Explorer, 19 Nights North Pacific Crossing ex Vancouver to Tokyo (Yokohama)

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew up around salmon canneries and sawmills. Ketchikan's name supposedly comes from the native term "Katch Kanna", which roughly translates: "spread wings of a thundering eagle." At one time Ketchikan was proclaimed the “Salmon Capital of the World.” An outstanding collection of totem poles make a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers flock to Ketchikan for their first look at the North Country, and are rarely disappointed.

Sitka, Alaska
Founded by Russian fur traders as New Archangel in 1799, Sitka was the historic center of Russia’s Alaskan empire. The Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased the Alaska territory in 1867. Today, picturesque Sitka, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.

Seward, Alaska
Seward was originally founded in 1903 as the southern terminus for the Alaska Railroad, a distinction it still holds today. The picturesque harbor with its colorful wood-frame houses and background of soaring cliffs looks out on Resurrection Bay, so named by a band of Russians explorers who found this calm spot along the storm-tossed Gulf of Alaska on Easter Sunday. From downtown Anchorage you can view two active volcanoes, the highest point on the continent of North America (Mount McKinley), and six major mountain ranges.

Kodiak, Alaska
About 30 miles off the southeast coast of the Alaskan peninsula is Kodiak, encompassing around 5,000 square miles of dense forests, jagged peaks and bays teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Nicknamed "Alaska's Emerald Isle" by its residents, is described as a place to leave civilization behind as you brave the sometimes unrelenting elements to truly rediscover nature in its purest state. Endless outdoor activities range from hiking through the forests to watching the Kodiak bears foraging for food. Fishing enthusiasts find Kodiak Island offers great salmon, halibut and trout fishing.

Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Located along the 1,100-mile Aleutian Chain, the island/town of Unalaska is home to Dutch Harbor, a major commercial fishing port. Hike along trails walked for centuries by the Unangan people while watching for eagles soaring overhead. Visit the Museum of the Aleutians before doing some leisurely beachcombing. See remnants of Unalaska’s World War II history at a 134-acre site that includes gun mounts, bunkers and tunnels. (NOTE: Due to a lack of organized land touring infrastructure in this destination, shore excursions will not be available. We invite you to explore this port on your own.)

Kushiro, Japan
A major fishing port on the eastern side of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Kushiro boasts vast marshlands that are home to an iconic – and endangered – national icon. Tall, slim and long-legged, the elegant tancho (Red-crowned Crane) is a fabled symbol of long life that was considered extinct until 1920, when a few dozen were discovered in the Kushiro Marsh. A national park since 1987, the marsh teems with a variety of plant and animal life and today provides sanctuary for over 1,700 cranes. Admire local artwork at Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum before tasting freshly caught local cuisine at Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf.

Hakodate, Japan
Hakodate abounds with natural beauty, historical buildings and delicious food. It is also famed for its abundance of hot springs, particularly the Yunokawa Onsen for a full body experience and the Ashiyu footbaths that are miniaturized hot spring baths designed for soaking one's feet. Also of interest is the Goryokaku fort. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the huge star-shaped fortress and surrounding moat from the adjoining Goryokaku Tower Observatory. Shop along the Bay Area facing Hakodate Port, its row of old red-brick buildings have been converted into a unique mall. After browsing, have a tea break while taking in the harbor views.

Sendai, Japan
Nature, cuisine, samurai history, this city has a little bit of everything. Stroll down Jozenji-dori Avenue, a tree-lined street which perfectly symbolizes Sendai's nickname: The City of Trees. Visit the giant Daikannon Statue, this Goddess of Mercy is one of the world’s tallest. Find groups of temples behind Sendai Station along ShinderaStreet, as well as in Kitayama. Find relaxation and peace at the shrines of Osaki Hachimangu and Rinno-ji Temple. Sendai is also famous for its cold Chinese noodles, miso and traditional sweets, visit the Asaichi Street Market to savor the flavors.

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and, with a population of 3.6 million, is Japan's largest city after Tokyo. It is centered on an inlet on the western side of Tokyo Bay, to which it is connected by a half-dozen railway lines as well as expressways and surface streets via Kawasaki. A major industrial zone known as the Keihin Industrial Area stretches along the reclaimed coastline to the north of the central area towards Kawasaki and Tokyo beyond.