Embark on a journey that takes you from the sun-baked deserts of California to the awe-inspiring icy fjords of Alaska, where glaciers meet the sea and wildlife thrives in untouched landscapes.
Begin in Los Angeles, where you’ll stroll Hollywood Boulevard and uncover the city’s vibrant history. Travel to the serene oasis of Palm Springs, framed by the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, before venturing into the rugged wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park. From here, Arizona beckons with Sedona's spiritual red rock landscapes and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
Continue the excitement in Las Vegas, a city of endless entertainment set against a dramatic desert backdrop. Traverse Death Valley, the lowest and hottest point in North America, where stark beauty and fascinating history await. Ascend to the alpine grandeur of Yosemite National Park, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, before following the rugged Pacific Coastline to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where natural splendour meets artistic charm.
Conclude your land exploration in iconic San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge and hilly streets welcome you to a city rich in culture and history. From here, embark on a 10-night Alaskan cruise aboard the elegant Ruby Princess. Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, Ruby Princess is a shining jewel on the seas, offering nearly 900 balconies for stunning views. Enjoy Movies Under the Stars and indulge in diverse dining options, including Crown Grill, Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones.
Depending on your choice of itinerary, you could sail through Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm, marvel at calving glaciers and wildlife, and explore charming towns like Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan, each brimming with history and natural wonder. Prince Rupert with its lush rainforests and coastal charm, provides a delightful Canadian finale.
This amazing deal includes return international full-service flights, a 10-night Princess cruise, 11 nights of quality hotel accommodation, 38 meals, including all while cruising and more.
Want more? Arrive Early in Los Angeles or Stay Behind in San Francisco.
Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.
Today you'll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Los Angeles, California. On arrival, make your way to your own nearby airport hotel by complimentary shuttle or a short taxi ride. Once you've checked in, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Please note:
• Standard check-in time is 15:00 so if you arrive early, luggage storage will be available at reception until check-in.
• Some flights may depart on Day 0 and some flights may involve a layover of up to 8 hours.
Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles
Meals included: In-Flight
Today is a free day to explore Los Angeles at leisure.
Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning meet your tour leader and head out on a sightseeing tour of Hollywood for a walk down Hollywood Boulevard with the legendary Graumans Chinese Theatre where you will find the handprints of famous stars in the cement. Continue on and visit downtown, the business district and the Mexican quarter. This afternoon, depart Los Angeles and travel onwards to Palm Springs.
Palm Springs, California, is a sun-soaked desert oasis renowned for its blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the Coachella Valley and surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs offers a unique mix of relaxation, adventure, and mid-century modern charm.
Today driving distance is approximately 190 kilometres
Overnight: Palm Mountain Resort or similar, Palm Springs
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Palm Springs and travel onwards to beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a vast expanse of rugged wilderness that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and a rich cultural history. Named for the iconic Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that dot its landscape, the park covers over 790,000 acres and is characterized by its stunning desert scenery and diverse ecosystems.
Afterwards continue onwards to Arizona to Phoenix/Scottsdale, where you will check into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Today driving distance is approximately 450 kilometres
Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites or similar, Scottsdale
Meals included: None
This morning, departure to Sedona, where you will arrive in time to enjoy lunch on your own. Sedona has been revered as a magnificent spiritual haven since prehistoric times. Native Americans have been coming to Sedona for their religious ceremonies, their spiritual awakenings, their rites of passage and their weddings for hundreds of years. Red sandstone cliffs rise a thousand feet above the valley floor. Buttes, mesas and pinnacles of rock rise throughout the valley.
Afterwards head north to the iconic Grand Canyon, a superb geological phenomenon and most certainly one of the highlights of your trip. Walk along the South Rim to see one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring wonders in the world. The Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of wind and water erosion and it's an endless expanse of shapes, colours and impenetrable shadows. The Colorado River flows over a mile below the canyon rim.
Finish the day in Flagstaff where you will check into your accommodation for an evening at leisure.
Today driving distance is approximately 500 kilometres
Overnight: Days Hotel or similar, Flagstaff
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning depart Arizona and travel into Nevada to Las Vegas, also known as “Sin City.” On the way, make a stop in the kitschy town of Seligman along the famous Route 66. On arrival in Las Vegas enjoy some time at the Outlets before checking into your hotel conveniently located on 'The Strip'.
