Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island + Alaska Cruise
Discover the awe-inspiring wildlife of British Columbia on this truly breathtaking tour amidst the spectacular scenery of Vancouver Island; followed by a cruise on the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage to Alaska.
It's the perfect way to see Alaska
Black bear on the shore
Victoria's Inner Harbour
Bird's eye view of Vancouver
The glaciers near Juneau are awe inspiring
Whale watching
Whale watching in Tofino
Inside Passage wildlife
Take a glorious peak at the Inside Passage
Vancouver Island
Campbell River
Mendenhall Glacier (optional from Juneau)
Mendenhall Glacier (optional)
An Orca in Campbell River
Vancouver Island
Skagway's Mascot Saloon
Skagway's Old Railroad House
Whale watching
Vancouver Island
Alaska's Glacier Bay is magnificent
Looking for whales
Vancouver; you could add 2 extra nights in this lovely city
Tracy Arm View
Cruising in Glacier Bay
Vancouver
Enjoy 2 extra nights in Vancouver
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Vancouver.
Fly to Vancouver where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Vancouver - Victoria.
Considered Canada's most beautiful city, Vancouver enjoys a magnificent location sandwiched between Burrard Inlet and towering, snow-capped mountains. This morning, enjoy breakfast at the Vancouver Aquarium in the company of their resident beluga whales before taking in Chinatown, pretty Gastown, the beautiful beaches and harbour area, and Stanley Park. Afterwards, set sail across the Strait of Georgia, cruising past the rugged shores and pristine beaches of the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. From here, continue along the Saanich Peninsula to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. This afternoon brings a sightseeing tour, which encompasses the world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park.
DAY 3: Victoria.
Victoria is a charming seaside town of fragrant gardens, waterfront paths, engaging museums and lovingly restored 19th century buildings. The Inner Harbour - the city's social and cultural hub - buzzes with yachts, horse-drawn carriages and street entertainers. Today brings your first exciting chance to spot whales in the wild on an unforgettable whale-watching cruise aboard a Zodiac powerboat. Keep your camera handy as you look for resident and visiting pods of Orca, Minke and Grey whales, as well as seals and porpoises. The rest of the day is free for you to delve further. Perhaps wander along the causeway of the Inner Harbour, tuck into some fabulous West coast cuisine or enjoy an optional dinner excursion to Chinatown. Alternatively, treat yourself to another, optional whale-watching cruise or a birdwatching tour.
DAY 4: Victoria - Tofino.
Today, travel through ancient rainforests as you journey across Vancouver Island to Tofino. On the way, stop in Duncan - 'the City of Totems' - for a guided walking tour around its famous, intricately carved totem poles. Continue through the Pacific Rim National Park, which occupies a finger of land framed by the Pacific Ocean and the rocky Vancouver Island range. The Park's unique geology and climate has created dense, overgrown forests, which run right down to sandy beaches, all alive with an extraordinary spectrum of animal life. The seas here are ideal for spotting a rich variety of species, such as seals, porpoises, sea lions and whales. This afternoon, the time is your own to explore Tofino and the surrounding area. Perhaps enjoy a walk along one of the many nearby beaches. Tofino itself is a pretty fishing town with shops, galleries and restaurants.
DAY 5: Tofino.
Each year, over 22,000 whales swim past Vancouver Island on their way from the Bering and Chukchi Seas of northern Alaska to the west coasts of Canada, USA and Mexico and on to Baja, California - an annual migration considered to be the longest undertaken by any of the world’s mammals. Today, join an exciting whale-watching expedition in search of the Pacific Grey whale, cruising over protected and open marine waters and keeping watch for other species like sea lions, puffins and bald eagles. Later, your boat will sail into calm inlets and sheltered bays in search of black bears, which frequently forage on the shores for rock crabs, clams and barnacles. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the craggy coastline.
DAY 6: Tofino - Campbell River.
This morning, a spectacular winding road takes you back to the east coast of Vancouver Island. Here, see Cathedral Grove, an incredible forest of old growth trees towering to heights of 250 feet. After a brief stop at the Old Country Market in Coombs, continue to the quaint town of Campbell River, the 'salmon capital of the world'. As this evening is free, why not meander along Discovery Pier - Canada's first saltwater fishing pier.
DAY 7: Campbell River - Telegraph Cove - Campbell River.
Head for Telegraph Cove, a tiny sawmill and cannery community hidden in the untouched northeast of Vancouver Island. This area is acknowledged as the world’s best spot for sighting Orca whales. Cruise the calm, protected waters of Johnstone Straight and the Blackfish Archipelago accompanied by a trained naturalist who will identify and explain the local marine species and seabirds. Keep an eye on the shore - you may just spot black bear, otters, mink, raccoons and deer.
