North To Alaska
Over the past few years, we have had groups of both friends and family visit Alaska, and they all loved their experience. And so I was excited for this trip and a chance to take an Alaskan cruise in the month of June up the Inside Passage.
On June 13th, we boarded the ship for our cruise line – The Seven Seas Regent Mariner – at the port in Vancouver BC, Canada. Then we departed the next day for a north-bound trip up the Inside Passage, headed for Seward, Alaska and ending in Anchorage, Alaska, United States.
Since our arrival on the ship was late in the evening, we were happy to be welcomed with a light snack and a comfy bed. The next morning we excited to have the day open for shore excursions and exploring the sites and shops in the city of Vancouver.
Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver
Leaving Vancouver
Beginning with our evening departure from Vancouver, we started our Alaska cruise northward through Inner Passage and a relaxing next day at sea.
After a previous day of cross-continent traveling and four different time changes, the magnificent scenery, delicious food and a multitude of shipboard activities were a welcome fulfillment of our second day.
Cruising The Inside Passage
Ketchikan
Early, on the third morning of our cruise, we arrived at our first port, Ketchikan. Also, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
To begin our day at Ketchikan, we start with an excursion to Silver King Lodge for a hike through the Tongass Rainforest and a tasty Seafood Fest lunch. At the beginning of our adventure, our small group enjoyed an excellent bus tour of Ketchikan. Excitedly, we drove through the countryside to the bay from which we were to start our outing.
As our small group traveled by boat through the winding waterways, we experienced fantastic views of the deep dark waters and snow-capped mountains surrounding Ketchikan. It was a great Sitka summer day…no rain and plenty of sunshine. The thick evergreen forests, winding waterways, and scattered islands are breathtakingly beautiful.
And that is not counting the wildlife; we witnessed eagles soaring overhead and sitting nestled high in their nests. On the return trip to Ketchikan, the theatrics of a group of whales swimming alongside our boat provided our entertainment.
Once on shore, we took a hike into the Tongass Forest and viewed the various species of trees, greenery, and wildlife. The experience of being in Alaska is remarkable. Either on the lake or in the forest you are in the middle of the wilderness, and the silence and stillness of these places are deafening.
Once we returned to Ketchikan, we spent the remaining afternoon walking around the town, exploring the shops along Creek Street, and generally wandering around aimlessly.
Sitka
Next up, Sitka and it’s Happy Father’s Day!
Sitka is a quaint town rich in Tlingit, Russian, and American influence. It is also one of the world’s best places to view wildlife. The surrounding waters provide vital feeding grounds for many species of whale, Sea otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. And so that is why our shore excursion was the Sea Otter and wildlife quest first thing in the morning and touring the town later in the afternoon. Neither, of our choices, was a disappointment. The abundance of wildlife is incredible, and the performances that they provide are so entertaining. (Certainly, this is not a zoo or sea aquarium.)
I found the town charming and my favorite port for shopping at the shops and spending the afternoon.
Wildlife: Sea Otters and Eagles
A “Whale” of a show!
Shopping With The Bear
Juneau
The next day finds us in Juneau. I’m excited we’ve got lots happening today. We are visiting the Mendenhall Glacier and hiking down to Nugget Falls, visiting the Glacier Gardens Rainforest and time left over for a visit to the Red Dog Salon.
The end to another perfect day with a stop at a local hot spot before boarding our ship and sailing away again.
Hubbard Glacier
When we woke on our last day of the cruise, we were sad to realize that a dense fog had rolled in overnight. Today was to be our day for viewing the Hubbard Glacier. Our captain did his best to ensure that we would able to see the glacier, but that was not to be. Not being able to see the Hubbard Glacier was the only disappointment of our trip.
After, enjoying an entire week witnessing the grandeur and majesty of nature, how could we not be accepting of this is the way Mother Nature works.
Thus we have a schedule to keep so onward to Seward with one last fun-filled day at sea.
Seward – Anchorage
Our final cruise-related activity was a cross-country bus trip from Seward to Anchorage. The feeling of melancholy leaves as I watch out the window at the passing views of the beautiful Alaska scenery and reminisce over the fantastic experiences of the past week on our long-anticipated Alaskan Cruise.
For now, it’s been a lovely cruise. We both enjoyed it much more than we had anticipated. Now it’s time to go home.
Many thanks for joining me on this little journey down memory lane while I share my Alaskan cruise memories.
I hope that you have the opportunity to experience the wonders of Alaska too.
Another adventure is now off my intention list!
Rosemary
What a terrific post Rosemary! I am pinning this for future use. We are trying to figure out what we’d like to do to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year. I love the photos, those whales! Wow! How fun to get away to such a different climate than what we’re used to, right? A welcome change I’m sure! Thanks for sharing!
xo,
Kellyann
It really is a change of scenery, Kellyann. I’m sure that you would enjoy Alaska very much. It makes you slow down and be in the moment. It’s quiet and peaceful. We were amazed at how huge it is and how few people. The wildlife and scenery are breathtaking! I hope that you get the chance to visit someday, if not for your 25th.