Alaska & the Inside Passage

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  Fly from the UK to Vancouver and embark onboard Viking Orion for your 10-night cruise

• Day 2: Scenic Sailing: The Inside Passage

  The ship cruises the Canadian Inside Passage today; a stretch of protected ocean approximately 1,500km long. Its waters are relatively flat and calm, which makes it a popular cruising area. Relax on board and admire a wide range of landscapes and native wildlife without having to leave the ship. Keep your eyes peeled for plunging waterfalls, valleys speckled with evergreens, and bald eagles soaring overhead. You may pass the southern portion of the passage; cruising by the remote villages of Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Further north, discover grizzly bears at the Great Bear Rainforest or the peaks that line Grenville Channel.

• Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

  Ketchikan can be described as the first city of Alaska. Situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's iconic Inside Passage and surrounded by deep fjords and lush forests; this small fishing town is a popular stop with cruise lines. Take a walk down the waterfront and admire the awe-inspiring views. Enjoy a tour to the 40-acre Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary to view bald eagles, wolves, and black bears. Visit the totem poles at Totem Bight State Historical Park and Potlatch Totem Park or journey to the glacier-carved wilderness at the Misty Fiords National Monument. You can also ride an off-road vehicle and try zip lining, kayaking, and hiking.

• Day 4: Sitka, Alaska, United States

  Sitka is an Alaskan city and borough close to the state capital of Juneau; it's located on Baranof Island and was once the capital of Russian America. The main attraction here is Sitka National Historical Park which was established in 1804 and, since then, has preserved the culture of the local Tlingit people and Russian and American settlers. The park houses a collection of rare artefacts including the preserved remains of the Tlingit fort and a Russian house. A visit to the Sitka Cultural Centre will allow insight into the region’s history and a vast display of film presentations, walking trails lined with totem poles, and artwork enhance this experience. If you're a thrill seeker; perhaps explore the pristine bays by kayak or hike through one of the many forest trails.

• Day 5: Juneau, Alaska, United States

  Juneau is the state capital of Alaska, and it's not hard see why people would want to settle here. Juneau is one of the natural beauty hotspots of the world; take a trip to the 220-feet deep Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most awe-inspiring in the area. With its wild bear viewing areas, The Tongass National Park is also a great spot for camping, fishing, and hiking amongst lush green surroundings. Marvel at water views from Mount Roberts Tramway and treat yourself to unique souvenirs from the gift shop. Nugget Falls is a spectacular waterfall downstream of the Nugget Glacier; capture unforgettable photos here with loved ones. Take a tour of Juneau Icefield with over 40 huge glaciers to admire or kayak over the icy waters of Medenhall Lake.

• Day 6: Skagway, Alaska, United States

  Skagway, commonly known as 'The Gateway to the Klondike', was born out of the Klondike Gold rush of the 1890s. Once home to saloons, dance halls, and gambling houses; Skagway now has only about 1,000 residents. Relive the town's 'heyday' with an interesting downtown walking tour and gold panning excursion. Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to see thousands of historic photos and archaeological artefacts. For the little more adventurous; perhaps take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad past glistening glaciers and picturesque waterfalls.

• Day 7: Icy Strait Point, Alaska, United States

  Icy Strait Point is located on Alaska's Chichagof Island just outside the small village of Hoonah. This privately-owned resort is named after the nearby Icy Strait. Step ashore to experience authentic regional culture, incredible natural beauty and indigenous wildlife, Tlingit art and dancing, and to taste fresh Dungeness crab. Take a cruise from Icy Strait Point to get an up-close view of the dramatic scenery, humpback whales, and brown bears. Ride the bus to the top of Hoonah Mountain for far-reaching vistas, before descending on the world's largest ZipRider which soars 300 feet above the rainforest below.

• Day 8: Scenic Sailing: Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

  Hubbard Glacier is located in eastern Alaska's Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve and Canada's Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon and is the largest and most active tidewater glacier in North America. Named after Gardiner Hubbard - the first president of the National Geographic Society - Hubbard Glacier spans 76 miles and 1,200 feet in depth in pristine Disenchantment Bay. The glacier dwarfs the cruise ships that pass it and regularly calves mini glaciers the size of ten-storey buildings! The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife — from whales, otters, and harbour seals in the water to moose, brown bears, and black-tailed deer on the shoreline.

• Day 9: Valdez, Alaska, United States

  Valdez is located at the head of Port Valdez deep-water fjord on the eastern side of Prince William Sound in Alaska. This former Gold Rush town famously experienced a powerful earthquake and tsunamis in 1964 which devastated the area; commemorated at the town's Earthquake Memorial. Step back in time at Valdez Museum or explore Alaska native culture and wildlife at Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. Follow the Mineral Creek Trial from the downtown area to see mining ruins in the mountains or travel along Shoup Bay Trail past Port Valdez to catch sight of glaciers. Daredevil enthusiasts can go white-water rafting on the Lowe River through Keystone Canyon in the summer and try heli-skiing and ice climbing in the winter. Take a fishing trip in the Small Boat Harbor or book a boat tour to admire Meares Glacier and Columbia Glacier.

• Day 10: Seward, Alaska, United States

  Seward is sandwiched between the Kenai Mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Boasting Mount Marathon as its dramatic backdrop; Seward is one of Alaska's oldest and most beautiful towns. The bustling harbour gives way to streets filled with charming shops and galleries. Admire puffins, sea lions, and humpback whales as you take a boat tour through the fjords and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. From Resurrection Bay, you can meander along the mile-long beach or trek further afield along the five-mile coastal trail to Caines Head. Take the short stroll to the accessible Exit Glacier — where you can enjoy a 'hands-on' glacier experience — before visiting marine life at Alaska SeaLife Centre.

• Day 11: Seward, Alaska, United States

  Disembark ship and fly back to the UK