Windstar Cruises Alaska cruise season runs from May 22 through September 12, featuring their award-winning Signature Expeditions program. On some of the smallest ships in Alaska, Windstar positions travelers closer to calving glaciers and elusive wildlife, delivering authentic Alaskan experiences.  That brings exciting opportunities for photographers.

Windstar in-depth Cruise Tours combine coastal cruises with in-depth overland explorations to Denali, Fairbanks, and the Canadian Rockies.

Coming up for the Windstar Cruises 2020 Alaska season, a new itinerary titled Alaska Glaciers & Prince William Sound.

Featured on this 11-day itinerary, first time visits to tiny ports of Valdez and Petersburg, scenic cruising to Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. In northern Prince William Sound featured are five tide-water glaciers where the ice meets the sea.

Windstar’s newly enhanced Star Breeze, the first Windstar ship to emerge from the in-progress $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, will sail Alaska next summer offering 22 different journeys beginning May 16, 2020.

The 312-passenger ship will showcase 50 new suites including a 1,374 sq. ft. Grand Owner’s Suite, new restaurants, enhanced spa and fitness center, elevated pool, and even more enhancements, as well as new, more environmentally-friendly engines.  

Experiencing Alaska, much of the wonder happens off the ship. That places a whole lot of focus on shore excursions in the region, regardless of the cruise line.. Windstar has that important aspect covered as well with their innovative Signature Expeditions program and expert team.

Small groups, not like this:

On each and every Windstar Alaska journey, six Signature Expedition experts are on board throughout the voyage. The Expedition Team includes naturalists, glaciologists, marine biologists, photographers, historians, and others. Shared from as many viewpoints, the history of the region, cultural tales, scientific discoveries, insider knowledge and local tips.

Included: lectures and expert narration while scenic cruising, as the team points out wildlife and explains the natural surroundings. Windstar’s guests can ask questions and really learn from the highly-engaged Expedition Team at daily talks, and even while socializing over dinner or a cup of coffee.

The Expedition Team are made up of experts like

• Hannah Hindley, a naturalist who focuses on understanding Alaskan glacier communities on the forefront of climate change; and
• Alberto Montaudon, a photography teacher and underwater videographer who has guided tours in Arctic Norway, Greenland, Galápagos, and more.
• The Expedition Leader, Captain Simon Hook, (not this one) began his maritime career in Sitka, Alaska as a deckhand on passenger vessels.

The Signatures Expeditions Team has a robust schedule featuring nearly 20 locally-inspired lectures:

• Knee Deep in Herring – A look at the historical and cultural significance of Alaska’s Pacific herring, as well as the current issues and controversy involving the Sitka Sound commercial harvest.
• Chokers, High Riggers, and Whistle Punks – A history of logging in the Tongass National Forest and the Pacific Northwest. 
• Killer Whale Culture – A peek at the social relationships, unique dialects, and coordinated foraging strategies used by groups of killer whales (also known as orca).
• Video Editing 101 – A workshop that’s part trivia, part hands-on learning, and part sharing, which will 100 percent come in handy to show friends highlights of the trip back at home. 

In 2019 and 2020, Windstar offers 45 cruises and Cruise Tours ranging from 11 to 22 days, starting at $2,199 per person.

To learn more about authentic cruising with Windstar, contact a travel advisor or Windstar Cruises by phone at 1-800-258-7245, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.