Vancouver to Tokyo

Vancouver is the ideal home port to begin or end an Alaskan adventure. Blessed with stunning vistas and exciting activities, Vancouver offers the perfect blend of urban and natural experiences. Vancouver is a must for any cruise itinerary, and because it's a compact, walkable city right on the edge of nature, adding on just a couple of extra days to explore will give you an authentic taste of what makes this place so attractive to visitors.

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront, 'Canada Place' (cruise terminal) can service up to three luxury cruise ships at any given time.

Alaska's Inside Passage offers breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife , making it one of the most scenic cruises in the world and one of the few locations where deep-draft ships can sail close to steep mountain walls. Stretching from Puget Sound in Washington to the Alaskan Panhandle, this coastal route provides stunning natural scenery. Expect to see orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions from the deck, while eagles soar overhead.

Massive tidewater glaciers, forest-clad islands, ice-carved fjords, and charming coastal towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines and Skagway await you here. On small ship cruises, you’ll visit even more intimate ports of call. Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier are highlights.

Ketchikan sits at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage -  the canned salmon capital of the world, it’s a hub for fishing and outdoor sports. It’s also home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians, making it a great place to get a taste for the local culture.

Top Things to Do in Ketchikan:

• visit Totem Bight State Park
• venture past the town limits into Tongass National Forest
• visit Ketchikan's own Saxman Native Village
• a myriad of outdoor adventures from fishing to zip-lining!
  

Endicott Arm, a narrow fjord 80km/50mi southeast of Juneau, sits within the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area and spans over 48km/30mi in length, with one-fifth of it draped in ice.

Witness the grandeur of tidewater glaciers, including the Dawes Glacier, at the fjord's head, where colossal ice chunks calve into the waters during the summer. Ships gracefully navigate this glacial wonderland, surrounded by icebergs of various sizes.

Protected by the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm shelters diverse wildlife, from bears and deer to seals and seabirds. Glide through the fjord, encountering lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains, offering an immersive snapshot of Alaska's untamed beauty.

Juno, commonly known as Juneau, is the capital city of Alaska. Only accessible by sea or air, Juneau's history, culture, and topography have resulted in many interesting activities for visitors to enjoy, all in the heart of Alaska's majestic mountains, rivers, glaciers, and forests.

Top Things to Do in and around Juneau:

• dog sledding
  
• explore the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier
  
• whale watching
• Alaskan Halibut fishing
  

Sitka is nestled on the west side of Baranof Island. As the east is covered with snowcapped mountains and the west is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, recreational fishing and hiking have become what Sitka is most famous for. As well as their historical landmarks, picturesque views and authentic dining experiences.

Top Things to Do in Sitka:

• visit Sitka Totem Park, home to authentic Tlingit and Haida totem poles nestled in a rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees 
• hike through the Starrigavan with plenty of bird and wildlife viewing opportunities
• explore Sitka via kayak 

Venture 'where the north wind doesn’t blow' and discover Icy Strait Point. This uniquely Alaskan port is one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more form the harmonious tapestry of life in this Alaskan hinterland. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point:

• brave the world’s longest zipline, ZipRider
• go whale watching
• visit the Alaskan native village, Hoonah
• hike, bike or kayak through the wilderness

Haines, Alaska, nestled along the shores of the picturesque Lynn Canal, is a small town known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural history. It offers a quieter, more reflective alternative to the nearby bustling ports. Haines is renowned for its artistic community and the fascinating local heritage displayed at the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center, which provides insights into the Tlingit culture and the pioneering days.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Haines irresistible with opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially bald eagles at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of bald eagles. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are also popular, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Off the coast of Yakutat - 200 miles North West of Juneau - Hubbard is certainly gigantic: it's more than 9km/6mi wide where it meets the ocean. The face is over 100m/350ft tall, and icebergs 3 to 4 stories in height aren’t uncommon.

Granted, most of that ice is below water, but the ice can be so thick that cruise ships can’t get too close. In the right conditions, however, your ship might be able to get within 1km/0.5mi of the face. The strong currents and riptides that flow between Gilbert Point and the face of the glacier cause calving to occur on a daily basis, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into Disenchantment Bay.

But don't be fooled, Hubbard Glacier stands strong and is advancing so fast its earned the title "The Galloping Glacier".

Valdez is a spectacular coastal city tucked into the deep shores of Prince William Sound. The open scenery is one of unspoiled wildness, majestic mountains, tidewater glaciers and deep green rainforests. Take the chance to admire this landscape and to become a part of it. Colombier Glacier is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, renowned for its dramatic carving, leaving colossal chunks of ice in the water. Get up close to this icy phenomenon by boat or by helicopter. Flightseeing tours having the advantage of offering exceptional ariel views of the glacier and the surrounding Chugach mountains.

