Bering Sea & Japan

24 ports and cities. Over 40 land excursions. Your combinations are nearly endless in this unspoiled land nestled between glacier and rain forest. Explore Alaska by land, sea and air, viewing North America’s most noble creatures and natural wonders. It’s all designed to get you refueled on inspiration.
This is your opportunity to take the adventure you always dreamed of. Witness dramatic displays of ice-shelves breaking off into icebergs. Visit cultures that have lived and loved the land for thousands of years. Marvel at moose and bear on the land, bald eagles soaring above, and humpback whales peacefully rolling with the sea. And gaze upon the backdrop of a million stars showcasing the miracle of the Aurora Borealis.

You’ve never tasted salmon so fresh. Known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who have carved the world’s largest collection of totem poles. If you’re up for an adventure, take a canoe and nature trail excursion through the rain forest or a wilderness exploration followed by a sumptuous crab feast you can’t resist.

This imaginary line runs roughly parallel to the 180° longitudinal line. As you travel east you’ll subtract 24 hours from your current time, and add 24 hours as you travel west across it.

Sapporo, Japan: Sapporo is the largest city on the island of Hokkaido and is located about 2 hours north of Muroran. In the heart of the city, Odori Avenue Park is filled with beautiful sculptures, a variety of fountains, 92 species of trees, and lots of flowerbeds. New art can be experienced in many ways throughout Sapporo with old houses, basements, and passageways continually being reinvented as beautiful galleries, shops, and bustling restaurants. Visit Sapporo Beer Museum and find out how the famous export is made, and, perhaps sample a few in the Biergarten. There are many other sights to discover on a Sapporo cruise, including the Sapporo City Clock, which has been marking time for over a century and the old Hokkaido government building, a neo-baroque building known as “Red Brick” that is lit up after dark. For authentic souvenirs and keepsakes, the Museum Store and Clark Gallery & Shift both offer wonderful locally made, handcrafted goods. Or stop in to Saturday Chocolate Factory Café for small-batch chocolates made with single-origin cacao beans.

Aomori City is the capital of the Aomori prefecture, and by far one of Japan’s most underrated cities. Chock full of picturesque historic temples, museums, and close to incredible nature like Mt. Hakkoda, Aomori offers an off-the-beaten path take on Japan. Even though Aomori City has a population of over a quarter of a million, it still has that small-town sleepiness you’d be hard pressed to find in Tokyo or Kyoto. In the spring and summer, Aomori bursts to life with cherry blossom festivals and the Nebuta Festival every August.

While you’re stopped here on an Asia cruise, don’t miss thought-provoking modern art exhibits at the Aomori Museum of Art, or a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the ASPAM pyramid. Apple orchard tours and harborside strolls, local fish markets and dramatic ropeway rides to the top of Mt. Hakkoda are just a few of the offerings in Aomori for the adventurous outdoorist.

Tokyo Yokohama, Japan: Even though Tokyo is among the largest, most frenetic cities in the world, it’s still able to maintain a great deal of efficiency and charm. Amid the endless buzzing neon signs and the overhead cable webs, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture, stylish shops and 4-star restaurants. Sushi lovers will revel in Tokyo’s offering of the famous dish. And the city’s “Ramen Zones” serve up unique noodle dishes where slurping is encouraged. Visit the Tokyo Tower on your Tokyo cruise for heart-pounding panoramic views of the city way atop the 492-foot high Grand Observation Deck. And just a short distance outside of the clamor the city is a whole different world. In the surrounding small towns and villages you’ll get a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and traditions. Here you’ll discover scores of wooden residential homes, ancient temples, shrines and imperial gardens. From the frenzy-filled metropolis to the tranquil bonsai-tree-lined neighborhoods, Tokyo is truly a study in delightful contrast.