MS Noordam - August 4, 2024

This metropolis is Canada's fastest growing city. Visit Gastown, a restored turn-of-the-century district where Vancouver's first saloon still stands. See trumpeter swans at Lost Lake, contemplate the ducks at Beaver Lagoon, or watch exotic aquatic creatures at the Stanley Park Aquarium. Climb the Lookout for a 360-degree view of the city.

Alaska's Inside Passage is awash with pristine water mountain views. A cruise among the fjords and islands takes you into prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, and whales. The Inside Passage is home to the totem poles of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indians, and Russian setters, as well as prospectors, lumberjacks, and fishermen. All have added to the tapestry of this area's history.

The first cruise ship appeared in Ketchikan 114 years ago, and it has been a favorite port ever since. You can tour the area by boat, bus, horse-drawn trolley, or even a restored 1955 Chevy. The most famous part of town is Creek Street. The homes once comprising the red light district are now filled with arts, crafts and gift shops. Totem poles are everywhere, with 24 at Saxman Native Totem Park.

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is located in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass Rain Forest climate provides Juneau with lush terrain and wildflowers. Visitors can find unparalleled glacier viewing from Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefield and Glacier Bay National Park, and outdoor enthusiasts will love Juneau's kayaking, dogsledding, rafting, biking, hiking and glacier hiking.

The picturesque town of Skagway is famous for it's hospitality, sightseeing and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Laughton glacier and Parsons Peak, or take an evening walk across the swinging foot bridge to Yakatania point, where bald eagles and harbor seals fish for supper. No matter what you decide to do, you will be amazed with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

Tucked into the corner of Prince William Sound, College Fjord is surrounded by over a dozen glaciers and is easily the equal of the more famous Glacier Bay. Some of these glaciers have spruce forests growing right up to the edge of the ice, giving a sense of scale not seen in Glacier Bay. These glaciers were named by the members of the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition.

Whittier serves as a gateway to the glacier- and wildlife-filled Prince William Sound and it is now experiencing a Gold Rush of sorts as an alternative embarkation and disembarkation port to ship-crowded Seward.