Your Alaska cruise adventure begins in the majestic Emerald City of Seattle, Washington, home to some of the most iconic locations of the Pacific Northwest. To best experience this beautiful city, we highly recommend that you arrive at least 1 day earlier (more if you want to take it all in) than your departure date. We can discuss your desired experience requirements and accommodate them with the many pre-cruise extension options that are available to us. Our goal is to create the most seamless experience for you when you travel with us, and we go the extra mile to make sure that everything works together for that perfect travel flow.

Experience the relaxing world of cruise travel as you make your way towards Alaska. Today is a great day to just sit back and relax while you enjoy yourself by experiencing the plentiful food and beverage options that available to you. If deep relaxation is more your thing, today would be the best day to treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment. Later on, take in some of the abundant entertainment that is available. The world is your Oyster, consume it how you want to.

Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town. In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city. Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colorful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.

Two things happen today: 1) You will awake to the view of your ship gently gliding through the narrow glacial canyon of Endicott Arm where you will arrive at the terminus of Dawes Glacier for viewing of this majestic natural wonder. Your visit may be brief, but it won't be boring! 2) Your next stop will be Juneau, the Capitol City of Alaska. In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans." From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government. Juneau offers many things to do and see, and we can tailor your excursions to fit your desires.

Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest. Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail. The gold rush was a boon and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome. Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavor of the gold rush era. An abundance of excursions can be carefully curated to fit your experiential needs and desires.

Although your trip is coming to an end, it isn't over yet. Your next visit will be Victoria, Canada, but you still have a full day plus to enjoy yourself as you want to. There is abundant entertainment, massive amounts of food, and some of the finest beverages you can dream of, all waiting for you to partake as you see fit. And don't forget, if you still have some pent up stress, you can always treat yourself to one of massage treatments in the Lotus Spa. My personal favorite is the 75 minute hot stone massage.

Victoria exudes old-world charm and fragrant, colorful flowers are everywhere. Founded in 1843 by James Douglas of the Hudson's Bay Company, the city was first known as Fort Victoria. By 1848, Vancouver Island was a British colony and Victoria was its capital. In 1858, Victoria was a tent city and the base for some 25,000 prospectors on their way to the Frasier River gold fields. When Vancouver Island was incorporated with mainland British Columbia in 1868, Victoria became the capital of the entire province. Although it's a port city, Victoria is not as industrially oriented as Vancouver. The harbors, especially Inner Harbour, are dotted with pleasure craft, ferries and floatplanes. The city is renowned for its beautiful gardens, charming houses and very British feel. Your visit to Victoria is very short, but there are still a few things that you can experience and we would be glad to review them with you during our detailed consultations.

If you are departing on an outbound flight today, then we wish you safe travels and hope to see you again. If you are enjoying an extended vacation, we can help you with your post-cruise accommodation and on-the-ground experiences if you desire. There is so much to see and do in Seattle and the local area, and there is no better way to experience than to take an extra day (or two) to take it all in.