My second bucket list vacation in no particular order and in keeping with the same area of the world is... (drum roll, please) ... venturing north into the mainland of Alaska!
I had the privilege of taking a cruise to Alaska onboard the Eurodam from Holland America a couple years ago. It only whet my appetite to see more of this beautiful state! This cruise was round-trip from Seattle and stopped at the typical Inside Passage ports as well as Sitka and Victoria. It even included a full day sailing in Glacier Bay, which was beautiful. Did you know that only two ships per day are allowed in Glacier Bay and that National Park rangers ride out to your ship and join you for the journey, explaining everything along the way? Pretty cool experience! I also got to see a few whales, a bear, bald eagles, seals, and otters. Absolutely loved the otters!
And yet, from all my trainings about Alaska, I only caught a glimpse of what this state has to offer. Crossing the Gulf of Alaska and going inland toward Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park, and all the way to Fairbanks promises even higher glaciers, taller mountains, and more wildlife! This bucket-list trip was going to be a celebration of my 30th wedding anniversary this year, but alas, had to be postponed until 2021. We will be flying into Fairbanks next June, heading south through the land portion of Alaska for 7 days, and then getting on a Princess Cruise for 7 days. I have actually put together a group for this cruise, Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers, so if you want to join us on all or part of the journey, let me know!
Holland America is another cruise line I highly recommend in Alaska. I have traveled on both Holland America and Princess as well as done extensive training on each of them. It is true that each line has its own personality. There are even several small cruise operators, including expedition-type ones, that allow you to see Alaska up close and personal. Let us help you distinguish between all of them and make sure you find the right fit!
Of course, if you are hesitant to cruise these days, you can also see Alaska by land. Take the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park, embark on a 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier, drive the scenic Seward Highway and enjoy a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, and be sure to experience all that the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks offer. We can create a land package that best suits your travel style and interests.