Alaska: Cruisers return to Gold Rush era on a living history voyage

Travel through time to Alaska’s Gold Rush era on a coastal steamer where crew members, dressed in period costumes, describe events of 1898. A diverse cast of characters, from cannery workers to shipping magnates, talks about the 19th century free-for-all on the steamship cruise between Juneau and Ketchikan.

Seattle-based Un-Cruise Adventures hosts Alaska’s Golden History cruises, which blend the state’s dramatic landscape of glaciers and mountains with living history skits and presentations.

“Having characters from the past come to life in front of you as you pass through the area where they lived brings new depth to this history-based cruise,” Dan Blanchard, the company’s chief executive, said in a statement.

Guests ride a 1920s street car and old railway in Skagway, learn about the Tlingit culture in Wrangell and view wildlife and glaciers along the way. The Legacy, a replica steamer that carries just passengers, visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway as well as Frederick Sound and Icy Strait for whale-watching.

Vintage vibe aside, the steamer has two hot tubs, sauna, a massage room and fitness equipment. Passengers may take the cruise in either direction.

Dates: The eight-day cruise is available for 10 departure dates between June 15 and Aug. 17.

Price: Starting at $5,195 a person, double occupancy. (Those who reserve by Dec. 20 receive a $350 discount per person.) It includes cabin, shore tours, meals, a massage, wine and spirits, transfers, port fees and taxes. Airfare to and from Alaska is extra.

Info: Un-Cruise Adventures, (888) 862-8881, email sales@un-cruise.com, or contact a travel agent.

Mary.Forgione@latimes.com
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