Grizzlies and Fjords - A Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska

12 days from £2146 per person

Two large cruise ships at anchor in the colourful port of Ketchikan

Breathtaking scenery, an abundance of wildlife and discovering native cultures. This trip allows you to enjoy the cosmopolitan hub of Vancouver and watch ever-changing landscapes and seascapes unfold before your eyes, as you experience the highlights of the Inside Passage. You’ll stay in a centrally located hotel in Vancouver, from where you can visit the main sights and enjoy the diverse array of attractions on offer. Next you’ll board a comfortable and spacious cruise ship that will take you on a journey through forested islands and calving glaciers. As you sail from Vancouver to Skagway, Alaska, you’ll spot wildlife and savour the sights of the beautiful wilderness in this remote and mostly uninhabited area. Discover native cultures, dine on fresh seafood and travel back in time to the Klondike gold-mining days; this itinerary is perfect for those who wish to delve into the great outdoors and explore lesser-visited areas on this classic cruise itinerary.

Route: Vancouver – Inside Passage – Juneau – Skagway – Glacier Bay – Ketchikan - Vancouver

Itinerary Highlights

Soak up the diverse culinary flavours and cultural delights of Vancouver, a fun and friendly city that’s got a great buzz to it, in a scenically beautiful setting.

Sail past dramatic sceneries of forested islands and majestic mountain ranges that are dotted along the inside passage, a 1000 mile stretch of waterway between British Columbia and Skagway.

Explore Skagway, a historical town built on the promise of gold where you have the chance if you’re feeling active to hike part of the treacherous Chilkoot Pass.

Itinerary: Grizzlies and Fjords - A Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska

Day 1 UK to Vancouver

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Vancouver. On arrival you will be met by your private driver who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own leisure. (N)

Accommodation in Vancouver: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 2 Vancouver

The city of Vancouver is nestled between two contrasting landscapes; rugged mountains and a serene ocean. On offer are a variety of diverse activities ranging from whale-watching safaris and white-water rafting, to bicycle tours and a renowned culinary scene for you to enjoy exploring. The best way to get to know Vancouver is to climb aboard a San Francisco-style trolley for an exciting city tour, which we can arrange in advance for you. Complete with full commentary, you will sightsee at your own pace as you hop on and off at 30 of the city’s premier attractions. (N)

Accommodation in Vancouver: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 3 Vancouver

Canada is the second largest country in the world, and as you are only experiencing a slither of it on this holiday, you might choose to book on to the Flyover Canada virtual tour. Through use of state-of-the-art technology, Canada’s striking scenery and eclectic cities are brought to life through the use of sound, sight, scents and movement. Much of Vancouver’s culinary scene is fused with Asian flavours, so later on you might choose to explore what the city’s restaurants has to offer. (N)

Accommodation in Vancouver: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (or similar)

Day 4 Vancouver - depart on Alaskan Cruise

This morning you will check out of your hotel and make your way to the cosmopolitan port of Vancouver. Here you will board your Holland America cruise ship and commence your exciting 7 night Alaskan Cruise. (L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 5 The Inside Passage

Enjoy sailing past dramatic scenery of forested islands and majestic mountain ranges that are dotted along the 1000 mile stretch of waterway, reaching from British Columbia to Skagway, Alaska. Make sure you have your camera at the ready as you snake your way through impressive fjords and some of the most breathtaking wilderness in the world. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 6 Juneau

Before reaching Juneau today, you will cruise along the enclosed fjord of Tracy Arm to the South Sawyer Glacier. The landscape and seascape in this area is a mesmerising collection of cotton candy icebergs, bright turquoise waters and flowing waterfalls. You might even spot whales and sea lions in this hidden gem if you are lucky. Upon arrival at Juneau, enjoy getting familiar with the flora and fauna of Alaska’s remote capital. The picturesque town was formed back in the gold-mining days of the 1880’s and is still a thriving hub that offers an enticing blend of activities and warm hospitality. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 7 Skagway

This morning your ship will dock at Skagway port, a historical town nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage. Here the streets are lined with wooden boardwalks and restored buildings with false fronts, looking much like they did some 100 years ago. If you’re feeling active you might choose to visit the Klondike National Park or hike part of the Chilkoot Pass. For those seeking something slightly more relaxed, you might like to traverse the White Pass Railroad from the comfort of a vintage cabin, or hire a car and visit the glistening Emerald Lake. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 8 Glacier Bay

You will spend today onboard the ship as you cruise the long, narrow Glacier Bay that runs alongside the jagged edges of the Glacier National Park. The ever-changing glacial landscape is a UNESCO world Heritage Site and home to an array of wildlife, including grizzly and brown bears, wolves and moose. Look out for glaciers calving; an unusual event where ice splits and thunders into the sea, causing water to shoot hundreds of feet into the air. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 9 Ketchikan

Culture-rich Ketchikan is a photographer’s dream, located along the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Most of the town is built over the water and the local people are friendly and welcoming, ready to share stories of old. Self-titled the salmon capital of the world, all who visit are welcome to enjoy a spot of fishing, or just sit back and enjoy a tasty seafood dish in one of the local restaurants. The native arts are another popular attraction in Ketchikan, with various museums and totem parks showcasing a mixture of old and contemporary works. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 10 The Inside Passage

Today you will sail back along the Inside Passage, Vancouver bound. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you cruise past untouched bays and an ever-changing landscape, enjoying your last full day onboard the ship. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise ship

Day 11 Cruise ends in Vancouver/ Vancouver to the UK

Today your cruise ends. You will disembark the ship around 7am this morning. If you wish, we can arrange a day room for you at the hotel you stayed at, at the beginning of your trip. Otherwise, enjoy spending your last day in the city at leisure. Later on today you will be transferred by a private driver to the airport for your international flight back to the UK. (B)

Day 12 Arrive UK

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Alaska cruise as specified

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

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