14-day great Alaska explorer

Your voyage begins in Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a young city with a rich history. Settlers first landed at Alki Point in 1851 and named the area after Sealth, the Suquamish Indian chief who befriended them. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889, "The Emerald City" has a legacy of vision and strength. Seattle has hosted two World's Fairs (1909 and 1962) and is the birthplace of two modern marvels, Boeing and Microsoft. Known for its rainy climate, Seattle actually averages less annual rainfall than many East Coast cities. The mild weather, spectacular natural surroundings and rich cultural diversity attract visitors from around the world. Seattle tours are available to passengers with afternoon flights or an overnight stay in Seattle after their cruise.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Noordam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Noordam with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Kodiak, Alaska, US.

Weelcome to Anchorage, where moose wander the neighborhoods, eagles soar overhead, and world-class hotels and fine cuisine are a stone's throw from settlers' cabins. Anchorage is your gateway to all that Alaska has to offer. Glaciers, mountains, wildlife, Native Alaskan culture and the best shopping in Alaska are all found here. Anchorage is situated between the soaring heights of the Chugach and Alaska Mountain Ranges and the waters of Cook Inlet. In just minutes you can be out of downtown Anchorage observing Dall sheep on the steep mountain slopes or watching for the white backs of beluga whales as they chase salmon up Turnagain Arm. Shop in the morning and wander the 11-mile Coastal trail in the afternoon. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center boasts a superb collection of Native Alaskan art and artifacts, as well as paintings and pioneer treasures, or visit Lake Hood, the largest float­plane base in the world. With nearly 20 hours of sunlight in the summer, the city is a colorful oasis of flowers. Take advantage of the daylight with a flightseeing tour to view the brown bears of Redoubt Bay or to explore magnificent Mt. McKinley. Whether by train, floatplane or motorcoach, you are moments away from Alaska's abundant wildlife and amazing scenery.

A second day in Anchorage - time to explore at your own pace.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Valdez, Alaska, USA.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Noordam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Cruising Hubbard Glacier.

In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans." From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government. Some 30,000 people live in Juneau. Its total area makes it one of the biggest towns, in size, in the world. Only Kiruna, Sweden, and Sitka, Alaska, exceed Juneau's 3,248 square miles. Today Juneau is famous not only for gold and government but also for its breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and stunning views of both water and mountains.

Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town. In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city. Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colorful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sport-fishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.

Historic Prince Rupert captivates both mind and heart with its maritime history and awe-inspiring scenery. Located near the Alaska panhandle, Prince Rupert was established in 1910 as the intersection of commerce and trade for First Nations people and continued to develop as a town when selected as the western terminus for the Grand Turk Pacific Railway. Nestled within a temperate rainforest, it experiences 220 days of rain each year, earning it the poetic nickname "The City of Rainbows." But from within the raindrops, Prince Rupert shines with heritage charms best seen in its Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum, The Museum of Northern British Columbia and the historic North Pacific Cannery compound. Its stunning vistas captured in flight from the window of a seaplane adventure amaze travelers. Abundant wildlife can be observed on land at the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. And seen from the deck of a wildlife cruise on the chilly waters, breeching humpback whales and soaring eagles inspire. Hike through the Butze Rainforest or the Exchamsiks River Provincial Park, then end the day with a stroll among the colorful gift shops stopping in a charming bistro to sample the freshest catch of the day.

Continue your voyage aboard Noordam with a leisurely day at sea.

Your voyage concludes in Seattle, Washington.