AFC Alaska Nature & Art Cruise

25th Anniversary Celebration & Benefit

July 23-30, 2023

In celebration of AFC's 25th anniversary year, and a re-emergence from the pandemic, we have planned a special event to host a large AFC gathering in one of the world's most naturally stunning locations and area of concern for climate change. The event is for all members of the AFC community including artists, volunteers, supporters, followers, friends, family as well as the public.

Planned in partnership with Expedia Cruises and spearheaded by long-time AFC patron and artist, Joyce Trygg, we have negotiated a special package for our group, including bundled pricing with upgrades, private receptions and dedicated use of on-board cruise facilities to deliver a customized program. The 7-night cruise with Celebrity Cruises will depart from and return to Vancouver, BC.

The expedition will be aligned with AFC's mission of conservation and environmental education and designed to offer a unique forum to share the importance of conserving wildlife and wild places, with a focus on impacts of climate change. We will be organizing a program of receptions, demonstrations, presentations as well as fundraising for conservation. These AFC activities are at no additional charge and are a value-add bonus to booking as part of this group.

Celebrity is known in the industry for its higher-end service, competitive prices, exotic destinations (from Alaska, to Asia, to Antarctica and even Galapagos). They are a leader in the cruise industry, for transitioning to sustainable cruise practices and technologies and responsible environmental stewardship. Available on a first-come-first-served basis. Pricing is also expected to increase as we get closer to the sailing .

Download the Detailed Itinerary (PDF)

Itinerary*

Day 1 | Departing Vancouver, BC, Canada
Day 2 | Inside Passage, BC, Canada (at sea)
Day 3 | Sitka, Alaska, USA **
Day 4 | Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA (at sea)
Day 5 | Juneau, Alaska, USA **
Day 6 | Ketchikan, Alaska, USA **
Day 7 | Inside Passage, BC, Canada (at sea)
Day 8 | Returning to Vancouver, BC, Canada

* Subject to change - based on Celebrity Cruise's posted itinerary as of Sept, 2022
** Ship docked. Optional shore excursions available.

AFC Exclusive Program Highlights

All activities are purely optional and are being offered as a value-add for our group only.

AFC Welcome Reception | Day 1 | 5:00pm-6:00pm
Group Dining | Daily @ 6:00pm | AFC Group-Designated Area
AFC Morning Meet-Up | Days 2,3,6 | Meet participating artists and enjoy short slideshows & films)
AFC Expeditions Info Sessions | Days 2,4,7 | 4:00pm-5:00pm | Learn about other upcoming AFC trips
AFC Happy Hour Social | Days 2-6 | 5:00pm-6:00pm
AFC Shore Excursions | Days 3,5,6 | Whale Watching, Bears, Raptors & more... (add'l cost)
AFC Farewell Reception | Day 7 | 5:00pm-6:00pm
On-Board Workshops | Days 2,6,7 | 4 sessions total (add'l cost)
Games & Prizes
Public Plein-Air Painting
Artist Group Photo with AFC Flag

AFC Shore Excursions

In addition to their general offerings, Expedia and Celebrity are assembling a special offering of optional shore excursions catering exclusively to our group, (at additional discounted rate) as follows:

Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears, Oh My | Day 3 (Sitka)
Max. capacity: 44 | Cost: $342 CAD (~$253 USD)
Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest | Day 5 (Juneau)
Max. capacity: 98 | Cost: $243 CAD (~$182 USD)
Saxman Totem Village | Day 6 (Ketchikan)
Max. capacity: 48 | Cost: $96 CAD (~$70 USD)

Limited spots available - first-come-first-served. Shore Excursions booked through Expedia Cruises North Vancouver team (see contact and button link below) can be cancelled or modified up to 24 hours prior to the excursion. Reserve through the following link or if you have questions, please contact Andrew Fowler @ Expedia Cruises in North Vancouver. Email: northvancouver@expediacruises.com | Tel: 1 (604) 985-7447.

