Viking Oceans Cruises – North Pacific Passage (Japan, United States, Canada) 23 Days

Tokyo, Japan
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Tokyo is a spellbinding blend of neon splendor and tranquil Shinto shrines, towering skyscrapers and meditative Zen gardens. Founded as the tiny fishing village of Edo, Tokyo’s history was shaped by emperors and shoguns. As the Edo period progressed, it grew into one of the world’s largest cities, as it remains today. Tokyoites embrace the traditional and the cosmopolitan here, both worshipping at the city’s Asakusa Kannon Temple and frequenting the high-end retail stores of the Ginza district, all while the distant symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over the city.

Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo as a city was officially dissolved in 1943 and 23 independent municipalities were formed, known as ku. Each neighborhood is representative of a small city yet collectively, they are still recognized as Tokyo. Exploring this vast city is easy, thanks to Tokyo’s excellent transport system. Look to the skies and admire its ever-changing skyline with towering buildings in every corner of the city. Observation platforms feature in many, including Mori Tower or the Metropolitan Government Building.

Shore Excursions – Tokyo Panorama
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a scenic drive as you set out on a tour of Japan’s center of education and culture, and economic hub. This thriving city offers excitement with its changing skyline, yet remnants of its tranquil past endure. Board your motor coach and drive over Rainbow Bridge. This 2,620-foot suspension bridge is an engineering marvel. See the Odaiba Fuji TV building with its sphere-shaped observatory, and drive past Tokyo Tower—Japan’s second-tallest building. Pass the opulent State Guest Houses and stately House of Parliament before arriving at the Imperial Palace. Take time to enjoy a short stroll through the pine grove–lined plaza and pass the bronze statue of the 14th-century samurai. Drive through the Ginza district and pass the Kabuki-za Theater before returning to your ship.

Scenic Sailing: Tsugaro Strait
The Tsugaru Strait links the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean, flowing between Japan’s two major islands—Honshū to the south and Hokkaidō to the north. At its narrowest point, just 12 miles wide, green slopes rise on the Tsugaru Peninsula to the south and the coastal Matsumae to the north. Halfway through, a broad channel flows into Honshū to form Mutsu Bay. At the strait’s other narrow point, the small town of Ōma rests on the northernmost tip of Honshū; opposite, Hokkaidō’s Hakodate, with its namesake mountain watching over, is one of Japan’s most modern cities.

Sapporo (Otaru), Japan
Sapporo is renowned for its traditional cuisine, green spaces, revered shrines and market culture. The city was developed with the help of President Ulysses S. Grant’s commissioner of agriculture, who became an oyatoi gaikokujin, a foreign adviser, at Grant’s request. Since then, Sapporo has been recognized for its ability to transform the natural world into the highest art. It is, however, perhaps better known as the city where miso ramen was invented; restaurants line the historic Original Sapporo Ramen Alley to celebrate the noodle’s many forms.

Shore Excursions – Sapporo Highlights
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Explore the history and culture of the island of Hokkaidō during visits to a holy site and open air museum. Embark on a scenic drive with your guide into the picturesque city of Sapporo, spread at the foot of Mt. Moiwa, and visit the Hokkaidō Shrine. Set in deeply forested grounds, this sacred place exudes a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. After time to reflect, continue outside the city and travel back in time to the island’s frontier days at the Historical Village of Hokkaidō. Featuring buildings from the mid-19th to early 20th century, this open air museum showcases the industries, lifestyles and culture of the times through authentic recreations of a town and several different villages. Tour the replica of a traditional candy store while learning about this important period in Hokkaidō’s history. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – Sapporo, Spirituality & The Olympics
Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
Experience spiritual and sporting highlights on this journey to the Hokkaido Shrine and the Olympic Museum. Embark on a scenic drive with your guide into the picturesque city of Sapporo, overlooked by the majestic Mt. Moiwa. Visit the tranquil Hokkaido Shrine and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection among the lush forests. Continue to Mt. Okurayama, home to the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and the Sapporo Olympic Museum. Here, you will learn about Sapporo’s history with the Olympic Games, from its revoked hosting privileges in 1940 to holding the first Winter Olympic Games in Asia in 1972. Immerse yourself in the excitement and living memories of both the Olympics and Paralympics as you view exhibits highlighting Sapporo’s connection to the Games, notable athletes and the history and development of winter sports. After,  return to your coach for the drive back to your ship.

Sapporo (Otaru), Japan
Sapporo is located along the Ishikari Bay, an inlet of the Sea of Japan. It is not only the capital but also the largest city of Hokkaidō island, often referred to as the “Kingdom of Food.” As such, savvy travelers can be certain a visit to Sapporo will not leave them in want of tasty delights—particularly fresh seafood, for which the city has become nearly synonymous. From crab to salmon roe to sea urchin, some of the finest selection of seafood can be found in downtown Sapporo at the historic Nijo Fish Market, where visitors can indulge in sushi or a kaisendon.

