Latest news with #InsidePassage
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
100-feet high tsunami hits Alaska fjord after glacier collapse, experts warn similar mega landslides could hit populated towns
A massive landslide near South Sawyer Glacier in Alaska triggered a significant local tsunami, generating waves up to 100 feet high. The event, marked by a rare precursory signal of small earthquakes, stripped vegetation and impacted areas over 75 miles away. Fortunately, no injuries or infrastructure damage were reported due to the remote location and early hour. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Survivors' harrowing escape Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A colossal wave and far-reaching impact The science behind the slide A warning for the future A massive landslide near South Sawyer Glacier in Southeast Alaska unleashed a powerful local tsunami early Sunday morning(August 10), sending waves towering up to 100 feet near the source and slamming nearby islands with enough force to strip entire slopes of event, which occurred around 5:30 am local time in the remote Endicott Arm area, about 60 miles southeast of Juneau, is being called the largest landslide-triggered tsunami in Alaska since 2015. Scientists say tens or even hundreds of millions of cubic meters of bedrock collapsed into the fjord, displacing vast amounts of water and generating a surge felt more than 75 miles kayakers, Sasha Calvey, Billy White, and Nick Heilgeist, were camping on Harbor Island when they awoke to the roar of rushing water just feet from their tent. Although they had pitched camp well above the high tide line, the wave tore through their site, sweeping away most of their gear and scattering their kayaks, one lodged in a tree, another stranded on a cliff.'It was just pure chaos out of nowhere,' Heilgeist told reporters. The trio, professional guides on a summer-long Inside Passage expedition, were eventually rescued by the charter yacht Blackwood, whose crew fought strong currents to reach Harbor Island, waves were estimated at 10–15 feet high. But closer to the source, at Sawyer Island, the National Park Service recorded a run-up of at least 100 feet, with vegetation completely stripped from rocky slopes save for a lone surge reverberated for hours, like water sloshing in a giant bathtub, and was recorded on a tide gauge in Juneau with fluctuations of about one the tsunami was destructive along the fjord, the National Weather Service reported no injuries or damage to infrastructure, a stroke of luck, scientists say, given the early hour and absence of cruise ships or tour boats in the narrow more common landslides caused by surface soil failure, this event involved vast slabs of bedrock crashing into tidewater. The Alaska Earthquake Center 's Ezgi Karasözen said preliminary estimates suggest a volume exceeding 100 million cubic meters, though precise measurements will take slide was preceded by an unusual sequence of small earthquakes, hundreds of magnitude 1–2 tremors over roughly 18 hours, offering a rare 'precursory signal' that scientists hope could improve future hazard more than 600 miles away picked up the signal, confirming the sheer magnitude of the caution that while this landslide struck in a remote location, similar events could happen near populated coastal towns.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
100-feet high tsunami hits Alaska fjord after glacier collapse, experts warn similar mega landslides could hit populated towns
A massive landslide near South Sawyer Glacier in Southeast Alaska unleashed a powerful local tsunami early Sunday morning(August 10), sending waves towering up to 100 feet near the source and slamming nearby islands with enough force to strip entire slopes of trees. The event, which occurred around 5:30 am local time in the remote Endicott Arm area, about 60 miles southeast of Juneau, is being called the largest landslide-triggered tsunami in Alaska since 2015. Scientists say tens or even hundreds of millions of cubic meters of bedrock collapsed into the fjord, displacing vast amounts of water and generating a surge felt more than 75 miles away. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Survivors' harrowing escape by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Three kayakers, Sasha Calvey, Billy White, and Nick Heilgeist, were camping on Harbor Island when they awoke to the roar of rushing water just feet from their tent. Although they had pitched camp well above the high tide line, the wave tore through their site, sweeping away most of their gear and scattering their kayaks, one lodged in a tree, another stranded on a cliff. 'It was just pure chaos out of nowhere,' Heilgeist told reporters. The trio, professional guides on a summer-long Inside Passage expedition, were eventually rescued by the charter yacht Blackwood, whose crew fought strong currents to reach them. Live Events A colossal wave and far-reaching impact Near Harbor Island, waves were estimated at 10–15 feet high. But closer to the source, at Sawyer Island, the National Park Service recorded a run-up of at least 100 feet, with vegetation completely stripped from rocky slopes save for a lone tree. The surge reverberated for hours, like water sloshing in a giant bathtub, and was recorded on a tide gauge in Juneau with fluctuations of about one foot. Although the tsunami was destructive along the fjord, the National Weather Service reported no injuries or damage to infrastructure, a stroke of luck, scientists say, given the early hour and absence of cruise ships or tour boats in the narrow waterway. The science behind the slide Unlike more common landslides caused by surface soil failure, this event involved vast slabs of bedrock crashing into tidewater. The Alaska Earthquake Center 's Ezgi Karasözen said preliminary estimates suggest a volume exceeding 100 million cubic meters, though precise measurements will take weeks. The slide was preceded by an unusual sequence of small earthquakes, hundreds of magnitude 1–2 tremors over roughly 18 hours, offering a rare 'precursory signal' that scientists hope could improve future hazard detection. Seismometers more than 600 miles away picked up the signal, confirming the sheer magnitude of the collapse. A warning for the future Experts caution that while this landslide struck in a remote location, similar events could happen near populated coastal towns.
