Alaskan Summer Voyage

My husband, Pete, and I have just returned from our Dinogo cruise to Alaska, and I can still envision the blend of pine fragrance with the briny sea air. It was a refreshing escape from the summer heat, and the memories we created during the cruise will be cherished and recounted for years ahead.

For many, an Alaskan cruise is a dream come true, and it's easy to understand why. The breathtaking landscapes and thrilling excursions are major attractions. One of the greatest advantages of cruising in this state is the opportunity to witness numerous glaciers and wildlife that you simply can't see from land. Each port presents unique offerings, and I've highlighted some of the must-see experiences below.

Seattle

Dinogo’s Alaskan Cruise sets sail from Seattle, a vibrant port city worth exploring if you haven't been there yet. Notable landmarks include the iconic Space Needle, a relic from the 1962 World’s Fair, and the original Starbucks Coffee Shop at Pike’s Market. Seattle Center is brimming with museums, captivating architecture, and lively entertainment. Since we arrived from the east coast, we were a bit concerned about jet lag, but the city’s thriving coffee culture, home to the famous green mermaid, helped us. With countless independent cafes on almost every corner, a brisk walk through the hilly streets paired with a few cups of coffee quickly got us adjusted to the west coast vibe.

Day At Sea

During our cruise, my husband and I often enjoyed a cup of coffee while taking walks on deck to get some exercise and appreciate the stunning views. We spotted numerous humpback whales, glistening glaciers, and waterfalls cascading down the mountains from summer snowmelt, along with an abundance of bald eagles. Whether strolling around the deck or simply soaking in the scenery from our stateroom balcony, watching the breathtaking Alaskan coastline was undoubtedly one of our favorite experiences on the cruise.

Cruising the Fjords & Hayes Glacier

Exploring Tracy Arm Fjord was a full-day adventure right from the deck of the ship, allowing us to enjoy every moment without stepping off. Whether dining at the Unicorn Cafe, sipping coffee on the Serenity Deck, or simply watching the scenery unfold from our balcony, we were surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, thick forests, and cascading waterfalls. As we neared the main glacier, we even spotted sea lions lounging on small icebergs floating by. While the scenery was mesmerizing, every spot on the ship offered incredible views.

Skagway & Wilderness Safari

Skagway marked our first adventure on land with the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, packed with activities throughout the day. We boarded a smaller boat to a secluded island, enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by wildflowers and mountains, hiked through a lush rainforest, took a canoe ride, and ended with an unforgettable experience at the foot of a glacier we could actually touch. The photo capturing us against the stunning blue glacier backdrop will definitely find a place on my desk. I even wrote an entire post about this experience, which you can check out here (link to post).

Mendenhall Glacier & Downtown Juneau

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is unique as it marks the beginning of a 37-square-mile ice field, making it one of the few capitals only reachable by boat or plane. We kicked off our day with an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, enjoying several hikes to witness stunning waterfalls and wildlife. In the afternoon, we had ample time to wander through the shops and restaurants in downtown Juneau. You can find more of our Mendenhall Glacier photos and tips for exploring Juneau in our dedicated Mendenhall Glacier post.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan offers plenty to explore, including the historic Creek Street and the Park District. We spent our day wandering through the town, snapping salmon selfies with a sculpture by the creek, and savoring some local Raven’s Brew coffee at the Good Coffee Company. We also climbed the stairs at the edge of Creek Street up to the Civic Center and Cape Fox Lodge, where we admired the intricately carved Native Totems.

Victoria

Although Victoria was our briefest stop, it left a lasting impression. As the capital of British Columbia, the downtown area had so much to offer. After dining on the ship, Pete and I took a leisurely walk along Ogden Point and Fisherman’s Wharf, admiring the charming houseboat village and capturing photos in front of the iconic Parliament Building, beautifully illuminated against the backdrop of a late summer evening sky.

In summary, our Pacific Northwest adventure was fantastic. From gazing at the rugged coastline to whale watching and exploring the wilderness filled with glaciers, every moment contributed to an unforgettable Alaskan cruise experience.