2017 PC Alaska POC by Onboard Media

voyages

Charting a New Course with Princess CruisesÂŽ

Alaska

Alaska â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2017 Cruises Please return magazine to stateroom at voyage end

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GOLD QUARTZ COLLECTION

Diamonds International | Made in the USA | kabana.com

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FEEL THE POWER WITHIN. Inside each Philip Stein watch is our unique Natural Frequency Disc designed to help you feel less stress, more focus and improve your overall wellbeing.

Ketchikan: Diamonds International, Blue Diamond Juneau: Diamonds International, Blue Diamond Skagway: Diamonds International, Milano Diamond Gallery

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CLASSIC FUSION AEROFUSION MOONPHASE KING GOLD

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DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL Juneau · Ketchikan · Skagway hublot.com

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THE MANY FACES OF ELEGANCE A QUICK TURN OF THE CROWN CHANGES THE LOOK OF YOUR WATCH Passionate. Playful. Mysterious. These are all feminine emotions that make each of us the individual we are. Now, there is one watch that lets you express your different moods perfectly. The chic, stylish and glamorous Crazy Carats watch is as daring as you. The multi-color gem choices that grace the dial can be selected accordingly to your own personal desires. The Crazy Carats was designed for women who dream of transforming time to suit their needs. This watch brings excitement and flair to your wrist, and it communicates luxury and uniqueness. Why settle for one look when you have many moods?

ARABIC NUMBERS, BLACK SPINELS, WHITE TOPAZES

KETCHIKAN - DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL, BLUE DIAMOND JUNEAU - DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL, JEWELS BY KRIS SKAGWAY - DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL, SKAGWAY JEWELRY CO.

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HERITAGE I PILOT Ton-Up

www.zenith-watches.com

LEGENDS ARE FOREVER

DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL Juneau · Ketchikan · Skagway

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TABLE

OF CONTENTS

voyages Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises 2017 Cruises

32 36 54 32

Let Your Journey Begin

The Night Belongs to You

At Your Service

When the sun goes down, the curtain rises on a constellation of thrilling nighttime enticements.

3 6 Delicious Dilemma

Nighttime Activities

Freshly prepared cuisine

Dining options to match your tastes and mood — that’s dining on board your Princess ship.

3 8 Do It All or Nothing At All Daytime Activities

You’ll discover an incredible variety of activities, enrichment programs and other entertaining options each day on board.

Lotus Spa ® & The Sanctuary

The Shops of Princess

Princess Photography

Enrichment Programs

Fine Art Auctions

Movies Under the Stars ®

Youth & Teen Programs

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52 Casino 54

Shows & Entertainment

Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle SM

The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction, either in whole or in part, including but not limited to transmission by any means, in any form — digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise — is forbidden without express, written permission from the publisher. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photography, artwork or other material. Electronic queries only will be acknowledged. E-mail to: editor@onboardmedia.com. Commentary and opinions expressed in Voyages: Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises are not necessarily those of the cruise line. Princess Cruises is not responsible for any claims or offers made in advertisements appearing in Voyages: Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises.

4/12/17 2:51 PM

BOLT-68 JEANS SWISS MADE

THE BOLT-68 COLLECTION INCLUDES THE CHAIN AND MEDALLION FOR TURNING YOUR EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECE INTO A DISRUPTIVE POCKET WATCH KETCHIKAN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BLUE DIAMOND

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exploring the great land 104

Style at Sea Cruising the Inside Passage Denali National Park Where the Wild Things Roam

64 88 90 94

ports of call

Map of Alaska 99 Juneau 100 Ketchikan 120 Skagway 144 Your Next Adventure: Icy Strait Point 157 Regional Highlights 158

Princess Cruises Voyages

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Diamond Omega features a beautiful diamond in the clasp

PLUS - Every Diamond Omega comes with a FREE 6ct northern lights pendant

Sold exclusively at Monarch Jewels, Ketchikan 5520.indd 1

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get more from your cruise Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® Card

Access the application for FREE on Princess@Sea or visit your Princess Cruises Captain Circle Host to find out more.

points

on Princess purchases

Statement Credit after your first purchase or balance transfer*

Plus Other Great Benefits!

The points you earn on everyday purchases can be redeemed for experiences onboard. Earn 2 points for per $1 spent on all Princess purchases including onboard purchases with Princess Cruises and 1 point for per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a $50 statement credit after your first purchase or balance transfer* *See Terms and Conditions for details

Princess Cruises Gift Card Treat your loved ones or that special someone to a gift they’re sure to love.

Choose from a variety of gift card designs

WHAT YOU WHAT YOU and denominations WILL RECEIVE WON’T RECEIVE vv Easy and convenient redemption options ✓✓ 0% Introductory APR vv Flexibility use for an for first 15tomonths*

✕✕ Annual fees existing cruise booking ✕✕ Foreign or onboard service transaction fees ✓✓ 5,000 bonus points after vv Expedited available for plastic gift cards your first delivery purchase* ✕✕ Blackout dates For more information v✓ v ✓Send a digital gift card instantly online e-mail Opportunity to redeem on through travel rewards visit princess.com/giftcard points for onboard gifts At this time, Princess Cruises Gift Cards are only available for purchase byand residents of the United States and Canada. Please note that Princess Cruises Plastic Gift Cards cannot be mailed to Canada so Canadian residents wishing to purchase a Gift Card should select the Digital services*

Card option. Digital gift cards redeemed by Canadian residents can only be used towards cruise passage for bookings made in US Dollars or on board all Princess vessels at the passenger services desk. Princess Cruises Gift Cards cannot be applied towards cruise passage for bookings made in Canadian Dollars. Standard Gift Cards have no expiration date. Promotional Gift Cards may carry an expiration date which will be printed on the Promotional Gift Card. Gift Cards do not incur any dormancy fees for non-use. Gift Cards are not credit, debit, or charge cards, and have no implied warranties. Princess® does not accept responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen Gift Cards, or any unauthorized use of Gift Cards. Gift Cards have no value until activated at time of purchase, and Gift Cards will not be activated until payment is verified. Gift Cards will be activated when delivered, and will be active upon receipt by the customer. Gift Cards cannot be reloaded, meaning funds may not be added to Gift Cards after activation. Once activated, Gift Cards may not be resold; resale or attempted resale is grounds for seizure and cancellation of the Gift Card without compensation. Gift Cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash, except where required by law. Princess may refuse, cancel or hold for review Gift Cards and Gift Card orders in cases where it suspects fraud, mistake, alteration, issuance in an incorrect denomination, or violations of law, policies or these Terms and Conditions. Gift Cards are issued by Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Princess and the issuer reserve the right, and holders or purchasers of a Gift Card agree that, Princess and the issuer may at any time change these Terms and Conditions, as permitted by law.

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THE GOLD NUGGET COMPANY

GOLD QUARTZ SPECIMEN

GOLD QUARTZ & NUGGET COLLECTIONS

NATURAL GOLD NUGGET ANCHORAGE The Alaskan Mint 5th Ave Jewelers SITKA Goldsmith Galleries

available at

KETCHIKAN Julie’s Fine Jewelry Julie’s Dock St. Gallery www.orocal.com 800 367 6225

JUNEAU Blue Diamond Jewels by Kris SKAGWAY Lynch- Kennedy

Quality, Value & Selection made in the USA since 1965! 5442.indd 1

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™ ® ®

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AVAILABLE AT DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL® Juneau • Ketchikan • Skagway

It’s a long journey to become the one. In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection. This is why less than 1% of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark inscription – our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.

and

™

are Trade Marks under license from The De Beers Group of Companies.

1-800-51-JEWEL • www.DiamondsInternational.com

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8400 NW 36th Street, Suite 520, Miami FL 33166 Tel: (305) 673.0400, Fax: (786) 558.1063 www.onboardmedia.com Robin Rosenbaum-Andras Senior Vice President, Marketing Carrie Julier Senior Vice President Jennifer Zawadzki Director of Operations Editorial & Design Virginia C. Valls Publishing Director Kate McClare Editor Beth Wood Senior Art Director Jose Cuevas Graphic Designer James Perdomo Production Coordinator Gail Abrams Ad Services Director Violeta Manco-Rojas Ad Services Manager Contributing Writers/Editors John Anderson, Christine Blank, Andrea Carneiro, Richard Carroll, Sebastian del Marmol, Ginger Dingus, Janet Groene, Lauramay LaChance, Kelly Liszt, Stanton H. Patty, Lynn Seldon, Jonathan Siskin, Brenda Sotelo, Iliana Soto Advertising Sales Rudi Riekstins Director of Sales and Cruise Revenue Anna Riekstins Director of International Sales & Brand Marketing Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales Elyce Kolder International Sales Coordinator Video/Film Production Todd Hedge Director/Executive Producer Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography Kevin Maschke Post-Production Supervisor Enrico Caschetta Video Operations Supervisor Alexa Caravia Videographer/Editor Caroline Keith Producer Iris Cegarra Editor Bryan Fusfield Post Production Coordinator Port Shopping Revenue Vince Mikulus Regional Marketing Manager Andrew Vrzal Regional Marketing Manager Jimmy Marks Retail Program Manager Port Shopping Rina Alvarado Operations Coordinator Candace Ewing Operations Coordinator Nadine Winter Customer Relations Manager

Printed in Canada. All articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of Onboard Media, Inc, or Princess Cruises, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media, Inc, and Princess Cruises specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk. We and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

FEATURED BUSINESSES HAVE PAID TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS PUBLICATION THE 60-DAY GUARANTEE ASSURES BUYERS THAT THE STORES LISTED IN THIS PUBLICATION STAND BEHIND THE QUALITY OF THEIR MERCHANDISE. BUYER’S REMORSE, BUYER’S NEGLIGENCE AND LOST OR STOLEN MERCHANDISE ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS GUARANTEE. MANY STORES IN PORT, INCLUDING STORES THAT DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, MAY OFFER THEIR OWN GUARANTEES, BUT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE GUARANTEE STATED ON THE MAP.

SARAH JACKSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ships of Bermudan registry. All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

*THE FULL BUYER’S GUARANTEE IS LISTED ON YOUR SHOPPING MAP.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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Shop for KORITE jewelry exclusively at

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h e ll o f r o m y o ur p r in c e s s s h o p pin g h o s t

WELCOME ABOARD! We’re glad you have

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A few of the resources available for your days on board and ashore.

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joined us on this cruise to the incredible ports of Alaska. It’s our job to help you make the most of your vacation, especially when it’s time to shop. During this voyage, I’ll provide you with helpful advice about shopping on board and in the ports of call. I’ll be hosting the live Shopping Spotlight Show and special events on watches and jewelry, and I’ll be available each evening at the Princess Shopping Desk. I’ll also provide you with maps, brochures and other guidance upon request. You’ll find even more expert guidance on your television, with video replays of the Shopping Spotlight Show and special features about our boutiques on board. With all this advice, you’ll know exactly how to enjoy the unsurpassed experience of shopping on vacation. At your service, Your Princess Shopping Host

Princess Cruises Voyages

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2017 GEM OF THE YEAR

NEOPOLITAN OPAL™

Available At Authorized Le Vian® Luxury Independent Retailers JUNEAU – Jewels by Kris | Milano Diamond Gallery KETCHIKAN – Monarch Jewelers | Milano Diamond Gallery SKAGWAY – Skagway Jewelry Company | Milano Diamond Gallery

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IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMONDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BRILLIANCE.

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G H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

Available at:

BLUE DIAMOND 400 Mission Street, Ketchikan | 907.225.1880 495 South Franklin Street, Juneau | 907.523.5683

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FINALLY, YOU’RE HERE. Now is the time to do as much or as little as you like. Get out on deck and experience the fresh air, explore your ship and all its amenities. Every aspect of this vacation was designed for you because we provide you with a variety of enriching ways to discover more about yourself and the world around you.

On the following pages, you can learn a bit more about what you can expect in the coming days in our book: Voyages: Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises. We call it that for a reason — not only because of the wonderful ports you’ll be visiting, but also because of all the distinct pleasures you will find, one by one, on your Princess ship. What will be your favorite venue, activity, restaurant? Enjoy the freedom to spend your days your way.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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WELCOME

ABOARD

let your journey begin

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at your service Princess Cruises Moments that Matter

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THE CONSUMMATE HOST

SERVICE

On your Princess ship, gracious and attentive crew members are there to serve you and make your entire vacation memorable.

YOU FIRST NOTICED IT on the lapel of the officer who welcomed you aboard as you crossed thegangway: a blue-and-gold pin that read “Cruise.” Then you saw it again worn by the concierge, and your stateroom steward, and...What are these pins, and what does CRUISE stand for? CRUISE began as a program to help keep the guest experience top-of-mind for all Princess staff and crew, and that is still one of its important goals. But CRUISE is also how we recognize and reward employees for great performance. CRUISE is how we educate our employees for career and personal growth. CRUISE is how we support our employees’ health and welfare so they can perform their jobs with excellence every day. CRUISE is the vehicle through which Princess delivers our core values — we serve, we respect our team, we innovate,

we are consistent, we are accountable and we do it right. We recognize crewmembers who exceed the expectations of our guests with the Moments that Matter award. What does CRUISE mean to you? It’s the recognition that small gestures often make a big difference. You’ll see it in the bartender who remembers your favorite drink or the stateroom steward who always wears a smile. It means everyone on board is working together to make your vacation a relaxed rejuvenating retreat at sea. It means all of us know that your vacation memories are infinitely precious — and we want you to remember not only our spectacular ships sailing to fantastic destinations, but also how valued you felt while you were on board.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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Princess Cruises Voyages

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DINING

FRESHLY PREPARED

delicious dilemma Your ship is a floating destination of culinary delights, with options to match every taste and mood.

ONE OF THE MOST ENTICING THINGS

FOR VARIETY, you can choose a specialty

about your spectacular Princess® ship is the wide variety of tempting onboard options to delight your palate. From specialty restaurants and gracious dining rooms, a warm, freshly cooked meal is never far away. You can have a burger grilled to order out on deck, or grab a slice of handmade pizza to eat by the pool. Or maybe all you need is some soft-serve ice cream to fend off the heat. From breakfast to dinner to late-night snacks, Princess raises the bar on dining at sea.

restaurant like SHARE by award-winning chef Curtis Stone; Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria,SM with fresh authentic pasta made daily; the elegant Crown Grill SM or Sterling Steakhouse SM for an aged prime steak; or the Bayou Café & Steakhouse for a more Southern ambience.

WE UNDERSTAND

how important dining is to the vacation experience, which is why we put such an emphasis on the quality and range of our dining options. We’ve designed the menus for our Traditional and Anytime Dining SM rooms to truly make sure the food is the star. From our signature pastas to our lighter selections, you’ll savor freshly prepared cuisine, utilizing ingredients with regional influences.

Ask about the Chef’s Table, yet another unique offering — you’ll be invited into the galley for champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and you'll later enjoy an exclusive multi-course dinner with a menu created by the Executive Chef on board. Or if you happen to have a balcony stateroom, you can stay in one evening and we’ll bring the experience to you — with Ultimate Balcony Dining.

WE INVITE YOU to indulge in all this and more during your cruise.

Note: Please reference your Princess Patter or log on to Princess@Sea for information about the restaurants and dining venues onboard.

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Princess Cruises Voyages

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Princess Cruises Voyages

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do it all or nothing at all FREE TIME — something each of us has precious little of

these days. Of course, that’s why you take a vacation. And on your Princess ship, you’ll find you have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous options your ship offers.

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? Are you a fitness fanatic? Do you like

arts & crafts? Do you wish you simply had more hours in the day after work and family commitments to just sit down and read a book? On a Princess voyage, we offer opportunities for every interest to be engaged, which is one of the reasons people often unexpectedly find that it is their time on the ship they remember most fondly. So now that you’re here, we encourage you to follow your mood to whatever activities and entertainment most interest you. You’ll find a full schedule of what’s offered each day in your Princess Patter or Princess@Sea.* This is your time to do as much as or as little as you like. *Princess@Sea available on select ships.