The Independent
04-08-2025
- The Independent
Lindblad Expeditions launches explorer programme and half-price child cruise fares
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is looking to foster the next generation of explorers by offering reduced child fares and a new kids' programme on its expedition cruise ships. The expedition cruise line has rebranded its National Geographic Global Explorers youth engagement programme under a new name, National Geographic Explorers in Training. First developed and launched in 2017 in conjunction with National Geographic Education, the programmes are led by a certified field educator and supported by expert staff, including National Geographic photography experts, undersea specialists, and naturalists. Children can take part in hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship while on board. Each young traveller receives a region-specific field notebook to fill with discoveries and will get a commemorative patch and certificate celebrating their achievements at the end of the cruise. Activities will depend on the sailing. The Exploring Galápagos itinerary aboard National Geographic Endeavour II and the newly-launched National Geographic Gemini will help young travellers explore the islands that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution, collect plankton for microscopic study, observe sea lions while snorkelling, and hike across black-sand beaches and lush highlands. Families on the cruise line's Alaska's Inside Passage sailing will explore fjords, come face to face with glaciers and kayak along the coast in search of marine life while learning about whale behaviour and watching for breaching humpbacks and orcas. There will also be a chance to search for dolphins and sea lions as well as five varieties of whales on National Geographic-Lindblad's Baja California: Among the Great Whales itinerary. Kids can also enjoy the excitement of flying over the Drake Passage during an Antartica cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is also offering savings of 50 per cent for children and young adults aged 22 and under at the time of sailing on selected 2025 Galápagos departures when booked by 31 August 2025. This offer is exclusive to the UK market. Natalya Leahy, chief executive of Lindblad Expeditions, said: 'We are committed to delivering exceptional enrichment to every guest at every age. 'We see more and more multigenerational families travelling with us every year, and our expanded National Geographic Explorers-in-Training programme is designed to be an engaging educational experience for our young explorers. It is not your standard 'kids club,' it is a highly acclaimed, age-appropriate expedition programme for young travellers – and this new name better reflects its essence and our mission.'
Malaysian Reserve
30-07-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
A SEASON OF DISCOVERY: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS UNVEILS 2027-28 DEPLOYMENT
Launch of First 2027-28 Departures Marks National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' Return to Oceania Region and Other Iconic Itineraries Revisited NEW YORK, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions today announced the first of its highly anticipated 2027–28 deployment openings, offering guests the opportunity to explore some of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet aboard the fleet of mission-built expedition ships. Pairing Lindblad Expeditions' pioneering heritage with National Geographic's exploration expertise, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will continue to deliver exceptional voyages guided by veteran expedition leaders, naturalists, historians, scientists, and National Geographic Experts who illuminate the wonders of the natural world at every turn. The 2027–28 season features voyages across seven continents, designed to connect curious travelers with wildlife, wild places, and local communities in ways that are authentic, enriching, and respectful. 'Our 2027-28 deployment reflects everything our guests value about traveling with us: extraordinary access, thoughtful pacing, and a deep respect for the environments and cultures we visit,' said Trey Byus, Chief Expedition Officer, Lindblad Expeditions. 'Every itinerary has been crafted with care—whether it's a guest favorite or a returning route—to offer experiences that are not only awe-inspiring, but also positively impactful. We believe travel can be a powerful force for good, and through these voyages, we invite our guests to deepen their connection to the planet, support conservation and communities, and return home with a renewed sense of wonder and purpose.' The new schedule includes a thoughtfully curated selection of itineraries—both beloved classics and returning, much-missed journeys—that reflect the leader of modern expedition cruising's deep commitment to responsible exploration, immersive storytelling, and meaningful travel. Highlights of the 2027-28 season include: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' return to the Oceania region after two years with the relaunch of several immersive itineraries on board the striking, luxuriously appointed