"To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world."
-John Muir, Travels in Alaska
Ports of Call
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This beautiful city is the the gem of the Pacific Northwest, and renown for its scenic natural surroundings. Canada Place cruise shp terninal is located downtown, just 30 minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Our cruise departure will sail by world famous Stanley Park, and pass underneath the Lion's Gate bridge.
Where Have We been ?
Since the first Sporthorse Cruise in 2009, our guests have visited these desinations and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Costa Maya, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Juneau, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Key West, Florida
Mazatlan, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Roatan, Honduras
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Seattle, Washington
Sitka, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
United Nations World Heritage Sites:
Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
We choose the best itineraries for experiencing scenic cruising, as well as the region's culture and history.
Juneau. Alaska's state capital is the second largest city in the United States by area. The Gastineau Channel is its front yard, and the immense Tongass National Forest is its backyard. Downtown Juneau, the Governor's mansion, state capitol building, and the historic St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox church are a short walk from the ship. Stop in at local artisan shops, and enjoy lunch at restaurants on the waterfront. Available shore excursions include salmon bakes, whale watching tours, glacier hikes, and sea kayaking.
Skagway. During the height of the gold rush in the late 1800's, this one road town had a population explosion of hopeful prospectors and merchants. Tens of thousands came by steamer ships to Skagway, and attempted the difficult 500 mile journey to the Yukon gold fields near the Canadian border. Some stayed behind and opened stores, hotels, and saloons.Today Skagway's rich history is evident in the carefully restored buildings and the famous White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Our time here isn't a drive by, instead it's a day of cruising inside this magnificent bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the morning, a national park service ranger will board our ship to provide information and answer your questions during the day. Binoculars and a camera are a must because you'll see a variety of wildlife - seals, whales, otters, bald eagles, mountain goats and perhaps a brown bear on the shore. As the ship approaches the farthest reach of the bay, she'll drift near the face of Marjorie Glacier. Listen closely for the sounds of cracking ice as the glacier slowly moves to meet the bay.
Ketchikan. Like Juneau, Ketchikan is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. The town's colorful history began as a seasonal fish camp. In the late 1800's Ketchikan grew to be an established town with mercantile businesses and fish canneries. Today salmon use the creeks to swim upstream and spawn. In the heart of town, the salmon ladder at Ketchikan Creek and Falls helps the fish over the falls and on to quieter waters. Ketchikan also has the largest collection of totem poles in the world. You're sure to see one whether on a walk around town, or during an excursion.
We'll be here on the Fourth of July, so plan on watching Ketchikan's annual parade as it comes through town and passes by the waterfront. Food and game booths will be part of the fun !
