Our Alaskan adventure

Raphael and I are headed on a seven day inner passage Alaskan cruise that leaves out of Seattle. I’ve never been to Seattle either and have been dying to ever since the days of Frasier and Sleepless in Seattle and now with all the Grey’s Anatomy footage of the city, I can’t wait. Raphael has never been on a cruise so this should be an experience for him and I’ve only been on Caribbean ones in the warm weather so this will also be new for me. We have excited adventures planned for each of our stops (Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia) we’re going to do sea-kayaking through a rain forest (who knew Alaska had rain forests?), a helicopter ride onto a glacier as well as a salmon bake and glacier hike. With my recent health issues and a busy summer of work, I’m absolutely dying for this trip.

Apparently, one of the best times to visit Alaska is in the shoulder seasons, May and September according to a Princess Tours site.
September is a prime time to visit Alaska, because Fall comes early to Alaska and many of the deciduous trees are blazing yellow and red by Labor Day. Combine the bright yellow colors of the aspen and willow trees with the blazing red tundra plants and you have the best fall colors experience Alaska has to offer. You will see why Polychrome Pass in Denali National Park earns it name! As a backdrop, the tallest mountains will have fresh snow on their peaks while the lower elevations are still dry. Wildlife search opportunities also improve in late season, as the larger mammals begin feeding in the lower elevations in an attempt to pack on as much winter weight as possible. Weather is characterized by large temperature swings between warm days and chilly nights. In fact, it gets dark enough in the Interior of Alaska to see the Northern Lights!
When telling people about our vacation we get two reactions, the excited in wonder friend who thinks it will be beautiful, and then the skeptical friend who hates cruises and think we’re doing an old person’s trip. For those who are cruise haters, let me ask you this, have you ever been on one? I didn’t think so. My dad and I loved them, he used to save up and we’d go on one every few years when I was little. We went on three in total. Also, who cares if the cruise maybe a bit older, we’re not on this trip to spring break it, but to relax and try some adventurous outings. Plus, we figure we better see the glaciers while they are still there. You should see me trying to pack for this trip, I have no concept of weather since moving to L.A. I'll be back with photos! Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

8 comments

  1. My husband and I went on that cruise. Loved it! In fact, I have a couple books you can borrow, but since you already planned activities, maybe you have all the info you need. Let me know.

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  2. I think it sounds amazing!!! Have a wonderful time and I can't wait to see your pics!

    ~SL

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  3. My boss went on an Alaskan cruise and said it was AMAZING. I'm sure the sheer beauty of Alaska alone has made it worth it. Have a safe trip home!

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  4. Have fun, i'm eager to see your pics.

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  5. I heard lots of Sr. Citizens, but absolutely gorgeous.

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  6. Ah, you've changed formats! Love the new layout.

    The wife and I were planning on taking an Alaskan cruise for our 10th anniversary. Of course we made these plans on the eve of our first anniversary, long before two kids and numerous pets were a part of the equation. We're opting for a trip to Disney World instead.

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  7. Cool cruise Tara!

    You guys should do a local hike, several here:

    http://daykations.wordpress.com/

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