Cruising Through Alaska: Glaciers, Whales & a View from the Hot Tub
Glaciers calving into icy waters. Humpback whales surfacing just off the bow. Crisp air and snowcapped peaks sliding past your stateroom window. This is why you cruise Alaska.
Before my first cruise, I always imagined it would be to Alaska. With its rugged terrain and remote towns, the state is made for exploring by water—especially since land travel can be logistically tricky and time-consuming. While it’s absolutely possible to design a custom Alaska itinerary on land, cruising offers a seamless and comfortable way to take in the scenery without the stress.
My recent sailing aboard the Celebrity Edge proved just how magical this experience can be. From the veranda of my stateroom—or even while soaking in the indoor pool—I was treated to one jaw-dropping view after another. Picture this: sipping rosé with a good book while mountains drift by, or easing into a hot tub as the Canadian coastline rolls past. Luxury, meet wilderness.
A Perfect Fit for Multigenerational Travel
Alaska cruises are especially popular for families, and it’s easy to see why. Our group ranged in age from 7 to 82—yes, six living generations!—and everyone had a great time. On board, there was an impressive range of activities every 30 minutes, from lectures to karaoke, dance classes to bocce. And on land, there was something for every interest and energy level.
Highlights from Each Port
Ketchikan
We chose a serene canoe paddle across a mountain lake—perfect weather, peaceful vibes, and postcard-worthy views.
Juneau
Our group split up here, taking advantage of multiple excursions. Some went whale watching (with multiple humpback sightings!), while others explored a salmon hatchery and hiked in Mendenhall Glacier Park before riding the cable car for sweeping views of the city. I opted for a strenuous hike closer to the glacier—equal parts challenging and rewarding.
Skagway
All 14 of us boarded the White Pass & Yukon Railroad for an unforgettable three-hour ride up into the mountains. With sweeping vistas and historic charm, it was the most popular excursion of our trip—and one I’d recommend to any first-time visitor.
Victoria, B.C.
Our final stop gave us just a few rainy hours in town, but we still made the most of it. Some explored by pedicab, others wandered on foot, soaking in the charm of this Canadian gem.
But Wait—The Glacier Morning
One of the most unforgettable parts of the journey didn’t even require stepping off the ship. As we made our way to Juneau, the Celebrity Edge navigated into Endicott Arm to view the Dawes Glacier. The cruise director encouraged early wake-ups—and I’m so glad I listened. At 6:00am, bundled in layers and coffee in hand, I stood on the top deck among fellow passengers as we slowly drifted through fjords, past floating ice, scanning for whales and seals.
After breakfast with panoramic glacier views, most guests headed back to bed. Not me. I stayed outside, watching the sun rise higher, the landscape shift—and got my first glimpse of a humpback whale. Magic.
Considering an Alaska Cruise?
If you’re curious about cruising but unsure where to start, Alaska is a breathtaking place to begin. From small expedition vessels to large luxury ships, there are options to suit every comfort level and travel style. And I’d love to help you discover the right one.
Planning an Alaska cruise involves more than just picking dates—it’s about choosing the right ship, route, excursions, and experiences that match your travel style. I’ll be sharing more on that in an upcoming post.
But if you’re ready to start the conversation now, I’m here to help turn “maybe someday” into “this year.”