Every traveler has a list. Mine is less of a neat, written document and more of a chaotic collection of saved images, dog-eared book pages, and daydreams. On that list, two wildly different fantasies have always vied for the top spot. One is a journey of serene, cultural immersion: getting lost in the electric hum of Tokyo, contemplating ancient traditions, and being surrounded by unparalleled elegance. The other is a primal call to the wild: a voyage to the raw, untamed frontier of Alaska, to witness the earth-shattering power of glaciers and breathe air so clean it feels brand new.
Choosing between them always felt like an impossible traveler’s dilemma. How do you pick between the scent of cherry blossoms and the crisp scent of arctic air? Between the taste of perfectly crafted sushi and freshly caught salmon? It was a fantasy I filed under ‘someday, maybe, in two different lifetimes.’
But what if you didn’t have to choose? What if a single, seamless, epic adventure could bridge these two worlds? When I stumbled upon an itinerary that does exactly that, I realized that some travel dreams, no matter how grand, can come true. It’s a journey so profound it requires a two-act footwear strategy, and my imagination is already running wild.
(Disclaimer: This incredible discovery comes courtesy of the travel wizards at VAQQY, who continue to curate the most amazing adventures. As always, all daydreaming and shoe-pairing are my own!)
Part I: The Serene and Electric Elegance of Japan
The adventure doesn’t just start in Japan; it allows you to truly immerse yourself. The package includes a three-night hotel stay in Tokyo before you even step foot on the ship. Three whole days! That’s the perfect amount of time to begin to peel back the layers of this incredible city. My mind immediately starts crafting the perfect Tokyo immersion: Day one would be for the senses – a dawn visit to a bustling fish market followed by the exhilarating, organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing. Day two, for the soul: finding tranquility at the serene Meiji Shrine before diving into the vibrant, trend-setting street style of Harajuku.
Naturally, the shoe strategy here is key. I’d pack my ever-reliable minimalist white trainers for pounding the pavements, but also a pair of exquisitely crafted leather loafers—perfect for the quiet reverence required when stepping onto the tatami mats of an ancient temple. For the evenings? A pair of chic, comfortable block heels, ideal for navigating from a hidden izakaya for dinner to a sky-high cocktail bar with panoramic city views.
From Tokyo, the Coral Princess becomes your elegant vessel, sailing north to explore the gems of Japan often missed by hurried travelers. We’re talking the coastal beauty of Miyako, a city rising resiliently with its stunning shorelines; the rich culture of Aomori, famed for its vibrant festivals and delicious apples; and the romantic port of Hakodate, with its unique star-shaped fort and world-renowned night views. This is the “Japan in Bloom” portion of the journey, a chance to absorb the nation’s deep-rooted grace before the grand Pacific crossing.
The Interlude: A Journey Across the Ocean
The days at sea crossing the vast Pacific are a journey within a journey. It’s a rare moment in modern life for true disconnection and reflection. I imagine finding a quiet corner of the ship, watching the endless blue horizon, diving into a good book, and witnessing the slow, magical transition from one side of the world to the other. It’s a forced deceleration, a true escape, punctuated by the surreal, bucket-list moment of crossing the International Date Line and literally sailing into tomorrow.
Part II: The Wild Majesty of the Last Frontier
As the journey continues, the scenery begins to transform in a way that feels almost cinematic. The gentle shores and refined landscapes of Japan give way to the immense, jaw-dropping grandeur of Alaska. The air gets crisper, the scale of everything grander. This is where the wardrobe, and specifically the shoe collection, undergoes a complete metamorphosis.
The delicate loafers are carefully packed away, replaced by the heroes of the second act: a pair of Gore-Tex, ankle-supporting hiking boots, ready for muddy trails and rocky shores. Then there are the cozy, fleece-lined boots, essential for standing on the observation deck for hours, completely mesmerized by the electric blue ice of the Hubbard Glacier, listening for the thunderous crack of calving icebergs plunging into the sea. For exploring the historic towns, a pair of classic, rugged ‘duck boots’ feel essential – practical, waterproof, and perfectly in tune with the Alaskan aesthetic.
The Coral Princess becomes your front-row seat to nature’s greatest theatre. Imagine sipping a hot chocolate from your private balcony (the ship has over 700!) while sailing through the majestic fjords of Glacier Bay National Park. The itinerary is a roll call of Alaskan icons: delving into the fascinating history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Skagway, embarking on a whale-watching tour from Juneau, and discovering the unique blend of Native and Russian culture in Sitka and Ketchikan. The adventure gently winds down with a stop in the charming, garden-filled city of Victoria, Canada, before the final disembarkation in beautiful Vancouver.
Your Floating Sanctuary: The Coral Princess
Connecting these two vastly different worlds is the lovely Coral Princess. It’s your comfortable haven, a place of warmth and refinement amidst the wild. Imagine returning from a chilly, exhilarating day on a glacial excursion to the welcoming embrace of the ship. Peeling off the waterproof layers and heading for a gourmet steak dinner at Crown Grill, or grabbing a decadent pastry from the International Café to enjoy while you sort through the day’s incredible photos. It’s this seamless blend of raw adventure and sophisticated comfort that elevates the journey from a simple trip to a truly luxurious expedition.
How to Plan This Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey
Putting together a 25-day trip across continents sounds complex, but the team at VAQQY have woven it all into one incredible package. They’ve sorted everything, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Here’s what the journey includes:
- Return Flights from the UK
- A 3-Night, 4-Star Hotel Stay in Tokyo to start the trip
- The 22-Night Full Board Cruise on the Coral Princess
- The flexibility to add extra nights in Tokyo or Vancouver
- Full ATOL Protection for peace of mind
This is truly an investment in lifelong memories, a story you’ll tell for years to come.
If you feel the call of both serene temples and wild, icy landscapes, you can find all the details for this incredible Japan to Alaska journey right here.
To ask questions or start planning, you can speak to the experts directly by calling 0207 167 9788 or sending an email to info@vaqqy.com.
So I have to ask – which part of this epic adventure excites you more? The cultural immersion and electric energy of Japan, or the wild, natural wonders of Alaska? Let me know in the comments!
