Royal Caribbean – Radiance Of The Seas | Alaska Cruise, Vancouver to Seward

Day 1

Vancouver

Most recently ranked by The Economist as the world’s number one city in which to live, Vancouver is a picturesque city surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountain range.

Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city, with many unique neighbourhoods to explore, including Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown and the West End. Visitors can enjoy excellent shopping, gourmet meals, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure and world-class attractions.

Day 2

Vancouver to Inside Passage

Cruising through the Inside Passage is really what has made Alaska cruising so popular. This trip captures so much of what people love about Alaska. There are glaciers the size of Luxembourg. Misty rain forests and ghostly blue fjords. And spirited communities that celebrate their varied heritage. Make sure to take in every view as you sail through one of the most beautiful parts of Alaska.

Day 3

Inside Passage to 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 colourful past is still in evidence, especially in the nearby Indian villages, where you’ll see colourfully carved totem poles and hear the fascinating legends that surround them.

Take on the lumberjacks in an axe-throwing competition or join tough fishermen hauling in huge king crabs at sea. Discover more about Alaska’s Native American culture at the Totem Bight State Historical Park or go in search of salmon, black bears and bald eagles. On a historic walking tour, learn about Ketchikan’s lawless past as a mining and fishing frontiers town, including stories of some shady ladies.

Day 4

Ketchikan to Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is located near the city of Hoonah, the largest native Tlingit Indian settlement in Alaska, and very near Glacier Bay National Park. Home to a historic cannery, the port’s connection to the sea is strong. Locals share the sea with humpback whales, orcas, Dall porpoises, seals, sea otters, halibut and all five species of Pacific salmon. It is not uncommon to spot a humpback or an orca while walking along the beach.

Go whale watching, learn Tlingit tribal customs or fly high on the world’s largest zipline. Explore the wilds of Chichagof Island and the Spasski River Valley looking for bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and Alaska coastal brown bears. There are kayak adventures too in the protected waters off Port Frederick. Later, tuck into the famous Alaska halibut and chips at the historic waterfront Cookhouse Restaurant.

Day 5

Icy Strait Point to 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 favourite of visitors, is nearby.

Whizz above the tundra on a zip wire or experience the amazing buzz of mushing with husky sled dogs across the snow. Soar above a glacier in a helicopter or pan for gold like the pioneers of yesteryear. Watch humpback whales, seals and orcas up close or glide in a gondola to Mount Roberts for some breath-taking views.

Day 6

Juneau to 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.

Ride the White Pass and Yukon railroads in a vintage rail car, learning the fascinating history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Meet a musher from the world-famous and gruelling Iditarod dog-sled race or discover Skagway’s breath-taking mountains and glaciers on a thrilling helicopter trip. Fly over the treetops on an exhilarating zip-line ride or explore Skagway’s stunning scenery by boat, jeep, bike or kayak.

Day 7

Skagway to Hubbard Glacier

Look out for whales, seals and otters during your trip to the spectacular Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay, Alaska, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Be amazed at the rapid advancement of this massive natural wonder, which routinely calves off icebergs the size of a ten-storey building. It makes for an awe-inspiring and dramatic sight.

Day 8

Hubbard Glacier to Seward

Seward is not only one of Alaska’s oldest communities, it’s also one of its most scenic. Visit and discover this picturesque town known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll find a historic city centre district filled with quaint shops and art galleries and some of the most exciting outdoor adventures imaginable.

Disembark the cruise.  Ask us to extend your holiday with an Alaskan tailor made itinerary.