Learn More & Book Shore Excursions Here

On-Board Workshops

We are excited to be hosting a special workshop demo-series with four of our esteemed AFC Members, during the three days we’re at sea: Kitty Harvill, Emily Lozeron, Suzie Seerey-Lester, and Gregory Wellman. These intimate and interactive workshops (2 - 2.5hrs each) do not require any equipment or supplies, though you are encouraged to bring your sketchpad, notepad and camera. For artists of all skill-levels or anyone interested in seeing masters at work.
$160 USD pp (including ALL FOUR artist workshops).

Learn More & Book Workshops Here

Live Painting Demos

We are inviting participating AFC artists who are interested in setting up an easel to sketch or paint in a public setting, particularly while at the Hubbard Glacier (Day 4). For more info, or if you’re interested in an on-deck painting demo, please email us at info@artistsforconservation.org.

Morning Meet-Up

On Days 2, 3 and 6, we’ll be hosting a morning gathering at the Celebrity Central Theatre. It will be an informal gathering to meet others, introduce yourself and to learn about some of the artists joining us on our journey. We’ll also be hosting some fascinating slideshows (10-15 mins) about art and nature, and short films (22 mins) in each session.

Booking Information

To request a quote or book a stateroom, contact Andrew Fowler @ Expedia Cruises in North Vancouver.
Email: northvancouver@expediacruises.com | Tel: 1 (604) 985-7447.

Use Event Code "AFC23" with Expedia Cruises

To ensure you have access to AFC events, activities and other benefits, reference "AFC23" booking code with Expedia Cruises. Bookings made through other agencies, will NOT give you admission to AFC events or activities, and will not result in a donation by Celebrity Cruises to AFC.

Book Your AFC Alaska Cruise

Environmental Stewardship

We expect that many if not all who are considering joining us on this expedition are concerned about the environmental impact this trip may have. For these reasons, we have taken great care in selecting a cruise partner that has been an industry leader in this field, through their policies, investment in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, and a strong public record of environmental responsibility and accountability. For more information about Celebrity Cruises Environmental Initiatives, visit their website.

Water Treatment

In addition to having an Environmental Officer aboard each of its sailings, Celebrity Cruises is completing the installation of new Advanced Wastewater Purification (AWP) systems across its fleet, which far exceed all international ship wastewater discharge standards. It has recently completed the AWP installation on the Celebrity Eclipse, along with most of its large ships.

Sound Reduction for Marine Mammals

Lowering underwater noise from ships can reduce the impact of shipping on marine mammals. In 2017, the Celebrity Eclipse became the first cruise vessel to pass the DNV GL SILENT-E assessment for environmental criteria under Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s ECHO program (Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation). The certification assures minimum impact on marine mammals through sound reduction, particularly in frequencies that marine mammals are known to use for communication or are sensitive to.

Going Carbon Neutral

We acknowledge the carbon footprint that any large cruise ship generates, while also recognizing there are limited options to visit and observe coastal Arctic wildlife and glaciers in ways that are cost accessible, maintain a small carbon footprint, and can be completed in a reasonable timeframe. According to Myclimate.org cruising calculator, a cruise of this size and duration, will generate approximately 2 tonnes of CO2 per passenger.

In keeping with AFC's mission, we request that all participants on this cruise join us in offsetting their carbon footprint for the trip. There are many ways to do this but one of the most reliable, effective and reputable means is through Gold Standard Marketplace, endorsed by the United Nations and World Wildlife Federation. Doing so is simple and inexpensive. Simply select a vetted and certified international project to support, and for as little as $12 USD per tonne, the money will support the project whose purpose is to reduce carbon output.

Visit Goldstandard.org, and select a project to support for the amount of carbon you are offsetting (e.g. 4 tonnes for a double occupancy cabin).

Offset my Cruise Footprint