DAY 8: Campbell River.
A whole day free to enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities on offer. Hire a bike and take off down quiet cycle trails or play a round of golf. Alternatively, take a short ferry ride across Discovery Passage to nearby Quadra Island - a haven of idyllic beaches, lakes and parks sprinkled with lodges, native art centres and artisan's studios. If you're here between July and October, you may want to grab the opportunity to don a facemask and snorkel and swim with the salmon as they travel upriver to their spawning grounds. Between September and mid-October, you can join an optional boat excursion to Bute Inlet in search of grizzly bears. Watching from viewing platforms, it's a fantastic chance to witness these magnificent animals fishing for salmon.
DAY 9: Campbell River – Vancouver.
This morning make your way to Nanaimo to board the ferry back to Vancouver, sailing through picturesque Horseshoe Bay. The rest of the day is free to further explore.
DAY 10: Vancouver to embark your cruise ship.
Transfer to your cruise ship, the MS Volendam, for embarkation. Sailing time is around 5pm. This evening enjoy a lavish à la carte dinner. (D)
DAY 11: Inside Passage cruising.
The beauty of the Inside Passage will amaze you as you cruise past 1,000 miles of epic scenery, towering glaciated mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands and virgin forests. There is also plenty of animal and marine life to look out for: sea lions, eagles and porpoises. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Juneau.
An afternoon arrival in Juneau, Alaska's capital. The city has a Gold Rush story to rival that of Klondike, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. An optional wildlife cruise and salmon fishing will normally be available, and you'll also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Juneau's own glacier, Mendenhall. This impressive river of blue ice is about 1.5 miles wide and over 12 miles long! (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Skagway.
Morning arrival in Skagway, Alaska's gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon. Skagway was the turbulent staging point for prospectors and still has old-fashioned weathered boardwalks and old-time saloons. Optional sightseeing includes a ride in a vintage parlour car to see the White Pass and Yukon route. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore some more, before setting sail again late this evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Glacier Bay.
Cruise into spectacular Glacier Bay early this morning, where forests give way to a rugged landscape rising to rocky peaks. Sixteen huge mountains converge to create an awe-inspiring panoramic wonder, a dramatic scene of awesome glaciers and massive icebergs. Wildlife is abundant and you may spot eagles, seals, mountain goats, moose and bears in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Ketchikan.
A morning arrival in colourful Ketchikan, situated on Revillagigedo Island and known as the 'salmon capital of the world'. Here, a picturesque harbour shelters fishing boats and seaplanes. A wide choice of optional excursions will be available, including an outing to see Indian Heritage Villages, Totem Bight State Park and 'flightseeing' to Misty Fjords National Monument. Evening departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)
DAY 16: At sea.
Continue cruising south along British Columbia's spectacular coastline. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and with a little luck you may spot a pod of graceful orca whales. (B, L, D)
DAY 17: Vancouver - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK or extend your stay in Vancouver or Hawaii. (B)
DAY 18: Home landing in the UK.
2013 Departures Now On Sale
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - Book by 31 May 2012.
MS Zuiderdam
Large inside cabin, MS Zuiderdam
Large outside cabin, MS Zuiderdam
Deluxe verandah cabin, MS Zuiderdam
Vista Dining Room, MS Zuiderdam
Pinnacle Grill Restaurant, MS Zuiderdam
Lido Bar, MS Zuiderdam
Explorer's Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
Crow's Nest Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
Sports Bar, MS Zuiderdam
Vista Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
Queen's Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
Greenhouse Spa hydro pool, MS Zuiderdam
Ocean Bar and Atrium, MS Zuiderdam
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MS Zuiderdam
Renowned as Holland America Line's first Vista-Class vessel, MS Zuiderdam is a contemporary and luxurious ship, equipped with ultra-modern technology and an excellent array of amenities. Tastefully elegant and designed with Modernism in mind, the on board décor ranges from works by celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Ben, to the exquisite Waterford Crystal seahorse suspended over the three-tiered atrium. MS Zuiderdam accommodates 1,916 guests in comfortable, well-designed cabins and affords the best in service, fine dining, and luxurious cruising.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 swimming pools (one with sliding glass roof); two-tiered Vista Dining Room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill, casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; Pinnacle, Sea View, Ocean, Piano, Lido and Sports bars; Crows' Nest, Neptune and Explorers' lounges; Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre; Explorations internet café; Vista show lounge; volleyball and basketball courts; Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool and thermal suites; fitness centre and aerobics; observation deck; shops and boutiques; casino; nightclub; library; atrium; photo gallery; lifts; reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. There is a choice of dining venues on board: the main Vista dining area has set dining or new 'dine as you wish' arrangements and a good selection of different menus. Casual dining is available in the Lido Restaurant most evenings with three courses of fresh, cooked-to-order specialities, and the informal Italian Canaletto, or guests may enjoy elegant, sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's the complimentary ice cream bar, hot hors d'oeuvres during the pre-dinner hour and after dinner there is the famous late night snack. Vegetarian or kosher meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.
