Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau/Norwegian Bliss
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Norwegian Bliss

Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau - 10 night cruise



Cruise only from €1,212

Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.


Description

Gratuities

Dates and Prices

Cabins

Imagine exhilaration whilst exploring the wilds of Alaska. Imagine relaxation upon finding your slice of paradise in The Caribbean. Imagine Bliss. That's what you'll experience when you holiday on board Norwegian Bliss. Custom-built for the spectacular, Norwegian Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge for you to soak in every stunning moment, from bald eagles soaring over glaciers to dolphins splashing through warm turquoise waters. Come aboard and experience the best dining, entertainment, and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivalled natural beauty. Whether you choose to go tropical or a little wild, there's one word to describe the experiences awaiting you on one of Norwegian's newest ships: Bliss.

Cruise ID: 20032

We are confident that you will enjoy your Freestyle Cruising experience and that our entire crew will provide you with the standard of service for which we are known. A discretionary service charge will be automatically added per guest per day (for guests three years and older) to your shipboard account for all staterooms: all ships US$ 16 per guest per day (for guests 3 years and older) for Studios, Inside, Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms. For Club Balcony Suites, the service charge will be US$ 18 per guest per day (for guests 3 years and older) and for Suites and The Haven Suites as well as the Concierge staterooms, the service charge will be US$ 20 per guest per day (for guests 3 years and older). This charge will be shared amongst those staff members, including the restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and other behind-the scenes staff who provide services that enhance your overall cruise experience.

These service charges can be paid in advance of your cruise. If you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise, please let our on-board Guest Services Desk staff know right away, so we can address any issues in a timely manner. In the unlikely event that we can't resolve your issue, you can have the service charge adjusted on board. Where your service charge has been pre-paid before departure, refunds are not available on board and you must apply for a refund, if applicable, after you return home by writing to our Guest Relations department.

Certain staff positions (e.g., concierge, butler, youth programme staff and beverage service) provide service on an individual basis to only some guests and do not benefit from the overall service charge. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities.

Additionally, there is a 20% gratuity and spa service charge added for all spa and salon services, as well as a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge added for all beverage purchases and a 20% gratuity and speciality service charge added to all speciality restaurant dining and entertainment based dining e.g. Cirque Dreams® and Dinner (does not apply to Free at Sea dining and drinks packages).

Date Time Price * Booking
02 April 2025 16:00 €1,212 Call us to book

* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.

Cabins on Norwegian Bliss

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony
1-4

With access to the Haven, these Penthouses feature a king-size bed and a double sofa bed, two bathrooms and incredible views from the large, aft-facing balcony. Plus, a concierge and 24-hour butler attend to your every wish.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • Butler Service
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV

The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony
1-2

The perfect way to experience a total spa holiday, the Spa Suites include a king-size bed, hot tub, spa décor, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness centre, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Suite. Access to The Haven.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Vanity Area
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Toiletries Provided

Club Balcony Suite
2-4

Most located mid-ship with easy access to everything, these Club Balcony Suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, sofa bed, some feature additional bedding for up to four total guests, and a private balcony.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided

Sail Away Inside
1-4

A Sail Away Inside stateroom guarantees an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned between time of booking up to one day prior to embarkation.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Spa Club Balcony Suite
1-3

Spa Club Balcony Suites feature tranquil spa décor and include a queen-size bed, oversized waterfall shower and multiple body spray jets, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness centre, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Suite during regular Spa hours.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Family Club Balcony Suite
1-4

Perfect for families. Located mid-ship with easy access to everything, these Club Balcony Suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, sofa bed, additional bedding for 2, and a private balcony.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Solo Balcony
1

These spacious staterooms include a queen-size bed, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.

Facilities

  • Bath
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Solo Inside
1

These staterooms include a queen-size bed and the same amenities as other inside staterooms. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk

Solo Oceanview
1

These staterooms feature a large round window and a queen-size bed. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Spa Balcony
1-3

These staterooms feature tranquil spa décor and include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, a single sofa bed, easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness centre, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Suite during regular Spa hours.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided

Club Balcony Suite with Larger Balcony
2-4

Featuring two beds that convert to a queen and a sofa bed - some also include an additional pullman bed. These Club Balcony Suites also offer amazing views. Enjoy the dining and excitement just steps away from The Waterfront.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Pullman Bed
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

The Haven Forward-Facing Penthouse with Balcony
1-4

Pamper yourself in luxury and exceptional service in The Haven. Enjoy the spectacular views from the forward-facing balcony, a king-size bed and a double or single sofa bed to accommodate up to four guests, plus living and dining areas.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits

