Carnival Miracle kicks off its 2013 Alaska season from Seattle this afternoon with a seven-day voyage visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria and all-day cruising of Tracy Arm Fjord.

Today’s voyage marks Carnival Miracle’s first-ever departure from Seattle and is the first of 20 week-long departures this summer to the Last Frontier aboard the 2,124-passenger vessel.

During Carnival Miracle’s Alaska sailings, guests can experience and explore coastal towns rich in history and culture, and view awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords and native sea and animal life. A wide range of shore excursions – from helicopter flightseeing and rainforest canopy tours to hiking, canoeing and kayaking expeditions – are also available. Carnival Miracle also features an on-board naturalist who educates guests on the region’s colorful history and points out animal and marine life from the ship’s bridge.

Following its Alaska program, Carnival Miracle will operate a 15-day Hawaii cruise from Vancouver to Long Beach Sept. 17-Oct. 2, positioning the vessel for a winter schedule of seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises, as well as three 15-day Hawaii departures round-trip from Long Beach.