Gold Rush Inside Passage - 10A/11A

Cruise with a sense of freedom and time, on this leisurely exploration of the traditional Inside Passage between Seattle and Juneau. This is the route of the original Klondike Gold Rushers of 1898, and great reaches of the island wilderness remain exactly as they appeared a century ago. You visit ports both popular and secluded, and tuck into spectacular glaciated fjords all along the way. On a journey of almost 1,000 miles you will relive a vivid chapter of America's history.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Seattle

Transfer to your ship to begin your cruise.

Day 2: Cruising the San Juan Islands

At the colorful resort village of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, explore the cozy Whale Museum, which documents the area?s year-round resident orca pods.

Day 3: Straits of Georgia

Today you are cruising among pristine islands nestled like emeralds between Vancouver Island and the mountainous mainland of British Columbia, home to harbor seals, bald eagles and orcas.

Day 4: Cruising Northern British Columbia

Along this remote coast, the isolated Native villages and logging camps are accessible only by sea.

Day 5: Ketchikan

Cruise into Alaskan waters to enjoy a port call at Ketchikan, which is home to impressive collections of Tlingit totem poles and art.

Day 6: Petersburg

Enjoy a warm welcome at the fishing village of Petersburg, a charming port that no large cruise ships visit. Later, explore iceberg-filled LeConte Bay or nearby wilderness waterways such as Thomas Bay.

Day 7: Frederick Sound and Tracy Arm

Humpback whales abound in Frederick Sound, and a small ship is the perfect platform for seeking up-close views. This afternoon, you?ll cruise under Tracy Arm?s sheer vertical cliffs right up to the twin Sawyer Glaciers.

Day 8: Sitka

Only small ships can negotiate Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows, the ?inside? route to beautiful Sitka. Sitka?s highlight is St. Michael?s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and its treasury of gold and silver icons.

Day 9: Glacier Bay Cruising

Spend a day cruising through this awesome wonderland, closely approaching the ?rivers of ice.? A National Park Service Ranger offers expert narration and helps you spot wildlife such as harbor seals, mountain goats and black bears.

Day 10: Skagway and Haines

Relive the Gold Rush of 1898 in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the jumping off place for thousands of early gold seekers. An optional ride is available on the famed White Pass & Yukon Railroad. Just down the fjord, visit picturesque Haines, renowned for its bald eagles. Visit picturesque Haines, renowned for its bald eagles.

Day 11: Arrive Juneau

Transfer to the airport on arrival. Or, choose to spend a few days exploring Alaska?s capital city.