Greg Greer, Orbridge Sr. Naturalist

Reflections on Alaska

Alaska is one of the last major wilderness frontiers of in North America, and the name itself is symbolic of wild, untamed things. It is exciting to hike in an area where people are not the supreme predator, where brown bears amble at will and visitors to their domain must be constantly aware of their surroundings to enjoy the beauty of wildlife and scenery. My first visit to Alaska held many firsts, but, unlike most trips, the firsts for Alaska were so numerous that it is difficult to recall all of them. Observing a gorgeous blonde grizzly slowly walking up a trail, watching a pair of eagles fighting over a salmon carcass, standing spellbound at the sight of the Alaska Range, with Denali piercing high into a clear blue sky - these are some of my Alaska memories. Then, there are the spectacular glaciers that terminate at the very edge of the sea. With a great creaking and moaning. and a final rumble, a massive piece of the glacier breaks free and plunges into the ocean; the iceberg creates a wave that rocks the ship on its way out of the fjord.

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Destination Highlights:

• Sail on the deluxe 36-passenger Safari Explorer, a beautifully designed vessel that affords guests the chance to experience the dramatic fjords and quiet bays in a way that simply cannot be duplicated by the multi-thousand passenger mega-ships
• Hear lectures and be accompanied throughout the journey by naturalist Greg Greer, who will speak about the ecosystem and flora and fauna of this primal wilderness.
• Travel in large, deluxe, all outside staterooms that allow you to observe the majestic scenery from the comfort of your own cabin.
• Spend two full days in Glacier Bay, the gem of the Inside Passage. Most vessels only spend part of one day in this icy wonderland.
• See some of North America’s mammals including grizzly bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, seals, sea otters, orcas and humpback whales.
• Experience the humid, green beauty of the largest temperate rainforest zone in the world.
• Witness the raw beauty of the Alaskan coast, rimmed with snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers.
• Meals, drinks, and shore excursions are included during this deluxe cruise.