Alaska Cruise: A Bucket List Destination
One of the biggest perks of being a travel agent is getting the chance to experience the destinations I send my clients to—so I can offer real, firsthand recommendations. After completing my Princess Cruise Line training and earning the rank of Commodore, I was thrilled to receive a free Graduation Cruise. These cruises are offered so agents like me can truly understand what makes a cruise line stand out.
I’ve been dreaming of taking an Alaskan cruise with my husband for years, so we decided to wait for the perfect sailing—and this one checked all the boxes. With Princess Cruises voted the #1 cruise line in Alaska for many years, we knew we were in for something special.
We set sail on a 7-night northbound Alaska cruise from Vancouver, BC to Anchorage, Alaska, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and College Fjord.
🛳 The Princess Difference
Princess Cruises offers a more elegant, immersive experience, with a big focus on local culture and natural beauty. Every Alaskan sailing features a naturalist on board, and ours was the incredible Rachel Cartwright. She’s an author, researcher, and expert on Humpback whales—and she literally wrote the book for Princess on Alaskan cruising! Her lectures and commentary were some of the most enriching moments of our voyage.
🌲 Ketchikan
We docked bright and early at 6 AM, and because we were one of the first off the ship, we got to explore charming Ketchikan without the crowds. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this town is steeped in Native Alaskan culture and gold rush history.
One of the most fascinating parts of town is Creek Street, a boardwalk perched on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. It was once the town’s red-light district, home to a row of brothels during the Prohibition era. The most famous house belonged to Dolly Arthur, and you can still tour her historic home today. While the red-light days are long gone, Creek Street is now a colorful strip filled with shops, art galleries, and salmon swimming upstream in late summer. It’s a must-see!
Our excursion with Island Wings took us on a seaplane ride over the Misty Fjords—and it was magical. We soared over dramatic cliffs and waterfalls before landing on remote Nooya Lake, where we explored a tiny island surrounded by alpine stillness. The views were absolutely unforgettable.
We were only in port until 2 PM, but with Ketchikan being so walkable, it was just the right amount of time to experience both adventure and history.
❄️ Juneau
We had over 12 hours in Juneau, and we made the most of every minute!
First, we visited Mendenhall Glacier and hiked out to Nugget Falls—a beautiful walk through nature that ends with an incredible glacier view. Then came one of the biggest highlights of the whole trip: whale watching!
We lucked out with the most active tour our guides had seen all season—whales everywhere. Our boat was surrounded by mamas and calves in what’s lovingly referred to as “whale soup.” It was sunny and clear during our excursions (a blessing in normally rainy Juneau), and I’ll never forget the joy of seeing these magnificent creatures up close.
🏔 Skagway
Skagway felt like stepping back into a Gold Rush town—and it kind of is! We walked through its historic streets and boarded the famous Yukon White Pass Railway, which took us all the way up to the summit.
Pro tip: Sit in the caboose so you can step outside between cars for the best mountain views. The ride was breathtaking, especially once we reached the snow-covered summit—it was like entering a whole new world.
🧊 Glacier Bay National Park
This was the reason we chose this specific cruise itinerary.
Only two cruise ships per day are allowed into Glacier Bay, and Princess is one of the few lines with a permit. Park Rangers boarded our ship at 6 AM and gave an introductory presentation with souvenirs before narrating the scenic cruising throughout the day.
We saw Lamplugh, Reid, John Hopkins, and the star of the show—Margerie Glacier, which calved 11 times while we watched. It was surreal.
Princess also had hot chocolate stations and warming foods out on deck so we could stay cozy while soaking up the views. The Park Rangers also hosted educational presentations for all ages—a fantastic touch for families who want to learn more about the region.
🎓 College Fjord
This was another breathtaking day, with over 10 glaciers visible from the ship! The most famous ones—Harvard and Yale—were incredible, but the whole fjord was teeming with beauty.
Rachel Cartwright (our naturalist) shared fascinating commentary as we cruised, and seeing so many glaciers in one place felt like a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🐋 Wildlife
We sailed in late May, which meant we were just a bit early for the salmon run (and the bears that follow it). But we still saw SO much wildlife:
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Sea otters
- Sea lions
- Porpoises
- Bald eagles
- Moose
Every day brought a new surprise, and we felt truly immersed in Alaska’s wild side. Want to see bears? Plan for late June through early August, when the salmon are running!
🎒 What to Pack
Alaska weather changes fast—so layers are key. Be sure to bring:
- Warm hats, scarves, and gloves
- Waterproof shoes and jackets
- Binoculars for each person! You’ll want your own for spotting whales and glaciers
👨👩👧👦 Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why Princess has been voted #1 in Alaska for so many years. Their itineraries are thoughtfully designed, their onboard enrichment is unmatched, and Glacier Bay National Park was the highlight of a lifetime.
While Princess is ideal for couples, adult travelers, and those seeking a more immersive and elegant experience, I would say it’s not the most kid-focused cruise line. If you’re traveling with teens or young children, I’d love to help you find the best fit for your family.
I’m so grateful for this opportunity and proud to share my experience. If Alaska is on your bucket list, I would be honored to help you plan your perfect cruise! Reach out to me, Victoria Steeneck, today and let’s make it happen. ❄️🐋🛳
