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Join us August 10-20, 2019 on the stunning Crystal Symphony as we set sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to the wilds of Alaska and thundering glaciers! From its breathtaking glaciers and impressive wildlife to its rich Tlingit heritage and fascinating gold-rush lore, here is a land that enchants everyone who visits.
Itinerary for the 10-Day Alaskan Grandeur
August 10, Saturday: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Prosperous and vibrant Vancouver is Canada's third-largest city and British Columbia's most cosmopolitan center. Enjoy exploring the restored Gastown district or discovering the intrigue of Chinatown. Seize this opportunity to sample delicacies from the sea, explore the North Shore and Stanley Park, the largest natural park of any city on the North American continent, and browse among shops and galleries in Granville Island. Blessed with an unsurpassed natural backdrop, Vancouver is set amid a gorgeous landscape of water and mountains. On a clear day, one can view rugged mountains, emerald-green parklands and the luminous sea from almost any vantage point.
August 11, Sunday: day at sea - Cruising the Inside Passage
Protected from the open sea by forested isles, sheltered from the windy mainland by the tallest coastal mountains in the world, this 1,000-mile waterway seems custom-made by nature for a cruise. The deep, calm waters of the passage meander between dense pine forests where wild game abounds, with occasional rustic towns along the way.
August 12, Monday: Sitka, Alaska, USA
The symmetrical cone of Mount Edgecumbe and countless green-tufted islands welcome Crystal Symphony to picturesque Sitka. In its heyday, it was referred to as the "Paris of the Pacific" and knew great prosperity. Although founded by Alexander Baranof in 1799, it wasn't until 1867, when Alaska was purchased by the United States, that the Stars and Stripes replaced the Russian flag. As Russia's former capital in the New World, Sitka still retains its exotic heritage, boasting proud architecture and unique historical sites.
August 13, Tuesday: Haines, Alaska, USA
Haines boasts year round fun for the entire family, located along the edge of North America's longest and deepest fjord, just 68 nautical miles north of Juneau in Southeast Alaska. Craggy mountain peaks tower above a lush coastal rainforest with temperate seasons that call to the adventurer in all of us. Fill the long daylight hours of summer with a rafting trip, a deep-sea halibut fishing charter, or a hike through an ancient spruce forest. Visit museums dedicated to the earliest residents, the Native Tlingit people, and a national favorite, the American Bald Eagle. And if your still up for more, explore gold rush era Fort William H. Seward, or find yourself alone at the end of a rocky beach trail.
August 14, Wednesday: Juneau, Alaska, USA
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a town accessible only by air and sea. It was founded during the rush for gold in the 1880s and was named after Joe Juneau, the prospector who first discovered gold in this state. Today, much of its independent frontier atmosphere remains. The infamous and rowdy Red Dog Saloon coexists beside impressive modern office towers. It has a superb location, snuggled between the flanks of 3,600-foot Mt. Juneau and the picturesque Gastineau Channel. Mountains, glaciers and the sea are everywhere to be seen. Among its many attractions, Juneau is our gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier, a 12-mile river of ice that is Alaska's most accessible, and most photographed, glacier.
August 15, Thursday: Hoonah, Alaska, USA
The Tlingit people gave Hoonah not only its name, which means “where the north wind doesn’t blow,— but also an interesting culture and history with roots going back hundreds of years. Today, carvings and totem sites, including the Huna Tribal House Carving Project in the middle of town, present local legends in fascinating color and detail. Located in Alaska’s panhandle 30 miles west of Juneau, Hoonah also offers an abundance of what this northerly clime is known for: scenery and wildlife. Pick your statistic and chances are Hoonah holds top honors. For instance, a record 161 humpback whales were identified near Hoonah in 2007. The current record-holding coho salmon was reeled in at the nearby Icy Strait, and a 440-pound world-record halibut was also caught in these environs. As for the area’s four-footed creatures, Chichagof Island (on which Hoonah is situated) is home to the world’s largest brown bear population. No matter how you look at it, Hoonah is a rugged paradise not to be missed.
August 16, Friday: day at sea - Cruising Tracy Arm - Endicott Arm
Aboard the most award-winning ships at sea, your story can be written exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; learn how to translate your story into a movie with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Digital Filmmaking class at our Creative Learning Institute ®; or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers with our Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theatre, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply lounge poolside while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. From mat Pilates and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs with new Modern Cuisine and Global Inspired menus, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, breakout new production shows, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices as always aboard the World’s Best are yours. How will you write your story on board?
August 17, Saturday: Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world and a paradise for fishermen and nature-lovers alike. A quiet city, it hosts quaint restaurants perched on stilts above the water, scores of fascinating shops and spectacular views from every vantage point. Although Ketchikan's Indian name means "Thundering Wings of an Eagle," it is also known as "Alaska's First City," so coined as it is frequently the first stop along the Inside Passage.Venture ashore and discover Ketchikan's rich Indian heritage, visit the world's largest collection of authentic totem poles at Totem Bight and walk along the rustic boardwalk on Creek Street where stilt-buildings in the harbor preserve a distinct pioneer feel. Or, we welcome you to paddle a kayak on sheltered waters, take a floatplane to a remote mountain lake or try your hand at sportfishing. Regardless of how you plan to spend your time in "Alaska's First City," we're sure your visit will be a memorable one.
August 18, Sunday: day at Sea - Cruising the Inside Passage
Protected from the open sea by forested isles, sheltered from the windy mainland by the tallest coastal mountains in the world, this 1,000-mile waterway seems custom-made by nature for a cruise. The deep, calm waters of the passage meander between dense pine forests where wild game abounds, with occasional rustic towns along the way.
August 19, Monday: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Discovered by Captain Cook over two centuries ago, the lovely city of Victoria has successfully nurtured its English ambiance and heritage. Wonderful legacies are preserved with bright red double-decker buses and the delicious tradition of high tea.
Shops brim with tartans, china, silver and antiques. From the landmark Empress Hotel to the impressive Parliament Buildings, city streets are filled with gracious architecture. A glorious profusion of colorful flowers abounds within the hanging baskets on every lamppost and at the world-famous Butchart Gardens.
Victoria is an atmospheric city which brims with old-world charm.
August 20, Tuesday: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - Disembark
Today you arrive into Vancouver and disembark in the morning. Stay an extra night or two and discover the emerald gem in Canada's crown jewel. Prosperous and vibrant Vancouver is Canada's third-largest city and British Columbia's most cosmopolitan center. Enjoy exploring the restored Gastown district or discovering the intrigue of Chinatown. Seize this opportunity to sample delicacies from the sea, explore the North Shore and Stanley Park, the largest natural park of any city on the North American continent, and browse among shops and galleries in Granville Island. Blessed with an unsurpassed natural backdrop, Vancouver is set amid a gorgeous landscape of water and mountains. On a clear day, one can view rugged mountains, emerald-green parklands and the luminous sea from almost any vantage point.
** All itineraries and times are subject to change including ports and/or cruise itinerary
Crystal Symphony
Voted by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler editors as one of the best ships in the world. The Crystal Symphony is the ultimate in luxury and indulgence without the pretense. Your Crystal Cruises® Exclusive Fare includes: all beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary evening of specialty restaurant dining in Prego and at least once in Silk Road or The Sushi Bar (additional reservations or visits available for a modest fee.); 24-hour room service; complimentary Wi-Fi/Internet access; attentive Butler service in all Penthouse categories; enrichment workshop series featuring lectures by renowned authors, ambassadors, celebrities and destination experts; fitness programs including yoga, golf instruction and mat Pilates; and much more.
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