U.S. West Coast - Highlights and National Parks of the Pacific
Cruise Overview
Explore the west coast of Pacific North America
8-day exploration of Pacific North America. Cruise from San Diego in California to Vancouver, Canada on board hybrid-powered expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen.
Enjoy whale and seabird watching around Santa Barbara. And visit Eureka's Redwood National Park, an international Biosphere Reserve.
Look for humpback whales as you travel to San Juan Island; and tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site—sub-alpine Olympic National Park.
Wild wonders
Cruise the Pacific coast from San Diego and take in its abundant marine wildlife, from majestic whales to amazing seabirds.
Stunning nature
Experience Spanish-influenced Santa Barbara, the ancient trees of the Redwood National Park, and the natural wonders of the San Juan Islands. We'll also hike through the Olympic National Park, before ending our adventure in bustling Vancouver.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Welcome to California
Day 1
Welcome to California
Start your adventure with a taste of San Diego
The relaxed atmosphere is one of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in sunny San Diego to begin your Pacific coast expedition cruise to Vancouver.
Take time to discover its many beautiful beaches and parks. And sample the famous Baja California cuisine too while you're here.
There’s so much to do here that it’s worth adding a couple of days if you can. Don't miss the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, and take your pick from the city's 17 museums.
The American Riviera
Day 2
The American Riviera
Discover old school Spanish charm in the Golden State
Nestled between pristine Pacific coast beaches and vineyard-lined Santa Ynez mountains, Santa Barbara has an authentic Spanish charm that wouldn’t feel out of place in the Mediterranean. In fact, it's known as the American Riviera.
Stroll among the Spanish-era buildings and wander to the end of Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest pier, for a homemade ice cream. Enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at the town’s excellent restaurants and bars. Or try some New World vintages on a wine tasting tour.
On our way to and from Santa Barbara, stay on the look out for whales as we sail through the surrounding Channel Islands.
Whale spotting at sea
Day 3
Whale spotting at sea
Look out for the abundant Pacific marine life
A day spent at sea gives you the opportunity to relax, whether that’s in the sauna or one of the hot tubs, or by exercising in the state-of-the-art gym.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to learn more about the wildlife, the geography and the science of the Pacific Coast. You can take part in our Citizen Science research projects and make a real difference to data collection on tracking whales or studying cloud formations.
It's also a great time to head on up to the Observation Deck and spot some of the local marine life, such as dolphins and, if you're lucky, humpback whales.
Eureka’s forest giants
Day 4
Eureka’s forest giants
Hike among ancient forests
Welcome to Eureka, a scenic seaport blending Victorian style with an eco ethos. We'll visit the incredible Redwood National Park as an included excursion. This International Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the world's most dramatic—and huge—ancient woodland.
Some of the redwoods in this forest are more than 1,500 years old. They're also known as ‘nature’s skyscrapers’ because they tower over 100m above the forest floor.
The success of the conservation work here speaks for itself, in the sheer size and majesty of these awe-inspiring trees, which once seen, you'll never forget.
Leisure cruising
Day 5
Leisure cruising
Relax and discover more about the Pacific coast
Your Pacific expedition cruise continues north towards San Juan Islands. Take time to enjoy your ship's pool, spa and fitness facilities, or learn more about the natural wonders around you.
You can also choose to join us for a series of art classes and photography workshops. If you're feeling inspired by the beauty around you, why not get creative and capture lasting memories.
Whales of San Juan
Day 6
Whales of San Juan
Whale and bird watching in stunning surroundings
The San Juan Islands are a haven for marine life and sea birds. We hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, and maybe even a pod of orcas.
Birdwatchers should be on the look out for magnificent Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and Black Oystercatchers, who call these islands home.
Your Expedition Team will be on hand to talk you through points of interest and help you spot wildlife. Keep your camera ready for some spectacular shots against the stunning backdrop of pine forest and snow-capped mountains.
Olympic National Park
Day 7
Olympic National Park
Marvel at unspoiled sub-alpine splendor
Today you'll anchor at the charming seaport of Port Angeles. From here, we'll head to UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Olympic National Park.
It’s home to three distinct ecosystems: the rugged Pacific coast, a temperate forest, and sub-alpine forests. We'll be exploring the latter, specifically the mountainous area of Hurricane Ridge.
An optional guided hike takes you through the park, with birdwatching opportunities in the wildflower meadows and among the trees. If we’re lucky, you might spot the indigenous Roosevelt Elk or even black bears.
Vibrant Vancouver
Day 8
Vibrant Vancouver
Enjoy British Columbia’s largest city
Our expedition cruise from San Diego ends in the beautiful city of Vancouver at the foot of the Rockies. Visit Gastown, the city's oldest neighborhood, and climb Vancouver Lookout for a citywide panorama. From her, you'll see neon-lit Granville Street, West End's beaches and the towering cedars of Stanley Park.
Vancouver has a flavor all its own—and so does its global cuisine. Dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy as you soak up the city's buzzing atmosphere.
Adventure lovers might want to join our Post-Program to the beautiful mountain resort of Whistler. What better way to end your adventure.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 7-day expedition cruise.
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- Fine-dining in À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Loan of trekking poles and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will help configure your camera settings before landings
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Solo travelers: Pay no single supplement on a selection of expedition cruises in 2023
For a limited time, pay no single supplement if you book an expedition cruise from of selection of departures.
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Book Early for Epic Adventures
Book now through April 30, 2023 for epic deals on bucket-list destinations like Antarctica, Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, and West Africa. Save up to $4,000 on select Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises today!
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Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages