Curator’s statement
Alaska has always been a dream destination for me, and our trip began with an unforgettable night in Vancouver. The city was more than we expected, especially strolling the waterfront streets near the pier in perfect June weather. Spending a night there before an Alaskan cruise felt like the ideal start to the journey. My favorite part of the cruise was sipping coffee on my balcony as we sailed into port, surrounded by truly breathtaking scenery.
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Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver
Vancouver
Fly into Vancouver early so you can enjoy a full day of exploring before boarding your Alaskan cruise. Stay at a hotel close to the cruise terminal and take a relaxing walk along the waterfront, soaking in the fresh coastal air. If time allows, visit beautiful Stanley Park for incredible scenery and a classic Vancouver experience. End your day with dinner by the water at Tap & Barrel or Cactus Club Café while watching the seaplanes glide in and out of the harbor.
Day 2: Embarkation day & off we go
Waiting to board
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before packing up and heading to the cruise terminal to begin your Alaskan adventure. We sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas and stayed at the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, which made it easy to walk right to the port. Once onboard, take a moment to settle in and find a comfortable spot on deck. Watching the stunning Vancouver skyline fade into the distance as you sail away is the perfect start to your journey.
Day 3: First day at sea
Royal Caribbean Serenade Of The Seas
Enjoy a full day at sea as you relax and settle into the rhythm of cruising on your way to beautiful Alaska. Take time to explore the ship, discover all the onboard amenities, and find activities that make the day fun and memorable. Whether you’re lounging on deck with ocean views or trying something new, there’s always something to enjoy. I especially loved starting the day at the gym and ending it with a round of bingo.
Day 4: Sitka, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska
Reserve your shuttle or bus ticket into town ahead of time, as the cruise port area is small and you’ll need transportation to reach downtown Sitka. While the port has a bit of shopping and charm, the real experience begins once you arrive in town to explore on foot or join an excursion. Don’t miss highlights like the Russian Bishop’s House, St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, Sitka Pioneer Home & Totem Square, and the beautiful Sitka National Historical Park. As you wander, keep an eye on the skies—bald eagles are often seen circling overhead, adding to the magic of this historic Alaskan town.
Day 5: Tracy Arm Fjord & Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier
Today was all about sailing through the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord, one of the most scenic parts of the journey. Keep your eyes open—this is where I was lucky enough to see a whale breach right from my balcony. As you cruise deeper into the fjord, watch for cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and icebergs drifting quietly by. Whether you bundle up on deck or relax inside with a warm drink, the morning is filled with unforgettable views and crisp, refreshing Alaskan air. In Juneau, consider booking an excursion or renting a car so you can explore the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most iconic natural sights. Take time to walk the trails, admire the icy blue views, and soak in the incredible wilderness surrounding the area. After your glacier adventure, head into downtown Juneau for shopping, local charm, and plenty of waterfront atmosphere. Be sure to stop at the famous Tracy’s King Crab Shack to enjoy unforgettable Alaska crab legs right by the harbor.
Day 6: Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point Port
Icy Strait Point is a beautifully designed cruise port that feels both scenic and easy to explore. Start your visit with a gondola ride up to spectacular views, then choose to ride back down or add some adventure by zip-lining through the forest. The port area is very walkable, and it’s also a fantastic place to join a whale-watching tour or visit the nearby town of Hoonah. After spotting whales, sea lions, and sea otters, return to port for a snack or drink—and don’t leave without standing in line for the hot, fresh Lil’Gen’s Mini-Doughnuts. They are absolutely worth it.
Day 7: Final port day in Ketchikan
Historic Creek Street
Ketchikan is the perfect final port day, offering an easy mix of guided excursions or relaxed exploring right off the ship. The town is wonderfully walkable and well marked, with street signs that lead you straight to highlights like Historic Creek Street and the scenic Married Man’s Trail. If you’re visiting in late summer, you may even catch the famous salmon run, one of Ketchikan’s most fascinating natural sights. This is also the ultimate spot for souvenir shopping, and a meal at the Alaska Fish House is a must—plus, you can also visit Totem Bight State Historical Park, explore the Totem Heritage Center, or take a floatplane tour for unforgettable views before sailing home.
Need to know
Alaska was the kind of cruise that makes you slow down and look longer—every day felt like a National Geographic moment, especially as we sailed the Inside Passage on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. One of my favorite rituals was grabbing a coffee and taking it back to the balcony as we glided into port, because the scenery is truly breathtaking (and changes by the minute). Packing tip: Think layers and waterproof everything—a rain jacket with a hood, packable puffer or fleece, waterproof shoes, warm socks, a hat, and light gloves, plus binoculars for wildlife spotting. I also recommend a small daypack, a reusable water bottle, and a phone battery pack—between photos, maps, and excursion meet-ups, your battery works overtime.
Sitka surprised me with how rich it is in history and how easy it is to explore on foot once you’re in town. Don’t miss the Russian Bishop’s House (completed in the 1840s) and St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, which is recognized for its Russian cultural legacy in Alaska. Beyond the main historic stops, Sitka is also a fantastic place to add something you might have missed: Sitka National Historical Park for forest trails and totem poles, and the Alaska Raptor Center if you want a memorable wildlife-focused visit.
For pure scenery, Tracy Arm Fjord is the morning to set an alarm, open your curtains, and stay camera-ready—this is prime time for waterfalls, floating ice, and wildlife (I saw a whale breach right from the balcony!). Juneau is a must for big, classic Alaska views—whether you do an excursion or rent a car, Mendenhall Glacier is a top priority and one of the most accessible glacier experiences in Southeast Alaska. A fun fact that makes Juneau even more interesting: It’s Alaska’s capital, and it’s famously not connected by road to the rest of the state—most people arrive by air or sea. After the glacier, head downtown for shopping and a harbor-side meal (Tracy’s King Crab Shack is iconic), and if you want to add one more “wow,” consider the Mount Roberts Tramway for panoramic views and easy trails right above town.
Icy Strait Point is one of the most enjoyable cruise-built ports: Ride the gondola for sweeping views, then choose your own adventure—ride or zip-line down—and it’s also an excellent place for whale watching, with chances to spot sea lions and sea otters (and sometimes more). And for your last port day in Ketchikan, follow the signs to Creek Street and the Married Man’s Trail, keep an eye out for salmon in season, and plan time for souvenirs—then add a bonus stop you may love: totem parks (like Totem Bight) or even a floatplane trip to Misty Fjords if you want a final, unforgettable Alaska moment.
Travel Advisor
Mandy Wisenbaker
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