2026 EXPLORING VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA (BRAND-NEW STAR PRINCESS) 7-DAY CRUISE TO ALASKA

Hello everyone, and welcome to “Exploring with Cindy and Dan”. We are currently in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, arriving aboard the brand-new Star Princess. Please join us on this wonderful adventure. We are on one of our favorite itineraries—a 7-day cruise to Alaska—visiting the beautiful ports of Juneau, the capital of Alaska; Ketchikan; Skagway; Victoria, British Columbia; and the breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier. We are sailing on the very first season of the Star Princess in Alaska and Canada. Victoria is our final port of call. We arrived just before 7:00 PM, with all aboard set for 11:30 PM, giving us about four and a half hours in port. Guests were permitted to disembark shortly after arrival. Once the announcement is made that the gangways are open, you can proceed to exit the ship. Don’t forget to bring your Medallion with you—it is the only item you need to leave and re-enter the ship. Earlier in the cruise, before arriving in Victoria, your stateroom attendant will leave a Canadian customs declaration form for you and your family. You are required by the Canada Border Services Agency to read and complete this form before arriving in Victoria. It must be returned to your stateroom attendant no later than 8:00 PM on your Juneau day. Guests living at the same address may complete a single form. If you have booked a Princess-organized shore excursion, be sure to check your ticket for the meeting time and location, just as you did in previous ports of call. The Alaska cruise season generally runs from late April through mid-October, though schedules vary by cruise line. Princess Cruises’ Alaska season typically runs from April through the end of September. If you are looking to save money, consider sailing at the beginning of the season, when temperatures are cooler but the experience is still very similar to peak summer. However, it is worth noting that late-season cruises can be more unpredictable in terms of weather, and some port calls may be canceled. For example, in 2024, on a different cruise line in mid-October, we missed several ports due to weather conditions. On the other hand, late September sailings can also offer a chance to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), which we were fortunate enough to witness on one trip—it was truly stunning. No matter when you sail with Princess Cruises, you are guaranteed a memorable experience. The ship docks at Ogden Point, located approximately a 7-minute shuttle ride or a 30-minute walk from downtown Victoria. Taxis and limousines are available near the pier, and a shuttle service runs every 10 to 15 minutes between the port and downtown for a small fee. You can also find two-person pedicab-style tours that offer a fun ride into the city.