We have enjoyed several Crystal cruises in recent years, so confidently booked the interestingly routed Tokyo to Vancouver crossing, with an itinerary that visited Russia's Far East, and along the entire Aleutian chain before visiting the more usual Alaskan ports.

We anticipated cold weather, rough seas, but looked forward to the exciting prospect of amazing wildlife.

Alas, it was not to be, as it was far too early in the season for whale migration, bird life or bear sightings. Read more