Today driving distance is approximately 360 kilometres
Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas
Meals included: Breakfast
Full day at leisure to relax by the pool, try your hand in the casino, do some shopping, or you can opt to enjoy one of the many shows and concerts that play daily.
Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas
Meals included: None
This morning, you'll cross the Nevada desert on your way to Pahrump and Shoshone. Upon entering the state of California, you'll descend to the impressive Death Valley which is 97 metres below sea level. This area is so desolate that the first cowboys who ventured here described it as ‘no stream to drink from, no tree to hang from’. You'll discover Badwater Basin (if weather permits) which is the lowest spot in the valley, Furnace Creek and the Stovepipe dunes. Visit the Borax Museum featuring displays about the history of borax mining in Death Valley before continuing to Mammoth Lakes and checking in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 600-kilometre travel day.
Please note: Departure dates in April and May will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.
Today driving distance is approximately 550 kilometres
Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn or similar, Mammoth Lakes OR Hourglass Hotel or similar, Bakersfield
Meals included: None
This morning, you'll depart Mammoth Lakes (or Bakersfield) and drive to the majestic Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the state of California. You might find that Yosemite surprises you with its fresh Alpine landscapes, pine forests, magnificent waterfalls and sheer white monolithic cliffs that tower over the valley. You'll discover Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls, as well as visit a pioneer village in the southern part of the park.
You'll then drive down the mountains and across the fertile agricultural lands of Central Valley to arrive in Merced where you will check in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 450-kilometre travel day.
Please note: Departure dates from November to June will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.
Today driving distance is approximately 300 kilometres
Overnight: Days Inn Yosemite or similar, Merced
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Merced for the California coast, specifically the Monterey Peninsula with its splendid beaches, cypress trees and cliffs. It has been a favorite spot for many American and European painters and poets. Tour of the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made immortal by the writer John Steinbeck. Continue along the coast to nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with untouched beaches and attractive shops. Continue onwards to San Francisco where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Today's driving distance is approximately 400 kilometres
Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco
Meals included: Breakfast
Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed, and documented cities in the world, a tantalizing mixture of history and modern sophistication. Built on several hills, the city is the gem of the magnificent bay at the foot of these hills. Today you will see the business district, Union Square, Chinatown, then cross world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to the picturesque town of Sausalito across the bay. Finish the day back at your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart 15:00
Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the San Francisco Cruise Port where you will board the Ruby Princess for your 10-night Alaska Cruise.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 09:00 - Depart 16:00
Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travellers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.
In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage Port Alaska's fourth-largest city.
Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colourful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Juneau: 2nd May, 12th May and 21st July 2026 Departure Dates:
Arrive 10:00 - Depart 21:00
In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans."
From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually, the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.
Today Juneau is famous not only for gold and government but also for its breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and stunning views of both water and mountains.
Haines: 10th August 2026 Departure Date:
Arrive 12:00pm - Depart 22:00
A canoe slipped into the mouth of the Chilkat Inlet in November 1879, carrying Presbyterian missionary S. Hall Young and his friend John Muir. Young told the Chilkat Indians that he wanted to build a Christian town so he chose space between two waterways, the Chilkat River and the Lynn Canal, and the town of Haines was born.
During the 1900s, a permanent army post was built and named Fort William H. Seward. The post was abandoned in 1946 and sold to a group of veterans who re-established it as Port Chilkoot. In 1970, the area became part of the City of Haines and when the fort became a national historic site in 1972, the name was changed back to Fort William H. Seward.
Haines is the home of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve where as many as 4,000 bald eagles gather each fall to feast on spawning salmon along the Chilkat River. Naturalists and photographers come from all over the world to witness one of the most unusual and impressive sights in nature's kingdom. As many as 80 have been seen perched in a single tree and more than a hundred may be captured within the frame of a single photograph.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Skagway: 2nd May and 12th May 2026 Departure Dates:
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 20:00
Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest.
Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail.
The gold rush was a boon and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome.
Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavour of the Gold Rush era.
Haines: 21st July 2026 Departure Date:
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 21:00
Haines is the home of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve where as many as 4,000 bald eagles gather each fall to feast on spawning salmon along the Chilkat River. Naturalists and photographers come from all over the world to witness one of the most unusual and impressive sights in nature's kingdom. As many as 80 have been seen perched in a single tree and more than a hundred may be captured within the frame of a single photograph.
