From its architecture of ‘Vancouverism’ to the history of how it was built; Vancouver is a vibrant city full of arts and culture just waiting for you to discover all it’s hidden gems. Here you’ll be able to get stuck into a whole host of museums including Science World, the waterfront Maritime Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
Things to do in Vancouver:
Gastown
The oldest place within Vancouver at the heart of its very origins, Gastown was set up in 1867 by John Deighton whose various stories and adventures garnered him the name of ‘Gassy Jack.’ Nowadays, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, and the famous steam-powered clock in Maple Tree Centre.
Chinatown
In Vancouver’s China Town district you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden where you can see a truly beautiful collection of plant life and ponds. There is also the Sam Kee Building which is the narrowest office building ever built, spanning barely 2 meters wide!
English Bay
English Bay is a beautiful beach that is home to outstanding high-end shops and mouth watering restaurants. There are also waterfront trails to follow if you like beach walking.
Canada Place
Canada Place is the perfect spot to start your adventures around Vancouver as it is where you’ll first step ashore from your cruise ship. Explore the pier, and be taken back by the outstanding architecture and views. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Flyover Canada attraction. From here, you can also use Canada Place as a transit hub to other places around Vancouver.
At Sea
DAY 3 - 08 Jul 2023
You will be at sea on day 3 while travelling from Vancouver to Sitka.
Sitka
DAY 4 - 09 Jul 2023
Formerly Novo-Arkhangelsk, Sitka has a more a Russian feel than other Alaskan towns with orthodox style buildings and churches. In fact, this was the location where Russia officially sold ‘Russian America’ to the US in 1867 to become what is now the state of Alaska. Sitka also has a deep affinity with the native Tlingit population and preserving culture, nature and history with the Sitka National Historical Park as well as bear and bird sanctuaries.
Things to do in Sitka:
Sitka National Historical Park
Famous for its numerous totem poles scattered among the trees of the scenic woodland, often with your cruise ship visible out in the bay, Sitka National Historical Park is a must for lovers of nature and indigenous history of Alaska alike, complete with woodcarving studio and experts talks.
Alaska Raptor Center
This wildlife sanctuary helps Alaska’s most beautiful birdlife such as owls, golden eagles and the iconic bald eagles as they are rescued and reared back to full rehabilitation. Here, experts give talks and educate visitors all about these impressive animals with flights displays and talks.
Fortress of the Bear
If you had tour heart set on seeing an Alaskan brown bear but didn’t manage to spot one on any tours so far, a trip to this bear sanctuary is a sure way to see some of the state’s most popular wildlife up close and personal.
St Michael's Orthodox Cathedral
The original orthodox cathedral in America, St Michael’s cathedral is a testament to Alaska’s original colonisation by Russia. With classic orthodox architecture typical of the Old Russian Empire, the cathedral displays typical triple crosses, domed roofs and interior artworks.
Skagway
DAY 5 - 10 Jul 2023
Popular for its gold rush era architecture and vintage steam engine route passing through, Skagway is a fantastic jump back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush with the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Centre. Surrounded by the unrivalled landscapes and inhabiting wildlife of the national park, Skagway paints a spectacular picture of Alaska quite like no other.
Things to do in Skagway:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
Walk back in time to the golden age of the Klondike Gold Rush in the old White Pass & Yukon Route depot, and learn all about this unique era that captures the intrigue of all who discover it with presentations, artefact exhibits and even a film.
Hubbard Glacier - Cruising
DAY 6 - 11 Jul 2023
You will be at sea on day 6 while travelling from Skagway to Juneau.
Juneau
DAY 7 - 12 Jul 2023
The capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a plethora of national parks in its surrounding area, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, teaming with iconic wildlife such as salmon, bears, and bald eagles. The city of Juneau is also well worth a stop in itself with such attractions as the Alaska State Museum and iconic cable car ride for breath-taking views. Visitors will love delectable locally-sourced seafood as well as a range of other cuisines in town.
Things to do in Juneau:
Stephens Passage
Stephens Passage is a shortcut through Southeast Alaska, close by to South Juneau, therefore widely used by ships for many different reasons. Not only this, it’s a popular route for humpback whales and sea lions with plenty of opportunities to spot the mammals.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is 13 and a half miles of towering deeply packed ice over thousands of years. Named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an alumnus of Ohio State University, the glacier tours are available by cruise ship, tour bus and even helicopter.
Tongass National Park
At 17 million square acres, Tongass boasts being the largest national park on US soil. Perfect for exploring via hiking trail or the famous mount Roberts aerial tramway, Tongass National Park has it all when it comes to Alaskan landscapes and wildlife.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located inside the area of the Tongass National Park and Named in honour of Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier of ice across from Stephen’s Passage is a truly breath-taking experience of nature in motion.
