Sailing north into the open ocean, we spend a few hours journeying through the Inside Passage, admiring places such as Grenville Channel, Princess Royal Channel or Johnstone Strait. Enjoy exceptional views of tranquil fjords and mountains covered in evergreen forests. Unlike other cruise ships that normally pass through the area at night, you’ll be able to see this sublime summer scenery during the day.

One of the oldest island towns in Alaska, Wrangell has been governed by four different nations – Tlingit, Russian, British and United States. Numerous petroglyphs on the beach and moss-covered totem poles manifest to the distant past of this area. Outside of the main cruise ships routes, nowadays it remains a simple fishing town.

Icy Bay lives up to its name. Located in Prince William Sound, the spectacular scenery here formed in the past 100 years with the retreat of three prominent glaciers which still feed ice into the bay. Our aim is to explore Guyot Glacier. The weather and glacier ice conditions on the day will dictate which areas we will be able to visit.

The bustling city of Kodiak sits on Alaska’s largest island, surrounded by verdant forest. Take a walk in Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park home to bunkers from WWII as well as ocean and forest wildlife. Make sure to also visit Baranov Museum, the oldest standing building in Alaska which chronicles Kodiak’s diverse history.

In the small village of Chignik Bay, red salmon fishing has been the core of the community’s economy for over a century. Stop in at the fish factory, meet the welcoming locals, or explore the salmon streams in the scenic surroundings. Scan the shores to spot the 20-or-so waterfowl species, or the skies for bald eagles.

As we sail towards Unalaska, better known as Dutch Harbor, you will see Mount Makushin, a steaming volcano almost 6,000-feet high. The popular TV show `Deadliest Catch´ is based here, featuring local fishing crews. Stop in at the Museum of the Aleutians, view the Russian Orthodox Church, or spot some of the more-than-600 bald eagles around town.

The island of St. Paul is an ideal resting point for migrating birds, attracting some 300 species, including horned and tufted puffins, red-legged kittiwakes, and Pribilof sandpipers. About half of the world’s northern fur seal population also live in the waters here. 

Spend your last day at sea looking out for whales on deck, chatting with new friends, recapping your voyage with the Expedition Team in the Science Center, or just watching the world sail by. During the day, we will also cross the international date line – heading into tomorrow for a short while, before sailing back into today!

Your expedition ends back in Vancouver. Extend your holiday to spend some extra time in this vibrant city. Make the most of the summer weather and cycle around Stanley Park, or enjoy the scenic views at the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Richmond Night Market boasts endless food stalls while Granville Island is the artsy hub.