alaska cruise trip report

Help me choose: which Alaska Cruise is right for me?

Apr 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Taking to the water is a wonderful way to see Alaska's incredible coastline © Bala Sivakumar / Getty Images

Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas.

Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle , Washington and Vancouver , and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier. In between, passengers usually stop in Ketchikan , Juneau and Skagway , and then sail up College Fjord to see glaciers stretching their icy fingers into the sea. You'll see plenty of stunning scenery along the way but not up close – for most cruisers, it's more than enough to satisfy.

Smaller cruises max out at around 200 passengers and can nose into Southeast Alaska's nooks and crannies, launching skiffs and kayaks from their lower decks for an immersive shore visit full of exploration. These vessels may not stop in local ports, instead anchoring at night and offering guests the chance to hike a remote shoreline, whale-watch from a kayak or attend a presentation by indigenous artisans. If any ports are visited, they're likely to be smaller communities like Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg and Yakutat.

Additionally, with the Northwest Passage now open to marine traffic, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines to expose passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest.

Which part of Alaska should I choose to cruise?

For an overview of Alaska The standard Inside Passage cruise between Vancouver or Seattle and Seward or Whittier is an excellent choice, boasting beautiful scenery and the chance to experience a route taken by steamships of the late 1800s. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest , glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary.

Taking a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions   Book a small ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau for a week or longer in the nooks and crannies of southeast Alaska. You’ll hike where there are no trails, paddle without another human in sight, and get to know the traditional lands of Alaska’s Coastal Native tribes. We like Alaskan Dream Cruises, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions for smaller, more sustainable cruises.

To discover Alaska’s rich history You can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Juneau is the state capital and a former mining community. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels. Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. All three cities are often on large ship itineraries.

Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areas Consider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten.

When should I go?

Depending on the cruise line, sailings begin in late April and continue through to early October. The most dependable weather typically appears in July and August, but that's also the most popular (and expensive) time; pick a trip earlier or later in the season for cheaper passage and shore excursions.

For spring and fall passengers, know that temperatures will be cooler than you might expect and variable types of precipitation, including snow showers, aren't unusual. In the summer, it's still cool on deck and near glaciers, so don't expect a lot of outdoor pool time or sunbathing on board.

If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship. Humpback whales often follow schools of herring and other small fish during the summer and can be seen anytime between May and September before they migrate to Hawaii or Mexico .

How do I know my cruise line is operating sustainably?

While all travel has environmental and cultural impacts, cruising leaves its mark to varying degrees on Alaska's fragile ecosystems. The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day. While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change.

The industry's trade group Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) touts a desire for "conscious cruising." They have guidelines for water conservation and upgrades to heating, air-conditioning and ventilation, with a goal for ships to be net zero by 2050. There is also a focus on respecting the cultural traditions of destinations through cooperative regenerative tourism that preserves a community's unique history, culture and values.

What kinds of activities can we experience?

Onshore activities differ depending on the size and style of the cruise. Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch.

Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've researched and desire to experience. Trips to shore rarely involve large port cities except for embarking and disembarking – instead, they drop kayaks in the water from the ship or use a rubber skiff to reach a deserted shoreline for a hike. The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines.

• Glacier & Wildlife Tours: Cruise for a few hours aboard a smaller vessel to witness whales, otters, seals and icy glaciers.
• Dogsledding: Learn about mushing, huskies and the operations of sled-dog kennels before taking a spin behind a team.
• ATV Adventuring: Rev up for a wilderness or tundra tour aboard a four-wheeler or side-by-side vehicle.
• Flightseeing:  Take a unique peek at Alaska's landscapes from above, spotting wildlife, and ogling glaciers and mountain ranges.
• Alaska Native Traditions:  Learn the ways of Alaska's many tribal groups, with dancing, drumming and art displays as part of the program.
• Ride a Historic Train:  Skagway's White Pass Yukon Railroad climbs over Chilkoot Pass for a hands-on gold-rush history tour.
• Paddle Power:  Hop in a raft or kayak and explore Alaska's beautiful coastlines and rivers.

Need-to-know before you go

Plan for wet weather Alaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, where wet conditions are the norm even in summer. Bring waterproof rain gear, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves to stay warm and dry.

Know your physical limits If mobility or other health issues may affect your ability to enjoy a cruise to the fullest, consider traveling with a larger operator. These companies are well-versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships are full of trip hazards and watertight door jambs and require bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides.

Plan your own shoreside activities There is no requirement to book excursions or activities through the cruise line. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, feel free to do your own research ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitor bureau upon arrival. Just be sure to adhere strictly to the ship’s boarding time. 

Look to shoulder season sailings Not only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call.

Know what "all-inclusive" really means:  Drill down into the details of your cruise and ask questions about meals, alcoholic beverages, activities and shore trips. It may be that a smaller cruise line will include everything at one price.

Explore related stories

Apr 24, 2024 • 7 min read

If fishing is on your list of outdoor adventures, here is a how-to primer for casting a line in the 49th state.

Apr 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 15, 2024 • 12 min read

Apr 6, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 4, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Get my newsletter plus a FREE guide of DOs & DON'Ts for tourists!

Oui In France

What our Alaska cruise was like aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam

on everything else · travel

My dad and I just wrapped up a trip of a lifetime to Alaska. We had an amazing time aboard Holland America Line ‘s Eurodam on our 7-day Alaska cruise. This was a very special trip to honor my mom who passed away in October 2021. She had always wanted to do an Alaska cruise but never got the chance, so we did it in her honor.

Let’s get into my Holland America Alaska cruise review!

Table of Contents

Where we went on our Holland America Alaska cruise

I’ll break down each of our port stops below, but here’s our 7-Day Alaskan Explorer cruise itinerary at a glance aboard the Holland America Eurodam cruise ship from June 3-10, 2023:

Saturday: Departed Seattle, 3 p.m.

Sunday: At sea

Monday: Juneau, 1 p.m.-10 p.m.

Tuesday: Glacier Bay scenic cruising & Icy Strait Point evening arrival 6 p.m-10 p.m.

Wednesday: Sitka, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Thursday: Ketchikan, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friday: Victoria, British Columbia 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Saturday: Seattle arrival, 7 a.m.

Here we are at the Space Needle!

Our Holland America Alaska cruise left from Seattle on Saturday afternoon but we arrived Thursday night, which gave us a bit of a buffer in case our flight was delayed. The early arrival also allowed us to explore Seattle. It was our first time there and the weather cooperated. We had sunny skies and temps in the high 60s F. It was literally a warm welcome!

First up, we visited Pike Place and the original Starbucks in the early morning hours (thanks jetlag!) and retraced my mom’s footsteps from years ago when she went to Seattle on a business trip. We also went to the Seattle Art Museum and the Space Needle before the cruise left and had a lot of fun discovering Seattle.

My dad and I arrived at the ship on Saturday morning around 11am and the embarkation process had us on the boat and in our room at noon. One thing to note is that your luggage will be delivered to your room up to a couple of hours later, so keep any medication and other important items you might need right away in your carry-on.

The ship: Holland America Line’s Eurodam

The Eurodam was Holland America Line’s first Signature Class ship, completed in 2008, and accommodates about 2,100 passengers and is 936 feet long. It’s home to several specialty restaurants, a bunch of entertainment venues such as B.B. King’s Blues Club where you’ll hear all kinds of R&B classics, a World Stage for the dance, other performances, and talks, and Billboard Onboard.

There’s also a pickleball court on the top decks along with a basketball hoop, walking track, ping pong, pools, and hot tubs.

If relaxing at the spa is more your thing, you’ll find the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® up on Deck 9 next to the fitness center complete with hydropools that are perfect for sea days. There’s also a casino down on Deck 2 with both table games and slot machines.

Cabin 6170, Aft Verandah Stateroom aboard Holland America’s Eurodam

We stayed in cabin 6170 of the Eurodam which is an aft verandah stateroom (balcony cabin) at the very back of the ship looking straight out. It has two twin beds that can be pushed together or kept separate, a couch that can be pulled out to a third bed, desk area, and a bathroom that had a bathtub (not just a shower).

I appreciated the different sized pillows and the fact that there were three per bed. They were comfy as well. It’s the little things, right?

Cabin 6170, Aft Verandah Cabin aboard Holland America’s Eurodam

We found the space to be very comfortable with plenty of room and adequate storage both under the bed and in the closets. The balconies on the aft cabins seem to be a little bigger than standard verandah cabins on the sides of the ship and had two chairs with footrests and a small table.

There were several electrical outlets in the cabin to charge your devices right next to the bed and by the desk. They all had USB outlets so you can plug your chargers directly into the USB ports.

The cabin was a 10/10. Zero complaints! We didn’t find it to be any louder or more prone to motion than other cabins so seasickness wasn’t an issue. I appreciate that Holland America ships all have classic styling and a relaxing feel in all the cabins — no crazy colors or anything so you’ll get great sleep!

Ports we visited on our Holland America Alaska cruise on the Eurodam

I told you a little bit about our short time in Seattle above and I’d definitely recommend spending a day or two in Seattle either before or after the cruise. There’s a lot to see and do and it’s well worth leaving yourself some extra time.

Our first port was Juneau and we had a whale watching/glacier excursion booked. It was a small group tour of just 20 people and included an easy hike to the Mendenhall Glacier first, followed up by a scenic trip on a whale watching boat.

The hike to the glacier is slow and easy and only about a mile long. The tour company has access to a private trail that takes you to the glacier, so there were no crowds along the way. Thank goodness our guide had bear spray just in case we encountered any grizzly bears. Luckily, we didn’t and I’m not sad we didn’t see any bears up close.

The Mendenhall Glacier is stunning in person and well worth the trip. We learned that it’s receding little by little each year so we’re glad to have seen it before it disappears. We also learned a bit about the area and its wildlife along the way. We even saw a porcupine in a tree.

Then, it was time to board our whale watching boat. We lucked out and saw about 15 humpback whales! Tour boats needs to stay 100 yards away from the whales, but even at that distance we saw the whales as they came to the surface and even did a few tail flips for us. It was an amazing sight to witness! They moved too quickly for me to get a photo, though.

Definitely wear layers, gloves, and bring a hat or headband to cover your ears. Even though we had nice weather and it was June, you might get a bit splashed like I did. It also got windy and quite cool toward the end of our tour and I was glad I dressed for the weather (high 40s F). More on what to wear below.

I believe this was the Margerie Glacier. Just WOW!

Glacier Bay

The next day in Glacier Bay was one of the highlights of our Holland America Alaska cruise. Just WOW! It reminded me of some of the sights from our Norway trip ! It’s part of the scenic cruising and you stay on the ship and take in the views from the water.

The narrow bay is flanked by majestic terrain on both sides. From snow-capped mountains to glaciers and forests, it’s out of this world. Glacier Bay State Park was a perfect mix of calm and beauty in one. If you have the chance to go, DEFINITELY GO!

Something I appreciated that really helped us to see everything was how the captain stopped several times and slowly turned the ship 360 degrees. Everyone on board was able to see Glacier Bay in all its glory no matter what side their cabin was on.

On our kayaking excursion!

Icy Strait Point

Later that day after hitting the casino a bit and trying our hand at pickleball, we pulled into Icy Strait Point around 6 p.m. and promptly hopped off the ship to head out to our kayaking excursion. Despite the fact that neither my dad nor I have kayaked much in the past decade, we figured it would be fun. Oh boy, were we in for a surprise.

For the life of us, we couldn’t get the dang tandem kayak to go straight for the first half of the tour. We were just laughing the whole time looking like degenerates at the very back of the group with the second tour guide.

We tried our best and finally got a little better and joined the rest of the group. Our group even saw a sea lion and bald eagle (probably laughing at our pitiful kayaking skills lol).

Kayaking is harder than it looks, let me say that. Thank goodness it was a beginner excursion, nothing strenuous, so we didn’t get too far behind. If you can paddle forward, you’re in good shape.

Along the way, the guides told us about the local area including the wildlife, what life is like there, and the price of groceries. They explained how everything has to be flown in and the meat and dairy products are nearly at their expiration date upon arrival.

You do get a bit wet while kayaking and the tour company provided us with special pants, a life jacket, and a leg covering so we wouldn’t get too wet, so rest assured you’ll have all the gear you need for this excursion. 

We finished up around 9 p.m and had to get back to the ship. There was a cool gondola ride that I wish we had time for. Tom would have loved that. Next time, I guess! All in all, the kayaking was fun and once we figured things out, the tour went a lot more smoothly.

Also, if you stop like our group did a few times to listen to the guide, there are midges (insects) that will bite your face. My dad didn’t feel them biting him and when we got back to the ship, I gasped because his whole forehead looked like he had the measles. They faded after a day or so, but be prepared.

We didn’t have an excursion booked and decided to explore Sitka on our own. There’s a free shuttle bus right from the port that’ll get you into town in about 10 minutes. The downtown area is right on the water so you can walk around and take in the beautiful scenery while shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

Enormous King Crab legs for sale in Sitka, Alaska

Check out the biggest King Crab legs I’ve ever seen. I thought they were fake at first!

We did a little souvenir shopping and then headed back to the ship in the afternoon.

One of the most stunning things I’ve ever seen with my own eyes.

Ketchikan was where we did the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s tour with crew from the Deadliest Catch reality show. It was the highlight of our trip and this gets a 10 out of 10. If you’re on the fence about what Alaska shore excursions might be right for you, definitely go with this one if you’re interested in fishing, wildlife, and good stories.

First up, you board the Aleutian Ballad that’s been outfitted for tours and you have the option to sit either upstairs or downstairs. Make sure you arrive early so you can get a front row seat.

It’s a 3-hour tour that stays within the calm waters of the Inside Passage, so you definitely won’t get seasick. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stories from Bering Sea fishermen and even get to see and hold some of the crabs they catch. The King Crabs were HUGE and the biggest I’ve ever seen. Everything is released back into the sea. 

Only the tour guides were allowed to hold these because if not done correctly, they could break your finger!

Two parts of the tour were especially moving for us. The first was when the fishermen threw bait into the water which attracted about 20-30 bald eagles. We saw them up close as they dove into the water to grab the fish with their claws.

They swooped down and around in this flying frenzy like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It was quite a show! To be able to witness this in nature — not in a zoo — was extremely emotional for my dad and me and we knew my mom was with us. I’m so grateful we got to see that.

Quick aside: I actually made a memorial diamond from my mom’s ashes and she had her homecoming in March 2023. This special trip is the first (hopefully of many) where my mom came along in diamond form.

The second thing which was especially meaningful to us was when the crew members pulled up a crab pot that had a bunch of tags on it. They explained that each tag had a handwritten message from guests who wanted to honor a loved one and we knew it was something we wanted to contribute to as well. It was perfect, considering the whole purpose of our trip — to honor my mom and take her on her bucket list trip.

The donations go toward helping a local group of natives who have lost fishermen over the years. They depend on fishing to live and donations go toward helping their families. We made a donation and got our own blank tag that will then get attached to the crab pot with all the others. I wrote my message, signed the tag, and smiled despite the tears.

Victoria, BC

It was a rainy and cool night, so my dad and I decided to stay on the ship. It was a late arrival, and since we had food and drinks on the boat and were tired, we figured we’d catch Victoria another time and call it an early night.

Holland America Line Eurodam food

OK, let’s move on to what we ate!

For meals, you have several dining options on your Holland America Alaska cruise:

–Buffet on Deck 9, the Lido Deck (for breakfast, lunch and dinner)

–Main Dining Room on Decks 2-3 (for breakfast and dinner, and lunch on certain days)

–Specialty dining restaurants (additional fee, for lunch and dinner)

–Room service (24/7)

— Dive-In and New York Pizza on Deck 9 (Dive-in closes at 6 p.m. but NY Pizza stays open until 11 p.m.)

First, I’ll start with the most important meal of the day! We’re breakfast lovers and had no shortage of choices. Since it’s our favorite meal of the day, we went big and tried almost everything on the menu. Standouts for me were pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles, omelets, and the sausage patties (you can’t get them in France!).

You can either have breakfast upstairs at the buffet on the Lido Deck 9, in the main dining room at a sit-down table with a menu and waiter, or opt for room service (which is free). We split our breakfasts between the buffet and main dining room.

We opted for a room service breakfast on the morning we arrived in Ketchikan, as we had an early excursion and the main dining room wasn’t open yet (had to be out the door by 7:30am and that’s when it opened). The buffet opens at 6 a.m., though for the early risers.

For lunch, we usually hit the buffet and had a small lunch and saved our appetite for dinner. I tried Dive-In and New York Pizza and both were excellent. Dive-In is kind of a Shake Shack-style place with a bunch of burger, hot dog, and fry options.

For dinner, we ate in the main dining room every night except for the first night where we had booked a table ahead of time at the Pinnacle Grill. You can book specialty restaurants ahead of time or once you’re on board, but if you have your heart set on a specific day and time, definitely reserve a table ahead of time or on the first day since reservations are required. My dad got lamb and I got chicken. Both were excellent. There are also vegetarian options.

To sum up my thoughts on the food, well, I can’t praise the food enough. We didn’t have a single subpar meal on the Eurodam. We ate everything from fish and shrimp to beef and lamb and even escargots. Desserts ranged from tiramisu, to a hot fudge ice cream sundae, to a fruit crumble, and so much more. Portions are on the medium size, I’d say. They were just right.

I’d also like to point out that the entire Holland America staff took extra care with my food allergy and no mistakes were made. I let the dining staff supervisor know about my problem with citrus right when we boarded and everyone was made aware.

This was really important to me because sometimes I get nervous at restaurants when the staff doesn’t seem too confident about what’s in their food, but this was not a problem at all on our cruise. I was so thankful that mealtime wasn’t stressful for me. Thanks, Holland America, for taking food allergies seriously.

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

This could be an entire post in and of itself, but here are a few quick tips for what to pack for an Alaska cruise in June.

A light rain jacket , thin goose down packable puffer jacket , both short and long sleeved shirts, and sturdy hiking shoes/sneakers are a must. It’s a good idea to wear non-cotton pants that won’t absorb water, so leave your jeans on the boat and opt for quick-drying pants on excursions.

A scarf, gloves, and a hat are must-have items as well. I wore a poncho (above) for our Whales & Trails tour and it served me well in the drizzle. An umbrella would have worked as well.

I’d recommend being prepared for a variety of weather conditions including rain and wind, with temps that range from the 40s-70s F. In Juneau, it was about 48 F as a high and it got cool and wet on our whale watching tour. Same for Glacier Bay — not warmer than 50 F and it was cloudy.

The sun came and went and I was glad I layered up. In the cooler ports, I had on a t-shirt, long sleeved medium-weight hoodie, my packable puffer jacket, and a thigh-length rain jacket (plus a scarf and gloves), plus sneakers. And I’m someone who is rarely cold. What I wore was perfect.

Other days, I left the puffer coat on the ship and just wore a long sleeve shirt and rain jacket.

Depending on your excursions, you may want to consider hiking boots and additional gear if you’re doing all-day hiking, fishing, etc. But for the average cruiser, what I’ve mentioned above is sufficient. Also keep in mind that there are laundry services on board.

If you are planning on going to the spa or the hot tubs or pool, don’t forget your swimsuit. On our first day as we left Seattle, it was in the low 70s F and people were in the pool, so it’s not always too cold to swim.

I will point out that our tour guides in Juneau remarked that it was a bit cooler than usual (in the 40s F), but still, definitely bring layers and be ready for anything. June really is the best time to go to Alaska — not quite peak season and not as much rain as later in the summer.

Things I brought that I never ended up wearing : Shorts, sandals, and my dress. The formal/gala nights are pretty low-key in Alaska and plenty of people opted out or just wore nice pants (it’s quite cool on the ship) and a dressy top — not a fancy dress. I also packed about four tops I never touched.

2 Things I should have brought that I forgot : A refillable water bottle. Totally slipped my mind! It’s great for both on the ship and off. This is the one I forgot (with a sports top).

Also, hand cream would have come in handy (couldn’t resist the pun!). While there’s regular body lotion in the cabin, a moisturizing hand cream would have been great to have. This is my favorite . Your hands will get dry from all the hand washing and hand sanitizer, as well as from the cool weather.

What’s a Holland America Line cruise like?

Before last summer when Tom and I went to Norway on Holland America’s Rotterdam , I didn’t know what to expect. As a teen and young adult, I had cruised on Carnival and wasn’t familiar with Holland America Line at all. When I asked around, people said it’s for elderly people and the ships don’t have much going on. 

But the stereotypes didn’t hold true.

Alaska is a pretty active destination with many cruisers opting for active excursions like kayaking, hiking, and more, so I found the other passengers to be on the younger side overall. I’d say over 90% were American (whereas on our Norway trip, the majority were Dutch).

I don’t have stats from the cruise line, but the average age was probably 50 (not 80!), with many couples in their 20s and 30s and lots of multigenerational families cruising together.

Keep in mind that Holland America is an American-owned cruise line — Carnival Corporation is the parent company — and its cruises are for people who want a classic, upscale cruise experience at whatever age.

School is out in June in many areas of the U.S. so it makes sense that we saw a bunch of kids and teens. As we get further into the summer season, I’m sure that will only increase. The average age skews toward an older crowd outside of peak season.

If you haven’t seriously considered Holland America because it has a rep for being a cruise line for senior citizens, I’d urge you to reconsider. Yes, there were older folks on board but it was a nice mix. I definitely didn’t feel like I was on a retirement cruise by any means. Not that that would be a bad thing, but for those of you curious about the average age, I just wanted to share my experience.

While you won’t find water slides, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and wet tee shirt contests on Holland America, you will find great live music, destination talks, expertly choreographed dance shows on the World Stage, a casino, gym, spa, and a bunch of daily on-board activities like tai chi, pickleball, origami folding, a game room, and all kinds of other things to keep you busy.