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Princess Cruises Voyages

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renew yourself body & soul

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

REJUVENATE

Rejuvenate with luxurious treatments in the Lotus Spa ® or on deck in The Sanctuary.

SITTING OUT ON DECK, you’ll be lulled into a

THE SANCTUARY – TRULY SPECIAL.

blissful state by the sound of waves, the fresh sea air and the knowledge that while you are out here with Princess, you don’t have a single care in the world. And if you think that’s a good feeling, just imagine how you’ll feel after a massage or spa treatment!

Rejuvenate in the open air at the outdoor oasis reserved exclusively for adults, The Sanctuary, available on select ships.*

PAMPERING never felt as good as it does on a Princess ship. The onboard Lotus Spa® rivals most you’ll find on land — offering a sensational selection of services and treatments from facials, scrubs and massages to hot stone therapy, body therapy and body wraps, as well as a full-service salon should you choose to beautify after you unwind.

In this popular haven you can get a massage under a cabana to the sound of the sea lapping far beneath you. Or you can find yourself an empty chaise lounge in which to enjoy healthy smoothies, energy drinks and flavored waters. A menu exclusive to The Sanctuary highlights a variety of light snacks served by special Serenity Stewards. MP3 players are also available with themed playlists, so you can enjoy the soothing sounds of music.

The Lotus Spa Fitness Center offers fitness programs designed to help you maximize your wellness with Tour de Cycle, personal training and classes such as Pilates, yoga, Body Sculpt Boot Camp and TRX suspension training. The Lotus Spa Fitness Center also features world-class exercise equipment so you can tone on your own. * The Sanctuary is available on most ships. Covered cabanas and massages not available in The Sanctuary on all ships.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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discover the finer things and come back ne w ÂŽ

Visit The Shops of Princess onboard and discover tax and duty-free shopping. Enhance your shopping experience with exciting events like our Runway at Sea, trunk shows and our exclusive onboard outlet.

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Princess Cruises Voyages

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ENRICHMENT

EXPERIENCES

The Princess Photo & Video team captures

your memories at sea A PICTURE IS WORTH a thousand words â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially of your cruise with Princess. And we offer many ways for you to relive your vacation with both photos and video.

PLATINUM STUDIO by Joe Craig

YOUR LIFE. OUR ART. YOUR LEGACY. Created by internationally recognized photographer Joe Craig, the Platinum Studio experience puts the focus on your inner spirit. Using creative lighting techniques, our specially trained Platinum Artist creates a unique style of art with sessions taking place in a private studio, with no session fee and no obligation to purchase.

Call or visit the Photo & Video Gallery to book your appointment today!

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enrichment programs SET SAIL WITH PRINCESS, and you’re in for an adventure that’s more than just sightseeing. You will discover an array of engaging onboard offerings to expand your cultural horizons.

An adventure in the

cultural Engaging enrichment opportunities and exciting art auctions bring refinement to your cruise.

Among the wonderful offerings of our enrichment programs is an array of classes, from singing to culinary skills and art history. You can brush up on your cooking knowledge, expand your navigational awareness, or join the Zumba® Fitness dance party.* Get creative and have fun learning new craft activities and much more. Destination experts, like park rangers and naturalists, offer insight into the culture and history of the region you are visiting through Encounters with Discovery at Sea™.

GET INTO THE AUCTION** Our live art auctions are fun, fastpaced and offer an exciting opportunity to collect exceptional works of art. You’ll find some of the art world’s biggest stars — from Picasso to Chagall to Rockwell to Max — all represented,with hundreds of works available from contemporary art’s most popular figures. So immerse yourself, and experience our auctions, gallery events and enrichment lectures this voyage. And don’t worry about carrying your new collection off the ship, because most works are shipped to your door. * Zumba available on select voyages. ** N ot available on Pacific Princess. Princess Cruises Voyages

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MOVIES

UNDER THE STARS®

t h e s k y ’s the limit

Princess pioneered the concept — guests enjoying a feature film ®

poolside on a giant screen — Movies Under the Stars. ®

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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ORDER A DRINK,

grab a bag of complimentary popcorn, get yourself a lounge chair by the pool — or even better, a coveted spot in the hot tub for the greatest show on the sea. Movies Under the Stars® is a real crowd-pleaser, with up to five movies shown poolside during the day, and two feature films at night. What a great way to take advantage of warm nights in the region. A high-tech 300-square-foot LED screen and 69,000watt stereo system assure clarity and quality of sound from wherever on the deck you might be sitting.

EVEN KIDS GET IN

on the fun. Some of the most popular offerings on the Movies Under the Stars big screen are our special Playstation® or Nintendo® Wii TM tournaments. And teens will enjoy late-night screenings just for them, while younger cruisers can take in a colorful matinee with newfound friends!

TO KEEP THE ENTERTAINMENT FRESH, there are other showings besides movies. Major sporting events such as the NFL Playoffs, NBA Finals, MLB World Series and college bowl games are shown on the big screen. And you’ll often find yourself grooving to a concert video of one of the world’s most popular performers.

*Satellite coverage permitting. Note: Movies Under the Stars is featured on most Princess ships.

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—introducing —

new reimagined youth & teen centers Young explorers are invited to play fun games and activities, discover new interests and learn more about the world when they sail with us! In partnership with Discovery Communications,TM Princess has developed engaging new youth programs and wonder-filled centers designed for cruisers ages 3 to 17 — rolling out fleet-wide through 2019. Visit princess.com/family for details by ship. Princess offers great times for the whole family!

The Treehouse – Just for younger kids (ages 3 – 7)

The Lodge – Just for bigger kids (ages 8 – 12)

At Camp Discovery, kids can make new friends and participate in activities specially designed to play, huddle, create and discover in two reimagined centers: the animal-themed Treehouse, designed for ages three to seven, and the outdoorinspired Lodge, built for ages eight to twelve. There are all sorts of indoor and outdoor activities, like arts & crafts, movies and theme nights.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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The Beach House – Just for teens (ages 13 – 17) There’s a place on board just for teens, too! The Beach House, a contemporary beach- themed lounge, is the place to socialize, with activities designed to help them meet new friends. Teens can take test their sports arcade skills with mini golf, air hockey and ping pong, play in game tournaments on popular gaming consoles, try to win in interactive scavenger hunts, enjoy movie nights, take dance classes and attend a red carpet VIP party just for them.

Parents’ Night Out Princess offers affordable nighttime kid-sitting so the children can watch movies or play games with their friends while mom and dad enjoy some time alone. From bars and clubs to casinos and production shows, there are plenty of terrific choices for grown-ups who want to have a great night out while on board.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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the night belongs to you Step out for an evening of adventure and excitement on a ship of dreams.

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ACTIVITIES

NIGHTTIME

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you could go out without a single worry — and have so much to choose from? It’s a rare luxury to be able to walk out of your stateroom any evening, and within a short stroll be able to take in a musical, roll the dice in a lively casino, settle into a piano bar for some cocktails and live music or dance the night away in a state-of-the-art nightclub. From comedy and magic acts to movies by the pool to champagne in an intimate lounge, there’s always more to do than you could fit in an evening. Fortunately, you’ve got many nights ahead to enjoy all the evenings Princess® holds in store for you. Be sure to drop by the Atrium for the fabulous champagne waterfall, or get out on deck for a stroll beneath the stars amongst the crisp, clear sky Whether for a few hours in the lounge or an evening of dancing, don’t miss this chance to cut loose and be enchanted by the night.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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CASINO

GAMING

Princess® is your

lady luck

The onboard casinos offer a chance to play, watch the wheel spin, press the slot buttons and bring home the winnings.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? An evening of gaming and good fortune is beckoning you to the casino, where you can try your luck at any of your favorite games of chance. Our fabulous, contemporary casinos blend a bit of the excitement of Vegas with an elegant ambience to create a gaming experience unique to Princess. In these lively rooms, you can join other guests for blackjack, roulette and, of course, an array of slot machines. There may even be a poker tournament getting under way with a seat just for you. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just an occasional enthusiast, you’ll love the Princess casinos. Those on our Grandclass ships are some of the largest at sea!

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PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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SHOWS

ENTERTAINMENT

Music, dance & a little

magic LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, please take your seats. The lights are dimming, the curtain’s opening, and the show is about to begin.

OUR THRILLING PRODUCTION SHOWS are unforgettable — combining lavish stage sets and compelling scores with the song and dance of a troupe of professional singers and dancers. On every voyage with Princess,® you’ll have the opportunity to attend several different musical productions, specially created just for our guests. Check your Princess Patter or Princess@Sea each day to find out about that evening’s offerings. And we’ll see you at the show!

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PRINCESS CRUISES CAPTAIN’S CIRCLE

welcome to

the circle

Whether it’s your first cruise with Princess,® or you’ve sailed with us many times before, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits and rewards of the best loyalty program at sea.

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GOLD MEMBERS After your 1st completed cruise • Special Launch Savings • Reduced Deposit • Preferential pricing offers • Circle CenterSM Online - StandBy Program - Refer-a-Friend - Circle Savings AccountSM • Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Magazine • Access to a Circle Host on board • Members-only onboard events • Princess Passport • Gold Member Pin

RUBY MEMBERS Ruby Members get all Gold Member benefits plus the Ruby benefits.

From your 4th–5th cruise, or 31–50 cruise days

BY VOYAGE’S END, it’s likely you will have made a new circle of friends at dinner or perhaps in the fitness center, boutiques, bars and lounges of your Princess® ship. Like you, they’re all members of a very special group — those who’ve sailed with Princess, and those we hope will sail again. WELCOME to the best loyalty program at sea. The Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle® was created to thank those guests who cruise with us frequently — and to offer an incentive to our new guests joining us for the very first time. A range of rewards awaits you, from exclusive onboard events to access to a Circle Host on board every cruise who can answer any questions you might have about benefits. At higher levels, you’ll receive other perks like Preferred Check-In, complimentary wine tasting, complimentary Internet credit, priority disembarkation and more!

TO THE RIGHT YOU’LL FIND a chart listing the benefits of the various levels of membership. To learn more about the program, we encourage you to visit with the Circle Host on board, who can answer any questions you may have. You’ll receive a special Member Number as a Circle Member. Be sure to provide this number each time you make a booking so you can be certain to take advantage of all your benefits.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE... Complete 20 cruises and you’ll earn Loyalty Commends onboard credits from $25 to $100. Our most traveled guests enjoy additional recognition each cruise, including an invitation to a special event hosted by senior officers. The top three for that sailing also receive a commemorative collectible gift!

NOTE: Captain’s Circle Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the Captain’s Circle Program. Please visit princess.com or your Captain’s Circle Host on board to review the full terms of the program and to obtain further details on Member benefits.

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• Exclusive shoreside access to the Captain’s Circle Help Desk phone line • Upgrade to Princess Platinum Vacation Protection - Double benefits for Accident & Sickness Medical Expense and Baggage/Personal Effects coverage - Increases Special Cancellation Credit Feature to 100% • 10% discount off the purchase of our Reflections DVD on board • Ruby Member Pin

PLATINUM MEMBERS Platinum Members get all Ruby Member benefits plus the Platinum benefits.

From your 6th-15th cruise, or 51-150 cruise days • Internet credit • Preferred check-in at Embarkation • Platinum Disembarkation Lounge • Complimentary Cruise Atlas • Platinum Member Pin

ELITE MEMBERS Elite Members get all Platinum Member benefits plus the Elite benefits.

From your 16th cruise on, or 151+ cruise days • Complimentary shoe polishing, laundry and professional cleaning services • Priority ship-to-shore tender embarkation • Priority disembarkation • 10% boutique discount • Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting • Complimentary mini-bar setup • Complimentary canapés on formal nights (upon request) • Upgraded stateroom amenities • Traditional afternoon tea in stateroom (upon request) • Elite Member Pin

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES Princess Cruises Voyages

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PLAN

A FUTURE JOURNEY

digital daily events with princess@sea! Princess@Sea is your FREE mobile-friendly connection to ship events, information, account details and access to purchase Internet plans. Connecting is easy as 1-2-3!

your device 1 turn on airplane mode

2 connect to the ship’s wifi 3 open your web browser*

*If Princess@Sea does not open as your default web page, type “login.com” into your browser. Internet access via satellite is significantly slower than high-speed connections on shore. Princess Cruises reserves the right to block or filter certain high bandwidth activities such as adult sites, file sharing, VPN, and video streaming. Internet and communications services are not guaranteed to be available at all times due to the nature of satellite communications, which are subject to itinerary and possible disruption from weather and various obstructions. Princess Cruises is not responsible for any content transmitted via the Internet, nor does it guarantee privacy or data security. Please note that plans support only one device at a time.

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PLAN

A FUTURE JOURNEY

book your next cruise

on board

Future Cruise Consultants can help you plan your next vacation. You can

receive up to $300 in shipboard credits on your next cruise when you purchase a low refundable deposit, even if you don’t yet know where you want to sail.

Book a cruise or place a deposit while you’re on board and receive a special offer — up to $300 shipboard credit per stateroom. With a reduced refundable deposit of just $100 per person, you’ll get shipboard credits good on your next cruise with Princess. If you’re unsure of your future travel plans, simply make a deposit and take up to two years to decide. This exclusive offer is available only to our onboard guests. See your Future Cruise Consultant for details.

Shipboard Credit*

Cruise Length

Stateroom Type

3-6 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$15 $25

7-10 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$25 $50

11-16 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$75 $100

17-44 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$125 $150

(U.S.)

C heck the Princess Patter or Princess@Sea daily for office hours and location. Deposits and shipboard credits are per person per deposit per booking, based on double occupancy. Future Cruise Deposits will be automatically refunded if not applied to a new booking within two years from date of purchase. Shipboard credit applies to the holder of the Future Cruise Deposit only, and is not applicable to upper berth passengers. Shipboard credits are non refundable and may only be used on a single voyage and expires at the end of that voyage. For cruises 45 days or more, the reduced deposit and onboard credits do not apply. The reduced deposit requirement for these bookings may vary based on booking dates, and a fare discount of 3% is provided. Future Cruise Deposits are available in the same currency as your booking. See the Future Cruise Consultant for details.

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Commemorate your cruise with our signature TrueBlueÂŽ, Vivid Brown & Vogue Black diamond collections, renowned for using only the most sought-after colored diamonds. Available at:

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STYLE AT SEA

e l b a e g n a h c r e t Inyou Embrace your signature look with personalizable watches and accessories as bold and versatile as you. B y Ilia na Soto While keeping current with the latest trends is many a fashionista’s goal, carving out your ver y own signature look is always chic. Here, you’ll find customizable pieces that allow you to express your personal style, regardless of which fashion phase you’re going through.

Philip Stein They’ve mastered the art of perfect timing — and now you can choose the best way to display it. Simply select a watch face and use Philip Stein’s wristband locator tool online to find the right strap. Of course, with options ranging from leather to rubber, alligator, stainless steel and more, all in a wide array of colors and patterns, settling on just one strap is easier said then done.

Day2Night Some days are jam-packed with nonstop action, leaving you little time to transition from your all-business day look to sultry siren once the sun sets. Enter Day2Night earrings from Diamonds International, sparkling yet sensible studs that unwind into stunning drop earrings to match your mood in no time at all.

Fendi From the Selleria Collection, this Fendi timepiece will keep up with your daily mood, while keeping your look chic. Complete with a stainless steel case, 24 diamonds and a white mother-of-pearl dial, this piece is a must-have for the stylish globe-trotter. Easily change the Fendi Cuoio Romano strap to a variety of colors from white and red to pink and gray.

Alex And Ani This whimsical jeweler is all about customizable looks, allowing you to “e-gift” a piece from a wide selection of stackable bracelets, charms, necklaces, rings, earrings and more, which the recipient can customize (or exchange) before it even ships! And with their incredible array of styles, themes and finishes, you’ll be able to create an ideal accessory for yourself too.

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Today’s

Military Watches Modern watchmakers continue to take inspiration from military timekeeping. Here are some of the best examples.

