Exploring Alaska by Cruise: A Bucket List Experience

Exploring Alaska by Cruise: A Bucket List Experience

Traveling to Alaska has always been at the top of my bucket list. So, when my dear friend Linda invited me to join her on a cruise, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore everything this stunning destination has to offer. The cruise itinerary featured four ports of call and a scenic journey through Endicott Arms & Dawes Glacier.

Like all travel options, cruising has its pros and cons, and understanding them is essential when planning your adventure. Some of the pros include only having to pack and unpack once, enjoying nightly entertainment, and having all meals included in the cruise pricing. The convenience and luxury of cruise travel are truly appealing!

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. One is that to explore the ports of call securely, it’s often recommended to book excursions directly through the cruise line. This ensures that if there are any delays during your outing, the ship will wait for you. While this provides peace of mind, it can limit your options and make you feel pressured to book directly through them. Another consideration is the limited time available at each port, which means you might not get to experience everything you desire during your stay. Cruises are designed to give you a “taste” of each destination, not a full immersion.

During this particular cruise, we spent a significant amount of time at sea, with relatively short stops at each port. I also discovered an interesting requirement: any foreign ship traveling between U.S. ports must make a stop in a foreign country before returning to the U.S. This explained our brief, three-hour nighttime stop in Victoria, Canada—an unexpected addition that’s worth keeping in mind when choosing your departure city.

Now, let’s talk about the highlights! Here’s a recap of my experiences at each port of call. Keep in mind that many of the images and videos I captured were taken from moving transportation—be it the ship, a train, or a coach bus. As September is a rainy month in Alaska, I often found myself shooting through the drizzle, which can be challenging for any photographer. These snapshots were taken on the go, as a true tourist, with no time to set up the perfect shot. It was more of a “see it, shoot it” kind of approach.

Even so, the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska are spectacular beyond words. The photos I’ve shared only capture a fraction of what it felt like to be there, surrounded by such immense natural beauty. I can easily see myself spending summers in Alaska—how can I make that happen? I’m seriously considering it!

Enjoy the visual journey through these snapshots and videos, but remember: nothing compares to experiencing Alaska in person.

Capturing the Beauty of Departure: Seattle Skyline and Ocean Views

Here are a few images I captured as we set sail on the Majestic Princess. I managed to snap some stunning shots of Seattle’s iconic skyline, showcasing the city’s architecture against a backdrop of cloudy skies and Mt. Rainer. The vibrant colors of the ocean, along with the graceful movements of the birds flying alongside the ship, created a mesmerizing scene. These moments truly set the tone for the adventure that lay ahead. Enjoy these glimpses of our departure!

Day 2: A Relaxing Day at Sea

Our second day was a leisurely day at sea, and we made the most of it! We chose a room with a balcony view, which I believe is a must when cruising. If you need to skip other perks, always splurge on a room with a view—it’s worth every penny. There’s nothing quite like waking up to panoramic ocean vistas right outside your balcony!

The day was filled with unique experiences, including a champagne pour event. Although it involved standing in line for photo ops, we decided to simply enjoy the lively atmosphere from afar. Later that evening, we were treated to an incredible performance by the ship’s entertainers. I had my camera on hand and managed to capture a shot of the performers taking their final bow—a perfect ending to an already beautiful day. I can confidently say that the shows on board were nothing short of spectacular every night.

If you’re planning your own cruise adventure, make sure to savor these onboard moments just as much as the port visits. They add so much to the overall experience!

Day 3: Exploring the History and Traditions of Ketchikan

Our third day brought us to the charming town of Ketchikan, known for its rich history and long-standing traditions. We managed to get off the ship a bit early and decided to explore on our own before our scheduled excursion. One of my favorite things about traveling is soaking in the history and culture of a place, and Ketchikan did not disappoint.