Juneau: 10th August 2026 Departure Date:
Arrive 08:00 - Depart 21:00
In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans." From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world.
By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually, the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 05:00 - Depart 09:00
This narrow fjord is located approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Juneau and is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Breathtaking Endicott Arm extends over 48 kilometres long with nearly one-fifth of its area covered in ice. At the head of the fjord, tidewater glaciers such as the Dawes Glacier, regularly expel enormous chunks of ice into the waters below in a magnificent process known as calving. During the summer, icebergs float along the surface of the glistening water in an array of sizes from just a few inches up to three stories wide.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbour seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area. As you glide through the pristine fjord, you'll first pass by a lush forest where a number of beautiful waterfalls cascade down before being treated to views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers.
Please note: Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are scenic cruising destinations. Your cruise will not dock on this day of the itinerary.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 14:00
Historic Prince Rupert captivates both mind and heart with its maritime history and awe-inspiring scenery. Located near the Alaska panhandle, Prince Rupert was established in 1910 as the intersection of commerce and trade for First Nations people and continued to develop as a town when selected as the western terminus for the Grand Turk Pacific Railway.
Nestled within a temperate rainforest, it experiences 220 days of rain each year, earning it the poetic nickname "The City of Rainbows." But from within the raindrops, Prince Rupert shines with heritage charms best seen in its Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum, The Museum of Northern British Columbia and the historic North Pacific Cannery compound (charges may apply).
Its stunning vistas captured in flight from the window of a seaplane adventure amaze travellers (not included). Abundant wildlife can be observed on land at the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary or seen from the deck of a wildlife cruise on the chilly waters where breaching humpback whales and soaring eagles inspire (charges may apply).
You could choose to hike through the Butze Rainforest or the Exchamsiks River Provincial Park, then end the day with a stroll among the colourful gift shops stopping in a charming bistro to sample the freshest catch of the day (charges may apply).
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00
After breakfast, disembark and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Please note: Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at both the cruise port and San Francisco International Airport (fees apply).
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Meals included: None
Meals included: None
Today you'll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Los Angeles, California. On arrival, make your own way to your nearby airport hotel by complimentary shuttle or a short taxi ride. Once you've checked in, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Please note:
• Standard check-in time is 15:00 so if you arrive early, luggage storage will be available at reception until check-in.
• Some flights may depart on Day 0 and some flights may involve a layover of up to 8 hours.
Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles
Meals included: In-Flight
Today is a free day to explore Los Angeles at leisure.
Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, meet your tour leader and head out on a sightseeing tour of Hollywood for a walk down Hollywood Boulevard with the legendary Graumans Chinese Theatre where you will find the handprints of famous stars in the cement. Continue and visit downtown, the business district and the Mexican quarter. This afternoon, depart Los Angeles and travel onwards to Palm Springs.
Palm Springs, California, is a sun-soaked desert oasis renowned for its blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the Coachella Valley and surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs offers a unique mix of relaxation, adventure, and mid-century modern charm.
Today driving distance is approximately 190 kilometres
Overnight: Palm Mountain Resort or similar, Palm Springs
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Palm Springs and travel onwards to beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a vast expanse of rugged wilderness that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and a rich cultural history. Named for the iconic Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that dot its landscape, the park covers over 790,000 acres and is characterized by its stunning desert scenery and diverse ecosystems.
Afterwards continue onwards to Arizona to Phoenix/Scottsdale, where you will check into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Today driving distance is approximately 450 kilometres
Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites or similar, Scottsdale
Meals included: None
This morning, departure to Sedona, where you will arrive in time to enjoy lunch on your own. Sedona has been revered as a magnificent spiritual haven since prehistoric times. Native Americans have been coming to Sedona for their religious ceremonies, their spiritual awakenings, their rites of passage and their weddings for hundreds of years. Red sandstone cliffs rise a thousand feet above the valley floor. Buttes, mesas and pinnacles of rock rise throughout the valley.
Afterwards head north to the iconic Grand Canyon, a superb geological phenomenon and most certainly one of the highlights of your trip. Walk along the South Rim to see one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring wonders in the world. The Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of wind and water erosion and it's an endless expanse of shapes, colours and impenetrable shadows. The Colorado River flows over a mile below the canyon rim.
Finish the day in Flagstaff where you will check into your accommodation for an evening at leisure.
