7 nights - Seattle roundtrip |
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Puget Sound
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Puget Sound cruises deliver incredible Pacific Northwest scenery, more than enough reason to choose Seattle as an Alaska departure port. Keep your eyes peeled. On Puget Sound cruises en route to the Great Land, you’ll see everything from ice-capped mountains to remote islands dotted with gigantic Douglas firs to Mount Rainier, hulking behind Seattle’s sleek skyscrapers as if to remind coffee-fueled urbanites that nature is boss.
You, yourself will soon be reminded that nature is boss as you cruise San Juan Islands from Seattle. The San Juan Islands are a wildlife-rich archipelago and popular vacation spot amongst locals. From the comfort of your cruise, watch for soaring eagles, harbor seals, and both humpback and orca whales. Both whale species appear to be making a comeback in recent years and scientists are cautiously optimistic. However, dwindling salmon populations remain a concern for the Puget Sound resident orcas. Cruises to San Juan Islands often lead to whale sightings, especially between March and October for the famous resident orcas of the J, K, and L pods.
Also look for humpback whales bubble-net feeding: Teams of whales spiral upward around prey, blowing cyclones of air. When the panicked fish crowd into a column, the predators launch toward the surface en masse—pleated throats wide open—to suck in as many as possible. Even if you don’t see whales as you cruise San Juan Islands, the beauty of the landscape is unforgettable from rocky outcrops to hundreds of forested mounds.
You, yourself will soon be reminded that nature is boss as you cruise San Juan Islands from Seattle. The San Juan Islands are a wildlife-rich archipelago and popular vacation spot amongst locals. From the comfort of your cruise, watch for soaring eagles, harbor seals, and both humpback and orca whales. Both whale species appear to be making a comeback in recent years and scientists are cautiously optimistic. However, dwindling salmon populations remain a concern for the Puget Sound resident orcas. Cruises to San Juan Islands often lead to whale sightings, especially between March and October for the famous resident orcas of the J, K, and L pods.
Also look for humpback whales bubble-net feeding: Teams of whales spiral upward around prey, blowing cyclones of air. When the panicked fish crowd into a column, the predators launch toward the surface en masse—pleated throats wide open—to suck in as many as possible. Even if you don’t see whales as you cruise San Juan Islands, the beauty of the landscape is unforgettable from rocky outcrops to hundreds of forested mounds.
Stephen's Passage
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Stephens Passage is like the best shortcut in the world, a straight line through Southeast Alaska in a landscape that comes with very few straight lines. It’s not only people and ships that use the passage: Concentrated in and around its waters is a greatest hits of Alaskan wildlife, from humpback whales, the whoosh of their breath loud enough to be heard almost a kilometer away, to giant sea lions and their very distinctive smell—well, okay, call it a stink—that can carry just as far.
The southern reaches of Stephens Passage start at the edges of Frederick Sound, one of the best whale-watching areas in the state. The sound narrows and as you are funneled into the passage, the mountains come right down into the sea, high tide licking the roots of spruce and hemlock. In tiny bays, guillemots and gulls gather; when they take off at the ship’s wake, the noise is like applause.
The water of the passage is ridiculously deep, well over 300 meters (1,000 feet) in places. But in this landscape cut by the last ice age, you really have to measure to the mountain peaks for true scale: They climb to summits at 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), their slopes covered with forests, meadows that turn sunset into alpenglow, and best of all, by the purple tinge of glaciers that form the passage’s crown.
The southern reaches of Stephens Passage start at the edges of Frederick Sound, one of the best whale-watching areas in the state. The sound narrows and as you are funneled into the passage, the mountains come right down into the sea, high tide licking the roots of spruce and hemlock. In tiny bays, guillemots and gulls gather; when they take off at the ship’s wake, the noise is like applause.
The water of the passage is ridiculously deep, well over 300 meters (1,000 feet) in places. But in this landscape cut by the last ice age, you really have to measure to the mountain peaks for true scale: They climb to summits at 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), their slopes covered with forests, meadows that turn sunset into alpenglow, and best of all, by the purple tinge of glaciers that form the passage’s crown.