Inside Passage
Cruising through the inside passage of Alaska is a simply a must to see dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords and glaciers, and whales playing in the bay right by your ship, as well as stopping off at the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a real highlight in any tour of Alaska due to its remarkable wall of ice, as well as surrounding wildlife and natural landscapes where you can see bears and eagles among the dramatic scenery.
Icy Strait Point
DAY 8 - 13 Jul 2023
With lush rainforest and vast waters all around, Icy Strait Point boasts beautifully preserved habitats as well as thrilling outdoor activities that cannot be found anywhere else. From whale-watching cruises where visitors are guaranteed to spot the magnificent mammals, to riding the world’s largest ziprider, there’s no shortage of activities the whole family will love. As a privately owned tourist destination it’s also able to support the surrounding Alaskan Native population.
Things to do in Icy Strait Point:
Icy Strait Point Ziprider
Only for the brave, Icy Strait Point’s Ziprider is over 6,500 feet of thrilling fun. At 1,320 feet high, you’ll reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour and witness the unrivalled views across the cliffs and canopies. Your cruise ship will be just a small speck on the horizon from here!
Icy Strait Whale Adventures
With a team of guides born and raised around the waters of Icy Strait Point, you’re guaranteed to spot the majestic whales that reside here. Visiting the most active site of humpback whale activity in Southeast Alaska, this is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Glacier Bay - Cruising
DAY 9 - 14 Jul 2023
You will be at sea on day 9 while travelling from Icy Strait Point to Ketchikan.
Ketchikan
DAY 10 - 15 Jul 2023
Ketchikan is famous for the totem heritage museum, educating sightseers about the indigenous populations’ history and culture with an unrivalled display of native totems and artefacts. For those wanting to learn about the gold rush a visit to Dolly’s House Museum and downtown Creek Street is a good comparison along with the great Alaskan lumberjack show. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy dramatic sights at nearby misty fjords national monument.
Things to do in Ketchikan:
Totem Heritage Center
Boasting one of the most extensive collections of original 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned Tingit settlements. Many other original Native American artefacts are displayed here, as well as traditional arts and crafts workshops being held to keep native skills and traditions alive.
At Sea
DAY 11 - 16 Jul 2023
You will be at sea on day 11 while travelling from Ketchikan to Vancouver.
Vancouver
DAY 12 - 17 Jul 2023
From its architecture of ‘Vancouverism’ to the history of how it was built; Vancouver is a vibrant city full of arts and culture just waiting for you to discover all it’s hidden gems. Here you’ll be able to get stuck into a whole host of museums including Science World, the waterfront Maritime Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
Things to do in Vancouver:
Gastown
The oldest place within Vancouver at the heart of its very origins, Gastown was set up in 1867 by John Deighton whose various stories and adventures garnered him the name of ‘Gassy Jack.’ Nowadays, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, and the famous steam-powered clock in Maple Tree Centre.
Chinatown
In Vancouver’s China Town district you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden where you can see a truly beautiful collection of plant life and ponds. There is also the Sam Kee Building which is the narrowest office building ever built, spanning barely 2 meters wide!
English Bay
English Bay is a beautiful beach that is home to outstanding high-end shops and mouth watering restaurants. There are also waterfront trails to follow if you like beach walking.
Canada Place
Canada Place is the perfect spot to start your adventures around Vancouver as it is where you’ll first step ashore from your cruise ship. Explore the pier, and be taken back by the outstanding architecture and views. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Flyover Canada attraction. From here, you can also use Canada Place as a transit hub to other places around Vancouver.
We recently went on a 12 night cruise to The Canaries. This is the first time we have travelled on the Elizabeth and I must say that we were not disappointed. The staff were excellent in every area, always polite and extremely helpful. The ship was beautiful and in great condition. The food as always was plentiful and excellent, some people comment that the meal portions in the Britannia restaurant are small, but to be fair by the time you’ve had all the breakfast you can eat, lunch, afternoon tea, and any in between snacks you fancy, the well done to you if you can eat a late meal of gargantuan proportions. My waistline hasn’t forgiven me yet. So my advice is, if you want to experience cruising with complete elegance then book with confidence, and don’t worry if you think it will be too fussy, the staff are so wonderful and efficient they put you completely at ease.
went on a 2 night mini cruise to Bruges via Zeebrugge as a single passenger. check in was quick and smooth my cabin was on deck 2 one of the very few single cabins they have onboard. I was very impressed with the cabin, enough space, the bed was a good size more like a small double instead of a single. A nice welcoming bottle of sparkling wine, large TV and excellent toiletries in the bathroom. Good entertainment on board. Live music, games the library, had a great day in Bruges the next day by taking the excursion coach from Zeebrugge to Bruges and back all for just 20 Euros. The Captain was excellent, Only negative was being a single passenger having to eat in the Britannia Restaurant with 2 couples and was totally left out and feeling isolated on the first night and uncomfortable So the second night ate in the Lido Buffet. good short cruise but the company should seat single passengers with other single passengers not with couples.
First went on this ship in 2016 and was amazed by everything however we did a return trip on the 2 night mini cruise to Zeebrugge. Ship looking worn despite the refit, (see attached photo from Britannia restaurant - the design amuses me!) the buffet restaurant now has an awful layout with very poor food and poor choice. The food in the Britannia restaurant has also gone downhill. The worst part was breakfast on the last day as the buffet was so crammed there were queues so by the time we got to the food there was genuinely only scraps left. Being a mini cruise we weren’t expecting miracles however much worse than expected as the ship was crammed with rowdy people who would have been more suited to a boozy break in Magaluf. It honestly reminded me of a cruise I took on P&O Britannia to Spain. Dress code not enforced in Britannia restaurant as it had been on a recent trip on Queen Mary. Saw a group that I can only assume must have been on a joint stag/hen as all in same fluorescent clothing. All in all this was not a great cruise even the staff not as good as they once were. I was disappointed that Cunard were taking this ship out of the UK for the foreseeable but now I couldn’t care less. Would not go back in a hurry.
The ship itself is amazing and we had a great short mini cruise. The evening meal that you have a sitting time for, was tiny. Each course I’d describe as starter size. The Lido food was a mish mash of everything. Not brilliant to be honest. If you want to buy a Rolex than all the on board shops will keep you happy. The staff are all great. Polite and helpful. The Theatre was great and so was the show. I took motion sickness pills as am not great on ships and wasn’t ill at all. It was ruff on the return journey so the ship doesn’t Pitch about like a ferry. I wouldn’t book this ship again for more than the two night mini cruise.
Ship decor is firmly 1930s style which makes it look old-fashioned and over-ornate. Cabins are roomy & comfortable with plenty of wardrobe space and hangers! There is a firm dress policy, which was off-putting to us, but popular with others who enjoy being told to dress up - or else go elsewhere (the buffet) to eat. Restaurant food emphasis is on silver service, not the quality of the food. Buffet (our main dining option) food was disappointing, often poor, barely warm and badly presented. It compares very poorly with Celebrity cruises (for instances) food-wise. I also got food poisoning from something I ate ... not pleasant. The ship’s medical team went into overdrive, thinking it was norovirus (it wasn’t). Very poor WiFi, satellite TV patchy. The usual activities & entertainments for those seeking such things. The launderettes were, apparently, more popular than the casino! We went on this cruise for the locations visited, and were not let down in this.
Firs cruise ever and it was amazing! The product itself and the service were splendid. Only slight hmmm was that some of the food in the buffet could have been warmer - but then it was a buffet. Otherwise - one of life's best experiences and well done to all staff.
This short cruise was with a large group of friends and we were all very much looking forward to it. Everything was pretty much as expected from previous cruises, the stateroom was beautifully appointed and clean, the food was superb but what was different on this cruise was the crew. They appeared disengaged and uninterested in the customer. The service was fair, but many of the staff seemed very unhappy and appeared as though they didn’t want to be there. It was such a shame. I am on the Queen Mary 2 in 5 weeks time so it will be interesting to see how this cruise differs. I am sincerely hoping for a more friendly, customer focussed crew.
Easy check-in at LA and the ships crew as good as always. everything was good throughout apart from the one and only time we used Room Service.. starter and dessert arrived 90 mins before the entrée! Most excursions were very good but as on all cruise lines some are overpriced for what they offer. visiting speakers were good too bar one US Professor on earthquakes and volcanoes who did send me to sleep several times! the food was excellent but more than once it transpired that the dish described on the menu bore no resemblance to what appeared, then my flexible waiter showed his true merit! Overall still a beautiful ship.
We have recently returned from a special holiday where we flew to Calgary, picked up the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff, then on to Vancouver where we took a cruise to Alaska. This was all organised by Iglu to include overnight stays and all ground transportation, everything worked like clockwork, from our collection at the airport to getting the train and finally boarding the ship. The Rocky Mountaineer was superb, we went Gold Leaf, from the moment we got on the train service was 5 star, hotels better than described and ground transportation excellent . As we were waiting for our car at the cruise terminal to take us to the airport six very large Suburban Jeeps arrived prompting a fellow passenger to say has Trump arrived but one of the vehicles was our ride. The cruise was fantastic, scenery breathtaking and the Hubbard Glacier has to be seen, words and pictures do not do it justice. Was it expensive yes, was it worth it definitely. Thank you Iglu for a wonderful holiday.
We are Platinum Members and there is no better Ocean Liners than CUNARD ---We are waiting for my health to be a little better then ee will be booking another Magical Voyage with CUNARD ---Simply the very best --forget the rest We love you Cunard P James Templeman PS Having been on all of the Cunards Ships they are are each one magnificent in their own delightful way
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