LONGINES

Inspired by a piece of equipment used by British Special Forces in the 1940s, the Longines Heritage Military COSD houses an L6169.2 self-winding calibre. It remains true to its roots with a khaki NATO strap, a railway-track minute ring and a broad arrow on top — an old British symbol indicating government property.

BREMONT

British watchmaker Bremont’s new Bremont Lightning special military edition is available to F-35 pilots only (current or former), and features a larger integrated flat crystal showcasing a bespoke watch rotor inspired by the aircraft’s axisymmetric nozzle.

CITIZEN

Citizen’s military collection features a slip-through style strap that allows easy accessibility and provides a protective barrier for the wearer in adverse conditions.

S T Y L E

A T

S E A

A civilian’s guide to military watches.

Duty By A nd rea C a rnei ro

T he a rme d forces a nd f a shion trends may not se em the mos t obvious of bedfellows, but for history buffs and fashionistas alike the coupling is often front and center. From camouflage to cargo pants, civilians have taken cues from military style for longer than most can remember. While experts vary on where the military watch originated (some say the German Imperial Navy, some the British military) all agree that the wristwatch came directly from military influence. The first pieces were nothing more than revamped pocket watches strapped to the wrists of soldiers looking to free up their hands for firing weapons and engaging in other wartime activities. For watchmakers and trend historians, however, one of the greatest ideas to come out of these somewhat homemade wristwatches was that of function over fashion. Legend has it that during the second Boer war in South Africa, B ritish troops used some of the f ir s t milit a r y wris t watches to coordinate perfectly timed attacks, ultimately winning the war. When watchmakers heard the feedback they wasted no time in marketing the newfound trend to the public. One of the more popular and long-lasting trends to come from the military watch is the NATO strap, a traditionally nylon pass-through strap with a fixed metal buckle and two metal rings. While the watch was first commissioned by the British Ministry of Defense, the name actually comes from the classification (NATO G10) rather than the worldwide organization of the same name. These simple straps were popular among military personnel for being strong and functional, as well as for allowing the case to remain in the exact same spot on the wrist at all times. Originally only available in “Admiralty Grey,” today’s NATO straps come in endless color and stripe combinations, winning fans in both watch collectors and fashionistas. Watch-giant Bremont offers one favorite: a nylon, leather and stainless steel beauty with a convenient Velcro strap. Another functional offering from watchmakers came in the form of “luminous watches.” Watchmakers would paint the numbers with radium paint, allowing the watch to glow and soldiers to read the time in the dark. Even today, fans of the military watch are often attracted to the distinctive look of the black dial and luminescent numerals. Other watch innovations linked to militar y influence include the rotating bezel (developed by Longines for Lindbergh’s 1929 flight) and Panerai’s luminous waterproof men’s watches for naval divers. The A-11 watch, featuring the ubiquitous black dial and clear numbers, was one of the first mass-produced quality watches offered up by companies such as Bulova, and was reportedly worn by the U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, as well as the the Royal Canadian and Soviet Air Forces, and British Royal Air Force during World War II. More recently, Vietnam veterans came home touting the performance of humidity-resistant Seiko watches and modern-day soldiers have taken a liking to Casio’s super-durable G-Shock. While civilians may crave more and more wearable technology (a la the Apple watch), military and tactical watch buyers still give weight to accuracy, strong battery life and proper design. Form follows function, indeed.

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CELESTIAL CLOCKS Discover your zodiac style with this watch guide inspired by the stars.

ARIES - BREITLING CHRONOMAT 41 AQUARIUS - FENDI MY WAY VIRGO - TAG HEUER CARRERA HEUER 01 LIBRA - BULGARI LUCEA PISCES- LONGINES LA GRANDE CLASSIQUE LEO - RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER SAGITTARIUS - BREMONT ALT1-C CR SCORPIO - HUBLOT AEROFUSION CANCER - PHILIP STEIN MODERN COLLECTION TAURUS - CITIZEN ECO-DRIVE CAPRICORN - ZENITH ELITE GEMINI - BOMBERG BOLT 68 66

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Modern

UNIONS Say I do with these contemporary pieces. By Brenda Sotelo

Vintage

More is better when it comes to the vintage-style ring. Think color and lots of details. In this case, the setting is just as important as the gemstones and diamonds used to make the ring a showstopper. Vintage bands are usually very ornate or daring with bold setting features inspired by Victorian or Art Deco eras, making them unforgettable.

Drop Down

For the glamorous type who appreciates a sparkle, there’s the drop-shaped style. The ring’s unusual diamond setting closer to the edge instead of the center gives the eye the illusion that it’s dangling from the band, attracting more light and glow. The pear-shape diamond is a favorite for this look, and Katherine Heigl is among the Hollywood stars wearing the trend.

Color Diamonds

A touch of color is a great choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd. There are all sorts of color diamonds and several shades of each. Blue diamonds are unique while dark tones like black make a bold statement. Actress Michelle Yeoh has made the blue diamond ring a red carpet favorite.

Gemstones

Vibrant gems are a great alternative to traditional and color diamonds. Tourmaline and emeralds give an instant vintage vibe, making any ring a timeless piece, while sapphires occur in rainbows of hues. Zooey Deschanel brought the tourmaline into the lime light when she wore a big, bold piece on her middle finger to the Emmys .

Clockwise from top left: Vena D’ Amore; True Love Diamonds; Danyal Paraiba; Diamonds International ring.

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ALT1-C/CR

BRITISH ENGIN EERING . TE STED BEYON D EN DU R ANCE. The Bremont ALT1-C is a mechanical aviation chronometer that’s 99.998% accurate. It’s painstakingly built by hand at our workshops in Henley-on-Thames. But if the inside of the ALT1-C is delicate, the outside is anything but. The case is made from steel that’s seven times harder than you’ll find in ordinary watches. (We bombard it with electrons to toughen it up.) The crystal is sapphire and scratch-resistant. (We know, we’ve tried.) And the whole thing is water resistant to 100 metres. We hope you enjoy the ALT1-C. After all, you’ll be together a long time.

DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL JUNE AU | KETCHIKAN | SKAGWAY

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n e e r G s es d God

Chopard’s Green Carpet collection is good for your look and the planet. Set the room aglow with jewelry that suppor ts impor tant sustainabilit y initiatives when you wear a sparkling diamond piece from Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection. Not only will you look exquisite, but you will also feel fantastic knowing that you are taking part in a worldwide movement to be gentler to our natural resources and improve the lifest yles and working conditions of small-scale mining communities. In collaborations with Gemfields (the leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones) and the Alliance for Responsible Mining ( A R M ), C h o p a r d h a s j o i n e d t h e G r e e n Carpet Challenge, using gold that bears the “Fairmined” certification and diamonds from members of the Responsible Jewellery Council to bring you s tunning dia mond jewelr y that will make a st atement that transcends fashion. Whether it ’s their resplendent diamond necklaces, earrings, rings or watches, each breathtaking piece from Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection will leave you feeling just as brilliant as you’ll look.

Left, from top: Green Carpet bracelet and ring. Right: Montre Green Carpet watch.

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RARE/re r/: Adjective: not common, very unusual; Marked by unusual quality, merit or appeal.

Take a look at the brightest blue glaciers and you will begin to know the color of Paraiba Tourmaline, except Paraiba is this color made doubly intense. Described by experts as “neon” or “electric”, the blue of Paraiba Tourmaline is unlike anything you’ve probably seen before. Is there any point in trying to show a gemstone so unbelievably blue that a camera can’t capture its intensity and a printing press can’t recreate its depth? A stone so remarkably blue that it can’t be shown on paper? Well then, it looks like you’ll have to come and see these amazing gemstones in person.

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brand

finder Juneau

Ketchikan

Skagway

Blue Diamond

Diamonds International Watch & Design

Fendi Timepieces Hearts On Fire Mark Henry Orocal Gold Quartz Philip Stein Shinola TrueLove Diamonds

Diamonds International Watch & Design Hublot Kabana Korite Zenith

Diamonds International Bremont Crown of Light Day2Night Fendi Timepieces Forevermark Gift Kabana Korite Philip Stein Safi Kilima

Jewels by Kris Alex & Ani Danyal Paraiba Le Vian® Orocal Shinola

Tanzanite International Crown of Light Day2Night Gift Kabana Korite Safi Kilima

Bomberg Danyal Paraiba Fendi Timepieces Hearts On Fire Mark Henry Philip Stein Shinola TrueLove Diamonds

Diamonds International Watch & Design Crown of Light Hublot Kabana Korite Safi Kilima Zenith

Diamonds International Bremont Crown of Light Day2Night Fendi Timepieces Forevermark Gift Kabana Korite Philip Stein Safi Kilima

Crown of Light Hublot Kabana Korite Safi Kilima

Diamonds International Bremont Crown of Light Day2Night Fendi Timepieces Forevermark Gift Kabana Korite Philip Stein Safi Kilima

Tanzanite International Crown of Light Day2Night Gift Kabana Korite Safi Kilima

Julie’s Fine Jewelry Alex & Ani Orocal Gold Quartz Shinola

Monarch

Alex & Ani Le Vian® Mark Henry Alexandrite Monarch Omega TrueLove Diamonds

Alex & Ani

“Places We Love” Bangle

Tanzanite International Crown of Light Day2Night Gift Kabana Korite Safi Kilima

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have a per f ec t day

Bring your Shopping Spotlight newsletter into port. Tuck it into your purse or pocket and put the port at your fingertips.

CAN BALCIOGLU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Your Shopping Spotlight newsletter will be delivered to your stateroom each night. Make sure to take it with you into port. You can also see your Princess Shopping Host for more specific information. The hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk hours are listed in your Princess Patter.

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Over 100 years in bloom

Victoria, British Columbia Canada www.butchartgardens.com

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local treasures

Symbols of Alaska to take home and treasure.

Gold jewelry.

Claim your own piece of Alaska with a souvenir version of the state’s emblems. Look for a list of local retailers in the Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway port of call sections.

Gold The buzz started sometime after the U.S. purchase of Alaska in 1867. All-out gold fever finally struck in the 1880s. The precious metal was found in Juneau, on the Klondike River and on the beaches of Nome. Prospectors rushed to Alaska to find their own fortunes. Knives Hunters and other outdoor ent hu sia s t s r ely on t hei r k n ives ’ sharpness, but beauty also counts for at least one: the ulu (OO-loo) knife. It has been used for thousands of years, serving as a multipurpose blade used for everything from skinning animals to trimming blocks of ice to build igloos. The original ulu had a bone, ivory or wood handle, often embellished with distinctive marks carved by the knife’s creator. Masks Inuit masks are ranked among the finest tribal art in the world, traditionally worn by dancers in religious ceremonies

honoring the spirits of birds or animals that are hunted or need to be appeased. The Tlingit and other coastal tribes produce transformation masks with several faces concealed within a single face, while the Aleuts create bone masks worn at burials that are broken and thrown away after completion of the funeral rites.

Ulu knives.

Sa lmon Ma ny of A la sk a’s Nat ive communities rely on salmon as a food and an economic source, and the rest of the world has caught up to them. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 oils, the “good” fats. Alaska salmon is sold fresh as whole fish, steaks and fillets, as well as preserved in cans.

Reindeer fur.

Totem Poles A traditional art form among Natives of Southeast Alaska, totem poles reflect ancestral pride by depicting the lives and history of the people who create them. They are carved out of huge cedar trees and often display carvings of animals found in the region, such as eagles, ravens, frogs, bears, wolves and whales. After they are erected, totem poles stand as long as nature permits, typically 50 or 60 years. When the pole eventually falls to the ground, it is left to decay or is used for firewood.

Mouthwatering salmon.

See our guide to the distinctive creations that make Alaska so exceptional. Detail of a totem pole. 86

Inuit mask.

PHOTOS BY: ONSUDA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; BMJ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; SETHISLAV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; GEORGE BURBA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ANDREA IZZOTTI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; JOSHUA RESNICK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Fur Most people think of the Gold Rush when they think of Alaska, but the region’s first hot commodity was fur. Russian traders and Native hunters had their most profitable relationship in the early to mid-1800s.

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By Christine Blank

Shaped by massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage is truly one of the most scenic spots in the world, offering stunning views of dense forests, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and majestic wildlife that includes whales, sea lions, bears and bald eagles.

Seals hanging out on the rocks along the shore.

A view from the Lynn Canal, part of the scenic Inside Passage.

As you travel through the Inside Passage, wh ic h s t retc hes f rom P uget Sou nd , Washington, to the Gulf of Alaska, the scenery constantly changes. The route includes nearly 1,000 tiny islands and passes by serene shorelines that give way to massive walls of forested mountains, sparkling rivers and dazzling glaciers. When disembarking at port cities — including British-influenced Victoria, BC, in Canada, as well as Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau — you’ll have the opportunity to explore the spectacular sites further inland. Highlights include landlocked glaciers such as the half-mile-wide Mendenhall Glacier, botanical gardens, national parks, historic totem poles and myriad natural wonders — all alongside modern cities filled with shopping and attractions. Natives, including the Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian, first settled this gorgeous region hundreds of years ago. They often used the area as a summer fishing camp. However, they weren’t the only early settlers in the area. By 1741, Russian explorers, led by Vitus Bering, discovered the Inside Passage for themselves. Russian pioneers built and sailed ships, farmed, fished, logged, mined, whaled and operated sawmills, but the main draw was the

PHOTOS BY: MISHELLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; CALEB FOSTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

c r ui s in g t h e in s i d e passage

fur trade. Russian hunters quickly realized that the wide variety of animals in the region produced valuable furs that they could trade with Chinese merchants for silk, spices and tea. Between 1743 and 1799, more than 100 Russian fur-hunting expeditions sailed into Alaskan waters, returning with 187,000 pelts worth more than $6 million, a hefty sum at the time. At first, they hired Natives as experienced hunters and guides, but before long, the Russians began enslaving the indigenous population, especially the Aleuts. In the end, the Natives revolted against their unjust treatment and won their freedom back. Today, all along the Inside Passage, you can see many examples of Russian culture. The original Russian settlers left behind beautiful cathedrals such as St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka, as well as historic sawmills, canneries and other buildings left over from this era. Native populations maintain a strong presence in the Inside Passage, having a direct influence on the culture of a region many still call home. They have also continued the tradition of crafting stunning totem poles, including some of the largest and oldest collections of totems in the world at Potlatch Totem Park in Ketchikan and Sitka National Historic Park.

Princess Cruises Voyages

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By Jonathan Siskin

PHOTOS BY: (PARK) CAROL M. HIGHSMITH/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS; (BEAR) DAN KOSMAYER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

d e n ali n a t io n al p ar k

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ABOVE: An aerial view of the park. OPPOSITE: A park resident.

North America’s highest point was The High One, or The Great One, to the Athabascan Native tribes who were Alaska’s first inhabitants. But Denali is much more than the name given to the crown of the 600-mile Alaska Range. It’s also the name of the vast national park and preserve that is the quintessential Alaskan interior experience. This immense preserved and protected area started with about 2 million acres in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park, named for then-U.S. Representative (and later President) William McKinley. In 1980, park boundaries were enlarged by 4 million acres and the name was changed to Denali National Park & Preserve; the highest peak continued to be called Mount McKinley until 2015, when the U.S. Department of the Interior officially changed its name back to Denali. At its current 6 million acres, the park is larger than the entire state of Massachusetts. The park and its surroundings came into being largely due to the work of two men: Charles Sheldon,

a conservationist, naturalist and hunter; and guide Harry Karstens, with whom, between 1906 and 1908, Sheldon explored the region that would eventually become the park. Sheldon got the park established after working diligently for a decade, while Karstens went on to make the first ascent of Denali and become the park’s first superintendent. As it did then, the Denali experience involves more than getting a glimpse of the mountain. In fact, many visitors never even get to see it, for it's “out” from the clouds only one in three days, on average. But with so much else to see and do, a sighting of the peak is just one of the many jewels in the Denali crown.

