Alaskan Splendors

Day 1 : Fly to Vancouver

Arrive in the lush North Pacific coastal city of Vancouver and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 : Vancouver Sights/Embark

Tour Vancouver with a local expert who takes us through iconic places such as Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island plus the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which you may cross – if you dare! This 450-ft-long, 230-ft-high bridge is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Cross this bridge for stunning bird’s-eye-views of thick West Coast rainforest. This evening we embark on our cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Breeze.

Day 3 : Cruising Canada’s Inside Passage

Step out on deck and surround yourself in the spectacular beauty of Canada’s Inside Passage. Coastal mountains covered with vast forests plunge into the ocean, waterfalls cascading down the steep mountainsides. Our smaller cruise ship means we can explore more than larger cruise liners. Keep watch for whales, sea otters, and even bears along the beaches. Take advantage of the all-suite yacht's thermal suites and new amenities on this relaxing day at sea.

Day 4 : Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a vibrant hub in southeastern Alaska. Known as the Salmon Fishing Capital of the World, and home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, Ketchikan provides many opportunities to explore your interests. Visit a carving shed, fish, explore at the Southeast Discovery Center to learn about the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest, or browse the shops and galleries along Creek Street.

Day 5 : Misty Fjords National Monument

Located within the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords offers astounding beauty from every angle. Snow-capped peaks and glacially-carved valleys, icy blue lakes, and waterfalls offer a perfect scene for your photos.

Day 6 : Wrangell

Situated near the mouth of the Stikine River, Wrangell is one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Explore the large collection of totem poles scattered throughout town, or see primitive rock carvings during a visit to Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park.

Day 7 : Juneau

Alaska’s state capital, accessible by air or water only, is nestled between the Gastineau Channel and coastal mountains. Visit Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefields, or ride the Mt. Roberts Tramway for breathtaking views of the channel below.

Day 8 : Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm

The Star Breeze sails into Tracy Arm, a narrow fjord that along with Endicott Arm, leads us to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Watch for more wildlife along the shorelines, as well as harbor seals and a variety of birds as we maneuver in the fjord.

Day 9 : Sitka

This charming community is both historically and culturally significant. 22 building are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including The Russian Bishop's House, Pioneer Home, and St Michael’s Cathedral. It was in Sitka that the contract of sale was signed, transferring Alaska from Russia to the U.S.

Day 10 : At Sea

During this day at sea chat with the onboard expedition experts and ask them questions about all the magical things you've seen.

Day 11 : Kenai Fjords National Park

Enjoy a magnificent day of cruising in Kenai Fjords National Park. This may be Alaska’s smallest national park, but the rugged landscape carved by glaciers flowing down from the Harding Icefield is spectacular. The park offers rich habitat for both land and marine wildlife. For an even more in-depth look, consider an optional expedition.

Day 12 : Disembark in Seward

This morning we disembark in Seward, a scenic community on the edge of Resurrection Bay and with Mount Marathon as the backdrop. We travel up the Kenai Peninsula and into Chugach National Forest to beautiful Girdwood. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram some 2,000 feet up the mountain for amazing mountain, glacier, and coastal views of Cook Inlet. We gather for a meal and share vacation highlights with new friends before traveling to Anchorage for flights home.

Day 13 : Fly Home