Discover the enchanting shores of Seward, Alaska, a hidden gem nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest. This charming coastal town, with its rich history dating back to 1903, is a gateway to remarkable adventures. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life and majestic glaciers during excursions that leave you in awe of nature’s wonders. With its picturesque harbor and quaint demeanor, Seward seamlessly blends the allure of a historic railroad town with the untamed beauty of Alaska, inviting discerning travelers to explore its stunning vistas and unique experiences.

Alaska will satisfy your longing for great adventures in the vast wilderness. Dreams of discovery come true in an impressive way when cruising in the bays of the sprawling Katmai National Park. The region is characterised by dramatic volcanoes, dense forests, wild rivers and active glaciers. This is one of the wildest and most unspoilt places on earth – perfect for your small expedition ship, as there are no roads into this remote natural wilderness. There are said to be more than 2,000 brown bears in this region, which can often be found in the vegetation near the coast here. Together with your experts, you can keep a lookout from the many open deck spaces.

Homer, in its picturesque location in the south of the Kenai Peninsula, is your gateway to Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife. The town is the halibut capital of the world and is also known as an artists’ colony, attracting painters, sculptors and jewellery designers. The greatest works of art, however, are those created by nature, with Kachemak Bay as the centrepiece. It offers a unique coastal landscape with deep fjords, tidal zones and unspoilt coves. The waters here are known for their populations of grey whales, humpback whales, orcas and various seal species. The area is also a breeding ground for many sea birds, including puffins, cormorants and bald eagles. One of the great adventures is watching brown bears in the wild, often fishing for salmon. You will be enthralled by this fascinating mix of natural beauty and vibrant life.

Your dreams of exploration will really take shape on Kodiak Island. The largest island in Alaska is known for its unspoilt wilderness. A vast nature reserves stretches over the emerald-green island, with fjord-like bays and mountains up to 1,200 m (3,939 ft) high, lakes and swamps, tundra and spruce forests. It is home to the impressive Kodiak bears, one of the largest species of bear in the world, which can weigh up to 700 kg (1,543 lb) and stand up to 3 m (9.8 ft) tall. With luck, you’ll even spot whales off the coast. The main town, also called Kodiak, was the second largest settlement in Russian America until 1867. Today, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Baranow Museum are reminders of this time. Discover this charming town on your own or with your experts. Your insights into the history and natural wonders of Kodiak will be further enhanced by the expert lectures on board.

Cruising in Tsaa Fjord will reveal some of the most beautiful sides of picture-book Alaska: high alpine peaks, green forests, and active glaciers. Accompanied by the sounds of ice splitting and cracking, your small expedition ship will make its way through the ice floes towards the shimmering turquoise Hubbard Glacier if the conditions are right. One of the most spectacular sights is the edge of the glacier, which you can admire from up close: approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) wide, the mountain of ice forges its way over 122 km (76 miles) into the sea. You might see chunks of ice, some of which can be the size of a large building, crashing down into the dark blue water.

Chichagof Island is one of approximately 2,600 islands off the coast of the Alaskan mainland. You can see how people live in this natural environment in Elfin Cove, which has around 30 inhabitants. The fishing village is only reachable by boat or seaplane. This makes it a privilege for the few guests on board the ship to explore this remote outpost of civilisation and the surrounding wilderness. Make sure you turn your gaze to the skies: with luck, you might see bald eagles, kingfishers and the rufous hummingbird, which the area is famous for.

Chichagof Island is one of approximately 2,600 islands off the coast of the Alaskan mainland. You can see how people live in this natural environment in Elfin Cove, which has around 30 inhabitants. The fishing village is only reachable by boat or seaplane. This makes it a privilege for the few guests on board the ship to explore this remote outpost of civilisation and the surrounding wilderness. Make sure you turn your gaze to the skies: with luck, you might see bald eagles, kingfishers and the rufous hummingbird, which the area is famous for.

