This was a once-in-a-lifetime journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime. For two whole days, as the ship sailed through the calm, glass-like water, I felt as though I was becoming one with the water and the sky.
We embarked on a seven-day cruise, departing from Seattle and exploring the Inside Passage route. Alaska is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich indigenous culture. While we didn’t encounter much wildlife, the views were simply breathtaking.
On July 1st, we left the port of Seattle and were blessed with great weather as we began our trip. After just a couple of hours, all man-made structures and islands disappeared from view, but Mount Rainier remained visible for four hours of cruising away from the city.
At first, the waters were rough, but then they became calm and it felt like we were gliding on glass. Summers in Alaska can have daylight hours that stretch from almost 19 to 24 hours, depending on the location. During our experience, we had nearly a 20-hour day, with the sun setting around 11:00 PM and rising by 3:00 AM.
As I watched the sunrise, I felt an excitement similar to that of a child’s. While others rested, I took advantage of the peaceful atmosphere to capture the serene beauty of the soft sunlight in Juneau. The ship approached the area with caution, careful not to disturb any wildlife. Luckily, I caught sight of a pod of whales in the distance on the near horizon.
You can catch a glimpse of serenity at 4:00am, with a whale visible on the horizon.
On the 4th, we arrived at Sitka, our first official stop in Alaskan territory. As we approached Sitka, the lush green mountains, waters and the entire scene resembled something out of a movie. I was fortunate enough to have a balcony view, as the view from my room was like a landscape painting. Within minutes of boarding at the port, I captured the beauty of the scenery. The color of the water had dramatically shifted from shades of indigo to turquoise green.
The next day was the most awaited day of our entire trip. We sailed through calm waters in the midst of a mystical landscape. As our expected arrival time at Glacier Bay drew closer, we grew anxious since all we could see were mountains cloaked in clouds and mist, which created an incredibly mystical environment.
Can you imagine having breakfast while gazing at such a sight outside?
As our captain had predicted, the foggy morning disappeared as soon as we entered Glacier Bay, revealing the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier located within Glacier Bay National Park. Although we were not allowed to disembark at the port, our ship stopped for almost an hour, giving us a complete view of the entire landscape. Only two ships in the cruising industry are allowed to navigate this passage to preserve the glaciers, and our vessel, Holland America Cruise Line, is privileged to be one of them.
The sight of the blue glaciers nestled between the mountains and bay waters was truly enchanting. I wished for time to stand still so that I could fully absorb this beauty, especially considering the stark realization of how quickly these glaciers are melting away, with so little remaining in the coming years.
As we were leaving Glacier Bay National Park, we were fortunate enough to witness a few more glaciers and immerse ourselves further in this natural wonder.
After experiencing a spectacular morning, we spent the afternoon relaxing and reminiscing about the beautiful bay we had visited. As we sailed back through the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the sun shone brightly, highlighting the striking natural contrasts of the landscape. The view stretched for miles and miles, and I painted this view for a friend who asked for it.
Our final stop on the Alaska trip was Ketchikan, a charming small town located at the southernmost point of Alaska. It is famously known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and offers breathtaking coastal views as well as a deep Native American legacy, which is apparent in the cultural exhibits and totem poles.
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The view from the ship’s balcony was strikingly different from what I had seen in the past five days. I could see hazy green mountains covered with coniferous trees, a small red-walled house in the distance, and an explorer boat floating on the blue waters. The serene and picturesque scene was a stark contrast to the bustling town visible on the other side of the boat.
On our way to Seattle the following morning, we stopped by Victoria, BC, in Canada for a brief visit. Despite having limited time to explore the city, famous for its Butchart Gardens, we caught a glimpse of the gardens’ reflection that extended across the city, visible from our port. In the picture, you can see a light pole decorated with a bunch of flowers.
As our unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and the quick trip to Victoria, BC draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the myriad wonders we’ve witnessed. From the majestic glaciers of Glacier Bay to the vibrant culture of Ketchikan, every moment has been a treasure to cherish. As we bid farewell to these awe-inspiring destinations, I am reminded of the immense power and beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations to enjoy. Although our adventure may be coming to an end, the memories we’ve created will forever linger in our hearts, inspiring us to continue exploring and marveling at the wonders of the world. Until we meet again, Alaska, thank you for an unforgettable experience.