ULS CME at Sea Cruise

Vancouver, British Columbia - Your voyage begins in one of the world's most breathtaking urban settings. Vancouver is more than a departure point; it is the essential first chapter of your well-deserved escape. We strongly encourage you to arrive one or two days prior to embarkation. This is not merely a logistical buffer against travel delays, but a strategic decision to decompress, acclimate, and immerse yourself in a city where stunning natural beauty and sophisticated urban culture exist in perfect harmony. Doing so ensures you step aboard your vessel relaxed, refreshed, and ready for the journey ahead. **Getting Your Bearings: From Airport to City Center** Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the city is remarkably accessible. The most efficient and scenic option is the Canada Line SkyTrain, which whisks you from the airport to the downtown waterfront in under 30 minutes, offering glimpses of the city and mountains along the way. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available, providing a seamless transition to your pre-cruise accommodations. **A Suggested Two-Day Vancouver Immersion** **Day 1: Arrival and Historic Charm** After settling into your hotel, begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll along the Coal Harbour seawall. The path offers magnificent, unobstructed views of the North Shore mountains, the floatplanes gliding into the harbor, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place—the very terminal from which your cruise will depart. It’s the perfect, low-key activity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh Pacific air. As evening approaches, step back in time in the historically renovated Gastown district. Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and the world-famous Steam Clock, is now a hub of creativity and culinary excellence. Peruse independent boutiques and Indigenous art galleries before settling in for dinner. Gastown’s dining scene is a microcosm of Vancouver itself, offering everything from intimate, farm-to-table restaurants showcasing Pacific Northwest ingredients to innovative cocktail bars perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif. It’s a sophisticated, yet unpretentious, introduction to the city’s character. **Day 2: Natural Wonders and a Feast for the Senses** Dedicate your morning to a true urban oasis: Stanley Park. This 1,000-acre temperate rainforest, nestled near the city center, is a perfect recipe for rejuvenation. Rent a bicycle and join the locals on the famous Seawall, a paved path that encircles the park, offering stunning vistas at every turn. Be sure to stop at Brockton Point to admire the collection of intricately carved First Nations totem poles, a powerful and beautiful cultural landmark. For a different perspective, venture into the park’s deep forest trails for a quiet walk among towering cedars and Douglas firs. In the afternoon, take a short ferry ride or drive to Granville Island. This is not a typical tourist trap, but a vibrant, thriving arts and food hub beloved by Vancouverites. The main attraction is the Public Market, a sensory delight brimming with local artisans, bakers, fishmongers, and produce stalls. Graze your way through lunch, sampling everything from candied salmon to artisanal cheeses and fresh-baked pastries. Beyond the market, explore the island’s many artist studios, craft breweries, and theaters. It’s an authentic slice of Vancouver life. Depending on your interests, your late afternoon could include a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, a walk through the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in exotic Chinatown, or some retail therapy along the bustling Robson Street. From Vancouver's cosmopolitan downtown to its distinct neighborhoods, the city displays varied and engaging urban scenes. **A Culinary Destination** Vancouver’s culinary reputation is world-class, built on a foundation of fresh, local ingredients and its multicultural population. You cannot leave without sampling the local salmon, whether grilled to perfection or in world-class sushi. The city’s Asian culinary scene is arguably the best in North America, offering unparalleled dim sum, ramen, and a vast array of regional Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines. This is a city that rewards the curious palate. By arriving early, you transform your embarkation day from a rush into a relaxed transition. You will have already experienced a destination in its own right, setting a tone of discovery and enjoyment for the voyage ahead.

Non-US/Canadian individuals, please Click here to determine if you will need a visa to board this cruise which visits Canada.

