Alaskan Cruise - trip of a lifetime!
My cruise was a round trip from Seattle, a fantastic city to begin with and I would highly recommend you add on to your cruise holiday and take in some of its sights. The Space Needle offers spectacular views of the city and a visit to the Pike Place Market is worth every minute. Do stop by the Pike Place Fish Co. and see the world renowned singing fishmongers throw their fish!
However, to Alaska was calling and we were eager to set sail.
The cruise ship itself was magnificent with a list of activities and facilities that could keep you busy for days on end. The evening shows were fantastic, not to mention the mouth watering food available all day. The spa was exceptional and several pools ensured that there was never over-crowding. I had an outside cabin which was extremely comfortable and had a picture window, well worth the additional expense on such a scenic trip. However, if money is an issue, rather take an inside cabin and utilise the funds on the excursions. You will not regret it!
Our first stop was actually at the farthest port and the capital of Alaska, Juneau. Interestingly, you can only access this port by sea or air. Here I took an excursion trip to Mendenhall Glacier, part of the 1,500 square mile Juneau Ice field. A walk through the education centre is extremely informative and makes you realise how quickly these glaciers are melting! This was followed by a wildlife cruise where I saw whales, seals and a pair of crowned eagles! The day was finished off with a beer at the local Red Dog Saloon, the oldest man-made drinking establishment in Juneau.
Next stop was Skagway where I chose to board the White Pass Scenic Railway for a trip to the White Pass summit. Whilst seated in the comfortable railcars, you hear the fascinating history of the Gold Rush days and learn of what life was like during those perilous times. This unforgettable journey also shows the incredible engineering feat of building this railway in 1898 through some of the most rugged terrain in Alaska.
It was then time for some adventure as I boarded my helicopter for a flight over numerous glaciers before landing on Denver Glacier and heading to the dog camp. Here I met a professional musher and his dogs before getting a chance to try my hand at handling a sled with my very own team of dogs! It was such an exhilarating experience, albeit a chilly one!
The following day we experienced what the Diamond Princess was really capable of, by cruising the waters of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Sheer walls of snow & ice covered mountains enclosed us on both sides as we moved up the fjord, bumping into small icebergs along the way. Quite daunting, but absolutely spectacular and highlighted by our resident naturalist’s insights into the area as we passed through.
Alaska’s “first city”, Ketchikan loomed and here I started the morning with a seaplane trip over Misty Fjords, made even more enchanting with it being a misty morning! More breathtaking scenery followed as we flew over this immense wilderness area which is actually a national monument, landing on one of the many lakes only to be awestruck by the sheer tranquillity.
Following this, I took to foot transportation and explored some of the many shops in town. Do not miss an opportunity to head to Creek Street, the home of several bordellos in Prohibition days.
Finally our Alaskan ports of call had ended, but up ahead was Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, Canada. This charming city is best viewed from the back of an open horse-drawn carriage. As evening dawns, enjoy the city lights especially over the impressive city hall.
Even as I recount this journey, I am struck by the privilege of experiencing such a trip. If you have ever wanted to embark on a trip of a lifetime like this, why not get in touch and let me help you plan it.