The beauty of Alaska just overflows everywhere you look. It is difficult to put to words the magic that I saw in Alaska. From the endless glaciers, to the wildlife (whales, orcas, eagles, seals, salmon) , I was overwhelmed at what was in front of me every day. For someone who loves to travel and loves the outdoors, it was like being a child on Christmas morning EVERY DAY! Below are some of my favorite things from the trip but you shouldn't take my word on it, you should experience it for yourself!
A cruise is the best way to experience Alaska since there is so much to experience along the coast that due to its location is just cumbersome to try and do via land. Most cruises will port in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. From there it differs on the glaciers and fjords you experience and whether you do roundtrip from the US or do a one way sailing either Northbound or Southbound. Some cruise lines offer cruisetours (land and sea option) that vary in length and cities and National Parks that they explore. If you are able to add onto your 7 day cruise and spend 10 days or more in Alaska, I always say that you won't regret spending that time in interior Alaska. My trip was offered by Holland Cruise Line. I able to experience the brand but also trained on what makes them different. I was also trained on Alaska and what makes it a good fit form some travelers. Alaska is a great destination for a multi generational families so join the grandparents when they plan their trip to Alaska. Not every cruise line is a perfect fit for every traveler and there are many players in the marketplace from mass market cruises to smaller expedition ships, so I do recommend working with a travel agent so that you can be paired up with the best fit for your travel style.
VANCOUVER
Our Holland cruise was a roundtrip out of Vancouver, Canada. So we flew in the night before and explored the downtown area and the historic section know as Gastown. We explored shops and grabbed dinner (the BEST FRIES I ever had!). In Gastown they have a very neat steam clock that plays regularly too. Gastown gets it's name from a single tavern founded by John "Gassy Jack" Deighton back in 1867.
Vancouver itself it a great city to check out pre or post cruise. We didn't get to explore much outside the city but all the more reason to back next time. Leaving the port we had gorgeous views all around us and it was fun to pass under the bridge as we set sail.
TRACY FJORD
Our cruise sailed through Tracy Fjord. Tracy fjord is located southeast of Juneau and it extends over 30 miles long, with nearly a quarter of its area covered in ice. It encompasses some of Alaska's largest glaciers, which often expel enormous chunks of ice into the waters below in a magnificent process known as calving. During the summer cruisers may find icebergs floating along the surface of the water in an array of sizes, from just a few inches up to three stories wide.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Tracy Arm Fjord is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area. The fjord, is encompassed with lush forest where a number of waterfalls cascade down and views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers more spectacular than you could ever imagine.
The cruise offered a limited number of seats on an excursion that dropped you in to the fjord and allowed you to get up close. Unfortunately, it was sold out by the time I was offered a spot to go but I got these cool photos from other passengers on the ship. The views from the ship and the greenish blue water was other worldly.
JUNEAU
Due to the itinerary, our first port stop was in Jueanu. With a total area of 3,255 square miles, Juneau is one of the largest municipalities in the United States and the largest capital in the US by area. The municipality is larger than Rhode Island and encompasses part of a glacier field. As the only state capital in America inaccessible by road, Juneau, Alaska, sports beautiful vistas and glacier views. Juneau is home to over 280 species of birds, brown and black bears, five species of salmon, and whales (primarily humpback and orca).We explored Mendenhall Glacier, Tongass National Forest and did whale watching while we were there.
MENDENHALL GLACIER
Part of our excursion in Juneau was to visit Mendenhall Glacier. There are many ways you can explore the glacier from kayaking, walking the trails around it and ice climbing the glacier. I chose to just walk it because I also wanted to do the whale watching. While we were standing on the shore, we saw an Eagle swoop by and try to get a fish that was along the shore. I do not exaggerate when I say that there were surprises at every corner.
Glaciers continue to get smaller in size and our guide explained how much it had shrunk over the years. Folks it is unbelievable how much it has changed in the last 20 years! It is so sad! These destination continues to change, don't wait if it's on your bucket list!
After we explored Mendenhall, we headed off to see the whale watching. If someone would have told me what we were getting ready to experience, I wouldn't have believed them. I've seen whale watching before but with the gorgeous mountains as a backdrop, it was breathtaking. Most whales in Alaska are feeding before they migrate south for the winter. So whale activity is normally much different in Alaska than in Hawaii, Mexico etc. Most of the time, the whales pop up to the surface but you don't always get to see them breach (jump in to the air) .
Friends, we got to see a mom and her calf breach not only once but multiple times. They put on a show for us. The naturalist that was with us was so giddy with joy that it really made me realize what a special sight we were seeing.
Our captain took us to other points of the harbor and I though surely what we saw could not be outdone. Boy was I wrong! Orca sightings are super rare but we saw a pod six baby orcas. They kept getting closer to the ship as if they were curious about us. They got so close that at one point they blew water out their airhole right next to our boat. We could have reached out and touched them. The videos I took from this day were filled with giggles as I couldn't believe what I saw. The rest of the day back at the ship, my sister and I kept showing each other our photos and just exclaiming, "Oh my gosh! I can't believe we just saw this". I realize we were super blessed to see this and that doesn't always happen when you do a tour that relies on animals and mother nature.
Orca Pod
Whale Watcching
TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST
The Tongass is the nation’s largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage and offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of “wild” Alaska. Tongass comprises the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. It is filled with islands and salmon streams, with towering mountains that sweep down into thick old-growth forest and granite cliffs that drop into deep fjords. Tongass is referred to as a temperate forest as it is found between the tropical and boreal regions, located in the temperate zone. It is the second largest biome on our planet.
We explored Tongass in two different parts. While in Juneau, that area of Tongass was a younger part. Our naturalist explained that they could tell this by all the moss that it had. We partnered up with a group that had private access to that part of the forest which meant that it was quiet and not a lot of foot traffic. It was like being in a forest of fairies with all the moss and mushrooms.
SKAGWAY
Our next stop was in Skagway. Skagway is a small town that was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest.
The gold rush was a boon and by 1898 Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome. Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavor of the gold rush era.
While we were there we walked around town and explored the old buildings from the gold rush era. We also took the train ride on the White Pass. It was a little foggy that morning but it was neat to see the area from the train and what the miners had to endure to strike it rich.
KETCHIKAN
Based on our itinerary, Ketchikan was our last port stop. It is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.
In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city. Exploring the town, you will see homage to the Native heritage of the Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian. The town has the world's oldest collection of totem poles.
We explored the port town and did a hike in the Tongass National forest looking for salmon spawning with the hopes of seeing some bears in the wild. Unfortunately, we didn't spot any but some of our fellow travelers did. Yikes!
GLACIER BAY
Our second to last day of cruising was in Glacier Bay National Park and it did not disappoint. Not every cruise line is allowed to cruise in Glacier Bay and the national park also limits how many ships each day can visit. So I felt very fortunate to be able to see this beautiful park. A national park ranger joined the ship and shared info about the park. Did you know it is 32,845,000 acres which is the size of Connecticut. To say this land is vast is an understatement!
There are numerous glaciers in Glacier Bay which makes it so magnificent and the largest and most famous glacier is Marjorie. It is 200 ft tall 21 miles long . And we were lucky enough to see it "calve" (chunks of ice break off) while we were there. It was such an amazing experience!
I can't say enough how much I loved my experience in Alaska and I can't wait to help more people experience this destination. Remember not every cruise line, ship or itinerary is a good fit for everyone. So please reach out to me so I can help plan a trip that is perfect for you!
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Happy Traveling!
Tammy
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