Start: San Francisco > Ketchikan >Icy Strait Point >Cruise Hubbard Glacier >Cross International Date Line >Otaru (Sapporo) >Aomori >Shimizu (Mt. Fuji) >Kobe (Kyoto) >End: Yokohama (Tokyo)
Sun Sep 20, 2026 - Fri Oct 9, 2026
Departs at 6:00 PM
Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For more than 100 years, Ketchikan, Alaska has been the gateway to the North. Ketchikan cruises dock along the famed historic waterfront. Check out the flourishing art scene and spectacular totem poles that have transformed this former frontier town into a popular southern Alaskan port of call. Experience the sights, atmosphere and excitement of the Last Frontier as soon as you cross the Alaska border on Carnival cruises to Ketchikan.
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Icy Strait Point is a sight, alright, for eyes that hunger for the greens of the dense Tongass Forest, the azure waters of Port Frederick, and the spot where these come together. Make landfall here and find yourself in Hoonah, where the native Huna Tlingit tribe have lived for thousands of years. Not quite as old — only about 100 years young — are remnants of the local cannery, a symbol of the industry that put this area on modern maps. Hugely important then but long out of operation, the cannery today is restored and tourable, just one historical signpost in a place as well-known for its natural sights.
Cruises to Hubbard Glacier let you to take in one of North America’s largest. At a full 76 miles long and six miles wide, Hubbard Glacier — known as a surge glacier or “galloping glacier” — is definitely still galloping. (What we’re saying is that it’s actually growing in size.) You’ll view the glacier from the waters of Disenchantment Bay… but don’t read too much into the name! Snowcapped mountains in the distance offer a spectacular backdrop to viewings of this immense glacier — take it all in from the open decks of the ship, or even enjoy it from your personal balcony. You may even catch wildlife sightings (orcas, humpback whales, bald eagles, anyone?) in the surrounding areas — bonus!
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
Can you time-travel on a cruise? We would have to answer... "Not really, but also kind of yes!" That's because when you cross the International Date Line — located at the Pacific Ocean's own longitude 180° — you're sailing back in time. (Or forward, depending on which direction you're headed.) It instantly becomes yesterday or tomorrow, a full 24-hour jump, and just for a moment you're not in either the Eastern or Western hemispheres. On the ship, we mark this occasion with a unique ceremony, and you'll head home with a certificate to prove you experienced it.
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Herring fishing! Coal mining! And would you believe… even music box manufacturing? Otaru, located on the island of Hokkaido, has certainly had a history of boom cycles, but the herring era, when its waters supplied all of Asia, holds an important place in the city’s history. After all, icons remain in the form of 19th century tycoons’ “herring mansions” — like the coast-hugging Otaru-shi Nishin Goden — which still draw the fascination of visitors. But even outside of history itself, the island’s scenic natural attractions, like national parks and its rugged west coast, have a timeless appeal. The freshness of the sushi is of course unsurprising, while the local whiskey distillery — perhaps surprisingly — uses traditional Scottish methods to produce a smoky malt. Don’t miss exploring the capital city, nearby Sapporo, and its spots for taking in the best sights, like Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill at Hokkaido Agricultural Experimental Station, which shows off the pastureland of Sapporo’s outskirts, and also the 482-foot Sapporo TV Tower at Sapporo Odori Park, which shares with the curious visitor some amazing city views, day and night.
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Today, many of the best sights to see in Aomori are the natural kind, as much of the man-made history was lost to various 20th Century misfortunes. Yet no one seems to have told the cherry blossoms, apple orchards and the mountainous backdrop, all of which greet visitors with a timeless serenity. The region’s two national parks and highly aesthetic Lake Towada are similarly still just doing their thing. In the city, in case you miss Aomori’s annual Nebuta Matsuri Festival, the Nebuta Warasse Museum will let you feast your eyes on some of the incredible illuminated floats that graced the streets. And just outside the city at Seiryu-ji Temple, all 70 feet and 220 tons of Showa Daibutsu statue (“the Great Buddha”) keeps a watchful eye over Aomori.
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The snowcapped Mount Fuji may just be the single most iconic image of Japan, a breathtaking symbol that towers over the landscape at over 12,000 feet. The active volcano inspires just about everyone who’s seen it, and many continue to hold it sacred. Its foothills are dotted with Shinto shrines welcoming visitors and those on their way up to Fuji. Miho-no-Matsubara is considered to have among the best views of the mountain, which is just one of the things that the seaport of Shimizu, located in Shizuoka City, can boast. On the other hand, the ruins of Sumpu Castle are a 400-year-old symbol of Japan’s Edo period, a time of culture that introduced some of its most iconic art styles… examples of which are on display at Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum. Shimizu is also Japan’s tuna fishing capital, with its freshness making it a popular choice in local restaurants.
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Even if you’ve never been, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Kobe — this is the place where the internationally-prized beef is made under famously strict standards. But before Kobe became associated with fine dining, it was one of the first Japanese seaports to open for trading with the West, following the nation’s 200 years of isolation. Technically, the city of Kobe didn’t even exist at that point — not until 1889 — though the area had been settled for over 1,500 years. Kobe today boasts great city views from Mt. Rokko, well-preserved castles and mansions, plus museums of art, literature… and sake, where tastings are available! Shrines, temples and gardens are among the iconic local sights, and some great ones can even be found in Kobe’s regional neighbors Osaka and Kyoto.
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or... if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
Arrives at 8:00 AM
Yokohama is your gateway to Tokyo, the capital of Japan, considered by many to be one of the greatest cities in the world. Here, visitors will discover an extraordinary mix of modern culture and ancient tradition unlike anywhere else. Sprawling, modern shopping meccas stand beside serene palace gardens and the bright lights of the modern city are mysteriously reconciled with traditional architecture and culture. No visit to Tokyo is complete without experiencing the fascinating culture and history. Stand in awe in front of the monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddah, believed to date back to 1252, or visit the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
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