V is for Vacation

Sail through the crystal blue waters of southeast Alaska and visit the remarkable towns that are unreachable by car. Rich in culture, history and breathtaking scenery, uncover the character that makes each community unique. Visit with friendly locals, indulge in the freshest seafood and learn about Alaskan heritage while making your way through the destinations that developed during the state’s mining, fishing and trading eras.

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1. Juneau
2. Skagway
3. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
4. Ketchikan
5. The Norwegian Encore
6. Cruise Advice for Smooth Sailing

Juneau

Take A Glacier Seaplane Tour With Wings Airways

Nestled on Juneau’s historic waterfront, Wings Airways continues the legacy of aviation in Alaska. Their fleet of seaplanes glide across the channel and embark on a transformative journey into the wilderness. The 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration offers 45 minutes of spectacular views over the Tongass National Forest and Juneau Icefield. Everyone gets a window seat and individual headset that narrates the tour in real time. For a longer experience, the Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Discovery provides a more intimate interaction in the heart of Alaska’s remote wilderness.

Share A Bucket at Tracy’s King Crab Shack

With a line out the door from open to close, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the hot spot for all things crab. Choose from red king, golden king, snow and dungeness crab to create your ideal crab shack combo with mini crab cakes and bisque. Or, opt for a bucket of legs and hear the enthusiastic staff members call out “laaaaaarge bucket!” as they prepare your order. With an electric atmosphere, lively tunes and genuine camaraderie, dining at Tracy’s is more than just a meal – it’s an entire experience!

Sip & Savor Local Brews at Alaskan Brewing Company

Five miles outside of downtown Juneau is Alaska’s oldest continuously operating brewery, Alaskan Brewing Company. In 1986, the brewery produced, hand-packaged and distributed the first 253 cases of its original Alaskan Amber that is still sold today. Their current list of craft beverages embody characteristics of the land: alder-smoked malts, spruce tip ales and glacier-fed IPAs. Visit the downtown Public House and Depot or hop on the free summer shuttle for a 10-minute ride to the Tasting Room.

Expand Your Juneau Adventures

Hike Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls

Enjoy a scenic, leisurely hike to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. Located 13 miles outside of downtown Juneau, the trail begins at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The two-mile round-trip adventure provides breathtaking views of the 377-foot roaring cascade and the stunning glacier in the distance.

Book A Whale Watching Tour

The glistening waters of Auke Bay set the scene for an unforgettable experience. Set out on a quest to spot the majestic humpback whales native to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Always prioritizing the protection of the ecosystem, many local companies take pride in offering tours led by experienced naturalists.

Take A Ride on the Goldbelt Tram

Watch the scenery unfold during the 1,800-foot ascent up Mount Roberts. A six-minute ride on Goldbelt Tram offers panoramic views of Juneau and beyond. At the summit you’ll find Timberline Bar and Grill, The Tr’Ale House beer garden, Chilkat Theater, Goldbelt Gifts, Goldbelt Gallery and a plethora of hiking trails.

Skagway

Ride the Historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

The Klondike Gold Rush created an immediate demand for transportation to the Yukon Territory. Built to replace the treacherous trails, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway began construction in 1898. The White Pass Summit Excursion is a three-hour round-trip adventure perfect for all ages. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as the train ascends nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles. A knowledgable, onboard guide will share pieces of history and highlights along the way.

If you are visiting Skagway by cruise ship, I recommend booking the excursion directly through the railway for a better rate and to support the local community. Booking through the cruise line will allow boarding at the dock. Direct reservations with the railway require riders to board at the train station, a 10-minute walk from the dock.

Indulge in Local Cuisine at Skagway Brewing Company

At Skagway Brewing Company, you’ll feel like family the moment you walk in. Their dynamic menu is curated to satisfy seafood cravings with fresh, locally caught salmon and halibut. Try their signature brew, the Spruce Tip Blonde Ale, or the non-alcoholic Gold Rush Root Beer in a frosted mug! A special shoutout to our server, Brad, for his hospitable personality and knowledgable recommendations.

