Jookender's Alaska: The Ultimate Adventure

Jookender's Alaska: The Ultimate Adventure

Jookender's Alaska: The Ultimate Adventure

15 Days of Glaciers, Wildlife, Gold Rush History & New Friendships

July 31 - August 14, 2027 | 15 Days / 14 Nights

7 Nights Aboard Crown Princess + 7 Nights Exploring Alaska by Road

Early Bird Special: From $4,620 Per Person

Only 12 Early Bird Spots | Maximum 18 Travelers

One Incredible Journey. Two Very Different Ways to Discover Alaska.

Imagine sailing past towering glaciers, watching wild bears near rushing waterfalls, traveling through breathtaking mountain landscapes, exploring historic gold-mining towns, and relaxing in natural hot springs. Now imagine experiencing all of this with a small, friendly group of fellow travelers, with nearly every excursion already included in your vacation package.

Welcome to Jookender's Alaska: The Ultimate Adventure, a special 15-day journey combining the beauty of an Alaskan cruise with the excitement of exploring the state's extraordinary interior by road.

We've designed this adventure for people who want more than a traditional Alaska cruise. During our first week, we'll enjoy the comfort of Crown Princess as we sail through Alaska's magnificent Inside Passage, stopping in charming coastal towns and discovering some of the region's most beautiful destinations.

But when the cruise ends, our adventure continues!

We'll exchange our cruise ship for comfortable rental vehicles and spend another week discovering Alaska's remarkable interior. From Anchorage to Fairbanks, Denali National Park to Chena Hot Springs, we'll explore places, meet people, and experience landscapes that most cruise-only travelers never get to see.

With a maximum of just 18 participants, this is an opportunity to experience Alaska in a more personal way, sharing the adventure with people who may become lifelong friends.

And here's one of the best parts: your package price includes the cruise, hotels, rental vehicles, three shore excursions, and nearly all scheduled land activities, guided tours, and attraction admission tickets.

Before We Sail: Welcome to Vancouver, Canada

Our official adventure begins on July 31, 2027, when we board Crown Princess in Vancouver, British Columbia.

However, we strongly recommend arriving in Vancouver on July 30, one day before departure, and spending the night in the city.

Flights can be delayed, connections can be missed, and cruise ships cannot wait for late-arriving passengers. Arriving a day early gives you time to relax, explore a little of Vancouver, and begin your vacation without unnecessary stress.

Please note that airfare, the July 30 overnight stay in Vancouver, and transportation to the cruise terminal are not included in the package.

Part One: Seven Nights Aboard Crown Princess

July 31 - August 7, 2027

Our first week takes us through one of the world's most spectacular cruising regions - Alaska's legendary Inside Passage.

Imagine waking up to snow-covered mountains rising directly from the sea, watching glaciers stretch across the horizon, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of remote coastal wilderness.

Aboard Crown Princess, we'll enjoy comfortable accommodations, full-board dining, onboard entertainment, and the amenities of a modern cruise ship.

Some days will be devoted to scenic cruising through magnificent glacier regions, where the journey itself becomes the main attraction. On other days, we'll go ashore to explore Alaska's fascinating coastal communities.

Three Included Shore Excursions

Unlike many traditional cruise packages, where shore excursions must be purchased separately, Jookender includes three specially selected tours:

Ketchikan - Totems, City & Wildlife, Cable Car Trolley

Discover the character of this colorful coastal town, explore its Native Alaskan cultural heritage, and enjoy local scenery and wildlife-related attractions.

Juneau - City Tour

Explore Alaska's capital, surrounded by mountains, forests, and spectacular natural landscapes. Discover the city's history, landmarks, and unique atmosphere.

Skagway - City and Summit Tour

Step back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush as we explore historic Skagway and travel toward breathtaking mountain scenery along one of Alaska's most famous historic routes.

Between our shore excursions, we'll have time to enjoy the ship, relax, socialize, and admire the extraordinary beauty of Alaska's coastline.

