Have you ever dreamed of exploring a place where nature reigns supreme and every moment feels like a scene from a postcard? Well, let me introduce you to Alaska, “The Last Frontier”! It’s a destination that truly lives up to its name, boasting immense beauty and the genuine warmth of its people. I was fortunate enough to visit this summer, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From its awe-inspiring landscapes to its vibrant local culture, Alaska offers an adventure that you’ll never forget. So, come along as I take you through this spectacular corner of the Earth! 🌍✨
Different Ways to See Alaska
There’s more than one way to witness Alaska’s spellbinding beauty. The most popular way is by taking a cruise, which is exactly what I did. I also added a land portion that included a visit to Denali State Park (more on that later). Keep in mind, Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas, so a cruise only gives you a tiny taste of this massive state. But trust me, it’s the quickest and easiest way to get the most bang for your buck. If ships aren’t your thing, you can always opt for a land tour. Now, let’s get started on my journey! 🚢🌲
Setting Sail on the Ruby Princess
My adventure began in the enchanting city of Vancouver, where I arrived a day early. Though my time there was brief, I managed to pack in quite a bit of fun! I embarked on a delightful food tour through the Gastown District, sampling culinary delights while hearing fascinating and funny stories about Vancouver’s “Wild West” history. That night, I capped it off with an evening tour of Vancouver and Stanley Park, where I witnessed a breathtaking sunset. 🌅
The next day, our cruise set sail. The first full day was a sea day, allowing us to relax and get ready for the exciting days ahead. I indulged in a soothing massage—a perfect way to unwind before the action-packed port days.
Port 1: Ketchikan – A Lumberjack Extravaganza
Our first port was the charming town of Ketchikan. I spent the morning exploring its picturesque streets and quaint shops. The afternoon, however, was reserved for the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where skilled lumberjacks in flannel showcased their prowess in log rolling, chopping, sawing, and tree climbing. With a sprinkle of antics, it was an afternoon well spent! 🪓🏞️
Port 2: Juneau – My Husky Adventure
Juneau was our second port, and it’s where I experienced my favorite excursion: the Sled Dog Discovery & Musher’s Camp. I visited the huskies that run in the Iditarod and even had the chance to be taken on a run by these amazing dogs. To top it all off, I got to cuddle with 10-day-old Alaskan Husky puppies. I must admit, I was tempted to sneak one into my backpack, but these pups need 8 miles of exercise every day! 🐾❄️
Port 3: Skagway – A Touch of History and Adventure
In Skagway, while many opted for the White Pass Scenic Railway, I chose the Klondike Summit, Suspension Bridge & Salmon Bake. We drove along the Klondike Highway, paralleling the route used by prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush to the breathtaking White Pass Summit. The adventure continued as we crossed the Yukon Suspension Bridge, swaying 57 feet above the churning rapids of the Tutshi River. We ended the day with a hearty salmon bake buffet at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. 🛤️🍣
Scenic Cruising to Glaciers and Fjords
The last two days of our cruise were dedicated to scenic cruising, and they were perhaps my favorite. We sailed near glaciers and fjords and spotted wildlife along the way. Park Rangers boarded our ship to provide fascinating insights. Our first day was spent in Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting over 1,000 glaciers. The park is alive with calving ice that rumbles and echoes across the water—a jaw-dropping experience. 🌄🧊
The following day, we cruised through College Fjord, home to many of Alaska’s glaciers, including the impressive Harvard Glacier. This majestic location is where many of the country’s best institutions of higher learning converge, thanks to the professors who settled there in 1899. 🏞️📚
Unique Aspects of Cruising with Princess
Earlier I mentioned there are different ways to “see Alaska.” The same goes for “cruising Alaska.” Our cruise focused on deep, immersive experiences specific to Alaska, while many other cruise ships simply sail to Alaska. Here are a few standout features that made my Princess cruise exceptional:
Park Rangers on Board: Park Rangers boarded our ship on both scenic cruising days to deliver insightful talks as we sailed past the glaciers.
Exclusive Permissions: Very few cruise lines are allowed to sail in Glacier Bay National Park. ✅
Libby Riddles: Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race, came on board to share her incredible journey to triumph.
Discovery™ Content: Princess has partnered with Discovery™ in their North to Alaska program, bringing you curated television content from Discovery™ and Animal Planet, both in excursions and onboard.
Puppies in the Piazza: An absolute delight – meeting adorable sled-dog puppies right on the ship! Need I say more? 🐶💖
Post-Cruise Adventure in Denali State Park
After our cruise, we boarded a train to Denali State Park for a few nights. The train ride alone was beautiful, and we were fortunate enough to see Mount Denali. Only 30% of visitors get this view, and I can assure you, it was one of the most magical sights I’ve ever seen. During our stay, I hiked in the park and embarked on a Jeep Wrangler excursion along the Denali Highway, a remote and scenic drive offering spectacular views of the Alaska Range, Susitna River, and Denali itself. 🌌🚙
Alaska was everything I had hoped for and more. The scenery was breathtaking, the history fascinating, and the people wonderfully welcoming. Every time I mentioned my trip to Alaska, I heard nothing but positive words. Now I understand why people fall in love with this last frontier. If you’ve ever dreamed of an adventure where nature dazzles and every moment feels like a scene from a dream, Alaska needs to be at the top of your bucket list. 🌟❤️
Ready to start planning your Alaskan adventure? Let’s make your dream trip a reality! Contact me at 414-377-8611 or Sara@PlatinumTravelWI.com to start planning your vacation today.
Warm travels,
Sara
Sara is the owner of Platinum Travel and specializes in creating luxury, customized, stress free vacations for people who want to see the world and all things Disney.
She also owns Autism Friendly Vacations where she helps families who have a member on the Autism spectrum get the vacation they deserve. Visit AutismVacation.com for more information.
You can reach her at 414-377-8611 or Sara@PlatinumTravelWI.com to start planning your vacation today.