We started our day with an impromptu ride from a local taxi driver (even though the local bus transit was free!). Fifty dollars later, we arrived ten miles north of town at Totem Bight State Historical Park. This beautiful 11-acre park is filled with restored and re-carved totems, along with a colorful Clan House, all set against the backdrop of a lush rainforest and the rocky coastline along the Tongass Narrows. The tranquility and beauty of the area were captivating. I was fascinated by the local art and the rich traditions being passed down through generations. Totem poles tell a story, and it’s customary for the creator to present the totem pole and its story at a potlatch ceremony. Traditionally, these totems are left where they fall, allowing nature to reclaim them as part of their life cycle.

We were so enthralled by the park that we lost track of time and ended up being late for our next adventure—the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This high-energy show vividly showcases the logging history of southeast Alaska with incredible displays of strength and agility. Even though we missed a good portion of it, what we did see was a blast!

After the show, we explored the heart of Ketchikan. Our stroll took us to the famous Creek Street, once a bustling red-light district. Today, it’s a picturesque boardwalk lined with shops, more totem poles, and historic sites like Dolly’s House Museum. With limited time before we needed to head back to the ship, we weren’t able to see everything on our list. There were several inviting restaurants offering fresh salmon and seafood options, but being gluten-free often requires a bit more planning. So, we decided to play it safe and enjoy a meal back on the ship.

That evening, we joined the onboard Naturalist for a special whale-watching and sunset viewing session. Although it was SUPER cold, the experience was worth every shiver! Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any whales, but we were rewarded with something just as magical—a brilliant sunset that featured a halo rainbow, known as a “sundog.” I had never seen anything like it before! Sundogs form as sunlight refracts through ice crystals high in the atmosphere, creating a stunning halo effect around the sun. Living on the east coast of Florida, I’m used to watching the sun dip below the city skyline, but this Alaskan sunset was on a whole different level. It was absolutely spectacular.

Ketchikan and the evening at sea were unforgettable, and I’m already dreaming of returning to soak in even more of this breathtaking place. If you ever get the chance to visit, take it—you’ll leave with memories (and photos) that will last a lifetime!

Day 4: Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier & Juneau

Day 4 began with excitement and high expectations. Although it wasn’t a port stop, our ship was scheduled to navigate through the long, narrow passage of Endicott Arm and perform a U-turn at the magnificent Dawes Glacier. But what time did we need to be up to catch this experience? Way earlier than I would have preferred since I’m not exactly a morning person! At 5:30 a.m., we ventured out of bed, hoping to witness this impressive fjord, which winds through the Tongass National Forest and ends at the towering Dawes Glacier—an active tidewater glacier that stands hundreds of feet high and stretches half a mile across. The water is extremely blue because the glacier absorbs are the colors of light except blue. 

Just as we approached the highly anticipated moment, the captain made an announcement: we would not be getting close to the glacier due to safety concerns. A week prior, another ship sideswiped a floating piece of ice, and with the dense fog limiting visibility in the narrow strait, our approach would be from a much greater distance. Although the view was far-off and somewhat obscured, the glacier’s grandeur was still visible and undeniably beautiful.

Our final destination for the day was Juneau. I had an exciting solo excursion lined up—whale watching with a local photographer and a stop at the famous but rapidly retreating Mendenhall Glacier. It wasn’t an ideal day for a hike, as the rain poured down for hours. Despite wearing a poncho, my GoPro (with Media Mod & Volta Grip) and DSLR camera were not completely safe from the moisture. I managed to capture only a few images during the walk, but the experience was still memorable.

However, the weather took a pleasant turn once we reached the dock for our whale-watching tour. The skies cleared, and the rain ceased just in time for us to set off. There was a slight possibility we might not see any whales, as we were late into the session. But to our delight, we spotted numerous humpback whales swimming nearby. The highlight of the day, though, was encountering a pod of about 15 orca whales, playing and hunting in the water. This was an extraordinary sight, as orcas are spotted only about 10% of the time compared to the 100% chance of seeing humpback whales.