On August 7, we'll arrive in Whittier, where our cruise ends and the second chapter of our adventure begins.

Part Two: Discovering Alaska by Road

August 7 - August 14, 2027

After disembarking in Whittier, we'll take an organized transfer to Anchorage Airport, collect our rental vehicles, and begin our seven-day land adventure.

We'll travel in comfortable passenger vans or SUVs, with approximately six people per vehicle. Qualified participants will share driving responsibilities, giving us the flexibility to explore Alaska together at our own pace.

This is where our journey becomes especially exciting. We'll experience Alaska beyond the cruise ports, traveling through mountain valleys, forests, riverside communities, and vast stretches of wilderness.

Anchorage - 3 Nights

August 7-10

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, will serve as our base for exploring Southcentral Alaska.

During our three-night stay, we'll enjoy several memorable excursions, including some of the highlights of the entire journey.

Wild Bears at Russian River Falls

One of our most anticipated experiences is a full-day adventure to Russian River Falls, a well-known location for observing wild bears in their natural environment.

During the salmon season, bears are frequently seen around the river and waterfalls, creating extraordinary opportunities to witness Alaska's wildlife from designated viewing areas.

Surrounded by forests, rivers, and beautiful wilderness scenery, this will be a day to remember.

Important Accessibility Information: Reaching the bear-viewing area requires an approximately 2-mile walk each way along a relatively flat trail. Travelers who have difficulty walking longer distances may bring their own wheelchair and arrange for a companion to assist with pushing it. The trail is generally wheelchair-passable, although natural outdoor conditions may vary. Please plan accordingly.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

We'll visit the famous Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, one of Alaska's major wildlife conservation and rehabilitation facilities.

Here, we'll have the opportunity to observe many of the animals that make Alaska so special, including bears, moose, musk oxen, bison, wolves, and other native species.

It's a fascinating experience that combines wildlife viewing, conservation, and an appreciation of Alaska's natural environment.

Scenic Aerial Tramway

We'll also enjoy an included aerial tramway ride, traveling high above the surrounding landscape for spectacular panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys.

And that's not all! Our Anchorage program includes additional scenic stops, natural attractions, and opportunities to discover the beauty of Southcentral Alaska.

The bear-watching adventure, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center admission, and aerial tramway tickets are all included in your package.

Fairbanks - 3 Nights

August 10-13

Leaving Anchorage behind, we'll continue north into Alaska's interior, discovering a completely different side of the state.

Our journey includes a visit to the magnificent Denali National Park, home to some of North America's most extraordinary wilderness landscapes.

We'll enjoy an included park tour, admire the region's natural beauty, and learn about the wildlife, geography, and history of this remarkable protected area.

During our time in and around Fairbanks, we'll also discover Alaska's Gold Rush heritage, visit historic gold-mining sites, explore museums and cultural attractions, enjoy riverside experiences, and visit fascinating themed villages that bring Alaska's history and traditions to life.

We'll spend three nights in Fairbanks, with breakfast included at our hotel.

One Free Day in Fairbanks - Your Adventure, Your Choice!

We've intentionally included one completely free day in Fairbanks, giving everyone the opportunity to choose how to spend their time.

You can relax, explore Fairbanks independently, visit local attractions, or arrange another trip to Denali National Park.

For those who want to experience something truly extraordinary, we're also offering two optional adventures to the Arctic Circle.

Option 1: Arctic Circle by Minibus - $335 Per Person

An approximately 14-hour journey through Alaska's northern wilderness, with a maximum of eight participants.

Option 2: Arctic Circle by Air - $690 Per Person

Experience Alaska's remote northern landscapes from above during a scenic flight adventure. Group size is limited by aircraft capacity, generally around four to six participants.

Both Arctic Circle experiences are optional and not included in the package price. Advance reservations are required, and availability is limited.

Of course, you're equally welcome to spend the day exactly as you please. Sometimes the best part of a vacation is having absolutely nothing scheduled!

