We had an unforgettable Alaska cruise filled with spectacular scenery, memorable experiences, and plenty of surprises. It’s hard to capture everything we loved about the trip in just a few lines, but here are the highlights and practical impressions from our journey.
TL;DR: Short on time? Top recommendations:
🏨 Hotels and vacation rentals for your stay
📍 Book a tour or local experience to make the most of each port
Highlights of an Alaska Cruise
Cruising through Glacier Bay National Park was one of the trip’s most breathtaking moments. We rose early and spent nearly the whole day outside taking in the cliffs, ice, and wildlife. Weather can be chilly and changeable, so pack warm layers and a windproof jacket—being prepared makes the experience far more enjoyable.
Ketchikan is very easy to explore on foot—the cruise ship docks right near town, so you step off and you’re immediately in the heart of the action. Creek Street, the waterfront, and the totem poles make for excellent photo opportunities and relaxed wandering.
One unexpected delight was the Great Alaskan Lumber Jack Show. After a few hours walking around Ketchikan, we wanted a break and decided to catch the performance—what a fun choice. The show is lively, family-friendly, and stands out as a highlight from our port time.
The town of Skagway feels like a step back in time with its preserved main street and historic buildings. It’s compact and very walkable—perfect for exploring on foot and enjoying the old-town ambiance close to the cruise dock.
The Red Onion Saloon in Skagway is a memorable stop—waitstaff in period costume, lively entertainment, and a playful atmosphere make it worth a visit. If you enjoy themed bar experiences and characterful local spots, this one delivers.
We also explored Juneau and had a fantastic evening at the Red Dog Saloon—part dive bar, part performance venue. It’s loud, silly, and unforgettable, with local music and a quirky vibe. Expect a unique night out if you visit.
From Skagway we drove into the Yukon Territory. The drive is scenic and full of sweeping vistas. While we didn’t encounter as much wildlife as we hoped, the landscape—mountain passes, rivers, and historic sites—more than compensated. Visiting the Yukon is a rare opportunity and makes a great day trip from Skagway.
The Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau stops you in your tracks. Rounding a bend and suddenly seeing that vivid blue ice is something you won’t forget. Even on an overcast day, the glacier’s color and scale are striking—bring a camera and allow time to simply watch and absorb the view.
Onboard, small touches made the cruise enjoyable—one favorite was the ship’s fruit-carving display. The artistic creations were intricate and entertaining to watch, a nice example of the little shows and activities that fill the ship’s daily schedule.
Food on the Golden Princess was excellent, and we enjoyed many memorable meals. Between comfort dining, themed events, and casual buffets, there was always something delicious to try. Be ready to walk plenty during port stops to balance out the indulgence.
A charming cruise ritual we loved was the afternoon cookies and milk service. Sitting in the ship’s atrium with warm cookies and a glass of cold milk while watching Alaska’s coastline pass by was a simple but memorable pleasure.
While in Whitehorse in the Yukon, we stopped at the Yukon Brewing Company for a tasting. Sampling local brews and picking up a few souvenirs made for an enjoyable break during our drive. It’s a fun way to connect with local flavors and meet friendly locals.
Cruising to Alaska checked a major bucket-list item for us. We loved the mix of dramatic landscapes, charming small towns, and unique onboard experiences. My parents have cruised to Alaska multiple times and say every trip feels fresh, with new sights and moments to discover—so I’d happily go again.