Alaska, Nature on a Grand Scale

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and urban appeal. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, Anchorage provides stunning vistas and abundant wildlife. Start your day with a visit to the Anchorage Museum, which showcases Alaskan history, art, and culture. A stroll through the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and a chance to spot moose or even beluga whales.

For a taste of local cuisine, head to the bustling Anchorage Market & Festival, where you can sample fresh seafood and unique Alaskan treats. Don't miss the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about indigenous cultures through exhibits and performances. Anchorage’s vibrant downtown offers eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and opportunities to explore Alaskan craftsmanship.

Seward is 120 miles (about a two hour drive) south of Anchorage, and is one of the Anchorage area's two major cruise ports. The trip south is one of the most scenic in Alaska, with the waters of Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach Mountains on the other.

There are many small turnouts along the way that are photo-perfect. The small community of Girdwood is a great spot to take a quick hike or a ride up the aerial tram. Seward itself is a great spot for ziplining, sled dog kennel tours, kayaking and glacier and wildlife day cruises.

Embark on an unforgettable journey your the cruise glides through College Fjord's icy waters, with sweeping landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and mirror-like sea. Marvel at the 16 tidewater glaciers, and witness the captivating calving displays, where chunks of ice break off into the sea, all from the comfort of the ship.

College Fjord stands out not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its unique naming tradition. The glaciers of College Fjord are named after renowned American Ivy League colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, adding a touch of academic charm to nature's grandeur.

Observe the diverse marine life of the fjord, including playful seals and majestic whales, with the pristine, nutrient-rich waters creating a thriving ecosystem. Get lost in the beauty of the fjord and prepare for a remarkable cruise highlight.

Icy Bay, located on the remote Gulf of Alaska coast, offers dramatic landscapes of towering glaciers and pristine waters. Known for its stunning glacial scenery, the bay is surrounded by the Guyot, Yahtse, and Tyndall glaciers, which calve spectacular icebergs into the water. This area is perfect for wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of seals, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds.

The rugged beauty of Icy Bay provides a sense of adventure and tranquility. With its awe-inspiring ice formations and serene environment, Icy Bay is a breathtaking destination.

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 

Elfin Cove, Alaska, is a secluded haven nestled on the remote shores of Chichagof Island, where small wooden boardwalks replace streets, and the tranquility of nature prevails. This tiny fishing village is surrounded by lush forest and pristine waters, making it a prime spot for sport fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The absence of cars enhances its quiet charm, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse in the natural beauty.

Ideal for a leisurely exploration, the area offers stunning views of the Fairweather Range. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy spotting humpback whales or the occasional orca. The nearby George Island provides historical insights with remnants of World War II defenses, accessible via a short boat ride.

Point Adolphus, located on the northern tip of Alaska's Chichagof Island, is renowned for its exceptional whale-watching opportunities. Humpback whales frequent these waters, providing a spectacular sight for visitors. The nutrient-rich waters also attract orcas, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds.

Guided boat tours offer an up-close experience with the marine life, while kayakers can enjoy a more intimate exploration of the coastline. The scenic beauty of the surrounding Tongass National Forest enhances the experience, making Point Adolphus a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Haines, Alaska, nestled along the shores of the picturesque Lynn Canal, is a small town known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural history. It offers a quieter, more reflective alternative to the nearby bustling ports. Haines is renowned for its artistic community and the fascinating local heritage displayed at the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center, which provides insights into the Tlingit culture and the pioneering days.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Haines irresistible with opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially bald eagles at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of bald eagles. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are also popular, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Kake, a small Tlingit village on Kupreanof Island in Southeast Alaska, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The village is home to one of the world's tallest totem poles, standing at 132 feet, which represents the rich traditions and artistry of the Tlingit people. Visitors can explore the Kake Tribal Heritage Center to learn more about the local culture and history.

The surrounding wilderness is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching are popular activities, with opportunities to see bald eagles, black bears, and humpback whales. The tranquil environment and friendly community make Kake a delightful and enriching destination.

Petersburg, located on Mitkof Island in southeastern Alaska, is a charming fishing town known for its Scandinavian heritage and stunning natural beauty. The town's vibrant harbour is a hub of activity, reflecting its strong ties to the fishing industry. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area, which features colorful murals and unique shops.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby LeConte Glacier, one of the most active tidewater glaciers in North America, accessible by boat tours offering close-up views of calving icebergs. The surrounding waters are ideal for kayaking and wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of whales, seals, and eagles.

Painstakingly sculpted by the slow grind of colossal glaciers, the fjords of Rudyerd Bay are some of the Inside Passage’s most spectacular and humbling. Gouged to the south-east of Alaska, just 40 miles from Ketchikan, hordes of salmon splash in the region’s streams, while basalt pillars - left behind by ancient volcanoes - puncture the slow flow of the waters. A litany of plunging waterfalls gives sheer, monolithic cliff faces added life and vitality.

With crowds of pine trees and snow-tipped mountains surrounding you everywhere you look, Rudyerd Bay is one of the Misty Fjords' most precious and inspiring locations. One of the best ways to survey this magnificent landscape is to take to the skies in a floatplane. Look down as you skim just below the clouds, over an immense scene of snow-coated mountain peaks, and deeply etched fjords.

If you’d rather stay grounded, cruise through the majestic setting on a boat journey, to be dwarfed by the gigantic granite walls and cascading waterfalls. The abrupt cliffs of Punchbowl Cove rocket upwards, 900 metres above sea level, with forest clinging on desperately and smudging various shades of green across them. Cloudy-blue glacier lakes add to the spectacular palette of natural colours. Be sure to keep an eye out for the area’s majestic wildlife - as orcas surface, and black bears and wolves slip between the dense banks of forest on the shore.

Alaska's Inside Passage offers breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife , making it one of the most scenic cruises in the world and one of the few locations where deep-draft ships can sail close to steep mountain walls. Stretching from Puget Sound in Washington to the Alaskan Panhandle, this coastal route provides stunning natural scenery. Expect to see orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions from the deck, while eagles soar overhead.

Massive tidewater glaciers, forest-clad islands, ice-carved fjords, and charming coastal towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines and Skagway await you here. On small ship cruises, you’ll visit even more intimate ports of call. Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier are highlights.

Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island in British Columbia, Canada, is a culturally rich destination known for its deep indigenous roots, specifically those of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. The U'mista Cultural Centre is a highlight, showcasing potlatch artifacts and masks reclaimed from museums and private collections worldwide, providing insights into the vibrant traditions and history of the First Nations.

Cruise ships anchor nearby, and passengers can easily walk or take a short ride to explore the community's totem poles, traditional big houses, and local art galleries. Alert Bay is not just a place to visit but an opportunity to experience the living culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw, set against the backdrop of the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Vancouver is the ideal home port to begin or end an Alaskan adventure. Blessed with stunning vistas and exciting activities, Vancouver offers the perfect blend of urban and natural experiences. Vancouver is a must for any cruise itinerary, and because it's a compact, walkable city right on the edge of nature, adding on just a couple of extra days to explore will give you an authentic taste of what makes this place so attractive to visitors.

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront, 'Canada Place' (cruise terminal) can service up to three luxury cruise ships at any given time.