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Seattle, Washington - If you’re a nature lover, this jewel in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place for you to explore ahead of your cruise vacation. Though it offers plenty of metropolitan delights — think great restaurants, bars, a ton of shopping and lots (and lots) of hip coffee shops — Seattle is a big city with a wild, great-outdoors soul. It’s surrounded by ancient forests, sprawling public parks and, of course, the misty Puget Sound, where you can slow-moving tugboats, sleek kayaks and the occasional pod of whales. Head to Discovery Park for beautiful views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges or visit the Olympic Sculpture Park near Elliott Bay. And if you’re craving a drink and a tasty bite to eat, head to one of Seattle’s many rooftop bars and take advantage of those extra-long northern summer days while you sip local brews and expertly crafted cocktails.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Ketchikan, Alaska - Ketchikan is often your first taste of Alaska, and it’s a potent one. As the self-proclaimed "Salmon Capital of the World," this bustling town is built on fishing, timber, and the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Its authenticity is its greatest asset. From the cruise dock, you're steps away from the town's most famous sight: Creek Street. This historic boardwalk, once the city's notorious red-light district, is now a charming collection of colorful stilted houses, galleries, and shops perched over the rushing creek. It’s an essential photo-op and a delightful place for a stroll, easily explored on your own. To truly appreciate the region's soul, seek out the magnificent totem poles. The Totem Heritage Center, a manageable walk or short taxi ride from the port, houses a stunning collection of original 19th-century poles rescued from abandoned villages. It’s a quiet, powerful museum that offers deep insight into Native Alaskan artistry and tradition. For a more expansive outdoor setting, Totem Bight State Historical Park is another excellent choice, though it requires a short tour or taxi ride. While the town is engaging, Ketchikan’s grandeur lies in the surrounding wilderness. For a truly unforgettable day, a floatplane or boat tour into the Misty Fjords National Monument is an unparalleled experience. These glacier-carved cliffs and serene waters are the Alaska you've dreamed of. For a more accessible nature fix, you can often spot salmon fighting their way upstream at the Ketchikan Creek fish ladder right in town during the summer season. Ketchikan is compact and can feel busy, but by focusing on either its rich cultural core or the spectacular nature at its doorstep, you'll find it a deeply rewarding port of call.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier - This isn't a port in the traditional sense, but rather a destination in itself—a day dedicated to the profound, humbling beauty of raw Alaska. Your ship will navigate the 30-mile-long Endicott Arm, a fjord carved by immense glacial power. This is a day to find a comfortable spot on deck, perhaps with a warm drink and binoculars, and simply watch the spectacle unfold. Sheer granite cliffs rise thousands of feet from the water, streaked with dozens of waterfalls. As you venture deeper, the water becomes dotted with floating ice—from small, crystalline 'bergy bits' to larger, blue-hued chunks that have broken free from the glacier ahead. The main event is the Dawes Glacier, an active tidewater glacier that glows with an ethereal blue light. You'll likely hear the glacier before you see its full grandeur—the thunderous crack and roar as it calves, sending ice crashing into the sea. Keep a keen eye out for wildlife; harbor seals often haul themselves onto the floating ice to rest, and you might spot mountain goats on the cliffs or even a bear along the shoreline. Endicott Arm is a purely observational experience, a chance to witness nature on a scale that truly puts things in perspective.

Skagway, Alaska - Skagway is less a town and more a time capsule, meticulously preserved from the fever dream of the Klondike Gold Rush. As you step off the ship, you’re immediately immersed in its history. The main event is the historic downtown, a district of wooden boardwalks and false-front buildings so authentic it’s part of a National Historical Park. While compact and easily walkable, its charm is genuine. You can spend an hour or two exploring Broadway Street, popping into the Red Onion Saloon for a dose of colorful history, or visiting the Corrington Museum of Alaskan History. However, to truly appreciate Skagway, you must see it as a gateway. The town itself is the prologue; the main story unfolds in the surrounding wilderness. The undisputed star attraction is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This is not a simple scenic ride; it’s a vintage, narrow-gauge train that climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles, clinging to mountainsides and crossing dizzying trestles. The engineering is as breathtaking as the views of glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls. We consider this one of Alaska’s essential experiences. For those seeking more active pursuits, Skagway delivers. Helicopter tours can land you on a glacier for a dog-sledding adventure, offering a perspective few ever witness. You can also hike a portion of the legendary Chilkoot Trail or take a high-speed catamaran down the Lynn Canal, North America's longest and deepest fjord. Our advice: Plan on one major excursion. Skagway’s in-town appeal is real but finite; its true value lies in the spectacular adventures that begin at its doorstep.

Victoria, British Columbia - Victoria offers a distinctly civilized and manageable port day, a welcome change of pace from more sprawling destinations. Its compact, walkable Inner Harbour is the city’s heart, framed by the grand legislative buildings and the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel. This is where you’ll find the city’s pulse, and it’s an excellent starting point. For many, the main draw is the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. We'll be direct: it's a masterpiece of horticulture and absolutely worth the visit if you're a passionate gardener. However, be mindful that it requires a significant bus or taxi ride (about 30-40 minutes each way), consuming a fair portion of your day. If you prefer to stay local, you won't be disappointed. The Royal BC Museum, conveniently located at the Inner Harbour, is one of Canada's best, offering compelling exhibits on both natural and human history that can easily fill a few hours. A short, pleasant walk from the main harbour leads to Fisherman's Wharf, a quirky collection of floating homes and food kiosks where you can enjoy fresh fish and chips while watching seals play. For a dose of Victorian grandeur, Craigdarroch Castle provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a 19th-century coal baron. Or, simply stroll through the manicured lawns of nearby Beacon Hill Park. Victoria's strength lies in its quality and accessibility. Whether you opt for a grand garden tour or a simple, elegant walk around the harbour, it delivers a polished and memorable experience without feeling overwhelming.