Today driving distance is approximately 500 kilometres
Overnight: Days Hotel or similar, Flagstaff
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning depart Arizona and travel into Nevada to Las Vegas, also known as “Sin City.” On the way, make a stop in the kitschy town of Seligman along the famous Route 66. On arrival in Las Vegas enjoy some time at the Outlets before checking into your hotel conveniently located on 'The Strip'.
Today driving distance is approximately 360 kilometres
Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas
Meals included: Breakfast
Full day at leisure to relax by the pool, try your hand in the casino, do some shopping, or you can opt to enjoy one of the many shows and concerts that play daily.
Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas
Meals included: None
This morning, you'll cross the Nevada desert on your way to Pahrump and Shoshone. Upon entering the state of California, you'll descend to the impressive Death Valley which is 97 metres below sea level. This area is so desolate that the first cowboys who ventured here described it as ‘no stream to drink from, no tree to hang from’. You'll discover Badwater Basin (if weather permits) which is the lowest spot in the valley, Furnace Creek and the Stovepipe dunes. Visit the Borax Museum featuring displays about the history of borax mining in Death Valley before continuing to Mammoth Lakes and checking in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 600-kilometre travel day.
Please note: Departure dates in April and May will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.
Today driving distance is approximately 550 kilometres
Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn or similar, Mammoth Lakes OR Hourglass Hotel or similar, Bakersfield
Meals included: None
This morning, you'll depart Mammoth Lakes (or Bakersfield) and drive to the majestic Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the state of California. You might find that Yosemite surprises you with its fresh Alpine landscapes, pine forests, magnificent waterfalls and sheer white monolithic cliffs that tower over the valley. You'll discover Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls, as well as visit a pioneer village in the southern part of the park.
You'll then drive down the mountains and across the fertile agricultural lands of Central Valley to arrive in Merced where you will check in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 450-kilometre travel day.
Please note: Departure dates from November to June will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.
Today driving distance is approximately 300 kilometres
Overnight: Days Inn Yosemite or similar, Merced
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Merced for the California coast, specifically the Monterey Peninsula with its splendid beaches, cypress trees and cliffs. It has been a favourite spot for many American and European painters and poets. Tour of the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made immortal by the writer John Steinbeck. Continue along the coast to nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with untouched beaches and attractive shops. Continue onwards to San Francisco where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Todays driving distance is approximately 400 kilometres
Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco
Meals included: Breakfast
Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed, and documented cities in the world, a tantalizing mixture of history and modern sophistication. Built on several hills, the city is the gem of the magnificent bay at the foot of these hills. Today you will see the business district, Union Square, Chinatown, then cross world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to the picturesque town of Sausalito across the bay. Finish the day back at your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart 15:00
Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the San Francisco Cruise Port where you will board the Ruby Princess for your 10-night Alaska Cruise.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 16:00 - Depart 20:00
This narrow fjord is located approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Juneau and is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Breathtaking Endicott Arm extends over 48 kilometres long with nearly one-fifth of its area covered in ice. At the head of the fjord, tidewater glaciers such as the Dawes Glacier, regularly expel enormous chunks of ice into the waters below in a magnificent process known as calving. During the summer, icebergs float along the surface of the glistening water in an array of sizes from just a few inches up to three stories wide.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Endicott Arm is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbour seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area. As you glide through the pristine fjord, you'll first pass by a lush forest where a number of beautiful waterfalls cascade down before being treated to views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers.
Please note: Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are scenic cruising destinations. Your cruise will not dock on this day of the itinerary.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 20:00
Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest.
Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail.
The gold rush was a boon and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome.
Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavour of the Gold Rush era.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 06:00 - Depart 16:00
In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans."
From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than $150 million in gold had been mined. Eventually, the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.
Today Juneau is famous not only for gold and government but also for its breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and stunning views of both water and mountains.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 10:00 - Depart 18:00
Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travellers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.
In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage Port Alaska's fourth-largest city.
Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colourful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00 - Depart 14:00
Historic Prince Rupert captivates both mind and heart with its maritime history and awe-inspiring scenery. Located near the Alaska panhandle, Prince Rupert was established in 1910 as the intersection of commerce and trade for First Nations people and continued to develop as a town when selected as the western terminus for the Grand Turk Pacific Railway.