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there are still more than 650 unique species of flowering plants and dozens of species of moss, lichen, algae and more along the valleys and slopes of the park. The Wildlife Many visitors remember their wildlife viewing long after seeing (or not seeing) Denali. Quite simply, the sheer variety and uniqueness of the wildlife here make each trip into the park special. From spring to fall, wildlife viewing in Denali is simply spectacular. Just listing them here doesn’t do the experience justice, but a trip can include grizzly bear (and cubs), moose, caribou and Dall sheep. In fact, these four animals are known as the “Big Four” of Denali wildlife viewing, and any visit that includes all of them is considered a big-time success. Wolves, which usually travel in packs, are rarely seen. Park rangers concur that a wolf-spotting makes a park visit even more special. Smaller animals often seen during a Denali visit include red squirrels, ground squirrels, porcupines, beavers, hoar y

marmots, weasels and snowshoe hares. More than 35 different mammal species live in the park and preserve. At around 160 species, the bird life is also incredibly varied; bird-watchers travel thousands of miles to Denali in order to add to their bucket lists. The possibilities include ptarmigans, Lapland longspurs, owls, eagles and other raptors. Many birds travel phenomenal distances to spend the summer in Alaska, including wheatears f rom A f r ica a nd A rc t ic ter n s f rom Antarctica and southern South America. Seeing It All Visitors can choose from many different ways to explore the Denali area. From a simple hike in the shadow of Denali to a helicopter tour of the area, from river rafting to naturalist-led activities, the possibilities seem as infinite as Denali’s landscape and wildlife.

PHOTOS BY: (HELICOPTER) LEHVIS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (WOLVES) JKLINGEBIEL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Landscape It all star ts with the incredibly beautiful and diverse scenery. Sitting below the peaks of the Denali massif is a land of rivers and landscape unmatched in North America. Situated about 240 miles nor th of Anchorage and less than half that distance south of Fairbanks, Denali National Park spreads to the west of bustling George Parks Highway and into a wilderness rarely matched in the world. Denali is an ever-present part of the landscape. Its height of 20,237 feet makes it one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on the world’s continents. The formation of this majestic mountain and the rest of the Alaska Range began tens of millions of years ago, thanks to a massive collision of two tectonic plates. Today, more than 75 percent of the mountain is covered in snowfall and glaciers year-round, and conditions are virtually always harsh. Below Denali and the other towering mountains, the plant life of the park has adapted over thousands of years to the quite-cold winters and short summers. But

ABOVE: Denali viewed from a helicopter. LEFT: A wolf sighting. 92

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where the w ild t hin g s roam

RIGHT: A grizzly bear in a snowy meadow. OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: A bald eagle catching a fish; a young moose grazing on grass.

By Lauramay LaChance

Soaring Through the Sky Bald eagles, the national bird of the United States, are far more abundant in Alaska than anywhere else in the country. It’s nearly impossible to cruise to Alaska and not see one of these fierce birds of prey, with its distinctive white head and gigantic wingspan of up to 7 feet. Watch for the white “snowball” of the eagle’s head in the tops of the trees. Once you learn to spot them, you tend to recognize them everywhere. “During the peak of salmon spawning season, bald eagles feed in droves of sometimes 50 or more out over the inlets,” says Michele Morris, one of Carnival’s onboard naturalists. Morris started with Carnival on their first Alaskan cruise back in 1996, and if she’s not onboard, you can be sure to find one of the other naturalists to answer any wildlife questions you may have. Bear Spotting Bears, both brown and black, are typically solitary animals. Grizzly bears, the mainland subspecies of brown bears, are much larger than their black bear cousins, weighing between 500 and 900 pounds and having a more prominent hump on their shoulders. Black bears, despite their name, can range in color from a sandy blond to an almost 94

bluish shade of gray and weigh between 200 – 500 pounds. Black bears tend to live in dense forests, and there are about 100,000 black bears throughout the state. Grizzly bears typically live along Alaska’s southern coast, where they primarily feed on salmon. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, there can be one grizzly bear per square mile in portions of southern Alaska, especially in areas with plentiful food sources. Spotting bears is easier than you think. When you’re out on the ocean, look along the shoreline for shiny black rocks that stand out against the typical dull black rocks. Once you spot one, watch for any signs of movement. Typical boulders will appear dull, but a bear’s fur looks particularly oily, and that distinct sheen will stand out against the landscape. Once the salmon begin to swarm the rivers in late July through early September, many bears will move to the streams to feed. Just keep in mind that bears are best when seen from a distance. If you are hiking in bear territory, especially along a river teeming with salmon, make your presence known. “If you do come across a bear, stand your ground, wave your arms in the air and speak loudly,” says Dan Irelan, a park ranger for

did you k n o w?

Grizzly bears have a better sense of smell than hound dogs and can detect food from miles away.

PHOTOS BY: (BEAR) DAWN WILSON PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (EAGLE) FLORIDASTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MOOSE) KRZYSZTOF WIKTOR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Alaska’s wildlife is unpredictable, captivating and raw, encompassing hundreds of species, ranging from determined salmon swimming up the rivers to spawn to the magnificent grizzlies roaming the untamed terrain in search of their next meal. The dream of observing wildlife in its natural habitat is what lures many visitors to Alaska, a state bigger than Texas, California and Montana combined. Every moment is an opportunity to see rare animals in their natural environment. Training your eyes to properly spot wildlife means knowing not just where to look, but how to tell the difference between the wild landscape and the wild animals.

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d i d y o u k n o w?

PHOTOS BY: (BEAR) DAWN WILSON PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (EAGLE) FLORIDASTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MOOSE) KRZYSZTOF WIKTOR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Bald eagles in Alaska have been documented living as long as 32 years.

Denali National Park & Preserve. “I had a bear approach me as I was walking along a river. I stood my ground and eventually the big momma bear and her curious cubs turned around, leaving me with a racing heart and a good story to tell.” Moose It’s a deer. It’s a horse. No, it’s a giant moose! Unlike many of Alaska’s wildlife, these iconic creatures don’t stick to the wilderness. Moose seem to appear when you least expect them, whether prancing through the parking lot as you’re hopping on a tour bus or simply standing in a small pond by the side of the road, sipping the cool water as cars pass by. Alaska has anywhere from 175,000 to 200,000 of these longlegged mammals. They’re frequently seen in areas that have been recently affected by forest fires and along the major rivers of Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Their sheer size is hard to appreciate from a distance. A bull (male) moose stands 7 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1,600 pounds. If that’s not massive enough, the bulls can also grow an 80-pound antler rack in a single summer. That’s about 1 pound of bone growth a day. It’s quite impressive to see how gracefully they move throughout the forest, despite all that additional weight.

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Caribou Caribou are one of the most recognized symbols of the great wild north. Much smaller than moose, caribou weigh between 175 and 400 pounds. They have the distinction of being the only member of the deer family whose males and females both grow antlers. They spend most of their time in the open country and have adapted to the cold, wind and snow of even the harshest Alaskan winters. Caribou are difficult to spot even for wildlife peeping pros, but it’s possible with a keen eye and a little patience. In the summer, caribou spend most of their time in the remaining snow patches high on the mountains. Keep your binoculars handy while scanning the spines of the mountains. Allow your eyes to adjust and look for out-of-place silhouettes. You just might get a peek of the elusive caribou.

PHOTOS BY: (SHEEP) CHRISTOPHER BOSWELL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (CARIBOU) NANCYS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Mountain Goats and Dall Sheep Agility and strength are a necessity for these all-white mountaineering ungulates (hooved animals) as they spend most of their time clambering through steep and rocky terrains. Dall sheep and mountain goats look similar, but one look at their horns and you’ll know which is which: Dall sheep have ram-shaped horns that curve on the side of their head, while mountain goats flaunt pointed horns. Though they have comparable body shapes, Dall sheep can weigh up to 300 pounds. Mountain goats weigh up to 380 pounds and often seem much bigger due to their long fur and fluffy beards.

A caribou bull in Denali National Park; in the background is Denali, the high mountain.

did you k n o w?

Caribou and reindeer are the same species, but reindeer are usually privately owned and have some genetic differences.

Peeping either of these two bovids will require a lot of neck bending, because these rugged climbers are high country dwellers. Dall sheep roam throughout every mountain range in Alaska. They tend to huddle in dry habitats in open alpine ridges, meadows and steep slopes. Mountain goats, on the other hand, are most frequently found in the southeast, where they feed low in the early summer and move higher as the snow melts. If Juneau is one of your ports of call, you’re in luck. Mountain goats were actually reintroduced to Mount Juneau in 1989 and have become a common sight since the early 2000s. From afar, both mountain goats and Dall sheep look like small mounds of snow on the mountain, and you can easily miss them with the naked eye. Use binoculars to scan the cliffs, and you’ll realize that, yes, that mound of snow is in fact three Dall sheep resting, or a scruffy mountain goat browsing for food. If they seem to be moving swiftly up the mountain, pay careful attention as it might mean one of their predators, such as a wolf or coyote, is nearby.

Dall sheep climbing high in Denali National Park.

Like No Place Else The rugged wilderness may seem daunting, but the creatures that have adapted to thrive under its extreme conditions are one of the many reasons Alaska has enthralled visitors for generations. As longtime ranger Irelan puts it, “The amazing and unusual aspects of the far north — the midnight sun, vast spaces and incredible mountain surroundings, winters of darkness and solitude, northern lights — each continue to inspire me. Even the feel of the forest and the air itself is almost indescribable.”

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IT’S NOT A SMART WATCH, IT’S A STRONG ONE.

J U N E AU • B LU E D I A M O N D • J E W E L S BY K R IS K E TC H I K A N • B LU E D I A M O N D • J U L I E ’ S F I N E J E W E L RY

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ALASKA

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PORTS OF CALL JUNEAU

Alaska’s bustling capital and gateway to Glacier Bay, Juneau charmingly blends past and present. It’s a modern city built upon the tailings of an old gold mine. The city’s cosmopolitan style is evident in contemporary museums and office buildings, sophisticated shops and fine restaurants. Yet many are drawn to its fascinating history, which is lovingly preserved in and around its original false-fronted buildings and narrow, winding streets. Wildlife and nature are major attractions. The area surrounding the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is a showcase for glacial activity and boasts a network of trails to explore. Juneau is home to 114 species of birds, all five species of salmon and several species of whales — not to mention brown and black bears. Ten miles outside the city, Admiralty Island National Monument shelters the largest brown bear population in Southeast Alaska.

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PHOTOS BY: RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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quick guide Famed for: The “drive-up” Mendenhall Glacier, which survives from the Little Ice Age of more than 3,000 years ago. It’s a Fact: The city is named after Joe Juneau, who started a gold rush with fellow prospector Richard Harris in 1880.

PHOTOS BY: RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Signature Souvenirs: Whale-themed gifts; gold nuggets; Native art from local galleries.

OPPOSITE PAGE: A Princess ship takes in a glacial view. TOP: Glacier Bay National Park. RIGHT: A view of Juneau from the Gastineau Channel.

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GASTINEAU CHANNEL

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No roads lead to Juneau. Since it’s surrounded by extremely rugged terrain, the only way to get to this gorgeous state capital is by air or sea. What’s so special about this remote urban center amid the wilderness? Plenty. Way before Europeans claimed the area for their own, indigenous tribes had bene inhabiting the area for millennia, favoring its great fishing. Even today, the Tlingit people, descendants of the original tribes with a rich artistic heritage, hold celebrations during spawning season. Then came gold. Modern-day Juneau was founded in 1880, when prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris found nuggets as large as “peas and beans.” Thus began a gold rush lasting decades. Beyond this precious metal, the city is the launching point to unsurpassed hiking along the Mendenhall Glacier, a staggering leftover of the last Ice Age. Head to the Visitor Center for fantastic views, or get a bird’s-eye look at the region on an exhilarating helicopter ride up to hike this massive hunk of ice. Or stay grounded at Glacier Gardens, a rainforest paradise showcasing the region’s amazing flora and fauna, including its famous flower towers and the occasional bald eagle. Crave some action? Try zip lining from treetop to treetop through the rainforest. Or head further out into the wilderness at Tongass National Forest to spot brown and black bears, humpback whales, more bald eagles, black-tailed deer and so much more. — Kelly Liszt

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IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMONDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BRILLIANCE.

H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

400 Mission Street, Ketchikan, AK | 907-225-1880 495 South Franklin Street, Juneau, AK | 907-523-5683 www.bluediamondgems.com

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m e n d e n h all glacier By Richard Carroll

An intrepid wind gusts across a timeless and icy landscape, releasing a flurry of intensely blue icebergs that carve off the facade of the mighty Mendenhall Glacier and splash into Mendenhall Lake, while misty veils of drifting clouds cast shadows across some of Alaska’s most captivating scenery. Tucked within the nearly 17-millionacre Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States, the glacier stretches some 13 miles in length from the Juneau ice field. It offers visitors a surprising choice of activities and a photographic challenge to capture the surging power of the glacier as it erupts from the landscape with a brilliant gleam. The historic U.S. Forest Service Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center was the first of its kind in the United States when it was built in 1962. Subsequent parks have emulated its architectural concept, floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive outdoor viewing areas and changing exhibits. It has outdoor viewing platforms overlooking Steep Creek and affording panoramic views of the glacier’s ever-changing 1.5-mile face. Here, one might see a meandering black bear below or a bald eagle drifting in the sky above. Interpretive programs and ranger talks, wide-ranging exhibits, an observatory with telescopes and a 15-minute film, Magnificent Mendenhall, offer an essential overview of the glacier, an awe-inspiring wonder of the natural world. The rangers explain that Mendenhall is one of 38 major glaciers that extend from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau icefield. The rapidly retreating glacier has uncovered vegetation thousands of years old, while the effects of the glacier’s movement can be seen in the radically changing landscape, which is remarkably similar to the deep U-shaped valleys of Yosemite and California’s towering Sierra Nevada mountains. Mendenhall was originally named Auk Glacier by naturalist John Muir. In 1891 it was renamed in honor of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, a famed scientist, inventor, physicist and meterologist who led a survey that determined the border between Alaska and Canada. Steps from the Visitor Center there is easy access to a selection of six trails for up-close glacier experiences.

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Breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife activity make a visit to this vast ice field unforgettable.

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Blue ice pools on Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau.

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Glacier trekkers ascend Mendenhall Glacier.

Exploring the Glacier The 1.5-mile Moraine Ecology Trail leads into a mossy forest where visitors have watched a frustrated bear trying to hook a spawning sockeye salmon from an icy stream. The popular threemile-long Nugget Creek Trail wanders to a tumbling 377-foot waterfall past patches of wildflowers searching for a gleam of sun and a landscape that has been ice-free for only 50 years or less. For those in excellent shape with a strong sense of adventure, a trek on the glacier begins at the West Glacier Trailhead. Guests are outfitted with a backpack, glacier and rain gear, clampons, food and water and are led on a 2.75-hour trek through a temperate rainforest and up a strenuous, unmaintained switchback trail to the ice, where the jagged mountain ridges appear close enough to touch. Retaining enough energy for the downward trek is essential, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to explore deep textured crevices, meltwater streams and possibly an ice cave. The fickle weather patterns add another dramatic dimension to a glacier trek. On a cloudcovered rainy day, the weather seems to close around the glacier in a timeless manifestation of frosty splendor.

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When time is of the essence, an a lter native Mendenhall adventure begins with a 30-minute helicopter flight soaring to 7,000 feet before landing on the ice. Dress warmly and bring binoculars and camera, with a zoom lens if possible. The 5,815-acre Mendenhall Recreation Area and the massive Tongass National Forest are arranged like a mammoth crossword puzzle, the glacier appearing like a large white blanket spread on the landscape to enhance the setting and set off the shimmering lake. Lake Mendenhall, created some 80 years ago when the glacier meltwater filled a severely eroded valley to over 200 feet deep, is ideal for family oriented river rafting tours. Guided trips take rafters over Class II and III whitewater rapids onto a lake sprinkled with icebergs and provide widely varying views of the glacier. As the rangers in the Visitor Center say, any view of the glacier creates a long-lasting memory. Although Mendenhall is positioned just 12 miles from Juneau, a city that is only accessible via boat or aircraft, a trip here feels like an exotic adventure to the far reaches of the American continent.