Cabins
All cabins have twin or queen size beds (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; and telephone. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and bathtub. Your holiday price is based on a category J inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
J Large or standard inside lower or upper deck cabin
E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
D Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
VD Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows
VC Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows
Tipping
A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.
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MS Zuiderdam
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Large inside cabin, MS Zuiderdam
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Large outside cabin, MS Zuiderdam
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Deluxe verandah cabin, MS Zuiderdam
-
Vista Dining Room, MS Zuiderdam
-
Pinnacle Grill Restaurant, MS Zuiderdam
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Lido Bar, MS Zuiderdam
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Explorer's Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
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Crow's Nest Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
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Sports Bar, MS Zuiderdam
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Vista Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
-
Queen's Lounge, MS Zuiderdam
-
Greenhouse Spa hydro pool, MS Zuiderdam
-
Ocean Bar and Atrium, MS Zuiderdam
Previous
Next
MS Zuiderdam
Renowned as Holland America Line's first Vista-Class vessel, MS Zuiderdam is a contemporary and luxurious ship, equipped with ultra-modern technology and an excellent array of amenities. Tastefully elegant and designed with Modernism in mind, the on board décor ranges from works by celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Ben, to the exquisite Waterford Crystal seahorse suspended over the three-tiered atrium. MS Zuiderdam accommodates 1,916 guests in comfortable, well-designed cabins and affords the best in service, fine dining, and luxurious cruising.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 swimming pools (one with sliding glass roof); two-tiered Vista Dining Room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill, casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; Pinnacle, Sea View, Ocean, Piano, Lido and Sports bars; Crows' Nest, Neptune and Explorers' lounges; Queen's Lounge and Culinary Arts Centre; Explorations internet café; Vista show lounge; volleyball and basketball courts; Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool and thermal suites; fitness centre and aerobics; observation deck; shops and boutiques; casino; nightclub; library; atrium; photo gallery; lifts; reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. There is a choice of dining venues on board: the main Vista dining area has set dining or new 'dine as you wish' arrangements and a good selection of different menus. Casual dining is available in the Lido Restaurant most evenings with three courses of fresh, cooked-to-order specialities, and the informal Italian Canaletto, or guests may enjoy elegant, sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's the complimentary ice cream bar, hot hors d'oeuvres during the pre-dinner hour and after dinner there is the famous late night snack. Vegetarian or kosher meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.
Cabins
All cabins have twin or queen size beds (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; and telephone. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and bathtub. Your holiday price is based on a category J inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
J Large or standard inside lower or upper deck cabin
E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
D Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
VD Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows
VC Deluxe verandah cabin with sitting area; private verandah; floor-to-ceiling windows
Tipping
A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.
MS Volendam
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Large inside cabin, MS Volendam
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Large outside cabin, MS Volendam
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Verandah Suite, MS Volendam
Rotterdam Dining Room, MS Volendam
Pinnacle Grill, MS Volendam
Lido Pool area, MS Volendam
Explorer's Lounge, MS Volendam
Crow's Nest Observation Lounge, MS Volendam
Frans Hals Show Lounge, MS Volendam
Fitness Centre, MS Volendam
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MS Volendam
Embodying Holland America Line's 'Signature of Excellence', MS Volendam is equipped with the most modern technologies and provides a good selection of amenities, facilities and entertainment. Decorated throughout with a garden motif, floral attributes can be found in abundance ranging from priceless paintings and sculpture, to sumptuous fabrics and bouquets of fresh flowers. Accommodating 1,432 passengers in bright, comfortable cabins, MS Volendam also offers elegant public areas and fine dining - ideal for luxurious cruising.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 pools (one with sliding glass roof); 2 whirlpools; main dining room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; 5 bars including Piano and Wine tasting; 3 lounges; internet café; show lounge; tennis and basketball courts; spa and beauty salon; thermal suite; fitness centre and aerobics; Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center; shops; casino; art and photo galleries; launderette; 12 lifts; reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The main Rotterdam Dining Room has a wide choice of menus with most passengers opting for smart casual dress in the evenings. The Lido Restaurant and the Italian Canaletto offer casual dining most evenings, or guests can enjoy sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's a complimentary ice cream bar and the famous late night snack. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.