Nestled within a temperate rainforest, it experiences 220 days of rain each year, earning it the poetic nickname "The City of Rainbows." But from within the raindrops, Prince Rupert shines with heritage charms best seen in its Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum, The Museum of Northern British Columbia and the historic North Pacific Cannery compound (charges may apply).
Its stunning vistas captured in flight from the window of a seaplane adventure amaze travellers (not included). Abundant wildlife can be observed on land at the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary or seen from the deck of a wildlife cruise on the chilly waters where breaching humpback whales and soaring eagles inspire (charges may apply).
You could choose to hike through the Butze Rainforest or the Exchamsiks River Provincial Park, then end the day with a stroll among the colourful gift shops stopping in a charming bistro to sample the freshest catch of the day (charges may apply).
Please note: Cruise timings may vary depending on the departure date selected.
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00
After breakfast, disembark and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Please note: Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at both the cruise port and San Francisco International Airport (fees apply). Arrival times may vary depending on the departure date selected.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Today you'll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Los Angeles, California. On arrival, make your own way to your nearby airport hotel by complimentary shuttle or a short taxi ride. Once you've checked in, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Please note:
• Standard check-in time is 15:00 so if you arrive early, luggage storage will be available at reception until check-in.
• Some flights may depart on Day 0 and some flights may involve a layover of up to 8 hours.
Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles
Meals included: In-Flight
Today is a free day to explore Los Angeles at leisure.
Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, depart Los Angeles and travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, also known as “Sin City.” On arrival in Las Vegas enjoy some time at the Outlets before checking into your hotel, conveniently located on 'The Strip'.
Today's driving distance is approximately 430 kilometres.
Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas
Meals included: Breakfast
Full day at leisure to relax by the pool, do some shopping, or you can opt to enjoy one of the many shows and concerts that play daily.
Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas
Meals included: None
This morning, depart Las Vegas for Flagstaff where you will check into your accommodation for an evening at leisure. On the way, make a stop in the kitschy town of Seligman along the famous Route 66.
Today's driving distance is approximately 425 kilometres.
Overnight: Days Inn or similar, Flagstaff
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, head north to the iconic Grand Canyon, a superb geological phenomenon and most certainly one of the highlights of your trip. Walk along the South Rim to see one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of wind and water erosion and it’s an endless expanse of shapes, colours and impenetrable shadows. The Colorado River flows over 1600 metres below the canyon rim.
Then head to Sedona where you will have time to enjoy lunch on your own. Sedona has been revered as a magnificent spiritual haven since prehistoric times. Native Americans have been coming to Sedona for their religious ceremonies, their spiritual awakenings, their rites of passage and their weddings for hundreds of years. Red sandstone cliffs rise hundreds of metres above the valley floor. Buttes, mesas and pinnacles of rock rise throughout the valley.
Afterwards continue onwards to Arizona’s Phoenix/Scottsdale, where you will check into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Today's driving distance is approximately 500 kilometres.
Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Scottsdale
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Scottsdale and travel onwards to beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a vast expanse of rugged wilderness that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and a rich cultural history. Named for the iconic Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that dot its landscape, the park covers over 790,000 acres and is characterised by its stunning desert scenery and diverse ecosystems.
Later, depart Joshua Tree National Park and travel onwards to Palm Springs.
Palm Springs, California, is a sun-soaked desert oasis renowned for its blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the Coachella Valley and surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs offers a unique mix of relaxation, adventure, and mid-century modern charm.
Today's driving distance is approximately 450 kilometres.
Overnight: Palm Mountain Resort or similar, Palm Springs
Meals included: None
This morning, you'll head north and then descend to the impressive Death Valley which is 97 metres below sea level. This area is so desolate that the first cowboys who ventured here described it as ‘no stream to drink from, no tree to hang from’. You'll discover Badwater Basin (if weather permits) which is the lowest spot in the valley, Furnace Creek and the Stovepipe dunes. Visit the Borax Museum featuring displays about the history of borax mining in Death Valley before continuing to Bakersfield and checking in for an evening at leisure.
Today's driving distance is approximately 650 kilometres
Overnight: Hourglass Hotel or similar, Bakersfield
Meals included: None
This morning, you'll depart Bakersfield and drive to the majestic Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the state of California. You might find that Yosemite surprises you with its fresh Alpine landscapes, pine forests, magnificent waterfalls and sheer white monolithic cliffs that tower over the valley. You'll discover Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls, as well as visit a pioneer village in the southern part of the park.
