If you are interested in visiting Alaska then a cruise is really your best option to make the most of your trip. A lot of the amazing things you will want to see such as the remarkable glaciers are only accessible by ship. Below is a detailed look at the 8 night 9 day adventure I had with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Pre Cruise – Anchorage

You can choose to begin this cruise in Anchorage like I did or in Vancouver, as the ship sails back and forth each week during the summer season. If you are sailing out of Anchorage it’s important to note that the ship actually departs from Seward which is a 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage. You can organize transfers through the boat but be sure to allow enough of a buffer when flying in.

Day 1: Anchorage (Seward), Alaska

On the first day you will make your way to Seward, which as mentioned is a 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage. The easiest way to get here is to organize a transfer through the cruise line. Once you arrive you will board the ship and get settled into your state room. I cruised on the Norwegian Jewel, which was launched in 2005 and can hold a maximum capacity of 2,376 passengers. The first day of any cruise I always spend the day touring the ship and working out where everything is. To be honest I really just check out the bars and see which ones I will likely drink at the most. 

If you are looking for a truly unique experience I would arrive in Seward 2 days ahead of the departure, and explore The Exit Glacier. You can book a tour through The Exit Glacier Guides, which allows you to walk on the glacier, or if you are so inclined to climb it, no climbing experience is necessary. This is one of my fondest memories in Alaska and I would recommend it to anyone who is fit and able.

Day 2: Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Sailing Day)

Today is a sailing day, which typically means you spend the day relaxing by the pool and entertaining yourself indoors, however this is Alaska which means there is nonstop scenery outside. The highlight of the day will be the Hubbard Glacier which is gigantic at more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean. It has a face up to 400 feet tall, and icebergs 3 to 4 stories in height calving off aren’t uncommon. In the right conditions, the ship might be able to get within 1/2 mile of the face which certainly is an impressive view.

Day 3: Icy Straite Point, Alaska

Icy Striate Point is your best chance of spotting the illusive Alaska Peninsula brown bear or "peninsular grizzly". Fun fact: Grizzly Bears live inland and are typically herbivores, however the bears that live in Alaska eat Salmon making them a Brown Bear.

If you are comfortable driving your best chance of seeing a Brown Bear in the wild is to rent a Jeep and do some off-roading. There are tours which will try to find bears for you but the problem is getting photos once you see them and dealing with other tourists. I rented a Jeep through Shore Trips which is the most comprehensive and easy to use booking system for all shore trips in Alaska.

In terms of spotting a Brown Bear you are best taking advice from the car rental agency, they will give you a map and all the appropriate safety equipment in case you get lost. They will also be able to tell you where the bears have been spotted recently. As you are dealing with wild animals always approach the situation with common sense, do not approach the animal and always keep a safe distance.

Day 4: Juneau, Alaska

The key attraction in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier (also known as Sitaantaagu) which is approximately 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long and is located in Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Juneau. The difference between this glacier and the Hubbard glacier is, the best way to see this one is from the sky and not by boat. I would highly recommend booking a helicopter tour in Juneau, and if you are feeling up to it, an ice walk on the glacier itself. The perspective from the air is breath-taking however you don’t appreciate the scale until your feet are firmly planted on the ice. Don’t worry about bringing any gear with you, the tour company will supply you with everything you need to experience nature at its finest. 

Day 5: Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Alaska (Sailing Day)

Today is technically a sailing day, however unlike a typical sailing day on a cruise, where all you see is the open ocean, today you will see the very impressive Tracy Arm Glacier.

As the ship navigates the fjord, make sure you are out on deck to soak in the spectacular views. The surrounding mountains are 7,000 feet in this area and the sides of Tracy’s Arm rise steeply with many waterfalls visible form the ship. Keep an eye out, it’s likely you will spot sea lions basking on an ice burg, as well as an abundance of sea birds.

Day 6: Skagway, Alaska

The boat will dock in Skagway which was originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98. You can visit the National Historical Park which was authorized in 1976 to preserve and interpret the history of the Klondike Gold Rush.

If you feel comfortable driving I would suggest renting a Jeep Wrangler and driving the White Pass and Yukon Route to Carcross. Keep your eyes peeled as you will likely spot a moose upon your travels. The drive is on one of the most picturesque routes in North America so sit back relax and soak it all in. Please note that you will need your passport as you cross from Alaska to Canada on the highway.

Day 7: Ketchikan, Alaska

Looking for a little adventure in Alaska? I would recommend “The Alaskan Boatman Tour” in Ketchikan. The tour includes transfers, dry bag, boots, socks and gloves.

The day is spent on the inside passage where you will spot an abundance of wildlife. If you are lucky you will see Bald Eagles, and if it’s breeding season you might even spot a show down between two males.  

Day 8: Inside Passage, Alaska (Cruising)

Today is another sailing day, but in true Alaskan style there is plenty to see. The ship will hug the shoreline and the scenery is spectacular. Sit back, relax and enjoy your last day on board.

Day 9: Vancouver, Canada

The boat will dock in Vancouver around 8am, and you will be required to disembark by 10am. You can choose to explore Vancouver or head home from the International airport. I had already visited Vancouver in the past and to be honest it’s not my favorite place to visit, therefore I opted to head home.

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