I enjoyed Alaska so much last year, so I’m back on a different ship and itinerary. This time I am traveling solo, like on my Caribbean cruise in January. The weather was not as nice as last year, but rain and clouds in Alaska is part of the scenery.
We had a great solo coordinator on this cruise. I enjoyed the company, at dinner and on excursions, of some really friendly solo travelers. I appreciate how Norwegian Cruise Line caters to solo travelers. and that is why I am loyal to them for my cruises.
Below are some of the photos I took on this 7-day cruise to Alaska:
Sitka National Historical Park (Sitka, Alaska)
Sitka National Historical Park preserves the rich cultural heritage and dramatic history of Alaska’s oldest federally designated park. Visitors can explore the site of the 1804 battle between the Tlingit people and Russian colonists, highlighting a pivotal era of resistance and colonial expansion. The park is renowned for its stunning coastal rainforest trails lined with majestic totem poles, which showcase the intricate artistry and storytelling of the Haida and Tlingit nations. By blending natural beauty with profound historical insights, the park offers a unique window into the enduring legacy of Indigenous Alaskans.
Alaska Raptor Center (Sitka, Alaska)
Located in the scenic Tongass National Forest, the Alaska Raptor Center serves as a premier rehabilitation facility dedicated to the medical treatment of injured bald eagles and other wild birds. Visitors to the Sitka-based center can observe the journey from rescue to release, gaining an up-close look at majestic raptors as they recover in the massive flight training center. Beyond its clinical work, the center provides vital public education on avian conservation and the ecological importance of Alaska’s birds of prey. It is a must-visit destination for those looking to witness the intersection of veterinary science and wilderness preservation.
Nugget Falls (Juneau, Alaska)
Nugget Falls stands as one of Juneau’s most breathtaking natural spectacles, thundering 377 feet down a granite mountainside directly into the Mendenhall Lake. Located just a short, accessible hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the falls offer visitors a unique vantage point to see the massive glacial face and the cascading water in a single frame. The mist from the falls and the surrounding icebergs create a dramatic, sensory-rich environment that captures the raw power of the Alaskan wilderness. It remains an essential stop for photographers and hikers looking to experience the grandeur of the Tongass National Forest.
Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau, Alaska)
As one of the most accessible glaciers in North America, the Mendenhall Glacier offers a profound look at the shifting landscape of the Juneau Icefield. Visitors can explore the surrounding Tongass National Forest through a variety of trails, witnessing firsthand the dramatic blue hues of the ice and the vibrant ecosystem fueled by glacial runoff. While the glacier is a symbol of immense natural beauty, it also stands as a powerful educational site for observing the visible effects of climate change and glacial retreat. Whether viewed from the visitor center or the shores of Mendenhall Lake, the glacier remains a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking to experience the raw, icy majesty of Southeast Alaska.
Endicott Arm (Alaska)
Endicott Arm serves as a premier destination for travelers seeking the raw, untouched beauty of a classic Alaskan fjord, characterized by towering granite walls and drifting sapphire-blue icebergs. The journey through this 30-mile-long wilderness culminates at the massive Dawes Glacier, an active tidewater glacier known for its thunderous calving displays. Along the way, the steep cliffs and lush valleys provide a pristine habitat for harbor seals, bears, and mountain goats, offering world-class wildlife viewing opportunities. This dramatic landscape provides an immersive experience into the glacial forces that continue to shape the rugged coastline of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness.
Dawes Glacier (Alaska)
Dawes Glacier serves as the dramatic climax of a journey through Endicott Arm, standing as a massive wall of sapphire-blue ice that meets the sea. This active tidewater glacier is a sensory marvel, where visitors can witness the “white thunder” of skyscraper-sized ice chunks crashing into the fjord below. The surrounding waters, often filled with harbor seals resting on floating icebergs, provide a pristine backdrop for one of Alaska’s most intimate glacial encounters. Accessible only by boat, it offers a powerful and up-close perspective on the raw, transformative forces of the Alaskan wilderness.
Ward Cove (Ketchikan, Alaska)
Ward Cove represents a unique blend of Alaska’s industrial heritage and its thriving future in tourism, serving as a revitalized gateway for modern exploration. Once the site of the world’s largest dissolving pulp mill, the cove has been transformed into a premier cruise ship destination that maintains its rugged, authentic character. Visitors arriving at The Mill at Ward Cove can explore curated exhibits detailing the region’s logging history while enjoying easy access to nearby rainforest trails and wildlife viewing spots. This deep-water inlet provides a tranquil alternative to the bustling city center, offering a scenic and educational introduction to the spirit of Ketchikan.
Inner Harbour (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is a vibrant marine hub where historic architecture meets the bustling activity of seaplanes, ferries, and whale-watching boats. Flanked by the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the scenic causeway offers a front-row seat to street performers, local artisans, and manicured floral displays. Visitors can explore the waterfront via leisurely harbor taxi tours or by walking the illuminated paths that glow after sunset, creating one of the most romantic atmospheres in North America. This quintessential West Coast destination perfectly captures Victoria’s blend of colonial charm and modern coastal living, making it an essential stop for any traveler.
Parliament Building (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings stand as a stunning example of Neo-Baroque architecture, characterized by grand domes, ornate stonework, and a sprawling green lawn. As the seat of the province’s legislative assembly, the buildings offer a glimpse into Canada’s democratic heritage through free public tours and impressive interior galleries filled with stained glass and historical art. At night, the facade is transformed by thousands of shimmering lights, making it a focal point for evening strolls and photography along the waterfront. Whether exploring its stately corridors or admiring its exterior from the harbor, the Parliament Buildings remain a cornerstone of Victoria’s cultural and civic identity.