Alaska's Ivory Corridor: A Passage Through Glass and Granite

Welcome to Juneau, the remote capital of Alaska, where the wilderness begins at the edge of the city streets. Upon arrival, transfer to the Seabourn Quest and settle into your luxury suite. Take the afternoon to explore the ship’s refined spaces or catch the Mount Roberts Tramway for a panoramic view of the Gastineau Channel.

As we set sail this evening, enjoy a glass of champagne on deck as the rugged peaks of the Panhandle begin to slide by. This is the start of a journey into the heart of the North, defined by contemporary elegance and raw natural beauty.

Today is a day of monumental silence. We navigate the icy waters of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living laboratory of glacial retreat. From the comfort of the ship, you will witness the massive Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers as they meet the sea.

Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of mountain goats on the rocky cliffs, humpback whales in the sapphire depths, and harbor seals lounging on floating ice. The onboard expedition team provides expert commentary, detailing the geological forces that continue to shape this crystalline wilderness. It is an immersive masterclass in the power of nature.

Sitka offers a fascinating cultural duality, where the totem poles of the Tlingit people stand alongside the onion-domed cathedrals of the island’s Russian past. Wander through Sitka National Historical Park, where towering totems are nestled within an ancient spruce forest, or visit the Raptor Center to see the rehabilitation of Alaska’s iconic bald eagles.

Set against the backdrop of the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka is often considered the most beautiful port in Alaska. Whether you choose to explore the historic streets or join a Ventures by Seabourn kayak excursion through the surrounding islands, the pace today is one of thoughtful discovery.

Known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World,’ Ketchikan is a vibrant gateway to the Tongass National Forest. Explore the historic Creek Street boardwalk, a former red-light district now home to artisan galleries and shops perched on stilts over the rushing water. For a deeper look at the region’s heritage, visit the Totem Heritage Center, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century totem poles.

The surrounding rainforest is a lush, emerald world waiting to be explored. You may choose to trek through the canopy or embark on a boat tour through the nearby inlets to spot black bears and bald eagles. As we depart this evening, the ship’s outdoor lounges provide a perfect vantage point for the rugged coastline of the Revillagigedo Island.

The morning is spent cruising through the ethereal Misty Fjords National Monument. Here, 3,000-foot granite cliffs rise vertically from the sea, veiled in the mist and waterfalls that give the monument its name. The Seabourn Quest’s maneuverability allows for an intimate look at these dramatic geological features.

In the afternoon, we cross into Canadian waters to visit Prince Rupert, British Columbia. This coastal town is rich in First Nations history and maritime legacy. Visit the Museum of Northern British Columbia to learn about the intricate art and traditions of the Haida and Tsimshian people, or explore the historic cannery sites along the rugged shoreline.

Today is a celebration of the legendary Inside Passage. This intricate labyrinth of islands, channels, and fjords is one of the most scenic maritime routes on earth. Spend your day at leisure on board, perhaps enjoying a restorative morning at the Spa at Seabourn or finding a quiet corner in Seabourn Square to watch the emerald mountains slide by.

The Inside Passage is a prime corridor for wildlife; keep an eye out for pods of orcas, Dall’s porpoises, and the white heads of bald eagles perched in the trees. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a final celebratory dinner in The Restaurant, toasting to the immense scale and quiet beauty of the Great North as we head toward the Canadian coast.

Our voyage concludes in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. As the ship glides under the Lions Gate Bridge and docks at Canada Place, take a final moment to appreciate the dramatic coastal scenery that defines the Pacific Northwest.

After breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or your local hotel. Whether you choose to extend your stay to explore Stanley Park and the vibrant culinary scene or begin your journey home, you leave with the profound silence of Glacier Bay and the majesty of the Alaskan fjords as your newest memories.