Sail Away Oceanview
1-2

A Sail Away Oceanview stateroom guarantees an Oceanview stateroom or better! Please note that the view may be fully obstructed, partially obstructed, porthole or picture window. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided

Oceanview with Picture Window
1-2

Enjoy a large picture window with amazing views and two single beds that convert to a queen.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided

Family Inside
1-4

An affordable family option, these staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and two pullman beds.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Aft-Facing Balcony
2-3

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and are aft-facing, so the view from your private balcony is amazing.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Large Balcony
3-4

These staterooms offer incredible views from the balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep one or two more.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV

Family Oceanview
4-5

Perfect for families, most of these staterooms are near the kids' area and include two single beds that convert to a queen and additional bedding that can accommodate up to three additional guests. Sleeps up to five.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Inside
2-4

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate up to four guests total.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony
1-3

These Penthouses located in The Haven feature a king-size bed and single sofa bed to accommodate up to three guests. Admire the spectacular ever-changing views from the balcony.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony
1-4

These aft-facing Penthouses, with access to The Haven, offer fantastic views from the private balcony. They include a king-size bed and double sofa-bed plus two bathrooms.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Sail Away Club Balcony Suite
1-4

A Sail Away Club Balcony Suite stateroom guarantees a Club Balcony Suite stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Studio
1

Private keycard access complex comprised of staterooms specifically designed and priced for the solo traveller. Featuring a full-size bed, a virtual window and separate areas for your bathroom, sink and shower, in 100 square feet of living space. Includes access to the private Studio Lounge. No single supplement required.

Facilities

  • One Single Bed
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided

Balcony
2-4

Enjoy easy access to all the delicious dining and exciting activities on board from your stateroom that includes two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to four guests.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

Sail Away Balcony
1-4

A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Large Balcony
1-6

These luxury Villas located in The Haven provide the ideal retreat for the family. Featuring two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with a double sofa bed, additional bedding and two bathrooms, they offer stunning views from the large balcony.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Large Balcony
1-3

Take in breathtaking forward-facing views. These Penthouses have access to The Haven and feature a king-size bed plus a sitting area.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits

Family Balcony
1-4

Perfect for families include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to 2 guests.

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Hair Dryer

The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
1-6

Located in The Haven, these Suites offer amazing ocean views, a wet bar and spacious balconies. They include a king-size bed, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Dining Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony
1-6

Perfect for the family, these Villas are located in The Haven and feature two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed, the other with a double sofa bed, plus additional bedding and two bathrooms.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Toiletries Provided

View Itinerary By Date



Day 1 Seattle, Washington, United States

Seattle is a scenic seaport city in western Washington, situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east. It is the largest city in Washington. Five pioneer families from Illinois first settled the area in 1851, and named the town after a friendly Suquamish Indian chief. It was incorporated as a city in 1869, and grew quickly after the Great Northern Railway arrived in 1893, especially during the Alaska Gold Rush of 1897. When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Seattle became a major Pacific port of entry, and today it is the region's commercial and transportation hub and the centre of manufacturing, trade, and finance, with an estimated 684,451 residents as of 2015.

Day 2  Cruising

Day 3 Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Ketchikan is famous for its colorful totem poles, rainy skies, steep–as–San Francisco streets, and lush island setting. Some 13,500 people call the town home, and, in the summer, cruise ships crowd the shoreline, floatplanes depart noisily for Misty Fiords National Monument, and salmon-laden commercial fishing boats motor through Tongass Narrows. In the last decade Ketchikan's rowdy, blue-collar heritage of logging and fishing has been softened by the loss of many timber-industry jobs and the dramatic rise of cruise-ship tourism. With some effort, though, visitors can still glimpse the rugged frontier spirit that once permeated this hardscrabble cannery town. Art lovers should make a beeline for Ketchikan: the arts community here is very active. Travelers in search of the perfect piece of Alaska art will find an incredible range of pieces to choose from.The town is at the foot of 3,000-foot Deer Mountain, near the southeastern corner of Revillagigedo (locals shorten it to Revilla) Island. Prior to the arrival of white miners and fishermen in 1885, the Tlingit used the site at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek as a summer fish camp. Gold discoveries just before the turn of the 20th century brought more immigrants, and valuable timber and commercial fishing resources spurred new industries. By the 1930s the town bragged that it was the "salmon-canning capital of the world." You will still find some of Southeast's best salmon fishing around here. Ketchikan is the first bite of Alaska that many travelers taste. Despite its imposing backdrop, hillside homes, and many staircases, the town is relatively easy to walk through. Favorite downtown stops include the Spruce Mill Development shops and Creek Street. A bit farther away you'll find the Totem Heritage Center. Out of town (but included on most bus tours) are two longtime favorites: Totem Bight State Historical Park to the north and Saxman Totem Park to the south.

