They can venture out in kayaks and Zodiacs with expedition leaders, view wildlife from the ship's observation platforms, witness marine research by California Polytech University students and have discussions with First Nations leaders.
Immersion
'My most memorable travel experiences have always been journeys of complete immersion — whether it’s in a culture, an ecosystem, region or simply being immersed with my family and fellow travelers,' Victory Chairman John Waggoner said. 'Alaska is such an incredible destination, and our Ocean Victory expedition sailings were created to deliver an unmatched level of immersion for guests to experience this singular region like never before.'
Led by a seasoned expedition team, the 186-passenger Ocean Victory will visit the less-traveled regions of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Observing bears
Among the expedition highlights is Anan Creek Bear and Wildlife Observatory. Traveling by jet boat from Wrangell through the Eastern Passage to the Anan trailhead, participants arrive at Anan Creek, one of the largest salmon runs in Southeast Alaska. This makes it a prime location for bears to feed, and a place to spot bald eagles and harbor seals.
The historic Five Finger Whale Lighthouse is located at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound on an island surrounded by waters that are home to nesting seabirds, foraging songbirds, bald eagles, stellar sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, harbor porpoises, transient killer whales and large numbers of humpback whales.
Kake Tlingit Village
At Kake, visitors will be welcomed by the Tlingit residents and invited to participate in their traditions. At the community hall, a carving or weaving demonstration will take place. Visitors can step onto the dance floor for a performance of traditional songs and dances. Another highlight is the world’s largest one-tree totem.
At Petersburg, Ocean Victory will dock alongside Alaska’s largest home-based halibut-fishing fleet. These abundant waters and a supply of ice from nearby LeConte Glacier led Norwegian fisherman Peter Buschmann to build the region’s first cannery — hence, the town’s name and its strong Norwegian culture. Ocean Victory’s compact size affords the opportunity to call at this charming, authentic village.
Waterfall Coast
Travelers will be challenged to keep track of the vast number of waterfalls along Baranof Island’s beautiful eastern shore, the little known 'waterfall coast.' Ocean Victory’s many observation areas will invite passengers to view this scenic landscape from on board, or they can take to the water by kayak or Zodiac. The shoreline also provides prime for wildlife discovery, from seals and deer to tide pools teeming with marine life.
Vancouver-Sitka cruises
Ocean Victory will sail between Vancouver, BC, and Sitka, Alaska, on 12- and 13-day journeys featuring places larger ships can't access such as Baranof Island’s eastern coast. Destinations include Canada's Inside Passage, Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet), Ketchikan/Metlakatla, Misty Fjords National Monument, Wrangell/Stikine River Wilderness, Waterfall Coast/Baranof Wilderness, Petersburg/Le Conte Glacier, Tracy Arm/Endicott Glacier and Kake/Frederick Sound/Five Finger. Sailings are available from May to September.
Fares include a pre-cruise hotel overnight at Vancouver or Sitka and start at $3,699 per person, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities. 'Freedom' sale savings are available on select bookings through August 2021.
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