An Alaska cruise offers travelers an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth, with opportunities to witness glaciers, wildlife, and remote wilderness areas. We both chose to do Alaska by cruise as it allows you to visit several locations easily and really get a great taste of all that Alaska has to offer. But we both chose different cruises for different reasons.
The Same
Both cruises happen to include:
Juneau
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, including towering mountains, lush forests, and icy glaciers. As the third-largest city in Alaska, Juneau offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks.
For More information check out our Juneau blog
Skagway
Skagway, a historic town nestled along the southeastern coast of Alaska, offers visitors a glimpse into the Klondike Gold Rush era amidst stunning natural landscapes. As one of the most popular ports of call for Alaska cruises, Skagway boasts a rich history, charming architecture, and a variety of outdoor adventures.
For More information check out our Skagway blog
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, often referred to as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is a picturesque port city located in southeastern Alaska, along the Inside Passage. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich Native American heritage, and abundant wildlife, Ketchikan offers visitors a wide range of experiences to enjoy.
For More information check out our Ketchikan blog
Local Cuisine
As always we try to eat local. Even when on a cruise, we both try to enjoy lunch at a local eatery while in port. Alaska, with its unique geography and cultural heritage, offers a variety of dishes that highlight its abundant seafood, wild game, and indigenous ingredients. Here are some iconic dishes and foods to try when in Alaska:
- Wild Salmon: Alaska is famous for its wild salmon, including varieties like king (chinook), sockeye (red), coho (silver), and pink salmon. Enjoy salmon grilled, smoked, or baked, often accompanied by local herbs and seasonings.
- Alaskan King Crab: Known for its sweet and tender meat, Alaskan king crab is a delicacy enjoyed in many restaurants across the state. It’s typically served steamed with melted butter or used in dishes like crab cakes and seafood pasta.
- Halibut: Another popular fish in Alaska, halibut is known for its firm texture and mild flavor. Enjoy it grilled, pan-seared, or battered and fried as fish and chips.
- Reindeer Sausage: Reindeer (caribou) sausage is a local specialty, often served as part of breakfast or in hearty dishes like reindeer sausage stew or sausage rolls. It’s a lean and flavorful meat.
- Bering Sea Crab Cakes: Made with a blend of Alaskan king crab meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, these crab cakes are a delicious appetizer or main course.
The Family
We chose to do a Disney Cruise for obvious reasons. . . A Disney Alaska cruise is an unforgettable family adventure that combines the enchantment of Disney with the wonders of Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife. It’s a magical way to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations while enjoying Disney’s legendary service and entertainment. Our itinerary included:
Endicott , Alaska
Endicott was sailed in place of Tracy Arm which is listed on the Itinerary. It’s actually more common then not due to weather conditions. . The night before we arrived the glacier had calved a lot and the bay was filled with thousands of tiny icebergs which were covered with seals lounging on top. It was a really cool thing to see and also put into perspective the massive size of the glacier.
- See full details of The Family’s Alaskan cruise
The Dinks
We looked for a cruise that included Glacier Bay National Park which limited our choices greatly since only two cruise ships are allowed to enter each day to help protect wildlife and preserve the natural beauty. It was the Highlight of our trip. We also got an amazing deal on a two-week cruise almost getting the return trip for free. The only difference was the north bound stopped at College Fjord and the south bound stopped at the Hubbard Glacier. So we essentially had two days in each port.
In addition to the ports of call that overlapped with the Family, our itinerary included:
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning wilderness area known for its towering glaciers, fjords, and diverse wildlife. We were able to see several glaciers including Margerie, Piedmont, Lamplugh and Johns Hopkins glaciers. In the West Arm, the narrow expanse provides excellent views of the shoreline, the landscape sculpted by glaciers, and abundant wildlife. We were able to see a coastal bear near the shore, and mountain goats on Gloomy Knob as well as bald eagles, harbor seals, humpback whales, mountain goats, and even puffins!