Alaska Inside Passage - The Inside Passage is not merely a route between ports; for most travelers, navigating this protected waterway is the definitive Alaskan experience. Unlike open ocean crossings, this journey takes you through a narrow, calm corridor flanked by the massive Tongass National Forest—the largest temperate rainforest on earth. The scale here is humbling, with thousand-foot granite cliffs plunging into deep fjords and mist clinging to the hemlock and spruce canopy. This is a day for active observation. We strongly advise securing a position on deck or a private balcony well before approaching major highlights like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord. The silence here is profound, often broken only by the 'white thunder' of tidewater glaciers calving into the sea. The visual impact of the 'glacial blue'—created by dense ice absorbing red light spectrums—is startlingly vivid against the grey skies. Wildlife viewing requires patience but offers high rewards. The nutrient-rich waters are prime feeding grounds for humpback whales; look for the telltale mist of a spout or the fluke raising before a dive. Orcas, Dall’s porpoises, and harbor seals are common sights, while bald eagles are nearly ubiquitous on passing ice floes. On the shoreline, keep a sharp eye out for coastal brown bears at low tide. Practical preparation is key to enjoying this passage. The weather is notoriously changeable; expect rain and mist, which actually enhances the dramatic, moody atmosphere of the fjords. Dress in waterproof layers and, most importantly, bring high-quality binoculars. Relying solely on the naked eye or a camera lens means missing the intricate details of this untamed wilderness. This is a time to disconnect from shipboard distractions and immerse yourself in one of the planet's most magnificent natural corridors.

Ketchikan, Alaska - Ketchikan is often the quintessential introduction to the Inside Passage, serving as a potent concentration of everything travelers seek in Alaska. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," the town balances a gritty industrial history of fishing and logging with the profound heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Visitors should be prepared for "liquid sunshine"—this sits squarely in a temperate rainforest, and the frequent rain is an atmospheric element of the destination, not a deterrent. For a relaxed day, the town is highly walkable. The centerpiece is Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on pilings over the water. Formerly the city's notorious red-light district, it is now a charming, albeit busy, collection of galleries and local shops. In late summer, looking over the rails offers a front-row seat to thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream; the nearby fish ladder provides a fascinating, close-up view of this biological struggle. To engage with the region's history beyond the souvenir shops, we recommend the Totem Heritage Center. Located a short walk or quick taxi ride from the bustle of the port, it houses an unparalleled collection of original 19th-century totem poles retrieved from deserted villages. Unlike the brightly repainted replicas found in parks, these are preserved in their natural, weathered state, offering a somber and powerful insight into Native artistry. While the town is engaging, the true grandeur of this stop lies in the surrounding wilderness. If logistics and budget permit, a floatplane excursion to Misty Fjords National Monument is the definitive Ketchikan experience. Soaring past sheer granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls provides a perspective on Alaska’s scale that ground tours simply cannot match. Whether you explore the boardwalks or fly into the fjords, Ketchikan delivers a dense, accessible dose of the frontier.

Juneau, Alaska - Juneau is a paradox: a state capital accessible only by air or sea, where the wilderness doesn't just surround the city—it defines it. As a port of call, it offers perhaps the most accessible high-adventure opportunities in Alaska, though managing expectations regarding weather and crowds is essential for a quality experience. The Mendenhall Glacier is the undisputed centerpiece. While the Visitor Center offers a solid introduction, the glacier has receded significantly in recent years. To truly grasp the scale of the Juneau Icefield, we recommend a helicopter excursion. Landing on the glacier or dog sledding on the ice cap is a significant investment, but it provides a visceral connection to the landscape that a distant view from the visitor center cannot match. If you prefer to stay grounded, the hike to Nugget Falls offers a powerful view of the glacier's face and a roaring waterfall without the flight costs. Juneau’s waters are among the most productive feeding grounds for humpback whales in the world. Sightings in Auke Bay are exceptionally reliable during the cruise season. If you have not booked a wildlife excursion elsewhere on your itinerary, this is the place to do it. Downtown Juneau is compact and historic, though South Franklin Street can feel congested when multiple ships are in port. For a sophisticated cultural break, the Alaska State Museum is outstanding, housing world-class exhibits on Native Alaskan heritage and Russian history. The Mount Roberts Tramway, located right at the dock, offers sweeping views, but we advise purchasing tickets only after assessing the cloud cover; the view is spectacular, but non-existent in heavy fog. For a culinary finish, skip the generic tourist traps and visit Tracy’s King Crab Shack for genuine local flavor. Juneau is a wet city—it lies in a temperate rainforest—so dress in waterproof layers to enjoy this spectacular intersection of civilization and wild frontier.