Try A Sweet Treat at Klondike Doughboy

A staple treat in Skagway, your visit isn’t complete without a stop at Klondike Doughboy. Their signature creation, the doughboy, is Alaska’s equivalent of the traditional elephant ear. Deep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, these warm, mouth-watering confections have customers lining up out the door. The historic sweet treat resembles the pioneers’ methods of frying dough over open fires during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

Browse Novelty Items at the Historic Kirmse’s Curios

Established in 1897, the original Kirmse’s Curios began as a watch repair and jewelry shop out of a tent. A family legacy for decades, the business advertised to tourist boats by painting a billboard on the side of a cliff. The original building is now owned by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and a revised version operates as a gift shop selling local artisan goods.

Expand Your Skagway Adventures

Take A Helicopter Tour & Observe A Dogsledding Demonstration

Soar to great heights above the Alaskan wilderness and Denver Glacier on a scenic helicopter tour with one of Skagway’s many local operators. Upon arrival at the dog sled camp, you’ll be greeted by an experienced musher and their team of friendly huskies. Learn the basics of dogsledding, watch a demonstration and snuggle up with the pups afterwards for photos in the snow.

Hike the Lower Dewey Lake Loop

Trek through the coastal forrest along the Lower Dewey Lake Loop for an adventure with far less tourists. The three-mile trail begins with a steep incline climbing 500 feet in the first half mile. The approximate two-hour trip offers stunning views of the lake, small sandy beaches, twin mountain peaks and local wildlife.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

While Glacier Bay National Park is not a “port” on the cruise itinerary, ships spend an entire day sailing through the icy waters for an intimate glacier-viewing experience. A team of National Park Service rangers spend the afternoon on board providing live narration, conducting educational programs and stamping National Park passports. The ship minimizes activities during the day to encourage guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Glacier Bay.

Highlights along the route include Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier and John Hopkins Glacier. Binoculars are essential for spotting wildlife like otters, bald eagles and mountain goats in the distance. By far my favorite day of the cruise, we were gifted with the perfect weather for sipping hot beverages on the balcony in the silence of nature.

Ketchikan

Stroll Along Historic Creek Street

Ketchikan’s historic boardwalk, Creek Street, was built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek in 1903. It later became a red-light district and hot spot for bootleggers during Prohibition. Today, the colorful community operates as a popular destination for pedestrians featuring shops, galleries and museums. Active year-round, the area presents seasonal opportunities to catch salmon running.

Uncover Native History at Totem Heritage Center

Known as the “Totem Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is proud to exhibit the largest collection of standing totems in Alaska. The Totem Heritage Center is home to salvaged totems from the 19th century found at abandoned native sites. Take a self-guided tour through the museum and uncover the lore behind years of intricate carvings. Guides are present to share indigenous tales and answer questions.

Treat Your Tastebuds at Alaska Crêpe Co

Always crispy and flaky, the choice is sweet or savory! Alaska Crêpe Co serves hearty, Alaskan-style French pastries made with only the freshest ingredients. Their generously stuffed creations are hand-crafted daily. The star of the menu is the wild Alaskan smoked salmon crêpe. Packed with smoked salmon, goat cheese, green onions, baby spinach and homemade dill aioli, it’s a blend of flavors you won’t want to skip!

Hike Married Man’s Trail

Located just off Creek Street, the tale of Married Man’s Trail is said to have been an escape route for married men visiting the former red-light district and speakeasies. A series of steps and narrow walkways runs .2 miles from Stedman Bridge at the Salmon Ladder to Cape Fox Lodge and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Hike to the top and take the tramway down, or vise versa.

Expand Your Ketchikan Adventures

Catch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Grab a seat for an exhilarating showcase of skill and strength that is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The competition combines comedy and athleticism to tell the story of southeast Alaska’s logging history. Observe demonstrations of axe throwing, log rolling, chainsaw carving and tree climbing in a thrilling one-hour production.

