Discover a pristine frontier along the calm, deep waters of the Inside Passage aboard the elegant Crystal Symphony. Long summer days mean plenty of time to unwind and appreciate the mythical aura of this untamed swath of North America. This 12-night, round-trip cruise embarks from San Francisco and sails along the Pacific coastline of Canada and Alaska. It is the perfect way to visit historic port cities such as stately Victoria, vibrant Vancouver, rough-and-tumble Skagway, and aboriginal Ketchikan—all while enjoying the luxuries of a top-of-the-line vessel.
July 8: Depart San Francisco
The six-star Crystal Symphony sets sail from dazzling San Francisco in the evening. Admire harbor seals lounging on the docks at Fisherman's Wharf and riveting Alcatraz as you set off to sea, sailing under the glorious Golden Gate Bridge.
July 9: Cruise the Pacific Ocean
Celebrate your first full day at sea with an exclusive AHI welcome reception and see why readers of Condé Nast Traveler have chosen Crystal Cruises as the best cruise line in the world for 15 consecutive years.
Drink in exquisite views of an ever-changing horizon onboard and indulge in whatever activities suit your fancy—yoga, Pilates, or chi-balancing classes. Improve your golf skills at the putting green and driving range located on the ship's top deck. After the sun sets, sip a refreshing drink and feel the soothing rhythm of life at sea as you listen to soft piano music in the Crystal Cove lounge.
July 10: Victoria, British Columbia
Fragrant gardens, charming Victorian architecture, and a wonderful waterfront are the hallmarks of Victoria, the most British of Canadian cities. Hop on a catamaran or classic red double-decker bus, enjoy a leisurely sightseeing stroll, or indulge in British-style afternoon tea at the ivy-covered Empress Hotel, a Victoria tradition for more than 100 years. Explore on your own or join a Crystal Cruises optional shore excursion.
July 11: Vancouver
Cosmopolitan Vancouver is the perfect counterpoint to quaint Victoria. Cradled between the ocean and mountains, the third-largest city in Canada offers urban excitement—great shopping, gourmet dining, sleek landmarks—in a clean, safe, and prosperous multicultural community. Explore vibrant, personality-packed neighborhoods like the restored Gastown district, bustling Chinatown, and colorful Granville Island, all set in front of a backdrop of rugged peaks, emerald parks, and shimmering sea. Explore on your own or join a Crystal Cruises optional shore excursion.
July 12: Cruise the Inside Passage
Relish breathtaking vistas from your front-row seat as you cruise along the Inside Passage, the deep, calm waterway, which runs through southeastern Alaska. Admire sweeping scenes of dense forests, pristine glacial valleys, and awe-inspiring wildlife from your private verandah or Crystal Symphony's teak promenade deck. You may see harbor seals, sea otters floating together in raft-like fashion, and glorious humpback whales that seem to wave at you as they breach.
July 13: Sitka, Alaska
Stately spruce forests, green-tufted islands, and a dormant volcano greet you as the ship cruises into picturesque Sitka, once the capital of Russian America. Steeped in history, Sitka was the home of the Kiksadi Tlingit Indians long before Russians arrived in 1799 and set up a fort to expand sea otter hunting and territorial claims. Today you can take in the views of Castle Hill, where the Russian flag was lowered and the U.S. flag was raised after the U.S. purchased Alaska for $7.2 million in 1867. Gain an understanding of Sitka's native heritage, proud architecture, and important historical landmarks. The area is teeming with wildlife including ocean halibut, salmon, and birds of prey. Explore on your own or join a Crystal Cruises optional shore excursion.
July 14: Juneau, Alaska
Discover what many say is the most beautiful capital city in America. Accessible only by air and sea, Juneau was founded during the Gold Rush in the 1880s and named after Joe Juneau, the prospector who first discovered gold in this state. Located inside the Tongass National Forest, part of the world’s largest temperate rain forest, Juneau remains a rugged frontier, clinging to the mountainside along a saltwater channel. Juneau's rough-and-tumble personality is on full display in its Gold-Rush era buildings and pristine trails.
The area is home to large populations of humpback and killer whales, black bears, and bald eagles and serves as a gateway to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. This 12-mile-long glacier is Alaska's most accessible and most photographed. Explore on your own or join a Crystal Cruises optional shore excursion.
July 15: Skagway, Alaska
Step back in time to the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. During the height of the gold boom, this tiny trading post attracted thousands of pioneers about to set off to the goldfields to find their fortunes. Skagway became a wild and lawless den, rife with 80 saloons and a bevy of colorful characters, including the infamous “Soapy” Smith, renowned for tricking prospectors out of their nuggets. Explore on your own or join a Crystal Cruises optional shore excursion.
July 16: Cruise Glacier Bay
Spend your day cruising Glacier Bay, a biodiverse wonderland more than 11,000 years in the making. Slowly forming and retreating over 11,000 years, these majestic glaciers have sculpted the landscape as they have worked their way to the ocean. In addition to the whales and other marine life, many other animals and birds make this region their home. Get settled in a deck chair and prepare to be amazed as you cruise the bay.
July 17: Ketchikan, Alaska
Located in a lush island setting just north of the Canadian border, Ketchikan is an old logging and fishing city and another haven for nature enthusiasts. For centuries, the Tlingit used the area as a summer fish camp. You can see their artistry in the cedar totems of Ketchikan, especially at the Totem Heritage Center. During Prohibition, the wooden stilt houses on Creek Street were home to speakeasies and brothels. Today you'll find boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in this chorus line of colorful houses overlooking a salmon stream. Explore on your own or join a Crystal Cruises optional shore excursion.
July 18: Cruise the Pacific Ocean
Sail the Pacific Ocean, enjoy Crystal Symphony's unparalleled service, and make the most of the many amenities onboard the ship. High above the sea, Wimbledon Courts welcome doubles and singles matches, and the ComputerUniversity@Sea is the perfect place to design a slide show or photo album of your journey. You'll also find a surprising number of enrichment courses and accomplished guest lecturers during your cruise.
July 19: Cruise the Pacific Ocean
Stretch out on a chaise longue or take a refreshing dip in the inviting Seahorse Pool as you cruise the Pacific. Schedule a lesson with a personal fitness trainer or surrender to a muscle-melting massage in an ocean-view room in the spa. After the sun sets, dance to live music or take in a lavish Broadway production or a comedy show after your farewell reception. Sip a glass of champagne on deck under the stars as the night comes to a close.
July 20: San Francisco, Calif.
Arrive in San Francisco. Following breakfast, depart for the airport for your return flight home.
Prices start at $4,820.
The trip will be accompanied by faculty member from Colby, Colgate University, or Hamilton College.
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