Day 4 Sitka, Alaska, United States

It's hard not to like Sitka, with its eclectic blend of Alaska Native, Russian, and American history and its dramatic and beautiful open-ocean setting. This is one of the best Inside Passage towns to explore on foot, with St. Michael's Cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum, Castle Hill, Sitka National Historical Park, and the Alaska Raptor Center topping the must-see list.Sitka was home to the Kiksádi clan of the Tlingit people for centuries prior to the 18th-century arrival of the Russians under the direction of territorial governor Alexander Baranof, who believed the region was ideal for the fur trade. The governor also coveted the Sitka site for its beauty, mild climate, and economic potential; in the island's massive timber forests he saw raw materials for shipbuilding. Its location offered trading routes as far west as Asia and as far south as California and Hawaii. In 1799 Baranof built St. Michael Archangel—a wooden fort and trading post 6 miles north of the present town.Strong disagreements arose shortly after the settlement. The Tlingits attacked the settlers and burned their buildings in 1802. Baranof, however, was away in Kodiak at the time. He returned in 1804 with a formidable force—including shipboard cannons—and attacked the Tlingits at their fort near Indian River, site of the present-day 105-acre Sitka National Historical Park, forcing many of them north to Chichagof Island.By 1821 the Tlingits had reached an accord with the Russians, who were happy to benefit from the tribe's hunting skills. Under Baranof and succeeding managers, the Russian-American Company and the town prospered, becoming known as the Paris of the Pacific. The community built a major shipbuilding and repair facility, sawmills, and forges, and even initiated an ice industry, shipping blocks of ice from nearby Swan Lake to the booming San Francisco market. The settlement that was the site of the 1802 conflict is now called Old Sitka. It is a state park and listed as a National Historic Landmark.The town declined after its 1867 transfer from Russia to the United States, but it became prosperous again during World War II, when it served as a base for the U.S. effort to drive the Japanese from the Aleutian Islands. Today its most important industries are fishing, government, and tourism.

Day 5  Cruising

Day 6 Icy Strait Point, United States

Since Icy Strait Point opened in 2004, Hoonah has attracted more visitors, particularly those who arrive by cruise ship. The port is centered around the restored salmon cannery, which now houses a museum, local arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and a mid-1930s cannery line display. Outside is the world's largest and highest zip line at 5,330 feet long, featuring a 1,300-foot vertical drop—a thrilling ride with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. If you're looking for more relaxing mountaintop views, book a gondola ride that will whisk you up into the mountains for some leisurely hiking and stellar sightseeing. Icy Strait Point houses several restaurants where visitors can dine on freshly caught seafood while taking in the waterfront views. A range of excursions are available at Icy Strait Point catering primarily to cruise ship passengers, from Alaska Native dance performances to bear viewing and whale watching.

Day 7 Skagway, Alaska, United States

Located at the northern terminus of the Inside Passage, Skagway is a one-hour ferry ride from Haines. By road, however, the distance is 359 miles, as you have to take the Haines Highway up to Haines Junction, Yukon, then take the Alaska Highway 100 miles south to Whitehorse, and then drive a final 100 miles south on the Klondike Highway to Skagway. North-country folk call this sightseeing route the Golden Horseshoe or Golden Circle tour, because it passes a lot of gold-rush country in addition to spectacular lake, forest, and mountain scenery.The town is an amazingly preserved artifact from North America's biggest, most-storied gold rush. Most of the downtown district forms part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park System dedicated to commemorating and interpreting the frenzied stampede of 1897 that extended to Dawson City in Canada's Yukon.Nearly all the historic sights are within a few blocks of the cruise-ship and ferry dock, allowing visitors to meander through the town's attractions at whatever pace they choose. Whether you're disembarking from a cruise ship, a ferry, or a dusty automobile fresh from the Golden Circle, you'll quickly discover that tourism is the lifeblood of this town. Unless you're visiting in winter or hiking into the backcountry on the Chilkoot Trail, you aren't likely to find a quiet Alaska experience around Skagway.

