Tokyo, Alaska & Seattle

Fly overnight to Japan's vast, vibrant capital city, Tokyo. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.

Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple before ascending Tokyo Skytree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine and sample the local treats sold on Takeshita Street before stopping at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

Transfer to the Tokyo cruise terminal to board your cruise ship, Noordam. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Cruise northwards following the coast of Japan's largest island, Honshu. Today, relax and explore the facilities and entertainments available onboard the Noordam.

Arrive at Kushiro, a port on the southeast coast of the island of Hokkaido. Wonderfully atmospheric thanks to the fog that usually shrouds the region, from here you can explore Japan's largest wetlands – Kushiro Shitsugen National Park – where you can spot Japanese cranes or the volcanic craters and pristine lakes of Akan National Park.

Over the coming days you will cruise across the Pacific – an epic adventure! On day 7 you will cross the International Dateline, rewinding time in a matter of seconds. As you cruise the Pacific, you'll have plenty of time to shop, catch one of the world-class shows, try out the fitness centre or casino, play pickleball or sample some of the many cafes, bars and restaurants that are onboard the Noordam.

Land ahoy! Welcome to Alaska. Best known for Kodiak bears, a subspecies of the brown bear unique to this archipelago, Kodiak Island is home to around 3,500 of them, so your chance of spotting one is good! Alternatively, explore the town, learn about the island's history or take a nature hike, on the lookout for all sorts of wonderful wildlife.

Another day to make the most of the wealth of facilities onboard the Noordam, or the chance to relax and reflect on the adventure so far.

Set amongst the spectacular scenery of Baranof Island, on the icy blue waters of the Sitka Sound, Sitka was, until 1867, the capital of Russian America. You can explore this fascinating history, spotting Russian influenced architecture or walking the field of battle where Russia fought the native Tlingit people with a ranger, or you can dive into the island's captivating nature in the Tongass National rainforest or meet the wildlife at local animal sanctuaries.

Ketchikan is flanked by forests of vibrant green, a major hub of salmon-fishing and a town of vibrant native culture and a rich history. Sportfishing and eating fresh seafood are two possible activities here, or you can visit the intricate totem poles of the indigenous Alaskan nations. On departing from Ketchikan you'll enter the Inside Passage, a sheltered and spectacular waterway route that will take you all the way to Vancouver.

Cross into Canadian waters and arrive at the charming port of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. On the pristine Kaien Island, here you'll find vast forests and towering peaks. Consider the Butze Rapids Park and Trail for easy hiking and wildlife spotting or visit the Museum of Northern British Columbia for First Peoples art and artifacts.

Spend the day at sea as you continue south towards Seattle. Relax onboard, enjoy the Noordam's facilities and take in the passing coastal scenery on the final full day of your cruise.

Disembark the Holland America Line Noordam. You'll be met at the cruise terminal and transferred into the city to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Begin in Seattle's historic downtown, where you'll find the Seattle Art Museum, the world's first Starbucks and lively Pike Place Market, one of the city's most iconic sights. Continue to the International District and Waterfront, the heart of Seattle's multicultural identity. Pause at Kerry Park for panoramic views of the city skyline before diving into some of the city's fascinating neighbourhoods – admiring the 'old-money' architecture of Broadmoor, the quirky art installations of bohemian Fremont and the beautiful views from Magnolia Bluff. Then, ascend the world-famous Space Needle and explore Seattle Center, a sprawling urban park.

Transfer to the airport and fly home to New Zealand, arriving home two days later.