Alaskan Adventure
Hi there! I'm thrilled to share my Alaska cruise experience with you all—it was absolutely incredible! The breathtaking scenery and unforgettable moments we shared made it a trip to remember. We've been talking about doing this for years. Initially, the plan was to visit all 50 states by the time Steve turned 30, but after having two little ones, we realized that was a bit ambitious. So, we shifted our goal to 50 by the time we're 50!
Planning a vacation for all six of us, with our different personalities and interests, can be tricky. Honestly, I always thought Alaska was just "cold and for older folks" (haha), and the thought of skipping a week at the beach in the summer was tough. But we went for it—and I’m so glad we did!
Day 1: Seattle, WA – Before our cruise, we kicked off the trip with a stay at the Four Seasons in Seattle—and I can’t recommend it enough! The location is unbeatable, and the service was exceptional. We always suggest arriving at your port city the day before to ensure a stress-free departure.
✨As Preferred Partners with Four Seasons, we also offer exclusive amenities!✨
Day 1: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – Ovation of the Seas: Grand Loft Suite for us, and a 2-bedroom Suite for the kids. I’ll admit — I’m a bit of a suite enthusiast when it comes to cruising! I love having the extra space to unwind and a quiet retreat after a day full of activities. It makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable for me. My family loves cruising, and it's the perfect middle ground for all of us. Plus, with a suite, you get Star status and a personal Genie, which comes with a ton of perks. Totally worth it!
Having Star status made everything a breeze! We had a separate check-in and boarding process with an escort, and our Genie, Marla, took care of everything. After the safety briefing, we headed to Jamie’s for lunch, which was the perfect start to exploring the ship. We even enjoyed champagne in our loft suite as we sailed away—such a fun moment!🥂
Day 2: Day at Sea – Spent the day at sea, and enjoyed a game of bingo with Noah!
Day 3: Sitka, Ak – The charming town of Sitka, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lush forests, is as picturesque as it gets — made famous by the movie The Proposal. This quaint Alaskan gem is perfect for a leisurely stroll, browsing local shops, or visiting landmarks like Sitka National Historical Park and St. Michael’s Cathedral. There’s even a complimentary shuttle to take you into town.
We had lunch at The Bayview Pub, where the wings were incredible! Later, we took an adventure boat tour and spotted sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and even whales. Truly an AMAZING experience!🐋
Day 4: Skagway, AK – Skagway may be small, but it feels like stepping back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush over a century ago. A ride on the old-time streetcar along Broadway Street takes you past beautifully preserved buildings. You can also visit the Corrington Museum to see engraved walrus tusks or enjoy a captivating historical reenactment around town. We had a fantastic lunch at Bonanza Bar and Grill.
The highlight of the day was a helicopter tour of the glacier, followed by an hour-long hike— absolutely unforgettable! 🚁✨
Day 5 – Morning: Endicott Arm, AK – Endicott Arm Fjord is one of Alaska's hidden treasures, marking the southern edge of the Fords Terror Wilderness area. As you cruise along its 30-mile stretch, you'll be mesmerized by towering granite cliffs, lush mountain valleys, and countless cascading waterfalls. The deep blue waters, drifting icebergs, and a breathtaking tidewater glacier make the scenery even more spectacular.
We were up at 4 a.m., and our Genie arranged for hot chocolate and breakfast to be served in our suite as we cruised through this peaceful and quiet landscape.
Pro Tip: Ask your Genie to book a private North Star experience for the best view of the glacier.🌟🔭
Day 5 – Afternoon: Juneau, AK – With its snow-capped mountains, misty rainforests, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Juneau is a nature lover’s dream. Don’t miss the historic district and the Alaska State Museum while you’re there.
We took the Goldbelt Tram up to Mt. Roberts and hiked the trails. For lunch, we indulged in crab legs at Tracy’s King Crab Shack and later visited the iconic Red Dog Saloon, a historic bar with live music, sawdust on the floor, and roots dating back to the gold rush days.
Day 6: Day at Sea – Spent a relaxing day at sea, enjoying bingo with Noah and other fun onboard activities.
Day 7: Victoria, BC – Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is perched on the rugged edge of Vancouver Island. Known for its abundant parks and outdoor activities, the city’s British colonial roots are reflected in its Victorian architecture, like the grand Craigdarroch Castle and the iconic Empress Hotel. There are also plenty of stunning formal gardens to explore.
We visited Fisherman’s Wharf Park, took a water taxi to downtown, and had a lovely dinner at 10 Acres. We strolled along Government Street, topped the night off with gelato, and walked back to the ship.
Day 8: Return to Port in Seattle, WA & Fly Home – Our final day was smooth, thanks to our wonderful Genie, Marla. Disembarking was effortless, and after enjoying breakfast in our private lounge, we were swiftly on our transfer.
Surprises – The weather was surprisingly warm when the sun was out, ranging from the 70s to the 40s. There were plenty of families on board, with kids of all ages.
Must-Haves – If your budget allows, opt for star service and a suite. Perks include expedited boarding and disembarkation, a Royal Genie to handle all your needs, exclusive access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, priority seating for onboard activities, specialty dining, complimentary beverages, WiFi, laundry service, and much more.
✨ Ready to explore? Your Alaska adventure awaits! Let’s make magic happen and turn your travel dreams into unforgettable memories! Reach out to get started, today!✨