The Long Way to Alaska (And Why It's Worth It)

For this trip, I decided the journey itself would be part of the adventure. Instead of flying straight to Seattle, I boarded the Amtrak Empire Builder in Minneapolis and let two days of rail travel through the northern plains and the Cascades set the tone before I ever set foot on a ship. It’s a slower way to arrive, but it makes Alaska feel earned rather than just arrived at. I settled in pre-cruise at the Westin Seattle for two nights, an easy, comfortable base in the city before boarding. I'd recommend clients plan for at least one to three days in Seattle pre-cruise to explore the city and settle in before heading north.

The Northern Plains from Amtrak Empire Builder

World-famous Pike Place Market (not to be missed)

The Norwegian Encore was our ship for the sailing, and it made an excellent home base for a group of this size. Between the onboard amenities and the ease of coordinating shore excursions as a group, it struck the right balance of comfort and adventure, letting travelers split off for wildlife-focused days or lower-key sightseeing without losing the group's rhythm.

Choir of Man (phenomenal entertainment aboard NCL Encore)

Juneau, Alaska, port arrival

The excursions were where this trip really came alive. Our White Pass Railway excursion to Bennett Lake and Carcross is my personal number-one recommendation: a dramatic, historic rail route with sweeping views that puts the scale of this landscape into perspective. Whale watching out of Juneau was a close second; we came across a pod of orcas, several humpback whales—including a mother and calf playing just off the boat, and otters drifting along the surface nearby. It's the kind of encounter that no itinerary can promise, but Juneau consistently delivers. I'd also point clients toward Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, paired with the hike to Nugget Falls; I didn't make it there myself this trip, but it comes highly recommended and is well worth building into the itinerary.

Mendenhall Glacier from whale-watching excursion

White Pass and Yukon Route railway excursion

This is a trip for clients who want nature and wildlife to be the main event, not just a backdrop to the vacation, and for groups looking for a destination that offers something for every traveler on board, whether their idea of a good day is a wildlife excursion or a quiet moment on deck watching the coastline go by.

Whale watching in Juneau

Glacier Bay

Pack in layers. Alaska's weather can shift quickly, especially in port towns like Juneau and Ketchikan. We got lucky with plenty of sun on this sailing, but I've experienced trips where it rained more than it shone, so travelers should come prepared for both.

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