Alaska Inside Passage Cruise 7 Nights • Vancouver, British Columbia • Serenade of the Seas

Vancouver cruises.

Among the world's most liveable cities - diverse, cultural, beautiful - this culinary capital treats you to fresh local seafood, farm-to-table produce, and authentic Asian flavors. West Coast architecture - modernism with a woodsy bent - emerged here. But while downtown shines with steel and glass, its epicenter is green Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre oasis of spectacular beaches, trails, and views. North of town, ride scenic Sea to Sky Highway along the coast and through the forest toward Whistler, 2,200 feet above sea level. On your way, behold lofty Shannon Falls and brave the heart-pounding Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Inside Passage, Alaska: You'll sail beyond the Inside Passage into the more protected Alaska Inside Passage in southeastern Alaska. This complex labyrinth of fjords, bays, and lush green islands is home to an abundance of wildlife, including orca, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters and much more. During the summer months, the long hours of daylight allow for ample opportunities for nature photos on your Inside Passage Cruise. You'll never forget the sight of 40-ton whales hurling themselves into the air, almost completely escaping the water. If you're especially lucky, you could see them swimming together to create a bubble net, trapping and eating fish by the giant mouthful.

Sitka, Alaska: A Russian settlement until the Alaska Purchase of 1867, Sitka’s Russian heritage is still very much rooted in the city. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral for a pristine example of period architecture. Nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, there’s much natural beauty to explore on a Sitka cruise. A walk along the promenade in Whale Park offers a chance to view breaching humpback whales while a trek into Sitka Historical Park reveals stunning coastal trails and hundred-year-old totem poles. Venture to Tongass National Forest for up close views of wildlife, including Alaska Coastal Brown Bears, American Bald Eagles and Sitka Blacktail Deer. Or head to the Sheldon Jackson Museum, the oldest standing structure in all of Alaska which is home to a small, yet impressive collection of artifacts from all of Alaska’s indigenous groups.

Here's your chance to take a glacial dogsled adventure in Alaska's capital, where cultured sophistication meets the ruggedness of the Last Frontier.

Skagway, Alaska: The great Klondike Gold Rush lives on in Skagway's charming downtown of restored 19th-century buildings and its historic railway. Located on the edge of the wilderness, this small town saw its fair share of gold rush, get rich dreamers pass through. Today, it’s residents are more than welcome to share the stories of its untamed past. And there’s so much fascinating history to uncover on a Skagway cruise. Head to Klondike Gold Rush National Park Museum for an in-depth look at Klondike and the two routes out of Skagway – Chilkoot Pass and White Pass. From the vintage train, admire the mountains and see the 1898 trail that fortune seekers traveled on foot. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad runs the vintage locomotives through the famously steep Chilkoot Trail and offers sweeping mountain views during its climb toward Canada.

You've never tasted salmon so fresh. Known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World', Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who have carved the world's largest collection of totem poles. If you're up for an adventure, take a canoe and nature trail excursion through the rain forest or a wilderness exploration followed by a sumptuous crab feast you'll long remember.

Inside Passage, Alaska: You'll sail beyond the Inside Passage into the more protected Alaska Inside Passage in southeastern Alaska. This complex labyrinth of fjords, bays, and lush green islands is home to an abundance of wildlife, including orca, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters and much more. During the summer months, the long hours of daylight allow for ample opportunities for nature photos on your Inside Passage Cruise. You'll never forget the sight of 40-ton whales hurling themselves into the air, almost completely escaping the water. If you're especially lucky, you could see them swimming together to create a bubble net, trapping and eating fish by the giant mouthful.

Vancouver cruises.

Among the world's most liveable cities - diverse, cultural, beautiful - this culinary capital treats you to fresh local seafood, farm-to-table produce, and authentic Asian flavors. West Coast architecture - modernism with a woodsy bent - emerged here. But while downtown shines with steel and glass, its epicenter is green Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre oasis of spectacular beaches, trails, and views. North of town, ride scenic Sea to Sky Highway along the coast and through the forest toward Whistler, 2,200 feet above sea level. On your way, behold lofty Shannon Falls and brave the heart-pounding Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.