Something I loved was the library where you can borrow a book for the duration of the cruise. I read Lucy Foley’s “ The Paris Apartment ” and loved sitting in the Barnes & Noble-esque library chairs watching the waves from the window. It was a perfect cruise (or beach) read!

Another highlight was the B.B. King’s Blues Club. The musicians ROCKED and often had crowds well after midnight. We also loved the dance shows. The six dancers that made up Step One performed beautifully.

Would I cruise with Holland America Line again?

Absolutely, yes. This was my second Holland America Line cruise ( Norway was my first, and this was my dad’s first cruise with them, of hopefully many) and we had a great time! 

Holland America has a more classic style and feels more low-key than other cruise lines. What I mean is that you won’t find activities on the schedule at 2 a.m. The shows don’t have a cast of 30 people. There’s also no nightclub/DJ, although there is a dance floor at B.B King’s and entertainment that can span well past midnight.

We also didn’t witness any crazy behavior that people sometimes associate with cruises. You know, overly inebriated folks who make a scene and that sort of thing while wearing their swimsuit to dinner. None of that to be found!

Holland America is classy and attracts a clientele looking for an upscale, cultured experience. Even in college, I was 20 going on 60 and am not big into nightlife and partying. I am an early riser and go to bed well before midnight, so some of the more lively nightlife you’ll find on other cruise lines isn’t my thing anyway.

For me, Holland America is suited to my personal cruise style. Great food, a nice selection of music and entertainment, nicely equipped gym, a casino and spa, and loads of areas in which to relax and hang out.

Our Holland America Alaska cruise was absolutely incredible and I hope my mom was able to enjoy it too. I have to believe she was there with us in spirit and is at peace. Cheers to Alaska and thank you to my dad. 😉 This was the most meaningful trip I’ve ever taken and it was brought me so much comfort to have been able to do it with my dad.

I hope you’ll check out Holland America Line for your next cruise to Alaska and that you’ll have as much fun as we did! It was truly a great experience.

Disclosure: Please note our Holland America Alaska cruise was NOT a press trip.

PIN my Holland America Alaska cruise reviews post:

You might like

Sign up for the Oui In France Newsletter!

Stay up to date with everything Oui In France! Plus get my FREE GUIDE with 24 DOs & DON'Ts to keep in mind when visiting France!

June 17, 2023 at 3:20 pm

Wow! I’m glad you and your dad had an amazing time, and also that you felt your mom there in spirit! Seattle and Alaska are two places my family and I would love to visit. I’ve wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska for quite a while. The atmosphere on this cruise sounds perfect to me too! We went on a cruise to Nova Scotia out of Boston in June, maybe 10 years ago, and I loved the cool, foggy weather. It was on Carnival, which isn’t really my ideal atmosphere, but my sons liked all the activities. Thanks for a great review, and I hope you have a great summer!

June 17, 2023 at 5:48 pm

Thanks so much, Susan! It’s really a spectacular trip. Hope you have a great summer too 🙂

June 17, 2023 at 5:12 pm

A wonderful post. Thank you, Diane.

June 17, 2023 at 5:47 pm

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for reading!

June 18, 2023 at 11:52 pm

This sounds like the trip of a lifetime, Diane! I’m so glad you got to do this with your dad in memory of your mom. It’s so meaningful that you were able to write a message on the crab pot tag as well.

The photos are also absolutely stunning – I’ve been meaning to ask, but did you get a new camera in the last couple years? Would love to know the model and lens as I’ve been considering getting a new camera for a while (looking at a Sony full-frame).

Hoping you have a wonderful rest of your summer with many more meaningful trips!

June 19, 2023 at 3:08 pm

It really was amazing, thank you so much for reading. 🙂

So glad you like my photos and to answer your question, believe it, or not, all the photos you see here (except kayak pic, that was a GoPro) were taken with my iPhone 11!! I do have a new camera, but I did not bring it with me on this trip in an effort to pack light. Thx again!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

A laska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The 5 best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess even owns a handful of its own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: 6 best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: 15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dog sled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Alaska / Norwegian (NCL) / Ship Reviews

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Review and Alaska Trip Report 2024

by Prof. Cruise · April 20, 2024

Introduction

By way of a quick introduction, I’m Sarah, also known as “Prof. Cruise.” I retired after 10 years as a college professor to pursue my passion for cruising, moving across the country to Seattle where I now live downtown and within a five minute walk of the NCL cruise terminal at Pier 66. My passion for cruising is only equaled by my love for Alaska. I’ve cruised there so many times locals now wave to me, ask me to take in their mail when they travel, and flag me down to see if they can borrow a cup of sugar to which I reply, “you know I don’t actually live here, right?” I’ve cruised to Alaska dozens and dozens of times on nearly every cruise line and itinerary.

Anyway, the cruise I’m reporting on here was my second on the Bliss to Alaska, but was significant in that it was the very first Alaska cruise across all lines and ships of the 2024 season. It was also my first time cruising solo on the Bliss (last time I had my son with me). The itinerary included port stops in Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria and an evening sailing through the Endicott Arm Fjord (where we were supposed to view the Dawes Glacier, but couldn’t get close enough due to ice and weather conditions). I’ll be providing a detailed trip report from each day as well as highlighting some features I loved about the Bliss (and a few I didn’t) and some tips for those booked on or considering her. But first, here are three links to get you started. The first two are videos, one a full ship tour and one a cabin tour . The third takes you to all the dining menus (MDR, specialty, fast casual, room service, and more) I collected onboard. As always, feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences on the Bliss to the comments.

Norwegian Bliss Ship and Cabin Tours

Norwegian Bliss Dining Menus

Norwegian Bliss Alaska 2024: Daily Trip Report

Day 1: embarkation day.

Theme of day one on the Bliss: Cruising solo. Here are some photos that capture my first few hours onboard the Bliss.

Photo 1: Looking at my apartment from the aft of the ship while making faces at my husband and son and dog who are stuck at home.  Also taunting them: “Neener, neener, neener!”

Photo 2: The chocolate covered strawberries I polished off all by myself because I’m cruising solo and so very thankful I don’t have to share.

Photo 3: The desserts I’m hoarding in my mini fridge for late night emergencies.  With no one to judge me.

Photo 4: Me doing angels on the big bed for one.

Photo 5: A basket of carbs all for me.

These photos could also be used as evidence for why I’m not mature enough to work a real job.

Embarkation Day Lunch

Not that I’m in a rut or anything, but ever since I started sailing on NCL back around 2350 BC (when they still allowed animals onboard and Captain Noah was at the helm), I’ve eaten lunch on embarkation day in the main dining room and have ordered the exact. same. thing. 40,000 hush puppies later and they’re still delicious! Here’s everything I ordered (both Taste and Savor opened for lunch around 11:45am):

Photo 1: Five spice mango tapioca pudding

Photo 2: Sweet corn hush puppies

Photo 3: Orange chocolate mousse

Photo 4: Risotto primavera with pesto

Photo 5: Roasted tomato soup

Night 1 Dinner in the MDR

I ate my dinner in the MDR tonight.  And I’m going to say something extremely controversial now because I know no one reads my commentary when I post food pics.  So here goes it: I’m voting for Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.  No just kidding, I’m voting for Biden.  No actually I’m voting for Kennedy.  Or maybe I’m going to sit this one out in protest.  So now that I’ve offended the four people who bothered reading to this point, I’m going to say what I really came here to say: I think NCL’s version of chocolate lava/melting cake is better than Carnival’s even with the inclusion of fruit (strawberries) which generally have no business anywhere near dessert. There.  Unfriend me if you must.  Anyway, here’s everything I ordered to night (with photo 5 serving as evidence for my bold assertion with regard to cruise line signature chocolate desserts)…

Photo 1: The pepper that disqualified me from the clean plate club (but I didn’t let that stop me from ordering two desserts)

Photo 2: Vegetable burrito 

Photo 3: Cream of cauliflower soup 

Photo 4: Bread service

Photo 5: Warm chocolate lava cake

Photo 6: Honey crème brûlée 

Day 2: Sea day

Good morning!  It’s day two, our first full day which we will spend at sea enjoying some frigid temps, April showers, and large-ish swells (it’s ALWAYS a good time to cruise to Alaska as far as I’m concerned, but some jet lagged grumpy pants seem to disagree). 

Anyway, I have a personal cruise rule that doesn’t allow me to take any elevators.  It’s a weak attempt at obesity mitigation that honestly doesn’t help all that much and mainly serves to further justify my obscene cruise gluttony.  And mega ships like the Bliss always cause me to reconsider the policy.  Take this morning, for example.  I hiked from my cabin on deck 5 (where the cheap cruisers live) to deck 16 at 5:45 to hit the gym (where I planned to sit on a spin bike while binging Suits on my iPad as further justification for two breakfasts with servings so large most would count them as six breakfasts).  Before we continue with this story, we need to back up a few weeks.  Back in March I participated in the Big Climb where I crawled like a half dead snail up 69 floors of the Columbia Tower in Seattle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  But somehow these stairs on the Bliss are worse.  And there are mirrors on every landing reminding you of how awful you look and guilting you into continuing.  So this morning I huffed and puffed and passed out briefly before nearly drowning in my own sweat to make it up to the gym.  And after 10 minutes of getting my fan and iPad set up on a spin bike in the spin room (which was unlocked with no sign indicating that I couldn’t use it), I was swiftly kicked out (only those taking a class can use the bikes).  And I was like, THANK GOD! to the trainer who looked very confused.  And my brain was like, “well, I tried” and then I proceeded to The Local for my first breakfast (photos to come). I’ve included the daily schedule for today in this post as a reward for those who read to the end of my stairs saga. 

Day 2 Breakfast at The Local

Really this should be called “pre breakfast” because it’s where I get all the healthy crap with vitamins necessary for survival out of the way (what a poor design choice to have fruit be healthy and cinnamon rolls practically skip the stomach all together en route to the thighs).  Anyway, The Local is a complimentary English pub style restaurant open 24/7 for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks.  Here’s the menu and everything I ordered followed by my real breakfast (procured at the buffet):

Photo 1: The Local breakfast menu.

Photo 2: Breakfast sandwich hold the ham (apologies to my meat eating friends who are forced into becoming vegetarian food gawkers for the week).

Photo 3: Seasonal fruit salad (the best, freshest, ripest fruit you’ll find on the ship.  If you have to eat fruit).

Photo 4: Oatmeal with raisins I promptly rehoused to an entirely different table so I wouldn’t barf all over my oatmeal (which, honestly, already looked a little like barf).  The entire cup of brown sugar went right in though.

Photo 5: The #1 best breakfast item on NCL (available in one spot on the buffet – don’t miss them!).  Hot cinnamon rolls!  The other breakfast pastries (with the exception of the chocolate croissants which are decent) are dry and not that great.  

Day 2 Lunch at Taste

Taste is one of the three complimentary main dining rooms on the Bliss (Taste and Savor are located across from each other on deck 6 while the Manhattan Room is larger and located on deck 7.  They all serve the same menus, but only Taste and Savor are open for lunch and only on sea days). I got there at 11:45 to beat the rush, but after no one else appeared for like 15 minutes, I started to think it was something I said (a pretty good bet with me). Anyway, this is my favorite of the three rotating lunch menus on NCL because it features a fried taco salad bowl.  I always try to order just the taco bowl sans salad, but they always look at me weird, so I tell them never mind and just eat out the fried hunk of mozzarella and cheddar cheese shreds before shoveling out the beans and vegetables onto another plate and devouring all the crispy deep fried goodness.  It’s like the county fair at sea!  

I also ordered the tiramisu, noteworthy because it’s so delicious it’s worth sacrificing 3 nights of sleep due to extreme caffeine sensitivity (I’m the fully grown woman who orders an oat milk vanilla “steamer” like a five year old every time she gets invited for coffee). Anyway…

Photo 1: Cream of mushroom soup (a week’s worth of sodium, but so delicious)

Photo 2: Tiramisu (goodbye sleep)

Photo 3: What it looks like to be shunned on a cruise ship

Photo 4: Queso frito tortilla bowl

Day 2 Sea Day Activities

A chilly and rainy morning stroll along the waterfront on which I bragged to several passersby that it was “just a regular Sunday in April for this hearty Seattle gal” before promptly heading up to the Observation Lounge to secure a padded indoor lounger with a water view where I vegetated for the next 3 hours (get there early on sea days to snag one). 

But before I made it to the Observation Lounge, I stopped at my cabin to hair dry my shoes and hang my socks on the handy little wet sock hooks (there obvious purpose on an April Alaska cruise).  It occurred to me midway through this process that I should have packed some “poopourri,” not just for its intended purpose, but for the pungent smell of steaming sneakers.

Later, I briefly attended a presentation in the theater entitled “This is Alaska.”  I say briefly because as soon as I realized it was just a sales pitch for overpriced excursions I’ve done 10 times before and not a lecture by a naturalist (no sign of a naturalist onboard yet), I marched right out of there trying not to be rude, but probably coming across as extremely rude due to the marching. 

I ate and ate and ate.  Before eating some more. And then it was time for lunch. 

Something strange appeared in the sky later in the afternoon.  UFO?  No, sun!  And blue skies!  They started setting up outdoor dining at the restaurants along The Waterfront which I found overly optimistic considering it was only 40 degrees at 3:30.  Any takers?

After dinner I attended Jersey Boys which is one of the things that keep me coming back to the NCL mega ships despite the 400 flights of stairs I have to climb each day.  The full-length broadway style shows, including this one, are phenomenal and seeing them for free (well, sort of)…at sea…feels like the ultimate life hack.  Honestly, one night in a hotel room in New York plus dinner and show tickets would likely cost more than my entire cruise fare. 

Then I ate again. And flopped into bed while celebrating an extra hour of not sleeping tonight (we were instructed to turn our clocks back one hour) due to that tiramisu I ate for lunch.  Tomorrow is our first Alaska port of call: Sitka. 

Night 2 Dinner in the MDR

Tonight is “Dress up or Not” night (see the second photo for a description of NCL’s “formal night” policy).  Now seems like a good time to educate you on what we Seattleites consider formal.  This is pretty much as dressed up as we get with rain boots mandatory from about October through May (hat is optional, but I hate being cold and this is Alaska in April, so I figure better safe).  

The third photo captures tonight’s emergency desserts from the Observation Lounge, all with an international flare: Biscuits with fresh jam and cream, green tea pound cake, and chocolate cardamom pudding.  There was also a red velvet cupcake, but I ate it half way down the stairs for fuel.

Off to dinner (yes, it’s 4:30, don’t judge, plus I’m seeing Jersey Boys at 6:30)!

If you want to guarantee yourself the best seat (#aftview) in the Manhattan room, line up at 4:30. Another hot tip, if you’re heading to a two hour show right after dinner, don’t order the spicy pad Thai requiring you drink a gallon of water.  Who else is (unfortunately) in the small bladder club?  Here’s everything I ordered:

Photo 1: Cherries jubilee (nearly every dessert contained fruit or vegetables tonight.  For the love.)

Photo 2: After Eight mint chocolate mousse (despite trying to make the 6:30 show, I still ordered two desserts because I’m not giving up my dessert for ANYTHING, even one of the best shows at sea)

Photo 3: Spoils of being a lame nerd who eats early and is in bed by 9pm. Early bird, worm, etc.

Photo 4: Pad Thai

Photo 5: Thai spring roll (there seems to be a theme happening here)

Day 3: Sitka

Day 3 breakfast in the mdr.

We’re not scheduled to arrive in Sitka until 10:30, so I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast in the MDR where I conducted a little experiment in which I tried to determine how many items I could order before my waiter asked, “are you sure no one else is joining you?”  Sadly I never got to an answer because after the third item I feared I might get too full for my buffet cinnamon rolls, so I aborted the whole thing (for today, remember science always involves a lot of trial and error).  Here’s what I had with room to spare no thanks to my waiter who asked, “is that all?” after I’d already ordered approximately 40,000 calories worth of breakfast carbs. 

Photo 1: Table with a view (I arrived right when they opened at 7)

Photo 2: Pretzel roll sandwich hold the ham (one of the two daily specials)

Photo 3: Yogurt parfait 

Photo 4: Belgian waffle 

So, my port day in Sitka.  Sitka is the first and oldest city in Alaska so it’s fitting that it was the very first port of the 2024 cruise ship season.  I last visited here in late October on the very last cruise of the 2023 season.  And I did essentially the exact same thing today as I did 5 months ago.  I swung by a few historical sights on my way to the Indian River Trailhead where I hiked until hitting significant snow at which point I turned around after promising my mom I wouldn’t do anything too reckless like challenge a bear to a snowball fight (honestly, she doesn’t let me have any fun). Then I hit the waterfront on the way back to the ship where I snapped some photos and saw my first eagle of the trip perched in a tree near the playground stalking tourist children fattened up from 45 soft serve cones in two days.  

Some may be wondering why I cruise to Alaska so often and why I’d want to do the exact same thing two cruises in a row.  My answer?  It’s always magical, ethereal, with so many lessons to teach me.  And it’s never, never the same.  In October, as the environment around me began settling into winter, I witnessed the retreat, slowing down, and self preservation necessary for surviving a harsh season.  

Today?  I saw the first signs of vibrancy, of life bursting through the surface ready to grow and embrace the coming warmth.  A good reminder of the cyclical nature of life for all of us.  

Now I’m ravenous, so please excuse me while I head to the MDR to order two of everything because when I texted my mom to reassure her I was still alive, she informed me that I’d better eat an extra large meal and it turns out moms DO know what’s best for us.

Night 3 Dinner in the MDR

It’s not often that I’m tempted by multiple salads, but tonight I wanted all of them.  But then I worried about being a stereotype (vegetarian, salad, you know).  So I went with the obvious choice, the one with candy in it.  And it seems after only 3 nights the chef knows my preferences and put extra brittle in mine.  I also appreciated some warm soup after a chilly, drizzly day at port.  Then I carb loaded for tomorrow’s hike with pasta and bread.  When my waiter brought the dessert menu featuring tiramisu cake, I literally said out loud “NOT AGAIN Satan, I will NOT sacrifice another night of sleep for your sweet cream and espresso soaked ladyfingers.”  So instead I confused my waiter by ordering the sugar free cheesecake and the brownie s’more with enough sugar to murder a diabetic from three counties away. 

Photo 1: Roasted beet salad (with extra candy)

Photo 2: Sugar free vanilla cheesecake 

Photo 3: Minestrone soup

Photo 4: Brownie s’more

Photo 5: My plate right before I licked off the remaining pesto (what, I ran out of bread)

Photo 6: Rigatoni primavera with pesto

So I went up to the buffet for some extra dessert (I didn’t have a chance to stock up on emergency desserts from the Observation Lounge today) and accidentally walked away with a whole second dinner to eat in bed while watching Netflix. Oops.

Also, here’s today’s Freestyle Daily.

Day 4: Juneau

Day 4 buffet breakfast.

We arrived in Juneau early and only have a half day here, so I opted for a buffet breakfast along with 4,500 of my fellow passengers (note the capacity of the Bliss is only 4,000, but it’s like humans multiply and forget what a line is at the smell of bacon).  If you’re booked on this Bliss, here are a few buffet tips for breakfast :

1: The further back you walk, the more open seating you’ll find.  There are almost always open seats at the very back, even during peak hours. 

2. If you want a more serene spot to enjoy your buffet breakfast without having to walk all the way back to your cabin, go one deck down to the Observable Lounge.  It’s not crowded in the morning, there are plenty of nice spots to eat, there are beverage stations, and there’s a continental breakfast set up to supplement your buffet items (fruit, pastries, cereal, deli meats, and cheese). 

3. While the buffet is large, the selection of items mostly just repeats in many different stations.  However, there is a yogurt bar, hot cinnamon rolls, and a small (but fabulous) Indian section (located on the port side toward the back) that you don’t want to overlook.  

Photo 1: Selection of breakfast Indian offerings.

Photo 2: Heaven on a plate (for like two seconds before it became heaven in my belly).

Photo 3: Made to order veggie and cheese omelette with breakfast potatoes and a custom yogurt parfait.  

My Port (Half) Day in Juneau

When I checked the forecast this morning it looked like rain and temps hovering around 35 degrees so I suited up like a deep sea fisherman risking life and limb for her daily catch despite a promised hurricane. So of course we had sun and not a drop of rain.  You’re welcome everyone!  I sought out some standing puddles just so my rain boots wouldn’t start looking for alternate employment.  And my rain coat did, in fact, get wet.  But from the inside after I’d already sweat through three base layers. 

Anyway, I walked through downtown for research purposes (I’m working on an article for the blog about Alaska cruising in April) and then headed out for today’s hike on the Perseverance Trail.  I don’t hike this trail as often when I visit Juneau because I usually opt to hike to the top of the Mt Roberts tram.  But the tram wasn’t open for the season yet, so I wouldn’t have the option of taking it back down the mountain (which I don’t usually do anyway, but psychologically I like having the option).  

I’m happy I decided on Perseverance today both because it was a gorgeous combination of vibrant evergreens, snow capped mountains, waterfalls, and rivers.  But also because on my way back, two different people from the Bliss recognized me from my blog and thanked me for the Alaska cruise hiking guide I wrote (which was how they learned about this hike).  I spend a lot (LOT – I’m a painfully slow writer) of time writing reviews, guides, etc and sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads them.  So it was rewarding to learn I’d helped someone.  Because that’s the secondary reason I do all this (I mean obviously the primary reason is so I can cruise all the time, lol).  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to every person who visits my blog, reads my articles, offers me support, feedback, and information, and shares in my passion for cruising.  Thank you!

