Japan & Alaska Transpacific Cruise: Tokyo, Kodiak & Victoria

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, offers an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Asakusa district, home to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple. Nearby, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling traditional snacks.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections, is a must-see for its sheer scale and energy. To experience tranquility, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest in Shibuya. Don't miss trying Tokyo's renowned sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or exploring the vibrant Harajuku district for trendy fashion and unique cafes.

Sendai, the largest city in Japan’s Tohoku region, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and lush green spaces. Often called the "City of Trees," Sendai offers a harmonious blend of urban and natural beauty. The city’s iconic Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle, provides stunning views of the city and a glimpse into its feudal past.

The Zuihoden Mausoleum, the resting place of the powerful samurai lord Date Masamune, showcases exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. Sendai is also famous for its Tanabata Festival, one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals, featuring colourful decorations and lively parades. With its mix of historical sites, cultural festivities, and scenic beauty, Sendai is a fascinating destination in Japan.

Miyako, located on the eastern coast of Honshu in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is a city known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The dramatic coastline of Jodogahama Beach, with its pristine white pebbles and clear blue waters, is a major attraction, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat.

Miyako is also home to the Sanriku Fukko National Park, where visitors can explore the rugged landscape and observe diverse wildlife. The city has a deep connection to its maritime roots, evident in its fresh seafood cuisine, with local delicacies like sea urchin and abalone being particularly popular. The Miyako Fish Market is an excellent place to experience the local flavours and vibrant atmosphere.

Honshu's northernmost city is full of picturesque historic temples, museums, and close to incredible nature like Mt. Hakkoda. In the spring and summer, Aomori bursts to life with cherry blossom festivals and the fiery Nebuta Festival every August. Ships dock at the Shin-Chuo wharf.

Top Things to Do in Aomori:

• visit the Hirosaki Castle town
• take the aerial tramway up Mt. Hakkoda
• see the grand buddha at Seiryuu-ji Temple
• visit the Nebuta Warasse Museum
• cruise on Lake Towada

Hakodate is one of the most popular city destinations in Japan. Here you can experience diverse dynastic architecture, the last Shogun battlefield and enjoy shimmering night views from Mount Hakodate. Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, you can immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan.

Enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market and then relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodate's outskirts.

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Wild, remote and stunningly beautiful, the city of Kodiak is a rugged outpost on Alaska's famed "Emerald Isle". Accessible only by plane or ship, will find you in a different Alaska - one of extreme wilderness and beauty, populated by hearty, friendly frontier folks.

Take a visit to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, home to the famed Kodiak brown bears. A scenic drive to Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park reveals stunning coastal views, World War II bunkers, and lush forest trails. For a cultural experience, explore the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository, which showcases the island's indigenous heritage. Don't miss the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center, where you can learn about the local fishing industry and marine life.

Seward, Alaska, serves as a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, where stunning glaciers and diverse marine life await exploration. Visitors can embark on scenic boat tours to witness calving glaciers and spot playful sea otters, seals, and even humpback whales.

Whittier, Alaska, is a unique gateway to the stunning Prince William Sound, known for its fjords and glacial landscapes. Visitors can explore the historic Whittier Tunnel, the longest tunnel in North America that connects the town to the outside world, or take a boat tour to see nearby glaciers and wildlife, including sea otters and puffins.

Valdez, Alaska, is a hidden gem known for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Nestled along Prince William Sound, it's a gateway to the massive Columbia Glacier, where you can take boat tours to witness towering icebergs up close. Valdez is also renowned for its world-class salmon fishing, drawing anglers from around the globe.

Off the coast of Yakutat - 200 miles North West of Juneau - Hubbard is certainly gigantic: it's more than 9km/6mi wide where it meets the ocean. The face is over 100m/350ft tall, and icebergs 3 to 4 stories in height aren’t uncommon.

Granted, most of that ice is below water, but the ice can be so thick that cruise ships can’t get too close. In the right conditions, however, your ship might be able to get within 1km/0.5mi of the face. The strong currents and riptides that flow between Gilbert Point and the face of the glacier cause calving to occur on a daily basis, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into Disenchantment Bay.

But don't be fooled, Hubbard Glacier stands strong and is advancing so fast its earned the title "The Galloping Glacier".

Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000 during the gold rush in 1898. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold dwindled, so did the population.

Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents and it still retains the flavor of the gold rush era.

Top Things to Do in and around Skagway:

• steam train from Skagway aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World"
  
• excursion to the Klondike Summit
  
• gold panning & dog sledding

Icy Strait Point, near the Tlingit village of Hoonah, blends adventure with Alaska's heritage. Whale watching is unparalleled here, with frequent sightings of humpbacks and orcas. The world’s largest zip line offers breathtaking forest and ocean views. Explore restored cannery buildings housing exhibits, local crafts, and fresh seafood. Guided tours delve into Tlingit culture, highlighting storytelling and traditional dances. Nature trails reveal serene coastal beauty and diverse wildlife.

Sitka is nestled on the west side of Baranof Island. As the east is covered with snowcapped mountains and the west is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, recreational fishing and hiking have become what Sitka is most famous for. As well as their historical landmarks, picturesque views and authentic dining experiences.

Top Things to Do in Sitka:

• visit Sitka Totem Park, home to authentic Tlingit and Haida totem poles nestled in a rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees 
• hike through the Starrigavan with plenty of bird and wildlife viewing opportunities
• explore Sitka via kayak 

Ketchikan sits at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage -  the canned salmon capital of the world, it’s a hub for fishing and outdoor sports. It’s also home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians, making it a great place to get a taste for the local culture.

Top Things to Do in Ketchikan:

• visit Totem Bight State Park
• venture past the town limits into Tongass National Forest
• visit Ketchikan's own Saxman Native Village
• a myriad of outdoor adventures from fishing to zip-lining!
  

Klawock, located on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska, is a town rich in Native Alaskan heritage and natural beauty. Known for its impressive totem poles, Klawock Totem Park features 21 replicas of historic poles that tell the stories and legends of the Tlingit people.

The town is also a gateway to outdoor adventures, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding waters are teeming with salmon and halibut, making it a popular spot for anglers. Additionally, the lush forests and scenic trails offer excellent hiking experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy the pristine Alaskan wilderness. With its blend of cultural heritage and natural attractions, Klawock provides a unique and enriching experience.

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, is famed for its scenic waterfront and rich history. The Harbourfront Walkway offers stunning views, local shops, and the iconic Bastion, a Hudson’s Bay Company fort built in 1853. Visit Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park for easy trails and cultural insights from the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Don’t miss the Nanaimo Bar Trail, a sweet journey through local cafés featuring the city’s signature dessert.

Victoria, capital of British Columbia, sits on the southern end of Vancouver Island, framed by an attractive harbour and surrounded by grand buildings.

With abundant parkland, it’s known for outdoor activities. The city's British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion. Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of vivid floral displays, plus statuary, water features and a carousel, is one of many formal gardens in the city.

Vancouver, Canada, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore Stanley Park, home to lush gardens and scenic seawalls, or take a stroll through the vibrant Granville Island Public Market, where you can find local artisans and fresh produce. Notably, Vancouver is also known for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine, reflecting its multicultural heritage.