You'll then drive down the mountains and across the fertile agricultural lands of Central Valley to arrive in Merced where you will check in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 450-kilometre travel day.
Please note: Departure dates from November to June will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.
Today driving distance is approximately 300 kilometres
Overnight: Days Inn Yosemite or similar, Merced
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, depart Merced for the California coast, specifically the Monterey Peninsula with its splendid beaches, cypress trees and cliffs. It has been a favourite spot for many American and European painters and poets. Tour the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made immortal by the writer John Steinbeck. Continue along the coast to nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with untouched beaches and attractive shops. Continue onwards to San Francisco where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Today's driving distance is approximately 400 kilometres.
Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco
Meals included: Breakfast
Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed, and documented cities in the world, a tantalising mixture of history and modern sophistication. Built on several hills, the city is the gem of the magnificent bay at the foot of these hills. Today you will see the business district, Union Square and Chinatown, then cross the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to the picturesque town of Sausalito across the bay. Finish the day back at your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart 15:00
Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the San Francisco Cruise Port where you will board the Ruby Princess for your 10-night Alaska Cruise.
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 14:00 - Depart 22:00
In 1799, the Russian explorer Alexander Baranof founded New Archangel next to the Tlingit village of Sitka.
This was the beginning of the permanent Russian settlement in North America. But New Archangel was destroyed three years later by the Tlingit Indians in an attempt to reclaim their ancestral home. Their brief victory ended in 1804 when Baranof returned with warships and retook Sitka in the Battle of Alaska. Sitka was now the capital of Russian America.
In 1867, the Imperial Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased Alaska. With the discovery of gold and the rapid population growth that followed, Alaska's capital was moved north to Juneau in 1906.
Today, picturesque Sitka, sitting opposite snow-capped Mount Edgecumbe, is known for its fishing, its annual summer classical-music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions.
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 09:15 - Depart 18:15
Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, the highlight of your Alaska cruise. Just west of Juneau, this breathtaking national park boasts some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers such as Margerie Glacier which often drops colossal chunks of ice into the sea. Not surprisingly, Glacier Bay National Park and its epic ice giants are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Alaska's magnificent park system.
During your scenic cruise, friendly Park Rangers will join the ship to share their knowledge of this amazing place and host a fun Junior Ranger program for kids. They may even be able to help you identify Glacier Bay's abundant wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, porpoises, harbour seals, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and large colonies of seabirds.
Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy an unforgettable day of sailing through this dazzling park where you'll glide along emerald waters and past calving icebergs.
Please note: Glacier Bay National Park is a scenic cruising destination. Your cruise will not dock on this day of the itinerary.
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 06:00 - Depart 17:00
Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest.
Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail.
The gold rush was a boon and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome.
Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavour of the Gold Rush era.
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 13:00 - Depart 21:00
Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travellers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.
In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage Port Alaska's fourth-largest city.
Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colourful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument (optional shore excursion).
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 09:00 - Depart 16:00
Historic Prince Rupert captivates both mind and heart with its maritime history and awe-inspiring scenery. Located near the Alaska panhandle, Prince Rupert was established in 1910 as the intersection of commerce and trade for First Nations people and continued to develop as a town when selected as the western terminus for the Grand Turk Pacific Railway.
Nestled within a temperate rainforest, it experiences 220 days of rain each year, earning it the poetic nickname "The City of Rainbows." But from within the raindrops, Prince Rupert shines with heritage charms best seen in its Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum, The Museum of Northern British Columbia and the historic North Pacific Cannery compound (charges may apply).
Its stunning vistas captured in flight from the window of a seaplane adventure amaze travellers (not included). Abundant wildlife can be observed on land at the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary or seen from the deck of a wildlife cruise on the chilly waters where breaching humpback whales and soaring eagles inspire (charges may apply).
You could choose to hike through the Butze Rainforest or the Exchamsiks River Provincial Park, then end the day with a stroll among the colourful gift shops stopping in a charming bistro to sample the freshest catch of the day (charges may apply).
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Princess Cruises 'Ruby Princess' Ship
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Arrive 07:00
After breakfast, disembark and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
Please note: Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at both the cruise port and San Francisco International Airport (fees apply).
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Meals included: None
Meals included: None
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