Night 4 Dinner in the MDR

Regrets, I’ve had a few.  On my last NCL cruise (to Antarctica/South America in December) I missed skillet cornbread night in the MDR because it was my son’s birthday and he wanted to celebrate at Teppanyaki.  I’ve regretted prioritizing my kid’s happiness over that cornbread ever since.  So I was NOT going to miss it tonight even though we were scheduled to cruise through the Endicott Arm fjord during dinner.  It was so quiet in the dining room it was like being in church and let me tell you, that cornbread was a religious experience.  

Photo 1: Eggplant parmigiana 

Photo 2: Carrot cake

Photo 3: Cannoli 

Photo 4: Skillet cornbread 100% worth sacrificing important family relationships and once in a lifetime scenery.

Coco’s and The Bake Shop

I upgraded my emergency desserts tonight both because I have a ton of onboard credit to burn through and because I was too tired to trek up 40 million stairs (I am NOT overly dramatic and prone to exaggeration, how dare you) to the Observation Lounge.  Instead I visited Coco’s and the Bake Shop for some premium chocolates, macarons, and a *mini* cupcake (which demonstrates my incredible restraint).

Endicott Arm Fjord

We didn’t make it to Dawes Glacier due to ice.  Honestly the whole thing was kind of unimpressive coming right on the heels of the skillet cornbread.  

Day 4 Freestyle Daily

Day 5: Icy Strait Point

Settle something for me please.  

The first time my husband saw me eating a cupcake like this shortly after we got married he said “there are many things about you I wish I’d known before we got married, but this one really takes the cake.”  To which I replied, “through sickness and bad puns.”  Anyway, this is how cupcakes are supposed to be eaten right?  Or were the rest of you raised by the same wolves as my husband?  Share your perspective to the comments please.

Day 5 Breakfast in the MDR

I’ve reached the point in my cruise where my body is craving fruit.  It practically shouted at me this morning to “put a vitamin in me woman or I’m going to refuse to poop out of protest!” (Sorry, but I’m just reporting the facts.)  So I started breakfast with the half grapefruit and orange segments which both made for a pretty photo and hopefully placated my immune system who I almost started to sympathize with when she was like, “I’m doing my best to defend you against 4,000+ germy humans, half of whom whisk right past the hand washing station at the buffet because the guy singing the washy washy song received his vocal training from a dying boar.”  Then I accidentally poured a cup of blueberries over my pancakes because I thought it was a second cup of syrup and was like, “THERE, ARE YOU HAPPY?!?!”

Photo 1: Half grapefruit and orange segments 

Photo 2: Traditional buttermilk pancakes 

Photo 3: Egg and avocado wrap (one of the two rotating daily specials

Sea Creatures at Icy Strait Point

As a youth I wanted to be two things when I grew up.  A writer (you have ample evidence by now for why that didn’t work out) or a marine biologist (what do you mean I have to study science and not just throw fish at lovable sea lions all day?).  Anyway, if you need to find me for the next several hours (like to bring me some buffet snacks, hint hint) I’ll be photographing every one of the thousands of sea creatures on this beach in Icy Strait Point.  Some dreams never really die, we just modify them to better suit our talents: mediocre cruise blogger/star (fish) paparazzi.  

Day 5 Lunch at The Local

This afternoon I lunched at The Local (complimentary pub restaurant) where I ordered the Reuben with no corned beef (because there isn’t a single vegetarian entree on the menu).  But I was too embarrassed to order it like that so I was like, “can I get the artisan grilled cheese?” Blank stare. “Okay, how about the Reuben with no corned beef?” Done! And yes, everyone sitting near me raised an eyebrow in perfect sync like they belonged to the same boy band. I also ordered the carrot cake which, for a dessert with vegetables in it, is a 12/10. 

Photo 1: Artisan grilled cheese aka Reuben sans corned beef

More of Icy Strait Point 

Nature trail with a giant eagle nest (a new addition since my last visit, which I speculated might be animatronic until I saw two eagles flying toward it during sail away and thought, “even Disney isn’t that good and this ain’t Disney”).

Walk to Hoonah as a Haiku:

Beautiful but wet Eagles flying everywhere Three cute seals swam by

Night 5 Dinner in the MDR

I always order the stuffed mushroom caps both because they’re delicious, but also because they are always SO. SMALL. and the jokes practically write themselves:

Honey, I shrunk the mushrooms!  What’s the mushroom’s favorite song? It’s a Small World After All.  Etc, etc.  For note, as a human so short I once mistook a cake topper as an actual bride and groom due to our similar proportions, I gave those mushrooms a nod of empathy before popping all three into my mouth at once like a trio of tic tacs.

The gnocchi is usually one of my favorite entrees, but this time they were practically drowning in so much overly rich sauce (wait, WHO ARE YOU and what have you done with the woman who asks for an extra side of alfredo sauce at Olive Garden to pour over her fettuccine alfredo), I had to throw in a life ring and then put them through a decompression process before eating them. Cobblers are the only dessert that should include fruit and even then in a topping to fruit ratio of 25/1.  While tonight’s ratio was closer to 1/1, it was still delicious, served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Photo 1: Mozzarella and plum tomatoes (basically the bruschetta, but easier to eat)

Photo 2: Stuffed mushroom caps

Photo 3: Apple and fig cobbler 

Photo 4: Potato gnocchi 

Photo 5: Banana split (disappointing, I’d skip it)

Day 5 Freestyle Daily

Day 6: Ketchikan 

Day 6 breakfast cupcakes .

Despite what you may have heard, cupcakes are NOT a breakfast of champions.  After starting my morning at 5:30 with an Oreo and a red velvet, I made it 13 minutes on the elliptical machine before I nearly barfed into the towel return bin (true story). 

Here’s the thing though, since I posted my preferred cupcake eating technique to Instagram and Facebook with accompanying photo, a few of the comments I received have really been weighing on me, keeping me up at night even.  As you know, I take dessert very seriously and when two alternate cupcake eating methods were proposed, I simply had to attempt them.  So this morning I busted out my emergency dessert (because this really WAS a pressing matter) and attempted the…

1. “Best for last” technique where you break the cupcake in half, eat the unfrosted half first to get it over with and then eat the frosted half. And the…

2. “Dipping” approach where you break off small bites of cake and “dip” them in the frosting.  

Results: Delayed gratification has generally served me well, but I don’t want to experience half my dessert like some depression era baking hack. Fail!  As for the dipping technique, that one was an immediate miss as my cake didn’t hold up to the weight and density of the frosting and crumbled.  I adapted by spooning little dollops of frosting onto broken off pieces of cake, but it was way too much work (I probably burned more calories doing that than I did on the elliptical this morning).  

All of this wasn’t for nothing though as I discovered a new technique especially effective for those of us with small (but mighty!) mouths: Frosting redistribution.  I simply broke the cupcake in half and redistributed half the frosting onto the bottom half.  Even distribution of frosting? Check!  Ease of consumption? Check! Clean nostrils? I think there may still be a stray M&M up there, but no frosting. Check!  Success! Maybe I should just have an omelette for breakfast tomorrow though. 🤷‍♀️

Today’s Hike in Ward Cove: Frog Pond Trail to the Perseverance Trail

Even though the Perseverance Trail is part of a trail system I discovered a few years ago within walking distance of Ward Cove (where NCL ships dock outside of Ketchikan), the name has so far discouraged me. When I think “perseverance” I think of some self help nonsense promising mental strength as a result of physical or psychological pain with no certain outcome. No thank you, I’m on vacation! But since I’ve “hiked” (it’s really more of a walk) the Frog Pond and Around the Lake trails about 10 times now, I decided to try this new trail after renaming it the “better to give up than have a sore ass at dinner” trail, thus removing any pressure or guilt.

While this trail did have significantly more elevation gain, it was gorgeous and ended at a secluded lake where I stopped for a few minutes to read one of my favorite poems by Mary Oliver :

So am I glad I tried this new trail? I’ll let you know how my ass feels at dinner! (I’ve booked La Cucina tonight.)

Night 6 Dinner at La Cucina

Tonight I used a platinum voucher to dine at La Cucina, the Italian specialty restaurant on the Bliss. My voucher included a complimentary bottle of wine which I had all to myself. So if you think I’m a bad speller who writes extremely weird reviews with a 100% clear mind, just wait till I have an entire bottle of wine in me. Here we gooooooooo!

The service tonight was…off, until it got really comically bad. The high point was when my waiter approached the table next to mine and called a clear “ma’am” a “sir.” I generously thought, “language barrier?” but when he realized his mistake three courses later, he just busted up laughing and was like, “you’ve been a lady this whole time?” Like maybe her gender identity changed between the antipasto and the risotto. I should mention that the bottle of wine I selected was called 19 Crimes, which I order every time because it’s the only one I can pronounce. But tonight it seemed very on brand and I offered to share a glass with my waiter who’d committed all 19 crimes before the 7 o’clock rush. The final crime occurred when I was informed that the dessert I’d ordered wasn’t ready yet and would I like the tiramisu (!!!) instead. You’ll recall I sacrificed an entire night of blissful cruise sleep to tiramisu like 72 hours ago and vowed to never order it again. Anyway, the food was very good, but only about 10% better than what I’ve been enjoying in the MDR and certainly not worth the extra $49 (not including the wine) it would have cost me without the voucher.

Photo 1: 19 Crimes Chardonnay

Photo 2: My table at La Cucina

Photo 3: Mozzarella caprese

Photo 5: Gnocchi a la something

Photo 6: Cannoli with a side of garlic to keep the devil from making me order that tiramisu

Okay, that review wasn’t so bad. I think I even used commas correctly a few times. Now off I go to do my best Whitney impression on (not at) the piano in the atrium even though karaoke doesn’t start for another 2 hours in an entirely different location and please come and visit me in the brig because “I, I, eye, will always love you youuuuuu!”

Night 6 Freestyle Daily

Day 7: Sea Day/Victoria, BC

Day 7 Room Service Lunch

I just finished a telehealth call with my therapist who gave me the following advice when I described the crushing depression I’m currently experiencing over my cruise ending tomorrow: “Turn on the news for a little perspective honey and please, for the love, don’t approach your friends and family for support because they will 100% resent and possibly even disown you.” Obviously I fired her, ordered a bunch of carby room service food appropriate for wallowing, opted for Netflix in bed over news, and am reaching out to you, my beloved cruise community for support, because I know you get it. Honestly, I’m not sure 7 night cruises should even be sold as vacations. By the time I figure out which direction to turn for my cabin coming off the stairs and which venue has the best chocolate cake (surprisingly, room service), they’re asking me to put my luggage outside by 9pm!

And to make matters worse, as soon as I disembark tomorrow, I’m moving (20 feet across the hall, but still!)! Which reminds me, if someone local to Seattle wouldn’t mind me crashing on your couch for a few days while I pretend to be lost at sea so I don’t have to help, I’d be ever so grateful.

Anyway, if you need me I’m in bed crying into my mac ‘n cheese and working up the strength to venture out to Coco’s to spend my last $11 in onboard credit on a giant ice cream sundae to further eat my sorrows.

Here are some room service food pics. There is a $9.95 + 20% service charge per room service order (but you can order as much as you want).

Coco’s

Last Supper at Los Lobos

“Supper” is such an old fashioned word and I like to think of myself as young and spry and hip (I mean as long as I pop a few Tylenol before rising from a seated position, I’m almost as steady as a drowsy toddler with some puréed food down her shirt), but coupled with “last,” supper feels appropriate for this occasion.

I was in the throngs of despair, yes, but at least there was guacamole and I was alone so I could double dip. The shareable guacamole was prepared table side which was a little awkward for this introvert, terrible at small talk. All I could come up with was, “how many times per night do you have to pretend to care about how people spent their day while you contemplate letting your knife slip on an avocado pit so you can spend a peaceful evening in the medical center?” He ignored my question and asked me where I was from. “Seattle.” And then I remembered protocol, looked at his badge which said “Philippines” and asked “small town or large city?” to which he responded “Manilla,” to which I replied, “oh, BIG city” and he moved on to his next table.

That guacamole was very (VERY) good and I ran out of chips before noticing how sad my little cup of untouched salsa looked.

I also ordered a betabel salad, the rajas and crema tacos, the elotes, and the tres leches cake. The tacos and the elotes were essentially the exact same dish, but with one including an edible delivery device and the other requiring another awkward conversation (they cut the kernels off the cob table side) and a fork. I dug around looking for the promised poblano peppers in the tacos, but found them more elusive than my dog on bath day (I looked for the peppers hiding under my chair which is where I usually find Henry, but they weren’t there either).

All my food was good (the corn with a side of corn and the salad) to great (the guacamole and cake) but again, not worth the a la carte price ($60 + 20% service charge) I’d have paid without my Platinum voucher.

Day 7 Freestyle Daily

Victoria, BC

Despite it being one of my favorite cities in the world, this is all I saw of Victoria on this sailing:

I’ve been to Victoria dozens and dozens (and dozens) of times and always get off the ship, even at night. My favorite thing to do there on evening stops is to walk to the lighthouse at the end of a long pier adjacent to the cruise ship piers to watch the sunset and snap some photos of the docked ships. However, because my sailing was in April, by the time the Bliss was cleared around 8:15pm, it was already dark. So I opted to stay onboard this time. Some may be wondering why Alaska itineraries round trip from Seattle stop in Victoria, most often in the evening, providing cruisers very little time in port. It’s to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act  which requires foreign-flagged ships transporting passengers between U.S. ports to make a stop in a foreign country. Don’t view Victoria as a wasted stop though – it’s a beautiful city, day and night!

Final Afternoon at Sea

On my final afternoon at sea I attended a matinee performance by The Beatles Experience in the main theater. This Argentinian cover band performed numerous shows throughout our sailing in both the theater and more intimate Cavern Club. They not only imitated the sound of the iconic band with near perfection, they also captured the essence of each band member to an almost eerie degree, like Lennon and Harrison had risen from the dead and reunited with McCartney and Starr to do what every famous musician most fears in retirement, performing on cruise ships. If you’re sailing on the Bliss, don’t miss them!

After the show we were instructed to stay seated for the traditional NCL farewell ceremony in which officers and crew are paraded out and introduced and they smile and wave pretending not to be resentful that this unnecessary spectacle has put them behind in completing their duties and that their 16 hour day is now 16.5. But the worst part was when the Captain came out and, even though I was sitting second row center, didn’t even acknowledge my week-long attempts at seduction with a little wink or nod or some other sign that he knew I existed. In a final desperate grasp at my dream, I imitated what I’d seen like 2,000 crazed women do earlier and flashed him while bobbing up and down and shouting in a glass shattering tone, “I love you Ringo” and back to the brig I went.

But that’s not where my legal troubles ended. As I went to disembark the ship the following morning I was flagged at immigration and instructed to “see finance” before I’d be allowed to leave. I was thinking “oh crap, I’m being busted for sneaking off some tiny boxes of cereal I’m going to try to pass off as a souvenir for my kid.” But it turns out I’d ended my 7-night cruise with a negative balance of $48 which I was given in cash. I mention this to drive home the point that I’m cheaper than a generic can of green beans, but also that you can have a relaxing, fun, indulgent cruise vacation without spending a lot on onboard “extras.”

A Few Tips for Debarkation Morning

You have two luggage options for debarkation. The first is self-assist which will get you off the ship sooner. However, you’ll be responsible for carrying all your own luggage off the ship. If you’d rather not haul your own luggage, you can place it outside your cabin door by 9pm the evening before debarkation. After debarking the ship, it will be available for you to pick up inside the cruise terminal (or if you have Port Valet, it will be transported directly to the airport for you). Here’s the debarkation schedule for each group:

While this is always me on debarkation morning…

…some may need to get off the ship as quickly and early as possible to catch a flight or get to work. If so, you’ll want to start lining up outside The Local at around 6:30am with all of your luggage. You’ll be processed through immigration right on the ship as you exit using facial recognition technology. Once the line starts moving, it’s a very fast, efficient process. If you don’t yet have transportation lined up, there will be taxis, shuttles, and NCL’s shuttle service all vying for your business as you exit the terminal.

Favorite Spots On The Bliss

I provide this section not because you care about my favorite spots to hang out on the Bliss, but as a service so you can avoid me should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being booked on the Bliss at the same time: “Well there’s 6 grand and 3 hours hearing about her baby who it turns out is actually a 25 pound dog of ‘uncertain lineage’ (it’s called a mutt, lady) we’ll never get back.” 

Even though I’ll bait you with a shirt that reads, “ask me about my dog,” DO NOT ask me about my dog!  Or just steer clear of any venues serving free food or drinks and these additional areas of the Bliss:

The Waterfront On The Bliss

Rarely occupied by more than a dozen or so people during the day, The Waterfront is the perfect spot to avoid crowds and enjoy comfortable seating and fresh air and scenery if you don’t have a balcony cabin. Here I am doing just that, despite looking like I’m geared up for a blizzard:

You can also maximize your drink package without judgment by rotating among several bars located nearby. 

The Observation Lounge On Port Days

Located at the very front of the ship, the Observation Lounge offers comfortable seating and unparalleled views.  It also features a bar…

…and delicious complimentary snacks and unique desserts, many with an international flair and not available anywhere else on the ship.

All of that makes it a popular spot and fighting for a seat among the crowds sort of feels like the purpose has been defeated.  “I came up here to relax, not to declare my objections to mixed martial arts. You two should really have gloves and head protection on if you’re going to punch each other out over that lounger!” 

I recommend avoiding the Observation Lounge on sea days unless you get there very early to snag a spot and bring something to pee into and an assistant to fetch your snacks. Otherwise if you get up for two seconds you’ll either lose your spot to a nimble grandma who’s been lying in wait with a 500 page novel she plans on finishing in one sitting or if you attempt to save your spot by leaving a sweater on your chair, you’ll get accused of being a chair hog, shunned, and required to wear a scarlet H on your shirt for the remainder of the cruise. Take full advantage of it on port days though when most of your fellow passengers are off the ship!

The Bliss Hot Tubs On Port Days

Ditto on the hot tubs.  They probably contain more pee than water on sea days, but you’ll be totally in charge of how much pee is in them on port days while everyone else is off the ship. 

The District Brewhouse On Sea Days

Without the drink package on this sailing, I spent more time in the bars when they were closed.  With huge windows and skylights, comfortable seating areas, and no crowds during off hours, The District Brewhouse is the perfect spot to hang out to read, play cards or board games, or hide from the brother-in-law your husband swore you would hardly see if you let him tag along: “Hey, there you are!  I guess I’ll let you buy me a beer.  Wait, it’s closed?  I’m heading back to the pool to sun my butt crack then if you start missing me.”

Least Favorite Spot On The Bliss

The gym is always my least favorite spot on any cruise ship, but I hated it even more on the Bliss, probably because I found it too hot and too small for the size of the ship and thought it opened too late in the morning (6am).  For the size of the gym versus the size of the ship, it really should be been open 24/7 to have a prayer at accommodating everyone weird enough to exercise on vacation.  

Activities On The Norwegian Bliss

With thrilling water slides that shoot you out over the open ocean, laser tag, and Go-Karts, the Bliss is two parts ship and one part amusement park.  Note that any outside activity is weather dependent and will be closed if it’s too cold and/or rainy.

How Much Are The Go-Karts On The Bliss?

Ten laps around the course will cost you $15.

How Much Is Laser Tag On The Bliss?

One 10-minute session of laser tag on the Bliss will cost you $9.95. 

A Few (Honest) Thoughts on the Bliss to Alaska

Watch out wolf, you’ve got competition from the Bliss when it comes to being big and bad.  Average-sized cruise ships hug the shoreline, hoping to blend in so the Bliss won’t swallow them up and spit them back out into the ocean along with the pulverized organic waste destined to become fish food. 

In case you haven’t heard, the Bliss is a huge ass ship.  I think the technical term is mega .  And while there’s a ton to do for those not content to relax and eat for 168 hours straight (me), it’s not ideal for anyone looking for a more serene experience.  I also hesitate in recommending it for the 7-day Alaska itinerary from Seattle (even though I’ve done it twice myself), especially for those who haven’t cruised to Alaska before. Why? Because times at each port are limited and you’ll spend a lot of that time waiting in line for shuttles to transport you to town (NCL has the least desirable docking locations in Alaska) and because NCL offers very little Alaska-specific programming and food (as opposed to lines like Holland America and Princess that offer a lot). Also, popular ship activities will be very crowded on your two sea days.  If that doesn’t bother you and you decide to book for Alaska, be sure to reserve your preferred dining venues and ship activities as early as possible, because everything fills up fast.   

If you’re fortunate, as I am, to have visited Alaska many times, the Bliss is awesome on port days when most passengers are off the ship.  In fact, on my first cruise on the Bliss with my son, we stayed onboard for the majority of our time in port and practically had the entire ship to ourselves.  That’s when the Bliss is really fun and you can fully appreciate all she has to offer!  And she has a lot to offer.

I guess my advice would be this: If you’re cruising primarily for the ports or don’t like sailing with throngs of kids (especially during school breaks), consider avoiding the Bliss in favor of a smaller ship or different line.  If you’re cruising for the ship, have kids or don’t mind kids, and are happy staying onboard while at some of the ports or are on one of her longer, non-Alaska sailings, definitely book the Bliss.      

If you’re already booked on the Bliss for a 7-night Alaska itinerary, ignore everything I just said! Even though it’s not my ideal ship for Alaska, I enjoyed nearly every second of my time onboard and at port and if you venture with an open heart, a sense of humor, patience, and a grateful, adventurous spirit, I know you will too!

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Guide to Cruising from Seattle in 2024: Hotels, Transportation, Attractions, Safety, and More!

First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions

Homework (10 points):   Are you booked on the Bliss? Ask any questions you may have to the comments.

Also, subscribe to the blog to receive new Cruising 101 content direct to your e-mail (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social media sites:

Twitter  (@cruiseprof)

Instagram  (@profcruise)

TikTok  (profcruise)

Share this:

Tags: Alaska NCL Norwegian Bliss

You may also like...

7 Fun Options for Homer on your Cruise to Alaska

May 4, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published May 4, 2019 · Last modified September 27, 2019

Carnival Pride Ship Review

April 25, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published April 25, 2019 · Last modified June 26, 2019

Prof. Cruise’s Review of a Standard Balcony Cabin on Princess

May 7, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published May 7, 2019 · Last modified May 23, 2019

• Pingbacks 0

Thanks for your review. Your reviews a always a “must read” for us both because of the information you provide, the humor. Sounds as if you had a blissfull trip.

One request – Would you provide an itinerary of your future trips so that if we happen to be booked on the same cruise we can bring extra food onboard so we won’t starve when the waiter mentions that they’ve run out…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Previous story Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Menus

About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

Email Address

Subscribe To Blog

Search and you shall (hopefully) find!

Save on shore excursions.

Start your own travel blog with hosting from Bluehost!

Popular Posts

Related links

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

A dream came true in May this year when my husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy our honeymoon in Alaska with the luxurious Silversea Cruises on board Silver Muse. I really do feel at home on a Silversea cruise, and to therefore have experienced our honeymoon with them was so very special. Read my review of Silver Muse and sailing in Alaska with Silversea below.

Our cruise, aboard the elegant Silver Muse, started from Seward and headed South to Vancouver, calling into Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Silver Muse was the first of Silversea's new generation of ships to join their stylish and understated fleet back in 2017, with all-suite accommodation, numerous dining options and a cosmopolitan feel onboard.

With Alaska being a temperate rainforest, we were assured that the 7 days of rain we were experiencing was typical liquid sunshine weather for this glorious state, and whilst these conditions may've saturated our clothes and brollies, we didn't let it dampen our spirits, and how can you, when you're visiting this bucket-list destination on a superb ship with an incredible cruise line?

Our first sea day saw us cruise to the 75-mile-long Hubbard Glacier in Wrangell National Park. As we edged closer, this 6-mile-wide high glacier came into view through the mist, but as the wind and rain proved too much to endure at the Forward lookout point on the ship, we retreated to the shelter of our balcony to enjoy the scenery in our Superior Veranda suite.

Whilst we didn't get to see this extraordinary ice floe highlighted in shades of blue and white in basking sunshine, the weather didn't detract from the magnitude of this site and the peace and quiet this bay has to offer (no matter which side of the ship your cabin is on, the ship will turn to allow both sides to view the glacier).

For a place like Alaska, outside viewing areas, particularly for my husband and I who are keen wildlife spotters, are important - and with the cascade effect of decks at the Aft of Silver Muse, you have sea views from Deck 6 right up to Deck 11, as well as the walk-around/jogging area on Deck 11, the Observation Lounge at the Forward of Deck 11 and a Forward outdoor viewing area on Deck 12, which is only accessible by stairs. Therefore, you are spoilt for choice for places to spot whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and sea birds in this state.

The first port of call on our itinerary was to the isolated state capital of Juneau. Anyone visiting this wild capital can only do so by air or sea, making you feel somewhat privileged to say you've been here at all. There's lots to see and do in Juneau, from wildlife watching cruises and sea kayaking to culinary experiences and helicopter flights, but our first excursion was to the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier and its Upside Down Forest.

We explored the trails around Mendenhall Glacier by foot, which leads to the thundering Nugget Falls, and soaked up the significance of this ice field across it's serene lake that's dotted with translucent ice carvings. From here we were taken by bus to the astonishing Glacier Gardens, otherwise known as the Upside Down Forest. This forest has been recreated with the imagination and dedication of Steve Bowhay who acquired the land after a devastating landside in 1984. Since then, Steve rebuilt the stream and landscaped this mountain side into stunning gardens full of Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, Cedar and Birch trees, but what gives it its topsy-turvy name? Whilst Steve was rebuilding the stream, he damaged some moving equipment. In his frustration, he used the machine to pick up a tree stump and flipped it upside down in the mud. Bowhay saw this outcome as an opportunity to replant trees upside down and turn the roots into flower beds, full of begonias, fuschias and petunias that cascade down the trunks, a truly inspiring place.

Our afternoon excursion was one James and I were particularly excited about, a trip to Iditarod Dog's Summer Camp. Being huge animal lovers, mainly of the furry kind, we were treated to a sled ride, pulled along by 12 adorable huskies, in a mountain side of the Tongass National Forest. The enthusiastic mushers enthralled us with their stories of the Iditarod races, the equipment they use and the training that takes place, alongside the chorus of over 100 excited dogs. Our biggest highlight came when we got to hold a 5-week-old husky puppy! She's yet to be named, but 'Hayley' sounds good to me...!

Smiles from Juneau stayed with us as we cruised up the Inside Passage to the quaint town of Skagway. Known as North America's amazingly preserved gold rush artifact, the main attraction here is the White Pass Scenic Railway, which is not to be missed and a truly memorable experience for any Alaskan cruise. Chugging along 80 miles of this 107-mile Yukon railroad from downtown Skagway to the White Pass summit provides you with outstanding views along the gorge in the Tongass National Forest and mountainside, all the while thinking about those who built, navigated and lost their lives during the Klondike Gold Rush - simply astonishing.

There's no need to worry about which side of the carriage to be on during this trip, as what goes up must come down, so both sides get to experience the same views. You can move around the carriage too and opt to stand outside, particularly as you head through the tunnels and the white pass summit itself, as the landscape here changes to snow, ice pools and more snow - breath-taking! Back in town there are numerous shops, museums, a saloon and Skagway's Brewing Company to wander around at your leisure.

The open ocean setting of Sitka makes it a brilliant port to spot and seek marine wildlife, and due to its compact size, it's fairly easy to explore on foot. We started the morning with a boat trip to see sea otters, and whilst bald eagles (which are as common in Alaska as red kites along the M40!) were aplenty and deer were grazing on the islands, sightings of any marine life at all were looking as bleak as the weather, and with a $100 refund if no otters were spotted on this excursion, that's where we thought we were heading, until a mass of floating sea weed parted to reveal a bevy of 6 male otters swimming playfully, whilst eating their breakfast. The cuteness of this sighting was another day made for us in this fabulous region!

Back ashore, we walked through Sitka's National Historic Park to the Alaska Raptor Centre and came back into town for some souvenir shopping and a gander at the Russian Cathedral of St Michael. Upon waiting for the ship to set sail, we were greeted with a visit from a curious sea lion, popping up from foraging in the deep.

Back on board we enjoyed all the luxuries one expects on a Silversea cruise; one big difference with Silver Muse is the removal of a Main Dining Room onboard, instead, Silversea have adopted the concept of 8 restaurants to give guests the choice on where they dine each day, from elegant bar and Atlantide is an elegant bar and grill that offers surf and turf style dishes to Indochine, offering Asian cuisine that is simply divine. We enjoyed two dinners here and I highly recommend the Malabar curry, so yummy. Each of these restaurants are open dining and seating.

Every evening the Venetian Lounge plays host to a full-scale Silversea production by the talented performers and singers, then you can carry-on a night of music and dancing up in the Panorama Lounge with its spacious and comfortable outdoor seating to sip on that strong cocktail as you watch the sunset. Or for those of you who like to place your bets, the Casino is open whilst cruising to gain or lose a few pounds (of the money kind that is).

Further relaxation can be had in the Dolce Vita, Observation Library, Connoisseur's Corner for those who enjoy a cognac with their cigars and cigarettes, or the ultimate unwinding experience can be had in the extra large Zagara Beauty Spa at the back of Deck 6, complete with a spacious fitness centre, men and women's sauna and steam rooms, treatment rooms, a salon and nail bar. You can come back feeling totally invigorated.

What doesn't get mentioned about Silver Muse is the small, but well-catered kids' activity room on Deck 9. Accessible to children (and big kids) onboard to play with a Playstation and Xbox. or interact with the children's host and other kids onboard. This is the only place for children on board, and the only place with activities for youngsters too.

Our final port of call on this itinerary was to the bustling town of Ketchikan. Apparently, Ketchikan is famous for its rainy skies… need I say more about the weather by this point?! We geared up for a morning exploration through the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary in the hope to spot some bears (they really do seem to elude me on my travels!) and whilst we weren't lucky for these sightings (they're only just out of hibernation) we learnt a lot about their natural habitat, the flora and fauna that can be found throughout Alaska, its uses and plants to avoid.

The excursion ended with a Q&A and ponder around an active totem pole workshop, which was fascinating. Back to the port we walked through the iconic old red-light district of Creek Street, past the sounds of the lumberjack shows taking place, and after dragging my husband around shops for last-minute souvenirs, it was only right that we finished up in another brewery for him to sample his last pint of authentic Alaskan beer.

You'll be pleased to hear that the final day at sea, as we ebbed closer to Vancouver, came with clearer skies and sunshine - hallelujah! With calm waters as we entered the Johnson strait, we were treated to several sightings of Minke whales and a pod of porpoise, a lovely end to one amazing voyage.

We spent three full days in Vancouver at the end of our cruise and we did fill these days. We stayed at the wonderful Sutton Palace hotel on Burrard Street, which is a great location for shops, restaurants and bars in downtown Vancouver. The hop-on-hop-off bus enabled us to familiarise ourselves with our surroundings and spend our short time wisely with our first morning munching our way around Granville Island with its incredible market, food stalls and boutiques, and an afternoon in Gastown, with its famous steam clock, Canada Place right on the water's edge and along Robson Street that's teeming with oriental eateries and high-end shops.

Our second day was at Stanley Park, navigating the trails and exploring along the seawall, its totem poles, lagoon and spotting lovely little black squirrels and numerous native birds. As we'd walked our socks off, our final day was spent chilling in Coal Harbour Park and soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D from the glorious sunshine.

Come rain, or shine, Alaska is full of exploration, wonder, wildlife, history, intrigue and character, and no matter where your cruise starts or finishes, I highly recommend a pre and/or post-cruise stay in Vancouver, or even a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. Whatever your next cruise plans are, make sure Alaska is on your list!

Hayley is a Cruise Consultant at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for 7 years and in travel for over 9 years. Most recently she's cruised on Seabourn and has also sailed with Windstar, Hebridean Island Cruises, Ponant, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, SeaDream, Regent, Uniworld, Scenic, AmaWaterways and Tauck. Her favourite destination is South Africa however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Rhine, Main & Moselle, Danube, Southern Africa, North Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Arctic and Svalbard. When she’s not travelling she loves watching football, supporting her favourite team, Newcastle!

Get your free subscription to Cruise News

The UK's most authoritative magazine about the world of luxury cruising. New ships, new destinations, new experiences and new offers. Be more informed, every two months, with Cruise News.

Find a cruise

Our top picks

Tokyo to Seward (Anchorage

1 May - 17 May 2024 (16 Nights)

From £10,400 pp

Seward (Anchorage to Vancouver

16 May - 27 May 2024 (11 Nights)

From £7,100 pp

Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage

27 May - 6 Jun 2024 (10 Nights)

From £6,500 pp

6 Jun - 13 Jun 2024 (7 Nights)

From £6,200 pp

Related articles

You may also like

8 of the best small ship cruises to the Greek Islands

8 of the best small ship cruises to Alaska

5 of the best luxury cruise lines for excursions

5 of the best World Cruises in 2025 & 2026

020 7399 7670

• Beginner’s Guide
• Credit Cards
• CardMatch Increased Targeted Offers!
• Travel Rewards Cards
• Small Business Cards
• Hotel Cards
• Airline Cards
• Cash Back Cards
• Amazon Deals
• Amex Offers
• Bank Account Bonuses
• Gift Card & Spending Deals
• MtM Podcast (Travel/Points)
• MtM Vegas Podcast
• MtM Diamond Community
• The MtM Team

Get Started

Learn more about Credit Cards, Travel Programs, Deals, and more.

Alaska Trip Report Part 1: Glaciers, Whales, Boat Tour, Waterfalls & Much More

Enjoy MtM's content? Shop Amazon and we earn a commission!

Find all of the latest deals.

Alaska Trip Report Part 1: Glaciers, Whales, Boat Tour, Waterfalls

I finally made it to Alaska and I will say that it lived up to the hype in terms of beauty.  If you want to see snow capped mountains, huge glaciers, crystal clear water, wildlife, road side waterfalls everywhere you turn…wait who doesn’t want that?  Let’s just say that Alaska is for you if you want to see natural beauty everywhere you turn.  You see it so much that by day 2 or 3 you are almost numb to it … almost.  I figured I would share my Alaska trip report from our 4 day trip in the Anchorage area exploring the Kenai Peninsula.

The plans changed from our original itinerary but I will share both options with you.  I think that is what I like most about miles and points, the ability to change things on the fly. So let’s get into those deets of my 4 day Alaska trip report part 1!

This trip will be broken up into 2 parts for the 4 days and I will follow up with a complete breakdown of my costs in a separate post.  I will also do an article on the most intriguing small town I have ever been to.

Table of Contents

Alaska Trip Itinerary

Here is the overview itinerary for our 4 day trip to alaska..

• Night One – Staying in Anchorage after a late flight.
• 1st Day / 2nd Night – We drove to and stayed in Seward hitting Exit Glacier along the way.
• 2nd Day / 3rd Night – We stayed another night in Seward and did a 6 hour marine boat tour.
• 3rd Day / 4th Night – We headed to Whittier, Girdwood and Alyeska and did another glacier hike and found some gold!
• 4th day / 5th Night – We took a tram to the top of the mountain and headed back to Anchorage for our early morning flight.

Visit Alaska 2021 – Our Flights

Even though I shared this information previously I wanted to do a quick rundown for you just in case you missed it earlier. I booked first class flights for the two of us both ways. I used miles for my son and paid cash for myself.

• Detroit has a direct flight into Anchorage on Fridays and Saturdays so I booked that flying to Anchorage, Alaska.  The cost was 52,500 Virgin Atlantic miles.  I could have done it for 32,500 Flying Blue or 45,000 Delta Skymiles but I shared why I choose Virgin before so check that post out if you missed it .
• On the way back we had to connect through Minneapolis so Virgin wasn’t an option because they price awards by leg.  We went with 45,000 Delta Skymiles for this flight.
• The cash price was for around $1200 roundtrip per person which I paid for myself. I used numerous Amex airline incidentals to cover a chunk of this price tag.

First Night – Anchorage, Alaska

On the first night we landed at 8PM, which was midnight our time, and headed to the National car rental counter. There was, of course, only one agent working the counter but luckily they did actually have the cars onsite, my biggest fear from this trip .

After about 20 minutes we made our way up to the front and I was offered an upgrade.  I assume it was because I paid for a GPS in case my phone lost signal for directions etc. and ended up with a brand new Nissan Rogue. She had pulled out the GPS bag but I think there was an issue with it and then she offered the upgrade. That was a nice surprise since I had paid $265 for a Jetta or similar.  The problem was…there was no GPS in the car.

I accepted the loss and moved on. The car had 14 miles on it so I didn’t even need to do Shawn’s video walkaround and accepted the $8 a day or whatever I lost for the GPS as an upgrade fee. I was too tired to go an argue about it and figured I could possibly fight it at drop off.

Embassy Suites

We spent the first night at the Embassy Suites which is one of the, if not the, highest rated hotels in Anchorage. I wanted something close to the airport since we were just going to crash.  I used a free night certificate that was expiring in August ( I booked it before they extended them again ) since the cost was over $300 a night or 70,000 points.  It wasn’t the best use of the cert but I wanted to burn these suckers wherever I could.

The Embassy Suites was a fine hotel.  The furniture was a little beat up in the room but the lobby was nice and they served a full breakfast.  There was also a cool library area to hang out if you want.  I will say breakfast was manned by one woman.  She took all the orders, filled them and cooked all the omelets.  She did an amazing job but it could have been quicker and it was kind of crazy they didn’t have other people doing anything.

It was a little bit of a mess and this was another time I would have preferred the dining credit to be used the night before 😉. The breakfast was decent and they do have a pool so it is a solid option if you are staying in Anchorage.  I wouldn’t stay in anchorage any more than you have to though, there isn’t much there.

Alaska 4 Day Trip Day 1 – The Exit Glacier & Seward, Alaska

After we got up and had our breakfast Connor headed to the pool for a bit at the Embassy Suites. They were doing the pool time by reservation and everything was booked the night before so we reserved space in the morning. It was just the two of us in the pool which was kind of nice.

The Drive To Seward

After that we headed out to the Exit Glacier which is just outside Seward, Alaska (our next main destination). The drive is just over two hours but it is very scenic & beautiful and there are at least 10,000 places to stop (an exaggeration but not really) and check something out or take a picture along the way.  So you can make it last as long, or as short, as you like.

We stopped and grabbed some snacks at the Moose Pass along the way.  I would suggest hitting up the Summit Lake Lodge for lunch on the drive if you want to stop. We ended up hitting it on the way out of town and had some pretzels and pizza at their snack shop by the lake. The view is amazing!

Exit Glacier

Once we got to the Exit Glacier we did all 3 of the paths that were moderate or below.  The Exit Pass and Fields were doable by pretty much anyone.  Overlook Trail took a little more effort but it wasn’t terrible either.  The worst part would be the uneven areas for most.  We didn’t dare the much longer Harding Icefield Trail.

The views were amazing but seeing how much the glacier had receded over the years was the truly shocking part. The path starts where the glacier was in the early 1900s. In just 5 years it can move a ton.  Look how far away it is from the 2010 marking. It was the highlight of the day for sure.

Harbor 360 Hotel / Seward, Alaska

Once we got to Seward we checked into our hotel, the Harbor 360 hotel.  It was the highest rated hotel in the area on TripAdvisor .  The location looked premier, overlooking the marina, and I booked a cruise tour with their partner for one of the days as well.  If I booked both at the same time I saved 20% on the tour tickets so that played a big role in it.

The hotel is pricey and it is decent but nothing great. We paid $663.78 in total for our two nights including all taxes and fees.  The rooms are clean but nothing special.  Would I stay here again? Probably not.  I would probably book the Seward Windsor Lodge if looking for something nice or Exit Glacier Lodge if on a budget. The Exit Glacier Lodge is next to where we ate dinner and around the corner from everyone’s favorite dive bar, The Pit .

I figured being downtown Seward would be a plus but nothing really impressed me with the area. The dining options were limited and many had strange hours, even on the weekends.  There was nothing outdoors overlooking the marina / water which surprised me. Many places didn’t open until 4PM and one closed at 3PM to reopen at 4PM, which was really strange. We ended up driving to the other end of town for dinner one night anyway so I would stay outside of town next time myself.

We had dinner at The Salmon Bake which had some funny signs out front. The one that said cheap beer and lousy food had me sold 😂. Come to find out, the beer wasn’t that cheap and the food was pretty good.

I ordered 1 LB of Alaska King Crab (for $44) which was cheaper than other prices I had seen.  It came with two sides and was steamed to perfection.  The service was good and the interior was pretty cool even if random.  I think it bested most of what I saw downtown.

Alaska Trip Report Day 2 – Boat Tour

Our 2nd day was the day I was looking forward to the most before the trip started.  I have booked a 6 hour glacier boat tour out of Seward.  That is a big reason why I picked the Harbor 360 Hotel since they partner with one of the better tour companies ( Major Marine Tours ) in the area and offer a discount for combo bookings.

Major Marine Boat Tour

The cost per ticket was $169 for adults and $84.50 for kids. We got 20% off of those prices for staying at the hotel, a $50 savings. It included a trip to one of two glaciers which would be decided day of depending on weather etc.

The Boat Setup

The boat had had three levels and assigned tables for everyone.  The first level had the bathrooms, tables for about half of the patrons and the food cart. Lunch was provided but you could also purchase any food, drinks or alcoholic beverages you wanted during the trip. There was also a viewing area outside on the bow of the boat which was very useful for some of our whale sightings.

The second level had another large indoor dining / seating area. There was a smaller outdoor area on the stern of the boat with some benches you could take in the stunning views.

The third level was a complete open air observation deck with plenty of seating and that is where the captain is at as well.

Trip To The Glacier

We were able to see a little bit of wildlife in the bay, some otters, and take in some of the breathtaking views.  As we entered Resurrection Bay we hit some fog and couldn’t see much of anything. It definitely had me worried that we just wasted a few hundred dollars on this tour.

We were quickly informed by the captain that it should clear up as we got closer to the glacier.  That is one thing I will say, all of the tour companies and boats seem to work together.  They let each other know which glacier to visit and where animal sightings are etc.

Along the way we were lucky enough to run into a school of orca whales.  They were hunting so we got to see some decent activity.  We also saw some sea lions resting on the rocks (my son’s favorite) and some dall’s porpoise (my favorite) swam along the side of the boat. They look like baby orcas and are very curious and hung out with us for a bit.  We also saw a humpback whale, but just barely, but it never fully breached the surface.

Glacier Views & Trip Back

Once we got to Holgate Glacier the views were stunning.  The sides of the cliffs all around the glacier had waterfalls everywhere from melting snow.  The glacier itself was beautiful and we got to see some of the chunks fall off into the water.  It was a much more up close and personal view than the Exit Glacier hike. I didn’t know this before the trip but a glacier is actually a moving river of ice which the captain explained once we arrived.

On the way back some of the workers fished out some floating glacier ice from the water and used it to make a glacier ice margarita happy hour special.  The price was $5 for the adult version or $3 for the kids version. My son liked it so much he had two. It was a fun way to experience the glacier and break up the ride back.

