Cruising is back and we couldn’t wait to hit the open waters to experience Alaska.  Our Alaskan Cruise Adventure was worth the wait and didn’t disappoint.  Everything from amazing glaciers, quaint towns and beautiful marine life was all there to enjoy.  While we had a bit of rain and overcast skies, when it mattered the most, the sun came out to give us a glimpse of beautiful Alaska.

Preparing to Sail

The process to get aboard the ship was challenging. However, it was all done for the safety of the people ready to experience an amazing Alaskan cruise adventure.  Everyone had to be vaccinated, no exceptions.  Then within 48 hours of boarding the ship you had to have proof of a negative COVID test.  Plus, once on the ship masks were required when in public places unless you were eating, drinking or able to social distance.  Hand washing and sanitizer stations were outside the dining hall and used before you entered to eat.  I have never felt safer than on that ship!

Alaskan Cruise Stop:  Juneau

A day of sailing and we arrived around 11 am in Juneau.  We had thought we would just venture on our own but at the last minute we decided to book an excursion to explore Mendenhall Glacier.  It was the first introduction to the iridescent blue that glaciers give off. We took the half hour hike to view the glacier and Nugget Falls. Once done at the glacier and falls, it was time to head back into town and take the tram to the top. The view was amazing.

We grab a local beer, great food and meet Abe and John our bartenders. Abe came to Alaska from Georgia, while John hails from New York. According to them, the weather is really pretty good and they can do watersports all year long.  Everything from paddle boarding to snow skiing all in the same area.  They couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.  The time there was too short so we want to go back to be able to explore more. 

Alaskan Cruise Stop:  Skagway

We had the most time to spend in Skagway, so we started by walking downtown to discover this historic gateway to the Yukon and mining.  Walking the streets of Skagway we were taken back in time to the start of the Gold Rush.  Interesting buildings, historical museums and a cool saloon to give us a glimpse into the past.  Our Alaskan cruise adventure wasn’t complete until we took the White Pass Scenic Railway.  While we didn’t get all the way to the top due to construction of one of the bridges we did get to see some amazingly beautiful countryside.  If you felt like an adventure, you could even do an overnight stay in a rail car toward the top of the summit.  Waterfalls, lush greenery, and a train ride – what a great way to spend part of the day in Skagway. 

Scenic Cruising Glacier Bay

This was a true highlight of the trip.  Standing on our balcony, we could experience the full tour of Glacier Bay.  As we approached the glacier, you see the amazing landscape of trees, waterfalls and chunks of ice floating by as the ship sails slowly toward the glacier.  If you look closely you will see some cute little sea otters just floating in the water, watching us all go by.  The sound of thunder gave us the only indication that the glacier was calving and if you looked very closely, you could see small pieces as they crashed into the water.  What an incredible site to see as you look at the green landscape as a backdrop to the iridescent blue of the glacier.  Something that was a must see on this cruise.

Alaskan Cruise stop:  Ketchikan

As we pull into port in Ketchikan, you can’t help but notice the brightly colored buildings, unique designs and city that seems to be built into a hill.  From our balcony, we could see this very large hotel as part of the landscape welcoming us to explore all they have to offer.  We didn’t have a lot of time in this port, so we hit the ground running to try to see all we could in a short period of time.  We started with a little shopping which gave us the opportunity to learn about the handcrafted items and their meaning as we selected items that will be gifts and remembrances of our great Alaskan cruise adventure.  Then it is off to walk through museums, watch salmon as they attempt to swim upstream through creek street and get a chance to sample a local beer.  We walked the pier, explored the shops and made our way back to the ship from a quick tour of this quaint little town that captured my heart. 

Princess Cruising

Our cruise was still feeling the impact of all the changes due to crazy COVID so we were not able to stop in Victoria BC on our way back but that didn’t stop us from experience more of Alaska.  We had an amazing naturalist onboard by the name of Mike Modzelewski.  Mike led the North to Alaska series on the ship and we tried to not miss any of them.  He has such a way with storytelling that he bring Alaska to life.  We were completely drawn into the stories of his adventures while learning all about the culture, people, and animals that make Alaska so special.  There is no adventure too big for Mike to experience.  He moved to an island in Alaska and the locals really didn’t think he would make it.  He endured, learned and soon became a part of the Alaskan family to which he now calls home. 

Alaskan Cruise Adventure 2022

Yep, we loved it so much that we are already planning our next great Alaskan cruise adventure for 2022.  We are going to be on the Crown Princess, Mike will be back sharing his adventures and he has also graciously offered to take my husband and I on a hike to Upper Dewey Lake.  It isn’t for the faint of heart.  We will be climbing 6,000 feet vertical round trip, 5-6 hours with beautiful scenery, the ability to “pick and pop blueberries” along the trail and plenty of photo opportunities.  Once back, we get to hit the Skagway Fish Company for fresh fish and Alaskan beer.  According to Mike, “ya gotta burn it, to earn it”.  Earn it we will that’s for sure.  We are putting together a group and would love to have you join us for the 2022 Alaskan cruise adventure.  If you are interested, please let me know and let’s get you onboard with us!  Time to get your adventure on.