Alaska Insider: Sitka To Vancouver

HIGHLIGHTS

This is Alaska as you never imagined. Our Alaskan cruises connect you to the people and cultures in remote indigenous villages. Be wholly aware of the rare access you will enjoy aboard our luxury vessels - and the value of protecting this delicate environment. As we cruise along the Pacific coast, guests can explore coastal secrets, stunning waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and hidden villages in the company of our exclusive world-class expedition partners. With incredible ports along the Pacific coast, like Vancouver, Seattle, Glacier Bay and more, an Alaskan cruise aboard our state-of-the-art ocean liners is the trip of a lifetime. Browse Alaska & Pacific Coast cruise itineraries and book your next getaway!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hotel Stay in Sitka, AK
Sitka is a place of many traditions. You’ll immediately recognize the distinctive Russian domes of the churches, and may assume this city has Russian origins. You’d be right, of course, it was formally founded by the Russian-American Company in 1799. But the heart of Sitka is much deeper. The downtown area of Sitka was settled by the Tlingit people more than 10,000 years ago. For even longer, it has been home to the wild creatures who make Alaska a place unlike any other. Listen to the chattering of eagles and drink in the scent of the eponymous Sitka spruce as you experience the joy of this place, once called the "Paris of the Pacific."

Day 2: Embark in Sitka, AK
Sitka is a place of many traditions. You’ll immediately recognize the distinctive Russian domes of the churches, and may assume this city has Russian origins. You’d be right, of course, it was formally founded by the Russian-American Company in 1799. But the heart of Sitka is much deeper. The downtown area of Sitka was settled by the Tlingit people more than 10,000 years ago. For even longer, it has been home to the wild creatures who make Alaska a place unlike any other. We welcome you to your point of embarkation, where Ocean Victory waits to welcome you on board in time for your first dinner at sea.

Day 3: Kake & Frederick Sound, AK
The towering totem pole, the largest ever carved from a single tree, stands sentinel over this ancient village on the tip of Kupreanof Island. The Kake tribe of the Tlingit people still observe a subsistent lifestyle here, the harshness of its demands belied by the warmth of their welcome. In adjacent Frederick Sound, we’ll explore by Zodiac, led by our team of naturalists.

Day 4: Endicott Arm & Fjord Terror
We will spend the night in these splendid surroundings. Our ship is uniquely equipped to stop here, in a secluded cove of the captain’s choice, without disturbing the serenity with mechanical sounds or interruptions. Stand on deck and experience the stillness. Hear the sounds of the waters and wilderness around you. Be fully aware of where you are, who you are, and how you are in this matchless environment.

Day 5: Tracy/Endicott Arm
Nature will dictate our route here. Northbound cruises will explore one of these spectacular fjords. Both are deep, narrow, and host to distinct marine environments we’ll explore with experts via a Zodiac or kayak. Southbound voyages will spend two days here, with the opportunity to explore both fjords with equal curiosity and expertise.

Day 6: Petersburg, AK
We’ll dock right beside Alaska’s largest home-based halibut fleet, who call this shallow, protected harbor home. These abundant waters and an endless supply of ice from nearby LeConte Glacier led Norwegian fisherman Peter Buschmann to build the region’s first cannery and invite his fishing countrymen to join him. Hence the town’s name and its strong Norwegian culture. Large cruise ships cannot come into Petersburg, so you’ll be among a privileged few to be in this charming, authentic Alaskan village.  

Day 7: Waterfall Coast
Today’s challenge is trying to keep track of the number of waterfalls we’ll encounter as we glide along Baranof Island’s beautiful eastern coast, the little known “waterfall coast.” Some trickle, some thunder, some simply splash merrily to the sea. Exploration is the order of the day, and you choose your point of view – from any of Ocean Victory’s observation perspectives, or right at water level by kayak or Zodiac. This almost hidden shoreline is perfect for discovery. Watch for seals, deer, and tidepools ready to reveal their secret treasures.

Day 8: Wrangell, AK
Wrangell is the perfect spot for an optional jet boat excursion to explore the dramatic Stikine River – what the Tlingit people call “the Great River.” The picturesque town of Wrangell is the gateway to the river, perched at the very tip of rugged Wrangell Island. You are most welcome here, as native Alaskans whose ancestors have lived on this island for thousands of years open their tribal home, their culture, and their magnificent river for your exploration. Take home your own petroglyph rubbing to remember your time among more than 40 ancient petroglyphs on the 8,000-year-old site of Petroglyph Beach.

Day 9: Misty Fjords
The soaring granite cliffs that greet us this morning are 50 to 70 million years old. Yes, million. Ancient glaciers scrubbed deep troughs through this wilderness, leaving a scenic geological wonder. New Eddystone Rock is a remnant of long ago volcanic activity that left the iconic basalt pillar as a testament to the power of this place. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bears, wolves, moose, and hundreds of species of sea and shorebirds await as we spend most of today exploring the shoreline with our team of marine biologists from Cal Poly.

Day 10: Ketchikan & Metlakatla, AK
The totem poles of Ketchikan and Saxman welcome you this morning to Alaska’s southernmost city. Standing tall and noble, each hand-carved pole tells a silent story. This afternoon in Metlakatla, the first thing you’ll notice are the smiles. They are wide, warm, and genuine – welcoming you to the only settlement of indigenous Tsimshian people in the United States.

Day 11: Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet)
In the spectacular setting of this provincial park, you’ll discover a kayaker’s paradise, with inlets, bays, islands, and fjords that reveal an intricate network of waterfalls and glaciers. Old growth Sitka spruce and dense coastal western hemlock forests shelter black bears and grizzlies along the rugged coastline. This is a day that will stretch all your senses. Granite cliffs over 3,000 feet high drop straight into seemingly bottomless water – and waterfalls cascade from dizzying heights into glacial inlets. You’ll explore unique coastal marine life in an area accessible only by sea.

Day 12: Canadian Inside Passage
The first people to explore these picturesque waters did it in hand-carved cedar dugout canoes. You will enjoy an intimate connection to this place as Ocean Victory takes you through a narrow maze of channels, passages, and reaches from Vancouver Island to the northern edge of British Columbia. Whether you’re in the expansive Observation Lounge, on deck or on the one-of-a-kind viewing platform, keep your eye out for whales and dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound – and watch for bears as we glide along pristine island shorelines.

Day 13: Vancouver, BC
This vibrant city is a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and pacesetting urban design. From the shopping delights of Robson Street to the lively energy of Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver brings a unique European flair to Canada’s western coast. Its setting alone will take your breath away, especially from the 450-foot Vancouver Lookout atop Harbour Centre – a 360-degree view from ocean to mountains. The landmark white sails of Canada Place welcome you to your point of disembarkation. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Pre-voyage hotel night
• Masterful regional cuisine with specialty and casual options
• Entertainment each evening
• Shore excursions in each port of call
• Afternoon tea service
• Cocktail hour daily
• Complimentary non-premium beer, wine, spirits, tea, coffee, filtered water and soft drinks
• Wi-Fi in all public areas
• Onboard enrichment
• and many more features