Cruise Travel

Vancouver is, with Seattle, a major embarkation point for Alaska cruises, and virtually all Alaska-bound cruise ships call there; some also call at Victoria and Prince Rupert. After leaving Vancouver, however, most luxury liners make straight for Alaska, leaving the fjords and islands of B.C. to smaller vessels and expedition ships. Some operators lead sailing trips around B.C.'s islands; independent travelers can explore the coast on BC Ferries or on one of the coastal freighters serving remote outposts.

The small, expedition-style ships operated by American Safari Cruises and Cruise West explore the British Columbia coast on their way to Alaska; some offer cruises exclusively in B.C. Bluewater Adventures has 8- to 10-day sailing cruises of the B.C. coastline, including the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Cruise Lines

American Safari Cruises (206/284-0300 or 888/862-8881. www.innerseadiscoveries.com.)

Bluewater Adventures (604/980-3800 or 604/980-3800. www.bluewateradventures.ca.)

Cruise West (888/862-8881. www.cruisewest.com.)

Marine Link Tours (250/286-3347. www.marinelinktours.com.)

Mothership Adventures (888/833-8887. www.mothershipadventures.com.)