Majestic, spectacular and awe-inspiring: the fjords of Alaska are in a class of their own. Steep, rocky cliffs rise up out of the sea and waterfalls thunder down into its depths. Cruise through the idyllic scenery of Tracy Arm - at 50 km (31 miles) long and surrounded by unbelievably high and steep gneiss rocks, the fjord was shaped by the Sawyer Glacier, which once filled the entire valley. When you’re not looking at the scenery, marvel at the wildlife: with luck you will see whales or seals lying on the ice floes. Your views on the cruise through the Endicott Arm culminate in the backdrop of the Dawes Glacier. Its flanks show the force and power with which the hulk of ice has broken, shaved and polished its way through the valley – your experts on board will commentate on the glaciological and geological features. The best views can be enjoyed from the deck tour at the bow and from the open deck areas.

The culture and history of the indigenous people of North America are also embedded in the natural scenery of Tongass National Forest. Discover the historic home of the Tlingit with your experts on Kupreanof Island. A special way of finding out about their history awaits in the little village of Kake: here stands a 40 m (131 ft) high totem pole featuring symbols of the Tlingit clan and other tribes honouring their traditions and unity – it is said to be the world’s largest totem pole carved from a single tree trunk. Even though the tree trunk is gradually fading, the indigenous culture remains alive and colourful here. The traditional robes worn during greetings with singing are richly decorated with animal drawings of the respective clans. Those who prefer to see real animals might be lucky enough to spot black bears in the surrounding natural scenery or look out for whales in the waters around Kupreanof Island.

Picturesque Petersburg is known as Alaska’s “Little Norway”. The houses in the small harbour are packed tightly together, some of them on stilts. Life still moves at a slow pace here. The charming town was founded at the end of the 19th century by the Norwegian immigrant Peter Buschmann as a site for commercial fish processing. Icebergs from the nearby LeConte Glacier were used to keep the fish cool in the flourishing fishing port. The north end of Mitkof Island had already been used as a summer fishing camp more than 2,000 years ago by the Tlingit. Take a relaxing stroll around Petersburg and immerse yourself in the history of the town's settlement with your experts.

In Wrangell, you will discover one of the oldest settlements in Alaska, which was not founded by the indigenous Tlingit people. It was named after Ferdinand von Wrangel, a researcher, explorer and later governor of Russian America. Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to be ruled by four nations: the Tlingit, Russia, Great Britain and the USA. Learn more about its history in the museum or set out in search of the totem poles, which can be found at various places in the town. The gold rush from the middle to the end of the 19th century led to the growth of the town: thousands of people set out from here across the Stikine River to try their luck in the wilderness. These days, the greatest treasure is nature itself – and Wrangell is the perfect starting point for your discoveries.

Situated on the south-east coast of Alaska, the charming town of Ketchikan is famous for the rich history of its indigenous people, especially the Tlingit. The town is surrounded by the lush green Tongass National Forest, with its cedars and Sitka spruce, waterfalls and wild animals. Well-signposted walking tours lead you around the town and to sites including the Totem Heritage Center with its important collection of old totem poles. The photos you take around Ketchikan will be just as iconic. They say that whichever way you point your camera, every photo will be picture-perfect.

Memorable moments await in the realm of fjords and forests, whales and bears: your small expedition ship will take plenty of time when cruising through British Columbia’s Inside Passage. The route between the islands and mainland, lined by forest-covered mountains and small settlements, is one of the most beautiful in the world. With the best views from on board, the calm waters and proximity to the coast offer breathtaking panoramas and exciting insights into history. Perhaps the scene will be rounded off with sightings of orcas and sea eagles – enhanced by the expert commentary of your experts on board.

Discover Vancouver, a vibrant blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking nature. This enchanting city boasts stunning mountains and a mesmerizing coastline, inviting adventure seekers to hike, ski, kayak, and cycle. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of cultures reflected in its eclectic culinary scene, where fresh seafood and local produce shine. As one of the world's most livable cities, Vancouver’s charming parks and spectacular beaches offer a serene escape. Visitors often catch their first glimpse during Alaskan cruises, but many find themselves longing to return and explore more of its alluring beauty and relaxed West Coast vibe.