Cruises aren’t for everybody, but they are a unique and, perhaps most significantly, convenient way to travel. A cruise is essentially a hotel, tour guide, and means of transportation all in one, offering travelers onboard entertainment and activities, dining, and relaxation while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. It’s a hassle-free way to visit multiple destinations on one vacation, without having to handle the bulk of the logistics yourself.
So, what’s the downside? On a cruise, you’re on a ship-driven schedule, with limited time in port. Many travelers feel that cruise stops are too short — the typical stop averages around 8-12 hours — leading to rushed sightseeing and a sense of missing out on the true culture of the places you’re visiting. You just see the tip of the iceberg.
If you’re the type of traveler who values exploring and immersing yourself in other cultures/locations and want to get the most out of your experience — both on the water and on land — make sure to plan your next cruise adventure with Coastal Cruise Tour Guides.
Costal Cruise Tour Guides: the Perfect Bon Voyage Gift
Founded in Washington in 1983, Coastal Cruise Tour Guides — now an East View Map Link brand — publishes an award-winning line of maps and guides that are an excellent resource for cruise passengers and independent travelers on land tours.
Covering the major cruise areas of Alaska, Western Mexico, and the Eastern Caribbean, these folded guidebooks offer full-color shaded-relief maps with vital geographic information on ship routes, islands, bays, and more. An in-depth text portion comes packed with insights into the history, wildlife, customs, and culture of the region, complemented by beautiful illustrations and colorful imagery that help you explore your destination before the trip begins.
They are as beautiful as they are informative — thanks to founder George W. King, an artist and graphic designer — and having one of these in hand when it's time to say bon voyage will enrich any cruise experience.
Alaska and Canada’s Inside Passage Cruise Tour Guide
The brand’s flagship title, Alaska and Canada’s Inside Passage Cruise Tour Guide, is especially relevant this time of year as Alaska approaches peak cruise season (June-August)—this period offers the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and peak wildlife activity. You won’t want to sail away without this map!
The Inside Passage is a 1,000+-mile-long marine highway stretching from Washington through British Columbia to Alaska. The most popular way to explore is by cruise ship (over 2 million people take cruises each year), and the area is known for its abundance of wildlife and scenic beauty. The Inside Passage boasts misty channels, forested mountains, massive glaciers, and serene bays, and is lined with small history-rich coastal towns and communities.
Coastal Cruise Tour Guide’s Alaska and Canada’s Inside Passage Cruise Map is the essential travel companion to this magnificent area. Here's Why:
Six-foot full-color shaded relief map of the entire Inside Passage
The guide opens from the center to reveal vital geographic context as you are cruising through this marine wonderland — names of channels, mountains, glaciers, and bays. From Puget Sound to Glacier Bay, the six-foot shaded-relief map features routes followed by cruise ships and ferries, principal highways and rail lines, and small illustrations of key port cities. While not detailed enough for navigation, it’s very useful as a planning guide.
What to look for along the way
One of the best pastimes on a cruise is soaking in the scenery. Accompanied by a set of beautiful illustrations, this guide features insightful tips and information on things to look for along the way, like animals (Seals, Sea Otters, Whales, Bears, Eagles, and Salmon), and Fishing Vessels.
Read about history and culture
The text portion features a wealth of information about this historied region. Read about early explorers, native cultures, local wildlife, and more!
Learn about the picturesque ports-of-call along your cruise route
The guide features guides to key port cities—Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Prince Rupert, Sitka, Skagway, Vancouver, Victoria, and Wrangell—each with its own small map and points of interest. Get tips on dining, shopping, sightseeing, and nightlife.
This section is very helpful in planning shore excursions. (Pro tip: Plan and book activities before getting off the ship so you can make the most out of your limited time at port, and ensure they don't sell out)
Double accordion fold booklet
The guidebook is a handy size that’s easy to carry along, and can be used a fold at a time, or completely open with the entire six-foot map uncovered. You fold out as much as you want to look at!
They come protected in an all-weather vinyl envelope, so they can handle being shoved in a backpack and splashed with a little water.
Order your copy today and plan the cruise of a lifetime!
Even after you disembark from your epic maritime adventure in the Inside Passage, these guides make a great keepsake! Open it up to reminisce and look back fondly on your travels.
Interested in a Custom Cruise Guide or Map?
We can make simple modifications to existing maps or develop a complete custom map solution to suit your business needs or personal taste! Want to add your cruise stops? Photos from your trip? A custom legend? Custom points of interest? We can do that! Inquire today.