Remembering My Alaska Cruise: A Delightful Trip Worth Taking

I love remembering my Alaska cruise with my daughter, Peyton, and a few close friends aboard Princess Cruise Lines. Our chosen itinerary was the Inside Passage, starting and ending in Seattle, Washington, with stops in Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau, Alaska, and Victoria, Canada.

Despite the lackluster quality of my pictures compared to today’s smartphone capabilities, I encourage you to consider experiencing an Alaskan cruise, where you’ll enjoy stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

With a plethora of activities and attractions at each destination and unique cultural aspects that are unrivaled, the Inside Passage Alaska Cruise promises an exceptional journey.

Port of Call: Seattle

Before embarking on our Alaskan journey, we spent a few days in Seattle. The city is home to iconic landmarks, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. You can also visit important museums and cultural venues, like Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Taking a day tour of the city is another option, which we did with a local guide. One day, we shared a small bus with about 35 other tourists and went to Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (home of the salmon ladder), Elliott Bay, and shopped at Pike Place Market.

Another day, Peyton and I had a stellar brunch at Julia’s on Broadway, walked Fremont District, had coffee at the original Starbucks, went to the Museum of Pop Culture (Experience Music Project at the time), shopped the OG Nordstrom, and had a fantastic Italian meal before calling it a night. 

FYI: I’ve visited Seattle several times, and the city never disappoints.

Port of Call: Juneau

Juneau is a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife. There are plenty of things to do for all interests and age groups. You can explore glaciers, go whale watching, learn about local history and culture, and take in the stunning views from Mount Roberts Tramway.

Juneau, Alaska, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any visitor who experiences it.

Pro Tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes. Many activities involve walking on rocky terrains and uneven surfaces, so having reliable and comfortable shoes is necessary.

Gastineau Guiding Co Photography Excursion

Considering a photography tour as a way to learn from pros and combine sightseeing with my favorite hobby, my 13-year-old daughter Peyton and I opted for the Photography Tour by Land and Sea with Gastineau Guiding. Our tour group traveled by bus to the 16.7 million-acre Tongass National Forest to start the tour.

Despite the misconception that Alaska is always cold, our June weather reached 70 degrees. While hiking through the wildlife-rich forest, we immediately encountered a black bear. Peyton fearlessly approached for a photo-op as I was torn between protecting my child and allowing her to capture the perfect shot.

At that moment, we all stood still, silently observing as the bear walked to the water, pausing to gaze at his own reflection before proceeding. With a collective sigh of relief, our group resumed the tour, satisfied with checked-off bear pictures from our to-do list.

Whale Watching Excursion

During the second part of our tour, we boarded a medium-sized boat where knowledgeable tour guides provided helpful photography tips throughout the trip. Our exhilarating journey took an exciting turn when another boat alerted us about a mama humpback whale and her calf.

The majestic creatures delighted us with their breaching spectacle, captivating our attention for over an hour. Soon, six other boats joined us, all captivated by the whales’ enchanting display. Witnessing their grace and beauty, I found a newfound admiration for these magnificent creatures.

We also enjoyed observing playful sea lions on the buoys, offering excellent photo opportunities. Our adventure concluded with sightings of other whales as we returned. It’s important to note that not all tours are fortunate enough to witness whales daily. Such information is clearly stated on the tickets and within the contract with touring companies.

Fun Fact: The waters surrounding Juneau, Alaska, are home to various whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, and minke whales.

Alaska’s Incredible Glaciers

The beauty of Juneau, Alaska, lies in Mendenhall’s stunning glaciers near the Visitor Center. Photos fail to capture the awe-inspiring depths of ice and the mesmerizing play of colored lights on the sparkling icebergs. The serene ambiance and refreshing chill in the presence of these ancient wonders are truly captivating.

From this spot, I captured numerous extraordinary photographs. Apart from glaciers, a private Seattle tour taught us to spot eagles effortlessly. Thanks to the guide’s tips, I now notice birds of prey wherever I go.

Luckily, during our Alaska cruise with Princess, we encountered countless eagles and even caught a glimpse of eaglets without the distinctive white feathers around their heads and necks.

Red Dog Saloon

Upon returning to our cruise port in Juneau, Peyton and I enjoyed a late lunch at the iconic Red Dog Saloon. Brimming with fascinating memorabilia, lively crowds, and endless fun, this Alaskan attraction gave a perfect ending to our day.

We were enthralled by the talented piano player and singer, who serenaded us with the timeless melody of “Those Were the Days, My Friend,” a song still dear to my heart. Though Red Dog Saloon caters mainly to tourists, one cannot help but revel in the incredible atmosphere. And the food? Beyond satisfactory.

Port of Call: Ketchikan

The second Alaskan destination we visited was Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” It’s a small town that offers incredible views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Top attractions to consider in Ketchikan include visiting the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, the Totem Bight State Historical Park, and the Misty Fjords National Monument.

It’s also a great place to enjoy a fishing trip or kayaking. We skipped an excursion and just enjoyed shopping around town, spending more than enough time in Barnaby’s, which was at the top of my daughter’s list. We ate reindeer sausages from a local restaurant and took dozens of pictures.

Port of Call: Skagway

Skagway is another small town that has retained its historic charm, originally known as a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s. The city is home to historic buildings and museums that showcase the impact of the gold rush on the local economy.

Some of the best things to do in Skagway include taking a scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway tour to the White Pass Summit or booking a Skagway Dog Sledding Tour. We did a Salmon Bake at Liarsville Camp, which was not my cup of tea. The food was decent, and the scenery was good, but we didn’t really enjoy it at all. The one redeeming quality was a stop to walk the Yukon Suspension Bridge. 

I recommend just walking around town if not doing the train ride or dog sledding. It’s a beautiful place to spend time in.

Port of Call: Victoria, BC

After visiting the Alaskan towns, you’ll stop in beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. It’s a compact city with gorgeous gardens, excellent museums, and a range of outdoor activities.

Victoria is home to the famous Butchart Gardens, which features floral displays in a stunning 55-acre setting. It is listed in nearly every publication of Best Gardens around the world.

Peyton and I hired a private tour guide. We rode on a tandem bike through town, soaking up the history and learning many fun and educational details from our knowledgeable guide. We stopped in a famous brewery for a root beer tasting, saw Chinatown, took pictures at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and had high tea at the Fairmont Empress. 

Pro Tip: Victoria’s famous and extremely narrow Fan Tan Alley is a must for all first-timers to the city.

We wanted to visit the Royal BC Museum but ran out of time.

Check out these other cruise ports:

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos