Experience the luxury of a seven-day cruise and learn more about Alaska at the same time. This ship sails north from Vancouver and makes stops along the way to enjoy the richness of the land and sea. The first day on this floating hotel is spent getting our sea legs and taking in the beauty of the surroundings. There are also many activities, from lectures on native wildlife to varied sports and swimming in heated pools. The cuisine is exquisite, and the after-dinner entertainment is fun. With over 1,200 passengers aboard, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our first port of call is Ketchikan, Alaska's first city, where we visit a state park to learn the significance of native-carved totem poles. On our third day of the cruise, we arrive at Juneau, the capital city of Alaska. This city was established during the heyday of the Gold Rush, and we visit a restored gold mine and pan for gold. Then we take a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier, where we land to view the ice falls and formations. Glacier Bay National Park is our destination on the fourth day of the cruise. This is the perfect place to spot whales and other sea life, and a park ranger explains the many types of wildlife that are in the area. As the ship turns southward, our last stop is the historic town of Sitka. Once the central trading center for Russian furs, the Russian culture can now be seen in the traditional folk costumes and dances of the performers who entertain each night. This luxurious passenger vessel navigates the Inside Passage expertly, taking us safely back to our starting point in Vancouver with breathtaking memories of our seven-day cruise.