Skagway, Alaska - Skagway operates as a living museum of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, situated at the northern terminus of the Inside Passage. While the town’s year-round population is small, its historical footprint is massive. The downtown district is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, featuring meticulously restored false-front buildings and wooden boardwalks. It is undeniably tourist-centric, yet the preservation is authentic enough to transport you back to the era of prospectors and con artists. You can easily explore the core of Broadway Street in an hour or two, perhaps stopping at the Red Onion Saloon or the National Park Service visitor center for context. However, we advise viewing Skagway primarily as a staging ground for the wilderness beyond. The town sits in a narrow, wind-swept valley, and the most dramatic scenery requires leaving the immediate port area. The definitive experience here is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This narrow-gauge railway is an engineering masterpiece that climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, offering vertiginous views of gorges, waterfalls, and the Sawtooth Mountains. It is not merely a train ride; it is the most efficient and spectacular way to understand the geography that challenged gold seekers. For a different perspective, Skagway is the premier port for flightseeing. Helicopter excursions to nearby glaciers—often combined with dog sledding—provide a sense of scale that ground-based tours cannot match. For those preferring to stay closer to sea level, a float down the Taiya River or a hike to Lower Reid Falls offers serenity away from the busy boardwalks. Ultimately, Skagway rewards those who book a specific adventure rather than wandering aimlessly.

Glacier Bay - Glacier Bay is not a port stop but a destination in itself—a full day dedicated to witnessing one of the planet's most dynamic landscapes from the water. This 3.3-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living laboratory of glaciology, and the experience is one of patient, profound observation. As your vessel glides through the 65-mile-long fjord, the air grows cooler and the silence is broken only by the cries of seabirds or the distant thunder of calving ice. The stars of the show are the tidewater glaciers, particularly the brilliant blue face of the Margerie Glacier or the immense Johns Hopkins Glacier, choked with icebergs. The ship will often linger, rotating slowly to provide panoramic views as you listen for the sharp crack and subsequent roar—what locals call "white thunder"—as massive columns of ice shear off and crash into the sea. Wildlife viewing is exceptional. Keep binoculars at hand for humpback whales lunge-feeding, sea otters floating effortlessly on their backs, and harbor seals hauled out on ice floes, their pups often in tow. Scan the steep, forested slopes for mountain goats and the occasional black or brown bear foraging along the shoreline. A highlight of the day is the presence of National Park Service Rangers who board the vessel. Their expert narration over the ship's system provides invaluable context on the geology, wildlife, and the deep cultural history of the Huna Tlingit people, transforming a beautiful view into a rich educational experience. This is a day to find a spot on deck, embrace the stillness, and watch a world of ice and wilderness unfold.

