Alaska’s Inside Passage – Stay + Cruise + Air Credit

Upon arrival in Vancouver, a private transfer will take you to your hotel to check in for your 3-nights pre-cruise accommodation. You have the rest of the day – plus two full days ahead of you – to explore Vancouver at your leisure.

Located on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver is a vibrant seaport city in British Columbia known for its dense population and rich cultural diversity. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Vancouver is a popular filming location and home to thriving art, theatre, and music communities. The Vancouver Art Gallery showcases works by talented regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology boasts impressive collections from Canada’s First Nations. Experience the beauty and diversity of Vancouver, where creativity and culture come together in harmony.

Today you might want to discover the beauty of Stanley Park, with its lush greenery and stunning views. Take a leisurely stroll along the seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, or relax on one of the sandy beaches. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Granville Island, where you can explore artisanal markets, enjoy live performances, and sample local culinary delights. Feel the excitement as you walk across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge and venture into the treetop adventures of the surrounding rainforest. Dive into Vancouver’s rich cultural heritage by exploring historic neighborhoods like Gastown and Chinatown, where you can wander charming cobblestone streets, browse eclectic shops, and indulge in delicious international cuisine.

It’s cruise day! This morning you’ll check out of your hotel and make your way to the port where you’ll join Grand Princess for your 7 night sailing of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Enjoy your first sea day and discover all that Grand Princess has to offer as she takes you to your first Alaskan port of call. Indulge your appetite whenever you wish, enjoy an original musicals or a dazzling magic show, pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments, or watch the world float by from a lounger on the top deck.

The City and Borough of Juneau is the capital city of the U.S. state of Alaska. Situated in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, Juneau has a fascinating history that dates back to 1880 when Joe Juneau and Richard Harris embarked on a gold-seeking adventure, where they uncovered nuggets “as large as beans”. This led to the establishment of three of the world’s largest gold mines, and by the end of World War II, over $150 million worth of gold had been extracted. Although the mines eventually closed, the town founded by Joe Juneau transformed into the capital of Alaska, transitioning its focus from gold to governance. Today, Juneau is home to approximately 30,000 residents and is renowned not only for its gold mining history and government significance, but also for its breathtaking glaciers and stunning views of waterways and mountains. From picturesque waterways and lush rainforests to high mountain lakes and the 1,500 square-mile Juneau ice fields, the natural beauty of Juneau is simply unparalleled. One of Juneau’s most famous attractions is the Mendenhall Glacier, a drive-to glacier that stretches for some 13 miles between mountains and overlooks Mendenhall Lake.

Skagway once served as the gateway to the gold fields for the hopeful prospectors who swarmed to Alaska and the Yukon in search of fortune. During the gold rush, Skagway thrived and by 1898, it was the largest town in Alaska with a population of around 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls, and gambling houses flourished. However, as gold production decreased in 1900, miners rapidly moved on to new opportunities in Nome, leading to a decline in Skagway’s population. Today, Skagway is home to less than 1,000 residents but still exudes the charm and history of the gold rush era. Now, a charming city nestled along the picturesque cruise route known as the Inside Passage, Skagway is rich in history, boasting well-preserved gold-rush-era buildings that are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which showcases vintage locomotives as it travels past the famous Chilkoot trail and offers breathtaking mountain views on its journey towards Canada.

Nestled approximately 50 miles southeast of Juneau, this narrow fjord is a hidden gem within the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Endicott Arm captivates visitors with its stunning beauty, stretching over 30 miles long with almost a fifth of its expanse cloaked in ice. At the fjord’s head, tidewater glaciers like Dawes Glacier display an awe-inspiring natural spectacle as they calve massive ice chunks into the water below. During the summer months, when Princess ships grace its waters, Endicott Arm comes alive with icebergs of all sizes floating amidst the shimmering waters. From petite ice chips to towering structures three stories tall, the array of icy formations is a sight to behold. As you glide through the fjord, you’ll be greeted by a lush forest adorned with cascading waterfalls, followed by breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers that surpass your wildest imagination. This pristine sanctuary, nestled within the Tongass National Forest, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. An array of creatures, from black bears and brown bears to deer, wolves, harbor seals, mountain goats, and various seabirds, call this place home.

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” because it is the first major community that travellers encounter as they journey north. Situated on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan was originally an Indian fishing camp, and the name “Ketchikan” is derived from a Tlingit phrase meaning “eagle with spread-out wings,” a nod to a nearby waterfall. During the early 1900’s, amidst Alaska’s gold rush fame, Ketchikan saw the establishment of fishing and timber industries. The growth of these industries played a significant role in making this Inside Passage port Alaska’s fourth-largest city. Today, visitors to Ketchikan are captivated by its rich Native heritage, including the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, also offers excellent sportfishing opportunities. Prepare to be awed by this picturesque town and its surroundings, particularly Misty Fjords National Monument.

It’s your final day at sea, as Grand Princess takes you back towards Canada, for your final port of call – Vancouver.

This morning your ship docks in Vancouver as your cruise comes to an end. Thinking about extending your holiday in Canada or the USA? Speak to your Cruise Travel Advisor about our incredible Canada and USA accommodation packages and tours.