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TOYS MUGS BASEBALL CAPS ornaments SHOT GLASSES JEWELRY PLUSH BOOKS

Hoodies t-shirts KEYCHAINS SOCKS MAGNETS 5501.indd 1

S ebody L es Me

T-Shirt

Everyone’s favorite Alaskan souvenir in adult and kids sizes.

$ 99

Juneau • Skagway

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b r o w s in g t h r o u g h hi s t o r y South Franklin Street offers treasures to take home and nuggets of Juneau’s fascinating history. As one of Juneau’s “can’t miss” attractions, South Franklin Street provides a well-preserved view into the past with some of the city’s oldest and most architecturally noteworthy buildings. The main thoroughfare of shops, cafés and saloons is also easy to find, running along the lively waterfront where incoming ships dock and into the historic downtown district. Navigating South Franklin Street is a lesson in Juneau’s colorful history, found in the stories of the quaint buildings that date to the early 1900s and the city’s heyday as a mining hub. Visitors can learn about this history by joining walking tours from Juneau-Douglas City Museum or Adventure Flow, complete with guide and audio, offering stories about the old buildings and the city’s early personalities. Included is the Alaskan Hotel from 1913, featuring a beautifully preserved barroom from the period, as well as the Alaska Steam Laundry Building from 1901 which now houses a café and

shops. Or mosey past swinging doors and along sawdust floors at the historic Red Dog Saloon, where you can belly up to the bar under wagon wheel chandeliers and gawk at bear pelts, Wyatt Earp’s pistol and other curios adorning the walls. Of course, a trip to South Franklin Street wouldn’t be complete without shopping at its many stores that feature an array of made-in-Alaska items. Stock up on the region’s most famous food – smoked salmon – caught and processed locally. With a host of gold and silver mines in the state, jewelry is another popular item sold in shops along the street, including silver bracelets with totemic designs carved by artisans from local Native tribes. Totem poles and Native art can also be found on South Franklin, as well as soap made with glacial silt from nearby glaciers. And beer lovers can take home a taste of Alaska with ales and ambers brewed with local alder-smoked malts and Sitka spruce tips.

PHOTOS BY: SARAH CANNARD

By John Anderson

South Franklin Street, Juneau.

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REAL IS RARE REAL IS A DIAMOND

Magnificent jewelry inspired by Alaska

BY KRIS

439 South Franklin Street · Juneau, Alaska 907-523-5274 · www.jewelsbykris.com

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Where to find local mementos in port

Alaska Fish & Chips Company Watch float planes take off and land at this indoor-outdoor seafood bar, serving a variety of fresh Alaska seafood. The specialty is Halibut & Chips, but you’ll also find fish tacos, reindeer sausage corndogs, salads, and regional craft beer.

2 Marine Way, Suite 114 | 907-723-2586 www.alaskafishandchips.com

Alaska Juneau Mining Company Visit one of Juneau’s largest and most unique gift stores. We offer a huge selection of apparel, gifts and souvenirs with prices to fit any budget. Be sure to take a photo of the pod of Orca Whales suspended above the store.

425 South Franklin Street | 907-463-5595 www.alaskafishandchips.com

Alaska Knifeworks Alaska Knifeworks is locally owned. We’re in Merchants Wharf on the beautiful downtown Port of Juneau waterfront, the gateway to Alaska’s capital city! Collectors, hikers, campers, hunters, fishermen and all-around knife geek enthusiasts enjoy our store. This is not just another souvenir store; we have custom Alaskan caribou antler pocketknives, fillet knives and top-quality ulus you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re a home chef, if you hunt or fish or if you know someone back home who loves the outdoors, this is a muststop destination on your cruise. Alaska Knifeworks will easily ship your purchase home; ask about FREE SHIPPING for all pocketknives! We have expert staff ready for your visit. Come see us on the waterfront in the Port of Juneau.

2 Marine Way, Suite 119 | alaskaknifeworks.com

Alaska Shirt Company

We provide the best apparel and souvenir selection, styles and savings — 6,000 square feet of shopping fun! Locally owned and operated. Located right across the street from the Juneau tram and cruise ship terminal.

489 S. Franklin Street | 907-586-9510 www.shirtco.com

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SPEC I A L A DV E RT ISI NG F E AT U R E

juneau from up above Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway

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Ride Southeast Alaska’s only aerial tramway! At 1800 feet above sea level, the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway treats you to Juneau’s stunning panorama. From the Chilkat Range to Stephens Passage, the expansive views are a photographer’s dream. The short ride to 1,800 feet above sea level is a breathtaking way to see the Capital City, waterfront and surrounding mountains. When you arrive at the Mountain House, enjoy dining with a view at the Timberline Bar & Grill, serving local seafood and a variety of dishes. Try our signature Crab Nachos, with locally brewed Alaskan Brewing beer. “Shop at the Top” in Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery, where you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Raven Eagle features gifts, souvenirs, clothing and original, Alaska Native made art. Then, visit the Chilkat Theatre for our awardwinning film on Tlingit history and culture, Seeing Daylight.

Outside the Mountain House, meet the Juneau Raptor Center ’s education eagle and have a personal experience with one of America’s great birds. The Nature Center’s knowledgeable staff can provide information about the trails, wildlife and environment. Interactive displays entertain and educate all ages. On Mount Roberts, you can hike wellmaintained rainforest and sub-alpine trails. Culturally modified trees are carved with traditional, historic images. Watch for songbirds, deer and marmots from the observation platforms. The interpretive signage and audio tour provides a wealth of information about the natural environment. Indoors or out, there is something for all ages, interests, and abilities atop Mount Roberts! The ADA accessible Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway runs every five minutes and tickets are good all day. Come and go at your leisure. See your Shore Excursion Desk for tickets!

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Where to find local mementos in port Caribou Crossings Buy “Made in Alaska” products here! Showcasing over 60 of Alaska’s leading artists, they search statewide to bring you crafts found in this distinctive store. Owned and operated by a local Juneau family. Located in the golden-yellow building.

387 South Franklin Street cariboucrossings.com | 877-586-5008 b2

Changing Tides fabrics

needleART

gifts

JUNEAU ALASKA

Changing Tides Fabric And Quilting Gift Shop A year-round local quilt shop located in the heart of historic downtown Juneau, we are known for our great selection of Alaskan fabrics, batiks and wools. Barbara Lavallee’s quilt patterns, cross-stitch and fabric panels are designed in our Juneau studio. A “True North” quilter’s paradise!

175 S. Franklin Street | 907-523-6084

Hangar On the Wharf Juneau’s favorite waterfront restaurant with the largest menu and best view in town. Featuring the finest Alaska seafood: king crab, halibut, salmon and chowder. Plus 125+ beers to go with salads, burgers, steaks and more!

2 Marine Way, Suite 106 | 907-586-5018 www.hangaronthewharf.com

Historic Merchants Wharf A landmark in Alaska’s aviation history, this former float plane hangar was built in 1932 and was the birthplace of Alaska Airlines. It’s now home to some of the best dining and shopping in Juneau.

2 Marine Way

Juneau Trading Company Located directly on Juneau’s new sea walk. Come enjoy a free cup of coffee while you shop. We promise to have everything on your list all under one roof, even buy a tour from the tour center.

720 South Franklin Street | 907-463- 4480

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Where to find local mementos in port Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. Hike, dine, and enjoy breathtaking views of Juneau. Then “Shop at the Top” for original Alaska Native art, gifts and souvenirs at Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery. You’ll find unique collectibles and something for everyone on your list! Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery features Native artists working on site. Family-friendly, ADA-compliant.

490 South Franklin Street | 888-461-8726

The Alaskan Fudge Company The Alaskan Fudge Company is locally owned, handcrafting fudge since 1980. Our candies and chocolates are handmade right in front of you. Choose from 22 flavors of fudge along with handmade turtles and chocolates. Perfect for gifts.

195 South Franklin Street | 391 South Franklin Street

House of Russia Discover Juneau’s rich Russian history! Explore the enormous selection of traditional handicrafts from Russia’s top artists. For over 25 years, the local owners have individually handselected every object in this store. Located in the goldenyellow building near the Juneau Tram.

389 South Franklin Street | 877-770-2778

Twisted Fish For the best in fresh Alaskan seafood, look for the Twisted Fish near the Mt. Roberts Tram. Offering incredible surf and turf, menu options to go with vast wine selection, craft cocktails and casual waterfront dining.

550 South Franklin Street | 907-463-5033 www.twistedfishcompany.com

Trove Discover Juneau’s hidden gem. Specializing in distinct and diverse items selected to enhance your modern lifestyle. Our exclusive collection of home decor, clothing and jewelry is both functional and fanciful! Treat someone you love — or yourself — to a treasure from Trove.

497 South Franklin Street | 907-586-9530 www.shoptrove.com

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spot ting alaska’s play ful giant s By Janet Groene

Humpback whales off the coast of Juneau, a frequent sight.

Mining rail car.

going for t he gold By Ginger Dingus

Gold, found in lumps the size of beans, put Juneau on the map. Until 1880, when Chief Kowee led prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris to glittering riches, the remote wilderness spot was best known as a Tlingit Indian fishing site. Within a decade, the Juneau Gold Belt had become a booming center of hard-rock gold mining with miles of cold, dark tunnels blasted underground. By 1915, the Alaska Gastineau Mine and Mill alone crushed a record 10,000 tons of gold-bearing ore a day. The mine, one of the world’s largest, prospered until World War I called miners to the front lines. Postwar gold prices hovering around $20 an ounce soon forced the mine to close. By then, 500,000 ounces of gold had been recovered from 12 million tons of ore. Across the Gastineau Channel, the Treadwell Gold Mining Company helped birth a startlingly modern neighborhood with a dance hall, tennis court and indoor swimming pool. The houses had electricity. Treadwell’s mines went on to extract nearly $70 million in gold before their sudden end in 1917 when the swimming pool mysteriously emptied and the mineshafts flooded with seawater as a result of questionable mining practices. Today, visitors can cruise around Gastineau Channel on a replica steamboat to see the remains of the mines. The Alaska Gastineau Mine offers tours of its underground tunnels, while a marked trail leads through the Treadwell Mine Historical Park.

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PHOTOS BY: AMI PARIKH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Every February, thousands of whales embark on their yearly migration from the sunny south to the crisp waters off Alaska. These majestic sea creatures have followed the same routes for millennia. Generations of whales have made the yearly trek north from their southern breeding grounds, and humans have often followed along. Previously hunted throughout the oceans, Alaska’s whales now attract more gentle admirers. Visitors who flock to Alaska rarely miss a chance to see these magnificent underwater mammals in action. Humpback whales are often spotted near Juneau and Seward as they visit nearby feeding grounds, unfazed at the ships passing nearby as they bubble feed, tail slap and sometimes even jump straight up out of the water, a spectacular sight known as breeching. One of the largest animals to have ever existed, averaging more than 40 feet in length, these gentle behemoths can be quite inquisitive and have been known to swim right up close and personal to passing ships. Minke whales, which are smaller than humpbacks but still average 24 feet in length, are often spotted in the same areas. While minkes are less inclined to engage in the same kind of aquatic acrobatics as their larger cousins, minkes remain impressive animals in their own right. However, not all whales winter in the south. Unlike their wandering cousins, Baird’s beaked whales and orcas live off Alaska’s icy waters year-round. Baird’s beaked whales, which can reach up to 40 feet long, are seldom seen, but orcas remain fairly common. Known for their distinctive black-and-white patterns, orcas (colloquially known as killer whales) can reach up to 32 feet in length. They’re most often found in the Inside Passage near Victoria, Seward and Juneau, where many pods of orca families reside. Common orca behaviors include tail slapping and leaping out of the water while swimming, known as porpoising. The brilliant white beluga whale also lives in the Arctic all year long, spending summers by the Alaskan shore as they follow migrating fish. They’ve even been found upstream, visiting the Yukon River in Alaska and the St. Lawrence River in Canada to gobble up salmon. Small compared with other whales, reaching just over 14 feet, slow-moving belugas travel in groups of up to 100, gliding through the water at only 5 to 10 miles per hour. There are plenty of other marine mammals to see, from the adorable black and white Dall’s porpoise to the massive 50-foot gray whale. Juneau offers numerous excursions that take visitors to the best whalewatching hotspots on ships ranging from six passengers to more than 100. However, one of the best ways to see Alaska’s whales is right from the deck of a cruise ship, where onboard naturalists know how to spot them from a distance and are happy to answer questions about whale biology, habitats and history.

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ju n e a u - d o u g l a s cit y museum By Sebastian del Marmol

BELOW, FROM TOP: The Juneau-Douglas City Museum, with Four Story Pole; exhibits share local history and culture.

It was July 4, 1959, and the eyes of an entire nation were transfixed on the quaint and attractive Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Juneau. With Mount Juneau and Tongass National Forest towering in the backdrop, politicians, authors and over half of the town’s residents gathered as an honor guard raised both the Stars and Stripes and the Alaska state flag signifying The Great Land’s official induction into statehood. More than a half-century later, the flags still fly over a commemorative marker announcing that history was made in front of what is now the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Nestled between the Alaska State Capitol and the Alaska Fisherman’s Building, the museum is blocks away from the cruise ship docks in Juneau. The museum is hard to miss, with two totem poles flanking it, including the 34-foot Four Story Pole carved by a local Haida artist. From the origins of the museum building, to the history contained within and even the all-volunteer staff that runs it today, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a community-driven endeavor. A massive topographical map of Juneau and its environs welcomes visitors upon entering. Made in 1967 by a local family, the five-by-seven-foot map gives a bird’s-eye view of Juneau as it stood almost a half-century ago. Since then, the town has more than quintupled in population, while the nearby Juneau ice field has receded. Among the more popular museum attractions is the documentary, Juneau: City Built on Gold, which visitors watch in the video room. The museum’s Capital City gallery boasts two kiosks with interactive touch screens that show over 20 digital stories each, featuring information about Juneau’s mining, culture, politics and history. Juneau’s role in Alaska’s long haul toward statehood is also on display, from the city’s founding in 1881 to that day almost a century later that the flags were raised just outside the museum’s front door. Hands-on exhibits allow visitors, including children, to experience what it’s like to be a Juneauite. Originally a mining museum when it was founded in 1976, the museum provides insight into the city’s golden history. The Drilling and Milling exhibit allows kids to don a hard hat and take part in simulated gold mining activities. The exhibit also features a model of the historic Treadwell mine, with sliding panels explaining its collapse in 1917. Juneau’s fishing history is brought to vibrant life with a display featuring a 500- to 700-year-old basketry-style fish trap and footage of its excavation. Also featured is a full-size replica of the trap and a hands-on model where visitors can try to figure out how it works. Open year round, the museum honors its building’s past as the Juneau Memorial Library (from 1951 to the mid-1980s) with an extensive collection of books by local writers, along with local arts and crafts. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum always has temporary exhibits that feature local artists, photographers and other stories about Juneau and its eclectic residents. 118

PHOTOS BY: DOUGLAS CITY MUSEUM

From fishing to gold to statehood, all aspects of the region’s past and some of its present are showcased in this museum.

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The JASMINE Omega Necklace $89 Reversible (gold/silver) Adjustable (18â&#x20AC;? to 22â&#x20AC;?)

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15ct Mystic Topaz Pendant in Sterling Silver with Purchase of the Omega

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325 S. Franklin Street. Juneau, AK 99801 Tel. 907.523.0523

3/8/17 5:52 PM

k e t c hik an Ketchikan is often referred to as the Rain Capital of Alaska since rain may fall every day. But Ketchikanners don’t seem to mind. In fact, they proudly predict: “If you can’t see Deer Mountain, it’s raining, and if you can see it, it’s going to rain!” So be careful when you use the phrase “Save it for a rainy day.”

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PHOTOS BY: (HERO) RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BLACK/WHITE) ALITA BOBROV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORTS OF CALL KETCHIKAN

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quick guide Famed for: Totem poles; Native villages; the vast Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the United States. It’s a Fact: In the 1880s, pioneers came to Ketchikan to fish for salmon rather than pan for gold.

