When I was younger, I went on a lot of cruises. I mean, A LOT of cruises. (Here’s my take on cruises.) At this point in my life, and at this point in my travels, I’d be less likely to take one based on a number of factors. But there are a couple of large points in favor of a cruise: they’re easily done with family groups without having to worry what each person’s interests are, and there are some destinations that are hard to see by land.
All this brings me to my upcoming trip to Alaska, and my third time cruising in that state. I’ll be taking the trip with A (it’s her first time going to Alaska), and several members of my family. The cruise itself is a week from Vancouver to Seward, but we – my whole group – are adding on a land tour in Alaska afterward. And since Vancouver is so close, A and I are starting off by visiting some of her family in Victoria.
I have to admit to being excited. Although not the slow travel I truly love, I do find cruise vacations to be nice – or at least I did as of the last one I took back before I started The Royal Tour. I like the food, I like the activities, I like staring at the water. It is my hope that this will still be the case.
So what does the itinerary look like? Well, the basic day to day is below. (I don’t give specific start dates or other details for privacy’s sake.) Unlike many of my trips, the day to day is rather set in stone since it’s a cruise and a tour. I suppose weather and other things can change it, but I sure hope not!
Day One – Los Angeles to Victoria, BC
We will arrive in the evening and check into the most adorable bed and breakfast that we stayed at last time.
Days Two through Seven – Victoria
First, a short refresher from last trip, where I wrote about the Victorian history of the city, the harbor, Chinatown, and an awesome day trip. This time, I’ll be headed to Butchart Gardens, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and out on the water a couple times in search of wildlife.
Of course, the primary reason for the visit is time with family, but you’ll expect some cool articles and I intend to provide those.
Day Eight – Victoria to Vancouver
It’s a super short flight to Vancouver and then it’s time to board our ship. I don’t think we will do anything else on the way. But it’s a reminder I want to come back to this great city.
Day Nine – Sea Day
I like sea days. I get to relax and watch the coastline of British Columbia go by. I get to go to the gym and watch the coastline of British Columbia go by. I get to eat and watch the coastline of British Columbia go by. I get to write and… well, you get the idea.
Day Ten – Ketchikan
Ketchikan is tiny, but it’s cute. My plan is to visit a totem heritage park and to write about the native population of the area.
Day Eleven – Sitka
Sitka is the best place to see the Russian history of Alaska before it was sold to the US. So that’s my intent. It’s almost like I like history.
Day Twelve – Juneau
Yeah, there’s the Alaska state capitol, but I’m not going to bother with that when there’s the Mendenhall Glacier just a short bus ride out of the city. Since the last time I was there in 2005, it has retreated a ton, and I’ll be writing about glacial retreat, hopefully with some insights from local researchers who specialize in it. While it is depressing to so easily witness the effects of climate change, I’m stoked to learn and to share it with you all.
Days Thirteen and Fourteen – Pretty spots in Alaska
I can’t tell if we get off the ship or not, so let’s assume not and that we will be sailing by, or to, some beautiful scenery. This is why Alaska is perfect for a cruise!
Day Fifteen – Seward
We get off the ship, and begin the land tour. Today we head to Kenai Fjords National Park, which has been on my wish list since forever. I’m hoping for whale sightings, but just excited to get to visit a new (for me) national park!
Day Sixteen – Seward to Anchorage
Overland to Anchorage, and some activities based on the native population. I’m also (with luck) having dinner with TRT occasional writer Mike Still!
Day Seventeen – Anchorage to Denali
We head to Denali, to the best place I have ever been for wildlife sightings. Will we see bears? Golden eagles? Heck, will we see Denali Peak? Only time and weather will tell, but I hope so. Expect an article not only about the place but also the stupid right wing insistence at renaming the mountain back to Mt. McKinley.
Day Eighteen – Denali to Fairbanks
I’ve never been further north than Denali, so heading to Alaska’s second largest city is new to me.
Day Nineteen – Fairbanks
A riverboat and other explorations of the city await, and the fun that is eternal sunlight.
Day Twenty – Fairbanks to Los Angeles
Two flights and I’ll be back at home with some great stories and photos to share.
So yeah, seems fun. I’m looking forward to it. As always, for slightly more up to date pictures (since articles will be delayed at least a month or so), you’ll want to follow me on Bluesky.
For those who like maps, the Alaska portion of the trip is below. The three flags at the lower right are (from south to north) Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau. The ones at the top left are (again from south to north) Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks.