If you’re planning to photograph whales, keep in mind that boats are required to maintain a safe distance. For serious photography, I recommend bringing a long-range lens, like a 100-300mm or 400mm. I had my 24-105mm everyday lens, which meant I had to crop in quite a bit, losing some of the crisp focus. The rain, fast shooting speed required, and depth of field made lighting a challenge. By evening, I increased my ISO to 1600 to maintain clarity, with an aperture of f/7.1 and a shutter speed of 1/1000s. Despite these challenges, I was pleased with the results—capturing shots of tail flukes, blows, fins, and even some family interactions.

Overall, it was an exhilarating day, filled with unforgettable sights and experiences, even if it didn’t go exactly as planned!

Day 5: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Adventure

Arriving in Skagway, we embarked on a 3.5-hour excursion that took us through the breathtaking Canadian Yukon Mountains via the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Built during the height of the Alaskan Gold Rush and completed in 1899, this iconic train route ascends from sea level in Skagway to nearly 3,000 feet at the Summit within just 20 miles, featuring steep grades of up to 3.9%.

Despite the rain and fogged windows inside the train car, I spent most of the journey standing outside on the rear platform to capture photos. It was chilly, and at times, I got soaked, but the mesmerizing beauty of the landscape made it worth the effort. The train ride concluded, and we transitioned to the next leg of the trip—a scenic bus tour down the Klondike Highway.

Our first stop was Bove Island Viewpoint for a view of Tagish Lake, a beautiful  was at an outpost, where lunch was served (I brought a snack, good thing I did as the meal was not gluten free) and had the chance to interact with adorable sled dog puppies. There were options to pan for gold, dog mushing experiences, a petting farm, and gift shop. Next, we visited Carcross Commons that includes an art gallery, bakery/coffee shop and restaurant. We chose to have some ice cream, but the rain limited our exploration time. We were able to step into the Yukon’s oldest operating store, Matthew Watson’s General Store. There was so many people inside that we just peeked in and were unable to truely explore all the quaint items there. Most of the images and video I took were from the moving train or bus, which made capturing the rugged landscape challenging.

Although the tour offered stunning views, I felt that some of the stops were more geared toward encouraging us to shop rather than immersing us in the natural beauty and history of the region. By the time we returned to Skagway, there wasn’t enough time to explore the quaint local shops and town—a disappointment, as it seemed like a charming place.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed the view from our balcony, savoring a glass of wine while soaking in the serene beauty of the area. Despite the rain and hurried stops, it was a day filled with adventure, history, and incredible vistas.

Day 6: A Relaxing Day at Sea

We spent our day at sea enjoying the tranquility of the open ocean from the comfort of our balcony. It was the perfect way to unwind after several days of exploring. For the evening, we booked an unforgettable dining experience and dressed up for the occasion.

The restaurant, The Catch by Rudi Sodamin, was a fantastic upgrade from the usual dining room meals. Chef Rudi Sodamin is a renowned culinary artist and author of 15 internationally published cookbooks, so we were eager to try his creations. I was particularly excited to find different gluten-free options. I started with a delightful gluten-free calamari—something I rarely find at restaurants. For my main course, I enjoyed a beautifully prepared variety of seafood, served on a bed of spinach in place of pasta.

To top off the evening, dessert featured fresh strawberries and a light, flavorful finish. The entire experience was exceptional and made for the perfect way to commemorate our final evening meal on board. It was a memorable dining experience, highlighting the culinary excellence of The Catch.

Day 7: Victoria, Canada – A Final Stop with Mixed Experiences

Our last day on the ship was spent navigating through whale-rich waters, giving us plenty of opportunities to spot these majestic creatures from our balcony. In between packing and preparing for disembarkation, we watched for whales and admired the scenic beauty around us. As we sailed closer to Victoria, Canada, we had a unique view of planes taking off from the Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) while we awaited the start of our evening excursion.

At first, I found it puzzling why the cruise even made a short stop in Victoria from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., considering the limited sightseeing options at night. It turns out that the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886 mandates foreign-flagged or -built ships to stop in a foreign country before transporting passengers between U.S. ports. This stop in Victoria was to comply with regulations—a factor worth considering when planning an Alaskan cruise that departs from and returns to U.S. soil.