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier, located in eastern Alaska and part of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is one of the most spectacular sights in the region. It is North America’s largest tidewater glacier, stretching about 76 miles from its source in the Yukon to Disenchantment Bay. What sets Hubbard Glacier apart is its dramatic advance, often causing ice dams and leading to impressive ice calving events. Visitors on cruise ships can witness these breathtaking displays of nature as massive chunks of ice break off into the sea with thunderous roars. The glacier’s immense size and dynamic nature make it a highlight of any Alaskan cruise, offering a memorable encounter with the raw power and beauty of the natural world. It was definitely a highlight of our cruises to watch it cave a true display of the power of nature.
College Fjord
College Fjord, located in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, is renowned for its stunning beauty and dramatic scenery. Carved by glaciers and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, the fjord boasts numerous tidewater glaciers that cascade into the sea, creating a mesmerizing landscape of ice and water. Visitors to College Fjord are treated to breathtaking views from the deck of their cruise ships, where they can witness calving glaciers, spot wildlife such as seals and sea birds, and marvel at the serene wilderness of Alaska. The fjord’s name pays homage to several Ivy League colleges, each glacier named after a prestigious university, adding a touch of academic charm to this natural wonder. There are five tidewater glaciers including Amherst, Barnard, Harvard, , Vassar, and Yale. The largest being Harvard. College Fjord offers a glimpse into Alaska’s pristine wilderness and serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature that shape our planet.
Whittier, Alaska
During World War II, a secret military facility known as H-12, was strategically located in Whittier due to its ice-free port, air attack protection, and radar-friendly topography. In 1964, an earthquake damaged the port and railway, leading to the military withdrawal.
- The Begich Towers, also known as the city under one roof, because the unique community of Whittier’s214 residents mostly live in the towers, and it remains stable despite its challenging weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and low winter temperatures. The bottom floor is open to the pubic including a small store and post office. We were luck enough to run into the Pastor who offered to take us up to see his apt and to the basement. It was neat to experience how people in this small village live. Across from the build is a Reindeer that we were able to feed grass. (Sign clearly states to only feed it grass & it came right over when it saw us pick some.)
- Hike: The Portage Pass Trail offers stunning views of Portage Glacier, Portage Lake, and the surrounding mountains. Hikers can expect to traverse through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain as they ascend to the pass. The trail starts with a gradual ascent through dense forest before opening up to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. As hikers continue along the trail, they’ll encounter some steeper sections and rocky terrain, but the panoramic vistas at the pass make it all worthwhile. We unfortunately couldn’t make it to the top as there was still snow on the ground a we got nervous about the conditions of the trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail and prepare better than we did.
Vancouver, Canada
The DINKs’ Alaskan cruise departed and returned, and the Family’s ended from Vancouver, a city known for its stunning natural surroundings and vibrant cultural scene. Highlights of Vancouver include Stanley Park, a sprawling urban park with scenic seawall views, and Granville Island, renowned for its public market and artisan shops. The city’s diverse culinary scene and multicultural neighborhoods like Gastown and Chinatown offer plenty to explore. Vancouver’s combination of urban amenities and access to outdoor adventures makes it a perfect gateway to exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Check out our different takes on this vibrant city.
Summary
Choosing between an Alaskan cruise with Disney and one focused on Glacier Bay National Park reflects different priorities, each offering unique advantages. For families opting for Disney, the cruise likely provided a magical experience tailored to children, featuring beloved characters, themed activities, and Disney’s renowned hospitality. On the other hand, The DINKS selecting the itinerary with Glacier Bay National Park enjoyed a deeper immersion into Alaska’s natural wonders, with opportunities to witness majestic glaciers and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
Both perspectives highlight the diverse appeal of Alaskan cruises—whether seeking enchanting moments with Disney magic or awe-inspiring encounters with nature’s grandeur. Ultimately, the “better” experience depends on personal preferences: family-friendly fun and entertainment with Disney or a nature-centric adventure exploring Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Each cruise offers its own unforgettable memories, ensuring that travelers can find joy and wonder in their chosen Alaskan adventure.
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