Explorer, 7 Nights Tales Of The Gold Rush ex Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier)

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.

Juneau, Alaska
In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Indian guides. Here they discovered nuggets “as large as beans” at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined. Juneau’s surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880’s.

Skagway, Alaska
Beginning in 1897, this frontier town at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage was the starting place for more than 40,000 gold-rush stampeders who headed to the Yukon primarily by way of the Chilkoot Trail. Immerse yourself in the colorful history and characters of the Klondike Gold Rush era in downtown Skagway, where over 20 historic buildings have been preserved and locals in period costumes detail the town’s bawdy history. Ride the historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway as it climbs 3,000 feet high into immensely picturesque mountains, taking in views of Bridal Veil Falls and the peaks of Inspiration Point.

Icy Strait (Hoonah), Alaska
With pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, waters teeming with humpback whales and bald eagles soaring in the sky, this is the epitome of the Alaskan hinterland. Visit the Native Theater and Heritage Center to see Tlinglit tribal members enact their history through song and dance, followed by a sumptuous meal of classic Alaskan seafood dishes. Take in breathtaking views while riding a gondola up Hoonah Mountain, watching for Sitka black-tailed deer among towering spruce and western hemlock trees. Drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for grizzly bears.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Viewing the magnificent grandeur of immense glaciers is surely one of the highlights of a journey to Alaska. Sail along a cliff face over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from peak to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. As Hubbard Glacier advances, listen to the symphony of creaks and groans as it moves and calves. This makes for some exciting moments when the huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called 'white thunder' by the Tlingit people. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska
Keep your binoculars handy to spot seals, otters and whales. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where you can experience incredible glacier cruises and kayak in serene waters. Its unique "one-way-in" tunnel adds to the adventure. The town also provides access to nearby hiking trails and a fascinating WWII history, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.