Day 1: Alyeska Resort – A Perfect Start to the Adventure
Our Alaskan adventure kicked off with a late Friday night arrival at the breathtaking Alyeska Resort and Spa. After researching this beautiful resort, I was thrilled to finally experience it firsthand—and it did not disappoint! Nestled amidst jaw-dropping scenery, the resort felt like the perfect introduction to Alaska’s wilderness.
We began our first day with a delicious breakfast at one of the resort’s on-site restaurants, fueling up for a day of exploration. Conveniently, the town offers a free public bus system, making it easy to roam and soak in the sights. We were in for a delightful surprise when we discovered that the town was hosting its annual Fall Festival, complete with a Wiener Dog Parade and Race! As a dog lover, this event was the cherry on top.
After sipping coffee from a charming local café, we wandered through the festival, marveling at all the adorable dogs, and later embarked on a hike to a stunning waterfall. By the end of the day, we treated ourselves to some mouth-watering pizza and topped it off with S’mores Ice Cream. To cap off the perfect evening, we dined at the famous Double Musky Inn, where the food lived up to its stellar reputation.
Day 2: Indulgence and Relaxation at Alyeska
Our second day began with a unique treat: breakfast pizza. Next on the agenda was a visit to the Nordic Spa at Alyeska. This serene haven was just what we needed after a morning of exploration—gorgeous and utterly relaxing. After a rejuvenating spa experience, we napped and then headed into town for yet another memorable dinner. The food in Alaska has been beyond amazing so far!
Tomorrow, we’re off to Seward, where we will board the Norwegian Jewel for a seven-day cruise that promises adventure, majestic glaciers, and scenic ports.
Day 3: Setting Sail on the Norwegian Jewel
We arrived in Seward and boarded the Norwegian Jewel, ready for an epic week of cruising. Our itinerary includes stops at Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Vancouver, with plenty of fun onboard activities along the way. The group of 20+ travelers is a mix of first-time and seasoned cruisers, and I couldn’t be more excited to explore with them.
As the ship sailed, we enjoyed various activities, from playing Rummikub to spinning the wheel at the casino. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly reaching Hubbard Glacier. The ship offered a 360-degree view, allowing us to fully appreciate the grandeur of this natural wonder. Dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse with the family wrapped up this unforgettable day.
Day 4: Exploring Icy Strait
We reached Icy Strait and immediately hopped on the gondola to take in the breathtaking scenery from above. Upon returning to the base, we found a cozy café with Wi-Fi, perfect for catching up on some work. And to top it all off—a whale appeared right in front of the café! It was pure magic.
Later, we enjoyed dinner and attended the ship’s Newlywed Game Show, a hilarious way to end the day. Although I keep telling myself I’ll make it to the nightclub, the cozy comfort of our stateroom always wins.
Day 5: Juneau – Glaciers and Salmon Galore
Our day in Juneau was packed with adventure. We ventured off the ship for a Mendenhall Glacier and Salmon Bake excursion. Walking through the glacier park and indulging in the freshest salmon was a true Alaskan experience. Afterward, we explored the town, making time for some souvenir shopping and even sampling a local favorite drink, the Duck Fart.
Dinner at the ship’s Asian restaurant was divine, and we ended the night with a fun, adults-only show. Alaska’s beauty continues to leave me in awe.
Day 6: Skagway – Conquering Fears and Embracing Beauty
In Skagway, we embarked on the White Pass Railway and Suspension Bridge Tour. As someone with a fear of heights, crossing the bridge was a personal victory! The reward was a serene train ride through the majestic mountains, offering some of the most stunning views of the trip.
Afterward, we explored the charming town, where the locals welcomed us warmly. Back onboard, we participated in a Paint and Sip class before preparing for the evening’s entertainment.
Tomorrow, we’ll reach our final port in Ketchikan for a highly anticipated crab feast. I can’t wait to see what this last port has in store!
Day 7: Ketchikan – Wilderness and Seals
Our last day in Alaska brought us to the quaint and charming town of Ketchikan. Part of our group opted for a Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast, while others took the opportunity to explore the adorable town.
The wilderness tour was incredible—we had the chance to catch Dungeness crabs and even spotted Benny and June, a pair of lovebird bald eagles that call the area home. Afterward, we returned to shore for what can only be described as the most amazing crab feast ever. We topped it all off with a fresh slice of blueberry cheesecake—absolute heaven!
Meanwhile, the group that explored Ketchikan enjoyed shopping, bar hopping, and wandering the picturesque Creek Street, where they were lucky enough to spot seals! It was the perfect way to wrap up this unforgettable journey.
As our incredible journey came to an end, I couldn't help but reflect on how much Alaska truly stole my heart. From the majestic glaciers to the charming towns and unforgettable wildlife encounters, every moment was magical. The combination of a customized Land and Cruise vacation offered the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in Alaska’s beauty both on land and at sea. I loved how each aspect of the trip was tailored to our group’s interests, making it a unique and memorable experience for everyone. Alaska, you’ve been amazing—I can’t wait to return!
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