North Pacific Cruise - from Vancouver - 121130

With a population of almost 500,000 Vancouver in British Columbia is the most important port at the Pacific. It is considered to be one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world and, on account of its sheltered location, it has a mild climate all year round. A special attraction at the northern edge of the city is Vancouver's Hausberg Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by a cable-car and has excellent facilities for winter sports and hillwalking as well as a wonderful view of the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge, measuring 137 m in length and suspended 70 m above a river gorge, which visitors can cross, is also nearby. Sights include: Gastown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Harbour Centre with its viewing platform, the waterfront with a sea bus.

The town of Wrangell in South-East Alaska has kept its historic appearance with building facades in the original style. The port is an important centre of trade and transport and represents the gateway to Wrangell Saint Elias National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 19th century the borough was shaken by the second wave of the Gold Rush and served as a way station on the route to inland Canada. Today, the rather quiet town of Wrangell is a destination for nature lovers keen to experience first hand the Le Conte and Shakes glaciers as well as the untouched wilderness of Alaska. In April, the largest population of eagles in North America gathers at the Stikine river delta. Stone carvings (petroglyphs), some of which are around 8,000 years old, can be found not far from Wrangell. Visitors can also marvel at the six totem poles in Wrangell's Totem Park.

Hidden in the forests of South East Alaska and at the northern end of the longest fjord in America is the little town of Haines. Imposing mountain ranges, glaciers and wide rivers and lakes provide a magical backdrop for a paradise for birds hidden in the untouched wilderness. The port of Haines is dedicated to comfort - it is extremely well kept and does not have any busy streets; it does, however, have lots of cozy restaurants.

Sitka, founded by the Russians in 1804, was the capital of Russian Alaska for a long time. A dormant volcano rises around 1,000 m over the town surrounded by small islands. Sights such as the Russian-Orthodox church and the Russian bishop's house are a reminder of the Russian influence. In the Sitka National Historical Park visitors can see a collection of totem poles, a fort and a reconstruction of the battlefield of 1904. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Centre is also situated in this park. Here you can see local artists and craftsmen at work. The Sheldon Jackson Museum provides an insight into the culture of the native peoples and how they have survived the bitter cold climate through the ages. In the Alaska Wildlife Centre meanwhile you can see many native species of animal at close quarters.

The harbour town of Seward lies framed by the Kenai Mountains on the south coast of Alaska. The attractions of this small town include Kenai Fjords National Park and the nearby Exit glacier as well as a huge number of wild animals, such as sea otters, orcas, white-headed sea eagles and puffins. Other attractions for visitors include the fishing harbour, St. Peter's Church, the Alaska Sea Life Center - where you can even watch ocean dwellers below the surface - and the Seward Museum.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan with a population of almost 8 million, combines tradition with progress. Buddhist temples stand side by side with Shinto cultural institutes and sky-scrapers. In the tiny streets you can find Kimonos, fans and miniature carvings, just a few streets away from the modern banking district and the grand architectural masterpieces. Visitors can relax in the Koraku Garden which has replicas of various features of the Japanese landscape. If it's a thrill you're after, a visit to the fish market is just the thing - and you could even bid on some fish!. More than 90,000 works of art are on display in the largest museum in Japan, the National Museum. In 1958 the Japanese built a replica of the Eiffel tower; At 333m high, 'Tokyo tower' would dwarf the original. Other sights include: the Meji shrine, the emperor's garden and palace, the town hall, the 'Capsule Hotel' where guests are accommodated in "drawers", Asakusa Kannon temple and the temple gardens in Kamakura.