From Seattle to Vancouver · North America · 10 nights
From Seattle to Vancouver
Purpose built for Oceania and bursting with style, sister ships Marina & Riviera are the perfect combination: small enough to be friendly and large enough to offer great facilities.
Above all, we love the fact that these ships are packed full of
fabulous stuff – loads of amazing dining options, a collection of
amazing artworks, wonderful learning opportunities and great
accommodation. All of this is combined with the Oceania signatures:
well-designed port intensive itineraries, great food, and a relaxed
ambience.
Eclectic Seattle is a jumble of different neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive character. Fremont, the self-proclaimed 'centre of the universe', is an arty, bohemian district where you'll find everything from trolls lurking under bridges to a statue of Lenin, while Capitol Hill is characterised by creaking mansions and trendy boutiques, and waterfront Ballard has a fascinating Scandinavian heritage. Seattle also enjoys a stunning natural setting, surrounded by forests, mountains and the broad sweep of Puget Sound, and boasts a wealth of green spaces.
Ketchikan is a great introduction to Alaska’s natural attractions, situated at the foot of towering Deer Mountain and within easy reach of the Misty Fjords. The colourful wooden buildings of Creek Street, the old red light district, are a reminder of Ketchikan’s former status as a rough and ready frontier town; these days, things are rather more civilised!
Alaska's state capital is isolated and remote, accessible only by plane or by boat thanks to its dramatic hillside location. The wild hinterland is thick with forest, sculpted by the glaciers of the Juneau Ice Field, while down at the water's edge the harbour bustles with fishing boats and seaplanes.
Sitka was founded by Russian fur traders in 1799 as the city of New Archangel, and there is still a discernible Russian influence here, including the distinctive St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The town also enjoys spectacular natural surroundings, facing the Pacific Ocean and dramatic Mount Edgecumbe.
Beautifully located next to the longest fjord in North America, Haines is one of the most attractive cruise ports in Alaska, surrounded by mountains, forests and glaciers. It’s also home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles, and a great place to spot grizzly bears.
The port at Icy Strait Point was created to ensure that indigenous communities benefit from cruise tourism in Alaska, and the facility is owned by the local Tlingit people. Here you can learn about Alaska’s native culture and enjoy guided nature walks, whale watching trips or shopping for local crafts.
Back in its 19th century heyday Wrangell was a lawless gold rush town, and it's still a little rough around the edges, but it's also a very welcoming place, ideal for exploring the surrounding Alaskan wilderness. Take a trip to the nearby Anan Wildlife Observatory for the chance to see black and brown bears at close proximity.
Cosmopolitan Vancouver is a city that rewards exploration, an eminently liveable place and an easy gateway to the natural beauty of British Columbia. The culinary scene here is a particular draw, with seafood galore and some fantastic Asian restaurants.