Juneau, Alaska
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The capital of the state, Juneau is a major cruise and fishing port and this is reflected in the fantastic excursions and the great seafood restaurants that visitors can enjoy. Popular trips include exploring the Mendenhall Glacier area on foot or via various water sports activities. There is also the option to tour the gold panning sights of the region or take on a wildlife excursion via helicopter to see brown bears in their natural habitat. Dog sledding, scenic tram journeys, museums and more continue the incredible selection of excursion options.
The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most beautiful glaciers in North America. The glacier has been retreating for 300 to 400 years and has receded another 1.75 miles since 1929. This long river of ice can be found in the temperate Tongass National Forest, which is home to black bears, eagles, and a wide variety of other animal species.
The only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most beautiful glaciers in North America. The glacier has been retreating for 300 to 400 years and has receded another 1.75 miles since 1929. This long river of ice can be found in the temperate Tongass National Forest, which is home to black bears, eagles, and a wide variety of other animal species.
Endicott Arm / Dawes Glacier
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This narrow fjord is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Juneau and is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Breathtaking Endicott Arm extends over 30 miles long, with nearly one-fifth of its area covered in ice. At the head of the fjord, tidewater glaciers, such as the Dawes Glacier, regularly expel enormous chunks of ice into the waters below in a magnificent process known as calving. During the summer when Holland America ships visit, icebergs float along the surface of the glistening water in an array of sizes, from just a few inches up to three stories wide.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area.
As you glide through the pristine fjord, you'll first pass by a lush forest where a number of beautiful waterfalls cascade down, and then you'll be treated to views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers more spectacular than you could ever imagine.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area.
As you glide through the pristine fjord, you'll first pass by a lush forest where a number of beautiful waterfalls cascade down, and then you'll be treated to views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers more spectacular than you could ever imagine.
Sitka, AlaskaA port city on the west of Baranof Island, Sitka is a quieter location than the bigger ports of Ketchikan and Juneau .
It offers plenty to explore though, including the National Historic Park with traditional Native American artworks, and the Raptor Centre where injured birds of prey are treated before being released back into the wild. |
Ketchikan, AlaskaKetchikan is the busiest port in Alaska in terms of cruise ship visits, and with good reason. It has a wealth of activities to enjoy, including a famous collection of authentic totem poles at various sites.
Visitors can enjoy seaplane tours of the region including seeing the Misty Fjords and spotting wild bears, while there are some excellent restaurants along the pier serving fresh seafood caught locally. |
Victoria, B.C., Canada
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A Victoria cruise delivers passengers to a charming British-influenced city plunked in the rugged Pacific Northwest. You can have high tea in an English garden and go whale watching the same day. Victoria ranks high for quality of life—you’re always a stone’s throw from a windswept beach or a pint at a convivial pub—and it’s the perfect swirl of city life and nature. The influence of the First Nations culture is also strong in Victoria, with totem poles taking a front-and-center position on the Inner Harbour and in Beacon Hill Park and extensive galleries devoted to the First People at the Royal Columbia Museum. A Victoria cruise means delicious dining is in store. Taste your way through Canada’s oldest Chinatown, sample fresh fish and chips, and gobble down heavenly Nanaimo bars.
The Victoria, British Columbia cruise port is just a pleasant walk or cab ride away from the Inner Harbour. Whale-watching cruises and sightseeing floatplanes take off and return here and government buildings, museums, the Visitor Centre and the grand Fairmont Empress provide a dignified welcome. Just around the point, Fisherman’s Wharf offers working fishing boats, paddling harbor seals and busy seafood restaurants. Roam the peaceful paths of the vast Butchart Gardens and see vibrant blooms at every turn. Enjoy afternoon tea or a walk in the park or a shopping trip to Market Square or along Government Street. Whatever you choose to do on your Victoria cruise, you will be so charmed by the city, you may never want to leave.
The Victoria, British Columbia cruise port is just a pleasant walk or cab ride away from the Inner Harbour. Whale-watching cruises and sightseeing floatplanes take off and return here and government buildings, museums, the Visitor Centre and the grand Fairmont Empress provide a dignified welcome. Just around the point, Fisherman’s Wharf offers working fishing boats, paddling harbor seals and busy seafood restaurants. Roam the peaceful paths of the vast Butchart Gardens and see vibrant blooms at every turn. Enjoy afternoon tea or a walk in the park or a shopping trip to Market Square or along Government Street. Whatever you choose to do on your Victoria cruise, you will be so charmed by the city, you may never want to leave.