Aurora Expeditions Adds Alaska in 2014

Pushing the boundaries of adventure travel, Aurora Expeditions have announced they are expanding their program of small-ship voyages to include Alaska in 2014. The inaugural 'Ultimate Adventure - Alaska's Inside Passage' will depart in May 2014 and will offer the same style of exploration as their other polar expeditions.

Wilderness Adventurer

On board the locally-based Wilderness Adventurer, just 60 passengers will have the chance to enjoy the camaraderie of this small-group adventure as they travel from Ketchikan to experience all the wilderness, wildlife, exploration and tranquillity of Alaska's Eastern and Western Coves.

The small vessel will hug the region's coastlines venturing deep into secluded bays, past massive icebergs and calving glaciers, into the feeding ground of the largest concentration of humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere, and past majestic forests that are home to an array of wildlife including black and brown bears, wolves, moose, mink, otters, eagles, and sea birds.

As always, the aim is to land on shore as much as possible. Zodiacs will zip passengers from ship to shore, and an expert team will offer a range of guided trekking options through magical untouched wilderness, where caves, waterfalls, local cultures and wildlife are just some of the highlights.

In Alaska, passengers will also have the opportunity to try their hands at sea kayaking, free of charge, as well as paddle boarding and polar snorkelling. Or for the less active, absorb the scenery from the outer decks, or witness the amazing sights and sounds of the sea life below from the comfort of your cabin with the on board hydrophone and bow-mounted underwater camera.

Two of Aurora's favourite expedition team members, Gary Miller and Robyn Mundy, will accompany passengers on the inaugural voyage next year. Joined by a handful of other locally-based experts, they will interpret the landscape and wildlife along the way.

The inaugural 17-day 'Ultimate Adventure - Alaska's Inside Passage' will depart from Seattle on 29 May to 14 June 2014. Prices start from US$7,500, per person, twin share.

To view the full itinerary or for more information on Aurora Expeditions' inaugural small-ship voyage to Alaska call 1800 637 688 (+61 2 9252 1033) or visit www.auroraexpeditons.com.au.

*The voyage will depart from Ketchikan in Alaska. The voyage itinerary and price also includes return flights from Seattle to Ketchikan, one night accommodation in Seattle, one night accommodation in Ketchikan and some transfers.