Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Your epic journey begins in Calgary, a city with a modern atmosphere and a western soul. On arrival, make your way to our hotel for one night in this shimmering city of the Canadian West.

Steeped in western culture, Calgary earned the nickname 'Cowtown' from its history as a cattle-ranching frontier town in the early 1800s. Today, it's Canada's third-largest city, featuring a sparkling skyline and an array of impressive sights like Calgary Tower, Heritage Park and Peace Bridge.

Heading out for dinner on your own, you can find a wide range of options, from upscale steakhouses to stylish cafes.

Overnight Calgary.

Today, we travel along the Trans-Canada Highway, passing through Native American reservations before the imposing foothills of the Rocky Mountains gather round the route.

We're headed for Banff, a quintessential Rockies town nestled beneath the imposing Cascade Mountain. We check in to our hotel in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.

As one of the main tourist destinations in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers a range of shops and restaurants in the walkable town center. Dining independently this evening, you could pop into one of the town's attractive eateries. Overnight Banff.

Please Note - For departure August 29 we will stay at the Canoe & Suites hotel in Banff

Our day begins with a gondola journey up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy views across beautiful Banff.

We then take a coach excursion to Lake Louise, a turquoise glacial lake framed by towering snow-capped mountains. One of the most photographed sights in the Canadian Rockies, this stunning lake is even more remarkable in person. Soak in the spellbinding views before enjoying free time over lunch in the nearby village.

In the afternoon, we continue to Emerald Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yoho National Park, stopping en route at Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint. When we return to our hotel, we meet a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in uniform, affectionately known as a 'Mountie', who tells stories about their time in service, before we dine independently.

Overnight Banff.

Enjoy a day of leisure time to explore the mountain resort town of Banff at your own pace. Founded in 1883 near a planned railway tunnel, the town is surrounded by wonderful wilderness and spectacular scenery. As one of Canada's premier year-round destinations, there are various excursions available and payable locally, including guided visits to Lake Minnewanka, a glistening turquoise lake known by the First Nations people as the 'Lake of the Spirits,' and the powerful Bow Falls.

Banff attracts a wide range of tourists for its shopping, nature and unique creative community. You may prefer to stay local and soak in the charms of the Main Street, a row of half-timbered independent shops and a variety of restaurants.

With its 'mountain-to-table' movement and wild game dishes, Banff is also renowned as one of Canada's foodie capitals. As we dine independently, enjoy innovative local cuisine in a cozy and stylish eatery of your choice.

Overnight Banff.

Boarding Rocky Mountaineer early this morning, we begin the first of our superb daylight journeys through some of Canada's most jaw-dropping scenery. Traveling via the First Passage to the West route in SilverLeaf Class, in unique, glass-domed cars with breakfast and lunch included at our seats, we marvel at panoramic views of Canada's spectacular scenery unfolding in front of us on this relaxed journey.

Departing Banff, we pass Castle Mountain, known for its castle-like appearance with flat-topped peaks. We then climb into Kicking Horse Pass, an important route that was key to the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, before traveling through the Spiral Tunnels. Crossing the Continental Divide, the train moves from Alberta into British Columbia. This point marks the division between rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean and those that flow eastward to the Atlantic. We then descend into Yoho National Park, where we're treated to views of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and waterfalls.

Leaving the rugged terrain of the mountains behind, the landscape begins to soften, and we arrive in Kamloops for a night at a local hotel. After checking in, we have time to explore and dine independently.

Overnight Kamloops.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Our wonderful Rocky Mountaineer experience continues this morning on another dramatic stretch of the line through varied landscapes. Enjoying breakfast and lunch on board, we journey along the impressive Thompson and Fraser Canyons, past the rushing waters of Hell's Gate, as we keep our eyes open for native Canadian wildlife.

From the rugged Rockies and dense forests, through arid desert landscapes and into the Fraser Valley's fertile fields, the scenery is as dazzling as it is varied. From the Cascade Mountains, the route begins its descent toward the lush rainforests of the Pacific coast, before we arrive in Vancouver for a two-night stay. The city is considered one of the world's most desirable places to live, thanks to its incredible setting. Blending the vibrancy and culture of a cosmopolitan city with spectacular scenery, Vancouver quietly impresses its many visitors.

Our hotel is a short distance from both Downtown and the harbor. After checking in, we have a free evening to try some of western Canada's cuisine, like seafood.

Overnight Vancouver.

• Breakfast, Lunch

We get to know the city this morning as a local guide joins us on a four-hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver's most characterful districts. As Vancouver's original Downtown, the area known as Gastown is the city's most historic area. Redbrick Victorian buildings dot the tree-lined streets surrounding pretty Maple Tree Square. Many coffee shops, art galleries, upmarket fashion boutiques, and the famous Gastown Steam Clock can be found in this area.

Crossing East Hastings Street, we arrive in Vancouver's Chinatown, the largest in Canada, where we take in the sights and sounds of the streets and squares. From here, we venture to Stanley Park, a green oasis with magnificent scenes of water, mountains, sky, and trees along its famous Seawall. While here, we view colorful totem poles that celebrate the region's Native American history.

The rest of the day is free to explore independently. You could travel to Granville Island to sample its food markets or view the boutique shops and cafés. This evening, you have the opportunity to enjoy Vancouver's restaurants at leisure.

Overnight Vancouver.

After a relaxing morning, we're transferred to Vancouver's port to board the Celebrity Summit for a seven-night cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska.

