Head for the Mountains, then Alaska

THE CRUISE LINES HAVE BEEN SHUTTLING PEOPLE around Alaska as well as the Yukon and Northwest territories before or after their cruises for ages, giving them a taste of the Final Frontier that they can’t get from their ships.

But Holland America has come up with an innovative idea for tours connected with Alaskan cruises, offering itineraries that explore the Pacific Northwest or the Canadian Rockies for several days prior to the cruise portion.

The 12- or 13-day Canadian Rockies vacation package starts as a five- or six-day land tour in Calgary/Banff and continues to Lake Louise, Jasper and Kamloops, before embarking on a seven-day Alaska cruise from either Vancouver or Seattle. The 11-day Pacific Northwest vacation package starts in Seattle and visits local sights and monumental Mt. Rainier during a four-day land tour, before embarking on a seven-day Alaska cruise from Seattle.

The Canadian Rockies package is offered in conjunction with 48 Alaska cruises, and the Pacific Northwest package is matched with 30 departures. Both land itineraries offer stunning views of and visits to some of North America’s most spectacular mountains and rivers mixed with pampered service at five-star hotels and city tours.Highlights of the Canadian Rockies package include stays at four Fairmont hotel properties, including Banff Springs and Jasper, and a trip aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train.

The Pacific Northwest trip features a summit trip to Mount Rainier and an overnight at historic Paradise Lodge and plenty of time to explore Seattle’s exciting waterfront and historic district.