To many, visiting Alaska is a bucket list vacation. For others, the trip up north seems unattainable or arduous. Sometimes one spouse is more interested in exploring the frontier than another. Some of our clients have asked if Alaska would be the right trip for them and whether it is a good way to experience the Alaskan Wilderness. Here’s my take:

I recently sailed on an Alaskan cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Sea. We started our 7-night cruise setting sail from Seattle with stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Victoria, British Columbia. I recommend staying 2 nights before your cruise to give yourself enough time to ensure any flight delays or cancellations don’t cause you to miss your ship’s onboarding. While in Seattle we visited some fun locations like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the original Starbucks. There are several good hotel options downtown making most of these locations easily accessible by foot or short Uber ride. 

After a day at sea, we arrived the next morning in Ketchikan where we took a 2 hour guided hike in the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The scheduled portions of the tour included visiting totem poles and a large-bird recovery sanctuary. However, as we traversed the park path, we saw numerous bald eagles and 3 black bears! The experience does require a moderate level of physical exertion so is only optimal for those who can walk 1-2 miles on uneven ground. But for those who are looking for a quintessential Alaskan wilderness experience, I highly recommend this excursion. 

Another highlight was our excursion in Alaska’s capital city, Juneau. There we had booked a 3 hour tour to Mendenhall Glacier, which is approximately 12 miles long and located in Tongass National Forest. This excursion was a top highlight of our entire trip. Deep in the forest rests the Mendenhall Lake, Glacier and waterfall, where you can walk easy dirt paths to specific photo spots to capture the once in a lifetime family photo. Of all the excursions in Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is a must do. 

In addition to going on nature filled excursions, I recommend taking time to enjoy the food and drink each stop has to offer. Once you enjoy the fresh fish, coffee and local beers that Alaskan towns have to offer, the food alone will be a reason to return!