PHOTOS BY: (HERO) RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BLACK/WHITE) ALITA BOBROV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Signature Souvenirs: Salmon products; miniature totem poles; other items from the boutiques on Creek Street.

TOP: Shopping village in Ketchikan. RIGHT: A quiet moorage. LEFT: Princess sails into port.

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Ketchikan, known as the “First City,” is the initial port reached by marine ferries and cruise ships traveling from the south. And what an introduction to the area. Lush and dewy from daily — perhaps hourly — rain, the town sparkles when the sun shows its face. Here’s where visitors’ visions and daydreams of Alaska come to life. It’s a place where bald eagles dive for dinner in the Tongass Narrows. Where killer whales frequent. Where the backdrop of one’s day is lush rainforest, waterfalls and towering fjords. And where ancient totem poles hold the secrets of the region. Walk along picturesque Creek Street, a boardwalk lined with boutiques and teeming with salmon in the waters just below. Once part of the Ketchikan’s red-light district, Creek Street was known as the only place where the “fishermen and fish went upstream to spawn.” Venture 10 miles north to Totem Bight State Historical Park, a former Native campground set in the rainforest. The park is a collection of these colorful, intricate cedar monuments found in abandoned villages as well as a replica of a chieftain’s house. Those wanting to get the adrenaline pumping should head to Bear Creek for incredible zip lining. Whoosh across thousands of feet of cable from platform to platform, taking in panoramic views of the lush forest, a stunning waterfall, the nearby ocean and incredible mountain vistas. — Kelly Liszt

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a per fect d a y in k e t c hik a n PIXACHI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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495 South Franklin Street Juneau, AK, 99801 907.523.5683

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saxman n a t i v e v ill a g e By John Anderson

Experiencing an ancient art at the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest collection of standing totem poles.

You can spot them in the distance as you approach the shore, solemn sentinels peeking out through the mist, towering over home and hearth and earthbound creatures moving through the village below. Stoic eagles sit atop 30- and 40-foot poles, their wooden wings spread wide in a bold display of patterns in white, teal, deep red and black. Carved into the wood beneath, and on neighboring totem poles, are a cast of creatures intertwined in the life and myths of the people who erected them. Beaver, otter, raven, eagle, killer whale, bear, wolf, fisherman, a panoply of symbols of vital importance to their story, proudly displayed for anyone able to read the signs. There are more standing totems at Saxman Native Village Totem Park than anywhere else in the world. According to a weathered wooden sign at the site (with an average of 153 inches of precipitation each year, everything is weathered here), the poles are restored originals from nearby Pennock, Tongass and Village islands, as well as the old Cape Fox Village at Kirk Point, making some over 100 years old. Saxman was established in 1894 by Tlingit Native people from Cape Fox and Tongass; the two villages joined up to share resources for a new school and church.

Totem poles and Native art keep culture alive by telling stories of life in Southeast Alaska.

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TAJMAHAL COLLECTION

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38 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901 | 907-247-2383

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Reading the Totems To look up at one of the 25 totem poles at the Totem Park is to stand in awe of these creations: the massive bulk and height (they can weigh half a ton and reach 65 feet), the extraordinary artistry and an expressiveness in the faces of the creatures that is clear to any visitor. There’s also something mystifying about these animals stacked atop one another as if set along the axis of the world, providing more questions than answers for visitors who wish to decipher the language of these symbols. “There is a story behind every totem pole, but not every pole tells a story,” says Joe Williams, the first Tlingit Native to be elected mayor of Ketchikan Borough and a guide for over 20 years with his tour company, Where the Eagle Walks. Indeed, some totem poles can be read as a series of events, telling the story of the clan or family that own them. They can also commemorate an event. Visitors to Saxman’s Totem Park will find a curious pole with the figure of Abraham Lincoln standing on top. First made in the 1870s (the one here is a re-creation), the pole recalls the war between rival Tlingit Eagle and Raven clans in 1868. Entrenched on an island without freshwater or food, the Raven people escaped under protection of the U.S. cutter Lincoln, and the two clans made peace and never fought again. Totem poles are also used to shame an individual or a family, mostly for unpaid debts. The Seward Pole in Saxman Village is topped with the figure of William Seward, secretary of state under President Lincoln. Its ears and nose are painted red to symbolize Steward’s stinginess in not reciprocating the generosity shown to him during an 1869 Tlingit potlatch (a ceremonial feast) in his honor. Less common is a mortuary pole, where the cremated remains of the deceased are placed in the upper portion of the pole. One example is the Kats/Loon Pole at Saxman Village, topped by a loon in flight with three bears descending down the pole, representing the clan groups the individual belonged to. At bottom is the mythical Kats figure being held by his bear wife. The story goes that after marrying and fathering three bear sons, Kats returned to his human family and spoke to his human wife, breaking a promise to his bear wife. At that moment, the three bear sons appeared from the woods and killed their father. Williams says totem creation began 500 to 600 years ago. “The carving was crude, at best. What was used was bones of an animal, or just rock.” Carvers have always used western red cedar, a soft wood that doesn’t rot easily and can last 80 to 100 years. “Proficiency of carving didn’t begin until the arrival of white men, which brought steel,” he says. In the old days, totem poles informed people of the owners’ unique history, their clan associations and the stories that bound them together as a tribe, clan and family. “Generally there would be one to two totem poles in front of each home,” says Williams. “That would tell you it was a wealthy village.”

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BEATA BAR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Native American totem pole at Saxman Native Village.

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Carving History Visitors to Saxman Native Village can get a view into the long and involved process of creating a totem pole by watching the artists at work in the carving center, where poles are shown in different stages of development. Every foot of pole requires about a week of work; thus, a 50foot pole would take a year to make. The carvers work with specialized tools they make themselves. “One carver will never borrow another’s tools,” says Williams. “It’d be like borrowing another’s shoes.” After the right tree is found, which can take years of searching, the bark is stripped and the log is cut in half along its length. “Red cedar decays from the inside out, so the center of the log is always cut out,” says Williams. The log is continuously sprayed with water to keep it moist, which makes it easier to carve, and wet towels are applied to it at the end of the work day. Today the artists simply run to the hardware store for paint, but in the old days they relied on natural pigments. For red, they used sockeye salmon eggs. Painting was an

arduous process, Williams says. “Because of (the eggs’) chemical makeup, women would chew and chew the eggs to mix with their saliva, and spit into a bowl until it was completely filled. That’s why poles were never painted completely.” It was a primitive process, he says, but the paints lasted 75 to 100 years. Also at the Totem Park is a traditional one-room clan house constructed of red cedar planks three inches thick and measuring 50 by 75 feet, and 30 feet at is highest. Most clan houses were smaller, 30 by 50 feet, and were used communally by several clans or families with anywhere from 25 to 40 people living in them. The cooking was done inside, and the young boys were responsible for keeping the fire burning every day of the year. A trip to Saxman Native Village offers visitors an intimate view into the world of modern Tlingit artists, and details of a history that goes back centuries. “This is from one Tlingit point of view,” says Williams. “There are many Tlingits, and so many points of view.”

CREATISTA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Detail from Beaver Clan House at Saxman Village.

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Sp e c i a l A d v e r t i s i ng Fe at u r e

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and the fun. Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail aboard a real Alaskan crabbing vessel and to experience what few ever have. Since its inception in 2008, this tour has won “Tour of the Year” eight years running. It is one of the top-rated tours on cruise lines and is one of the most lauded excursions on travel websites. Customer service is a top priority with this company and guests will not be disappointed. Be prepared with your cameras to capture amazing photos of the beautiful Alaskan wilderness and enjoy some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. No other tour offers this experience, and for those looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Last Frontier, this is the tour for you. This tour is appropriate for guests with limited mobility as well as wheelchair guests. Minimum age: 5.

CONNIE BARR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

It’s the Alaska you’ve been dreaming of! Bring your cameras and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as you cruise the calm, protected waters of Southeast Alaska aboard the working boat Aleutian Ballad. Fans of the Discovery Channel program Deadliest Catch may be familiar with this ship, as it was rolled over in a rogue wave during season 2 of the program. It survived that night and has now been retrofitted to welcome guests in comfort and style. On this 3-hour adventure, you will see the crew pull up a variety of fishing gear and pots filled with rockfish, cod, starfish, octopus, prawns, halibut and, of course, a variety of crab, all brought aboard for guests to see and touch. The eagle-viewing portion of the tour is breathtaking as eagles fly and feed within yards of the boat. The fishermen will share their tales of life at sea — the danger, the adventure

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SPEC I A L A DV E RT ISI NG F E AT U R E

alaska’s logging history lives on Sit back and enjoy a thrilling display of agility, energy and power as some of the world’s best athletes compete for the title “Bull of the Woods.”

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It all started in the early 1900s, as rugged lumberjacks toiled each day in one of Alaska’s most grueling environments, harvesting timber for our growing nation. Echoing from remote logging camps, up and down the coast, you could hear the clamor of the axe, the racket of the crosscut saw and the frequent calls of “TIMBER!” Eventually, these hardy loggers began gathering once each summer in Ketchikan to go head to head against their rival camps. Showdowns included chopping, sawing, log rolling, axe throwing and so much more. Today this legend lives on at The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show where our lumberjacks are still battling it out for bragging rights. Rated one of the top five tours in Alaska, this action-packed Alaska experience provides 60 minutes of thrilling competition fun for all ages! Located just one block from the cruise ship docks in the heart of Ketchikan! This show is a must see, rain or shine! Our grandstands are covered, heated and handicapped accessible! Don’t miss out on the AXE-tion! For the rowdiest good time in all of Alaska visit your Shore Excursions desk!

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Where to find local mementos in port Arctic Spirit Gallery Specializing in Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native art, Arctic Spirit Gallery is locally owned and operated. Featuring baleen baskets and basketry, walrus ivory carvings, whalebone fossil carvings, totem poles, Bentwood boxes, wood masks, Haida argillite carvings and a vast collection of Native art from Barrow to Southeast Alaska. Located under the Welcome Arch.

318 Mission Street arcticspiritgallery.com | 907-228-2277

Caribou Creek Caribou Creek, the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir you have been seeking! Featuring the work of Alaska’s many talented artists, Caribou Creek specializes in Alaskan made products.

21 Main Street

Christmas in Alaska Southeast Alaska’s largest Christmas store! Featuring a variety of made-in-Alaska ornaments and keepsakes, many made right here in Ketchikan. We feature collectible lines such as Byers Choice, Jim Shore, Ne Qwa, Department 56 and many more!

300 Spruce Mill Way | 907-225-2856

Fish Pirate’s Gifts Argh, matey! Get your Alaskan Fish Pirate treasures here, including smoked salmon, ulus, jewelry and Fish Pirate Saloon gear, all with plenty of in-store specials. Enjoy your meal upstairs, and then join us afterward on the first floor. Think fun. Think adventure. Think Fish Pirate’s Gifts.

76 Front Street | 907-225-2856

Great Alaskan Souvenirs & Gifts Great Alaskan Souvenirs & Gifts is a locally owned and operated Alaskan souvenir and T-shirt store located next to the Salmon Landing Market. We offer shirts, jackets, souvenirs, salmon, unique gifts and much more. Don’t forget to shop in our fun kids’ shop!

330D Spruce Mill Way insidepassageak@kpunet.net | 907-247-1414

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f ish fac t s by Linda Marx

Good news for anglers and seafood lovers: Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game has stocked the state’s waters with a generous supply of salmon, rainbow trout and other species. The best fishing begins in May and lasts through a chilly September. In late July, millions of salmon swim from the sea up the freshwater streams where they were spawned.

Sockeye (Red) Salmon Named for their deep-red color, sockeyes can be differentiated from other salmon by their large black spots. Sockeye meat remains red throughout the cooking process, bringing dramatic impact to the meal presentation. A sophisticated entrée loved by Japanese and Americans, sockeye salmon are graded and marketed as whole fish, steaks or fillets, or preserved in cans. They live in the sea and enter freshwater systems to spawn. Like all Pacific salmon, sockeyes die within a few weeks after spawning. Coho (Silver) Salmon One of the best eating fish, silvers are distinguished by their orange-red flesh, solid texture and delicate flavor. Their size — 10 pounds and 30 inches long — high fat content and appealing color make them popular in both fresh-frozen and smoked steak and fillet cuts. Commercially, these salmon are a valuable fall catch because of their late spawning season. But little is known about their ocean migrations. Pink Salmon The smallest and most abundant of the salmon species, pinks are light and rosy-colored with a tender texture and a mild flavor.

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Economical in price, they weigh about four pounds and are approximately 25 inches long. Following entry into saltwater, baby pinks, feeding on plankton, larval fish and insects, move along the beach in dense schools near the surface. For dining, pink salmon is good grilled in one piece or chopped in pasta dishes, seafood salad or chowder. Rainbow Trout Rainbow, which live in streams and lakes, are the most well-known of the true trouts because they are highly prized game fish and food. Brightly colored fish with black spots and a rosy band along each side of the body, they often migrate from fresh-water to the open sea. A rainbow trout fights long and hard for its freedom. Once the fish reaches the sea, it is called a steelhead since its color changes to steel-blue. Pacific Halibut The biggest flatfish living near the bottom of the ocean, halibut dwell in water depths of 60 to 3,600 feet. They have large mouths, strong teeth and eyes set atop their heads, and they burrow their flat bodies in the sandy ocean bottom when in danger. Of all the whitefish in Alaska, halibut is the preference of many chefs. Its low fat content and dense texture have made it a popular alternative to steak. Pacific Herring Alaska’s herring industry began in 1878, when 30,000 pounds were marketed for human consumption. Today the principal food fish in the world produces about $30 million for the state. With blue-green upper bodies and silvery sides, the Pacific herring, 18 inches long, is devoid of markings. Spawning in Prince William Sound and the Bering Sea, the herring frequents shallow, vegetated areas in the intertidal and subtidal zones. Herring are abundant and provide food for fish, mammals and birds, as well as for people.

ARTEM EFIMOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Alaska King Salmon In size, flavor, texture and color, Alaska king salmon is the crown jewel of seafood offerings. Prized for its polyunsaturated oil content, firm texture and succulent flesh, this important sport fish and commercial fish is also known as spring, quinnat, tyee, tule or blackmouth salmon. In the ocean, this salmon is a robust, deep-bodied fish with bluish-green coloration that fades to silver and white. Unlike other salmon species, chinook, which have been spotted as large as 126 pounds, spawn and grow in inshore marine waters, making them available to fishers all year.

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SOMEDAY THEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL CALL GENEVA THE DETROIT OF SWITZERLAND.

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326 DOCK ST. & 120 FRONT ST. KETCHIKAN, AK. 99901 1-800-982-0554

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Where to find local mementos in port Ivory Tusk

We specialize in ancient fossilized mammoth and walrus Ivory, gold nugget jewelry as well as ivory jewelry. Hard-to-find pieces for those looking for something unique. Mammoth tusk to hand down to your loved one? Ivory Tusk â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the name says it all!

327 Spruce Mill Way | 305-394-1054

Ketchikan Mining Company

Visit Ketchikan Mining Company for Alaskan gifts. We have a large selection of souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, smoked salmon and Alaska-made totem poles. Located on the cruise ship dock.

30 Front Street kmc@kpunet.net | 907-247-3444 | 888-994-3444

Ketchikan Souvenir & Candy Co.

Located in the heart of Ketchikan, in the Clock Tower Building, Ketchikan Souvenir & Candy Company has a wide selection of Alaskan souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, smoked salmon and madein-Alaska gifts. Please come in and meet our friendly staff. We are proud to be locally owned and staffed.

300 Front Street | 907-225-1413

Rain Barrel

Electric car rentals (disabled-friendly vehicle). Explore historic sites, shops at your own pace. Our family owned and operated store features fine jewelry, ivory carvings, custom knives, Native art, totems and so much more. A MUST STOP SHOP.

