2026 Inside Passage Alaskan Adventure Cruise with Larry Gelwix

Seattle is a young city with a rich history. Settlers first landed at Alki Point in 1851 and named the area after Sealth, the Suquamish Indian chief who befriended them. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889, “The Emerald City” has a legacy of vision and strength.

Today we’ll board the beautiful Star Princess, a luminous jewel on the seas and a romantic destination in itself, and our home for the next 8 days.

From its breathtaking piazza-style Atrium to the dramatic views from the glass-floored SeaWalk®, Discovery Princess is sure to delight. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, watch the mesmerizing Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, or dine on tantalizing cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” because it’s the first major community travelers 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.

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 part of the city’s colorful 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.

PRIVATE MORRIS COLUMBUS SHORE EXCURSION $ – Potlatch Totem Park, Herring Bay & Cove, Wildlife Viewing & Ketchikan City Tour

This is the most popular excursion in Ketchikan.  After a driving tour of Ketchikan, we continue through the lush and heavily wooded forests to Herring Bay, a quaint area that takes you far away from the crowds and people in town.  A small inlet cove allows the sights and sounds of the wildlife that only Ketchikan can offer.  (Being wild animals, wildlife sightings are common, but not guaranteed.) We continue to Potlatch Totem Park with 24 authentic totems carved by Tlingit natives. You can watch native master carvers working on totems, and visit the Clan House, Russian Museum, and gift shop. Once back in Ketchikan, we visit famous Creek Street, an infamous “red light” district in the gold rush days, and now an area of historic and boutique shops.

Juneau, Alaska   

In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides. From their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world. 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.

PRIVATE MORRIS COLUMBUS SHORE EXCURSION $- Whale Watching, Marine Life & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Alaska’s marine life join the party in the icy waters off Juneau, renowned as a summer feeding ground for humpback and killer whales.  A short drive from the cruise ship, we board a special sightseeing boat with an onboard naturalist guide.  Admire the majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers as we pass through the island-studded waters of Stephen Passage, a pristine marine environment.  Typical sightings include humpback and killer whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles, Sitka blacktail deer, and, occasionally, bears.  Once whales are sighted, your captain will maneuver the boat to allow for exceptional viewing and photo opportunities.

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. 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 flavor of the Gold Rush era. 

Enjoy a fun day onboard!

Victoria exudes old-world charm and fragrant, colorful flowers are everywhere. Founded in 1843 by James Douglas of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the city was first known as Fort Victoria. By 1848, Vancouver Island was a British colony and Victoria was its capital.

The harbors, especially Inner Harbour, are dotted with pleasure craft, ferries, and floatplanes. The city is renowned for its beautiful gardens, charming houses, and very British feel.

This morning our ship will return to Seattle where we will transfer back to the airport with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.