Victory Cruise Lines marks its expedition experience debut with the new Ocean Victory in 2022. The vessel will sail 12- and 13-day journeys through the less-traveled regions of Alaska’s Inside Passage led by a seasoned expedition team. Accommodating only 186 guests, the focus of the expedition program is exploring Alaska up-close.
The ship comes equipped with kayaks and Zodiacs as well as sliding observation platforms for wildlife viewing. Passengers have the opportunity to witness marine research by California Polytech University students in real-time and have engaging discussions with First Nation leaders.
The Ocean Victory inaugural Alaska season expedition program highlights include:
Anan Creek Bear and Wildlife Observatory: Guests will venture into the Alaskan wilderness for a look at the forest’s wildlife in their natural habitat. They will have the opportunity to travel by jet boat from Wrangel through the Eastern Passage to the Anan trailhead. Anan Creek provides the perfect landscape for an observatory, as it is one of the largest salmon runs in Southeast Alaska. This makes it a prime location for the local bear population to feed, as well as bald eagles and harbor seals. At the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, guests will experience up-close views of these creatures.
Five Finger Whale Lighthouse: Historic Five Finger Whale Lighthouse is located at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska. The island on which it sits, and the surrounding waters, are a home to nesting seabirds, foraging songbirds, bald eagles, stellar sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, harbor porpoise, transient killer whales and large numbers of humpback whales.
Kake Tlingit Village: Experiencing the traditional culture of Kake, guests will be welcomed by the Tlingit residents and encouraged to participate in their long-standing traditions. Just a short walk from the dock is the community hall, where a carving or weaving demonstration will take place. Then, guests can step out onto the dancefloor where local dancers will perform traditional songs and dances before gazing at the world’s largest one-tree totem.
Petersburg: In Petersburg, the Ocean Victory docks right beside Alaska’s largest home-based halibut-fishing fleet, which calls this shallow, protected harbor home. These abundant waters and endless supply of ice from nearby LeConte Glacier led Norwegian fisherman Peter Buschmann to build the region’s first cannery and invite his fishing countrymen to join him. Hence the town’s name and its strong Norwegian culture. With large cruise ships unable to access Petersburg, Ocean Victory’s smaller size allows guests the unique opportunity to call on this Alaskan village.
Waterfall Coast: Guests will be challenged to keep track of the vast number of waterfalls encountered along Baranof Island’s beautiful eastern coast, the little known “waterfall coast.” Ocean Victory’s many observation areas invite guests to enjoy this landscape from on board or right at water level by kayak or Zodiac. This almost hidden shoreline is also prime for wildlife discovery from seals and deer to tidepools ready to reveal secret worlds and treasures.
The brand-new, expedition Ocean Victory will sail between Vancouver, B.C. and Sitka, Alaska and call at the Canadian 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; Kake/Frederick Sound/Five Finger; and Sitka, Alaska. Sailings available in May; June; July; August; and September 2022.
Fares start at $3,699 per guest, plus port fees, taxes and gratuities with FREEDOM savings available on select bookings through Aug. 31, 2021 and can be accessed with the offer code: FREEDOM.
For more information, visit victorycruiselines.com.
