If there's one place I could cruise to every year, I would choose Alaska.
While I've certainly enjoyed other destinations (especially Europe), there's simply nothing like the unmatched beauty of seeing Alaska.
Maybe it's the brisk air, or the majestic mountains that welcome you into every port, but every spring I yearn to return and book another cruise there.
The good news is I'm headed back this summer for a return visit, and I can't wait to see it all again one more time.
After already taken a few Alaska cruises, here's what makes this type of cruise great and why I'll be back many more times.
Departing is different in a fun way
Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, but I've started cruising more out of Vancouver and I can't deny the sail away experience isn't part of why.
Both Vancouver and Seattle are set in the Pacific Northwest, and you'll immediately notice the lush forests and views that surround you.
But in Vancouver, cruise ships homeport right in the heart of the downtown area and your departure is a mix of city skyline and rugged scenery ahead. Plus, your ship passes under the Lions Gate Bridge as you sail away.
Seattle's cruise port isn't quite as close to downtown as Vancouver, but it's still a great backdrop.
The Inside Passage is a cruise within a cruise
A sea day in Alaska is unlike a sea day anywhere else because of how much you can see while traversing the Inside Passage.
Think of the Inside Passage like taking the scenic route instead of the highway. It's a waterway that stretches 1,000 miles between southeastern Alaska and British Columbia.
You can spend all day on your balcony or on a public deck taking in the views, which include wildlife, mountains, water falls, and just about the prettiest stretch of land you'll encounter anywhere.
I think the animal viewing opportunities are what makes the Inside Passage so interesting. Bald eagles become so common to spot, but there's also a good chance you'll be able to see whales or even a bear on the shore.
I recommend taking your cruise cocktails with you out to a deck and watching everything as you pass by.
Glacier viewings will take amaze you
The first time our cruise ship entered Endicott Arm to see Dawes Glacier, I was blown away by seeing this incredible sheet of rock and ice so close.
Most Alaska cruises include a glacier viewing (or at least attempt to) in the sailing. It's when a ship slowly approaches a glacier and offers an up-close view.
Royal Caribbean ships almost always visit Dawes Glacier. Unfortunately, all visits to Sawyer Glacier had to be cancelled this year due to landslides.
If the sea conditions are safe enough to get close to the glacier, it's going to be an unforgettable experience. Seeing how big the glacier is, hearing the ice crack, watching seals laying on floating pieces of ice, are just some of the things you can expect.
Not to mention your ship is flanked by steep cliffs on both side as you traverse the narrow waterway. It's something photos never quite capture the magnitude of the feeling of being there.
Juneau has so much to see, I struggle with what to choose
My favorite Alaska cruise port is probably the state capital of Juneau.
It's home to Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the easiest glaciers to see on foot. You could take a seaplane or helicopter there on a tour and then actually step foot on it!
Juneau also has so many parks and forests you can visit, and it's all drivable. The last time we went there, we rented a Jeep and toured the area on our own. It was the perfect way to see the highlights, including a bear on the side of the road!
The food scene in every Alaska town is worth the trip
To say the seafood is fresh in Alaska would be an understatement, because there's simply nothing like having it while you're there.
Juneau has both food trucks and established restaurants to choose from. I love a good selection of food trucks that we can hop between, giving everyone something to try. Deckhand Dave’s is a fish taco truck at a trendy food truck park right downtown.
Suffice to say, if you're ever going to try salmon or crab, this is the place to do it. My daughter had never tried salmon until our guide brought out a salmon that they caught that morning and sliced it up for us to sample. She gave it a try and loved it!
My favorite hidden gem is in Sitka at The Fresh Fish, which is a one-woman food stand. They have poke bowls, seafood chowder, po'boys and tacos.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Tracy's Crab Shack as the most well-known spot to eat King Crab while in Alaska.
Every town you visit will have a few places to eat, and I'd recommend skipping the Windjammer and having a meal in town.
Skagway is like taking a time machine to Gold Rush
One town that usually stands out is Skagway, because it feels you stepped back in time.
The history of Skagway is well-preserved with the entire downtown retaining its Klondike Gold Rush look and feel.
That connection to history is more than skin deep. You can learn about every aspect of what it was like to be in Alaska during this period through various tours and walking trails. Many are free or cheap to try!
Yes, I prefer the cooler weather
If there's one reason some people avoid an Alaska cruise it's because they, "don't want to go somewhere colder than where they are" and I have to say it's worth going anyway.
First and foremost, you're cruising to Alaska in the summer so it's probably not going to be nearly as cold as you think it will be. If you go in July or August, there's a better chance you'll need a t-shirt than a jacket.
However, you won't mistake Alaska for the Caribbean in terms of temperature. That being said, I really prefer it because cooler weather makes for easier outdoor touring.
As lovely as a Caribbean beach is, the heat and humidity drain you and it makes it difficult to enjoy being outside unless submerged in water. But in Alaska, it feels great being out and about with low humidity and comfortable outdoor temperatures.
The beauty of Alaska is why I want to go back every year
If you think Alaska is a "one and done" type itinerary, I dare you to go and not want to return immediately.
When I cruised to Alaska for the first time, I couldn't believe how stunning everything looked. Everyone tells you this area is beautiful, but words never prepare you for how majestic it all is. I was awestruck by the state's geography, culture, and food.
A cruise is the perfect way to experience this area, and I'm already salivating at the idea of returning this summer.
