Alaska Cruise on Ruby Princess from San Francisco

San Francisco

San Francisco is a major and bustling cosmopolitan city in California, surrounded by water on three sides, and the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its liberal community, hilly terrain, Victorian architecture, scenic beauty, summer fog, and great ethnic and cultural diversity. There is much to see: the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz island (once the most notorious prison in the world), Pier 39 on Fisherman´s Wharf, a lively bay area with shops, arcades, restaurants, cafés, fairground rides, ocean views and its own colony of sea lions, Lombard Street and the famous San Francisco cable cars, that run up and down the hills of San Francisco between Market Street and Fisherman´s Wharf, providing cheap and easy access to the whole of San Francisco. The Port is located in downtown San Francisco and offers many tourist attractions, including Hyde Street Pier, Fisherman´s Wharf, PIER 39 and access to Alcatraz.

Juneau (Alaska)

Juneau is Alaska´s capital, however you can´t get there by road, only by air or by sea. Juneau is a main port for the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska´s ferry system. Downtown Juneau is compact and highly walkable, The most popular activities in Juneau for visitors are flight seeing, charter fishing, visiting the Mendendhall Glacier, hiking and shopping. Look for local shop with a sign on the window that says "This store is owned by an Alaskan family", that sell awesome pins, beads, carving arts, all done by local artists or customizable gifts for travelers who don´t want a boring, touristy-looking T-shirt. Highlights in Juneau include Mount Roberts Tramway, the Red Dog Saloon, the Alaska State Museum, the Gastineau Salmon Hatchery, the Governor´s Mansion, the Alaska Gastineau Mill, and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Skagway (Alaska)

Skagway is located in a narrow glaciated valley at the head of the Taiya Inlet, the north end of the Lynn Canal, which is the most northern fjord on the Inside Passage on the south coast of Alaska. Skagway is a town with a population of less than a thousand in south-eastern Alaska. The historical interest and natural beauty of the area make it a worthwhile place to visit. Start by stepping away from any buildings and turning 360 degrees for an impressive view of the nearby peaks that enclose Skagway. Places to visit are the Visitors Center, Skagway Museum and Archives, Jewell Gardens, Skagway, and the Sculpture Garden.

Glacier Bay (Alaska)

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a United States National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is in the Panhandle of the state of Alaska. The park is best known for its massive glaciers, but is also an ideal destination for those seeking wildlife, kayaking, or simply a chance to get away. The park has snow-capped mountain ranges rising to over 15,000 feet, coastal beaches with protected coves, deep fjords, tidewater glaciers, coastal and estuarine waters, and freshwater lakes. Each summer humpback whales return to the bay from their wintering grounds near Hawaii to feed on the abundant small schooling fish. Many land animals also use the marine environment for foraging and travel. Moose and bears, for example, are accomplished long-distance swimmers that are frequently seen "dog paddling" their way across the bay.

Ketchican (Alaska)

Ketchikan is a scenic town of approximately 14,000 people. Ketchikan´s economy is based upon tourism and fishing, and the city is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World". A stay in Ketchikan itself can be rewarding, however, as the city is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, an area so beautiful, it is known as "The Yosemite of the North." With steep valleys formed by glaciers and lava flows left by volcanic activity, Misty Fjords offers gorgeous views of natural formations, all reflected in the calm waters of Pacific inlets. The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, located near the cruise ship berth 2, publishes a comprehensive area guide that provides maps, contact information for tour operators and local attractions, sample itineraries and community information. Explore the surrounding area: set on the hillsides above the waterfront on a heavily forested, mostly wilderness island, the town of Ketchikan is worth visiting on its own merits.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a major and bustling cosmopolitan city in California, surrounded by water on three sides, and the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its liberal community, hilly terrain, Victorian architecture, scenic beauty, summer fog, and great ethnic and cultural diversity. There is much to see: the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz island (once the most notorious prison in the world), Pier 39 on Fisherman´s Wharf, a lively bay area with shops, arcades, restaurants, cafés, fairground rides, ocean views and its own colony of sea lions, Lombard Street and the famous San Francisco cable cars, that run up and down the hills of San Francisco between Market Street and Fisherman´s Wharf, providing cheap and easy access to the whole of San Francisco. The Port is located in downtown San Francisco and offers many tourist attractions, including Hyde Street Pier, Fisherman´s Wharf, PIER 39 and access to Alcatraz.