Princess Cruises Alaska: 22 nights from San Francisco with Ruby Princess
Jun 6, 2025

Ketchikan

Wrangell

Haines

Sitka

Glacier Bay

Hubbard Glacier

Valdez

Seward

Unveiling Seward's Storied Past
Seward, Alaska, nestled at the head of Resurrection Bay, is a city with a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. Established in 1903 as the ocean terminus of the Alaska Railroad, Seward has been a pivotal point for exploration and commerce in Alaska. Named after William H. Seward, the United States Secretary of State who facilitated the purchase of Alaska from Russia, the city embodies the pioneering spirit of the American north. Its historical significance is further highlighted by the Iditarod National Historic Trail, which begins here, commemorating the early dog sled routes that connected Alaska's remote communities.

Seward enjoys a subpolar oceanic climate, making it milder than one might expect for its northern location. Summers are cool, with temperatures that invite outdoor exploration without the sweltering heat, while winters are relatively mild with moderate snowfall, making it a year-round destination. This climate supports a lush environment and encourages a rich biodiversity, both in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural wonders of Alaska.

Seward's attractions offer a deep dive into both its natural and human-made wonders. The Alaska SeaLife Center, a research facility and public aquarium, provides insights into Alaska's marine ecosystems. Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park, is easily accessible from Seward, offering up-close views of a retreating glacier. For adventurers, a cruise through the Kenai Fjords reveals stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and calving glaciers, embodying Alaska's raw beauty. These experiences make Seward an essential stop for visitors and cruisers seeking to connect with nature.

The culinary scene in Seward is deeply connected to its coastal environment, with fresh seafood dominating local menus. Restaurants and eateries offer dishes featuring halibut, salmon, and crab, caught in the nearby waters. The city's dining establishments range from casual, family-owned spots to upscale eateries, all emphasizing local ingredients and traditional Alaskan recipes. Sampling Seward's seafood is an immersion into the flavors that define this rich region.

Seward is not only a destination but also a premier starting point for cruises exploring Alaska's stunning coastline. The city's port serves as a gateway to the untouched wilderness of the Last Frontier, offering routes that navigate the pristine waters of the Gulf of Alaska and beyond. Starting a cruise from Seward allows travelers to extend their exploration of Alaska's landscapes and wildlife, making it an unforgettable beginning to a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights, Seward is an ideal embarkation point for an Alaskan cruise adventure.

College Fjord

Icy Strait Point

Skagway

Juneau

Diving into Juneau's Rich History
Juneau, Alaska's remote and stunning capital, boasts a history steeped in the lore of the Gold Rush era. Founded in 1880 after gold was discovered in the area, Juneau quickly grew from a miners' camp into a thriving city. Its rich past is preserved in sites like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the iconic Red Dog Saloon, which provide glimpses into the rugged days of prospectors and pioneers. This history, intertwined with the Tlingit Native American culture, offers a fascinating narrative that makes Juneau a unique American city.

Juneau's climate is a mix of oceanic and subpolar, leading to cool summers and mild winters, a rarity for its northern latitude. This climate supports a lush temperate rainforest, adding to the city's mystique and natural beauty. While rain is common, it enhances the verdant landscapes, making outdoor adventures in places like the Tongass National Forest unforgettable. Juneau's weather, with its misty days and clear, crisp nights, adds to the enchanting atmosphere of Alaska's capital.

The natural wonders surrounding Juneau are breathtaking, with the Mendenhall Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord standing out as highlights. The city serves as a gateway to outdoor activities, including glacier hiking, whale watching, and kayaking among icebergs. For a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscapes, the Mount Roberts Tramway offers panoramic vistas. Juneau's rich cultural heritage is also on display at the Sealaska Heritage Institute, celebrating the art and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska, making it a compelling destination for travelers and cruisers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Juneau's culinary scene is a testament to its rich natural resources, with fresh seafood taking center stage. The city's restaurants boast dishes featuring salmon, halibut, and crab, sourced from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific. Local breweries and distilleries add a modern twist to the dining experience, offering craft beers and spirits that incorporate Alaskan ingredients. The blend of traditional Alaskan dishes with contemporary culinary techniques provides a unique tasting journey through the region's flavors.

