18-day Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska explorer

Your voyage begins in Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver is one of the world’s most stunning cities, where scenic beauty meets vibrant city life. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this dynamic destination offers a unique blend of cultures, flavors, and experiences. From the historic charm of Gastown—with its cobblestone streets, heritage architecture, and cozy cafés—to the bustling waterfront of the Port of Vancouver, the city invites exploration at every turn. Named after British explorer Captain George Vancouver, who charted the region’s coastline in 1792, the city carries a legacy of discovery and connection. As Canada’s third-largest city, Vancouver boasts a rich cultural tapestry, including the second-largest Chinatown in North America, world-class parks, and a distinctly European feel. Whether you're strolling through Stanley Park, enjoying fresh seafood by the harbor, biking along the coastline, or exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, this beautiful waterfront city delivers unforgettable moments for every traveler.

Your ship calls at Transit the Seymour Narrows.

Your ship calls at Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage.

Your ship calls at Scenic cruising Princess Royal Island.

Your ship calls at Scenic cruising Grenville Channel.

Your ship calls at Scenic cruising Great Bear Rainforest.

In 1799, the Russian explorer Alexander Baranof founded New Archangel next to the Tlingit village of Sitka.This was the beginning of permanent Russian settlement in North America. But New Archangel was destroyed three years later by the Tlingit Indians in an attempt to reclaim their ancestral home. Their brief victory ended in 1804, when Baranof returned with warships and retook Sitka in the Battle of Alaska. Sitka was now the captial of Russian America. In 1867, the Imperial Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased Alaska. With the discovery of gold, and the rapid population growth that followed, Alaska's capital was moved north to Juneau in 1906. Today, picturesque Sitka, sitting opposite snow-capped Mount Edgecumbe, is known for its fishing, its annual summer classical-music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions.

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

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.

Your ship calls at Homer, Alaska, US.

Your ship calls at Kodiak, Alaska, US.

Your ship calls at Valdez, Alaska, USA.

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

Your ship calls at Cruising Hubbard Glacier.

Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, the highlight of our 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. Just west of Juneau, this breathtaking national park and preserve boasts some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers, such as Margerie Glacier, which often drops colossal chunks of ice into the sea. Not surprisingly, Glacier Bay National Park and its epic ice giants are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Alaska's magnificent park system. During your scenic cruise, friendly Park Rangers will join the ship to share their knowledge of this amazing place and host a fun Junior Ranger program for kids. They may even be able to help you identify Glacier Bay's abundant wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, porpoises, harbor seals, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and large colonies of seabirds. Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy an unforgettable day of sailing through this dazzling park, where you'll glide along emerald waters and past calving icebergs, and can breathe in the crisp, fresh air to your heart's content.

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.

Nestled in the heart of southeast Alaska, Wrangell is a town rich in history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Established as a Russian fur trading post in 1834, it later became a key stop during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, Wrangell seamlessly blends its Tlingit heritage with its pioneer past, offering you a glimpse of Alaska's rugged spirit. For history enthusiasts, Chief Shakes Tribal House on Shakes Island showcases Tlingit artistry and traditions, while the Wrangell Museum brings the past to life with exhibits on the gold rush, fur trade, and native culture. Adventurers can explore the Stikine River, one of North America's last truly wild rivers, where jet boat tours skim through glacier-fed waters teeming with wildlife. LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier on the continent, stuns visitors with its massive calving icebergs and brilliant blue hues. Nature lovers won't want to miss the Anan Wildlife Observatory, one of the best places in Alaska to observe black and brown bears up close as they fish for salmon. Birdwatchers flock to Wrangell in spring for the Stikine River Birding Festival, when thousands of bald eagles and migrating birds fill the skies. Whether hiking to Rainbow Falls, kayaking among icebergs, or searching for ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph Beach, Wrangell is a destination where history, culture, and adventure come together in a breathtaking Alaskan setting.

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.

Your ship calls at Scenic cruising Bella Bella.

Your ship returns to Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage.

Your voyage concludes in Vancouver, Canada.