Alaska to the Rockies & Red Rocks

Welcome to Seattle where you have 2 nights pre-cruise to explore the city.

Seattle is a vibrant city packed with iconic sights and unique experiences. Start at the Space Needle for sweeping views of the skyline and Puget Sound, then explore the stunning glass art at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Wander through Pike Place Market, famous for its fish-tossing vendors, local crafts, and the original Starbucks. For a dose of history, take an underground tour at Pioneer Square or stroll along the scenic waterfront. Nature lovers can enjoy Discovery Park or catch sunset views from Kerry Park. Don’t miss a ferry ride across Elliott Bay for breathtaking vistas, and if you’re a beer enthusiast, stop by Fremont Brewing’s Urban Beer Garden for a local craft brew. Seattle blends culture, food, and outdoor beauty into an unforgettable experience.

Today you join Royal Princess for your Alaska cruise.

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.

Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn’t the easiest.

Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail.

The gold rush was a boon and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska’s largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome.

Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavor of the gold rush era.

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. At Princess, we’re proud to be among a select group of cruise lines granted special access to Glacier Bay National Park. Due to the park’s protected status and commitment to preserving its pristine beauty, only a limited number of cruise lines receive exclusive permits to sail these remarkable waters. When you cruise with Princess, you’re not just visiting Glacier Bay – you’re experiencing it with a trusted partner of the National Park Service.

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 sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.

Victoria exudes old-world charm and fragrant, colorful flowers are everywhere. Founded in 1843 by James Douglas of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the city was first known as Fort Victoria. By 1848, Vancouver Island was a British colony and Victoria was its capital.

In 1858, Victoria was a tent city and the base for some 25,000 prospectors on their way to the Frasier River gold fields. When Vancouver Island was incorporated with mainland British Columbia in 1868, Victoria became the capital of the entire province.

Although it’s a port city, Victoria is not as industrially oriented as Vancouver. The harbors, especially Inner Harbour, are dotted with pleasure craft, ferries and floatplanes. The city is renowned for its beautiful gardens, charming houses and very British feel.

Today you return to Seattle where you will fly to Denver and spend 3 nights before your Canyon Spirit rail journey. Please note, unless ticketed on a valid international ticket, your baggage fees will be payable at Seattle airport. Speak with a Cruise Travel Advisor about international airfares available where baggage is included. If you’d like to spend extra time in Seattle post cruise and less time in Denver, this package is flexible, ask your Cruise Travel Advisor about making changes to this package.

Denver, the Mile High City, offers a perfect mix of urban culture and outdoor adventure. Explore the Denver Art Museum for world-class exhibits, then stroll through the serene Denver Botanic Gardens. Catch a concert or hike among stunning sandstone formations at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, or dive into an immersive art experience at Meow Wolf Convergence Station. Foodies will love the vibrant dining scene at Larimer Square and trendy food halls like The Source. For family fun, visit the Denver Zoo or take a brewery tour to sample Colorado’s craft beer culture. And don’t miss a day trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine views just a short drive away.

Foodies will love the vibrant dining scene at Larimer Square and trendy food halls like The Source. For family fun, visit the Denver Zoo or take a brewery tour to sample Colorado’s craft beer culture. And don’t miss a day trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine views just a short drive away.

Depart Denver onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll indulge in breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of included snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Cross the Continental Divide, soaking in breathtaking views of rugged canyons and the winding Colorado River. Arrive in the charming resort town of Glenwood Springs. End your day with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs.

Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll start your day off with a hearty breakfast. You’ll cross the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background and see red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

Depart Moab by motorcoach to Thompson Springs in the afternoon where you will board the Canyon Spirit train. Onboard, you’ll enjoy a late lunch and dinner and enjoy sweeping views of majestic rock formations as you wind your way through Castle Gate. You’ll travel through the Price River Canyon ascending the historic Soldier Summit and travel through the historic Thistle Tunnels, continuing your journey past Provo before arriving in the vibrant heart of Salt Lake City.

Your journey comes to an end today. Interested in extending your holiday? This package is flexible, ask us about the different options available.