7 Night Alaska Cruise
Rhapsody Of The Seas

JUNEAU, ALASKA
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880.

Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

Relive Juneau's gold-rush history and pan for gold in the authentic setting of Gold Creek. Trace the route taken by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold over 100 years ago. Get hands-on experience panning for gold in Gold Creek. "Guaranteed gold in every pan!" Then explore Juneau's mining past with a look at the remnants of a century-old mine. Fly in a floatplane over five breathtaking glaciers to the Taku Glacier Lodge for a king salmon feast. And don't be surprised if a black bear wanders into the yard. Take a fully narrated helicopter flight over four translucent glaciers within the Juneau Ice Field. You'll soar past towering peaks and picturesque alpine lakes on this exciting adventure.

Explore Juneau on foot. With more trails than roads, Alaska's capital features world-class hiking - through glacial waterfalls and the largest temperate rain forest in the state.

SKAGWAY, ALASKA

When gold was discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon Territory (just across the border from Alaska), it resulted in the historic Gold Rush of 1898. As thousands of gold-crazed adventurers sought the best starting point for their arduous trek, they found the deepest penetration possible by boat was at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. This is how Skagway was born.

Ride the world-famous White Pass and Yukon Railroad and then visit a historic gold-rush camp, where you can browse through cabins and tents that were once used as a bakery and a saloon.

Take a helicopter ride away from civilization to the Chilkat Glacier system, where frozen rivers of ice surge between high mountain peaks. Experience one of Alaska's most breathtaking valleys while horseback-riding through historic Dyea. Cruise to a remote beach at Glacier Point, then get aboard a 31-foot canoe and explore spectacular icebergs. Take a helicopter to the Valley of the Glaciers, where you'll land and hike across this huge sheet of ice while your guide points out crevasses and other features.

TRACY ARM FJORD

Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting slice of ocean called Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. The shoreline is spotted with waterfalls created by melting snowcaps and trees sprouting at odd angles from rocky outcroppings. You will have ample time to admire the landscape and perhaps catch sight of a few native animals as you cruise through this port. Amidst the pure silence, you'll sail past translucent blue icebergs silhouetted against a most dramatic backdrop of waterfall-laced rock walls ascending thousands of feet into the sky. This classic fjord, Tracy Arm extends over 30 miles and once seen, it is never to be forgotten. The Sawyer Glaciers at the end are the most dramatic. Framed by mountains on either side, the  glaciers are often bathed in a light mist that amplifies the blue hue of the ice

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Get to know the locals: The glaciers are home to black and brown bears, wolves, deer and moose. Look for seals and whales in the fjord's icy waters, and frequent bald eagle appearances overhead.   Check out the fjord's many icebergs from close up as the ship maneuvers around them. The texture and color of the ice is quite different from the smooth stuff you put in drinks!

Located on the southern tip on the island of Vancouver in British Columbia, the city of Victoria is probably best known for its mild climate and active outdoor lifestyle. (In fact, the city has been named the "fittest city" in Canada more than once.) As the capital of British Columbia, the city is very tourist-friendly. Among the many attractions are world-famous gardens, its 150 years of British history, gourmet dining and fantastic shopping. Explore Victoria's history on a Grand City Drive. Visit the awe-inspiring Craigdarroch Castle with its 39 rooms and five stories of stained glass and end the day with high tea at the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. Tour a few of the local pubs and microbreweries along the Victoria Ale Trail or maybe some wine tasting at one of the area's award-winning vineyards. Enjoy sightseeing on a tour of exclusive residential districts, historic Chinatown, and Antique Row, one of the many shopping districts.