Great Bear Rainforest
April 25 to May 2, 2027
Seattle to Seattle

Step off the tourist trail and into the magic and majesty of The Great Bear Rainforest. On this Elite supported group cruise we’ll journey through the Pacific northwest to destinations in one of the largest coastal temperate rainforests in the world which features ports in British Columbia and Alaska. Here we’ll discover the wildlife, history, cultures, and cuisines of this area, moving away from typical tourist spots but still enjoying the luxury of Holland America Line.

This group voyage is appropriate for:
Solo travelers
Multigenerational families
Travelers celebrating special events
Seniors who enjoy a concierge travel experience
Wheelchair users or travelers with accessibility requirements
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Caregivers and their loved ones who require a heavily supported travel experience.

Adventure Awaits.

Pre-cruise: The fun starts before the cruise when Elite Cruises staff member greets you at Seattle Airport baggage claim and escorts you to our pre-cruise group hotel. Fly in a day or two before the cruise to give yourself time to explore the city and see the sights including Pike Place Market or the Chihuly Glass Museum & Gardens. Our staff tour guides are happy to show you around!

 

April 25: Welcome aboard Holland America Line’s Noordam! This morning we’ll transfer to the port and board as a group with one of our staff members accompanying you through the terminal and port security before leading you directly to your stateroom or suite. After unpacking and getting settled it’s time for a night out with a group dinner followed by exploring the entertainment options onboard.

 

April 26: This day at sea gives all travelers a chance to get to sleep in and relax before getting to know each other before our adventures on shore begin. During the morning any caregivers traveling with us can enjoy workshops with our guest speakers before afternoon respite session; during these times the Elite Cruises staff will spend time with loved ones doing activities we have planned especially for them.

 

April 27: Ketchikan has charm, history, and oh so much wildlife! We can’t get enough of the colorful old buildings, totem poles, lumberjack shows, native dances, and fresh seafood everywhere (including on the salmon ladder stream running through town). If you are looking to do any souvenir shopping this is the place to do it, with loads of charming shops and canneries ready to ship Alaskan salmon to your door when you arrive back home. And if your excursion takes you back out on the water, keep close watch for migrating humpback whales that are just arriving in their home for the summer.

 

April 28: There’s so much to see and do in Prince Rupert, a charming port town on the breathtakingly beautiful Kaien Island, that we’re spending the night here to give travelers time to experience as much as possible. Get acquainted with the town by taking a ride on a vintage trolly, ride a catamaran out to open water in search of orcas and other marine life, take a culinary walk to taste the freshest seafood you’ll ever have, discover the culture of the native Tsimshian people, or splurge on a seaplane to view glaciers from above; with so much to experience we’re already looking forward to coming back.

 

April 29: We depart Prince Rupert in the very early morning hours and will spend this day admiring the scenery from the ship. Keep close watch as we pass through Grenville Channel, Bella Bella, Johnstone Strait, and Seymore Narrows where you’ll spot sea birds, whales, and if you bring your binoculars maybe even bears and moose along the shoreline! We’ll spend the day passing through entirely uninhabited, pristine territory with absolutely spectacular views from every space on the ship. We particularly love spending the day on our private verandah wrapped in a blanket drinking a fancy coffee and watching the scenery from our own serene space.

 

April 30: Not too far from bustling Vancouver sits the sleepy port of Nanaimo with a quaint harbor front walkway, historic bastion (complete with daily cannon firings), and old town neighborhood ready for us to discover. Or leave the town behind and head just outside to Cathedral Grove where the 200+ foot redwoods create a towering canopy that no man made structure could compete with. Only a handful of cruise ships are allowed to dock in this pristine area each year and we couldn’t be more excited to be one of them and experience all that Nanaimo has to offer!

 

May 1: Victoria is our final port before Seattle and we’ve saved the best for last. Here nature lovers can experience the splendor of the famous Butchart Gardens or watch for orcas and humpback whales, architecture enthusiasts can marvel at the Fairmont Empress and Craigdarroch Castle, and history experts can step back in time on carriage ride or at traditional high tea in a Victorian era mansion. We’re here until evening when it’s time to get back on the ship for a goodbye dinner as a group.

 

May 2: We’re back in Seattle! Enjoy one last breakfast with our group before a member of our staff escorts your family off the ship and makes sure you get to the airport ready for your return flight home.

Group Amenities.

Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including:

• All-inclusive onboard package featuring dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.
• Option for shore excursion recommendations and booking assistance.
• Option for car service from your home to local airport or cruise port.
• Airport meet and greet by Elite Cruises staff and escort to group hotel.
• Pre/post cruise group hotel stay for dates of your choosing.
• Transfers from hotel to port and back.
• Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff and Holland America porters.
• Group dinner reservations plus 2 specialty dining experiences. Option for group breakfast and lunch is also available.  
• Elite Cruises staff accompaniment throughout travel. Staff is comprised of travel agents, nurses, lifeguards, concierges, activity therapists, and tour guides to ensure every need is met throughout journey.

Elite Support Services

For travelers who require a robust supported experience as well as their families we provide amenities unique to our travel agency including:

• Staff to family ratio of 1:1.
• Accessible accommodations and excursions and mobility device reservations can be made through our agency. Private accessible transport is also available to/from port. Elite Cruises is a certified accessible travel advocate.
• Daily caregiver respite/break time
• Neuroplasticity focused activities curated by our programming director. These activities are tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of any attendees.
• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7.
• Option for flights accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
• Option for shore excursions to be accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
• Private duty care and daily personal care can be arranged.
• Caregiver workshops and support circles on sea days.

 

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc. unless travelers prefer to bring their own from home.

 

Noordam offers vacation experiences for all ages!

Create lifelong memories with all generations of your family on this impressive vessel. Younger family members will enjoy dedicated activities and entertainment at the Kids Club while adults unwind at Greenhouse Spa, enjoy a wine tasting, or relax at a traditional European high tea. All generations can come together for some fun at the spacious Sea View Pool or at one of the many music venues on board.

 

Call 219-608-2002 for pricing and availability.