Southbound Cruisetour Alaska - Fairbanks to Vancouver

Day 1: Fairbanks, AK

Begin your day in Fairbanks with an incredible 3-hour river cruise on the Chana and Tanana Rivers. Experience a fish wheel and bush pilot demonstration. Experience Native lifestyle demonstrations, meet sled dogs and enjoy a beadwork artist. Let your guide immerse you in traditional Alaskan heritage and experience the natural beauty of Alaska at its northernmost stop. Grab some lunch in town and board your scheduled motorcoach to your next stop - Denali National Park. This coach takes about three hours and allows for even more sightseeing through the mountains and time to take in the natural beauty around you.

Day 2: Denali

Denali is a great opportunity to join a guided tour of the national history of this incredible park. Denali includes almost 5 million acres of national park land and promises something for every person. A narrated tour of Primrose Ridge, Denali Bus Depot, Denali Park Road and the historic Savage Cabin provides the perfect amount of guidance and direction for navigating such a massive park. Knowledgable guides can provide further insight into other places to explore and are key to navigating the high points for every traveler.

Day 3: Denali to McKinley

Board your motorcoach further into Denali to Mount McKinley, which has a summit elevation of almost 20,000 feet — the highest in all of North America. Stay nestled at the base of the mountain and enjoy the woodland around you. Take time to go see Phototsymphony. This is a unique blend of photography and music, which pairs photographs of the Northern Lights with classical tunes. This way, you can see the Northern Lights year-round, but those that visit between August and April may just see them here in person.

Day 4: McKinley

Princess McKinley Lodge boasts amazing views and is in a private, secluded area. The lodge offers several excursions such as horse-drawn carriage rides, fly fishing and panning for gold. There are several watercraft adventures, including kayaking and rafting, as well as scenic hikes or horseback rides. This exclusive retreat will allow, and even encourage, you to unplug and embrace all that Alaska has to offer.

Day 5: Boarding your cruise!

Today is a big travel day, and all about getting to your ship while soaking in all that Alaska has to offer along the way. After a one-hour transfer to the Talkeetna train station, board your scenic train ride to Anchorage. This train is equipped with large domed, full-view windows. This allows for scenic traveling with onboard narration, so you know exactly what you see every step of the way. Your night ends with boarding your cruise ship — where we will have carefully curated every part of your experience. Whether you are looking for a suite guest experience, or a balcony/window only stateroom, there are options for every budget.

Day 6: Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is a scenic cruising day. View yet another national part - Wrangell - St Elias — from your boat. One advantage of working with a Fora advisor is ensuring that every detail of your day is perfect — down to what side of the ship we book you on. Get the best possible views of the 400-year-old ice of Hubbard Glacier and surrounding Disenchantment Bay from your own balcony. Or experience it from the deck above if you prefer. It is my priority to make sure this day is everything you want.

Day 7: Glacier National Park

Another scenic day at sea - Glacier National Park is one of my favorites. When booking, be sure to book a cruise with a balcony. One of my personal favorite activities is to order breakfast in the room, wrap up in my blanket and sit on my balcony taking in all of the sights that Glacier National Park has to offer. Staggering ice cliffs &, if you watch up close, unique wildlife make for an amazing day with views unlike anywhere else in the world.

Day 8: Skagway

Skagway was once at the center of the Alaskan gold rush and maintains much of that history today. Options for excursions in Skagway include a scenic bus tour, walking across the Yukon Suspension Bridge, zip lines or river raft trips. The White Pass Scenic Railway allows train enthusiasts and photographers to continue exploring in that way. Alternatively, there are several options to visit with sled dogs. Take a ride on one of the summer sleds that they use for training. This is my family's favorite activity & such a unique experience! Regardless of your interests, Skagway is a favorite cruise stop for groups of all ages.

Day 9: Juneau

Whale watching tours & the Mendenhall Glacier are the gems of Juneau. So many amazing options are out there to allow you time to experience both on this stop! For those that are not whale watchers, there are also helicopter tours out onto the Glacier. Get a chance to walk on the wild side and see these amazing features up close. Round out your day with some lunch at Tracy's & I promise, Juneau won't be one you forget anytime soon.

Day 10: Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a smaller fishing village and the southernmost stop in Alaska. One of our favorite things to do in Ketchikan is to schedule a private tour with a local and explore what they love about their home. Home to Totem Bight State Park and the historic Saxman Village, Ketchikan is a great place to learn about Indigenous Alaskan traditions. Another crowd favorite is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show — which allows guests to cheer on Canada vs. the USA in traditional lumberjack games. It's always comical and entertaining and I recommend that everyone see it while they're visiting.

Day 11: Day at sea

Cruise days at sea are some of my very favorite and provide opportunities for rest and relaxation after long days of exploring. Schedule a spa package or book specialty dining through your advisor for a restful day. No matter your interests, sea days are a great way to customize your vacation and ensure your day is exactly what you want.

Day 12: Vancouver

Vancouver houses so much potential for extending your trip if you want before heading home! Whether it's walking the iconic Capilano suspension bridge, or taking the ferry down to Victoria to tour Butchart Gardens, Vancouver is home to so many things to explore and do.

Day 1: Fairbanks

Pike's Landing in Fairbanks is an amazing opportunity. Grab some king crab stuffed mushrooms or a reindeer dog with french fries and stone-ground mustard for lunch between your boat and your bus. This fantastic stop embodies local flavors and an authentically local Alaskan afternoon.

Day 2: Denali

Princess Denali Lodge houses the highly recommended King Salmon Restaurant. Featuring local seafood such as Alaskan King Crab legs and salmon or an amazing prime rib. The service and flavor at this stop cannot be beat and are a perfect way to end your magical day of exploration.

Day 9: Juneau

Tracy's Crab Shack is a favorite in Juneau and so close to the cruise port! For genuine Alaskan crab legs, be sure to stop off for a quick bite to eat on your way back to your boat or on your way to your next excursion.

Day 10: Ketchikan

Annabelle's Famous Keg & Chowder House houses chowder and local beers close to the cruise terminal. This restaurant was recommended to us by a local guide during a tour excursion that we did and we were so grateful! Absolutely amazing seafood chowder.

Any day

Booking a Princess Cruise vacation with a Fora advisor offers the perk of booking one of the specialty dining restaurants onboard your cruise ship. These options vary by ship but typically include choices like a steakhouse, sushi or Italian fine dining. They never disappoint and add so much to your ability to customize your time!