Honeymooning in Alaska: Glaciers, Romance & Adventure

Alaska felt like the perfect place for my husband and me to begin our journey as a married couple. We knew we wanted a honeymoon that was a little more adventurous, but we also wanted it to feel romantic—and Alaska gave us both in the best way possible. By combining a cruise with a land tour, we were able to experience so much while still having plenty of time to slow down and just enjoy being together.

Love was in the air in Fairbanks

A romantic start in Fairbanks

Our journey began in the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” where we stayed at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, set right along the peaceful Chena River. Each summer, Chinook salmon make their way upstream here, adding to the sense that you’re surrounded by something truly special.

On our very first evening, we had dinner at Pike’s Landing, right along the river. As we looked out across the water at the “Love Alaska” sign, it felt like the perfect welcome to our honeymoon—simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.

While in Fairbanks, there are plenty of unique experiences to enjoy together—from panning for gold at Gold Dredge 8 to visiting the Fairbanks Ice Museum or learning about life in Alaska at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

The journey to Denali

Next, we boarded the Wilderness Express for a scenic train ride to Denali National Park—and this was more than just transportation; it was an experience in itself. Sitting together beneath the glass dome, we watched Alaska’s untouched wilderness unfold around us—towering mountains, winding rivers, and even wildlife like moose.

Once in Denali, we embraced both adventure and relaxation. During the day, we explored the park, with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, caribou, or the tallest mountain in North America on a clear day. In the evenings, we retreated to a cozy private cabin at Denali Park Village, where we could walk along the Nenana River or sit side-by-side by a campfire—quiet, intimate moments that made the trip feel even more special.

And just when it felt like we had already experienced so much, the next chapter of our honeymoon was about to begin.

Sailing the Inside Passage

We continued our journey aboard the Radiance of the Seas, cruising through Alaska’s stunning Inside Passage. Currently there are several ships that sail this route—including Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Serenade, and Voyager—all of which have a balance of activities and relaxation onboard.

From mini-golf, to rock climbing with glacier views, to live entertainment, and panoramic experiences above the ship on the North Star, there is always something to do. But what made it truly special for a honeymoon was the thoughtful, romantic touches.

We were welcomed with a “Happy Honeymoon” note in our stateroom along with heart-shaped towel designs and invited to a private luncheon for honeymoon couples. Take advantage of ways to make the cruising experience more intimate—request a table for two at dinner, spend time in adults-only areas, and enjoy a relaxing couples massage at the spa.

Radiance of the Seas docked at Icy Strait Point

Exclusive honeymoon luncheon with champagne and cake

Ports of call: Adventure together

Days at Sea: Days at sea in Alaska are unlike anywhere else. Instead of endless ocean views, you’re surrounded by glaciers and mountains. We cruised around the Mendenhall Glacier, where crew members collected glacier ice they carved into an ice sculpture right on the top deck. These are the mornings we took time to relax just the two of us by ordering room service and having breakfast in bed while watching orcas off our private balcony.

Cruising around Mendenhall Glacier listening for ice calving (ice chunks breaking apart).

Juneau: Take time to explore the historic town and visit the famous Red Dog Saloon, once frequented by Wyatt Earp during the gold rush. The floor is covered with sawdust to catch small gold nuggets from miners. The highlight was a wildlife boat tour where we saw sea otters, bald eagles, sea lions, and humpback whales.

Skagway: A scenic ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway will take you along the same path gold miners once traveled, with stunning views of bridges, waterfalls, and tunnels. We even visited a sled dog camp and got to spend time with puppies.

Icy Strait Point: We spent the morning fishing for pink salmon and hiking through Tongass National Forest, then ended the day simply—enjoying ice cream on our balcony while watching whales in the harbor.

Ketchikan: Known for its picturesque Creek Street, a charming shopping area that lines a creek through town. This beautiful port offered a treetop walk where we saw bald eagles, fed reindeer, and even watched a black bear catch fish for her family.

Bald eagle keeping close watch

Shopping at Creek Street in Ketchikan

A perfect ending in Vancouver

Our honeymoon ended in Vancouver, where we extended our stay for one extra night—though we easily could have stayed longer. We visited the Capilano River facility to learn about salmon migration, then explored Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, walking high above a 450 ft-wide canyon on a bridge originally built in 1889.

It was the perfect final adventure—one last breathtaking experience before heading home together.

The perfect balance of adventure and romance

At first glance, an Alaska honeymoon might seem more adventurous than relaxing—but we found the perfect balance. Each day brought incredible experiences, while every evening offered time to unwind, with dinner prepared for us and entertainment just steps away.

More than anything, this honeymoon gave us something truly special: the chance to explore somewhere extraordinary while creating meaningful, romantic moments we’ll never forget.

Black bear cubs following after mama bear

• This itinerary can be enjoyed as a standalone cruise or enhanced with a pre- or post-cruise land tour.

• The cruise portion can be done roundtrip, or as a one-way journey, traveling north to south (as we did) or south to north.

• For the best experience, I recommend starting with the land tour and ending with the cruise—allowing you to unwind and enjoy a more relaxed, pampered finish to your honeymoon.

• Booking a cruise with an included land tour simplifies everything: transportation is coordinated, luggage is handled for you, and a wide variety of excursions are available.

• Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared with a rain jacket and consider packing rain boots.

• We had incredible tour guides who took care of us throughout the land portion of our trip, right up until we boarded the ship. They were always available to answer questions and offered fantastic recommendations for dining and activities along the way.

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