Written by Lucia Hudec
A bucket list. Have you ever thought about what it really means? For us—Lucia, Doug, Ric, and Kim—it meant finally embarking on a long-awaited journey together, checking off something we’ve always wanted to do. You see, we are related through marriage, our son married their daughter. We share two witty, smart, and absolutely delightful young granddaughters. For the past 11 years, the four of us have discovered more about each other through camping, celebrations, trials and tribulations… All of this included the quirks, the joys, how we delight in the beautiful moments of being shared grandparents and in-laws. Feeling blessed? Absolutely.
Now, it was time to embrace the next big step—a two-week couples’ bucket list Alaska cruise adventure to the 49th state and the Last Frontier.
Stress-Free Planning with Sheila Cannon
The planning process was part of the fun! Working with Sheila Cannon at Carefree Romantic Vacations made everything seamless. She took the time to listen to our preferences and expectations and returned with carefully researched options. Sheila compared cruise lines, excursions, and packages, giving us a full picture of what each would offer. After some deliberation, we settled on a 10-day Alaska cruise adventure with Oceania Cruise Lines, based on factors like the ship size, ports-of-call, cruise package, pricing, and customer reviews. The planning experience was stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish.
Exploring Seattle Before Our Alaska Cruise Adventure
We began our adventure with a pre-trip to Seattle, Washington, which was our cruise departure port. This was a first for all of us and we made the most of it! On our smooth flight, I captured a photo of Mt. Rainier in its snow-capped glory with a mid-mountain cloud cover.
Though my carefully packed luggage lost a wheel on the flight, I laughed it off and made it part of the adventure, dubbing it “the three-wheeled wonder.” Off we went to find a taxi and I knew then that nothing was going to hamper this bucket list trip.
After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to a Seattle Mariners game. Fun, fun! We also took in the sights of Pike Place Market and settled upon a crab house for dinner. The next day, we explored Seattle on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, taking in the city’s vibrant culture.
Embarking on the Alaska Cruise Adventure of a Lifetime
Finally, it was cruise day! Embarkation was seamless, and we enjoyed a leisurely lunch with beer and wine on deck while taking in the stunning views of Seattle. Our verandah cabin was cozy and perfect for watching the sunset as we sailed away.
On our first full day at sea, we woke up to a spectacular view, cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska. Room service delivered breakfast, and we sipped coffee in our robes while taking in the views from our private balcony. We gawked at the amazing beauty of the Alaskan coastline and used our binoculars to capture a glimpse of wildlife.
Ketchikan: A Crab Feast and Local Brews
Our first port of call was the charming town of Ketchikan, known for its rich history and stunning scenery. We strolled through the picturesque streets before heading to one of the must-see excursions: the famous Lumberjack Show. This exciting performance featured skilled lumberjacks competing in various challenges, while the lively narrator shared fascinating facts about Ketchikan’s past. Afterward, we ventured along the misty coastline to George Inlet Lodge, where we savored a delicious meal of fresh Dungeness crab, salad, and cheesecake, washed down with a local craft beer.
Juneau: Totem Poles and Indigenous Culture
Next, we sailed to Juneau, where we explored the town’s incredible totem poles during a “Flavors of Juneau” excursion. We walked around the town in the crisp, cool rainy mist enjoying the spectacular array of Totem Poles. Each totem told a story from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, representing Alaska’s rich Indigenous culture.
Skagway: Panning for Gold and Scenic Railway Rides
We went to sleep that night in the marshmallow comfort of our stateroom beds and woke up in Skagway. Skagway quickly became one of my favorite ports. We took an excursion to pan for gold and learn about the gritty history of Yukon Gold Rush. The White Pass Railway ride through the Tongass National Forest provided stunning views of deep gorges, waterfalls, and glacial rivers. This narrow gauge railway was built in 1898 during the Yukon Gold Rush. Standing in the open-air car as we crossed into Canada was exhilarating—crisp, cold air, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments.
Hubbard Glacier: Up Close with Nature’s Majesty
A highlight of our trip was seeing the Hubbard Glacier. Doug and I took a boat tour while Kim and Ric nestled in the Horizons Lounge taking in the views. One thing about traveling with another couple is to recognize that you all don’t have to do the same thing. The four of us did this well and talked about it beforehand.
Thus, Doug and I set off as our small boat took us within a football field’s length of the glacier. The roar of the ice calving off the glacier was an incredible sound. We marveled at the massiveness of this glacier in all of its astonishing wonder. We held a large chunk of glacial ice scooped out of the water by one of the deckhands. Wow, to imagine the history that this cold, dense chunk of ice held within it. We witnessed seals floating by on icebergs as they escaped the sonar capability of their natural predator, the Orca whale. Eagles, seals, otters, whales, many types of birds were all nestled into the harbor of the Hubbard Glacier. An absolutely dramatic excursion!
Sitka and Victoria: Exploring History and Local Delights
We rounded out our 10-day Alaskan cruise with stops in Sitka where we learned much about the Russian influence in Alaska and then on to Victoria, Canada. We took a scenic tour of Victoria and then walked around on our own exploring this picturesque city. A local pub lunch, sampling local brews, and marveling at the well-kept flower beds was a wonderful way to end the day.
An Alaska Cruise Adventure to Remember
This 10-day Alaskan cruise exceeded our expectations. Working with Sheila Cannon from Carefree Romantic Vacations, Inc. made the entire process seamless. She was responsive and accommodating, ensuring our journey was perfectly tailored to our needs. If you’d like to read more about our experience, check out our review here.
From breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable excursions, it was truly a bucket list adventure. The memories we made with Ric and Kim are irreplaceable. I highly recommend an adventure such as this and exploring different parts of our world either on your own or with your group of people.
Ready to Plan Your Own Alaska Cruise Adventure?
If you’re inspired to check an unforgettable trip off your bucket list, let Sheila Cannon with Carefree Romantic Vacations take care of every detail. Her expertise will make your vacation as stress-free and enjoyable as ours. Complete her Vacation Planning Information form today, and get started on your own adventure of a lifetime!
