Seven Seas Explorer - May 5, 2023

Japan's second largest city and one of its leading seaports, Yokohama belongs to the extensive urban-industrial belt around Tokyo called the Keihin Industrial Zone. The city has four universities; a variety of Christian churches, Shinto shrines, and temples; and numerous parks and gardens, notably Nogeyama Park, which was created after the earthquake of 1923. It is the site of Kanazawa Library, founded in 1275, which houses a large collection of historical documents.

Muroran is a major industrial center and port, with iron, steel, and cement works and an oil refinery. Hot spring resorts are nearby. Muroran is the port for Sapporo, one of Japan's most rapidly growing urban, tourist, and winter sports centers. Famous for its annual Snow Festival, it played host to the 1972 winter Olympics.

Kodiak, Alaska is famous for huge Kodiak brown bears, world-class sport fishing and the magnificent green that the island turns during the summer, which is why Kodiak is called Alaska's Emerald Isle. The Kodiak Island Archipelago and the Katmai Coast are rich in sea, land and bird life, and Kodiak's vast wilderness serves as the ideal backdrop for everything from sport fishing to a leisurely hike.

Seward, Alaska is a port city and an alpine resort town. Imagine a sparkling body of water, Resurrection Bay, with towering mountains lining its shores. Mt. Marathon, where the famous Fourth of July race is held, lies in front of the Harding Icefield which extends down the coast. Marine life abounds, eagles and seabirds fill the air, and mountain goats, bear and moose, all inhabit the surrounding forest.

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 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 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.

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.