Alaska Cruise

Ah, the famous Alaska Cruise. It seems inevitable for every American. Everyone I’ve spoken to who religiously cruises has been on an Alaska cruise. Sometimes even a hand full of times. I don’t blame them. It’s close to home (if you’re American) and the views from sea are just as beautiful as the views on land.

I was worried about going on this cruise at first because I have seen Titanic so many times. When my parents told me we were going on a cruise where ICE will be ALL AROUND us, I was sure we were going to sink like the Titanic. Maybe even quicker than the Titanic. It is a smaller ship and all.

The cruise I took was the Norwegian Pearl, but there are a few different cruise lines that go on this same trip. They do vary in days and ports slightly.

Cruise Ports

Seattle, Washington (EMBARK)
At Sea
Juneau, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
Glacier Bay (Cruising)
Ketchikan, Alaska
Victoria, British Columbia
Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK)

Juneau

The first must see spot in Juneau, Alaska, is the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. It’s a large moving river of ice that you can stand right beside as the ice drifts past you. Some people even go into the caves of the glacier and walk around inside!

I love how you can see different shades of blue on each layer of this glacier.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest is a unique Alaskan gardens with beautiful flower covered trees and plants in the shape of hearts. My photos, unfortunately, do not do these gardens justice. A majority of my pictures had my family in them or were too blurry and exposed to post. Our little digital cameras may have been acting strange due to the moister in the air or freezing cold temperatures they were exposed to. If you are curious to see how beautiful this place really is, check out their website or do a quick google search.

Skagway

The most popular excursion in Skagway is the White Pass Railway. It’s a 40 mile roundtrip journey on the narrow-gauge railroad to the Klondike. I highly recommend it for train lovers or those looking for an easy but breathtaking activity. The views from the train were beautiful (and a little frightening when were on bridges or narrow cliffs). For the people that like more physical or thrilling excursions, there are many different options for them in and around Skagway. 

Glacier Bay

This is technically a sea day but the cruise sails through some of the 3.3 million acres of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. It’s worth stepping outside to enjoy. Make sure you walk around to both sides or stand in the back so you don’t miss some stunning views.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan was a shorter port stop but we did have time to walk around and go inside of shops near the port after an excursion. I greatly enjoy the experience of shopping in small towns. The history and Native American culture made Ketchikan even more interesting. Try to visit Totem Bright State Park and Tongass National Rainforest if you make a stop here.

Victoria

Victoria is one of my favorite places in Canada because of its British feel and historic charm. While we were in Victoria, we went on a highlights of Victoria tour and visited Craigdarroch Castle. The castle was built in the 1800s by Robert Dunsmuir and it felt like I stepped back in time as I walked through the rooms. I’m also convinced spirits are still occupying the castle because the photos of every room (on two different cameras) had orbs in them. It was actually difficult for me to find pictures without orbs. You’d think I bokehed my photos if you saw my camera roll!

Walking around Victoria in the evening felt so magical with all the lights and horse-drawn carriages on the streets.

SeattleAfter leaving the cruise, we had some time to kill in Seattle before our flight. I had always wanted to go to Seattle and imagined what it would be like to live there. I actually love the rain and overcast weather which made Seattle seem like a dream location for me. Sunny Los Angeles? No, thank you. Put me in rainy Seattle.

& let’s not forgot the coffee culture in Seattle. Can this place get any better?

Has anyone else been to the Gum Wall and were kinda grossed out? haha

I hope I get an opportunity to return to Seattle at one point and go inside more museums.

I know some of you live in Seattle. What are your favorite places in the Emerald City? Please don’t say the Gum Wall. 

-Ayla♥