Sea kayaking is popular and navigating the vast landscape in a small kayak immerses you in nature like nothing else, visit forgotten glaciers, strange ice formations and icy sea caves. Valdez holds some of the oldest fish derbies in Alaska with big prize money, a testament to the superb fishing opportunities available. Try your luck to land a prize salmon or big halibut by shore or sea. If not, watch the experts, from mid-June to August when the salmon are spawning and the waters are silver and pink with fish, sealions and brown and black bears come to take their catch of the day.

Hike trails of all levels of difficulty are well maintained and offer awesome views, including dramatic waterfalls and lots of wildlife. With eagles, seabirds, bears, seals, sea lions and sea otters all commonly seen, and whales and porpoises frequent visitors it can be hard to know where to look next.

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and urban appeal. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, Anchorage provides stunning vistas and abundant wildlife. Start your day with a visit to the Anchorage Museum, which showcases Alaskan history, art, and culture. A stroll through the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and a chance to spot moose or even beluga whales.

For a taste of local cuisine, head to the bustling Anchorage Market & Festival, where you can sample fresh seafood and unique Alaskan treats. Don't miss the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about indigenous cultures through exhibits and performances. Anchorage’s vibrant downtown offers eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and opportunities to explore Alaskan craftsmanship.

Seward is 120 miles (about a two hour drive) south of Anchorage, and is one of the Anchorage area's two major cruise ports. The trip south is one of the most scenic in Alaska, with the waters of Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach Mountains on the other.

There are many small turnouts along the way that are photo-perfect. The small community of Girdwood is a great spot to take a quick hike or a ride up the aerial tram. Seward itself is a great spot for ziplining, sled dog kennel tours, kayaking and glacier and wildlife day cruises.

Wild, remote and stunningly beautiful, the city of Kodiak is a rugged outpost on Alaska's famed "Emerald Isle". Accessible only by plane or ship, will find you in a different Alaska - one of extreme wilderness and beauty, populated by hearty, friendly frontier folks.

Take a visit to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, home to the famed Kodiak brown bears. A scenic drive to Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park reveals stunning coastal views, World War II bunkers, and lush forest trails. For a cultural experience, explore the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository, which showcases the island's indigenous heritage. Don't miss the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center, where you can learn about the local fishing industry and marine life.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Located on Amaknak Island and linked via bridge to Unalaska Island, Dutch Harbor is a place of historical significance, stunning natural beauty and resilient people. While intriguing museums recall a turbulent past, today Dutch Harbor embraces the peaceful nature of its scenic surroundings and thrives as a fishing 'village' that brings in the largest catch in the country.

Dutch Harbor is the main delivery port for the crab fleet featured on the Discovery Channel's hit reality show, "The Deadliest Catch."

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The international date line, established in 1884, passes through the mid-Pacific Ocean and roughly follows a 180 degrees longitude north to south line on the Earth. It does zigzag around political borders such as eastern Russia and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.

Crossing the date line eastbound decreases the date by one day, while crossing the date line westbound increases the date. So when you cross east to west you always lose a day and crossing from west to east you get the same day twice (or gain a day).

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Kushiro, located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned for its vast wetlands and as a prime location for observing unique wildlife, including the rare red-crowned crane. The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest wetland, offers visitors the chance to explore these biodiverse landscapes through well-maintained walking trails and guided tours, providing insights into the area's natural heritage.

The city itself, often shrouded in mist, lends a mystical atmosphere to the region. Kushiro's port is vibrant, supporting the local economy with its thriving fishing industry. Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the fresh seafood available, particularly at Washo Market, where they can sample local specialties like Kushiro ramen and grilled fish, reflecting the rich maritime culture of the area.

Hakodate is one of the most popular city destinations in Japan. Here you can experience diverse dynastic architecture, the last Shogun battlefield and enjoy shimmering night views from Mount Hakodate. Located along Hokkaido's southwestern tip, you can immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan.

Enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market and then relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodate's outskirts.

Miyako, located on the eastern coast of Honshu in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is a city known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The dramatic coastline of Jodogahama Beach, with its pristine white pebbles and clear blue waters, is a major attraction, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat.

Miyako is also home to the Sanriku Fukko National Park, where visitors can explore the rugged landscape and observe diverse wildlife. The city has a deep connection to its maritime roots, evident in its fresh seafood cuisine, with local delicacies like sea urchin and abalone being particularly popular. The Miyako Fish Market is an excellent place to experience the local flavours and vibrant atmosphere.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, offers an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Asakusa district, home to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple. Nearby, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling traditional snacks.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections, is a must-see for its sheer scale and energy. To experience tranquility, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest in Shibuya. Don't miss trying Tokyo's renowned sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or exploring the vibrant Harajuku district for trendy fashion and unique cafes.