Leave Heathrow by Air Canada’s non-stop flight to Vancouver (9 hours 55 minutes). On arrival transfer to the Fairmont Waterfront.

Whilst at leisure today why not visit Stanley Park’s totems or Gastown.

Walk a short distance from your hotel to the adjacent cruise meeting point at the Pan Pacific Hotel. After embarkation on the Spirit of Oceanus, sail out of Vancouver under the Lion’s Gate Bridge for your 11-night cruise.

CRUISING BRITISH COLUMBIA -Over the next 2 days you will experience sheltered waterways lined by the evergreen wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest that temptingly lead you north towards Alaska.

These nutrient-rich waters are home to whales and dolphins. You will come face to face with First Nations cultures in one of the villages of British Columbia’s coast.

MISTY FIORDS AND METLAKATLA – The dramatic granite cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument welcome you to Alaska’s grandeur as you explore spectacular Behm Canal, a glacially carved fjord where 6 inlets come together. National Forest Service Kayak Rangers join you on-board to offer information about this area.

PETERSBURG – The winding Wrangell Narrows lead to the Norwegian-founded, bustling fishing village of Petersburg.

TRACY ARM AND FREDERICK SOUND – You will be cruising far up the Tracy Arm toward the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where steep granite cliffs line waterways choked with icebergs. There will be time to search the waters for humpback and orca whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoise in Frederick Sound.

SKAGWAY – Relive the Gold Rush in the picture-perfect setting of Skagway, the starting place for many early gold seekers.

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK – Enjoy a majestic excursion into Glacier Bay National Park, looking for wildlife and glacier activity in remote bays. A Park Service Ranger joins you on-board to help spot wildlife and offer fascinating information on this evolving area.

SITKA – Breathtaking waterways lead to attractive Sitka. This one-time capital of Russian America has a wealth of historical art and artefacts. Stroll the totem-lined forest trail at Sitka National Historic Park.

EXPLORING THE ALASKAN COAST – Enjoy a full day at sea with snowcapped mountains lining the northern horizon today.

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND – Keep your binoculars and camera handy as the ship explores the secluded wildlife-rich islands and iceberg-filled fjords in rarely visited Prince William Sound.

Disembark from the Spirit of Oceanus in Whittier and drive to Anchorage (2 hours) and transfer to the Sheraton Hotel (or similar). Please note: The 31 August 2009 cruise will disembark in Seward instead of Whittier. This will create a slightly longer motorcoach transfer to Anchorage, but will travel through scenic Turnagain Pass as well as along Turnagain Arm.

Fly back to Vancouver (3 hours 25 minutes) and transfer to The Fairmont Waterfront.

At leisure in the morning (check out from hotel will be at 12 noon). In the afternoon transfer to the airport for the Air Canada flight to Heathrow.

Arrive in the morning.