The ride was pretty smooth since the boat is usually in bays or near land.  When it did hit open water, for around 30 minutes each way, it did get a little rocky.  It wasn’t terrible, but I could see that being an issue on a stormy day.

All in all the experience was pretty amazing and I was glad we did it.  Be sure to dress warm since the temp is 10-15 degrees lower out on the water.  My son even got invited up to steer the boat for a bit. The captain and crew were fantastic the entire way.

Dinner At Seward Brewing

We were pretty exhausted when we got back and I had asked my son if he just wanted to get something on the boat to make it easier.  As I talked about on the podcast , getting food was a struggle because of capacity issues. My son said he wanted to go to a restaurant instead. It ended up taking some time to find a spot that could fit us in but it worked out in our favor.

We walked around the hotel area and every place had a decent wait and was mostly seafood, which my son is not a fan of. We drove to the other end of town to check out Thorn’s Showcase Lounge . I wanted to try their famous bucket of butt (halibut) but I noticed the Seward Brewery when parking.  We decided to hit it up and I was pleasantly surprised.

The beer was very good and the pizza was the best we had in Alaska. I also ordered some cod but it was pretty terrible and took forever to come out.  I asked the waitress about their halibut and she said it wasn’t worth the mark up. Too bad she didn’t say to stay away from the fish all together.

One spot that looked like it was worth checking out if in Seward is Red’s Burgers . It is a couple of old buses put together and looks really cool.

Alaska Trip Report Part 1 – Final Thoughts

The first two days of our Alaska 4 day trip were pretty picturesque. The weather was great which worked out perfectly as we hit the two biggest things on our itinerary that required clear skies. Finding dining options was somewhat of a struggle so be sure to get reservations or show up when a place first opens.  That may mean waiting outside the door at 5PM but that is better than waiting 40 minutes plus for a table.

The food is not served very late either, many kitchens closed at around 9pm, which I found strange. There is a Safeway in Seward so that may be a good option as a backup, especially if you are doing the trip via RV.

Sorry that this went a little long but I wanted to put as much detail in there as I could since I know this is a very popular destination this year.  I should have part 2 up Sunday for everyone to check out as well.

The first two days were pretty action packed and we got a lot accomplished.  I think day 3 was the busiest day of them all in terms of things we did and saw though. So be sure to check that out tomorrow!

Remaining Photo Dump

Lower Spend -   Chase Ink Business Preferred ® 100K!

Learn more about this card and its features!

• trip report

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

10 COMMENTS

Mark, you should definitely consider a cruise to Alaska from/to Vancouver. You will see totally different things than what you did on this trip. I think the scenery is even better than this. You will see even more when doing a land tour to Denali, in conjunction with the cruise. Before Covid, pricing was fantastic for a cruise/tours. Now, not so much, because of capacity restrictions. But wait awhile, things will get better.

Sounds awesome – I’ll have to check it out in the future.

Thanks for the post, Mark. My family and I will be doing this same trip over Labor Day weekend – flying into Anchorage and spending time in Seward for a couple of days, so this is right on point! Can’t wait for the follow-up posts to see what we should do the other couple of days of our vacation.

Glad you enjoyed it Clinton. I got swamped so hopefully will have it out Tuesday or Wendesday.

Nice! Love the details. We were at Exit Glacier in 2005 and teared up a bit at the 2005 sign. Driving in the road, it took me awhile to figure out what the year signs were

Glad you enjoyed it Bill! It is crazy how far it has receded over time.

Enjoyed reading your article Mark. Thanks for sharing. I went on an Alaska cruise a couple of years ago and would love to see Alaksa by land.

Thanks for reading Jonathan – glad you enjoyed it. It would be interesting to see which way you preferred to see Alaska. I have never been very tempted by cruises but the Alaska one is one of the few routes I would make an exception for.

Thanks, Mark, Great article – I appreciated all your details.

Just wondering, was there a specific reason (other than the direct flight) for you to choose Anchorage and Seward now? We had been planning an Alaskan cruise, but now that’s totally out of the question, so we’re trying to figure out how best to see Alaska. Any plans for a future trip to another city in Alaska?

I picked it mainly because of the new direct flight from Detroit there and a couple buddies spoke highly of the area. No plans to go to a different part of Alaska. Glad I saw it once but not a place I find myself needing to go back to personally. If you love trails or fishing etc. then I could see it being a place that you go back to often though.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I Tried 4 of the Most Popular Walt Disney World Character Breakfasts – Was It Worth It For the Cost?

I’ll take it – two dfw international airport surprises, neither bad, just stop my three biggest travel pet peeves are…, the many lessons learned on my “summer vacation”.

At Miles to Memories we share the best tips, tricks and deals plus travel rants, musings, hotel, airline and loyalty program reviews and a lot more! Our goal is to help people save money so they can get out there and travel the world! Through our various blog posts , podcasts & videos we teach others how to maximize loyalty rewards, hotel & airline programs and credit cards to achieve amazing things.

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Advertiser Disclosure

Disclaimer - Miles to Memories & the author are not credit providers and do not provide personal financial or professional advice or credit assistance. The information published on this site/page is of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. All information published here is personal opinion and comes from personal experience. The information published on this site/page should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal financial or professional advice. ESR Media, LLC, Miles to Memories and the author strongly recommend that you seek independent advice before you apply for any product or service, which is described on the site/page. Editorial Note - Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any partner bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other partner. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Save money, experience more.

Disney Cruise Alaska 2024 & 2025 Guide: ESSENTIAL Tips For Your Cruise

The Alaska Disney Cruise is a once in a lifetime experience. The below cruise review and tips are based on our recent seven day Disney Cruise Line Alaska itinerary that sails from Vancouver to Alaska. This guide will continue to be updated to provide advice for the 2024 and 2025 Disney Cruise Alaska seasons.

Onboard our cruise we had family ranging in age from 20 to 80+. On the last night of our trip I got everyone together and we talked through all the Disney Cruise tips we should pass on. This guide is based on those insights.

With the below tips I hope to prepare you for your future Disney Alaska cruise and give you everything you need to know to plan. We'll cover what month to book your cruise, an overview of the Disney Wonder ship, onboard activities, premium dining, what to pack for your cruise, Alaska Disney Cruise Line excursions, and more.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

When to Take a Disney Cruise to Alaska

The Disney Cruise Line Alaskan sailings on the Disney Wonder occur throughout the summer “warm” months. The first 2024 Alaska sailing begins on May 13, 2024 and the last sailing ends on September 23, 2024 (the Disney Cruise Line 2024 dates were announced here ). We don't yet the 2025 Disney Alaska Cruise dates. The sailing stretch throughout the summer months in Alaska.

These are the key factors to consider for picking your Alaskan Disney Cruise dates:

• When are kids in school? The May and September sailings will be less expensive and may even not be fully booked because kids will still be in school. Some of the same school discounting effects can be felt for the very beginning of June and very end of September as well. If you are not confined to summer school schedules, you may want to consider a sailing at the beginning or end of the Alaskan cruising season.
• Weather? The later in the season you plan your cruise the higher the potential for rain during your trip. You can see on this Juneau, Alaska monthly climate averages that the average rainfall by month is double in September what it is in May. Even with that said, during our August trip we only had one real day of rain during our trip when we were in Ketchikan, Alaska. This port is actually one of the rainiest cities in the U.S. and receives nearly 235 days of percipitation per year . A weather note – most think of Alaska as cold. Throughout the summer months the temperatures do not get too low and during our sailing were about 60 degrees. Pretty comfortable when in pants. Some days we saw lots of sun and others we had light rain and wind. More in our packing list section.

You can view the currently available dates for Summer 2024 on the Disney Cruise Line website (Summer 2024 dates just released). After viewing the dates be sure to come back and request a FREE quote from our travel partner for your cruise . For a limited time Mickey Visit readers get up to a $400 onboard credit.

As you'll see in the listings of available sailings, there are a range of length options for your trip…

Best Disney Cruise to Alaska – Which Length to Pick

Disney Cruise Line offers multiple Alaska itineraries that range from five to nine nights. Our recent Disney Cruise to Alaska was a seven night itinerary. The seven night Disney Alaska cruise is offered the most of any of the lengths of sailings.

The seven night cruise includes stops at Dawes Glacier; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Here's some more context on each of the destinations listed for the various lengths of cruise:

• Juneau, Alaska is the state's capital and the largest town that the ship stops in during the Alaskan cruise. The town has some noteworthy food options (see below for excursions) and was the closest that we got to any glacier.
• Skagway, Alaska was the access point for the last gold rush. This old gold rush town is the jumping off point for excursions into the Yukon. Excursion options include a historic railway line with stunning vista views, helicopter tours, and tours of the old town.
• Ketchikan, Alaska is the rainiest place in the world and features an old town built on stilts above a creek, salmon runs, Native American totem polls, and a lumberjack show. This port is the closest to Vancouver in Alaska and all Disney Alaskan Cruises stop here.
• Dawes Glacier, Alaska is not a port but is a location that the boat pulls into for one day of all Alaska sailings. The boat enters the cove near the glacier and then rotates slow so that all sides of the boat get an angle of the glacier. There is an option for an excursion here to go out on a smaller boat that goes closer to the glacier. Though Dawes was scheduled as part of our itinerary, we actually didn't stop here. Scroll down and read what happened in our Disney Cruise to Alaska tips section.
• Sitka, Alaska was not a port that we visited during our seven night Disney Cruise sailing to Alaska but we heard the highlights revolve around the Russian history of the city (this was the capital of the territory when Alaska belonged to Russia) and the outdoor excursions which are similar to the excursions offered in the other ports.

Choosing Your Alaska Stateroom – Do you need a Verandah room for your Alaskan cruise?

While we do outline each of the various stateroom options for all of the Disney Cruise Line ships in our general guide to the Disney Wonder , there is special reason to consider your room option carefully for the Disney Cruise to Alaska.

For many cruises you could take the same approach that we take for hotels near Disneyland – why pay for the room if you are going to be out of the room the entire trip exploring and having fun? You may want to reconsider this for an Alaskan cruise as the itineraries are longer and the outdoor spaces are colder due to the Alaskan weather. With our group's age range for this trip (from 20 years old to 80+ years old), there was almost always someone in the room who wasn't keen to be out exploring. We were very happy to have a Verandah room during our Alaskan Disney Cruise and enjoyed waking up to views and having the option to check out the view without having to get warmer clothes on and go up on deck.

There is plenty to do throughout the ship and plenty of spaces for lounging outside of your room but the Verandah was truly a highlight for our days at sea. Even for the days when we were coming into port, it was delightful to watch our approach from the comfort of our own balcony.

The room shown in the photos here is a Deluxe Verandah room. There is a queen bed and the couch the converts into twin sleeper.

How much does a 2024 Alaskan Disney Cruise Cost?

The prices for the cruise vary dramatically by room type and date of sailing. We asked our travel partner to pull some sample pricing for cruises so that we could include them here for your reference.

For the seven night sailing that leaves May 22, 2023 for two people an interior room costs  $3,574.94 and an exterior deluxe verandah 5C category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size costs $8,012.94 .

Compare this to the seven night sailing that leaves on July 17, 2023 in the heart of the summer. For two people an interior room costs  $4,708.94 while an exterior Deluxe Verandah 5C category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size $11,148.94 .

The seven-night sailing that leaves on May 13, 2024 for two people in an interior room starts at $3,490 and an exterior verandah room starts at $6,347 . The exact prices are not available yet as booking details are not yet open.

Compare this to the seven night sailing that leaves on July 8, 2024, in the heart of the summer. For two people an interior room costs $4,635 while an exterior Deluxe Verandah 5c category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size is $11,495.2. As you can see, the more popular summer months when kids are out of school are more expensive.

Again, as you are considering your Disney Cruise to Alaska, be sure to request a FREE Disney Cruise line vacation quote from our travel partner . When you book with our partner you'll receive up to a $400 onboard credit .

Onboard Disney Cruise Line Programming

There are a variety of onboard Disney Cruise Line offerings to fill your days at sea and evenings. From lavish entertainment (see Disney Cruise Line entertainment section below) to educational programs to fitness offerings, there really are tons of ways to stay busy during the days at sea. Your Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigator app has information on all times for all activities onboard the ship. Make sure everyone in your party has downloaded the app before your departure.

Though we were onboard a unique Alaskan Disney Cruise (our trip was part of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise ) we did still experience quite a bit of the normal programming that is offered by the Disney Cruise Line on a standard Alaskan cruise.

One of the highlights on the onboard programming was the educational nature presentations . All of the adults in our group attended all three of the talks given by the naturalist that was onboard. His three presentations were on the fjords and waterways, whales and water ways, and Alaskan bears and salmon. Each of the presentations was educational and added to our excursion experience by providing context on our trip on land. The programming was well put together and could be interesting to all ages. If you have a nature curious preteen and up, I would recommend bringing them along to the presentation. Other topics sometimes presented by the naturalist include information on the Klondike Gold Rush and Vancouver Life.

Some of the other offerings on the Alaska Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder include:

• The Art of the Theme Tour is a tour of the ship that focuses on the details and history built into the ship. You'll find fun features in the carpet and hear stories on design details. I also always like to take the opportunity to connect with another Cast Member.
• There is trivia with varying themes offered throughout the trip. Some themes include movie quotes trivia, Disney theme park trivia, sports trivia, and PIXAR trivia.
• In the Buena Vista Theater (the smaller of the two theaters onboard the ship) there are a variety of the latest movies from Disney playing . During our 2022 sailing we saw Togo (story about an Alaskan sled dog), Thor: Love and Thunder, and Encanto. The list is always updated with the latest Disney movies that were released but there is usually a film that ties into the Alaskan cruise theme like Togo or Brother Bear that is always offered.
• There is evening live music and entertainment available in the lounges. These offerings vary by cruise but we saw a lounge singer during our sailing. The songs are ones that you'll know and performances have specific themes.
• For an additional charge, you can join an alcohol tasting class or mixology class . These experiences do fill up so you should book them when they open for booking. See dates the varying dates that excursions and activities open to guests below.
• Throughout your stay you'll get to experience super fun folded towels and napkins. Each night when you return to your stateroom you'll find a folded towel animal on the bed waiting for you. There is a class where you can learn how to fold your own napkin and towel animal .
• For the musically excited, a night time karaoke and silent disco are offered.
• Throughout the trip you'll have lots of opportunity to join in playing BINGO . Be sure to check when there is presale of BINGO cards so that you don't end up waiting in the queue when you arrive to play.
• There is a very popular Match Your Mate game show where you and your significant other are challenged to see how well you know each other with trivia questions. This is a fan favorite!
• There are activities for every interest onboard the Disney Cruise to Alaska – you'll also find a cooking class demonstration and animation class .

The dates that guests can book onboard experiences (tastings, spa, nursery, Royal Court Tea), Alaskan excursions, and adult dining at Palo (details below) vary by sailing history with Disney Cruise Line . Once you have paid for your cruise in full, first time Disney Cruise Line guests can book 75 days before sail date, Silver Castaway Club members can book 90 days before sail date, Gold Castaway Club Members can book 105 days before, and Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members can book 120 days before your sail date.

Alaska Disney Cruise Character Meet and Greets

Throughout our Disney Cruise there were characters everywhere. The Disney meet and greet limitations for the Disney Cruise Line had been recently lifted and we experienced a completely normal character meet and greet experience onboard our cruise. Many times throughout our trip I would be walking from one activity to the next and bump into a character just wandering. Multiple times I saw Thor wandering the hallways looking for someone to engage with.

All character meeting times are listed in the app. Our favorite character meet and greets were with the Disney fab five in their Alaskan outfits. For anyone excited about rare Disney meet and greets, these photos are super exciting. The best opportunity to take these photos comes on the Dawes Glacier day. On this day the characters will be up on the top deck outdoors so you can get an iconic Alaskan view in the background. I recommend arriving about fifteen minutes before the scheduled photo time to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse up here. We started with Mickey Mouse and then jumped over to the line for Minnie Mouse. There were other times we saw opportunities to wait in line for characters (on the formal night the fab five is out in tuxedos) but were happy just to have these outdoor photos.

Don't be afraid of a short line for a memorable photo with your favorite character.

Fitness Offerings Onboard the Disney Wonder

The fitness center and spa offers a number of scheduled workout classes. During our sailing there were complimentary offerings that included a mile walk around the ship and a morning yoga class . I opted to try one of the premium experiences and purchased the personal training experience . You could opt for a two pack or four pack of classes. There was a discount if you went with the four pack. I decided just do purchase the two pack as I wanted to workout some on my own during the trip as well. The cruise really flies by. I was glad that I only purchased the two day experience.

The gym is at the very front of the Disney Wonder and has a wide array of fitness machines. I typically like to start my workout with a run. I did this everyday except for one when the boat was moving a little too much for the treadmill and I opted for the stationary bicycle instead. The fitness center also has a nice locker room. I actually ended up showering in the locker everyday of our trip after our workout instead of using the shower in our stateroom.

In Skagway I went for a run off the ship. When facing the town from the port I ran to the left and found a foot bridge. Over the bridge there was a dirt trail with work out stations (pull up bars, sit up bench, etc) all along it. This was a great way to get off the ship and get a workout in outside before our excursion for the day. I ran about 3.5 miles here.

Disney Cruise Line Sense Spa and Salon Offerings

The Disney Wonder has a full spa offering onboard with a suite of services. The spa rooms have massive windows with sweeping views from the top of the ship.

Some of the offerings at the spa include a Rainforest aromatherapy room, steam room, and sauna. There are also comfortable locker rooms for changing before and after the treatment. As I mentioned above, I used the locker rooms throughout our cruise after the weight room even when not getting a treatment.

The spa is available for guests 18 and older and reservations can be made online or after 1 pm in person at the spa on the first day of your cruise. An 18% gratuity will be applied to all spa and fitness services.

If you are interested in a manicure or a pedicure, consider booking your time slot for the first day of your trip for stunning views of Vancouver as you sail away. There is also a rainforest room which features a steam room and relaxation area. You can pay for a day pass or pass for your entire trip.

Disney Wonder Cruise Kids Activities

There are kids clubs and activities for kids of all ages. There are five different areas on the ship designed to service kids from toddlers to teens.

There are five different lounge options: the “it’s a Small World” nursery, Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, and Vibe. You can view all the various kid activities in the Disney Cruise Line app.

All of the kids clubs except the “it's a Small World” nursery are included with the price of the cruise. The nursery is an additional fee and requires reservations.

On embarkation you and your child can tour the kids clubs together to calm any nerves. This is also when you'll register your child for the club. You can also pre-register your child before the cruise here .

Keep in mind that kids are not fed by the kids clubs so even though your child will likely want to stay in the club all day you will have to grab them for meals. This is also something to keep in mind when booking any Palo reservation that may conflict with your child's eating timing.

Disney Wonder Entertainment Available On Alaskan Cruise

During the cruise to Alaska there are a number of Broadway-caliber shows that are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. The shows vary by sailing length. On nights when one of the Disney shows are not taking place in the theater, there will be some sort of variety show act performed.

The shows on the Disney Wonder are:

• “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” is a full retelling of the Frozen story with huge musical acts that runs just over an hour. The production value is incredible, the musicians are very impressive, and Olaf was hilarious.
• “The Golden Mickeys” is a musical medley show that features songs from Disney films of past and present. A story is also woven in between the musical acts that a stage manager is suddenly pushed into the spotlight when she has to host the show at the last minute. By the end of the show, the host realizes that anything is possible.
• “Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic” is a musical medley show that pulls in classic Disney musical numbers when a young girl who is losing her belief in magic is visited in her dreams by characters from Disney classics and is helped along the way by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

Shows are typically performed twice nightly so that they are opposite your dinner seating. If you have a late dinner you'll watch the earlier show and if you have an early dinner seating you'll watch the later show.

There are also two deck shows that occur during the cruise:

• The “Mickey's Sail-A-Wave” party is a send off deck party with all of your favorite Disney characters that occurs right as the ship is pulling out of Vancouver. This show takes place in the mid-afternoon.
• The “Freeze the Night Away” deck party is a Frozen themed deck party with your favorite songs and characters from Frozen. Snow comes down at the end of this show. The night of our deck party is truly was freezing and we were bundled up enjoying the entertainment on deck. This show takes place after both dinner seatings have been completed.

Choosing Your Disney Cruise Line Alaskan Excursions

There are a wide array of excursions for Disney Cruises to Alaska. Guests can opt for the most extravagant helicopter ride to dog sledding or just enjoy a leisurely walk around town. CAUTION – You will likely have sticker shock. Some excursions are hundreds of dollars per person. Remember that you are in Alaska for a once in a lifetime Disney Cruise. Be sure to budget for these excursions as you plan for your trip.

Disney Cruise Line sells excursions directly. For research sake I compared prices between the offering from Disney Cruise Line and booking some experiences on our own. The pricing was often the same or only slightly more when purchasing from Disney when I could find it. For many of the more upscale experiences, there was no clear way to find the offering directly online to comparison shop as the experience was curated specifically for the cruise line. There are always vendors just off the ship selling other excursion offerings but be warned that if you take a third party excursion and do not get back to the ship before the official departure time the ship will leave you behind. This warning and a very real story of passengers being left behind in Juneau, Alaska after their seaplane couldn't fly back from the glacier due to lack of visibility scared us enough not to consider outside excursions.

When you purchase an excursion from Disney you'll check in for the excursion in D-Lounge and then be escorted to the correct transportation by a Cast Member.

Here were our trip reports for each Alaskan port we experienced:

Skagway – The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway was about a three hour train loop up the trail to the Yukon gold rush. The experience was well put together though after about 2 hrs we wished that we were back at the base. You'll follow the same route up and then back down. The train picks up directly at the ship.

