Diary of a 7-Day Alaska Cruise: A Traveler’s Guide
Day 1: Departure from Whittier, Alaska
8:00 PM
Arriving in Whittier was like stepping into a postcard. The snow-capped Chugach Mountains framed the quaint port town, their peaks reflected in the serene waters of Prince William Sound. After a brief exploration of the charming, tiny town—don’t miss the unique tunnel drive to reach Whittier—I boarded the Norwegian Jade. My stateroom balcony offered a front-row seat as the ship glided out into the Alaskan wilderness, the glow of the midnight sun painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. I sipped a glass of wine on deck and marveled at the sense of adventure ahead.
Day 2: Hubbard Glacier
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Today was all about the mighty Hubbard Glacier, a 76-mile-long river of ice. The ship slowed down as we entered Disenchantment Bay, and suddenly, there it was—an immense wall of ice, its surface streaked with shades of blue. The captain brought the ship impressively close, and we could hear the glacier calving—thunderous cracks as chunks of ice broke off and plunged into the icy water.
I joined an excursion on a smaller vessel to get an even closer view. The towering ice looked almost otherworldly, and the chilly air was bracing. Onboard, naturalists shared fascinating facts about glacial dynamics and wildlife. Don’t forget binoculars—seals and even whales are often spotted in the bay.
Day 3: Icy Strait Point
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Icy Strait Point is a treasure trove for those craving a mix of culture and adventure. My morning started with a thrilling zipline ride, touted as one of the world’s longest. The adrenaline rush as I soared over the lush forest with panoramic ocean views was unforgettable.
Later, I joined a whale-watching tour. Humpbacks breached and slapped their tails in an awe-inspiring display. The highlight, however, was a cultural excursion to learn about the Tlingit people. Their storytelling, songs, and dances painted a vivid picture of Alaska’s indigenous heritage. Before returning to the ship, I savored freshly caught Dungeness crab at a local eatery by the shore.
Day 4: Juneau
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, had so much to offer that I wished I had more time. My day began with a helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier, where we landed and explored the ice field on foot—an experience that felt like walking on another planet.
Back in town, I rode the Mount Roberts Tramway for stunning views of the city and Gastineau Channel. At the top, I explored trails lined with wildflowers and visited a cultural center featuring native art. Lunch was a decadent feast of king crab legs at Tracy’s Crab Shack—don’t miss it!
For the afternoon, I opted for a dog-sledding experience on a glacier, meeting the energetic huskies and their mushers. This mix of adventure and wildlife was quintessential Alaska.
Day 5: Skagway
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Skagway, with its gold rush-era charm, felt like stepping back in time. I strolled through the historic downtown, where wooden sidewalks and colorful storefronts recreated the 1890s.
The highlight of my day was riding the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. This vintage train climbed steep mountain passes, crossing trestle bridges and offering jaw-dropping views of waterfalls and valleys. Every turn felt like a scene from a movie.
In the afternoon, I joined a guided hike to Lower Reid Falls, a tranquil spot tucked away in the forest. Before heading back, I grabbed a slice of homemade rhubarb pie at a cozy café.
Day 6: Ketchikan (Ward Cove)
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ketchikan welcomed us with its vibrant totem poles and misty rain. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” I started my day with a fishing excursion, where I caught a decent-sized Coho salmon (the crew even helped arrange shipping it home!).
Exploring Creek Street, a historic boardwalk perched on stilts above the water, was like stepping into a living museum. I visited the Totem Heritage Center to learn more about the intricate carvings and their stories.
Later, I joined a floatplane tour over the Misty Fjords National Monument. The bird’s-eye view of the dramatic cliffs, glacial valleys, and pristine lakes was unforgettable.
Day 7: Cruising the Inside Passage
This was a day to relax and soak in the beauty of the Inside Passage, a scenic waterway flanked by dense forests, rocky cliffs, and occasional wildlife sightings. I spent hours on the deck, sipping hot cocoa and keeping an eye out for eagles and orcas.
The onboard naturalists hosted a fascinating talk about Alaskan ecology, and I enjoyed indulging in spa treatments and fine dining while the breathtaking scenery drifted by.
Day 8: Arrival in Vancouver, Canada
6:00 AM
Our final morning brought us to Vancouver’s bustling port. While it was bittersweet to disembark, I felt enriched by the adventure and beauty of Alaska. From glaciers to gold rush towns, each day had been an unforgettable chapter in this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
If Alaska is calling your name, don’t hesitate—this cruise will leave you with memories as vast as its landscapes.
