Alaska: Glaciers & More

Seattle is a dynamic, urban city, located in the Northwest region of the United States on Puget Sound. Being surrounded by water and unmatched natural beauty, outdoor activities have become a popular aspect of this area. This city is also home to modern architecture, captivating art, and their famously prominent coffee culture.

Top Things to Do in Seattle:

• shop at the longest-running farmers markets in the US, the Pike Place Market
• visit ‘The Seattle Spheres’, an indoor rainforest
• explore the Starbucks Reserve and Tasting Room
• visit the iconic ‘Space Needle’

Relax and rejuvenate. Take a deep breath, and give yourself the gift of a little pampering. Relaxing onboard is already easy – but we’re making it even easier. Whether you’re in desperate need of a break from the kids, looking for intimate couples time, or just need some solo r&r, wellness is a cornerstone of our philosophy, and our cruise experience. Get a couples massage in our Redemption Spa, take a free sunrise yoga class, or jog around our outdoor track with stunning panoramic ocean views.

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!
  

Venture 'where the north wind doesn’t blow' and discover Icy Strait Point. This uniquely Alaskan port is one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more form the harmonious tapestry of life in this Alaskan hinterland. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point:

• brave the world’s longest zipline, ZipRider
• go whale watching
• visit the Alaskan native village, Hoonah
• hike, bike or kayak through the wilderness

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".

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 

On our voyages, the biggest choice you’ll have to make is: which activity do I choose tonight? From our adult-oriented performances in the Red Room to live music every single night, bookable karaoke rooms, and special activations popping up all around the ship like pub crawls and pajama parties, there’s no shortage of things to do on a cruise with Virgin Voyages.

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.

Seattle is a dynamic, urban city, located in the Northwest region of the United States on Puget Sound. Being surrounded by water and unmatched natural beauty, outdoor activities have become a popular aspect of this area. This city is also home to modern architecture, captivating art, and their famously prominent coffee culture.

Top Things to Do in Seattle:

• shop at the longest-running farmers markets in the US, the Pike Place Market
• visit ‘The Seattle Spheres’, an indoor rainforest
• explore the Starbucks Reserve and Tasting Room
• visit the iconic ‘Space Needle’