Alaska Stole My Heart

Alaska is one of those destinations that is difficult to fully appreciate until you experience it in person. The scenery is constantly changing—mountains, waterfalls, forests, wildlife, tiny coastal communities, and enormous stretches of untouched wilderness. Our wildlife experiences were some of the highlights of the entire trip. In Ketchikan, we saw bears, bald eagles, and salmon, while our Sitka excursion brought us incredibly close to whales, sea lions, puffins, and other seabirds. For clients who love wildlife, I would absolutely recommend booking smaller local tours whenever possible. They tend to feel more personal, allow more flexibility, and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn from guides who actually live in these communities.

Hello, Mr. Bear.

Thousands of puffins!

The most unforgettable experience for me was seeing Dawes Glacier and traveling through Endicott Arm. The blue ice, floating icebergs, waterfalls, and unbelievably blue water were breathtaking, and it was one of those travel moments that made me emotional simply because of the scale and beauty of what we were seeing. I would strongly recommend that Alaska cruisers budget for a glacier excursion that takes them off the ship and closer to the ice if their itinerary offers one. Even when the weather is cool or rainy, getting outside is part of the Alaska experience. Layers, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable shoes are much more important than dressing up during the day.

Just look at the color of that water.

This iceberg stole my heart!

Virgin Voyages offers a very different way to experience Alaska. The adults-only atmosphere, beautiful ship, excellent cleanliness, entertainment, and relaxed approach make it especially appealing to couples, groups of friends, and adults who want an Alaska cruise without the traditional cruise feel. We loved being able to spend an adventurous day ashore and then return to great restaurants, the thermal suite, entertainment, and a very social atmosphere onboard. Food experiences can vary by restaurant and service team, so I would encourage clients to try several venues rather than judging the ship by one meal. Pink Agave was a standout for us, and some of our most memorable evenings came from the people we met around the ship as much as the scheduled entertainment.

Scarlet Night is a sight to see.

I would recommend this itinerary for travelers who appreciate nature, wildlife, food, scenic cruising, and exploring interesting small towns without needing an extremely active vacation. You can make Alaska as adventurous or as relaxed as you want—everything from hiking and e-biking to whale watching, shopping, eating local seafood, or simply sitting on deck watching the scenery pass by. It is especially well-suited to travelers who want memorable experiences rather than just checking destinations off a list. Alaska truly stole my heart, and I would return without hesitation.

The sunsets are amazing!

Alaska weather can change quickly, so layers and a truly waterproof outer layer are essential—even if the forecast looks good. I also recommend bringing binoculars and keeping them handy, because wildlife can appear when you least expect it.

Book priority excursions early, especially whale-watching, wildlife tours, and glacier experiences. Smaller local operators can offer a more personal experience and are often one of the best ways to really connect with the destination. Also, don’t overschedule every port—leave some time to walk through town, shop locally, try the food, and simply take in the scenery.

One final tip: spend time outside during scenic cruising days. It may be chilly, but some of the most memorable moments happen while simply standing on deck watching the mountains, waterfalls, ice, and wildlife go by.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Alaska page.