Perfect 7-Day Alaskan Cruise: Itinerary, Wildlife, & Breathtaking Views

Experience the Last Frontier: A Perfect 7-Day Alaskan Cruise Itinerary

Alaska, a land of towering mountains, vast coastlines, and unparalleled beauty, offers an abundance of adventure. This article details our incredible 7-day Alaskan cruise experience, providing a comprehensive itinerary and highlighting the majestic beauty of this untouched state.

Setting Sail from Seattle: Embarking on an Alaskan Adventure

Our journey began in Seattle, where we boarded the Holland America Eurodam. This magnificent ship, a city on the water, offered a wide range of amenities, from multiple restaurants and pools to a fitness center and various entertainment options. Our obstructed sea view room provided ample light and a decent glimpse of the ocean.

The first day was spent sailing through the scenic Puget Sound, enjoying the beautiful views and relaxing onboard. This relaxing sea day proved essential for the action-packed days of exploration that lay ahead.

Juneau: Whales, Glaciers, and Alaskan Charm

Arriving in Juneau, Alaska's capital city, we were captivated by the stunning scenery. Towering mountains, breathtaking fjords, and colorful buildings created a mystical atmosphere. After exploring downtown, we embarked on a whale watching tour, witnessing incredible humpback whale interactions, including a mother teaching her calf to bubble-net feed. We also observed a sleeping humpback whale, learning about their unique voluntary breathing mechanism.

Our next adventure was a visit to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. The 13.6 km long glacier, with its striking baby blue color, was a sight to behold. We hiked to Nugget Falls and then took in the grandeur of the glacier from the official lookout, learning about its history at the visitor center.

Glacier Bay National Park: A Breathtaking Wonder

Sailing through Glacier Bay National Park was a highlight of the trip. The 3.3 million-acre park boasts towering snow-capped mountains, fjords, and coastal rainforests. We were fortunate to witness sea otters, glacial ice, seals, and finally, the majestic John Hopkins Glacier. This actively advancing glacier, over 1 mile wide and 250 ft tall, was truly impressive. We even witnessed a spectacular glacier calving event, a humbling display of nature's power.

Icy Strait Point and Sitka: Wildlife Encounters and Cultural Immersion

Icy Strait Point, a charming cruise port destination, offered stunning views and a visit to a salmon cannery. We then took a scenic gondola ride up the mountain for panoramic views and a short walk to Hidden Lake.

In Sitka, we experienced a diverse range of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, seals, and a brown bear catching its lunch. We also visited a bear sanctuary and a raptor facility, gaining insights into these incredible animals. Exploring Sitka's city center and enjoying Russian-style dumplings added a unique cultural touch.

Ketchikan: Salmon Capital and Native American Heritage

Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world, offered a fascinating glimpse into the salmon life cycle at Creek Street. We observed salmon swimming upstream and learned about their ecological role. We also visited Saxman Village, learning about totem carving, local culture, and traditional dancing. A final treat was indulging in delicious Dungeness crab.

Victoria, Canada and the Journey Home

Our final stop was Victoria, Canada. We explored the beautifully lit Parliament building, Chinatown, and Government Street, enjoying a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone. The next morning, we reminisced about our incredible Alaskan adventure as we sailed back to Seattle.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Alaskan Experience

This 7-day Alaskan cruise provided a convenient and affordable way to experience the diverse beauty and wildlife of Alaska. From whales and glaciers to bears and cultural immersion, this journey was truly inspiring. We highly recommend experiencing Alaska for yourself!