For our last excursion, we opted for a city bus tour and tea experience, which turned out to be quite underwhelming. Our tour guide, though informative, drove us through darkened streets, making it difficult to see much of the city’s charm. The tea experience was equally disappointing. Because the timing of the excursion overlapped with dinner, we were looking forward to enjoying a nice meal. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the restaurant informed us that the tour company hadn’t provided them with final numbers, and they were short-staffed. This meant that they couldn’t offer me any gluten-free options due to the lack of resources. As a result, I ended up with just tea and two crumpets—a far cry from the delightful tea experiences I’d had in the past.

To add to the confusion, there was no clear guidance on when or where to return to the bus, leaving us and the other passengers to figure things out on our own. Once again, there was no opportunity to explore the city on our own, which was disappointing given Victoria’s reputation as a vibrant island filled with so much to see and do. Thankfully, I’d previously visited Victoria and had already experienced its beauty—spending time at the magnificent Butchart Gardens, exploring Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum, and enjoying high tea at the Fairmont Empress, which was truly an unforgettable experience.

While the stop in Victoria didn’t go as planned, it served as a reminder that sometimes excursions don’t live up to expectations. Still, I’m grateful for the many other wonderful experiences we had on this cruise, and I look forward to visiting Victoria again in the future under better circumstances.

Day 8: Seattle – A Day of Exploration and Reflection

Our final morning began with gathering our luggage and catching a ride-share to our hotel, conveniently located just a few blocks from the iconic Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum. The Space Needle, standing at 605 feet, is one of the most photographed structures in the world and was built as the centerpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair, themed “The Age of Space.” The observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

After soaking in the panoramic views from the top, we accepted the challenge of taking the stairs down. With a promise of a t-shirt as a reward, I convinced my friend Linda to join me in descending 832 steps, covering 98 flights of stairs, and 520 feet of vertical height. It was no easy feat, and my calves reminded me of it for a week afterward. But with the help of some myofascial release therapy when I got home, I recovered—plus, we earned a cool t-shirt to commemorate our achievement!

Next, we explored the mesmerizing Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum, filled with vibrant blown glass sculptures crafted by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The museum features eight indoor galleries as well as stunning outdoor gardens, making it a feast for the eyes.

After our museum visit, we hopped on the Seattle Monorail, which conveniently transported us to Pike Place Market. Although we arrived a bit late and many vendors were closing up, we still caught a glimpse of the bustling market atmosphere and watched a lively fish-throwing performance. I treated myself to some delicious organic chocolate-covered cherries—yum! We then asked a local for restaurant recommendations and ended up at a charming spot, Sea Town Restuarant,  serving savory snow crabs and oysters.

As we continued our walk through Seattle, we stumbled upon long lines outside the original Starbucks, as well as Hellenika Cultured Creamery. Naturally, we opted for a refreshing ice cream treat before heading back to the monorail. On our way, we passed the Climate Pledge Arena, where a preseason Seattle Kraken hockey game was about to start. The energy of the fans made me want to join in the excitement, but the arena’s bag policy meant our large luggage wasn’t allowed—so I reluctantly passed on the opportunity.

The next morning, we boarded our six-hour flight home, reflecting on what an incredible journey it had been. The trip was filled with stunning landscapes, memorable experiences, and a wonderful mix of adventure and relaxation. I absolutely loved Alaska and would jump at the chance to return, exploring more of its beauty by both land and sea.

Cruising offers a convenient way to travel, with everything taken care of—entertainment, dining, relaxation, and exceptional customer service. However, it does have its limitations. You don’t have control over the length of your stay at each destination or the flexibility to explore beyond scheduled stops, which means you only get a taste of the areas you visit rather than a full immersion. For me, that just leaves a desire to return and delve deeper. All in all, this trip was a fantastic introduction to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and I can’t wait for my next adventure!