Chena Hot Springs - 1 Night

August 13-14

Our final overnight destination will be the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort, surrounded by the beautiful wilderness of Interior Alaska.

After nearly two weeks of exploring glaciers, mountains, wildlife habitats, historic towns, and national parks, what could be better than relaxing in naturally heated mineral waters?

Admission to the natural hot springs is included in your tour package.

We'll enjoy a peaceful overnight stay, experience the unique atmosphere of this remote destination, and celebrate the wonderful journey we've shared.

August 14 - Our Journey Comes to an End

On August 14, we'll leave Chena Hot Springs and return to Fairbanks International Airport.

There, we'll return our rental vehicles and officially conclude our 15-day Alaska adventure.

Participants will arrange their own flights home or onward travel from Fairbanks.

Come for Alaska. Leave with New Friends.

There's something special about traveling with a small group of people who share your curiosity, sense of adventure, and love of discovering new places.

Over two weeks, we'll share meals, admire glaciers from the ship's decks, explore Alaska's wilderness, laugh about unexpected moments, and spend countless hours getting to know one another.

Some of us may arrive as strangers, but chances are we'll return home as friends.

That's one of the things we love most about Jookender adventures. The journey may last just two weeks, but the friendships that begin along the way can last a lifetime.

Early Bird Special - Limited to the First 12 Travelers!

We're keeping this adventure small and personal, with a minimum of 12 and a maximum of just 18 participants.

Our special Early Bird prices are available exclusively to the first 12 confirmed travelers.

Once these spaces are filled, package prices will be recalculated based on availability and travel costs and may increase substantially.

Complete 15-Day Alaska Package Prices

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, both in the cruise cabin and in hotel accommodations during the land portion.

Cruise Cabin CategoryEarly Bird Price
Interior Cabin$4,620
Obstructed Ocean View$4,770
Ocean View Cabin$5,370
Balcony Cabin$6,470

Club Chaverim Members Save an Additional $100 Per Person!

Your cruise cabin selection determines your total package price. All participants enjoy the same included land itinerary, regardless of cabin category.

These prices cover the complete two-week adventure, not just the cruise.

What's Included in Your Package?

  • Seven-night Crown Princess cruise, including double-occupancy accommodations, full-board dining, onboard entertainment, and standard ship amenities.
  • Three shore excursions in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, arranged by Jookender.
  • Organized transfer from Whittier to Anchorage Airport.
  • Rental vehicles for the seven-day land adventure, shared among approximately six travelers per vehicle.
  • Seven hotel nights, including three in Anchorage, three in Fairbanks, and one at Chena Hot Springs, based on double occupancy.
  • Daily hotel breakfasts during the land portion (except for Chena – last night).
  • Full-day bear-watching excursion to Russian River Falls.
  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center admission.
  • Scenic aerial tramway tickets.
  • Denali National Park guided tour.
  • Chena Hot Springs admission, including access to the natural hot springs during our overnight stay.
  • Scheduled visits to museums, natural parks, gold-mining attractions, cultural destinations, and other included activities.
  • Selected additional meals provided as part of certain excursions.
  • All scheduled individual attraction admissions and tour tickets, unless specifically listed as optional.

What's Not Included?

  • Airfare to Vancouver and from Fairbanks.
  • Overnight accommodations in Vancouver on July 30, 2027.
  • Transportation to the Vancouver cruise terminal.
  • Cruise beverage packages, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, wi-fi, and optional onboard purchases.
  • Additional cruise excursions beyond the three included tours.
  • All gratuities and tips, including cruise gratuities, tour guides, drivers, and other service providers.
  • Travel insurance and rental vehicle insurance.
  • Gasoline, vehicle-based park entrance fees, and parking charges, shared among travelers in each vehicle.
  • Meals during the land portion, except included hotel breakfasts and meals specifically provided with scheduled excursions. There is no breakfast in Chena included.
  • Optional Arctic Circle excursions, additional Denali visits, and other independently arranged activities.
  • Personal expenses.

