Alaska’s Inside Passage with Royal Caribbean

Our adventure began in Vancouver, British Columbia, where we spent the night before embarkation at the iconic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Often referred to as the “Castle in the City,” the historic property provided the perfect start to our vacation with its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and central downtown location. Arriving a day early gave us the opportunity to explore Vancouver at a relaxed pace before boarding Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas the following afternoon. I always recommend spending at least one night in Vancouver before your cruise to avoid travel-day stress while enjoying one of Canada’s most vibrant waterfront cities.

Stepping aboard Brilliance of the Seas felt like the official beginning of our Alaska adventure. Rather than competing with the destination, the ship complements it beautifully. The abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive outdoor viewing decks, and comfortable observation spaces ensures Alaska’s incredible landscapes remain the focal point throughout the voyage. Our mornings often began bundled up on the outdoor deck with coffee (or mimosas) in hand, quietly taking in Alaska’s vast glaciers, towering mountain peaks, and untouched wilderness. Between ports, we spent hours in the Observation Lounge playing cards while watching humpback whales surface alongside the ship as we cruised through the Inside Passage. Those peaceful moments together became just as memorable as the ports themselves and reminded me that an Alaska cruise is every bit as much about the journey as the destinations.

Incredible scenery from the deck

Life onboard Brilliance of the Seas struck the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. On sea days, we enjoyed leisurely breakfasts before finding the perfect place to watch the scenery unfold around us. After full days ashore, it was always a pleasure returning to exceptional service, thoughtfully prepared meals in the Main Dining Room, casual favorites at the Windjammer, and nightly entertainment. Whether unwinding in the adults-only Solarium, enjoying live music, or simply watching the midnight sun over the mountains from the upper decks, the ship became a comfortable retreat after each day’s adventures without ever being distracted from the incredible destination outside.

One of many stunning views the Inside Passage has to offer

Our first stop was Juneau, where towering mountains and endless opportunities for adventure welcomed us. We began the day on a whale-watching excursion, one of the highlights of our time in Alaska, with opportunities to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat against the stunning backdrop of Southeast Alaska. Following the tour, we were taken to Orca Point Lodge, a private island retreat accessible only by boat. Surrounded by immaculate waterfront views, we enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring fresh Alaskan halibut, bison burgers, and classic local sides. It was the perfect combination of adventure, incredible cuisine, and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the most memorable excursions of our entire cruise. For those visiting Juneau, I highly recommend combining wildlife viewing with a locally inspired dining experience like this to fully appreciate everything the region has to offer.

On a whale-watching excursion in Juneau

Sitka quickly became the most meaningful stop of our voyage. We participated in a cultural immersion experience led by members of the Tlingit Tribe, who shared their traditions, history, and deep connection to the land. Learning firsthand about the Battle of Sitka in 1804, a pivotal conflict between the Tlingit people and Russian colonizers, gave us a much greater appreciation for the resilience of Alaska’s Indigenous communities. Hearing these stories directly from Tlingit guides transformed what could have been a sightseeing stop into one of the most impactful experiences of our trip and reinforced that travel is about understanding a destination’s people just as much as its landscapes.

Exploring Sitka, Alaska

Before returning to the ship, we stopped at a locally owned food truck called The Salmon Wagon, where we warmed up with a bowl of locally caught Alaskan salmon chowder. It was the perfect meal for a cool, drizzly afternoon in Sitka and one of those unexpected travel moments that I crave regularly. Supporting a local business while enjoying fresh, sustainably caught seafood made the experience feel even more authentic, and it’s a stop I’d happily recommend to anyone visiting Sitka.

Delicious Alaskan salmon chowder at The Salmon Wagon in Sitka

In Ketchikan, we embraced a completely different side of Alaska by exploring the town on foot. We enjoyed a scenic hike before making our way through downtown for a casual pub hop, soaking in the welcoming atmosphere and colorful waterfront. One of the culinary highlights of the entire cruise was lunch at The Fish House, where we enjoyed some of the freshest Alaskan seafood of the trip while overlooking the harbor. Ketchikan’s combination of outdoor adventure, local flavor, and walkable charm made it one of my favorite ports to explore at our own pace.

The true stars of the itinerary, however, were Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. Witnessing Hubbard Glacier’s immense wall of brilliant blue ice rising hundreds of feet above the water was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the voyage. Its sheer size is impossible to appreciate until you’re standing on deck looking up at it. Tracy Arm Fjord offered an equally breathtaking experience, where dramatic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, floating icebergs, and pristine wilderness created one of the most spectacular landscapes I’ve ever seen. Thanks to Brilliance of the Seas’ panoramic viewing areas and thoughtfully designed public spaces, we never felt like we were missing the scenery, whether we were outside on deck or relaxing indoors.

Waking up to Hubbard's Glacier

After an unforgettable week exploring Southeast Alaska, we disembarked in Vancouver and continued our journey with one final stop in Seattle, Washington, before flying home to Tampa, Florida. Spending one evening in Seattle gave us the opportunity to unwind, reflect on everything we had experienced, and extend our vacation just a little longer. Looking back, this wasn’t simply a cruise—it was an opportunity to experience one of the world’s last truly wild places with the people I love most. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas provided the perfect home base, allowing Alaska’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage to remain exactly where they belonged: at the heart of the journey.

• A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens sailing this itinerary, as the cruise departs from and returns to Vancouver, British Columbia. Be sure your passport is valid well before your departure date.

• Pack layers and waterproof outerwear. Even during the summer months, temperatures can vary throughout the day, especially while viewing glaciers from the outdoor decks.

• Don’t underestimate the scenic cruising days. Some of our favorite memories came while sailing through the Inside Passage, Hubbard Glacier, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Grab a coffee, find a spot on deck or in the Observation Lounge, and simply enjoy the views—you never know when you’ll spot humpback whales, sea otters, or bald eagles.

• Bring binoculars and a camera with extra batteries. Wildlife sightings happen unexpectedly, and you’ll want to capture everything—from humpback whales and harbor seals to glaciers and waterfalls—throughout the voyage.

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