We heard others who opted for a long hike, to rent a car and drive up into the Yukon (Skagway is the only port that we visited that is actually connected to the rest of the country by road), and taking an old town shuttle tour around the town itself. I would have loved to go on a long hike but due to others in our group with less mobility we opted to spend time together on the railway experience. This was a great way to see the sights and spend time together.

After our railway tour we still had a chance to walk around the town. We stopped at a Christmas shop and enjoyed chatting with the owners who turned out to spend winter in San Diego, California. We also enjoyed fried dough from the Klondike Doughboy . This is a must stop for your day in Skagway that you'll find on one of the side streets. Finally, we watched a National Parks historical film on the “last gold rush” that lead to the original establishment of Skagway as the gateway for gold seekers to sail to before a treacherous journey over the mountain to the site where gold was discovered. I enjoyed the context that the film provided. The film can be found in the National Parks building at the end of the street closest to the cruise ship slips.

This is a screenshot of the video I captured of the whales coming right up near our boat. The photo doesn't do the experience justice.

Juneau – At Juneau we participated in a whale watching and trip to the Mendenhall glacier . We were picked up by bus from the ship and then taken to a boat for the whale watching tour. We had whales get very close up to the ship and flip their tale. Just like the Pacific Life commercials ! This was an excellent experience getting into nature.

After our long morning on the boat we got back on the bus and headed to the Mendenhall Glacier. All along the ride we had very fun narration from our bus driver who shared a look into what it is like living in Alaska. She was witty and provided a look into the actual life rather than just giving facts and figures. A real highlight! At the Mendenhall Glacier we walked out to the waterfall. They claim this walk is an hour roundtrip but it only took us 45 minutes and that includes at least 10 minutes talking photos at the waterfall. Our bus then dropped us off in the heart of Juneau and we walked through some of the shops and found lunch.

We opted to enjoy the fish tacos at Deckhand Dave's . We debated going to Tracy's Crab Shack but decided we didn't want another large sit down meal for lunch. We were very happy with our pick to enjoy the tacos. After lunch we also found GREAT fudge from the Alaskan Fudge Company . Both great options!

Ketchikan – As I shared above, Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in the United States so it was raining during our day here. It rained on and off throughout the day and the sky was gray all day. The ship docks right in town. In the morning we walked through the various shops in town and I took a longer walk up the river beyond Creek Street. The amount of salmon floating peacefully in the river was astounding. There were hundreds just hanging out in the shallows. In the afternoon we enjoyed the Lumberjack Show . This is an activity you could easily purchase tickets directly from the venue if you wanted to.

There isn't much of a savings for the headache of booking through an outside payment system but the option is there. The show was lots of fun. In the format of a US vs Canada competition, professional lumberjacks completed impressive stunts with their saws. The show also pulls in audience participation. We saw kids of the friends also on the trip get pulled in and have a great time participating. This experience is tons of fun for the entire family.

Fun Disneyland Fact – Did you know that in the summers of 1987 and 1988 there was a “State Fair” event that included a Log Rolling and Lumberjack Show? The show was found along the Rivers of America area.

When you get back on the ship there's always a Cast Member with hot chocolate and cookies ready to greet you.

For 2 of the 3 days in port we opted to return to the ship for lunch rather than sitting down at any of the restaurant in town. We enjoyed eating at Triton's restaurant on the ship and appreciated the sit down service. After lunch we easily returned back into town for more exploring and some of our group opted to stay on the ship.

WiFi During Your Disney Cruise Line Alaska Trip

I can't say this more overtly. The WiFi onboard the ship worked well for messaging and looking things but do not rely on it for downloads. Save any digital material that you want to have available. If you need a book downloaded for your Kindle or podcast downloaded for the gym, do everything you can to download these before leaving for your trip.

While there is WiFi onboard the Disney Wonder, it is expensive and runs out quickly. Even when you are on the WiFi there were certain apps that did not work at all.

In our experience iMessages came through over the WiFi even when we didn't have our WiFi package turned on. For messaging between people in your party onboard, there is a messaging option within the Disney Cruise Line app. This worked fine.

In each port I was able to get on my normal Verizon phone plan with no difficulties. I even used it as a hotspot from my computer to send email. Be sure to check on your phone plan for use in Canada for your days coming into Vancouver.

Disney Cruise Line App Review

At first the Disney Cruise Line app was difficult to use. The interface is not intuitive to begin with but once you figure out how to locate activities it works well.

When you first get onboard, go through the activities listed and select the various onboard activities that sound interesting to you. To get the activities, click on the “Explore” section and click the day you want to view. There is also an option to filter by activity type – filtering by movie for instance. This schedule that you create will then cause the app to send you push notifications. The “Add Plans” button in the app doesn't work as expected and just suggests paid activities to you. Make sure to click the “Explore” section for details on everything happening onboard.

Disney Wonder Pools

The pools and water slide are open throughout the cruise to Alaska. We opted to quickly ride the waterslide the first day that we were onboard to check that box as we knew that our departure day from Vancouver would be the warmest day to enjoy the pools on the cruise. I recommend getting on the slide that first day to enjoy it while it is still sunnier outside. There were plenty of people enjoying the waterslide throughout the voyage but we were glad to have ridden it the first day.

Entering the pool area could be jarring at times. I would walk out on to the deck and be greeted with icy winds in the morning but also the upbeat tunes of “La Bamba”.

I actually used the pool almost everyday of the trip. In the early evening before our show I would try and get up to the adult pool area and hot tub. This area was a little more peaceful than the others and it was nice to meet other guests in the hot tub to swap stories on their experience.

How Food Works Onboard Disney Cruise to Alaska

For Dinner:

Onboard the Disney Wonder there are three different restaurants that you will rotate through for dinners during your voyage. Each night you'll go to your assigned restaurant and your same waiter and assistant waiter will be there ready for you. Throughout your trip you'll get to know the wait staff and they'll get to know your preferences. In our group one member took her water without ice and by the second night she was already receiving her water with no ice without asking.

The menus shift each night of the cruise and are somewhat reflective of the theme of the restaurant.

Our waiters encouraged us to order anything on the menu that looked interesting. Each night I started with one of the soups of the day and some other appetizer before my main course. We sometimes also ordered an additional main course if we all wanted to try it.

Some of the food highlights that stuck with us – the Beef Wellington, the Banoffee pie (a chocolate, banana, whipped cream dessert), and the carmel ice cream that we enjoyed one evening (we ordered that ice cream every night afterwards too!). Another lesson. Always ask for the food that you want even if it isn't on the menu. My grandmother wanted a blue cheese wedge salad because the other salads on the menu were not something she was interested in. Amazingly our server had a wedge salad based on her specifications at the table 5 minutes later. My aunt was craving asparagus and they also delivered. Overall we were very impressed with the kitchen's ability to accommodate requests.

These were some of our drawings during the fun Animator's Palate show.

The three main restaurants are: Triton's, Tiana's Place, and Animator's Palate. Be sure not to miss the second night at Animator's Palate as there is a very cute show where everyone in the group draws a character and then that character comes to life on screens around the restaurant.

There are two dinner seatings – an early seating at 5:45 pm and a later seating at 8:15 pm. We had the later dinner seating which meant that we would be eating much later than we were used to at home. This also led us to snack much more going into the evening because we weren't going to eat until so much later. You have the opportunity to switch seating times in the app if you have a preference.

Palo For Upscale Dinner and Brunch:

There is an upscale adults only restaurant onboard called Palo that is an additional charge. We opted to enjoy both brunch and dinner here. The restaurant does book up so be sure to book your Palo experience when it becomes available for your Disney Cruise. Though I have a full review coming soon, I will share that we far preferred the variety that came with brunch at the restaurant.

For Breakfast and Lunch:

Throughout the day there are a variety of food options constantly available. The Cabanas restaurant is open with a buffet for breakfast and lunch. For a sit down breakfast or lunch, the central sit down restaurant, Triton's, is also available. We started the cruise having our breakfast at Cabanas and then shifted over to eating breakfast at Triton's after we realized that our evening waiter was often there and we could have the same great table service as we did at dinner. The quality of breakfast food was also better at Triton's. I had very similar omelette orders at both locations and the Triton's omelette was far superior.

There are also quick service restaurants on the upper deck that serve sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken tenders (super good!), pizza, Asian style bowls, and of course soft serve. There is never a bad time to order soft serve on the cruise! Make sure you get in the habit of grabbing one otherwise the cruise will slip by. It is never too cold for Disney Cruise Line soft serve ice cream!

Additional Charge Food

There are a couple of food locations that are an additional charge. There are concession stands outside the theaters selling popcorn, soda, and candy. There are also a number of lounges with additional cost alcoholic beverages. On the top deck there is also a bar / coffee place that is for adults only. This Cove Bar feels a lot like a comfortable Starbucks.

The regular dinner restaurants also have extra charge alcohol as an option.

On Your First Day Onboard:

When you first board the Disney Wonder in Vancouver each restaurant will be open for you to enjoy lunch. On our first day we had lunch at Tiana's Place and enjoyed the sit down service. We could also have opted for the quick service options or buffet at Cabanas.

In addition to the above there is included 24/7 room service onboard. Let's just say, you really aren't going to go hungry. It is much more important to think about what you aren't going to eat than to worry about what you are.

There is also a water and soda station on the Deck 9 pool deck. We brought reusable water bottles and popped up here to refill them throughout the trip. There are a couple of water bottle fill stations on the upper deck by the pool and in the gym.

Disney Cruise Line Vancouver, Canada Boarding Process

To board the Disney Wonder in Canada we went through a number of different checks including US customs.

For your arrival, you'll want to pack a carry on bag with anything you need throughout your first afternoon. You'll keep this bag with you and your other baggage will be sent to your room.

If anyone in your group has trouble walking long distances you may want to get a wheelchair for the walk through the check in process. There is lots of winding back and forth through the Disney Cruise Line security, customs, passport control, and then boarding the ship.

After you check in, you'll be directed to the ship where your room key will be waiting for you outside your door.

Disney Cruise Line Vancouver to Alaska COVID Testing

For our COVID test we used OnPoint testing . This was a virtual service where a proctor would watch you take your own approved at home COVID test and then sign off on the result.

For only $14.99 per person we were able to easily test from our own home. Three of us tested during the same 10 minute Zoom call. This was much simpler, less expensive, and easier than attempting to test when we got to Vancouver or using the official Disney Cruise Line vendor.

What to See in Vancouver Before Your Disney Cruise

I definitely recommend arriving to Vancouver at least one day before your Disney Cruise. Our flight arrived around 3 pm into Vancouver which gave us some time to enjoy the city before leaving to check in with Disney for our cruise the next morning. You'll also want to arrive the night before so that you aren't anxious about any flight delay that might cause you to miss the departure. The city feels far larger than it's official population (650,000 people) with innovative architecture and stunning views that blend the ocean, mountains, and city to one. In Vancouver, the spirit of adventure only grows as you lean into your anticipation for your Disney Cruise to Alaska – “the final frontier”.

Here were our highlights of Vancouver, Canada before the cruise:

First, we enjoyed Granville Island. This market place of food and artisans is absolutely a tourist trap but is one for good reason. On our clear skies day the market was crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the sun, food and entertainment. The market has the same feeling of active marketplace as Pike's Place Market in Seattle and Redding Terminal Market in Philadelphia but seems to have more food stalls. During the summer months when you'll be here before your Disney Alaska Cruise, expect a very warm afternoon.

At the market we had great fish and chips from Celine's Fish and Chips, pad thai, and a german sausage plate. The fish and chips were the absolute highlight and we returned for another order.

To get to Granville Island you'll want to use Uber or Lyft from Downtown Vancouver (read my guide to Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World for discount codes if you've never used the rideshare services before). If you are all mobile, be careful not to call your rideshare directly to Granville Island as your car will end up in a massive lineup while trying to drop you off and the price for the ride will be more expensive. Instead, put in “Blue Hat Bistro” for your drop off location. Return here after your time at the market to avoid headache as well.

After Granville Island we walked around in Gastown which is right near the cruise terminal that our ship was leaving from the following day. We enjoyed seeing the cobblestone streets here and then walked out along the seawall near the cruise terminal. We ogled the massive cruise ships thinking about the Disney Wonder that we would board the following day. It was a lot of fun to walk along the sea wall from here. We watched as sea plane after sea plane followed the same landing pattern swooping in from the clear blue sky that was just turning to dusk.

The next morning I went out for a run along the seawall and through Downtown Vancouver. The views along the seawall were stunning. I made a quick stop for a last minute electronics need at an Apple Store and then it was time to get onboard the Disney Wonder for our cruise.

Packing for Disney Alaskan Cruise

You can also see our Disney Cruise Line Packing List for a full perspective on what you need to bring with you.

A couple packing list notes:

• There is a formal night onboard the ship but you do not have to participate if you don't want to. During our sailing about 40% of the passengers we saw were dressed up, but plenty did not.
• There are slippers and a robe in your stateroom for your use throughout the trip.
• For those using a cane, walking sticks were a nice option that my grandmother utilized instead of a cane during this trip.
• We did not plan on doing any laundry during our Alaska cruise but we ended up using the laundry machine after our rainy day in Ketchikan to dry out our clothes. The machines can be operated by tapping your room key and charging the laundry to your room.
• Make sure to bring your binoculars and consider getting a camera extension for your iPhone to increase your zoom strength.
• Each guest 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened champagne or wine or 6 beers on to the ship at the beginning of the voyage and at each port. The beverages must be carried onboard in your carry-on luggage.

General Disney Cruise to Alaska Tips

• The stars in the carpet design in the main hallways all point towards the front of the ship.
• Watch the morning show with the cruise director. We really enjoyed the witty humor from our cruise director, Stephen. We bought in and had a lot of fun watching the show.
• Be ready for anything! During our sailing there was a tugboat strike in Vancouver that was completely outside of Disney's control. The strike led us to leave Vancouver eight hours late which meant that we had to skip Dawes Glacier to make up for lost travel time. This was obviously disappointing (Disney added a state room credit for all guests even though the situation was beyond their control), but we still had a great day weather wise and all the characters were still out with the same celebration.
• There are free charms and a free charm bracelet that are available for guests everyday at a specific time. My aunt and grandmother enjoyed picking up a charm each day. By the end of the trip they had a complete bracelet. The charms are meant to get you in to the store looking at jewelry but they are still a cute keepsake.
• You can tip the Cast Members that work on the cruise at the beginning or end of your sailing. There's a good tip calculator here to think about amounts.
• As with anything Disney, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion while onboard. There are always magic makers looking to help!
• Get outside! The views throughout your cruise are just incredible. Bring enough layers so you are always comfortable stepping out to your own verandah or the general decks so you can take in the majesty of the inside passage.

Take a look at a nice promo video from Disney here that captures many of these views:

We were hosted on this cruise to Alaska by Disney Vacation Club so that we could provide coverage of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise and witness some of the highlights from Disney Plus day. All opinions expressed here are our own.

Ready to Plan Your Disney Cruise?

Be sure to join our FREE Mickey Visit newsletter for the latest on Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and Walt Disney World. We have over 105K subscribers on our newsletter. Join us! Be sure to request a no-obligation FREE quote from our travel partner. For a limited time you'll get up to a $400 onboard credit when you book via our Mickey Visit page.

Here are some of our other guides helpful planning guides

• Disney Wish – Tour of Disney's Newest MEGASHIP
• How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost? 2024 Pricing Explained
• Guide to Disney Cruises – What You Need to Know
• Top Tips For Your First Time Disney Cruise
• Review of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise – Worth It?
• Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews – Best Hotels On Property

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Gavin Doyle

Gavin Doyle is a best-selling author and founder of Mickey Visit. He is an expert on helping families save money and experience more at Disney, Universal, and beyond. He has been featured in Forbes, ABC7, Travel+Leisure, the OC Register, Orange County Register, LA Times, Yahoo! News, and more.

Read more about Gavin.

Planning a Disney Vacation? Get Exclusive Discounts + Free Bonuses

In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier.

2 comments add your comment

All the tips in the above article are super helpful. Thank you

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback. Have a great cruise!

Previous Post: PHOTOS! Princess and the Frog STORE Now Open in Disneyland

Next Post: BREAKING! Disneyland Merriest Nites Party Will NOT Return to Disneyland in 2022

• Disney Cruise Line / Itineraries / Ships

Trip Report: Disney Cruise Line Sailing To Alaska (Part 1)

by Sarah Phillips · August 1, 2022

An Alaskan vacation is always going to be amazing, but make it a Disney Cruise to Alaska and you are going to be blown away. My family recently returned home from sailing aboard the Disney Wonder and I wanted to share all of the fantastic details from our journey.

There is so much to tell that I’m needing to split this up into two parts! For this article I wanted to cover everything leading up to the cruise itself.

Our journey really began 2 days prior to sailing with an at home COVID Test. At the time I’m writing this Disney Cruise Line requires all guests (ages 5 and older) to be fully vaccinated and also to complete pre-trip COVID-19 testing. 15 Days prior to our sail date I created our Safe Passage accounts and uploaded images of our COVID-19 Vaccination Cards.

I also decided to streamline things and purchased our pre-trip, at-home observed antigen test directly from the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics. The cost was $46.58 per test and the box arrived just a few days after ordering it.

The single box includes all the supplies you need and the instructions. We just set it aside until 2 days prior to sailing. 

The next morning we flew out to Vancouver (by way of Seattle) for our Disney Cruise to Alaska. I am a big proponent of arriving at least a day early for cruises. I have seen and heard too many sad stories of missed and delayed flights that cause families to not make it to their ship on time!

Small Tip: Our flights to and from Vancouver were with Delta and included a small layover in Seattle. Delta currently charges $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for your second. With a 7-night sailing plus an additional night in Vancouver we had a lot of luggage. We actually found it was less expensive to upgrade to first class for the super short Seattle/Vancouver leg than have to pay to check our bags. Having part of our flights upgraded meant that we could each check 2 bags (if we wanted) without any baggage fees. This ended up being a savings for us plus we enjoyed all the additional perks like boarding first and having our luggage show up to the Baggage Claim carousel first too. The perks were included even for the flights where we were in Coach.

I will add that in our layover in Seattle we did have to show our Delta Boarding Passes, Passports, and the ArriveCan E-Receipt (see more details below) to the Delta gate agent before boarding our flight from Seattle to Vancouver.

Once we arrived in Vancouver we made our way down to Level 2 and went through Canada Border Services & Immigration which was a very quick and easy process because we took care of a few things ahead of time.

• You must have completed all of your information in the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Canada. In this app you submit your proof of vaccination, passport information, and travel details.
• Once this is completed you’ll also be able to use the Advance Declaration optional feature in ArriveCAN to submit their customs declaration.

After debarking the airplane in Vancouver we used one of the Canadian Border Security kiosks to scan the QR Code from Arrive Can app, scanned each of our passports, and the kiosk took our photos. The kiosk printed out a small receipt that we then showed the Canada Border Services & Immigration officer before heading out. 

Once we picked up our luggage we made our way out of the Baggage Claim area to a greeting area where a Disney Cruise Line representative was waiting. We had booked a pre-night hotel stay at The Vancouver Fairmont Waterfront with our Disney Cruise Line reservation and also added on airport transfers. 

The driver helped us with our bags out to the van that took us to the hotel. Our driver was extremely nice and gave us lots of interesting info about what we were seeing as we drove through Vancouver.

The Vancouver Fairmont Waterfront is extremely beautiful and located literally across the street from the port where we boarded the ship. The only thing I might mention is that this hotel (and most in Vancouver from what I’m told) does not offer rooms with 2 Queen Beds. The rooms come with either one King, one Queen, or two Double beds. So just keep that in mind. My husband and I aren’t accustomed to sharing a Double Bed but it ended up being fine.

When checking into hotel I also made sure to mention that I would be sailing with Disney Cruise Line in the morning to Alaska. I was then handed the below letter with the additional information:

After dropping off our luggage in our room we headed down to the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desk. We had purchased the luggage transfers from the hotel to the port and were told to leave our luggage inside our hotel room the next morning and a Disney Cruise Line representative would come by and collect it beginning at 9am.

We also were invited to meet in front of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desk starting at 10:15am and then at 10:30am a Disney Cruise Line representative would escort the group over to the port. This sounds like a great option to us as our Boarding Group wasn’t technically until 11am so this would get us in the line sooner. 

The Disney Cruise Line representative was also very kind and walked me through the second round of the ArriveCAN app needed before boarding the ship. Technically, this app is needed to be completed twice, the first is done within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Canada. Once you have arrived in Canada you can delete the original ArriveCAN E-Receipt and start a new one for when you arrive in Canada again after the ship has returned after visiting Alaska. This needs to be done before boarding the ship.

Afterwards we left the hotel and explored the beautiful port area which included lots of shops and dining options along the water. 

The next morning we left our luggage as instructed in our hotel room, making sure our Disney Cruise Line luggage tags were attached. We then headed down to the food court located under the hotel and tried out the donuts from Tim Horton’s.

As a side note, there is also a convenience store located underneath the hotel as well. It was a great place to pick up last minute items before boarding the ship.

We still had some time to kill so we made our way over to the Starbucks across the street and then walked over to the port ourselves to take a peek the Disney Wonder who had made it to Vancouver earlier that morning. 

It felt silly but we walked back across the street and met up with the Disney Cruise Line representative who lead us back to the port. But I’m glad we did as she breezed us through and put us right into the line to check-in.

Stay tuned for my part 2 article that covers the rest of our Disney Cruise Line journey to Alaska!

Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As a Travel Planner that specializes in Disney Destinations, I can help you navigate the ever changing climate of Disney vacations. The best part is that my services are complimentary to my clients! Get in touch by filling out the form below, calling toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at  [email protected] ,  or following me on  Facebook!