Day 8 Juneau, Alaska, United States

Juneau, Alaska's capital and third-largest city, is on the North American mainland but can't be reached by road. Bounded by steep mountains and water, the city's geographic isolation and compact size make it much more akin to an island community such as Sitka than to other Alaskan urban centers, such as Fairbanks or Anchorage. Juneau is full of contrasts. Its dramatic hillside location and historic downtown buildings provide a frontier feeling, but the city's cosmopolitan nature comes through in fine museums, noteworthy restaurants, and a literate and outdoorsy populace. The finest of the museums, the Alaska State Museum, is scheduled to reopen in May 2016 on its old site as the expanded Alaska State Library, Archives, and Museum (SLAM) following several years of planning and exhibit research. Another new facility, the Walter Soboleff Center, offers visitors a chance to learn about the indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska–-Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Other highlights include the Mt. Roberts Tramway, plenty of densely forested wilderness areas, quiet bays for sea kayaking, and even a famous drive-up glacier, Mendenhall Glacier. For goings-on, pick up the Juneau Empire (www.juneauempire.com), which keeps tabs on state politics, business, sports, and local news.

Day 9  Cruising

Day 10 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Victoria, the capital of a province whose license plates brazenly label it "The Best Place on Earth," is a walkable, livable seaside city of fragrant gardens, waterfront paths, engaging museums, and beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. In summer, the Inner Harbour—Victoria's social and cultural center—buzzes with visiting yachts, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, and excursion boats heading out to visit pods of friendly local whales. Yes, it might be a bit touristy, but Victoria's good looks, gracious pace, and manageable size are instantly beguiling, especially if you stand back to admire the mountains and ocean beyond. At the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria dips slightly below the 49th parallel. That puts it farther south than most of Canada, giving it the mildest climate in the country, with virtually no snow and less than half the rain of Vancouver. The city's geography, or at least its place names, can cause confusion. Just to clarify: the city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island (not Victoria Island). The city of Vancouver is on the British Columbia mainland, not on Vancouver Island. At any rate, that upstart city of Vancouver didn't even exist in 1843 when Victoria, then called Fort Victoria, was founded as the westernmost trading post of the British-owned Hudson's Bay Company. Victoria was the first European settlement on Vancouver Island, and in 1868 it became the capital of British Columbia. The British weren't here alone, of course. The local First Nations people—the Songhees, the Saanich, and the Sooke—had already lived in the areas for thousands of years before anyone else arrived. Their art and culture are visible throughout southern Vancouver Island. You can see this in private and public galleries, in the totems at Thunderbird Park, in the striking collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum, and at the Quw'utsun'Cultural and Conference Centre in nearby Duncan. Spanish explorers were the first foreigners to explore the area, although they left little more than place names (Galiano Island and Cordova Bay, for example). The thousands of Chinese immigrants drawn by the gold rushes of the late 19th century had a much greater impact, founding Canada's oldest Chinatown and adding an Asian influence that's still quite pronounced in Victoria's multicultural mix. Despite its role as the provincial capital, Victoria was largely eclipsed, economically, by Vancouver throughout the 20th century. This, as it turns out, was all to the good, helping to preserve Victoria's historic downtown and keeping the city largely free of skyscrapers and highways. For much of the 20th century, Victoria was marketed to tourists as "The Most British City in Canada," and it still has more than its share of Anglo-themed pubs, tea shops, and double-decker buses. These days, however, Victorians prefer to celebrate their combined indigenous, Asian, and European heritage, and the city's stunning wilderness backdrop. Locals do often venture out for afternoon tea, but they're just as likely to nosh on dim sum or tapas. Decades-old shops sell imported linens and tweeds, but newer upstarts offer local designs in hemp and organic cotton. And let's not forget that fabric prevalent among locals: Gore-Tex. The outdoors is ever present here. You can hike, bike, kayak, sail, or whale-watch straight from the city center, and forests, beaches, offshore islands, and wilderness parklands lie just minutes away. A little farther afield, there's surfing near Sooke, wine touring in the Cowichan Valley, and kayaking among the Gulf Islands.

Day 11 Seattle, Washington, United States

Seattle is a scenic seaport city in western Washington, situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east. It is the largest city in Washington. Five pioneer families from Illinois first settled the area in 1851, and named the town after a friendly Suquamish Indian chief. It was incorporated as a city in 1869, and grew quickly after the Great Northern Railway arrived in 1893, especially during the Alaska Gold Rush of 1897. When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Seattle became a major Pacific port of entry, and today it is the region's commercial and transportation hub and the centre of manufacturing, trade, and finance, with an estimated 684,451 residents as of 2015.

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