Alaska is one of those destinations you can research endlessly, but experiencing it in person is completely different. I had the opportunity to sail Alaska with Princess Cruises on a seven-night southbound cruise from Whittier, near Anchorage, to Vancouver aboard the Caribbean Princess. We traveled as a group of eight, which made the trip even more fun and let me see several stateroom options firsthand. Along the way, we visited Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan; spent a day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park; and visited Hubbard Glacier.
One of the things I loved most about our itinerary was the variety. Each port felt different, and our glacier days brought an entirely different side of Alaska. We packed into one week, but a few moments especially stand out when I think back on the trip.
The White Pass Scenic Railway
In Skagway, we took an excursion that combined the Yukon Suspension Bridge with the White Pass Scenic Railway. The journey into the mountains was just as memorable as the destinations themselves. As we climbed higher, the views were breathtaking. We stopped several times to take in the surroundings and, of course, take plenty of pictures.
After visiting the Yukon Suspension Bridge, we boarded the White Pass Scenic Railway for the trip back to Skagway. The train ride was one of my favorite parts of the day. Winding through the mountains with those views outside the window was one of those times when you just want to sit back and take it all in.
Between the drive into the mountains, the stops along the way, the suspension bridge, and the train ride back to Skagway. This was one of my favorite excursions of the trip.
Whale Watching in Juneau
Our whale watching excursion in Juneau was an amazing day on the water. We lucked out with beautiful weather and saw a handful of whales throughout the excursion. The views were just as memorable. With such a clear day, we could see the surrounding mountains and glaciers as we cruised through the area.
Between the whales, the weather, and those views, this was another day I won’t soon forget.
Hubbard Glacier: Take the Small Boat
Our day at Hubbard Glacier gave us one of my favorite perspectives of the entire trip. We had the opportunity to leave the cruise ship and board a smaller boat that took us much closer to Hubbard Glacier. Being down on the water gave us a completely different perspective on just how massive the glacier really is.
We also saw wildlife along the way, which made the trip out even better. If your Alaska itinerary includes Hubbard Glacier, I would highly recommend considering the small boat option if it’s available. For me, this excursion was absolutely worth it.
Scenic Cruising in Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay was a completely different kind of day. We didn’t have anywhere we needed to be and no excursion to catch. We could simply enjoy the views as we sailed through the national park.
One thing I really appreciated was how Princess positioned and rotated the ship during our glacier viewing. It gave guests on both sides of the ship the opportunity to take everything in, regardless of where their stateroom was located.
Princess also staggered opportunities for photos with the glacier in the background. Rather than everyone trying to get the same picture at once, we had time to enjoy the view and get some great photos. It was a slower day and a chance to simply take in where we were, which made it a nice contrast to our busier days in port.
A Stop at Tracy’s King Crab Shack
Not every favorite moment involved a glacier or an excursion. While we were in Juneau, we stopped at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, which had been on my list to try. I ordered the king crab, and it did not disappoint. It was absolutely delicious and easily one of my favorite meals of the trip.
It was busy, but the line moved quickly, and we had no trouble finding a table for two. If you love King Crab, this is one stop I would make time for in Juneau.
Which Stateroom Would I Choose?
Traveling with eight of us gave me the chance to compare several different stateroom options. In our group, we had a mini suite with a balcony, a panoramic suite, and two interior rooms. After seeing all of them, my choice would be the mini suite with a balcony.
I loved having the extra space, but the balcony was what really made the difference. With the landscape constantly changing around us, I loved being able to step outside whenever I wanted without having to head to one of the public decks.
The panoramic suite offered fantastic views and plenty of space, while the interior rooms worked well for those in our group who didn’t need their own outdoor space. For me, the mini suite with a balcony offered the right combination of space, views, and value. If I were doing this cruise again, that’s the category I would choose.
Would I Cruise to Alaska Again?
Absolutely! I came home such a fan of Alaska that I’ve already planned my next Alaska adventure. There is still so much I want to see and experience, which is probably one of my favorite things about Alaska.
One trip doesn’t feel like you’ve seen it all. If Alaska is on your list, we’re here to help you plan the trip that’s right for you. And if it isn’t, it should be. Just saying.
Planning an Alaska Cruise?
If you’re considering an Alaska cruise and would like help putting the trip together, reach out to Lori at Firefly Travels. Lori planned this entire trip and also put together this report based on her experience. She can help you explore your cruise options, itinerary, excursions, and other details to create an Alaska trip that fits what you want to see and experience.