Tags: Alaska Alaskan Cruise DCL Disney Cruise Line Trip Report Vancouver

Sarah Phillips

Sarah is a wife, a mother of two awesome little boys, and a Disney fanatic. She has turned her passion into a dream career sharing Disney advice with the readers at MickeyBlog and helping families plan their perfect Disney Vacations with MickeyTravels. Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1-800-454-4501 or email at [email protected]!

Get a FREE Quote!

Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? Look no further! The award winning agents at MickeyTravels are ready to help you book a truly magical vacation!

• Name * First Last
• Number of Adults *
• Number of Children *
• Ages of Children *
• Select Your Destination * *hold ctrl or shift to select more Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Disneyland Adventures by Disney Aulani Hawaii Disney Special Event Tickets Universal Orlando
• Approximate Travel Dates *

You may also like...

Star Wars Cargo Bay, Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck and More Coming to Disney Wish

October 7, 2021

You’ll Head to the Alps on the All-New AquaMouse Water Coaster Coming to the Disney Wish!

August 27, 2021

Exciting Internet Changes Coming to Disney Cruise Line

June 6, 2022

Recent Posts

Luminous: The Symphony of Us Hits Streaming Services Tomorrow!

All the Confirmed Park Expansion Changes Coming Soon

MickeyBlog News for April 29th, 2024

Sign-up for Our Newsletter

EPCOT / Walt Disney World

April 28, 2024

Animal Kingdom / Attractions / EPCOT / Hollywood Studios / Magic Kingdom / News / Walt Disney World

Disney California Adventure / Disney Springs / Disneyland Park / Disneyland Resort / EPCOT / News

The Farmers Feast New Summer Solstice Menu is Here!

Protect Your Trip »

The best time to cruise to alaska in 2024.

Plan your bucket list adventure to explore the extraordinary beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska

Getty Images

Alaska's astounding beauty and vast wilderness are unlike any other destination in the U.S. – and even in the world. While you can plan land-based trips to the state, many of Alaska's majestic snowcapped mountains, pristine forests, glacial waterways and abundant wildlife are in remote locations, only reachable by plane or by boat. That's just one of the many reasons why Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Great Land, here are tips on the best times to cruise Alaska.

Best Overall Time: Shoulder Seasons

Best time for warmer weather, best time for wildlife viewing, best time for salmon fishing, best time for the northern lights, best time for shore excursions.

If you want to score a deal and have fewer crowds, travel during the shoulder seasons: May and September. In these months, cruise fares are typically lower and ships are not as full, offering more cabin availability. However, with changes in the global climate bringing more moderate temperatures to Alaska, and the cruise season now extending into April and October, cruisers can also expect to find deals in April and October. There will be fewer sailings to choose from, but you may find lower pricing and avoid the peak-season crowds on the ship and in the ports.

In addition, select shore excursions may be available at a discount in the spring and fall. If you're planning on exploring Alaska on your own before or after your cruise, you'll also find cheaper hotel rates at the beginning or end of the cruise season.

Alaska's weather can change dramatically, especially the further north you go, no matter the month or season. While the weather may not be as predictable in April as in the middle of summer, Alaska can be beautiful in springtime with temperatures in the mid-40s, according to Tyler Hickman, senior vice president of Icy Strait Point, an Alaska Native-owned port in Hoonah and a port of call in Southeast Alaska. Hickman says there are long stretches of sunny days and crisp, clear evenings, offering the opportunity for late-season viewing of the northern lights . He also adds that April is one of the favorite times of year for local Alaskans.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska in April, Norwegian Cruise Line has a few options, including weekly sailings on Norwegian Bliss beginning April 6. The line also offers Alaska itineraries through the end of October. Other lines sailing the extended season in Alaska in late April include Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Line , UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions.

If you prefer to travel in the fall, early October temperatures are usually in the 50s, while the end of the month brings snow in the higher elevations. The days are longer and there are no crowds, so it may be an ideal time to visit if you're not interested in the summer outdoor experiences. Norwegian, Holland America and Seabourn Cruise Line offer sailings in October.

Read: The Best Alaska Cruise Deals

If you'd prefer warmer weather for your cruise, the summer season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September. During that period, daytime temperatures typically range from 60 to 80 degrees, though they can drop into the 40s overnight. You can expect to have between 16 to 24 hours of daylight in the warmer season. May is considered the driest month, with around a 25% chance of precipitation, but the rain becomes more frequent throughout the summer.

Alaska.org, a website run by local Alaskans that provides travel information and recommendations, advises that the best time to visit in summer is from June 15 to July 15. This 30-day period is regarded as the peak season for warm, dry weather – and it's the perfect time for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. If you want to experience the most "midnight sun," plan to cruise a few weeks before or after the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which falls on June 20 in 2024.

Come September, the days are generally shorter, rainier and cooler – but not always. You might get lucky with some unseasonably warm days amid the beautiful fall foliage ; as a bonus, September also means no bugs and fewer crowds.

If you have school-age children, you'll probably need to travel midsummer, during peak season. However, if you're flexible on dates, there's really no bad time to visit this magical destination. Mountain peaks shrouded in clouds or misty days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in late April are as beautiful as sunny days hiking through Tongass National Forest or whale watching on an excursion out of Icy Strait Point in July.

Read: The Best Places to Visit in Alaska

According to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of the top destinations on the Inside Passage itinerary, wildlife viewing is possible year-round, especially if you have your binoculars at hand. When you're not watching for turquoise ice calving in the bay from the glaciers, you might see humpback whales as long as 65 feet or black and brown bears up to 10 feet tall – as well as orcas, harbor and Dall's porpoises, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, sea lions, seabirds, and bald eagles soaring overhead. And that's just what you can view from the ship.

During cruises through the park, rangers board the ships to offer commentary and information about the marine and terrestrial wildlife. They also help spot whales or other animals along the way. One of the highlights while cruising slowly through the park is to go outside on the bow of the ship – or even out onto your veranda – to listen to the incredible silence of this otherworldly place. You may hear nothing at all, or perhaps you'll be treated to the sounds of birds in the distance or the swoosh from a whale's blowhole before it dives down below the water's surface.

It's possible to view certain animals and marine life throughout the year, according to Hickman. "Whale sightings are consistent from May through September, with fewer occurring in April and October as they migrate from or to Hawaii for the winter," he says, adding: "Even on a foggy day when you can't see the whales, you can still hear them and feel their presence – and that's almost as incredible as seeing them from a ship or along the coastline."

If you're interested in spotting brown bears, here is Hickman's advice: "Bear sightings in the spring will depend on the snowpack and when they are leaving hibernation. This year we had very good bear viewing along the Spasski River starting in May when the coastal brown bears emerged from hibernation."

He adds, "They feed on the grass of the valley and eat skunk cabbage roots in May and early June. As the berries start to emerge in June, it holds many of the same bears, and as we get into mid-July, the salmon start heading upstream. There is a constant food source from May through September at Spasski. Many of the other bear viewing areas do not have the same features we have, and it leads to people thinking that bears are only around when fish are in the rivers."

Chichagof Island – the location of Hoonah and Icy Strait Point – was given the nickname "Bear Island" by National Geographic. The island boasts one to two brown bears per square mile, making it one of the largest brown bear populations in the world. Hickman says you're nearly guaranteed to see bears on one of Icy Strait Point's bear-watching tours. Icy Point Strait also offers whale watching adventures and other treks into the wilderness.

Alaska.org points to May through September as the best time for wildlife viewing, though you can spot some animals year-round, like moose or orcas. The website also advises that fly-in bear viewing starts in May but is at its best in July.

Looking to book a cruise to see Alaska's wildlife? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

If you are an avid angler – or just want to watch the bears fish for their supper – then visit Alaska during the peak salmon runs, from May to September. King salmon season begins in May and goes through the end of July. The silver salmon run lasts from July up until the end of November. Red salmon are available between mid-June and mid-August, while you can catch pink and chum salmon in the brief window from mid-July to mid-August.

If you prefer halibut or just want to get out on the ocean, the best time for this wild Pacific species is from May to September. You can also seek out many other river and ocean species, such as rainbow trout, arctic char and northern pike. Cruise lines offer fishing excursions, or you can arrange for a private or group charter in an Alaskan town like Ketchikan.

If you want to see brown bears during the salmon run, book a bear-viewing excursion in one of the ports, such as Icy Strait Point. Or, extend your trip by combining a visit to Katmai National Park and Preserve and the renowned Brooks River with a stay at Brooks Lodge. Brooks Falls is the site for iconic photos of bears catching salmon that are jumping over the falls, and you may be able to view the bears feasting in salmon season when the property is open, from June through mid-September. The lodge is accessible by floatplane from King Salmon. You can also add a flyover tour during your stay to see the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an area in southern Alaska transformed by ash from the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai volcanic eruption.

Aurora season – the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska – runs from mid-August to mid-April. While some passengers cruising the Inside Passage may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon in late summer and early fall, it's not guaranteed. As southeast Alaska typically has more precipitation and clouds since it's a temperate rainforest, you likely won't find optimal conditions for aurora viewing here.

Your chances to see the lights are better the further north you go, so you may want to look at booking a cruisetour: a land and sea package that's usually offered by some of the major cruise lines from May through September. These combined trips generally include the cruise, overnight accommodations in lodges, railway journeys and motorcoach travel between destinations.

With these tours, you'll be able to visit the vast landscape of Alaska, where you can explore cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks or spend time in Denali National Park and Preserve – and you'll have a better chance to view the northern lights. Lines that offer cruisetours include Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises , Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Since 2024 is projected to be one of the best years to view the aurora borealis in Alaska, you might want to extend your trip to venture above the Arctic Circle or into Alaska's interior for a prime viewing opportunity. Fairbanks and the Arctic region are under the auroral oval, which is where the northern lights activity is concentrated. You can watch the forecast for the aurora borealis online at Explore Fairbanks' Aurora Tracker and the Geophysical Institute's Aurora Forecast .

Read: The Top Places to See the Northern Lights

Some of the excursions offered on an Alaskan cruise may be the most expensive tours you've seen on a ship, but they're also probably some of the coolest things you've ever thought about doing while on vacation.

Note that the probability of a tour being canceled for weather is almost the same for all tours offered between April and October, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Some of the more extreme tours, however, may not be available early or late in the season. If you want the best chance for optimal weather, consider the advice from Alaska.org and book your cruise between mid-June and mid-July.

If you're looking at splurging on a bucket list adventure while in Skagway – like Alaska Shore Tours' flightseeing helicopter adventure, which includes a dog-sledding experience on a glacier – you should check to make sure it's available the month you'll be cruising. This particular tour may not be open for booking before May or after September due to the conditions for the sled dogs.

Another over-the-top excursion dependent on optimal weather conditions is the Heli-Hike and Rail Adventure that begins in Skagway. This tour includes a helicopter ride from town that flies over glaciers and mountains, then drops you off for a roughly 5-mile guided hike to view Laughton Glacier and learn about the natural history of the area. After the hike, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad at Glacier Station for the scenic journey through the mountains back to Skagway.

If you're interested in the Misty Fjords Flightseeing tour in Ketchikan, this thrilling ride is also best on a clear day. This Alaskan bush plane tour soars over the Misty Fjords National Monument, which has more than 2 million acres of pristine lakes, waterfalls, ancient forests and snowcapped mountains.

Tours that include activities like mountain climbing or navigating suspension bridges might also be best when done on a sunny day. The prime time for wildlife viewing and fishing, as mentioned above, will depend on what animals you're interested in seeing and which species of fish you want to catch.

The ship's excursion desk, local guides or tour providers can offer the best advice on how to plan your activities. No matter which tours you opt to take, be prepared for the ever-changing weather patterns by wearing layers – and make sure to bring a waterproof rain jacket. Before booking, you should check the individual tour operator's cancellation and refund policy.

Read: The Best Alaska Tours

The Bottom Line

If you're flexible as to when you can travel to Alaska, you may be able to take advantage of lower pricing, travel incentives and added perks in the shoulder seasons – and you'll have fewer crowds than in the busy summer months.

If your goal is to view wildlife, then most of the cruise season, especially from May to September, will offer ample opportunities to see bears, humpbacks whales, bald eagles and other amazing animals – depending on the itinerary and excursions you choose. You'll also be able to catch Alaska's prized salmon throughout much of the cruise season.

And if extreme adventures are going to be the highlight of your vacation, then be sure to check with the tour providers to make sure your top picks are offered when you're planning to travel. Not all tour providers operate the full seven months of the season.

No matter when you decide to visit, a cruise to The Great Land will be one of the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.

Planning a cruise to see Alaska? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship to seek year-round outdoor adventure, view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Flight canceled or delayed what to do.

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

• Alaska Tourism
• Alaska Hotels
• Alaska Bed and Breakfast
• Alaska Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Alaska
• Alaska Restaurants
• Things to Do in Alaska
• Alaska Travel Forum
• Alaska Photos
• All Alaska Hotels
• Alaska Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Alaska
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Two Days in Anchorage pre-cruise help needed - Alaska Forum

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    

Two Days in Anchorage pre-cruise help needed

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• United States forums
• Alaska forum

My travel companions include:

My dad (senior, active but not super strenuous), English not his first language

Me (40s, active, hate heights, unsure about helicopters unless it is sooo amazing I need to suck it up)

Daughter (6 and active as all can be)

What can we do since we are all at different age/activity levels? Bike ride around anchorage will not work because she cannot bike that long. Hikes can be ok, but shorter for both of them.

I saw there are two options for helicopter rides/dog sledding which seem good, but costly. And which one is better? Is it worth the $600+ per person? This would be my one big day/big spend.

Should we take the train down and see Seward ? We will see a couple Glaciers at Glacier National Park and Hubbard Glacier via the cruise . I did the nature cruise in Seward many moons ago and it was ok. Didn't love it.

Getting to Whittier for cruise - should we do Alaska RR or Alaska Cruise Transfer Bus with the Wildlife park visit?

I've never really planned a trip with a senior and child, so this is new territory. Thank you so much!!!!!

3 replies to this topic

And yes, rent the car . You'll be severely restricted if you go only places you can walk to.

The glacier dog sledding in Palmer (1 hr. from ANC) with Alaska Helicopters has much more reliable weather than SE Alaska ( Juneau , Skagway) so it is seldom cancelled. One of the dog sledding companies in Juneau admitted they have a cancellation rate as high as 38%...glacier dog sledding is the most-cancelled cruise excursion in Alaska.

Palmer is an easy drive, and after the dog sledding (do that first so you can better judge the rest of the day's activities for your young one), you could consider stops at Eagle River Nature Center for the easy nature hike, Reindeer Farm in Palmer and/or Musk Ox Farm. Also a quick stop at Eklutna Village to see the colorful Spirit Houses. Then drive the extremely scenic hour south of ANC to Wildlife Conservation Center (check website for possible programs). Besides a few scenic stops, maybe Indian Valley Gold Mine for easy gold panning and/or Alyeska Tram if the weather is clear for a nice view. If time, you could include the easy hike to Byron Glacier. The glacier itself has retreated up the mountain, but there might be snow caves at the base. If there are, take photos from outside: do NOT go inside even if you see fools doing that. People have been injured or even killed when a snow cave suddenly collapses. Also check first to see if there is avalanche danger. If time, back in ANC take the 1 hr. Trolley Tour of the city for a nice overview, or even the longer tour if you want to include some stops that let you get off the bus. Depends how much stamina your dad and daughter have. Do the important things first in case they get tired. You might also check out the ANC playgrounds if Daughter might enjoy spending a bit of time at one of them.

"Is it worth the $600+ per person? "

You're the only one who can answer that. Most people do enjoy dog sledding.

If you're not keen on seeing marine wildlife out of Seward , don't go that far.

Consider Glacier Quest cruise out of Whittier prior to boarding the cruise ship. It's short (so better for small kids), gets you closer to a couple of tidewater (calving) glaciers than your cruise ship is likely to get, plus has a chance to see a bit of wildlife (birds, sea otters). Very scenic, too. No worries about seasickness since the company has a money-back guarantee!

As for how to get from ANC to Whittier: depends if you want to spend the morning in ANC or if you have something planned for Whittier such as the day cruise .

On one day, I would explore the Mat-Su Valley:

Independence Mine State Historical Park

Iditarod Museum

Reindeer and/or Musk Ox Farm

Possibly Eagle River Nature Center on the way back to Anchorage

On the other day in Anchorage, if good weather:

Hike at Glen Alps - in order of increasing difficulty: accessible overlook trail, walk on the Powerline trail as far as you like, Little O'Malley

Potter Marsh

Walk at Kincaid Park

If bad weather:

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Trolley Tour

Possibly Anchorage Museum

Both above have suggested great options. Some will depend on arrival time, but the more time you have the better. I personally think the train ride is WAY TOO slow and wastes time you could be doing other things. So, unless the train is a must, I'd find other ways to get there. Transport bus is cheaper and quicker.

• Rough Itinerary 8/22 - 9/25 ish with questions 9:51 pm
• Remote cabin with fireplace within an hour of Denali 9:22 pm
• Land tour recommendations 9:21 pm
• Anchorage trip 4/12-4/15/24 9:08 pm
• Mendenhall visit by canoe or hike? 8:54 pm
• Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight or both 8:22 pm
• White Pass Scenic Drive and Rail 7:36 pm
• Helicopter in Juneau - Norris Glacier or Mendenhall Glacier 7:28 pm
• Denali to Glennallen area 3:40 pm
• portage glacier 2:03 pm
• Alaska road trip options 1:59 pm
• Executive lounge at Crowne Plaza 1:21 pm
• We've got ONE day... 1:08 pm
• Two Days in Anchorage pre-cruise help needed 12:20 pm
• "TOP 10" Recommended Things to See & Do in Alaska 7 replies
• Best way to see Alaska 5 replies
• Alaska cruise - best choice cruise line 10 replies
• Train to Alaska from Vancouver 3 replies
• Alaska in August... WHat to expect 7 replies
• Holland america vs Princess Cruise 16 replies
• Bear Lodge in Fairbanks 10 replies
• Estimated Drive Times - are these accurate? 5 replies
• Cell Phone Coverage 16 replies
• Best time of year for Whales & Bears 3 replies

Alaska Hotels and Places to Stay

• Why KEEP ALL QUESTIONS in 1 original thread?
• Why post SPECIFICS about your question initially?
• RESOURCES for planning a trip?
• Why study a MAP of Alaska?
• Weather and sunrise/sunset?
• Which rental companies offer one way car rentals?
• BEAR viewing trips?
• Coupon books?
• FISHING in Alaska?
• CLOTHES for summer travel?
• Renting an RV in Alaska?
• Web cameras for Alaska?
• Car camping in Alaska?
• Trip Reports 2020
• Self-serve laundromats?
• Free wifi in Alaska?
• Panning for gold ?
• Seeing NORTHERN LIGHTS?
• Mileage and travel times?
• Scenic drives?
• Alaska by TRAIN: Alaska Railroad?
• BEAR SAFETY in Alaska?
• Where can I go bear viewing by boat?
• TRIP REPORTS 2020
• TRIP REPORTS 2019
• Trip Reports for previous years

Alaska Travel Blog

Insights, advice, and a few adventures from our team of Alaska travel experts.

Popular Posts

• Alaska National Park Tips
• When Should I Travel?
• Alaska Must-Dos
• Best Drives in Alaska

Even though we're lucky enough to live and work in beautiful Alaska, we still have the curiosity of first-time visitors. That's what these articles are all about: Exploring favorite places, planning new trips, and sharing it all with you.

We'll see you out there!

