At sea (Gulf of Alaska)
The truly deep tangle of trees begins in British Columbia: The world’s largest coastal temperate rain forest stretches from Vancouver Island and the Canadian mainland here up through Alaska’s panhandle. Glaciers sculpted this stunning wilderness; in fact, their high-water marks remain visible. The massive sheets of ice smoothed and rounded any terrain under a mile high. The peaks, sharp and craggy, slice the air at over 1,370 meters (4,495 feet) in height, give or take. Glaciers remain a huge draw, of course, frosting mountain ranges and shearing icebergs into the ocean—watch for baby seals resting on them from May to early July.
Anchorage, Alaska, US
Approximately 40 percent of Alaska’s population lives in Anchorage. This diverse city of 300,000 includes many members of the military, Native Alaskans, individuals who work for the oil industry and adventure-seeking types who want to get away from the Lower 48. Locals enjoy hiking and biking and even skijoring, a winter sport where a person is pulled on skis by one or more dogs—or sometimes a horse. Anchorage is also famous for having a lot of moose; these rambunctious creatures should be steered clear of if seen wandering down a street. During the colder months, expect to spot the northern lights—the aurora borealis—on a clear, dark night.
Astoria, Oregon, US
Astoria is awash in history and raffish port town charm making it one of our guests most popular stops on their West coast cruise. For a city of just 10,000 people, there’s much to do. Climb its famous column to see a panorama of water and woods. Pub-crawl the Riverwalk and feast on fresh seafood.
Today Astoria’s fine restaurants, brewpubs, trendy hotels and quirky shops—along with its views and nearby Pacific beaches—make it ideal for a relaxed visit.
Bar Harbor, Maine, US
Boston, Massachusetts, US
New England’s largest city, Boston, Massachusetts, is home to historic sights and modern neighborhoods; stores and restaurants with old-time character; and gracious green spaces as well as a beautiful waterfront. Legendary figures of the American Revolution come alive at buildings and attractions along Boston’s Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House and Old South Meeting House, and in Lexington and Concord just outside Boston. Each of Boston’s neighborhoods has its own personality and things to do, whether you’re enjoying the food of the North End’s Little Italy, admiring the beautiful 19th-century architecture of Beacon Hill or watching the street performers in Cambridge’s Harvard Square.
