Alaska: Going Deeper
For years, we've experienced Alaska from the sea. Now it's time to discover what lies beyond the coastline.
We've cruised through Glacier Bay, watched humpback whales feed alongside the ship, marveled at towering tidewater glaciers, and wandered the charming streets of Alaska's coastal towns. Those experiences have become some of our favorite memories, and they continue to be one of the highlights of the Map & Key calendar.
Now we're ready for the next chapter.
Introducing Alaska: Going Deeper—a new way to experience the Last Frontier. NOTE: Either the cruise portion or the land portion may be first. (Fly-lodge-train-ship or ship-train-lodge-fly.) The following is a description of one possible scenario.
This journey begins the way many of our Alaska adventures have: aboard a cruise ship, where we'll enjoy days at sea filled with music, friendship, and plenty of opportunities for facilitated jamming together. But instead of ending when the ship returns to port, the adventure is just beginning.
From there, we'll board the legendary Alaska Railroad and head into the heart of Alaska, where soaring mountains, pristine wilderness, and unforgettable scenery await. Our home for the next several days will be a beautiful wilderness lodge, giving us the chance to unpack once, settle in, and experience Alaska in a completely different way.
Waiting for us at the lodge will be Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel, ready to begin the instructional portion of the trip.
One of the biggest advantages of moving our workshops to a wilderness lodge is the learning environment. Cruise ships are vibrant, energetic places, with activities happening around the clock. Even in dedicated meeting rooms, sound from nearby events can sometimes find its way into our classes.
At the lodge, we'll have quieter teaching spaces where you can catch every nuance, ask questions more easily, and enjoy learning without competing with the ship's activity schedule. Quieter classrooms make it easier to catch the subtle techniques an instructor is demonstrating, hear your fellow players, and notice the small improvements in your own playing.
A lodge also gives us the freedom to teach differently. We'll be able to offer longer workshops, relaxed evening concerts, informal jam sessions, and plenty of time to let Alaska inspire you at a different pace. Optional excursions, wildlife viewing, photography, and quiet moments with your ukulele will all be part of the experience.
Note: a traditional cruise tour has participants at a different lodge each day. We would be making tailored plans to stay longer to ensure continuity for all.
Every destination has more than one story to tell. Our Alaska cruises introduced us to the spectacular coastline. Alaska: Going Deeper is about discovering the mountains, rivers, forests, and wilderness that lie beyond it.
Whether you're joining us for your very first Alaska adventure or returning to experience a new side of the 49th state, we think this journey will offer something truly special.
We're excited to share more details as plans come together, and we hope you'll join us as we discover a deeper side of Alaska—together.
