Alaskan Splendors
 
10 DAYS
Star Breeze
Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage)
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Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage)
Conde Nast Traveler 2019 Hot List
"As far as Alaskan expeditions go, this itinerary gives passengers more access to so many aspects of the state's culture than any competitor."  - Conde Nast Traveler

Witness the grandeur of Alaska’s premier glaciers: Mendenhall in Juneau, Kenai Fjords’ Harding Icefield, Tracy Arm’s twin Sawyer Glaciers. Discover Alaskan Native villages, Russian cathedrals, and Gold Rush history. Thrill as you watch a wild brown bear snatch a struggling salmon from a stream or a humpback whale breach off the bow. Cruise Misty Fjords and Kenai Fjords on your lovely all-suite ship, waters beyond the reach of larger Alaska cruise ships.

Looking for more? Go in-land and combine the best of the land and sea with a Cruise Tour that includes this itinerary:

Alaskan Explorations & Denali Discovery Cruise Tour
voyage map
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Day 1: Vancouver
Vancouver’s location at the mouth of the Fraser River and on the waterways of the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet and all their tributaries makes this busy seaport an easy place for meeting. It is one of Canada’s most populated, most ethnically diverse cities that is a popular filming location. Visit the interesting neighborhoods of Gastown, Granville Island and Chinatown. Walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge and stroll through Stanley Park. See the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology. There is an amazing variety of things to see and do here.
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Day 2: Canadian Inside Passage
Today we cruise the fjords of Canada’s Inside Passage boasting centuries-old coastal rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and mountains. Over 25,000 miles of rugged coastline lie in Canada’s Inside Passage, joining Alaska’s 15,000 miles of inside waters and provides a safe and sheltered West Coast waterway transit.  In this isolated wilderness look for coastal First Nations longhouses fronted with proud totems and a variety of marine life, from orcas and porpoises to some of the largest populations of bald eagles in the world.
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Day 3: Ketchikan
Dubbed the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan is the southeastern-most town in Alaska and is home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles that are found throughout the city and at four major locations: Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and the Totem Heritage Center. Other attractions of Ketchikan are Creek Street, a boardwalk road built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek and the Waterfront Promenade that skirts the bustling shoreline with inviting whale-tail benches to take in the view.
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Day 4: Misty Fjords
Misty Fjords, with its gorgeous views of natural formations is a national monument and wilderness area with steep valleys formed by glaciers and lava flows. It is part of the Tongass National Forest and is about 40 miles east of Ketchikan along the Inside Passage. With its icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and glacial valleys literally everywhere you point your camera you will get a postcard picture, depending on the weather of course. For a more up-close opportunity in this beautiful scenic sanctuary optional expeditions excursions will be available.
 
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Day 5: Wrangell
One of the oldest towns in Alaska, Wrangell is located near the mouth of the Stikine River. Much of its history can be seen in the impressive collection of totems scattered throughout the town. Highlights here are the amazing Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park where you can find primitive rock carvings and just 30 miles away is the Anan Wildlife Observatory with the largest pink salmon runs in the Inside Passage, and a platform from which you can look for eagles, harbor seals and black bears.
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Day 6: Juneau
Located on the Gastineau Channel in the Alaskan panhandle, Juneau sits at sea level below steep mountains between 3,500-4,000 feet high. Atop these mountains is the Juneau Icefield, a large ice mass from which about 30 glaciers flow, and two of them – Mendenhall Glacier and Lemon Creek Glacier are visible from the local road. A unique feature of Juneau is that it is the only U.S. capital that has no roads connecting it to the rest of the state.
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Day 7: Tracy Arm / Endicott Arm
Stunningly beautiful Tracy Arm is a fjord 45 miles south of Juneau that actually consists of two deep and narrow fjords – Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Both fjords are over 30 miles long. At the end of Tracy Arm are the impressive twin Sawyer Glaciers. Wildlife in the area includes black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals and a variety of birds. What you'll be able to see today and how far we can travel up Tracy Arm is weather and ice dependent.
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Day 8: Sitka
Sitka is one of the oldest and most culturally significant communities in Alaska, filled with rich Tlingit, Russian, and early American settler history. Sitka is famous for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, the copper-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Pioneer Home and the Russian Bishop’s House. It contains 22 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is where the contract of sale was signed transferring Alaska from Russia to the United States.
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Day 10: Kenai Fjords National Park
Today is a day of wonder as you cruise the Kenai Fjords, Alaska’s smallest national park. Carved by glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield to the sea, Kenai Fjords has a rugged arctic landscape and is a rich habitat for marine animals and other wildlife. Most cruise lines don’t go here so enjoy this unique opportunity and you can even take an optional expedition excursion here. As with all Alaska, what you’ll be able to see is subject to weather and ice conditions.
 