Embark on A Fishing Excursion

Suit up in waterproof gear and head out to sea for a salmon fishing adventure with one of Ketchikan’s many local tour operators. With no experience needed, a knowledgable guide assists with setting the line and provides a hands-on opportunity to reel in your catch. Ship home your salmon for the ultimate Alaskan souvenir!

Norwegian Cruise Line offers an array of Alaska Cruise Itineraries beginning at a minimum length of seven days. There are options for both round-trip or one-way sailings. Ports of departure include Seattle, Washington; Whittier, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Honolulu, Hawaii; and even Tokyo, Japan. After taking into account sailing dates, overall price, cabin availability and convenience, I embarked on the 7-Day Alaska Round Trip from Seattle.

Staterooms

From affordable studios to family-sized suites to a luxurious penthouse at The Haven, the ship accommodates all types of travelers and a variety of group sizes. Designed to be your home at sea, each stateroom provides comfortable bedding, ample storage space and fully equipped ensuite restrooms.

Entertainment

Zip around the Encore Speedway go-kart track, take part in live renditions of popular game shows, take a Behind the Scenes Tour, and more! Drop the kids off at Splash Academy and grab a cocktail from one of the many bars and lounges. From early morning until after the sun goes down, cruisers of all ages will find a wide range of entertainment options.

Cruise Advice for Smooth Sailing

One-Way✅ vs Round-Trip Cruising❌

While there is great convenience in beginning and ending a cruise in the same city, this may lead to more time at sea than you bargained for. One-way cruises not only give cruisers more time in each port of call, but also adds another destination to explore at the end of the trip. Additionally, one-way journeys eliminate unnecessary days at sea while backtracking to the original embarkation port.

Interior❌ vs Balcony Rooms✅

Balcony rooms are an essential upgrade for an Alaska cruise. During cruising days through Glacier Bay or Icy Straight, main decks and viewing lounges are often packed and noisy. Enjoy the incredible views from the comfort of your own private balcony in comfortable attire and never worry about losing your spot.

Time Allotment in Ports of Call

Knowing the allotted time in each port of call is vital for booking excursions and scheduling activities. Visits ashore can range from full-day to as little as four hours, so be sure to research and plan accordingly. It is recommended to be prepared to disembark as soon as the ship docks to avoid the crowds.

Last-Minute Deals✅

Booking last minute can be risky, but may significantly make a difference in the vacation budget. Cruise lines often lower prices as embarkation day approaches in an attempt to fill empty cabins. This method of booking isn’t always suitable for travelers looking for specific cabin types or destinations. However, it is a great way to save money for those who have a flexible schedule and aren’t too picky about their stateroom.

Extra Packages❌

There are countless add-on packages to enhance your sailing. The big three are beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

There are two drink packages: sodas and alcoholic beverages. Water, coffee, hot tea and juice are always complimentary. For those who want to indulge in a soda or alcoholic beverage every once in a while, it is much cheaper to purchase individual drinks than to spend hundreds of dollars on a package.

Relax and unplug – Wi-Fi is not worth it. Cellular devices will connect to the internet as the ship approaches shore. Use that time to reply to messages and catch up on social media.

The specialty dining package is a great deal if you’re a foodie like myself. It offers a select amount of meals at exclusive restaurants in addition to the complimentary diners and buffets. However, there are so many eateries included with your fare that the extra package is not a necessity.

Packing Layers✅

No matter the season, Alaska weather can be unpredictable. Typical conditions include brisk mornings, sunny afternoons and chilly evenings. It is recommended to check the forecast in each port and pack layers including both long and short sleeve shirts, light jackets or vests and possibly a coat, depending on the time of year. Jeans, joggers and leggings are great options to have for outdoor activities and windy days on the water.

An Alaska cruise is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Packed with onboard activities and shore excursions, the opportunities are endless. With a variety of cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, finding the perfect vacation to fit your travel style has never been easier. Whether you’re a cruise connoisseur or port explorer, this is a bucket-list trip you won’t want to skip!

Love Always.