SUNDAY, JULY 1 — DEPART HOME FOR ANCHORAGE

¨ Depart home cities for Anchorage.

 

MONDAY, JULY 2 —TRANSFER TO SEWARD AND BOARD THE NAVIGATOR

¨ Seward was originally founded in 1903 as the southern terminus for the Alaska Railroad, a distinction it still holds today. The picturesque harbor with its colorful wood-frame houses and background of soaring cliffs looks out on Resurrection Bay, so named by a band of Russian explorers who found this calm spot along the storm-tossed Gulf of Alaska on Easter Sunday. From downtown Anchorage you can view two active volcanoes, the highest point on the continent of North America (Mount McKinley), and six major mountain ranges.

 

TUESDAY, JULY 3—CRUISING HUBBARD GLACIER

¨ 10:00AM-12:00Noon—Join MDC for the first Leisure-Learn meeting during this program. 

¨ Viewing the magnificent grandeur of immense glaciers is surely one of the highlights of a journey to Alaska. Sail along a cliff face over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from peak to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. As Hubbard Glacier advances, listen to the symphony of creaks and groans as it moves and calves. This makes for some exciting moments when the huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called 'white thunder' by the Tlingit people.

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4—SITKA —10:00AM-7:00PM

¨ Founded by Russian fur traders as New Archangel in 1799, Sitka was the historic center of Russia’s Alaskan empire. The Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased the Alaska territory in 1867. Today, picturesque Sitka, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.

¨ MDC is recommending a shore excursion to experience together in Sitka, Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest. You will have the opportunity to participate with MDC or select a personal option from the choices Regent offers as you register for this sailing. If you choose to participate with MDC, you may also select other excursions from the Regent offerings as long as the tour departures do not overlap and the tour desired has availability.

10:00AM—1:00PM—Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest—Discover Alaska's abundant marine and wildlife through one of the world's most beautiful coastal environments.

Depart the pier aboard a boat in search of Alaska's abundant marine and wildlife. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, brown bears, deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds. You will also learn about the sea otters' recovery following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early-1800s. An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem throughout the tour.

Your waterjet-driven tour vessel has been specially-designed to navigate Southeast Alaska's narrow island passages and open bays, and offers spectacular wildlife viewing at close range. Each vessel features a warm and comfortable cabin with enclosed seating, large windows, a snack bar and restrooms. During your cruise, you may visit the topside Observation Deck for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Binoculars, a souvenir route guide, complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: The operators of this excursion guarantee that you will be able to view at least one otter, whale or bear, or receive $100 cash ($50 refund per child) as you disembark the vessel. Should you choose to explore the area on your own before or after the tour, simply present your Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest tour voucher for complimentary admission into St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. This tour operates in all weather conditions. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the Observation Deck.

 

THURSDAY, JULY 5 —TRACY ARM —7:30AM-9:30AM

¨ This stupendous fjord is part of the 30 mile long Tracy Arm - Fords Terror Wilderness region -- located about 60 miles southeast of Juneau. Tracy Arm charms the traveler with snow capped peaks, shear rock palisades, waterfalls, rainbows and massive tidewater glaciers. Drift among the icebergs for a close-up view of Sawyer Glaciers, gleaming subtle shades of blue under a glorious expansive sky. Be sure to watch for seals and whales frolicking among the clear, cerulean waters.

¨ 10:00AM-12:00Noon—Join MDC for a Leisure-Learn meeting. 

(Thursday, July 5, Continued on next page…)

DAILY ITINERARY