Day 1: San Francisco

Departs at 4:00 PM
Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.

• Send yourself to Alcatraz — for a little bit — as you visit the island that housed not only the prison, but a bird sanctuary and the west coast’s first lighthouse.
• Walk among the world’s tallest trees, between 500 and 700 years old, at Muir Woods National Monument.
• Get some of the city’s best views of the skyline — plus, actually, sea lions — at Pier 39 near Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Visit San Francisco’s amazing neighbors like the charming, arty Sausalito and the serene Napa Valley wine region.

Day 2 & 3: Fun Day at Sea

No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.

Day 4: Icy Strait Point

2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Icy Strait Point is a sight, alright, for eyes that hunger for the greens of the dense Tongass Forest, the azure waters of Port Frederick, and the spot where these come together. Make landfall here and find yourself in Hoonah, where the native Huna Tlingit tribe have lived for thousands of years. Not quite as old — only about 100 years young — are remnants of the local cannery, a symbol of the industry that put this area on modern maps. Hugely important then but long out of operation, the cannery today is restored and tourable, just one historical signpost in a place as well-known for its natural sights.

• Watch whales and try your eye at sighting a brown bear on the same excursion.
• Breeze from the top of Hoonah Mountain to the beach of Icy Strait Point on a mile-plus zip-line ride.
• Learn about the history and customs of the native Huna Tlingit tribe through interpretive song, dance and storytellings.

Day 5: Juneau

7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Astounding ice-capped mountains welcome the cruising traveler to Juneau. Alaska is called the Land of the Midnight Sun, and its capital shines with a wide selection of delicious dining and native Alaskan art shopping. But Juneau isn’t just a fun name to say, you know — BookCruiseVacations cruises to Juneau transport you to one of the most beautiful capital cities in America, with once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions that include walking on glaciers, whale watching, and hikes through the country’s last old-growth forests.

• See Alaska’s history displayed at the state’s leading museums.
• Touch glacier ice that’s thousands of years old.
• Stroll beneath the mystic green canopy of a Pacific Coast rainforest.
• See the remains of what was long ago the biggest gold mine in America.

Day 6: Skagway

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Walk in the footsteps of pioneers and profiteers on BookCruiseVacations cruises to Skagway. Gold seekers stampeded to the Klondike more than 100 years ago and built Skagway, Alaska as their lawless outpost of brothels, saloons, and gambling dens. Today, the town is more of a time capsule from the past, with carefully preserved buildings and streets brimming with history. Live the final chapter of America’s Wild West era on a Skagway cruise.

• Explore the restored period buildings in Klondike Gold Rush National Historic District.
• Board quaint, antique passenger cars for a breathtaking mountain train ride.
• Follow the trail of the sourdoughs — prospectors who risked their lives climbing Chilkoot Pass.
• Fly to awesome mountains by helicopter and experience the ice fields via dogsled.

Day 7: Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord

One of the most spectacular cruise destinations on earth, Tracy Arm Fjord is actually made up of two separate fjords. Each fjord is over 30 miles long, and a full one-fifth of their area is covered in ice. With hundreds of waterfalls, giant chunks of sliding ice and a huge variety of native wildlife, you won’t even want to blink as you cruise past this natural wonder.

Day 8: Ketchikan

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
For more than 100 years, Ketchikan, Alaska has been the gateway to the North. Ketchikan cruises dock along the famed historic waterfront. Check out the flourishing art scene and spectacular totem poles that have transformed this former frontier town into a popular southern Alaskan port of call. Experience the sights, atmosphere and excitement of the Last Frontier as soon as you cross the Alaska border on BookCruiseVacations cruises to Ketchikan.

• Catch a demonstration of lumberjacking skills by adroit woodsmen — and woodswomen.
• Drop into quaint shops on a historic street that’s actually a dock.
• Visit the Totem Heritage Center, where ancient totem poles, rescued from decay, are preserved.
• Experience the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, including exciting close-up views of the majestic Sawyer Glaciers.

Day 9 Prince Rupert, BC

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
You can probably tell that Prince Rupert, British Columbia is a little more laid back, less bustling than other places, thanks to its nickname: “The City of Rainbows.” It may have more to do with the climate, but the name still fits, with welcoming, photo-worthy natural sights that even the frequently moist weather can’t dampen. It’s easy to be this beautiful with a cast of local wildlife like Prince Rupert has, with grizzly bears, humpback whales and eagles making up just a few of the stars. The local museums are another spot to get a feel for the area, whether it’s art, culture or, say, railroads you’re into. And definitely stop into the local shops, plus restaurants that are proud to serve up fresh-caught local delicacies.

Day 10 & 11: Fun Day at Sea

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.

Day 12: San Francisco

Arrives at 8:00 AM
Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.

• Send yourself to Alcatraz — for a little bit — as you visit the island that housed not only the prison, but a bird sanctuary and the west coast’s first lighthouse.
• Walk among the world’s tallest trees, between 500 and 700 years old, at Muir Woods National Monument.
• Get some of the city’s best views of the skyline — plus, actually, sea lions — at Pier 39 near Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Visit San Francisco’s amazing neighbors like the charming, arty Sausalito and the serene Napa Valley wine region.