Cabins
All cabins have twin lower beds, convertible to 1 queen-sized bed (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; telephone; music system; and 24-hour room service. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and a bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
K Large inside lower or middle deck cabin
E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
C Large outside middle deck cabin with picture window
AA Verandah Suite with whirlpool bath; sitting area; private verandah; minibar; fridge; floor-to-ceiling windows
Tipping
A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.
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MS Volendam
-
Large inside cabin, MS Volendam
-
Large outside cabin, MS Volendam
-
Verandah Suite, MS Volendam
-
Rotterdam Dining Room, MS Volendam
-
Pinnacle Grill, MS Volendam
-
Lido Pool area, MS Volendam
-
Explorer's Lounge, MS Volendam
-
Crow's Nest Observation Lounge, MS Volendam
-
Frans Hals Show Lounge, MS Volendam
-
Fitness Centre, MS Volendam
Previous
Next
MS Volendam
Embodying Holland America Line's 'Signature of Excellence', MS Volendam is equipped with the most modern technologies and provides a good selection of amenities, facilities and entertainment. Decorated throughout with a garden motif, floral attributes can be found in abundance ranging from priceless paintings and sculpture, to sumptuous fabrics and bouquets of fresh flowers. Accommodating 1,432 passengers in bright, comfortable cabins, MS Volendam also offers elegant public areas and fine dining - ideal for luxurious cruising.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 pools (one with sliding glass roof); 2 whirlpools; main dining room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; 5 bars including Piano and Wine tasting; 3 lounges; internet café; show lounge; tennis and basketball courts; spa and beauty salon; thermal suite; fitness centre and aerobics; Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center; shops; casino; art and photo galleries; launderette; 12 lifts; reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The main Rotterdam Dining Room has a wide choice of menus with most passengers opting for smart casual dress in the evenings. The Lido Restaurant and the Italian Canaletto offer casual dining most evenings, or guests can enjoy sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's a complimentary ice cream bar and the famous late night snack. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.
Cabins
All cabins have twin lower beds, convertible to 1 queen-sized bed (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; telephone; music system; and 24-hour room service. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and a bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
K Large inside lower or middle deck cabin
E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
C Large outside middle deck cabin with picture window
AA Verandah Suite with whirlpool bath; sitting area; private verandah; minibar; fridge; floor-to-ceiling windows
Tipping
A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.
MS Zuiderdam
MS Zuiderdam Sports Deck
MS Zuiderdam Observation Deck
MS Zuiderdam Lido Deck
MS Zuiderdam Navigation Deck
MS Zuiderdam Rotterdam Deck
MS Zuiderdam Upper Verandah Deck
MS Zuiderdam Verandah Deck
MS Zuiderdam Upper Promenade Deck
MS Zuiderdam Promenade Deck
MS Zuiderdam Lower Promenade Deck
MS Zuiderdam Main Deck
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Category J Main Deck Large or standard inside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed
Category E Main Deck Large outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower
Category D Main Deck Large outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, and picture window
Category VD Upper Promenade Deck Deluxe Verandah outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows
Category VC Verandah Deck Deluxe Verandah outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows
MS Volendam
MS Volendam Sky & Sports Decks
MS Volendam Lido Deck
MS Volendam Navigation Deck
MS Volendam Verandah Deck
MS Volendam Upper Promenade Deck
MS Volendam Promenade Deck
MS Volendam Lower Promenade Deck
MS Volendam Main Deck
MS Volendam Dolphin Deck
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Category K Main or Lower Promenade Deck large inside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-sized bed
Category E Dolphin or Main Deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds, bath and/or shower
Category C Lower Promenade deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-sized bed, bathtub & shower, and picture window
Category AA Verandah or Navigation Deck Verandah Suite with 2 lower beds, whirlpool bath, sitting area, private verandah, fridge, and floor to ceiling windows
Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island + Alaska Cruise 16 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island + Alaska Cruise 16 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||||
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| 6 Sep 2012 | Aberdeen |
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| 6 Sep 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 6 Sep 2012 | Glasgow |
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| 6 Sep 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 6 Sep 2012 | Manchester |
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| 6 Sep 2012 | Newcastle |
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Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island + Alaska Cruise
Price from £3175.00
Holiday Highlights
- Vancouver City sightseeing
- Victoria City sightseeing and visit to Butchart Gardens
- Tofino Bear and whale watching tour
- Campbell River
- Telegraph Cove Whale watching cruise
- Vancouver
- Inside Passage Cruising
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay Cruising
- Ketchikan
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
06 Sep 2012 to 06 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.