Shore Excursions – Sapporo Highlights
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Explore the history and culture of the island of Hokkaidō during visits to a holy site and open air museum. Embark on a scenic drive with your guide into the picturesque city of Sapporo, spread at the foot of Mt. Moiwa, and visit the Hokkaidō Shrine. Set in deeply forested grounds, this sacred place exudes a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. After time to reflect, continue outside the city and travel back in time to the island’s frontier days at the Historical Village of Hokkaidō. Featuring buildings from the mid-19th to early 20th century, this open air museum showcases the industries, lifestyles and culture of the times through authentic recreations of a town and several different villages. Tour the replica of a traditional candy store while learning about this important period in Hokkaidō’s history. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – Sapporo, Spirituality & The Olympics
Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
Experience spiritual and sporting highlights on this journey to the Hokkaido Shrine and the Olympic Museum. Embark on a scenic drive with your guide into the picturesque city of Sapporo, overlooked by the majestic Mt. Moiwa. Visit the tranquil Hokkaido Shrine and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection among the lush forests. Continue to Mt. Okurayama, home to the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and the Sapporo Olympic Museum. Here, you will learn about Sapporo’s history with the Olympic Games, from its revoked hosting privileges in 1940 to holding the first Winter Olympic Games in Asia in 1972. Immerse yourself in the excitement and living memories of both the Olympics and Paralympics as you view exhibits highlighting Sapporo’s connection to the Games, notable athletes and the history and development of winter sports. After,  return to your coach for the drive back to your ship.

Sail the North Pacific Ocean
The Mighty Pacific Leg is one of the most anticipated crossings of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The crossing of the North Pacific Ocean, one of the last great wildernesses on the planet, is one of the race’s highlights. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Cross the International Dateline (East)
Crossing the International Date Line is a time-honored travel milestone long marked by ceremony. Heading east across this imaginary line between the poles sets the clock back 24 hours, effectively gaining a day. While traversing this meridian, it is tradition to celebrate the occasion by raising a glass to the event.

Sail the Bering Sea
Set sail into one of the world’s most productive eco-systems. The Bering Sea boasts deep marine canyons that feature varied temperatures, creating upwellings of nutrients that attract countless hungry fish and predators. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in the Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail. 

Scenic Sailing: Gulf of Alaska
The Gulf of Alaska stretches from the Aleutian Islands to the Inside Passage. Teeming with marine life, it meets dramatic shores lined with the pristine wilderness for which Alaska is celebrated. The state’s famed soaring mountains dominate the landscape, their ravines and peaks draped with snow. Lush green forests spill down steep slopes and gleaming tidewater glaciers stand like white monoliths at the water’s edge. The tiny outpost towns and villages that dot the shoreline still rely on the sea for their livelihood, offering a glimpse into life in this unspoiled region.

Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer is a quaint town situated along the picturesque shores of Kachemak Bay that boasts a thriving art scene. Originally a failed gold mining settlement, Homer eventually found its industry in coal mining and halibut fishing, with its residents coming to call it “the halibut fishing capital of the world.” Beyond its charming small town atmosphere, it is best known as a gateway to admire the natural splendor of this region, from the impressive mountains that dot the horizon to the stunning bay that seals, otters and migratory birds call home.

Shore Excursions – Pratt Museum & Homer Spit
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Learn about Kachemak Bay, from its ecology to modern day life, at the Pratt Museum before visiting Homer Spit. Board your transfer and drive to the Pratt Museum, a facility that focuses on maintaining the stories and lifestyles that come from Kachemak Bay. View the impressive array of exhibits that focus on natural history, marine ecology, homesteading and Native life and traditions. After you have finished perusing the museum on your own, you can take a shuttle that runs on a frequent schedule. You may choose to return to your ship, or you can be dropped off on the Homer Spit to enjoy free time. Perhaps visit its shops and restaurants or take a walk to appreciate the stunning scenery of Kachemak Bay, watching as the boats return with their prized catches. After exploring, you may return to the drop off point to take the next shuttle back to your ship.

Seward, Alaska, United States
Seward enjoys a magnificent setting between snowcapped peaks and Resurrection Bay, a pristine harbor ringed by mountains. The Alaskan city was named after Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of state who defied public opinion to pursue the purchase of Alaska from Russia. Seward is steeped in marine culture, from its busy fishing port to the excellent exhibits and preservation efforts of the Alaska SeaLife Center. It is also the famed starting point of the Iditarod Trail, the dogsled race route originally laid to link Seward to inland Alaska.

Shore Excursions – Alaska SeaLife Center
Duration: 2 hours
Head to Seward’s renowned Alaska SeaLife Center for independent exploration, compliments of Viking. As you disembark your ship, receive an overview of the varied venues throughout Seward, beautifully set on a mountain-ringed bay. Shuttles will operate between our berth and the marine center, so you may depart and return at your leisure and explore more of Seward if you wish. At the fascinating Alaska SeaLife Center, dedicated to putting visitors in close contact with cutting-edge marine research, admire the species in the public aquarium and learn about the research animals in the exhibit tanks. North Pacific mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates are profiled in the center’s comprehensive displays. Here, you will discover how both injured wild animals and resident animals requiring medical treatment are nursed back to health. Experience the center as long as you wish and return to the pier via our shuttles.

