UT Shield

Denali Explorer Cruise Tour

August 1-12, 2026

RFSA Travelers and friends escaped the heat to experience the best of Alaska with a 7-day cruise on the Discovery Princess, beginning in Vancouver through the stunning Inside Passage, featuring breathtaking glaciers and wildlife sightings. Then they transitioned to a 4-night land tour via Princess Cruise’s exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service, exploring the majestic landscapes of Mt. McKinley, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.

First night on the Princess Discovery ship.
Ketchican
Ketchican
Ketchican
Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
Lunch at the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau where gold diggers hung out during the Gold Rush!
Lunch at the Red Dog Saloon
Clare, Mike, Angela, Bennett, Brian and Mary waiting for the White Pass scenic train tour in Scagway. Princess Discovery in background.
Salmon Creek at low tide (bus window) – lots of eagles and birds!
5-hour train ride to Denali
5-hour train ride to Denali
5-hour train ride to Denali
Harvard Glacier in College Fjord was huge and impressive!
Pre-dinner drinks with the whole group.

Group photo with Denali in the background

Lunch with a gorgeous view of Mt. Denali
Denali from the deck of Princess McKinley Lodge
Denali from the deck of Princess McKinley Lodge
Excursion to fly around Denali and land on the Ruth Glacier. This is Denali from where we landed. It was amazing!
Excursion to fly around Denali and land on the Ruth Glacier. This is Denali from where we landed.
Day in the park with bears, caribou, moose, birds and more!
State bird of Alaska, the ptarmigan
Day in the park with a moose or two
Riley Creek and the suspension bridge
Riley Creek and the suspension bridge
Riley Creek and the suspension bridge
Riley Creek and the suspension bridge