New Alaskan Port Adventures Promise to Expose Guests to Local Alaskan Experiences and Thrills

During the 2015 Alaska sailings aboard the Disney Wonder guests will have the opportunity to experience the Alaska like never before with a brand-new selection of Port Adventures. The new shore excursions have been designed to appeal to everyone in the family from exhilarating alpine forest adventures to hands-on experiences showcasing Alaska’s rich heritage.

Disney Cruise Line has a few exclusive experiences for passengers to consider this summer. On the Family Gold Exploration and the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration in Juneau, Disney Cruise Line guests experience an exclusive and memorable encounter with an eccentric prospector mining the hills. Families trek to the miner’s camp for stories around the campfire, leaving with tips of the trade and a keepsake from the prospector himself.DCL Alaska Port Adventure Downtown Skagway

Families can also explore Southeast Alaska’s Treadwell Mining District, an area founded on gold discovery and the hard work it took to mine it.  During the Family Gold Exploration guests can pan for gold and garnets at the Alaska Gastineau Gold Mine. They’ll also journey into the abandoned mine at the Maggie Kathleen Tunnel – a first for Disney Cruise Line – with a hard-rock miner, to see the equipment used for extracting ore.

In the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration Port Adventure, families take in the astonishing sights of the Mendenhall Valley complete with snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. Then they’re off to explore the mine ruins and trails at Douglas Island’s Treadwell Mining District. Keep an eye out for camp sites and prospectors mining the land. You never know who you’ll run into!

While in Skagway, guests can taste some delicious Alaskan fare that takes center stage at the Klondike Campfire Breakfast, during this exclusive Disney Cruise Line shore experience. Guests begin their day at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp with a hearty breakfast of steak, eggs and sourdough blueberry pancakes.

DCL Alaska Port Adventure Klondike Campfire BreakfastAfter being treated to the music and poetry of renowned Yukon poet Robert Service, they pan for gold, with everyone guaranteed to find the precious metal in every pan. DCL Alaska Port Adventure Klondike Campfire Breakfast Gold Panning

For the first time, families get a taste of some friendly competition during Skagway’s Klondike Family Challenge, where each immersive activity is paired with a fun challenge. At the Klondike Gold Fields, families pan for gold, interact with dogs and puppies training for sled dog races and feel the thrill of 40 degrees below zero. Disney Cruise Line guests tour the Klondike Gold Fields brewery, sample fresh brews and design their own root beer labels. At the end of the day, families leave their mark by etching their names onto a wooden plank to be hung on the wall at the site’s gold panning shed.DCL Alaska Port Adventure Klondike Family Challenge

An exhilarating new adventure in Skagway, Summit and BBQ Extravaganza will take guests to the legendary White Pass Summit, tracing the steps of miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. At the summit, guests get a stunning view of cascading waterfalls and towering mountains before stopping at the Skagway Overlook for an unforgettable view of the glacier-lined Skagway Valley and their Disney cruise ship. After working up an appetite, guests savor a barbecue lunch of fresh Alaskan salmon at the Klondike Gold Fields and learn the skill of gold panning.

Another first for Disney Cruise Line guests has them joining the lavishly costumed madam of the Red Onion Saloon for a tour of downtown Skagway during the Skagway City and Red Onion Saloon Tour (also listed as Ghosts and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour). From the century-old McCabe building, a former school now home to the Skagway Museum, guests tour back alleys and former red light districts, hearing rousing stories of women who ventured north during the gold rush era, along with ghost stories about those who never left. The tour culminates with a champagne toast at the famous Red Onion Saloon and historic brothel museum.

DCL Alaska Port Adventure Red Onion Saloon

Teens looking for some Alaskan thrills will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive Teen Only Canopy and Zip Line Expedition accompanied by some of DCL’s Youth Activities crew members. This off-road adventure includes zip lines and two towering sky bridges over lofty tree platforms. An exhilarating rappel from the treetops concludes this thrilling adventure. Please note: the link will take you to the regular excursion as at the time of publication, I could not find the teen only excursion on DCL’s website.

DCL Alaska Port Adventure Teen Only Canopy And Zip Line Expedition

Guests can also find their adventurous side in Skagway, with breathtaking views at every turn on the Skagway Adventure Hike. On this new trek, Disney Cruise Line guests journey through the alpine forest and snow-capped mountains of White Pass, led by a guide who shares stories of the area’s gold rush history and wildlife.

Another new Skagway experience sends guests gliding over the waters of Summit Lake in the Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure. Guests will board a 12-person, motor-assisted canoe to experience panoramic views of Alaska’s most enchanting scenery, including towering mountains, lush green forests and crystal-clear water. They’ll also explore the many coves, inlets and channels surrounding the lake.

Adults looking for a unique experience have an option to take a VIP Carriage Tour on the White Pass Scenic Railway. Guests will experience the dramatic beauty of Southeast Alaska while traveling aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route’s premier luxury parlor car. Privately guided and includes beverages and appetizers.

DCL Alaska Port Adventure VIP White Pass Railway

One Reply to “New Alaskan Port Adventures Promise to Expose Guests to Local Alaskan Experiences and Thrills”

  1. Kimberlee

    Please don’t waste your money on the Hummer excursion in Ketchican very disappointing. Walking and exploring yourself is so much better and the city is amazing. Complained to Disney Cruise line and no satisfation.

    Reply

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