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Day 11: Seward (Anchorage)
Seward, (Anchorage’s gateway) is sandwiched between the Kenai Mountains and the Kenai Fjords National Park. It is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities, with Mount Marathon rising majestically behind the town. Even though Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, it is also home to 1,500 moose, surrounded by national parks full of wildlife.
Popular Highlights
Haines Tsirku Canning Company
Highlights of Haines include Fort William H. Seward, the Alaska Indian Arts Center, the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center, the Hammer Museum and the Tsirku Canning Company.
Inside Passage
Be out on deck for scenic cruising of the beautiful Inside Passage between Vancouver and Anchorage looking for wildlife along the way.
Ketchican
Discover the First Nations totems of Ketchikan, Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell and the incredible beauty of Tracy Arm.
Mendenhall Glacier
Take the journey to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
St. Michael's Cathedral
Visit St. Michael's Cathedral and find out about the Russian heritage of Sitka.
“The smell of the glaciers, the beauty of the blue ice … you just feel so blessed to see it firsthand.”
The Story
One favorite way to experience the “true Alaska” is kayaking Endicott Arm: The smell of the glaciers, the beauty of the blue ice … you just feel so blessed to see it firsthand. Such intimate encounters are only possible on a small ship like Star Breeze, and it is one of the many reasons this Windstar cruise is among the best in the Great Land. Guests get to experience a variety of glaciers in Kenai Fjord, Tracy or Endicott Arm, and view the waterfalls along the steep cliff walls in Misty Fjords all on one itinerary. Another benefit: Windstar is able to tweak it in real time — so if, say, a pod of humpbacks is spotted bubble feeding in Point Adolphus, the Captain can maneuver the ship for prime viewing.
 
Windstar’s Signature Expeditions staff is tops in the field, and the cruise line goes out of its way to expose guests to authentic Alaskan culture in tiny communities like Wrangell as well as onboard interactions with local speakers and performers. Some all-time favorite travel memories are on this journey: dog-sledding on Mendenhall Glacier, hiking Dewey Mountain, and of course, kayaking Endicott and Tracy Arm.
  • Hop a helicopter for flightseeing over dozens of glaciers within the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field —the Pilots Choice tour, which features two landings for glacier hikes, “a pinnacle travel experience”
  •  Grab a jacket and join Windstar’s Signature Expeditions team on deck while cruising  the Canadian Inside Passage or the Inian Islands— “You’ll get great insights and photo opportunities”
  • Take a jet boat in Wrangell for a ride along the Stikine River (“unbelievable fun and absolutely beautiful”) or take an excursion to the Anan Wildlife Observatory — “Anan Creek has the largest pink salmon run in Southeastern Alaska, so the bear viewing is excellent”
  •  Board a raft in Haines and enjoy a scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve    
  •  Explore Prince Rupert’s remote wilderness in a seaplane, which sets down to float next to a stunning glacial waterfall — “Truly one of those ‘wow’ moments!”
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Cooking Demonstrations
Open Bridge
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Local and Live Performances
Signature Sail Away
Crew Talent Show
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Take In The Sun
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Shopping With The Chef
Watersports Platform
Accommodations & Pricing
This all-suite ship will complete renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love.
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
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Star Porthole Suite
Star Porthole Suite
These rooms represent a nod to the sailing tradition of porthole windows. And while sailors might have had cramped quarters, your 277 square foot stateroom is wonderfully spacious and furnished with all the modern amenities and comforts of home.
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Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? $CALL
Ocean View Suite 1
Ocean View Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? $CALL
Star Ocean View Suite 1
Star Ocean View Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? $CALL
Ocean View Suite 2
Ocean View Suite 2
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? $CALL
Ocean View Suite 3
Ocean View Suite 3
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? $CALL
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
Guaranteed Balcony Suite** (chosen by Windstar)
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Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? $CALL
Star Balcony Suite
Star Balcony Suite
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? $CALL
Balcony Suite 1
Balcony Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? $CALL
Star Balcony Suite 1
Star Balcony Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? $CALL
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Brand new Deluxe Suites welcome you with 468 square feet of casually elegant living space and an ocean viewing French balcony. All these suites feature 3rd berths, and a sleep-inducing queen bed easily converted to twins.
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Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
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Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
With 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, two flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort. 
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Star Breeze
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Breeze still tucks into small ports like Le Lavandou and Wrangell or narrow waterways like the Corinth and Keil Canal. Learn more about the newly renovated ship and the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.
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