Fjords of Alaska: Luxury Inside Passage cruise

You'll join a small group tour today, which takes you to Vancouver's Stanley Park. Here, you'll see the famous totem poles, walk through old-growth forests, and take in wonderful views of the Coast Mountains, Coal Harbour and the city skyline. You'll then continue onto Lynn Canyon, where your expert guide will tell you more about the region's flora and fauna, which includes some of Canada's oldest yew and Douglas firs. You'll return to downtown Vancouver this afternoon and continue exploring the city under your own steam.

Finish off your sightseeing before making your own way to Vancouver's cruise ship terminal. Setting sail this evening, you'll head toward the spectacular scenery of the Canadian and Alaskan Inside Passage.

On the second day of your cruise, you will travel along the rugged coastline of British Columbia. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way as humpback whales and orca are often seen.

Today's highlight will be a visit to Ketchikan, the gateway to Alaska. Once known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World', the town's impressive totem pole collection is a 'must see' for visitors interested in First Nations art and culture.

This morning, you will continue cruising Alaska's Inside Passage before reaching Sitka: the former centre of Russia's Alaskan empire and, today, a curious mix of Russian and First Nations heritage. The day's included tour options include an ocean raft adventure, sea kayaking through the wilderness, rainforest hikes, and boat excursions to view sea otters, brown bears, deer, sea lions and whales. Sitka is also famous for its artisan community and was once known as the 'Paris of the Pacific' — you may wish to take a tour of the town's art galleries and see local craftsmen at work.

Spectacular Glacier Bay National Park is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to Alaska, and rightly so. At over 13,000 sq km Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is home to 1,045 glaciers, including seven tidewater glaciers, some of which actively calve icebergs into the bay — an often dramatic and thrilling event to witness. Aside from spectacular scenery, the Preserve is home to abundant wildlife including orca, minke and humpback whales.

Arrive in Icy Strait Point today where you may wish to go whale watching or learn about the local Tlingit tribal customs. Look for whales and bald eagles from the deck as you take in views of the mountain scenery.

Sitting at the far north of the Alaskan Panhandle, Haines markets itself as 'The Adventure Capital of Alaska' hosting various outdoor activities. Yet despite the human activity here, the area supports the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles — the nearby Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to up to 400 eagles year-round, but the numbers swell to 4,000 in the annual Fall Congregation. Orcas and sea lions are also frequently spotted in nearby Lutak Inlet. For those interested in art and culture, the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center is worth a visit for its excellent exhibits on the native Tlingit people. 

This morning you will arrive in Alaska's capital of Juneau. After disembarking, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Anchorage, where you will spend your final night in Alaska.

You'll have some time at leisure to complete your Anchorage sightseeing before making your way to the airport in time for your onward journey.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.