Queen Elizabeth
May 24, 2024

Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, offers docking at Yokohama Port with excursions to Tokyo. Travelers explore Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya Crossing. Excursions visit Kamakura’s Great Buddha. Local markets sell yakitori. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures neon streets and Tokyo Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes sushi, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like ukiyo-e prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Edo history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Yokohama’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic temples and modern cityscapes, making Yokohama an engaging destination.

Aomori, Japan, docks at Aomori Port, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute transfers. The city, population 280,000, features the Nebuta Museum, showcasing colorful floats from the August Nebuta Festival. Travelers visit Sannai-Maruyama, a 5-minute drive, for Jomon-era village reconstructions from 3900 BC. Hirosaki Castle, 45 minutes by train, offers cherry blossoms in April. Local markets sell apples and sake. Excursions to Lake Towada, 90 minutes south, include boat rides through volcanic scenery. Peak season April to October; taxis 800-1200 JPY. Dining features scallop miso soup at harbor cafes. Souvenirs include kokeshi dolls.

Otaru (Sapporo), Japan, offers docking at Otaru Port with excursions to Sapporo. Travelers explore Sapporo’s Odori Park and Snow Festival sites. Excursions visit Otaru’s historic canals. Local markets sell miso ramen. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures urban parks and Hokkaido’s coastlines. Dining onboard includes jingisukan, a Hokkaido lamb dish. Souvenirs, like Sapporo beer glasses, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hokkaido’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Otaru’s access to Sapporo offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of urban culture, historic canals, and Hokkaido’s culinary delights, making Otaru an engaging gateway to Japan’s northern island.

Cross International Date Line offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers experience the time shift at sea, gaining or losing a day. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season varies by itinerary, typically warm for Pacific crossings. Photography captures vast ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history and navigation. Light clothing suits the variable climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Date Line offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of educational briefings and open-sea relaxation, making the Date Line an engaging destination for exploration.

Kodiak, Alaska, has docking at Kodiak Port. Travelers explore Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for bear spotting. Excursions visit Russian Orthodox churches. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures rugged coasts and wildlife. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like bear carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Russian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance bear spotting. Kodiak’s wild beauty offers a vibrant Alaskan stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Seward (Anchorage), Alaska, offers docking at Seward Port with excursions to Anchorage. Travelers explore Kenai Fjords and Alaska SeaLife Center. Excursions include glacier cruises. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures glaciers and Resurrection Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Athabascan history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fjord hikes. Seward’s natural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial landscapes and marine wildlife, making Seward an engaging destination.

Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Hubbard Glacier and Disenchantment Bay from the ship. Excursions include zodiac tours for seal spotting. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for glacier cruising. Photography captures icebergs and Yakutat Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like glacier crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife viewing. Hubbard Glacier’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial beauty and marine life, making Hubbard Glacier an engaging destination.

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska, offers docking at Icy Strait Point. Travelers explore Hoonah’s Tlingit culture and Chichagof Island. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Huna Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance forest walks. Icy Strait Point’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and marine wildlife, making Icy Strait Point an engaging destination.

Cruise Glacier Bay, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Margerie Glacier and humpback whales from the ship. Excursions include ranger-led tours. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for glacier tours. Photography captures icebergs and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like glacier crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Glacier Bay’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial landscapes and marine wildlife, making Glacier Bay an engaging destination.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Ogden Point Port. Travelers explore Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell Nanaimo bars. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures floral gardens and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance garden walks. Victoria’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks, making Victoria an engaging destination for exploration.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Canada Place Port. Travelers explore Stanley Park and Gastown. Excursions visit Capilano Suspension Bridge. Local markets sell poutine. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban parks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like Inuit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Vancouver’s urban charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, making Vancouver an engaging destination for exploring Canada’s west coast.

Sitka, Alaska, offers docking at Sitka Port. Travelers explore Sitka National Historical Park and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Russian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park walks. Sitka’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Sitka an engaging destination for exploration.

Skagway, Alaska, offers docking at Skagway Port. Travelers explore Klondike Gold Rush Park and White Pass Railway. Excursions include hiking Chilkoot Trail. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic railways and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like gold-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gold Rush history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance trail hikes. Skagway’s historic charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of gold rush heritage and scenic mountains, making Skagway an engaging destination.

Returning to Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) — see Day 14 above for port info.

Returning to Cruise Glacier Bay — see Day 15 above for port info.

Ketchikan, Alaska, offers docking at Ketchikan Port. Travelers explore Totem Bight Park and Creek Street. Excursions include Misty Fjords flights. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Native Alaskan history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance historic walks. Ketchikan’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Ketchikan an engaging destination for exploration.

Misty Fjords, a national monument in Alaska, has no docking; ships cruise its glacier-carved channels. Travelers view towering granite cliffs and New Eddystone Rock from the deck. Zodiacs spot harbor seals basking on ice floes. No facilities exist; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, June to August, often brings fog. Photography captures misty waterfalls cascading into fjords. Dining onboard features fresh Alaskan salmon. Souvenirs, like fjord prints, are available in ship shops. Briefings emphasize park conservation rules. Kayaking navigates narrow inlets for close wildlife views. Waterproof gear is essential for rain. Misty Fjords’ untouched cliffs and serene waters deliver a pristine Alaskan wilderness experience, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Returning to Victoria — see Day 18 above for port info.

Returning to Vancouver — see Day 19 above for port info.