Our September Alaska Cruise Adventure

Our September Alaska cruise adventure

Alaska has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and this September we finally made it happen. From the moment we left Baton Rouge to the moment we returned home, the whole trip felt like a dream come true.

Getting to Seattle

We flew out of Baton Rouge and landed in Seattle in the evening. Since it was late, we kept things easy with a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Airport. It couldn’t have been more convenient—the free shuttle from Sea-Tac was quick, and our rate included breakfast the next morning. Exactly what we needed to recharge before the real adventure began.

For the next two nights, we moved downtown to the Mediterranean Inn, and wow—what a gem. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s in an ideal location (walking distance to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, plus a grocery store right across the street). But the real magic is the rooftop terrace. Picture this: cozy couches, heaters, tables, and sweeping views of the city. We grabbed pita chips, hummus, and cocktails from the grocery store and watched the sun set over Seattle from the roof. Absolute perfection.

Exploring Seattle

We packed a lot into our short stay—wandering through Pike Place Market, taking in the views from the Space Needle, exploring the city’s quirky history on the Underground Tour, cruising the harbor with Sailor Sea Tours, and even renting e-bikes.

Seattle turned out to be the perfect pre-cruise stop, buzzing with energy and adventure.

All aboard!

Two days later, it was time for the moment we had been waiting for: our eight-night Alaska cruise round-trip from Seattle. The excitement was overwhelming—we were finally off to explore the Last Frontier.

Day 1: Embarkation day

Settling into ship life.

Day 2: At sea

Sailing the Inside Passage with nothing but incredible scenery all around.

Our first real “pinch me” moment came as we cruised through Tracy Arm Fjord. We booked a special excursion that took us on a smaller boat, letting us get closer to the towering glaciers. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, chunks of ice floated past us, and we even got to taste a cocktail made with glacier ice! It was surreal.

All aboard for the railroad in Skagway!

Port highlights

• Skagway: This little town has so much charm. We wandered the streets, grabbed craft beer and snacks at Skagway Brewing Company (highly recommend), and then hopped aboard the famous White Pass and Yukon Route train ride. The scenery was breathtaking—mountains, valleys, and endless wilderness rolling past our window.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad - Skagway, Alaska

• Icy Strait Point (Hoonah): This port felt special because it’s owned by the local community and hasn’t been overly commercialized. We booked a bear search and whale-watching tour, and it turned out to be one of the best whale-watching trips I’ve ever experienced. Between that, the gondola ride, the fire pit by the water, and the laid-back vibe, this was one of my favorite stops.

Whale tails in Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

• Juneau: We booked transport to the Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center right off the pier, and it was such a highlight. The short walk to Nugget Falls is a must—the views are incredible. After exploring the glacier, we strolled downtown Juneau and enjoyed the small-town feel.

Watching the seaplanes takeoff and land in Juneau, Alaska.

• Ketchikan: Even though it rained most of the day, Ketchikan was full of charm. We took the city trolley and totem tour, which was super informative, then wandered through Creek Street and visited Dolly’s House. The rain actually made the colorful buildings and wooden walkways feel extra cozy.

• Victoria, BC: Our last stop before returning to Seattle was Victoria, British Columbia. Since ships sailing round-trip from the US have to make a foreign stop, this was ours. We kept it simple with a hop-on hop-off bus ride, soaking in the city’s sights before heading back to the ship.

The journey home

Before we knew it, it was time to pack our bags and say goodbye. As much as I didn’t want it to end, I left with a heart (and camera roll) full of memories.

This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—the kind of adventure that stays with you long after you’re home. The glaciers, the wildlife, the small towns, and the people all made it unforgettable.

If Alaska is on your list, don’t wait. Go. You’ll never forget the beauty, the wildness, and the magic of it all.

The Alaska cruise season typically runs from late April to early October, with peak times in June and July for optimal weather and wildlife viewing.

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