Valdez, Alaska, United States
Valdez enjoys a breathtaking setting at the tip of a deep-cut fjord in Prince William Sound. The glacial Chugach Mountains rise up all around the city, adding to its scenic allure. In its early days, the promise of gold attracted explorers and seekers of wealth, but the land proved barren. The town finally experienced its economic boom as North America’s northernmost ice-free port. Today, it is the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that carries oil south from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic coast.

Shore Excursions – Valdez On Your Own
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore this small fishing town’s rich past at your leisure, following your own interests. From your berth, begin your self-guided exploration by taking a free shuttle bus to any of three stops: the Valdez Museum, the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum or a city center exhibit at which a 35-minute video detailing the history of Valdez plays continually throughout the day. The remote frontier town of Valdez, surrounded by soaring peaks, was named for the Spanish secretary of the navy in 1790. It grew after settlers lured gold seekers here from the Klondike gold rush trail with the promise of riches. The gold was never found, but the town grew nonetheless. Today, picturesque Valdez thrives on fishing and oil; colorful boats line the harbor alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline terminal. As you explore, perhaps you will visit the Whitney Museum, a fascinating collection of native art and artifacts, and stop by a charming café for lunch.

Scenic Sailing: Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s most dramatic icefields. This towering wall of ice at the water’s edge began its long journey about 400 years ago, in the early 1600s. As it flows to the sea, Hubbard is met by Valerie Glacier. The combined surge pushes a wall of ice toward Bert Point, which threatens to close off Russell Fjord from the bay. The closure has happened before—in 1986 and 2002—transforming the fjord into “Russell Lake.” Each time, runoff and rainwater filled the lake, building up an enormous pressure and breaking through the ice wall with a thundering force.

Scenic Sailing: Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking alpine paradise at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage. The Sitakaday Narrows lead into its waters, passing the pristine Beardslee Islands to the east. The bay feeds several inlets that wind their way deeper into the mountains, all surrounded by soaring ice-capped peaks and forested shorelines. Glacier Bay is part of a national park, a haven for wildlife including sea lions and otters, brown bears, moose, bald eagles and, in summer, humpback whales.

Sitka, Alaska, United States
Sitka has long been inhabited by the indigenous Tlingit people. Fur trading brought Russian settlers here in 1799 as part of a colonial merchant company. The town grew to become the capital of Russian Alaska, and remains of those days can be found in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, the latter built by the Tlingit with guidance from Finnish carpenters in the 1840s. Today’s Sitka is a delight to explore by foot, its streets dotted with inviting art galleries displaying artwork inspired by the region’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sitka & Theatrical Performance
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Enjoy Sitka and its stunning setting on the Gulf of Alaska as you discover its fascinating landmarks. Board your motor coach and join a local guide, who will regale you with the legends and lore of this small city first settled by Russians in 1799. See historic Castle Hill, where the territory of Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the US in 1867, and the cratered peak of looming Mt. Edgecumbe, a nearby dormant volcano. Your panoramic tour will also take you past Sitka Sound, where you can gaze out at the many small, forested islands dotting the water. At Centennial Hall, witness a theatrical performance by the Alaska Story Teller Dancers. Marvel at the energy, grace and talent of these dancers who strive to keep Alaska’s rich Russian and indigenous histories alive. Afterward, you may choose to enjoy free time, returning to your ship via shuttle.

Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
Ketchikan is set among the soaring coastal mountains and sloping woodlands of the Tongass National Forest. The gateway into America’s 49th state, it is known to travelers journeying north by ship as Alaska’s “First City” and the “Salmon Capital of the World” for its thriving fishing industry. Ketchikan also embraces its rich and enduring Tlingit heritage; it is home to the most standing totem poles anywhere in the world. The artful icons are sprinkled throughout the town as well as its parks and cultural centers.

Shore Excursions – Potlatch Totem Park & Ketchikan History
Duration:2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the coastal community of Ketchikan and learn about the ancient native craft of totem pole carving. Drive by motor coach to Potlatch Totem Park, a modern recreation of a 19th-century native village located on historic Tlingit fishing grounds along the shores of the Tongass Narrows. Here, you can see numerous houses, totem poles and panels, and hear the legends behind the designs. Visit the carving studio to learn about the ancient techniques used to create these iconic native sculptures. You will also have an opportunity to view a display of rare antique weapons, some dating back to the 16th century, including firearms, whaling harpoons and authentic uluknives. After, return to your coach and begin the journey back to your ship—along the way, gain insight into Ketchikan’s rich timber heritage and the historic Ketchikan Pulp Company mill.

Scenic Sailing: The Inside Passage
Stretching some 500 miles along the Alaska Panhandle, the Inside Passage is a pristine wilderness of fjord-like channels. It winds its way through a vast maze of islands laden with emerald-green forests and strewn with glistening glaciers. Nature is at her most magnificent here, tranquil and hushed. Unspoiled waterways weave their way past tiny coastal villages and a breathtaking array of snowcapped mountains and pine-covered hills. Sea lions and otters reside in these waters, and moose and brown bears are often spotted as they wade along the coast.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.