As a popular port of call and departure point for cruises, Juneau is the perfect start or finish to an Alaskan cruise adventure. The city's natural beauty and cultural depth enrich the cruise experience, offering travelers the chance to explore glaciers, rainforests, and wildlife before setting sail. With unique itineraries that take in the awe-inspiring Inside Passage and beyond, starting or ending your cruise in Juneau promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

Tracy Arm

Vancouver

Vancouver, situated in British Columbia, Canada, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene. Founded in 1886, Vancouver has grown into a bustling metropolis that offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Vancouver enjoys a temperate coastal climate with mild winters and warm summers, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The city experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, creating lush green landscapes and vibrant gardens. Summer months are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the city's numerous parks.

Discover Vancouver's iconic attractions, including Stanley Park with its scenic seawall and lush forests, Granville Island Public Market offering local artisanal products and gourmet foods, and the historic Gastown district known for its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, or take a stroll along the vibrant Robson Street for shopping and dining.

Indulge in Vancouver's culinary delights featuring fresh seafood like wild salmon, spot prawns, and Dungeness crab sourced from local waters. Try Pacific Northwest specialties such as smoked salmon, poutine with a West Coast twist, and craft beers from the city's thriving brewery scene. Don't miss out on exploring diverse international cuisines in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy.

Enhance your Vancouver experience by booking a cruise departing from this coastal city. Choose from a variety of cruise options that explore the scenic Inside Passage, visit Alaska's majestic glaciers, or sail along the Pacific Coast to destinations like California or Hawaii. A cruise from Vancouver promises breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures on the high seas.

Victoria

San Francisco

San Francisco, a city that rose from the Gold Rush frenzy of 1849, has a history as diverse and colorful as its population. This transformative event turned a small settlement into a booming city almost overnight, laying the groundwork for a place rich in cultural heritage and pioneering spirit. Landmarks like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the notorious Alcatraz Island tell stories of engineering marvels and tales of infamy. The city's storied past, from the devastating 1906 earthquake to the Summer of Love in 1967, showcases its resilience and capacity for reinvention, inviting visitors to explore its rich historical narrative.

San Francisco's climate is famously unpredictable, characterized by cool summers, foggy mornings, and mild winters. This microclimate, influenced by the cold currents of the Pacific Ocean, creates a unique weather pattern that can change from one neighborhood to the next. Despite its variability, the climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to exploring the city's numerous parks and beaches. The mild weather encourages visitors to enjoy the outdoor beauty and vibrant street life that define San Francisco's charm.

The attractions in San Francisco are as varied as the city itself. The historic cable cars offer a nostalgic ride through scenic routes, while Fisherman's Wharf provides a bustling waterfront experience with sea lions, seafood, and souvenir shops. The artistic enclave of the Mission District, with its vibrant street murals and the lush expanse of Golden Gate Park, offers cultural and natural escapes within the city. For tech enthusiasts, Silicon Valley's proximity provides a glimpse into the future. These attractions, among others, make San Francisco a must-visit for travelers and cruisers seeking a rich, diverse experience.

San Francisco's culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural mosaic, offering an array of international cuisines alongside farm-to-table freshness. The city is renowned for its sourdough bread, fresh Dungeness crab, and the invention of the Mission burrito. The thriving food scene spans from gourmet restaurants in the North Beach neighborhood, known as Little Italy, to the authentic Chinese eateries in Chinatown. San Francisco's emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients and culinary innovation makes it a paradise for food lovers.

San Francisco is not only a destination but also a premier starting point for cruises. The city's picturesque bay serves as a gateway to the Pacific, offering routes to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, and even trans-Pacific journeys to Asia. Embarking on a cruise from San Francisco allows travelers to extend their exploration of this eclectic city, from its historic landmarks to its culinary delights, before setting sail on an unforgettable maritime adventure. With its strategic location and stunning views, a cruise departing from San Francisco promises a journey as captivating as the city itself.