College Fjord - Located in the northwest corner of Prince William Sound, College Fjord offers one of the world's most concentrated collections of tidewater glaciers. Unlike other Alaskan scenic cruising days that may focus on a single massive ice face, this fjord presents a panorama of ice. On a clear day, you can view multiple glaciers simultaneously, cascading down from the Chugach Mountains. The water here is often filled with icebergs, and the silence is frequently broken by the "white thunder" of calving ice—a dramatic reminder of the landscape's active nature. The fjord's unique nomenclature dates back to the 1899 Harriman Expedition, a scientific voyage that included naturalist John Muir. Expedition members named the glaciers after the Ivy League institutions that funded their journey. As you cruise deeper into the fjord, a pattern emerges: glaciers on the northwest side bear the names of women's colleges (Smith, Bryn Mawr, Vassar, Wellesley), while those on the southeast are named for men's colleges (Yale, Harvard). Notably, Princeton is absent from the roster—rumored to be a deliberate snub by the expedition scientists. The experience culminates at the fjord's head with the massive Harvard Glacier. Spanning over a mile wide at its face, it is the dominant feature of the landscape. As this is a scenic cruising day with no disembarkation, we recommend securing a spot on the open decks or a private balcony with binoculars; the sheer scale of the ice against the mountains is best appreciated in the fresh, crisp air.

Whittier, Alaska - As your ship navigates the final, dramatic passage into Whittier, it’s easy to think your Alaskan journey is concluding. We recommend you see it differently: this is not an end, but a pivot. Whittier is your gateway to the vast, road-accessible interior of Southcentral Alaska, and rushing straight to the airport would be a significant missed opportunity. Whittier itself is one of the most peculiar towns in North America. A former top-secret Cold War military port, its identity is shaped by isolation and function. Nearly all of its few hundred residents live in a single high-rise, the Begich Towers, a surreal sight against a backdrop of hanging glaciers and steep, waterfall-laced mountains. While the town’s amenities are modest—a small boat harbor, a couple of local eateries serving fresh halibut, and the Prince William Sound Museum—its true value lies in what surrounds it. The primary reason to linger is to explore the majesty of Prince William Sound. Unlike the waters of the Inside Passage, this region is renowned for its sheer density of tidewater glaciers. Day cruises departing directly from Whittier’s harbor navigate deep, protected fjords to the faces of glaciers that actively calve building-sized chunks of ice into the sea. The sound of cracking ice, known locally as 'white thunder,' is unforgettable. These tours, such as the popular 26 Glacier Cruise, also offer outstanding opportunities to see wildlife, including dense colonies of sea otters, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, and migrating whales. Beyond the Sound, the journey *from* Whittier is an experience in itself. The only road access is through the 2.5-mile-long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane marvel that alternates vehicle and train traffic on a strict schedule. Emerging from the tunnel, you are delivered onto the Seward Highway, a designated National Scenic Byway that winds along the breathtaking coast of Turnagain Arm. This drive is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the United States, with pullouts for spotting Dall sheep on the cliffsides and beluga whales in the tidal flats. For a truly classic Alaskan experience, we advise taking the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Route from Whittier to Anchorage. This is not mere transportation; it is a world-class scenic journey. From glass-domed railcars, you’ll witness a panorama of glaciers, deep valleys, and wild landscapes inaccessible by road, all while enjoying comfortable service. It’s a civilized and spectacular way to transition from sea to land. **Why Extend Your Stay? A Sample 2-Day Post-Cruise Itinerary** Rushing from the ship to a bus for a 90-minute transfer to the Anchorage airport (ANC) bypasses the very essence of this region. A one- or two-night extension allows you to decompress and immerse yourself in Alaska on your own terms. * **Day 1: Glaciers of Prince William Sound.** Upon disembarking, check your main luggage with a local tour operator or storage service. Embark on a 4-5 hour glacier and wildlife cruise into Prince William Sound. You’ll be back by late afternoon. Retrieve your bags and take the scenic evening train or a pre-booked shuttle along the Seward Highway to the resort town of Girdwood or directly to Anchorage for your overnight stay. * **Day 2: Explore the Chugach or Anchorage.** If staying in Girdwood, take the Alyeska Resort tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for stunning 360-degree views of Turnagain Arm and seven surrounding glaciers. Enjoy a hike or a memorable lunch at the Seven Glaciers restaurant. Alternatively, if in Anchorage, spend the day at the superb Anchorage Museum, which blends art, history, and science, or delve into indigenous culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Enjoy Anchorage’s excellent and diverse dining scene before a restful night. * **Day 3: Departure.** Enjoy a leisurely morning before making the easy transfer to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) for your flight home, carrying with you a far more complete story of Alaska. **Practical Advice:** Transportation from Whittier is limited and must be booked well in advance. Whether you choose the train, a motorcoach, or a rental car, reservations are essential, especially during peak season.

