Sound and Stephens Passage, and experience Fords Terror Wilderness Area by kayak or skiff. There are also added perks of the Captain’s Choice exploration of remote “not in the guidebook” places. The per person double rate starts at $2,995. Cruise departure dates for 2016 are: Apr 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27; and Sept 3, 10, 17.
ExploringCircle Alaska Family Cruises
For more information on ExploringCircle cruises, visit their website.