Our vessel is elegant and comfortable, featuring stylish accommodations, and is equipped with a relaxing spa and a variety of restaurants. After settling into our cabins, we wave farewell to the Canadian mainland as we head into the Strait of Georgia, surrounded by verdant islands.

All food is included on our cruise, and with a Classic Drinks Package, you can enjoy unlimited drinks, including water, tea and coffee, as well as beers, spirits, frozen drinks, specialty cocktails and wine by the glass. This evening, we sit down for our first meal on the ship, admiring views of Vancouver Island and the coastline of British Columbia on our way to the Inside Passage. Historically an important sea route during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, it has since become one of the most popular and striking cruising routes in the world.

Overnight ship.

We wake this morning surrounded by the extraordinary landscapes of the Inside Passage. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on board today as we cruise through this UNESCO-protected network of waterways toward Alaska.

Following in the slipstream of adventurers and prospectors, the Inside Passage takes us past stunning fjords and deep inlets along the wild and rugged coastlines of British Columbia and southeast Alaska. Enjoy views of pristine waters, snow-capped mountains and glacial waters.

In addition to its beautiful scenery, this route is also renowned as a haven for marine animals. If we're lucky, we may spot wildlife from the deck of our ship.

Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Classic Drinks Package

A feast for the ears as well as eyes, spellbinding Glacier Bay is one of the region's most spectacular locations. Marvel at the crystal-clear beauty of the bay's numerous tidewater glaciers, rugged fjords and shimmering mountain peaks, soundtracked by the creaks of 'living ice' and the shrill of gulls and eagles overhead.

Spending our day on board the MS Celebrity Summit allows us to cruise through this evocative and iconic Alaskan landscape. Glacier Bay's ice formations are around 4,000 years old and are protected by UNESCO.

In this untouched and pristine environment, we can celebrate the stark majesty of nature from thick, mossy forests and pure glacial waters to the creatures that inhabit them, such as humpback whales, bears, mink, and moose. Wrap up warm and venture out on deck with your cameras to observe an unforgettable highlight of your Alaskan journey.

Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Classic Drinks Package

One of Alaska's most exciting natural treasures awaits us today as we cruise toward the Hubbard Glacier*. Located about 30 miles north, off the coast of Yakutat, this mound of ice is the longest tidewater glacier in the world, seven miles wide and 76 miles long. In some places, the ice is taller than a 30-story building.

Turning from Yakutat Bay into Disenchantment Bay, we catch our first glimpse of the glacier. Our onboard naturalist narrates the experience as we marvel at the contrast of the towering ice with the frigid water. Keep watch for calving chunks of ice as they break off into the bay. Whales, seals and otters also inhabit these waters, and if we're lucky, we may spot them before our cruise carries us toward Juneau overnight.

Overnight ship.

*Please note: 16 May and 22 August departures will instead visit the frontier town of Skagway.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Classic Drinks Package

Today, we cruise to the Alaskan state capital, Juneau. Completely inaccessible by road, this former Gold Rush city is set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

You have a free day to explore its picturesque waterfront area and charming frontier-era streets. Alternatively, you might select from today's range of optional excursions* (booking in advance is advised). Join a professional naturalist on a stroll around the Mendenhall Glacier recreational area, seeking views of whales. Visit the Alaska State Museum to gain a greater insight into the cultures that have shaped this beautiful land. Enjoy an exclusive experience on a small whale-watching vessel to get closer to Alaska's wild beauty. Or discover the Mendenhall Glacier by bike, followed by a tasting of award-winning beers from the state's microbreweries.

Whatever you choose to do in and around this fascinating city, dinner is served back on board this evening.

Overnight ship.

*Please note: on some departures, shore excursions may vary.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Classic Drinks Package

Clinging to the forested banks of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan is known as the 'First City' of Alaska as it was the first main settlement most visitors reached on their way north.

We dock here, where you have the rest of the day to explore. Apart from being the Salmon Capital of the World, Native Alaskan culture flourishes here and, with the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, this may be one of the best spots on our cruise to see these intricately carved cultural artifacts. The Totem Heritage Center is easy to reach and an interesting place to visit, with its large display of poles, retrieved from abandoned villages.

A little further north, you can find Totem Bight State Park, which has another collection of famous poles, and a native community house. The town itself has a museum, souvenir shops and local art, and there are plenty of dining options to sample the town's celebrated salmon.

Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Classic Drinks Package

On the last full day onboard this fabulous Alaskan cruise, we set sail back to Vancouver, passing through the legendary Inside Passage. Relax onboard as we glide through a maze of isolated islands blanketed in dense rainforests. Although appearing remote and inhospitable, these lands have been the home of indigenous peoples like the Tlingit for thousands of years.

Vancouver Island is one of Canada's largest islands. It shelters the Johnstone Strait and Strait of Georgia from the wild Pacific and guides us toward our destination. This evening, we have our final dinner onboard our ship as we sail closer to Vancouver.

Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Classic Drinks Package

On this spectacular journey, we've traversed the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and sailed the Inside Passage to witness jaw-dropping natural wonders. Exploring Banff and Vancouver revealed Canadian culture while a journey on Rocky Mountaineer showcased incredible landscapes. Our cruise through Alaska's glacial bays, fjords and old Gold Rush towns was a perfect ending to our trip.

After breakfast, we leave our cruise ship and disembark in Vancouver, where you're free to make your way home or continue exploring on your own.

• Breakfast