Whittier, Alaska - As your ship navigates the final, dramatic passage into Whittier, it’s easy to think your Alaskan journey is concluding. We recommend you see it differently: this is not an end, but a pivot. Whittier is your gateway to the vast, road-accessible interior of Southcentral Alaska, and rushing straight to the airport would be a significant missed opportunity. Whittier itself is one of the most peculiar towns in North America. A former top-secret Cold War military port, its identity is shaped by isolation and function. Nearly all of its few hundred residents live in a single high-rise, the Begich Towers, a surreal sight against a backdrop of hanging glaciers and steep, waterfall-laced mountains. While the town’s amenities are modest—a small boat harbor, a couple of local eateries serving fresh halibut, and the Prince William Sound Museum—its true value lies in what surrounds it. The primary reason to linger is to explore the majesty of Prince William Sound. Unlike the waters of the Inside Passage, this region is renowned for its sheer density of tidewater glaciers. Day cruises departing directly from Whittier’s harbor navigate deep, protected fjords to the faces of glaciers that actively calve building-sized chunks of ice into the sea. The sound of cracking ice, known locally as 'white thunder,' is unforgettable. These tours, such as the popular 26 Glacier Cruise, also offer outstanding opportunities to see wildlife, including dense colonies of sea otters, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, and migrating whales. Beyond the Sound, the journey *from* Whittier is an experience in itself. The only road access is through the 2.5-mile-long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane marvel that alternates vehicle and train traffic on a strict schedule. Emerging from the tunnel, you are delivered onto the Seward Highway, a designated National Scenic Byway that winds along the breathtaking coast of Turnagain Arm. This drive is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the United States, with pullouts for spotting Dall sheep on the cliffsides and beluga whales in the tidal flats. For a truly classic Alaskan experience, we advise taking the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Route from Whittier to Anchorage. This is not mere transportation; it is a world-class scenic journey. From glass-domed railcars, you’ll witness a panorama of glaciers, deep valleys, and wild landscapes inaccessible by road, all while enjoying comfortable service. It’s a civilized and spectacular way to transition from sea to land. **Why Extend Your Stay? A Sample 2-Day Post-Cruise Itinerary** Rushing from the ship to a bus for a 90-minute transfer to the Anchorage airport (ANC) bypasses the very essence of this region. A one- or two-night extension allows you to decompress and immerse yourself in Alaska on your own terms. * **Day 1: Glaciers of Prince William Sound.** Upon disembarking, check your main luggage with a local tour operator or storage service. Embark on a 4-5 hour glacier and wildlife cruise into Prince William Sound. You’ll be back by late afternoon. Retrieve your bags and take the scenic evening train or a pre-booked shuttle along the Seward Highway to the resort town of Girdwood or directly to Anchorage for your overnight stay. * **Day 2: Explore the Chugach or Anchorage.** If staying in Girdwood, take the Alyeska Resort tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for stunning 360-degree views of Turnagain Arm and seven surrounding glaciers. Enjoy a hike or a memorable lunch at the Seven Glaciers restaurant. Alternatively, if in Anchorage, spend the day at the superb Anchorage Museum, which blends art, history, and science, or delve into indigenous culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Enjoy Anchorage’s excellent and diverse dining scene before a restful night. * **Day 3: Departure.** Enjoy a leisurely morning before making the easy transfer to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) for your flight home, carrying with you a far more complete story of Alaska. **Practical Advice:** Transportation from Whittier is limited and must be booked well in advance. Whether you choose the train, a motorcoach, or a rental car, reservations are essential, especially during peak season.