Our Alaska Cruise Adventure — From Seattle to Stunning Scenery

Seattle: Jet Lag, Coffee & Chihuly

Since we’re on the East Coast, we flew into Seattle a day early, dropped our bags at the hotel, and hit the ground running. First stop: Pike Place Market! We had so much fun wandering through all the stalls—fresh flowers, flying fish, quirky local vendors—you name it. And yes, we had to stop by the very first Starbucks. It’s kind of a rite of passage.

After that, we made our way to the Space Needle. Total tourist move, but totally worth it. The views from the top are amazing! Right next door is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, which ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. I’m a huge Dale Chihuly nerd, so getting to see his glasswork up close was a dream.

All Aboard the NCL Bliss The next morning, we boarded the Norwegian Bliss and started our Alaskan adventure. The ship itself is gorgeous, and we were so excited for the week ahead.

Juneau – Whales, Totem Poles & Duck Farts (Yes, Really)

Our first stop was Juneau. The ship docks right in town, which makes it super easy to explore. The downtown area is small but cute, with a handful of restaurants, shops, and lots of totem poles—more than 18 just in the main area! Fun fact: each totem pole can take up to eight months to carve.

We went on a whale watching tour (a little early in the season, so the whales were playing hard to get), but the boat ride itself was beautiful. If you're hanging out in town, don't skip the "Duck Fart" shot crawl—it’s a thing there, and it’s hilarious.

Skagway – Gold Rush Vibes & Epic Road Trips

Skagway totally felt like stepping back in time. The town is only about a mile long, and all the buildings have that preserved Gold Rush-era charm. It was so cool.

Instead of doing a group tour, we rented a Jeep and drove up the Klondike Highway all the way to Emerald Lake in the Yukon. The views? Absolutely insane—snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and winding mountain roads. One of the best parts of the trip, hands down.

When we got back to town, we checked out the Red Onion Saloon (yes, it used to be a brothel!) and popped into a few cute shops. Everything’s walkable and flat, just a 10-minute stroll from the ship.

Skagway Highlights:

• Ride the White Pass & Yukon train (we skipped it but heard it's amazing)

• Walk Broadway Street with all its old-timey charm

• Hike into the nearby Tongass National Forest

• Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Glacier Bay – Balcony Goals

Glacier Bay was hands-down one of the most peaceful, jaw-dropping days of the cruise. We ordered room service breakfast, bundled up, and just sat on our balcony watching glaciers drift by. If you're ever cruising Alaska—get a balcony cabin. Trust me.

We also had spa passes (best add-on ever) and spent the afternoon soaking in the hydrotherapy pools and warming up in the sauna. Pure relaxation.

Ketchikan – Totem Poles, Creek Street & Fresh Salmon

Next stop: Ketchikan, a.k.a. the Salmon Capital of the World. We wandered along Creek Street, Once a red-light district built on stilts, Ketchikan’s Creek Street is now a charming boardwalk full of shops, stories, and a whole lot of brothel history.

Heads-up: if you’re sailing with Norwegian, the ship doesn’t dock right in town, so you’ll need to catch the free shuttle or a taxi. Get off the ship early if you want to beat the crowds!

Ketchikan Highlights:

• Explore Misty Fjords by floatplane or boat

• Check out Totem Bight State Park or Saxman Village

• Eat the salmon—seriously, it doesn’t get fresher than this

• Pick up some handmade local crafts and souvenirs

It’s such a charming, green, and totally Alaskan town. We loved it.

Victoria, BC – A Nighttime Surprise

Our final stop was Victoria, and even though we only had a few hours (8 PM to midnight), we made the most of it. We walked into town—about 30 minutes each way—and it felt totally safe. Locals even helped us with directions (and let me pet their dog, which made my night).

We ended up on Government Street where we found bars, restaurants, and the best chocolate shop. The Parliament building lit up at night was absolutely gorgeous—definitely worth the walk.

This cruise was everything we hoped for—breathtaking scenery, cool little towns, and so many unforgettable moments. Whether we were whale watching, road-tripping to the Yukon, or just soaking in the spa, every day felt like an adventure. If Alaska’s on your list… go. You won’t regret it.

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