The Ohio State University
College of Optometry
and AEA Cruises present
Alaska Inside Passage Optometric Cruise Seminar
July 17 – 24, 2010

A Super Family Vacation/Unique, Fascinating Alaska Experiences! Salmon bakes, glacier treks, sport fishing, whale watching, kayaking, dog sledding, flight seeing, ziplining, biking, fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and more! http://www.princess.com/learn/shorex/index.jsp

Up north there's a land without fences. Animals outnumber people, sunlight shines at midnight and nature reigns. Life is different. This northern frontier still boasts pristine landscapes, majestic wildlife and a coastline that is one of the most enthralling waterways in the world. Beyond Alaska's fortress-like glacier walls lie scenic ports of call, treasured national parks, and abundant wildlife. And, with more than 1,400 miles north to south and 2,400 miles east to west, it's truly, a land of epic proportions.

The Golden Princess© has recently undergone an extensive renovation so you can enjoy amenities like the piazza-style atrium featuring the International Cafe´and Vines wine & seafood bar; the Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat offering massage in private cabanas; as well as the popular Crown Grill.

Please call AEA at 888-638-6009 for the latest pricing.

10 hours of Cope-approved lectures
Speaker: Barbara Fink, O.D.

Topics:
Corneal and tear physiology update (2 hours)
Oxygen Reservoirs of Contact Lens Systems (1 hour)
Corneal Thickness and IOP (1 hour)
Ocular Circulation and Vascular Disease (2 hours)
Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy (2 hours)
Enigmas of the Crystallin Lens (1 hour)
Oxidative Damage to the Eye (1 hour)

Seminar fee: $480/$400 for past AEA cruise attendees

Your Itinerary:

Seattle, WA

Situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the Seattle city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska.

Juneau, Alaska

Perched on a thin strip of land at the mouth of Gold Creek, Juneau is arguably one of America's most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop.

Shore excursion highlights:

Dog Sled Summer Camp – Learn about Alaska’s official state sport, dog mushing, see an exact replica of an Iditarod checkpoint and experience the thrill of riding behind a team of highly trained Alaska Huskies.

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest – Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, board a waterjet-powered catamaran. An onboard naturalist explains the habits & habitats of the wildlife you may encounter. Whale sighting guaranteed!

Skagway, Alaska

Few one-time boomtowns retain the flavor of the gold rush days like Skagway. This gateway to the Klondike is preserved as a national historic park with its rustic boardwalk and frontier-style storefronts. Due to its geographic location, Skagway enjoys a drier climate compared to the rest of southeastern Alaska, with an average annual precipitation of only 22 inches.

Shore excursion highlights:

Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling – Join professional mountain guides for an exciting climb on the smooth granite walls of the White Pass. Adventure awaits climbers of all abilities and no experience is necessary.

Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing – Meet professional mushers and their dogs on a unique Alaska excursion that combines flightseeing with dog sledding.

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska (Scenic Cruising)

Located 50 miles southeast of Juneau, this spectacular glacier-carved fjord has sheer vertical walls that clearly showcase nature's artistry. Linger in this magical place to watch blocks of ice calving off the glaciers towering faces.

Sawyer Glaciers - Alaska's glaciers are constantly crumbling and yet their powerful effect is never diminished. Witness the white thunder as the Sawyer Glaciers release into the waters of Tracy Arm Fjord.

Granite Canyons - Ice calving off the glacier’s faces has created this fjord's steep granite canyons.

Glistening Waterfalls - The perfect vantage point to take in the beauty

Ketchikan, Alaska

This southern-most Alaskan port city is known as Alaska's First City because it was the first major community travelers came to heading north. Founded as a fishing camp, Ketchikan is built on steep hillsides and is billed as the salmon capital of the world. A quaint village, the town is just three miles long and three blocks wide.

Shore excursion highlights:

Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition – Embark on the ultimate nature experience as you glide through rich rainforest canopy along a series of dual cables suspended between tall spruce, hemlock & cedar trees.

Back Country Jeep & Canoe Safari – Drive a four-wheel drive automatic Jeep Wrangler® over Ketchikan’s backroads, paddle a canoe on a tranquil alpine lake and enjoy a short walk through the rainforest.

Victoria, British Columbia

Once a British colonial post, Victoria is full of historic sites, public parks and groomed gardens. Due to its location, this quaint yet sophisticated little seaside city boasts the mildest climate in Canada.

Shore excursion highlights:

Butchart & Butterfly Gardens - Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens and one of Victoria's most popular attractions, the lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens. The Butchart Gardens - a 55-acre wonderland of flowers, rare trees, winding paths and cascading fountains. Explore the Sunken Garden, Japanese, Italian and English Rose gardens and other splendid displays during your one-and-a-half hour stay.

One of the main highlights of the excursion is the Butterfly Gardens, where you can wander among 3,000 free-flying butterflies. See elegant pink flamingos and other tropical birds and fish, all dwelling in the 12,000 square feet of lush gardens and waterways.

Victoria Pub Tour - Victoria is known for its flowers and gardens, but there is a secret treasure few visitors have the time to experience - the pubs! Downtown Victoria has a wide array of pubs and microbreweries. Relax in a traditional English-style pub and visit others with a uniquely Canadian atmosphere that's not to be found elsewhere. Visit two pubs and a microbrewery and sample some of the finest local beers Victoria has to offer. Complimentary light appetizers are served at one of your stops. Experience this tour with old friends and make some new ones

Seattle, WA

Post-cruise shore excursion

Best Of Seattle - A visit to Seattle isn't complete without exploring the city's two most famous attractions, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. On a narrated tour through downtown, pass Seattle's new professional sports stadiums and the International District, filled with exotic aromas. Discover Pioneer Square, Seattle's 1852 birthplace and a National Historic District, which has retained much of its original flavor. Soar to the top of the Space Needle for an unforgettable view of the "Emerald City" and the scenic mountains and water that surround it.

Then, travel to Pike Place Market, home of the world-famous flying fish! The oldest open-air farmer's market on the West Coast boasts hundreds of artisans, local farmers, fishmongers and curio shops. After free time to explore the market, reboard your motorcoach for a ride to the airport or select hotel

Contact:

The OSU College of Optometry
CE@optometry.osu.edu
(Gayle Glanville at 614-292-2100 or
Marjean Kulp at 614-688-3336)

or

AEA Cruises
888-638-6009 or 773-594-9866
aeacruises@aol.com

Be sure to mention you are an OSU alumnus!