A Few Important Things to Know

Small-Group Travel

This is a shared small-group adventure rather than a conventional escorted bus tour. We'll travel in two or three rental vehicles, with approximately six participants in each. Qualified travelers will share driving responsibilities and certain vehicle-related expenses.

Accommodations

All package prices are based on two people sharing a cruise cabin and a hotel room. Travelers should be comfortable with this arrangement or coordinate their booking with a preferred travel companion.

Travel Documents

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have valid passports and any necessary travel authorizations or visas for Canada and the United States.

Wildlife & Outdoor Experiences

Alaska is a wilderness destination. Wildlife sightings, natural conditions, and weather cannot be guaranteed. Some activities may involve walking or other moderate physical activity. The Russian River Falls excursion involves an approximately 2-mile walk each way, with wheelchair assistance possible as described above.

Cancellation Policy & Travel Insurance

Full Cancellation Within 48 Hours of Purchase

Travelers may cancel their reservation within 48 hours of purchase and receive a full refund.

Cancellations After 48 Hours

After the initial 48-hour cancellation period, refunds are not guaranteed.

A partial refund may be possible if Jookender is able to find a replacement traveler for the canceled reservation. These requests will be reviewed individually, on a case-by-case basis, considering replacement availability, supplier policies, and any nonrefundable expenses already incurred.

Travel Insurance - Strongly Recommended

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Depending on the coverage selected, travel insurance may help protect you against unexpected circumstances before or during your journey, including illness, injury, trip cancellation, interruptions, flight delays, lost baggage, and other covered events.

Travel insurance is not included in the package price, and each traveler is responsible for selecting and purchasing appropriate coverage.

Itinerary Changes & Unforeseen Circumstances

While we carefully plan every part of this adventure, travel in Alaska is influenced by weather conditions, wildlife activity, road accessibility, cruise schedules, and other circumstances beyond our control.

Jookender reserves the right to modify, substitute, reschedule, or cancel individual activities, excursions, destinations, accommodations, or portions of the itinerary when necessary due to weather, safety concerns, transportation disruptions, operational restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Jookender is not responsible for delays, cancellations, additional expenses, or missed activities resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including force majeure events and changes made by third-party transportation providers, cruise operators, hotels, and excursion companies, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Any applicable refunds, credits, or substitutions will be determined according to the relevant supplier's policies, the terms of the travel agreement, and applicable law.

Ready to Discover Alaska: The Ultimate Adventure?

Fifteen days. Two unforgettable ways to explore Alaska. Glaciers, wildlife, mountains, gold-mining history, natural hot springs, and new friendships waiting to happen.

Only 12 Early Bird spaces are available, and our entire group is limited to 18 travelers.

Join Jookender for an Alaska adventure that combines the best of cruising with the excitement of exploring the Last Frontier by road.

Come for the adventure. Stay for the memories. Leave with new friends.

Reservations, Payments & Availability

Due to the considerable interest in this trip even before its official announcement, we anticipate strong demand and cannot guarantee availability to everyone who wishes to participate.

To reserve your spot, please contact Sasha at Jookender directly. She will be happy to discuss the trip details, available cabin categories, pricing, and payment arrangements.

Sasha and Jookender must confirm all reservations before you submit payment. We accept payments by Zelle or check only. Online payments through our website are not available for this trip. To contact Sasha, please email Jookender@gmail.com or contact us via Facebook.

Reservations are confirmed on a first-paid, first-confirmed basis, following approval and receipt of payment. Inquiries and expressions of interest alone do not secure a place.

Our special Early Bird prices are available to the first 12 confirmed, paid participants.

Once the initial 12 reservations are completed, we will review updated cruise, accommodation, and transportation costs before opening the remaining six spaces for booking. Pricing for these additional spaces will be announced after this review and may be higher than the Early Bird rates.

Our group is limited to just 18 travelers. We encourage everyone interested in joining us to contact Sasha as early as possible to discuss availability and the next steps.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing this extraordinary Alaska adventure with you!