Grand Mountain Marvels CruiseTour (Pre Tour) 13 Nights • Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia • Ovation of the Seas

Seward, Alaska: Edging the Kenai Peninsula and framed by the glacier-covered Kenai Mountains that run along its southeastern spine, Seward is a rustic port town whose grand terrain will leave you breathless. Discover the wonder of the Kenai Peninsula on a Seward cruise. The pristine wilderness is home to nesting seabirds, countless islands, wetlands, and breathtaking views. And, as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield — an expanse of ice and snow created over 23,000 years ago — is easily within reach and culminates in 40 glaciers that dramatically calve into the sea. The throngs of wildlife that course below, and glide above the glacial waters, are legion. Pods of humpback whales are known to breach when hunting, seals and sea lions lounge on rocky outcroppings and bald eagles hover overhead. The rugged landscape suits Seward’s hardy locals well. Every July 4th, Seward’s runners race 1.5 miles up and down Mount Marathon. Starting at sea level, the race rises 3,000 feet in elevation over very steep terrain. Runners race over gullies, ice, and snow, using their hands to haul themselves to the finish line. And, when not racing up mountains, you can find stalwart locals at city watering holes and dining spots, where you can savor fresh Alaskan seafood, filleted and flayed straight from the ocean to your plate. Situated at a grand natural intersection where bays and fjords stretching south to the Pacific meet the crested wilderness — and connected to communities extending northwards via the famously scenic Seward Highway — Seward is emblematic of the wildly beautiful state that is Alaska.

Your ship departs promptly at 8:00 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.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska: The Hubbard Glacier is located about 30 miles north off the coast of Yakutat and is by far one of Alaska’s most exciting natural treasures. On your cruise to Hubbard Glacier, enjoy incredible picture-perfect views of this glorious mount of ice from about every angle on your ship. Named after Gardiner Hubbard, the founder and president of the National Geographic Society, Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world. Dramatically massive at about 7-miles wide, 76-miles long and as tall as a 30-story building above the waterline, it’s the largest river of ice in North America. How this magnificent block came to form begins about 400 years ago from the snowfalls on the slopes of Mount Logan. While most of the world’s glaciers are retreating, the Hubbard Glacier has continued to thicken over the years and on rare occasion will partially block Russell Fjord, temporarily damming its passage.

Cruise Hubbard Glacier and experience the wilds of Alaska as your ship makes its way through icy waters turning from Yakutat Bay into the narrow Disenchantment Bay to come face-to-face with the towering Hubbard Glacier. The strong currents and riptides that flow between Gilbert Point and the face of the glacier cause calving to occur on daily basis, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into Disenchantment Bay. Witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon onboard a Hubbard Glacier cruise through the misty, chilled air of the Gulf of Alaska. Our dedicated onboard naturalist narrates the experience and keeps an eye out for the whales, harbor seals, and otters that hunt and play in the waters of Yakutat Bay. It’s an adventure of a lifetime.

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.

For thousands of years, the Tlingit Indians have called this place home. Located near the city of Hoonah, and home to a historic cannery, Icy Strait Point also offers travelers the chance to view wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, and brown bears, or to explore monuments to the region's fishing heritage.

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.

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.