National Geographic Resolution, including the 11-day Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands, and a return to Easter Island after four years with the 18-day Easter Island To Tahiti: Tales of The Pacific. Even more opportunities to explore Alaska's vast frontier of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking fjords, and extraordinary wildlife with the addition of more departures of guest-favorite itineraries. In 2027-28, the brand will launch additional departures of its popular eight-day Alaska's Inside Passage, 11-day Voyage to the Great Bear Rainforest, and 14- and 15-day Treasures of the Inside Passage itineraries aboard National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture. The continuation of incredibly popular itineraries exploring Japan's riveting history, culture, and landscapes—from the storied castle towns of the Edo period to the elegant shrines and merchant districts of the Meiji era to the poignant sites of World War II—with added departures of the 16-day Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture itinerary. A range of immersive itineraries in Europe and the Mediterranean designed to reframe the traditional European cruising experience through the lens of an explorer at every corner of the continent—from the blossoming hydrangea fields on the optimized eight-day Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards to the sun-soaked beaches of the Dalmatian Coast on the eight-day Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia and Albania. More options to explore the iconic islands of the Galápagos archipelago aboard the fleet of four unique, purpose-built vessels, including the newly acquired 16-guest catamaran National Geographic Delfina and the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini, plus National Geographic Endeavour II and the ultra-luxury super-yacht National Geographic Islander II. Whether kayaking alongside icebergs in Antarctica, observing sea lions while snorkeling in Baja California, wandering through lush rainforests in Central America, or journeying where few travelers have before by sailing through the Northwest Passage, each voyage is designed to offer transformative experiences that deepen guests' understanding of the world—and their place within it. To learn more about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' 2027-28 deployment and explore available itineraries, visit About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions:National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions reveals the beauty and wonder of the world through expertly led, deeply immersive modern expedition cruises designed for discovery and created for curious travelers seeking to experience the world from a new perspective. With 100+ unique itineraries visiting 70+ countries and territories across all seven continents aboard 23 state-of-the-art owned and chartered vessels, Lindblad Expeditions operates the largest, most diverse fleet of mission-built ships in the industry on behalf of the co-brand. The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand is the result of a decades-long strategic relationship between renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic and the pioneer of modern expedition cruising Lindblad Expeditions. Media can stay up to date on the latest news from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions by visiting For reservations or additional information on voyages to some of the most beautiful, remote, and fascinating places on Earth, visit call (855) 734-3271 to speak to an Expedition Specialist, or contact a travel advisor.
Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Telegraph
First look: On board the Cunard ship given a £45m facelift
The mile-long ice wall loomed into view, its 200ft face punked up with icy spikes and blue streaks. At its base, sea otters hitched rides on mini ice rafts while mist curling around snowy mountain caps lent the scene an ethereal air. As we watched, an ice slab sheared off with a crack, sending up a foamy salute as it crashed into water speckled with small icebergs. We were in the heart of Alaska's Glacier Bay, gazing at Margerie Glacier, next to the sootier snout of the Grand Pacific Glacier. Only two cruise ships a day can enter this frozen national park to sail past the brooding cliffs of Gloomy Knob and weave through a minefield of ice to glaciers wedged up against the American-Canadian border. It's a cool excursion in more ways than one – a standout stop on our voyage aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth through Alaska's Inside Passage, where whales breach, bears lumber and the scenery does most of the talking. Much has changed since Captain George Vancouver sailed here in 1794 aboard the HMS Discovery to note a gigantic glacier spilling into the Icy Strait. It's long receded, replaced by 50 miles of fjord and a thousand smaller glaciers clinging to the heights. Just as the scenery has shifted, so have the ships. Vancouver's timbered vessel wouldn't have been anywhere near as elegant as ours, cutting quite the figure in this winter wonderland. She may be 15 years old, but Queen Elizabeth is gleaming after a £45 million