Recently, Chris and I embarked on an awe-inspiring journey, a dream fulfilled - our much-awaited adventure cruise to Alaska! This trip wasn't just a check on our travel bucket list; it surpassed expectations and left us awestruck. With turquoise waters flanked by frosted peaks, enchanting towns, and fascinating wildlife, our Alaskan journey delivers cherished memories that we'll reminisce about for many years.
Boarding our luxurious ship, we were brimming with excitement, our cameras all cocked and loaded, ready to capture enticing images of this trip. The stunning views of the Pacific Northwest landscape greeted us right from the moment of setting sail, unveiling mist-cloaked forests, frosty water inlets, and boundless expanses of the majestic ocean. Our floating haven complete with upscale amenities soon became our cosy abode, and we delved straight into vacation mode— soaking up the relaxing ambiance on deck, satiating our taste buds with diverse dining options (yes, we savored each dessert), and thoroughly indulging in the live music sessions and vibrant shows during the evenings.
A delightful surprise awaited us onboard - an exquisite art gallery and daily art exhibitions. Given our shared love for art, Chris and I were instantly captivated. We took part in a few auctions, merely intending to browse and appreciate the displayed pieces. However, we couldn't resist some exceptional art pieces that we fell irrevocably for, and ended up expanding our precious collection from our travels. There's something undeniably special about acquiring art while travelling; each piece is a vivid reminder of not just the artist’s craftsmanship, but also of our shared experiences, moments, and the place where we found them. Our art ensemble expanded a bit more during this cruise, adding to our joy.
Every port of call in our itinerary offered us unique surprises. From the intriguing hike to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, where we even spotted a black bear from a safe distance, to exploring aesthetically pleasing Gold Rush-era buildings in Skagway, alongside an exhilarating scenic railway excursion into the mountains, we’ve had quite a journey. Ketchikan, with its bright and beautiful totem poles and the freshest and most flavorsome oysters we’ve ever tasted, was a memorable portion of our trip.
The unrivalled beauty of Alaska’s wilderness left us utterly spellbound. One morning, we woke up early to witness the magnificent sight of our ship gliding through the serene Glacier Bay. The only sounds breaking the silence were the distant cries of eagles and the noise of icebergs splitting from glaciers. We spent an entire day cocooned up on deck, our hands warming up with hot beverages, eyes feasting on the spectacle of nature unfolding before us. From spotting whales, seals, otters to bald eagles, there was no end to our thrilling wildlife encounters.
The highlight of our trip, though, was undoubtedly the quality time we got to spend with each other, with our daily routine taking a temporary hiatus. No work calls, no pending errands, no looming deadlines; it was just us—weaving memories, relaxing, exploring, laughing together. Whether we were dancing onboard, capturing cheesy selfies, or sharing deep night-time conversations about our future travel plans, Alaska provided the perfect backdrop, reminding us of our tiny existence in the vast world and the grandeur of life when experienced with the right person.
We returned home, feeling rejuvenated, creatively stimulated, and with dreams of embarking on another cruise. Alaska, you've captivated our hearts. To those contemplating an Alaskan cruise, we have one thing to say—do it! Pack your warm clothes, bring along your adventurous spirit and prepare yourself for an unrivalled travel experience.