We flew in to Fairbanks where most of us were dazzled by the long summer nights and the midnight
sun. After getting settled into our hotel in Fairbanks and a good night sleep, we discovered Alaska's
second largest city via a city tour including the Museum of the North. The museum has a marvelous display
explaining the history, culture and wildlife of Alaska. We enjoyed a riverboat cruise on the Discovery
Sternwheeler in the afternoon, allowing us to experience how the rivers were the state's highway
system in the past.
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River Boat Tour
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The next day, excitedly everybody was looking forward to the morning train
ride to Denali. We boarded the Wilderness Express train for our journey south. Our car had a restaurant
on the lower level and an upstairs sitting area with a glass-domed roof. We started our voyage with a
breakfast while passing the beautiful scenery. Back on the upper level of the car, we appreciated our
tour guides commentary regarding Alaska's history, nature, and culture. At lunch time, we disembarked
the train. The afternoon was free for additional activities. Most guests in our group joined the evening
event attending a 'Cabin Night' Cabaret.
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Enjoying Breakfast in the Train Restaurant |
The entire next day was reserved for the Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali
National Park. We traveled via bus and were very lucky to see wildlife. Because of the nice weather we
were able to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains.
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Denali National Park
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We had free time the next morning in Denali. Most of us decided to go to
Husky Homestead, home of Iditarod Champion Jeff King. We were greeted by cuddly puppies and we enjoyed
a very educational lecture about the training of the dogs. Jeff King's compelling stories about the
Iditarod allowed us to share an intimate view of the Alaskan Husky.
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Departing for Talkeetna
| Later we re-embarked the Wilderness Express train just in time for lunch. While enjoying
the delicious lunch, we marveled at the snow covered mountains. Later, we enjoyed a narrated presentation
about the area that we passed. Talkeetna was our final destination for this day. We stayed at the
Talkeetna Alaska Lodge for one night.
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Since our train was not scheduled to depart until the afternoon, we had plenty of time to
discover Talkeetna. It is a small town that once served as a miner's supply center and a riverboat
station. Main Street is the only paved road in town. Late in the afternoon, we returned to the Wilderness
Express where a delicious dinner was waiting for us. We departed for Anchorage where we arrived in the
evening. A bus took us to the Marriott. Still, we had time for a stroll through Anchorage, the city that
is located between the Chugach National Forest and the Cook Inlet.
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On the train from Talkeetna to Anchorage
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center |
At noon, we left Anchorage via coach heading to the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Afterwards we continued to Seward for the ship embarkation. Everybody was excited to be checked in and to
get on the ship. Then, we had plenty of time to explore our ship, the Celebrity Millennium. The ship set
sail at 8 PM, still in broad daylight.
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We enjoyed a Day at Sea by participating in different onboard activities in the
morning. During the early afternoon, we started to slowly approach Hubbard Glacier. After getting to the
closest point to the glacier, the ship stopped and we had many opportunities to take pictures. The weather
was perfect: sunshine and blue sky. |
Approaching Hubbard Glacier |
At Mendenhall Glacier
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At our first port of call was Juneau, Alaska's capital. Some of us went
whale watching, others took a helicopter tour to the glacier, and some joined the tour to Mendenhall
Glacier. After the termination of the tours, there was still time to discover the town that was founded
during the gold rush in the late 1800s. The city is the home of the Patsy Ann dog statue that was erected
at the waterfront in 1992. Patsy Ann was a deaf dog who could tell when ships were on the way to Juneau
before they even sounded their horns. She loved to meet the ships at the docks and soon became known as
the "Official Boat Greeter of Juneau". |
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Our next port was Skagway, a town that reminds visitors of the Klondike Gold Rush era.
It is a place that offers visitors a nice variety of activities and entertainment. Our group embarked the
White Pass Scenic Railway at the Skagway train depot and traveled up the mountains to the White Pass.
After arriving back in town, an enjoyable stroll through Main Street offered many opportunities for
shopping or for learning about the history of the town. During the course of the years, shop fronts and
other buildings have been restored. Thus, the visitor has the impression as if they were walking through
the boomtown of the late 1890s.
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White Pass Railway - "A Must Do"
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Tender boats are used in Icy Strait Point |
Some of us embarked a tram in Icy Strait Point that took us through the
southeast Alaskan rainforest and along the shoreline where Chichagof Island meets the waters of Icy Strait.
We learned about the ecological and cultural significance of the forest and the daily life of the Native
Tlingit people. Icy Strait Point was originally built as a Salmon Cannery. The cannery closed in 1999.
Then, the area was changed into a cruise port area with shops, historical displays and outdoor activities. |
Ketchikan, the 'Salmon Capital of the World' was our next port of call. The town is
also known for the world's largest collection of standing totem poles. One of the places where many totem
poles can be found is Saxman Village that we visited during our tour. Members of the native community
welcomed us at the Beaver Clan House with traditional songs and dances. Back in town, we walked along
Ketchikan Creek that is framed with wooden boardwalks, a nice pedestrian area with small shops and galleries. |
Ketchikan Creek |
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What our clients said after the tour:
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Hello Kerstin,
We had a wonderful time in Alaska land and cruise. Thank you for helping me to reserve the seat
at any place. You are the best agent for deaf travelers. I did not know you well until we know you now.
We would like to say, thank you for everything. Hope to see you again for another travel some day. Sincerely,
Diane and Gary
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Hi Kerstin
Enjoyed cruising in Alaska places. Thank you for great time. I would like to inform you that we are s
atisfied with the guest relation. They are friendly to communicate well by writing. Two of four interpreters,
David Jones and Richelle Frantz are the excellent workers for us all in their good attitudes.
Hope so we will see you someday. Have a great next trip.
Robbie and Royce
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We both want to thank you again and again for all the wonderful works you did for us!!! You are awesome !!!!
We hope to go to Australia and New Zealand someday under your supervision.
Thomas & Shirley
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Kerstin
Bob and I really enjoyed our trip. You are super and I was impressed by your patience!
June
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Hello Kerstin
Yes, we tremendously enjoyed Alaska. I enjoyed more by land from Fairbanks to Anchorage. It was really
fun riding on the train with different friends. Thank you very much for your wonderful service.
Martha
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