makeover. Roughly 3,000 pieces of furniture have been replaced, colours refreshed, marble repolished and stained glass restored in this splendid floating Art Deco palace. Even the carpets tell a story. In the vast Queens Room, the new floral motifs reminiscent of palace gardens have a discreet bee theme in honour of the Royal family's environmental ethos. Another carpet outside the Grills restaurants is patterned on Queen Elizabeth II's aquamarine Boucheron brooch. And should you find yourself lost on this 2,000-passenger ship, you can navigate by carpet: 'The subtle arrow pattern in the corridors tells you where the nearest exit is,' Kevin Boag, hotel general manager, told me. It's details such as these that make Queen Elizabeth the most elegant ship I've ever sailed on. With gleaming wood veneers, dazzling chandeliers and a two-storey library that has its own swirl of a staircase, she looks straight out of a 1930s cruise poster. Even the theatre comes with West End-style boxes. All of which makes returning from the wilds particularly appealing. Alaska may have raw beauty in abundance, but it can also be bone-chillingly cold: while Britain sweltered in temperatures in the 30s, my teenage son and I shivered in the single-digits, with added wind chill and rain. Believe me, when you've plummeted through freezing fog on the six-abreast zip line at Icy Strait Point (screaming all the way), it's particularly pleasant to return to the ship's reupholstered armchairs and refined interiors for a cream tea served on elegant (new) china. Not that you need to be particularly active for this cruise. Although adventurous outings include husky-sledding across ice fields or hopping in a helicopter for a stroll on a glacier, you can soak up both wilderness and wildlife without stirring from the ship. As we voyaged north from Seattle, enjoying the surreal sensation of playing croquet and bowls on deck, whales started announcing their presence, theatrically ejecting spouts of water from their blowholes. Most of the 85 humpbacks and 10 orcas spotted from the bridge kept their distance, but a pair of juvenile humpbacks swam right by the ship, one gracefully arching and flipping its tail in salute. And the refurb is more than skin deep. Less mobile guests will appreciate the upgraded facilities which are now in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. That means hoists for the pools and hot tubs, lowered tables and counters, and 32 wheelchair-accessible staterooms. Like the other cabins in the ship, they are all finished with the same sleek design (the photographs really don't do them justice), with bedside USB ports. One particularly scenic trip (suitable for all passengers) was the White Pass Scenic Railway from the Gold Rush town of Skagway. Built in 1898 to haul hopefuls up to the Klondike, the narrow-gauge track winds for over 20 miles through mountains, clinging to sheer rock faces with improbable bends and 3.9 per cent gradients. Before the railway, fortune-seekers had to lug a ton of supplies on foot up the slopes – and a steep climb was far from the only hazard, as we discovered when the guide announced casually: 'There's a bear on the right of the train.' The cold and the excitement meant we were frequently ravenous when we returned to the ship – a situation easily dealt with aboard Queen Elizabeth. The pop-up Frontier-themed restaurant served wild elk pie, heaving seafood platters and, yes, baked Alaska; while top theatrical billing went to the Princess Grill, where chefs flambé whole ducks and sizzle crêpes Suzette table-side in a burst of retro glamour. For something lighter, the new Wellness Café by the main pool on deck nine became our go-to for lunch, the fresh, healthy plates served up with more of those magnificent views. The open aft area of this deck, dotted with new shaded seating areas around a second pool and hot tubs, proved an ideal place to soak up the scenery. When Queen Elizabeth heads for the Caribbean this winter, it'll be a sun-trap. In Alaska, it served a different purpose: shelter as we huddled under blankets like Brits on a windswept beach. It was here that my son and I rushed after the ship ventured down Endicott Arm, another glacial fjord, flanked by sheer cliffs, that leads to the towering Dawes Glacier. We had stood like explorers at the ship's bow, following a trail of electric-blue icebergs to the glacier face. But once the ship turned, so did the view – and deck nine was the place to be. Naturally, we hit the hot tub. From there, gently steaming and staring out over ice, we had the best seat in the house: the glacier behind us, waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs and the ship slicing silently back through teal water. It was just another surreal experience aboard one of the most civilised ships to cruise through Alaska's wilderness. Essentials Cunard has an 11-night cruise on Queen Elizabeth from £1,529pp in a Britannia balcony stateroom, or £4,049pp in a Princess Grill suite – with $240 (£180)/$520 (£380) on-board spending money if booked before September 1. Drinks, tips and excursions cost extra. Departs May 4 2026. Flights from Heathrow to Seattle cost from £548 with British Airways.
