I’ve Done Alaska Every Way—Celebrity Cruises Is My Favorite

This itinerary is one of my favorites because it truly hits all the highlights without ever feeling rushed. Starting in Vancouver, I always recommend coming in a day early or more if you can. I was just there for a full week over Christmas and loved every minute of it. It’s such a beautiful city and such a great way to ease into the trip. Grab dinner at Miku for incredible sushi—the aburi salmon is a must—and a crisp sake or glass of wine. Another hot spot right now is Din Tai Fung, known for their soup dumplings and definitely worth a stop.

Sailing out of Vancouver and into the Inside Passage is one of those moments where you just want to be outside the entire time, watching the scenery slowly change around you. And one thing you’ll quickly notice: There are waterfalls everywhere, truly everywhere, cascading down the mountains all day long.

The Inside Passage days are honestly part of the magic. This is where you really start to feel Alaska. Grab coffee, bundle up, and head out on deck early. You’ll see whales, eagles, and the most unreal scenery. This is also when you start to settle into the rhythm of the ship—long lunches, wine in the afternoon, and just taking it all in.

Your first stop in Alaska is Icy Strait Point, and this is actually one of the main reasons I keep going back on Celebrity. Not many cruise lines go here, and it feels so much more authentic and untouched. I’ve done the zip line here multiple times, and the views coming down are incredible—you’re looking out at the mountains, the little town below, and your cruise ship sitting right in front of you.

Icy Strait, Alaska

I’ve also done a bear viewing excursion here, which is one of those experiences you don’t forget. And honestly, even just walking around Icy Strait Point is special. It’s one of those places where you slow down and really take in where you are. My kids have even jumped into the freezing water off the rocky beach and done a full polar plunge. There’s also a really cute cannery museum area that shows how fish used to be processed and canned, and it gives you such a good feel for the history of the area.

One of my favorite little things to do here is right when you get off the ship, head straight down to the water. This is one of the best spots to see wildlife up close, especially starfish. In one picture, I counted seven starfish all in different colors. You’ll also see sea urchins, shells, and so much more. Just remember to look and not touch.

Cruising up to Hubbard Glacier is one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. Being on the ship, especially standing right at the front on the helipad, looking out at it, is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Every few minutes, huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the water, and the sound alone is incredible. Then, going back to your balcony and just sitting there quietly taking it all in is such a special, peaceful moment.

Hubbard Glacier

In Juneau, there is so much to do, but this is one of the best places for whale watching, period. I’ve seen whales bubble-net feeding here, which is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One of my favorite excursions is whale watching, which ends at Orca Point Lodge—such a fun combination of adventure and a great meal.

In Juneau, one of the most incredible things to witness is whales bubble-net feeding: A group of whales work together to blow bubbles in a circle to trap fish, then rise up all at once through the middle with their mouths open.

If you stay closer to town, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a must-go for the king crab legs. Alaskan Brewing Company is also fun for a local beer. You can take the Mount Roberts Tramway up the mountain for incredible views.

Every time we go, we stop at Red Dog Saloon, and you can even write your name on the wall, which is such a fun tradition.

If you’re not doing an excursion, I’ve taken a cab to Mendenhall Glacier before. Walk to Nugget Falls, about two miles round trip—standing that close to the waterfall with the glacier right there is incredible.

Skagway is such a fun stop and feels like stepping back in time. This is one of the cutest little towns and one I always look forward to seeing again. We’ve done the Musher’s Camp and Sled Dog Experience, where you get to hold the sweetest baby puppies. They also walk you through gold mining and the Iditarod race, which makes it such a great experience for kids.

We always get a picture in front of the Camp Skagway 1899 building, which is covered in 8,800 pieces of driftwood, and it’s such a fun throwback to the Gold Rush era.

A must stop is Skagway Brewing Company—their chili is fabulous. It’s also a great shopping town, and of course we always stop for ice cream.

If you’re up for a hike, the Lower Dewey Lake Trail is about three miles round trip and very doable.

Ketchikan has such a fun, colorful feel and is known as the first city northbound. It also has a fascinating history, especially around Creek Street.

Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska

One of the most unique excursions here is going out on the crab boat from Deadliest Catch, the Aleutian Ballad. Watching them pull up the crab pots and seeing eagles up close is such a cool experience.

Walking around town is part of the experience, too. Going into Dolly’s, axe throwing, and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show are all part of the fun. There is also great shopping here, and some of the best seafood is right near the ship.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, Alaska

Onboard, everything just feels easy. Great food, great service, and evenings filled with wine, dinners, and relaxing after full days exploring.

If your itinerary continues on to Seward, this is where many cruises end and where you can continue on to Anchorage. You can also hop on the train here, and it is one of the prettiest train rides I’ve ever been on.

Seward itself is a small, charming town right on the water. I’ve been whale watching here as well, and it’s another great spot for it. Another favorite is getting a picture in front of the J Dock Fish Company sign; if you’re lucky, there will be fish hanging right off the hooks. It’s one of those classic Alaska moments, and also a great place for wildlife.

If you have extra time, Exit Glacier and Tonsina Creek Trail are both great, easy hikes.

And if your trip continues on to Anchorage, even just two nights there is a great way to end the trip. The highlights are getting outside, biking or walking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, driving along Turnagain Arm toward Beluga Point, and stopping at places like Potter Marsh or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Anchorage is also a great place for bigger adventures like glacier helicopter tours, kayaking, fly fishing, and ATV outings.

If you have a little extra time, renting a car or RV and driving down to Homer is such a good add-on. The drive itself is stunning. Homer has that small-town, waterfront feel and is one of the best jumping-off points for bear viewing.

In Homer, I would start with a bear-viewing tour, one of the best ways to see bears in their natural habitat. Then spend time walking the Homer Spit, popping into shops, and taking in the views. You can also kayak, do flightseeing, or head into Kachemak Bay State Park.

Another incredible drive you can do from Anchorage is out to Valdez, and this is truly one of my favorite spots in the world. The drive itself is one of the prettiest in Alaska, with so many scenic stops along the way. One great stop is Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Once you get to Valdez, this is where you really feel like you’ve discovered something special. It’s known for incredible coastal scenery and wildlife. You will see an unbelievable number of seals along the shoreline and ice, along with sea lions, otters, and whales.

Valdez has that remote, untouched feel that makes Alaska so special, and between the drive, the wildlife, and the scenery, it’s one of those add-ons that turns a great trip into something unforgettable.

Play time

Make sure when you’re on the cruise, you are always looking out the window. I have seen whales every single time I've looked out, and it never gets old. I’ve had clients tell me they didn’t see any whales, and I always say… you have to be looking. That’s exactly why I’m reminding you—keep your eyes out, because they are there.

No matter what time of year you go, always bring a raincoat and layers because, even in July, it can turn cold and rainy quickly. I’d also pack a second pair of sneakers in case yours get wet, hiking shoes if you plan to explore, bug spray, sunscreen, a water bottle, and an umbrella.

Also, don’t forget binoculars if you have them—they make a huge difference for spotting whales and wildlife from the ship—and a small backpack for excursions so you can easily carry layers as the weather changes throughout the day.

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