Sapphire Princess sailing on May 25th, 2013

About Anchorage (Whittier)

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, and it's no accident that many of our cruisetours begin and end in this major metropolis. As locals say, "Anchorage is great. It's only 20 minutes from Alaska." Here, you'll find everything you would find in a city in the lower 48. But it serves as a great introduction to Alaska, too.

Anchorage (Whittier) Activities

• For a great introduction to native Alaskan culture, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Opened in 1999, this wonderful, state-of-the-art center features theaters, exhibitions, artists and artisans, a smokehouse, a carving center, and traditional village structures.
• Head to Resolution Park for a breathtaking view of the Talkeetnas and the snow-covered Alaska Range.
• Learn about the Northern Lights, oil exploration, bears, and other local features at the Imaginarium. This award-winning, hands-on science center is great for kids and adults alike.
• Surrounded by state and national parkland, Anchorage is also the ideal base camp for Southcentral Alaska wildlife viewing adventures.

About Yakutat Bay

About Glacier Bay

Cruise quietly, watching as giant pinnacles of ice crack off the face of the glacier and float off as icebergs.

About Skagway

When gold was discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon Territory (just across the border from Alaska), it resulted in the historic Gold Rush of 1898. As thousands of gold-crazed adventurers sought the best starting point for their arduous trek, they found the deepest penetration possible by boat was at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. This is how Skagway was born.

Skagway Attractions

A century ago, Skagway was a thriving community of 10,000 gold stampeders heading up the Chilkoot Trail to the Klondike. Now, nature has reclaimed the land. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you on a 1 1/2 hour ride on flat, dirt roads around the historic site of Skagway. You'll ride through the rain forest, visit historic ruins and the Chilkoot trail-head. Then you'll head out on the coastal tidal flats, where you'll view eagles, spectacular wildflowers and gorgeous mountain scenery. Enjoy the exercise and fresh Alaskan air.

Skagway Activities

• Ride the world-famous White Pass and Yukon Railroad and then visit a historic gold-rush camp, where you can browse through cabins and tents that were once used as a bakery and a saloon.
• Take a helicopter ride away from civilization to the Chilkat Glacier system, where frozen rivers of ice surge between high mountain peaks.

About Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

Juneau Attractions

When you're in Juneau, you shouldn't miss the amazing glacial landscape. The best view available is from the seat of a helicopter on one of our shore excursions, where you can watch for bear, mountain goats, and moose. Then, once you've landed, we'll take you on a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled ride.

Juneau Activities

• Relive Juneau's gold-rush history and pan for gold in the authentic setting of Gold Creek. Trace the route taken by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold over 100 years ago. Get hands-on experience panning for gold in Gold Creek. "Guaranteed gold in every pan!" Then explore Juneau's mining past with a look at the remnants of a century-old mine.
• Fly in a floatplane over five breathtaking glaciers to the Taku Glacier Lodge for a king salmon feast. And don't be surprised if a black bear wanders into the yard.
• Take a fully narrated helicopter flight over four translucent glaciers within the Juneau Ice Field. You'll soar past towering peaks and picturesque alpine lakes on this exciting adventure.
• Explore Juneau on foot. With more trails than roads, Alaska's capital features world-class hiking - through glacial waterfalls and the largest temperate rain forest in the state.

About Ketchikan

Ketchikan originated as an Indian fish saltery, but the town's major growth began when it became a supply base and entry port for miners during the 1898 Gold Rush to the Klondike. Much of the town's colorful past is still in evidence, especially in the nearby Indian villages, where you'll see colorfully carved totem poles and hear the fascinating legends that surround them.

Ketchikan Attractions

While fishing is by far the most popular sport in Ketchikan, there are a lot of other activities for people to take part in. In fact, one of the best ways to see the area and enjoy the scenery is simply to take a walk through town and to the Totem Heritage Center. There, you can explore the history of totem poles and see some terrific examples.

Ketchikan Activities

• Experience the sheer granite cliffs, plunging 1,000-foot waterfalls, crystalline lakes and low-hanging mists of Misty Fjords from the air on a seaplane.
• Fill your senses with excitement and adventure as you take the wheel of a four-wheel-drive vehicle and wend your way through a lush rain forest.

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Vancouver

Most of Canada's imports from and exports to the Orient and Australia pass through Vancouver, Canada's gateway to the Pacific. From the harbor entrance, you can see the Lion's Gate, made up of twin mountain peaks closely resembling crouching lions. Visitors enjoy discovering this cosmopolitan city, from the shops of Robson Street to historic Gastown.

Vancouver Attractions

Vancouver often feels like a mini-United Nations, and nowhere is that more true than Robson Street, a popular shopping and dining area. Find a bench and watch the world go by. You'll be amazed at all the countries you see represented.

Vancouver Activities

• Explore the highlights of the city, including Gastown and Chinatown.
• Visit the City Centre, featuring Robson Street, the new city library, the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and the old Expo '86 site.
• Get close to nature in Stanley Park, the incredible Vancouver Aquarium and Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in Vancouver.