Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.

Sitka, the only major city on Alaska’s Baranof Island, is the beneficiary of three distinct cultures: Tlingit Indian, Russian and American. You’ll find relics of all three cultures throughout the area. With the spectacular natural beauty of Sitka Sound, its fascinating history, unique totem park and Mount Edgecomb – a dormant volcano which rises above the harbor – Sitka is definitely a treasure in the Alaskan wilderness.

Skagway is a compact city in southeast Alaska, set along the popular cruise route the Inside Passage. It’s home to gold-rush-era buildings, now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad runs vintage locomotives past the famously steep Chilkoot trail and offers sweeping mountain views during its climb toward Canada.

Astounding ice-capped mountains welcome the cruising traveler to Juneau. Alaska is called the Land of the Midnight Sun, and its capital shines with a wide selection of delicious dining and native Alaskan art shopping. But Juneau isn’t just a fun name to say, you know — Carnival cruises to Juneau transport you to one of the most beautiful capital cities in America, with once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions that include walking on glaciers, whale watching, and hikes through the country’s last old-growth forests.

One of the most spectacular cruise destinations on earth, Tracy Arm Fjord is actually made up of two separate fjords. Each fjord is over 30 miles long, and a full one-fifth of their area is covered in ice. With hundreds of waterfalls, giant chunks of sliding ice and a huge variety of native wildlife, you won’t even want to blink as you cruise past this natural wonder.

For more than 100 years, Ketchikan, Alaska has been the gateway to the North. Ketchikan cruises dock along the famed historic waterfront. Check out the flourishing art scene and spectacular totem poles that have transformed this former frontier town into a popular southern Alaskan port of call. Experience the sights, atmosphere and excitement of the Last Frontier as soon as you cross the Alaska border on Carnival cruises to Ketchikan.

Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.