How to Explore Glaciers Near Anchorage, Alaska

Are there glaciers near Anchorage? Oh yeah. Here's how to explore four glaciers close to Alaska's largest city. Learn More >

Trip Report: Denali Glacier Landing Flight from Talkeetna

Head out with Travel Specialists Tyler and Matt on an unforgettable Denali flight and glacier landing. Learn More >

What's New in Alaska in 2024

Check out what's new to see and do in Alaska in 2024. Learn More >

Trip Report: Glacier Blue Kayaking

Head out with Travel Specialist Ana on an unforgettable day at Spencer Glacier. Learn More >

Best of Alaska 2023

The year's best of the best excursions, lodging, and more based on guest ratings. Learn More >

10 Family-Friendly Activities in Alaska

Ready for an epic family vacation to the Last Frontier? Alaska is perfect for families looking to create some unforgettable memories. Learn More >

Guide to Getting Around Denali Without a Car

Concerned about visiting Denali without a car? Don't be! This national park is well-suited to car-free travelers. Learn More >

Tips for Whale Watching in Alaska

What to look for on the water to spot some of Alaska's iconic whales. Learn More >

Best Places to See Alaska’s "Big 5" Wildlife

The best places to see moose and more in Alaska. Learn More >

Dome Train Difference

The lowdown on deluxe dome trains in Alaska, from routes to rates to recommendations. Learn More >

Planning Your Second Trip to Alaska

Four tips to help you craft the best experience on your second go round in Alaska. Learn More >

Staff Picks - Favorite Eats, Hikes, and Things to See

Our favorite places to eat, hike, sightsee, and generally have a grand time all through Alaska. Learn More >

How to Choose the Right Alaska Activities for You

The low down on top picks for excursions based on how you like to explore a new place. Dip your toe, or go big? Learn More >

3 Reasons to Read Your Travel Documents

The secret to easy travels? Check your travel documents! Learn More >

Tranquility at the Alaska Glacier Lodge

Take a deep breath, relax, and unwind at this backcountry lodge just an hour from Anchorage. Learn More >

What to Pack For Alaska: Your Itinerary Edition

Our best advice on what to pack and bring along on each activity in our most popular trip itinerary. Learn More >

How it Works: Denali Park Bus Tours

Pickup details, seating info, and what you'll experience on your tour. Learn More >

All About the Alaska Railroad

Where does it go? How do I book tickets? What's it like onboard? Find the details here. Learn More >

Alaska’s Best Breweries

Our top picks for craft beer in Seward, Homer, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Valdez, and Fairbanks. Learn More >

5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Trip to Seward

Must-sees in one of Alaska's must-visit destinations. Learn More >

Most Common Alaska Travel Planning Mistakes

Our Alaska travel experts chime in on the most common mistakes Alaska travelers make when planning their first trip to the 49th state. Learn More >

Top 5 Seward Hikes for Visitors

The diversity of Alaska's wild places shines in these favorite hikes near the coastal town of Seward. Learn More >

Best Places to Eat in Alaska

Our top picks for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks in Alaska's most popular destinations. Learn More >

Top 5 Denali Park Hikes for Visitors

Easy, moderate, and downright difficult trails you can't miss in Alaska's best-known national park. Learn More >

4 Unique Ways to Experience Denali National Park

In a destination unlike any other, here's how to experience Denali National Park in a whole new way. Learn More >

Down and Dirty Alaska Travel Advice

Enough with the grandeur, here's the practical advice you need to love your trip to Alaska. Learn More >

What to Pack for Your Alaska Vacation

What to bring to make the very most of your time in Alaska. Learn More >

5 Things to Do with Your Free Time in Anchorage

What to do with three hours to a full day in Alaska's largest city. Learn More >

Short List: 3 Picturesque Pullouts

You're going to want to stop a lot on your Alaska road trip. Pencil these pullouts in. Learn More >

A Practical Guide to Kenai Fjords National Park

How to get to Kenai Fjords, what to see and do there, and where to stay. Learn More >

Homer Through the Lens

The dazzling water of Kachemak Bay. Artist enclaves and world-class fishing. Glaciers, mountains, and beaches to comb. Discover the picturesque charm of Homer, Alaska. Learn More >

5 Alaska Destinations that Will Make You Go Wow

From the highest peaks to the deepest fjords, discover five of the most wow-inducing destinations in Alaska. Learn More >

Deciding on Denali Lodging

A breakdown of Denali National Park lodging to help you pick the perfect place to stay. Learn More >

5 Alaska Activities Worth Splurging On

If you have room in your Alaska travel budget for a big-ticket item, here's where to spend it. Learn More >

Best Places to Photograph Denali

When the "mountain's out," capture its beauty from one of these especially scenic vantage points. Learn More >

Alaska Must-Do's

Denali flightseeing, iceberg kayaking, etc. Just a short list of the very best Alaska tours as told by our crew of local Alaska travel experts. Learn More >

Top 5 Anchorage Hikes for Visitors

Explore Anchorage's wild side by foot on these favorite hikes near town. For every hiker type, from the casual walker to avid climber. Learn More >

Trip Report: One Traveler's Perfect Alaska Roadtrip

Favorite moments and travel tips from a past guest whose Alaska vacation inspired some of our top self-drive trip packages. Learn More >

7 Reasons You’ll Love Fall in Alaska

From the changing colors to the Northern Lights and lack of mosquitoes, here's why you should plan your trip to Alaska in the fall. Learn More >

Short List: 3 Driving Tips for Alaska Travelers

No speed bumps here. It's everything you need to know to make your self-drive Alaska vacation a breeze. Learn More >

The Top 5 Best Drives in Alaska

Take to the open road on five of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Learn More >

Past Guest Advice for Future Alaska Travelers

Past Alaska travelers give tomorrow's visitors their advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of trip to the Last Frontier. Learn More >

Planning Ahead for Cruise Transportation

Cruising through Seward or Whittier? Plan your cruise transportation ahead of time with these helpful tips. Learn More >

Elite 8: Tips for Traveling to Alaska's National Parks

Best advice for visiting each of the eight major national parks in the state. Learn More >

Trip Report: Weekend Away in McCarthy and Kennicott

We wanted adventures off the beaten path. McCarthy and Kennicott delivered. Learn More >

How to Choose a Seward Day Cruise

Tips for picking a boat tour based on where you want to go, what you want to see, how you're traveling through Seward, and more. Learn More >

Banned Roads in Alaska

Call it typically Alaskan that several of our "highways" are actually gravel roads. Here's how to drive them with a rental car. Learn More >

Alaska Wildlife Guaranteed Viewing (Really!)

Moose and bears, puffins and sea otters. If you don't want to leave Alaska without seeing wildlife safely, here's where to go. Learn More >

Four Tips for Saving on Transportation in Alaska

Alaska's big and getting around can be spendy. Make your travel budget go farther with our four top tips to save on rail, motorcoach, and rental cars. Learn More >

When Should You Travel in Alaska? It Depends

From the bustling energy of the summer months to the serenity of Alaska in the winter, here's how to pick your best time to visit. Learn More >

Explore the Great Northwestern Fjord

How to become one of the lucky few who experience Kenai Fjord National Park's remote reaches. Learn More >

Spotlight on the Wilderness Express

The views, the food, the service! Treat yourself to a ride on Alaska's premier private dome train service. Learn More >

Meet the Huskies Who Call Denali Home

Although you'll come to Denali National Park for the mountain, it's the sled dogs you'll fall in love with. Learn More >

Trip Report: Kayaking Bear Glacier

Kayaking through icebergs in a glacial lagoon protected from the raging Gulf of Alaska by a huge moraine. Just another day in Alaska. Learn More >

Trip Report: Disney Alaskan Cruise Embarkation

Posted on Published: June 15, 2017

If you love - share with a friend!

Welcome to my first post for my detailed Trip Report Cruising to Alaska on the Disney Wonder.

Embarkation day beings with the family packing everything up from our three-day trip in Vancouver, and walking over to Canada Place. When packing, we made sure that our carry-ons had all of the essentials including but not limited to: passports, medications, 24 bottles of water, two bottles of wine per person (six for our family), cameras and lenses, and binoculars.

This post contains affiliate links, advertisements, and links to the Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more, go to my Disclosure page .

In hindsight, our family had over packed, so we took a taxi from Delta Vancouver Hotels and Suites to Canada Place. We told our taxi that we were going on a Cruise, but there was some confusion on where we needed to be dropped off. Finally, with some clarification, we were able to get our taxi to drop us off in the Passenger drop-off zone, which is down a ramp off the foot of Howe Street. There is a Sign that says “Cruise Ship Terminal Ramp Access” – this is where you want the taxi to turn.

Want to learn more about an Alaska Cruise?

Download sunset chasers free book, disney – have a magical cruise.

Once the taxi dropped us, and all the bags off, the Disney cast and crew started taking over, and the magic began. Our luggage already had our Disney stateroom identification on it, so the attendant was able to take the luggage (we would later see it around 5 pm).Once the crew collected our luggage, we went on our merry way to continue with the check-in process.

Canada Place was very well organized when it comes to finding your way around to get on the proper cruise ship. Luckily, the port was not too busy because only the Disney Wonder and Norwegian Sun and everyone had signs directing you to which holding area one needed to go to for check-in.

We were supposed to board between 12-12:30 pm, but my sister had a snafu with her luggage, so we didn’t board until closer to 2:30-3:00 pm. The only good thing about boarding so late is that there was barely anyone in line! We then took an elevator up so we could continue on with the check-in process.

Since this was our first cruise, we, of course, didn’t know what we were expecting to do. We had read online that the process could take between 1-2 hours so we were nervous about waiting in long lines since we came so late. in the day We entered the Disney check-in area and went straight to booth 12. There weren’t any lines, but Disney was prepared with long queues and chairs for those waiting to sit. During check-in, our cast member had us smoosh our faces together to take one big selfie. Now I thought this was strange (why wouldn’t we take individual photos?). But I guess if something happened to someone in our party they would be able to identify us easily as a group.

We then received a card with our booking number 23, room number 7120, and a note saying that our room would be ready at 1:30 pm. We were also given our Keys to the World and the Welcome Aboard Navigator.

The only area that had a line was the Youth Activities. We didn’t need to sign anyone up for these activities (I’m the youngest of our crew at 30). If you are traveling with children, you should sign them up for their activities before boarding the ship because there are even longer lines to combat with once onboard.

After the check-in process, we were ushered to go through customs and security. Mom was given a little green rectangle since she was in the transport chair and we didn’t have to wait in all of the lines until it was time to actually. Since they prefer for people of the same party to stay together while going through customs, we were not able to go through the fast lane, but the wait wasn’t extremely long.

Our last stop before we could board the ship was hoisting up our luggage to show a cast member the six bottles of wine we were bringing on board. He just needed to inspect the wine label and that each bottle was sealed.

After about an hour or so of checking in, customs, and security we were ready to board the ship! There were multiple areas where we could have had our photos taken by cast members, but we quickly declined. We are more of a “let’s take photos of our trips” instead of “having photos taken of us” type of family. All three of us took our Key to the World and buzzed into the ship. We walked down a long gangway where we then boarded on the fourth deck where a cast member asked me what our last name was.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Stepping onto the ship, a cast member said into a microphone “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Lindsly family!” as we walked into the atrium. It felt like we were movie stars!

Since we boarded behind schedule, Mom and Ally’s job was to go straight to the room and hang the door hanger while mine was to go to guest services to figure out a couple of things.

Guest Services

How do i get the free 50 mb of internet.

a. The Back of the Navigator tells you! You log onto the DCL-Guest WiFi network, go to www.dclguest.com and create an account, and get your free 50 MB package per person in your stateroom! Each person must sign up for his or her own accounts.

What Beverage Seminars can I sign up for?

a. By the time we signed up, many of the sessions were already filled, so we signed up for a Mojito tasting, a whiskey tasting, and a cognac tasting. We ended up canceling the cognac tasting later in the week.

A couple of other things that I could have taken care of but they were all taken care of before I even got on the ship. But here are some things you may need to do when boarding the ship:

• Changing a dining assignment.
• Getting Palo Reservations
• Signing up children for Youth Activities.
• Getting Meet & Greet Tickets for character greetings.
• Reserving Excursions.
• Booking Spa & Salon services.

Do you need a Travel Agent to Book your Disney Cruise?

Do you find booking travel for a Disney Cruise stressful? Have the Travel Professionals at our sister company Sunset Chasers Travel Agency, book everything for you, from flights, Hotels, transfers, cruise, and Excursions. Sunset Chasers can do it all!

You can easily fill out this form to get your vacation on the books! Mention that Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants sent you for a little onboard treat!

Lunch and Safety Drill

After running up to our room to lighten up my purse, my family headed to Cabanas for a buffet style lunch before we had to do the Mandatory Guest Assembly Drill. We were very overwhelmed with the number of food choices that we all opted to grab some fried chicken, put it on a salad, and grabbed some random odds and ends – French fries, ice cream, egg rolls, etc. Our plans were to go to Triton’s, but it was only open from 11:45-1:30 pm. If you dined at Triton’s, you would have more of a sit-down dinner, instead of a buffet style lunch.

From 3:45-4:15 pm all ship activities and services were suspended, and we reported to Animator’s Palate as our designated disaster drill. Luckily we were inside because some people were outside for the drill! During this time we shared a table with another family, and they told us all of their past stories on other Disney Cruises, we ran into them a couple of times on the ship later in the week. Once the drill started, the cast members instructed us what we needed to do in case of an emergency and then we were allowed to leave to enjoy the rest of the evening!

Sail Away Deck Party

Mom and Ally went to the Deck 9 Stage Party to get a good seat, while I ran down to Port Excursions. The Port Excursions Desk sent me a note asking about the accessibility issues of our cabin since I had pre-registered mom’s transport chair and cane. The note was to make sure that mom was able to board the Tracy Arm Excursion.

After meeting the family on Deck 9, my mom and sister greeted me with a Sail away Cocktail! My first cocktail of the trip was a strawberry daiquiri and pina colada blend that tasted like it had minimal alcohol. Once the show started, the ship took off from Canada Place, and all cast members and characters started dancing and joining in on the fun. The Sail Away Show is quite fun to watch, and if you can, grab a spot on Deck 10 to get an overlook of the entire party. During the show, the ship sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge.

After the Sail Away Party, we went to our room to open our first two bottles of wine – See Ya Later Sparkling Brut with See Ya Later Vidal Ice Wine – so we could make a Canadian Mimosa. We sat on the balcony to enjoy the scenery and plan out the rest of our evening and the week by looking at the digital navigator.

Evening Activities

We were supposed to go to Animator’s Palace the first night for dinner but decided that we were full from lunch and just wanted to relax. Skipping dinner apparently made our host Winston very nervous because when he entered our room, he asked us “Why didn’t you go to dinner!” We assured him that we were fine (I had ordered a cheese plate and some salads from room service) and that we would be promptly out of our stateroom for the 8:30 pm showing of Be Our Guest.

We ended our first day by watching the Broadway style show – Be Our Guest! On the way into the theater, one can buy drinks, candy, or popcorn – but honestly, with all the free food on the boat, I don’t see why one would need to buy additional snacks.

Be Our Guest was the Welcome Aboard show, which showcased a little snippet of every each show for the rest of the cruise. We saw pieces of Peter Pan, Frozen, Magic of Kalin & Jinger, Music & Comedy of John Charles. The funny thing about this later show is that all the children come in their pajamas and one by one their parents had to take them out of the theater and back to their the stateroom. I did notice that most of the kids either paid super attention to the show or were wiggling around in their seats. One fun fact – if you wanted to skip the show you can always catch the show four different times on your stateroom’s television screen.

After the show, my family did some exploring while walking back to our stateroom. Since we were forward and close to the gym, my sister and I ran up to see if we could join the spin class for the next morning. We were numbers nine and ten on the waiting list of only ten bikes, so we didn’t even attempt to go to spin class for that second day. Once we entered back into our room, we received our first towel animal – a swan!

The next day – May 30 – was our first full day at Sea . We spent most of the evening sitting on the balcony and comparing the digital navigator to the paper navigator trying to figure out everything we wanted to do on our first full sea day.

Pin for Later

Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.

Delicious Dining on the Disney Wonder (Part 1) - Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants

Saturday 3rd of February 2018

[…] Day 1 – Room Service for Dinner; Embarkation […]

Hotel Review: Delta Vancouver Hotel and Suites - Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants

[…] plan was to spend two and a half days and three nights galavanting in Vancouver, Canada before our Disney Alaskan cruise – but the travel gods had something else in mind – spend most of the day chilling in a […]

My Homepage

Monday 24th of July 2017

... [Trackback]

[...] Read More: plaidshirtyogapants.com/2017/06/15/disney-alaskan-cruise-embarkation/ [...]

Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants Received the Versatile Blogger Award - Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants

Sunday 25th of June 2017

[…] I went on my first ever Cruise to Alaska in 2017, but it took me over 3 years to plan and […]

Francesca Dave

Tuesday 20th of June 2017

My family and I are leaving on July 9 for the 7 day cruise to Alaska. I am working on an autograph book for my niece and daughter and I am looking for a list of characters that will be on board. Just wondering if you have a list of all the characters you guys saw or on board when you sailed? I appreciate the help. Thank you!

I can see if I can pull up my navigators but I know disboards.com posts navigators. I saw: donald, daisy, Minnie, Mickey, princess tiana, but there were so many characters meet and greets that there are plenty more! On Endicott (Tracy) arm day I saw Mickey and Minnie in their Alabama gear and the 30 year old geek in me got some excited (https://instagram.com/p/BU2HCIDlh1p/) I also took a selfie with Donald in the hallway because we had matching plaid shirts (https://instagram.com/p/BU71eHeFicY/)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Live Cruise Reports

Live Trip Reports from across the Community, hand-picked by your Community Team.

Live! Radiance of the Seas - Panama Canal cruise - April 8, 2024

Teeara posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International , April 6

• 281 replies

LIVE from Oasis of the Seas Transatlantic (with bonus Disney World) April 2024

laurieal posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International , April 10

• 441 replies

Semi-Live from the Epic | Transatlantic from Orlando to Rome | April 7 to 19, 2024

OrcaGirl posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line , April 6

• 139 replies

Live - Vision of the Seas, April 12th from Norfolk!

Rewind posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International , April 11

Live from Regatta

judi666 posted a topic in Oceania Cruises , April 6

• 185 replies

Live, NCL Spirit-Tahiti to Hawaii 4/10 - 4/22

Rick&Jeannie posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line , April 11

• 178 replies

LIVE: Salt Lifer hitting the high seas! Ascent, April 7-14, 2024

Salt Lifer posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises , April 5

• 161 replies

Grandeur Live! New York to Barcelona Transatlantic Crossing

GMIAC posted a topic in Regent Seven Seas Cruises , April 10

• 108 replies

Reflection 4/13/24 and 4/21/24 B2B Live Review

Kteacher posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises , April 9

• 197 replies

***LIVE*** from MSC Divina YC (Yacht Club) - Western Caribbean Miami 7 April to 18 April 2024

Best Cat Mom posted a topic in MSC Cruises , April 7

• 141 replies

BTimmer's Almost Live Sydney - Seattle 4/10/24-5/12/24

Btimmer posted a topic in Princess Cruises , April 9

​ LIVE! * Harmony OTS * April 7 - 14, 2024 * ATS-2 🤩 ​

HBCcruiser posted a topic in Royal Caribbean International , April 3

• 268 replies

LIVE from the Carnival Mardi Gras April 6th-13th

GothOnAShip posted a topic in Carnival Cruise Lines , April 5

"LIVE' from Celebrity BEYOND - April 12th, 2024 Sailing: 10-night Ultimate Caribbean!

PinkSandGirl posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises , April 4

• 368 replies

Japan Intensive Live -Take 2

uktog posted a topic in Azamara , April 4

Mostly Live. Explorer-Tokyo to Vancouver

mj_holiday posted a topic in Regent Seven Seas Cruises , April 1

***LIVE*** from the MSC Seashore: A Solo Experience in YC + Side-by-Side Comparison to Seascape - March 31 - April 6, 2024

FamilyAtSea.travel posted a topic in MSC Cruises , March 31

*LIVE* Norwegian Encore – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean March 31, 2024 – April 7, 2024

BirdTravels posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line , March 31

• 254 replies

Live from Beyond - Day 1 - April 1, 2024

mtempelaar posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises , April 2

Live from the Rotterdam March 29- April 13, 2024 15 days

MissiCruzs posted a topic in Holland America Line , March 29

• 100 replies

Live from the Koningsdam, it's a Solar Eclipse! April 5th to 27th

cruisn71 posted a topic in Holland America Line , April 2

Pirate’s LIVE Girls’ Trip on the Vista…April 6-14, 2024

pirate4me2 posted a topic in Carnival Cruise Lines , March 28

• 345 replies

LIVE from the Enchanted Princess: April 6-13, 2024 - Eastern Caribbean

talkorpi posted a topic in Princess Cruises , April 1

• 137 replies

Live from Celebrity Apex - March 30-April 6 2024/ Western Caribbean / Key West, Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman

JP350 posted a topic in Celebrity Cruises , March 29

NCL Jewel-Tokyo to Alaska live review (maybe...)

natefish95 posted a topic in Norwegian Cruise Line , April 2

• 135 replies

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Have a "LIVE FROM" or "JUST BACK" Trip Report you would like to see here?

Let us know! 

Email [email protected]

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Search forums
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line Forum

Disney Cruise Line Trip Reports

Sponsored by dreams unlimited travel, disney cruise line pre-trip reports.

• Mar 23, 2024
• Disney102015

• Oct 17, 2023
• Apr 7, 2024

• disneyfaninaz
• May 29, 2023

• Jan 25, 2024
• newfamilyman
• Mar 20, 2024

• DMMarla07860
• Sep 1, 2023

• travellingwithnikki
• Mar 2, 2024

• Apr 15, 2024

• Mar 27, 2024

• Jan 7, 2024

• Oct 28, 2023
• Feb 26, 2024

• Jan 22, 2024

• scottishclover
• Aug 30, 2019

• Jan 20, 2024

• Jan 19, 2013

• Mar 3, 2023

• Jun 27, 2023
• Jul 26, 2023

• kittylady1972
• Sep 26, 2023

• Dec 10, 2023
• greensombrero
• Nov 3, 2023

• Nov 21, 2023

• Jun 11, 2023

• Oct 2, 2023
• rainbowredpanda
• Nov 10, 2023
• Nov 5, 2023

• Sep 8, 2023
• Mar 4, 2023

• KGmomoftwins
• Aug 31, 2022

DIS NEWS & UPDATES

• New Disney Pixar Fest Digital Wallpapers Are Here
• Beautiful Details Crafted in the Entryway at Fantasy Springs
• New Drone Show Premieres at Hong Kong Disneyland
• See This Incredible Green Twist on Disney's Stuffed Toys!
• Pixar Fest Fun at Disneyland - Parade, Fireworks & More!

New DISboards Threads

• 25 minutes ago
• Disney for Adults and Solo Travelers

• Today at 7:55 PM
• Disneyland (California)

• Nikkimouse44
• Today at 7:15 PM
• DVC-Mousecellaneous

• Today at 6:51 PM
• Community Board
• Today at 5:30 PM

• Today at 5:00 PM

• Walt Disney World News
• Walt Disney World Articles
• Disney Cruise Line News
• Disneyland News
• General Disney News

GET UP TO A $1000 SHIPBOARD CREDIT AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT!

Latest posts

• Latest: Debbie Jean
• A moment ago

• Latest: jemtx
• 2 minutes ago
• Latest: samsp99
• 3 minutes ago

• Latest: Minnie1222
• 6 minutes ago

• Latest: The Big Mermaid
• 7 minutes ago