400 Spruce Mill Way | 907-225-CARS (2277)

Scanlon Gallery

Featuring Alaskan art by Alaskan artists, including prints; originals; handcrafted jewelry; gold nugget jewelry mined and made in Alaska; glass; soapstone; bronze; antlers; gifts; and much more. Locally owned and operated since 1972. Located under the Welcome Arch.

318 Mission Street | 907-247-4730 scanlongallery.com

The Outlet Store

Located steps from your ship, we are one of Ketchikanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting retail locations! We sell souvenirs and have a large selection of bulk candy and delicious homemade fudge. We also have a large section of Hatley pajamas for everyone in the family.

5 Salmon Landing #100 kmc@kpunet.net | 907-225-3008

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Salmon is the star in our store We sell and ship Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best hand-processed smoked and fresh salmon

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in t o the woods The Tongass National Forest, encompassing more than 16 million acres, is the largest national forest in the United States and an integral part of Ketchikan’s economy and lifestyle. Most people are surprised to learn that the Tongass is a rainforest, albeit a temperate one; there is no defined rainy season and rain may fall here every day. On the first floor of Ketchikan’s Federal Building, the U.S. Forest Service Interpretive Center runs an excellent program about this natural wonder.

An aerial view of the Tongass.

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PHOTOS BY: (RAIN FOREST) LEE PRINCE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (AERIAL VIEW) LEE PRINCE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEARS) NANCYS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

The Tongass is a temperate rainforest.

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PHOTOS BY: (RAIN FOREST) LEE PRINCE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (AERIAL VIEW) LEE PRINCE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEARS) NANCYS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Brown bears fishing off Admiralty Island, Tongass National Forest. The island is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more than in all the Lower 48 states combined.

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s alm o n c a pi t al of t he world By Janet Groene

In Ketchikan, salmon is more than just a traditional food. It’s an iconic animal with a deep spiritual meaning for Native cultures. This legendary fish has played an essential role in sustaining local communities. Whether it’s attending a salmon bake, going on a fishing excursion or buying a piece of Native art depicting the legendary salmon of Haida and Tlingit folklore, a visit to Alaska isn’t complete without connecting with salmon in one way or another. The fish is one of the figures that are prominently depicted on totem poles in Ketchikan, home of the world’s largest collection of standing totems. Its presence on the poles, which also portray ravens, eagles, frogs and other creatures, indicates its importance to local communities. The connection between Ketchikan and salmon is more than just spiritual. For generations, Ketchikan was a summer fishing camp for Tlingit tribes. The area’s fame as a fishing site grew, and in 1883, settlers from Oregon built a salmon cannery. Mining, timber and tourism have also played a part in building the community (which was incorporated in 1900), but it’s salmon that continues to feed Ketchikan’s stomach, as well as its soul.

PHOTOS BY: (SALMON JUMPING) SEKAR B/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEAR) JIM DAVID/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM. OPPOSITE PAGE: (SIGN) PIXACHI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GOLD NUGGETS) MIKELEDRAY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Sockeye salmon swimming upstream; Alaskan brown bear with its tasty lunch.

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The sign of a great time in port.

s ig n s t e ll s t o r y o f k e t c hik a n ’s li v e l y p a s t One of the best ways to take in Ketchikan’s fascinating history and culture may simply be a leisurely stroll around town. And now, thanks to more than a dozen informative signs placed at important sites throughout the city, it is easier than ever to learn about the Ketchikan’s economic, social and even racy past. The Ketchikan Historic Commission installed 15 signs on many historically significant buildings in town. The signs spotlight famous locales like Annie’s Place and Dolly’s House (both former brothels) on Creek Street, as well as the historic New York Hotel & Café. The signage project also recognizes some lesser-known Ketchikan gems like the former location of the once-bustling Ketchikan Shingle Mill. A second signage project resulted in five additional storyboards that feature the historic and present-day relationship between Ketchikan, salmon and the town’s fishing lifestyle in general. Signs highlight the earliest commercial canning operations (including Fidalgo Island Packing Co.), the location of the largest charter fleet in Southeast Alaska, famed Ketchikan Creek (once a summer fish camp for Alaska natives) and more. Signs can be found at the Mountain Point boat harbor, on Stedman Street near Trident Seafoods, at Thomas Basin Marina and at Knudson Cove Marina. All these signs are in addition to the stunning array of public art on display along the dock areas and promenades of historic Ketchikan. — Lynn Seldon

Sp e c i a l A d v e r t i s i ng Fe at u r e

PHOTOS BY: (SALMON JUMPING) SEKAR B/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEAR) JIM DAVID/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM. OPPOSITE PAGE: (SIGN) PIXACHI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GOLD NUGGETS) MIKELEDRAY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

nu g g e t s : t h e n e x t b ig t hin g Over the past 120 years, an immeasurable amount of gold has been mined in Alaska; however, very few gold nuggets weighing over 30 ounces have ever been found. One now belongs to David Conner. In the fall of 2012, Conner, owner of Orocal Natural Gold Co., received a call from an Anchorage area number. He was offered an opportunity that, in over 45 years of doing business in Alaska, he had never seen. The caller was selling a 30-ounce Alaskan gold nugget from his family estate that had been found years earlier. After careful consideration, Conner agreed to the sale. “You see, finding a nugget weighing over 1 ounce is considered rarer than a 5-carat diamond, so can you only imagine how rare a 30-ounce nugget is?” According to Conner, most gold pieces found are between one and two millimeters. Nuggets of this size can be bought at any of the Orocal Natural Gold Co. authorized dealers in Ketchikan and throughout Alaska. They can then be cut by skilled craftspeople into a beautiful piece of jewelry or as keepsakes to remember your trip to the Last Frontier. Conner is not sure if he’ll be selling “The Big One” anytime soon, but he hopes to put it on display at one of his authorized dealers to allow visitors a chance to see and even hold it. To learn more, visit www.orocal.com.

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s k ag w a y It was the birthplace of the Klondike Gold Rush, but Skagway was a much different place before gold fever struck. Only one family lived here, and there was only a crude trail over the White Pass. Native Tlingit people lived in the next valley at Dyea, where the traditional trade route over Chilkoot Pass led from the coast to the interior of Canada. Today, Skagway glories in its golden past with such attractions as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, celebrating the Klondike Gold Rush through 15 restored buildings within the Skagway Historic District. And if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like walking, horse-drawn carriages will transport you through town in true 19th-century style.

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PHOTOS BY: RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; STEVE ESTVANIK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

PORTS OF CALL SKAGWAY

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quick guide Famed for: An Old West atmosphere, with horse-drawn carriages and other 19th-century atributes. It’s a Fact: The Gold Rush began here on August 17, 1896, when the precious metal was discovered in Rabbit Creek.

PHOTOS BY: RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; STEVE ESTVANIK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Signature Souvenirs: A handpainted miner’s pan; a replica engine of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway; a postcard from the Red Onion Saloon.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Princess arriving in Skagway; a cascading stream on the Dewey Lake Trail; the main shopping area in town.

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a per fect day in skag way Shopping in Skagway.

Wanting to trace the trails of the Klondike Gold Rush? You’ve come to the right place. Skagway is gateway to the days of frenzied prospecting — also known as the Last Grand Adventure — amid a stunning, yet harsh, terrain. Downtown itself looks locked in time, resembling a movie set with its false-front buildings. Downtown Skagway is also within Klondike Gold Rush National Park, a place with many opportunities to explore. Hike the Chilkoot Trail to the peaceful Yukon River. Try panning for gold, weighing your findings at the Assayer’s Office. Or step aboard a vintage railcar for an unforgettable ride over the White Pass Trail, up to the Yukon’s White Pass summit, more than 3,000 feet above sea level. The railroad is an incredible feat of engineering, carved from the region’s most rugged terrain more than a century ago. Look out for peculiarly named Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Also explore Dyea Townsite, a ghost town at the foot of the Chilkoot Trail that was at one time Skagway’s rival city. Once the White Pass & Yukon Route was completed in 1900, the town seemed to vanish. Crumbling ruins remain amid gorgeous scenery, and the overlook affords splendid views of Skagway. Make your visit to the area complete with a visit to a musher dog kennel. Meet a musher and learn about how they train these amazing canines. Watch the dogs in action, pet them and, if you’re lucky, you may get to hold a musher puppy. — Kelly Liszt

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Where to find local mementos in port

Alaska Shirt Company

All aboard for amazing savings, styles and selection at Alaska Shirt Company. Stop in and load up from our 9,000 square feet of fun and fashionable apparel and souvenirs. It’s worth it to cross the tracks — located near the train depot.

131 Broadway | 907-586-9510

Alaska Knife & Ulu Store “AKU”

Huge selection of Alaskan and U.S.-made knives and ulus with beautiful blades and exquisite utilitarian handles. We carry William Henry, Buck, Kershaw, Bob Merry, Eddie Lee, Pierce, Anza, Duby, Silver Stag, Dancing Man and many more. Silver Stag and Kershaw custom knives for AKU. Located in Skagway Old Town, next to The Alaskan Fudge Co. and Alaska Brewing Company. RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Seventh Street and Broadway | 907-612-0256

Aurora Yarns of Alaska

Featuring Alaskan hand-dyed yarns and knitting/crochet supplies. Qiviut 100% and Blend yarns as well as finished Qiviut hats, scarves, smokerings, gloves and shawls made in Alaska. New location Seventh and Broadway ON Seventh.

aurorayarnsofalaska.com | 907-612-0083

Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory and Museum “CAI”

Family owned and operated for 47 years. Experts in walrus and mammoth ivory, jade, soapstone, artifacts, masks, totemic carvings and Native art. Beautiful free museum of Alaskan history told on scrimshawed (etched) ivory walrus tusks. Come in and meet Trader Corrington, an Iditarod racing veteran. Located on the first floor of the reputedly “Haunted Golden North Hotel.”

Third Street and Broadway | 907-612-0256

Corrington’s on 5th Avenue “CAI I”

Corrington’s 5th Avenue & Broadway: a 47-year Alaskan family business. This location is the flagship store since 1976 in Skagway. Corrington’s carries on the tradition of their original Arctic Trading Post established in Nome, Alaska, in the late 1960s. Expertise in walrus ivory, mammoth ivory, jade, soapstone, artifacts, masks, totemic carvings and much more. .Fifth Avenue & Broadway | 907-612-0256

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a r ail w a y buil t o f g old By Stanton H. Patty

Gold brought with it commerce and permanence; the settlers needed a way in and a way out. The line, the White Pass & Yukon Route (WP&YR), was completed in two years, two months and two days. Now the White Pass & Yukon Route’s narrowgauge railroad, headquartered in Skagway, is one of Alaska’s top visitor attractions. From May to September 2015, it carried more than 400,000 passengers. Before departing on their ride into history, they can see the story of the WP&YR depicted in a hand-painted mural that wraps around all four walls of the depot waiting room. It’s a colorful story indeed. “This Country Needs This Railroad” Gold was discovered in the Klondike countr y of the Canadian Yukon, almost 500 miles north of Skagway, near the end of the 19th century. The whispered word “Gold!” became a shout heard around the world, and soon the stampede was on. Thousands of hopeful miners poured through Skagway on their way to the gold fields around the Klondike’s nascent boomtown, Dawson City. There were two perilous gold trails from the Skagway area. One was the avalanche-prone Chilkoot Trail. The other was known as the White Pass Trail. Both ended at Lake Bennett, British Columbia, where the gold-fevered

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prospectors built crude boats and rafts to float down the Yukon River to Dawson City. Halfway around the world, British financiers in London were looking for ways to cash in on the Klondike madness. They reasoned there must be a better way to get prospectors over the mountains — and harvest a share of the miners’ gold. Sir Thomas Tancrede, an English aristocrat, was dispatched to Skagway in 1898 to explore the feasibility of building a railroad into the Yukon. Tancrede had a look around and decided that the mountain barriers were too high, the grades too steep. He was just about to file a negative report when Michael J. Heney, a Canadian railroad contractor, hiked into Skagway after scouting the mountain passes around Lake Bennett. Tancrede and his companions invited Heney to join them for a drink at Skagway’s St. James Hotel. The men talked far into the night. Heney affirmed that a railroad could be built through White Pass. “This countr y needs this railroad — and I would like to be the man to do it,” he told Tancrede. “Give me enough dynamite and snoose [snuff], and I’ll build a road to hell!” Heney was hired, and construction began on May 28, 1898. But even as the first ribbons of steel pointed toward White Pass, trouble was brewing back in Skagway.

LEE PRINCE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

More than a century ago, a railroad was born of a gold rush. Gold was discovered in the Yukon Territory in 1896. From 1897 to 1898, the stampeders arrived in Alaska en masse on their way to the Yukon.

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The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

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Building a Railroad Thirteen days later, the White Pass & Yukon Route dispatched its first train on a 4-mile excursion for Skagway dignitaries. Two and a half miles out of town, the tracks meandered by the fresh graves of Soapy Smith and Frank Reid. Heney’s men continued toiling toward the White Pass summit. They hacked and blasted through the mountains with picks, shovels and black powder, sometimes dangling on ropes hundreds of feet above thundering 150

rapids. They swatted swarms of mosquitoes in summer and endured winter temperatures plunging to 60 degrees below zero. The tracks reached the 2,865-foot-high White Pass summit in February 1899. And on July 29, construction crews coming from Skagway and Whitehorse met at Carcross, where a “golden spike” was driven into the ground to mark the line’s completion. Chugging Along Nowadays visitors are immersed in history as they ride the WP&YR train along the old rail trail over White Pass. While passing the Gold Rush Cemetery, passengers see a tall granite shaft over Reid’s resting place, inscribed: “He gave his life for the honor of Skagway.” Smith’s grave is just outside the cemetery boundary. The good people of Skagway were not about to plant his remains in hallowed ground, Skagway tour guides tell visitors. Just beyond the cemetery, the tracks rise quickly from sea level into the snowcapped peaks and blue-white glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains. The train weaves, climbs and grinds toward the crest of White Pass, looping across cliffhanging cuts with dizzying views of misty waterfalls and traversing granite paths where the boot prints of Klondike stampeders can still be seen. The stampede to the Klondike was a frenzy that burned out in little more than two years. But the White Pass & Yukon Route, a nugget from that epic Gold Rush, chugs along as one of the last remaining narrow-gauge railroads in North America.

FROM LEFT: Scenic route detail; builders braved dangerous conditions.

PICTURES BI: FRANK CORTESE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE ARCHIVES. OPPOSITE PAGE: (SIGN) JIRI VONDROUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Wicked Ways At the time, Skagway was a rowdy town ruled by an outlaw gang. A visiting Canadian Mountie called it “little better than a hell on earth.” Robberies and murders were common occurrences. Honky-tonk pianos accompanied the crack of gunshots and cries for help. Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith, a sometimes charming, always dangerous con man, reigned over both Skagway and the gold trails. Local merchants decided that Soapy Smith and his gaggle of gangsters had to go. The showdown came on July 8, 1898. Vigilantes gathered on the Skagway waterfront. Smith, hearing about the meeting, downed a glass of whiskey, then, rifle in hand, marched down the street to confront his foes. Frank H. Reid, the town surveyor, blocked his way. There was a brief scuffle. Smith shot Reid in the groin; Reid fired his revolver at almost the same instant, putting a bullet through the scoundrel’s heart. Smith died on the scene. Reid, mortally wounded, expired shortly thereafter.

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gold rush ghost town By John Anderson

Vivid memories live on in Dyea, where pioneers once flocked in search of fortune.

Dyea was a gateway to the Chilkoot Trail.

There was gold in the hills, rich veins of the prized ore discovered in 1896 in the Yukon Territory of northwest Canada. The Klondike gold rush sent an army of prospectors flooding through Southeast Alaska, creating the boom town of Dyea (pronounced: dye-ee). Located on the shores of the Taiya River, it was the ideal port and embarkation point for gold miners on their way up the Chilkoot Trail, one of two paths used to reach the Canadian interior. Dyea’s name is derived from a Native word that means “to pack,” and prior to the gold rush the locale was used as a staging area for trading excursions between the coast and interior. The Chilkoot Trail runs due north from Dyea, up and over the Chilkoot Pass. It was the main route used by the Chilkat Tlingit tribe to reach and trade with Russian, American and Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outposts in the mid 1800s. After word of the Klondike gold strike got out, thousands of stampeders flocked to and through Dyea on their way to the gold fields. As winter arrived, many were forced to wait out the harsh weather, which ended up creating a

five-by-eight-block town almost overnight to cater to the needs of the fortune seekers. At its peak, 1897-1898, Dyea boasted some 150 businesses. Bankers, freight companies, photographers, real estate agents, doctors, two hospitals, three undertakers, two newspapers, two breweries, a dentist, and more were established in the town during that time. Just as suddenly as it began, the town began to fade. Its fortunes were tied to the prospectors, and the gold rush was all but over by 1899. By 1903 fewer than six people remained in Dyea. Dyea is now part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Rangers lead visitors past remnants of the once booming town; a weathered building façade, pilings from a former wharf. Groups can wander past Slide Cemetery where most of the grave stones list the same date of death: April 3, 1898, the date of the Palm Sunday Avalanche that killed more than 70 on the Chilkoot Trail. More pleasant are Dyea’s views of Southeast Alaska’s stunning nature, from fields of wildflowers to brown bear fishing for salmon in the Taiya Inlet.

425 Broadway • Skagway Celebrate Christmas Alaska Style! PICTURES BI: FRANK CORTESE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE ARCHIVES. OPPOSITE PAGE: (SIGN) JIRI VONDROUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Santas Ornaments Nativities Dolls 907-983-2006 www.alaskachristmasstore.com

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SPEC I A L A DV E RT ISI NG F E AT U R E

t h e s c e ni c r ail w a y o f t h e w o r ld!

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Built in 1898 to open the Klondike region of Yukon Territory to gold seekers, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (WP&YR) — originally stretching from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory — was completed in 1900, just before the end of the Klondike Gold Rush. It took the labor of 35,000 men, using only black blasting powder and crude tools to battle the elements and treacherous landscapes, to hew out the original 110-mile narrow-gauge line. The railway hauled freight and passengers for over 80 years, and was also an early pioneer of intermodal freight containerization. It closed down in 1982 after a dramatic fall in world ore prices. But WP&YR persevered and reopened its doors just six years later as “The Scenic Railway of the World,” providing rail excursions to visitors from all over. In 1994, WP&YR was named an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, joining the likes of the Statue

of Liberty and the Panama Canal with this prestigious honor. Today, guests experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, trestles and tunnels from the comfort of vintage rail cars. Hear a fully narrated tour of the White Pass & Yukon Route featuring tales of villainous gunslingers, good-time girls and would-be gold seekers struggling towards the Yukon, and see with your own eyes the untouched, pristine beauty of the Pacific Coast mountain ranges. Trips depart from Skagway, with many of the rail and motor coach combination trips featuring connections in both Fraser, British Columbia, and Carcross, Yukon Territory. Excursions are available between early May and late September each year and are geared around the schedules of all major cruise lines. The White Pass & Yukon Route is Alaska’s most popular shore excursion and a favorite on many Alaska/ Yukon travelers’ must-see lists.

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SK A AG LA W SK A A Y,

THE SCENIC RAILWAY OF THE WORLD

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage parlor cars.

CONVENIENT DOCKSIDE ACCESS See your Shore Excursion Desk to reserve your seat

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the jewell of skagway In a city known for its gorgeous flowers, Jewell Gardens is a blooming beauty. By John Anderson

Visitors have marveled at the wonder of Skagway’s gardens since the Klondike gold rush days; the city is known as the Garden City of Alaska. It’s no surprise, then, that one of Skagway’s most popular attractions is Jewell Gardens, a lush green space that features a wide variety of colorful perennials, annuals and organic vegetables, as well as glass-blowing classes and demonstrations. Jewell Gardens is located on the original homestead of Henry Clark, Skagway’s first farmer, who became famous for supplying fresh produce to hungry prospectors. The descendants of Clark’s monster rhubarb plants, which reached heights of six feet, still grow at the site. A stroll through the well-manicured grounds reveals beds of purple irises; towering shocks of delphinium in vibrant blue and white; fluffy red and pink hydrangea; and tulips in a range of colors. A miniature train chugs around the garden, puffing through a

town modeled after Skagway of the late 1800s, including a rocky tunnel and the scale-model tents of early miners set in a carpet of wildflowers. Another section of the gardens is dedicated to growing organic produce, such as potatoes, beets, carrots and squash, to supply Poppies Restaurant — the sunny on-site café and tea shop. Many of the flowerbeds are also decorated with beautiful glass art objects, created in Jewell Gardens’ popular glass-blowing studio, Garden City Glassworks. It’s the only “hot shop” in the state open to the public. Visitors can watch a team of professional artisans at work in the studio creating elaborate ornaments, vases and bowls that are later displayed in the Jewell Gardens shop. A tour includes several hours of hands-on instruction in the art of glass-blowing; participants can create a personalized souvenir that can be shipped to their home. After sunset, the garden offers a spectacular outside fire tour with glass-blowing in the dark.

PHOTOS BY: JEWELL GARDENS

Jewell Gardens, a colorful stop in Skagway.

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Where to find local mementos in port Gold Rush Gifts

With a huge selection of Alaskan-made gourmet foods, salmon, soaps and art, this store does not disappoint. Featuring Robin Ruth bags and accessories, Native Northwest designs, apparel, jewelry and a trove of goodies to bring back home. Come strike it rich at Gold Rush Gifts.

Second Avenue & Spring Street next to Diamonds International

Rushin’ Tailor’s Quilt Alaska

Featuring Alaskan themed fabrics in cottons, batiks and flannels. Locally designed kits and patterns for quilting, cross stitch, sashiko and needlearts. Visit us near the corner of Third and Broadway.

370 Third Avenue | quiltalaska.com | 800-981-5432

Skagway Brewing Company

Drink a piece of history when you visit Skagway Brewing Company. Established in 1897 to hydrate the thirsty prospectors of the Klondike Gold Rush. We continue to create fresh handcrafted ales and delicious pub fare, including local salmon and halibut fish & chips, for today’s local and traveling crowds.

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7th Avenue and Broadway | 907-983-BREW (2739) skagwaybrewing.com

W A Y, A L A S

Skagway Mining Company

With an outstanding staff and great prices, Skagway Mining is a must-stop for your souvenir shopping. We carry an array of gifts, including bulk candy, apparel, smoked salmon and a huge selection of curios. Think unique, think fun, think Skagway Mining Co. Alaskan owned and operated.

Second Avenue, across from the train station skagwaymining@yahoo.com | 907-983-2015

Skagway Outlet Store “SOS” PHOTOS BY: JEWELL GARDENS

The original outlet store and original home of the Free Train Whistle in Southeast Alaska. We are a little farther down Broadway but worth the walk for great service, fabulous prices, a huge variety of items and great Alaskan atmosphere. You will not want to miss this store!

Seventh Avenue & Broadway | 907-612-0256

The Alaskan Fudge Co.

The Alaskan Fudge Company is locally owned, handcrafting 22 flavors of decadent fudge. Choose from a variety of handmade turtles, chocolate clusters, caramel corns and brittles. Our candies and chocolates are made right in front of you! Perfect for gifts.

Seventh and Broadway | 907-983-2052

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the moore homestead

By John Anderson

The home of Captain William Moore, who was Skagway's first non-Native resident, was restored by the National Park Service.

Take a stroll through the streets of Skagway and you’ll eventually come upon a building that sticks out from the town’s other structures, distinctively rustic even by Alaska’s rustic standards. The small log cabin isn’t a mere prop set up by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which manages the Moore Homestead site. It’s the oldest building in Skagway and the original home of Captain William Moore, the first known resident after the town’s formation. Gold fever gripped hordes of fortune seekers after the Klondike gold strike of 1896. Moore saw it coming a decade prior, and staked his claim not only in the gold fields but in the lucrative business of supplying and catering to the needs of those miners. For years, beginning in the 1850s, the accomplished steamboat captain, explorer and businessman had followed the many gold strikes that occurred across British Columbia, providing transportation and hauling supplies to the prospectors who followed. In 1887, as part of a government survey party to the Yukon Valley, he predicted the area would be the location of the next big gold discovery. Wasting no time, Moore and his son Ben acquired 160 acres of bayfront land in an area the Native Tlingit people called “Shghagwei,” meaning “rugged” or “wind place.” It was a good location for a wharf, which the two proceeded to build along with a sawmill to support a future settlement at the site. Moore had earlier trekked through a pass to the Yukon from a trail that began in his new town, who believed it to be an ideal starting point for prospectors on their way to the gold fields. When the Klondike gold rush began in the 1897, a flotilla of ships offloaded thousands of prospectors at Skagway’s wharf. The town boomed overnight, becoming a primary staging area for trips up the White Pass Trail and into Canada. Also that year, Ben Moore built a wood-frame house next to the original cabin, expanding it as his family and wealth increased. The Moore house has been restored by the National Park Service to its 1904 condition. Visitors can learn about the Moore family’s odyssey and the formation and drastic impact the Klondike gold rush had on Skagway.

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PHOTOS BY: POPSIDOODLE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Skagway’s olderst building, it’s where pioneer William Moore staked his claim to riches.

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your ne x t ad ventur e: i c y s t r ai t p o in t By Raquel Johnston

Fascinating port immerses visitors in Native culture, natural thrills. This unique place, situated on the Chicagof Island 30 miles west of Juneau across the Inside Passage, is the perfect spot to get acquainted with Native culture while enjoying the exhilarating and amazing experience that is Alaska. A region of spectacular natural beauty, it offers visitors a myriad of cultural and recreational opportunities such as zip lining, wildlife sighting, sampling savory Alaskan cuisine and experiencing an authentic Tlingit village. Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by Tlingit natives, the first people to make the Pacific Northwest coast their home. They have lived here for thousands of years and are skilled mariners, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, traders and craftsmen. Their rich heritage is most evident at America's largest Tlingit village, just a mile and a half from Icy Strait Point. Modern life shows little of itself in this village, with only a few paved roads, no stoplights and a handful of retail outlets. Native tradition lives on in four beautifully carved totem poles that depict the ancestry and social ranks of the families who live here. A stop at the Native Cultural Center gives insight into the history of the region, with performances that tell the Tlingit story in songs, dances and stories. History lovers who visit Icy Strait Point may want to tour the site of the Hoonah Packing Company, once the cornerstone of the local

economy. It produced tons of canned salmon during four decades of operation, providing provided jobs that contributed to the development of the area. A visit today offers a glimpse of what a cannery looked like in the early 1900s. Nature lovers will feel right at home in Icy Strait Point's rainforests and vast wilderness, with countless opportunities to spot wildlife. On land, a hike down museum nature trails or a backroads exploration aboard an all-terrain vehicle can be just the ticket for those who want to become one with nature. From a viewing platform at the Spasski River valley, visitors may catch a glimpse or two of the many brown bears that make these woods their home. At sea, more excitement awaits at the whale-watching tours that depart from Point Adolphus, where orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and seals can often be seen in summertime. Sports enthusiasts can go on a kayak tour on the pristine blue waters for a chance to experience sea life up close. There's an added bonus for the thrill-seekers who visit Icy Strait Point: the highest zip line in North America. After a short ride to get to the top of the mountain, they get on a zip line that soars 300 feet above the treetops, at speeds of up to 60 mph, ending on the beach. As if more were needed to make a visit to Icy Strait Point picture perfect, the serene majesty of the snowcapped peaks of Glacier Bay National Park can be seen in the background on most clear days.

P l a n Yo u r V i s i t : Voyages of the Glaciers PHOTOS BY: POPSIDOODLE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Icy Strait Point is one of the ports featured on select 2018 Voyages of the Glaciers cruises. For more information or to book your cruise, see your onboard Future Cruise Consultant or visit www.princess.com.

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HIGHLIGHTS

r e g io n al hig hlig h t s

San Francisco Ask their favorite American city, and many travelers name romantic, sophisticated San Francisco. Where to begin in this chic city by the bay? Often it’s Fisherman’s Wharf, the waterfront spot where majestic Golden Gate Bridge rises a breathtaking 220 feet at midpoint. A ferry takes visitors across the bay to Alcatraz, which is still remembered as one of the nation’s most feared prisons, decades after it shut down and became a museum. Chinatown also beckons, offering a heady mix of old traditions and new attitudes. The city’s cable cars are the easiest — and most memorable — way to get up and down

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM: Whale watching in Icy Strait Point; horses in Vancouver; Nanaimo sunset; Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco; gardens in Victoria. 158

all those steep hills, and as National Historic Landmarks, they offer a piece of living heritage. Just across the bay lies Sausalito, an artists’ colony where boutiques and galleries line the waterfront. San Francisco is also close to the esteemed wine country of Sonoma and Napa Valley. Seattle Founded in 1851, the so-called Emerald City celebrates its past at Pioneer Square, which is a National Historic District, and at Chinatown-International District, where Seattle’s Asian-American heritage is showcased at restaurants, shops and historical exhibits. Shoppers find plenty to keep them happy at lively Pike Place, the oldest open-air market on the West Coast; here, local artisans, farmers and other merchants offer their wares. Seattle’s numerous museums and cultural venues include Seattle Center, which is located on the grounds of the 1962 World’s Fair — birthplace of Seattle’s most famous icon, the Space Needle. Take a ferry across Puget Sound and enjoy a stunning view of the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. Lovers of the grape raise their glasses in Woodinville, Seattle’s wine country, which is less than 30 minutes from downtown Seattle. Vancouver Lovely parks and exquisite botanical gardens fill this Canadian port, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. One of the most impressive is Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre forested

PHOTOS BY: (WHALE) FILIP FUXA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (HORSE) SAM DCRUZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (VANCOUVER) MARCOS CARVALHO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BRIDGE) ANDREW ZARIVNY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GARDENS) 2009FOTOFRIENDS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Glacier Bay Declared a national monument in 1925, and deemed a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1979, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’s more than 3.2 acres of rugged terrain aren’t easily accessible. Still, nearly half a million visitors make the journey every year by ship or plane. It’s easy to see why. Glacier Bay features deep fjords nestled between snow-capped mountains, tall glaciers and vast ice fields, all home to diverse communities of unique plants and animals. Cruises to Glacier Bay sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage, the ideal place to watch for whales and other wildlife while on board. Shore excursions range from flightseeing tours to chartered boat expeditions to kayaking adventures.

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peninsula filled with beaches and walking trails, including a 7-mile-long seawall. In the center of the city, perched atop Little Mountain, sits Queen Elizabeth Park. Once a humble quarry, it is now a sunken garden blooming with shrubbery and flowerbeds, and housing an aviary for more than 100 free-flying birds. Eastern inspiration blossoms at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Chinese artisans created the garden with materials imported from China and used traditional building methods dating back to the Ming Dynasty. For a glimpse at old Vancouver, stop by Gastown, from which the city first began to grow. It’s a popular shopping district, with a delightful clock that fills the air with music every 15 minutes. Victoria The influence of Victoria’s English founders remains strong in this pretty city of well-tended gardens and charming homes. During the Gold Rush days of the mid-1800s it was home to thousands of hopeful prospectors. Today, it showcases its nautical past at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, which displays more than 5,000 historical treasures. The heart of the city curves around the quaint stonewalled Inner Harbour, surrounded by attractions such as the Undersea Gardens, the Royal London Wax Museum and the ivy-covered Empress Hotel.

VICTORIA

Where to find local mementos in port

Vivah Jewellery A delightful boutique-style jewelry store specializing in sterling silver and semiprecious stone jewelry, featuring Canadian stone favorites, amethyst, labradorite, mystic topaz, moonstone and much more. Included are other unique collections; Nepalese tribal jewelry and works by Canadian designer Donna Luna, who features one-of-a-kind, special pieces from Bali. Located on Lower Johnson Street. You’re sure to find your next jewelry treasures here.

101-569 Johnson Street | 250-381-0550

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