“To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world” – John Muir

In June 2024, our love for adventure brought us on a 7-Night Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruise aboard the Celebrity Summit. From the moment we set sail, Alaska’s wildness and beauty captivated us in a way we’d never experienced before. So much so that when the cruise ended, we knew we couldn’t leave just yet. With a spark of spontaneity, we extended our stay by an extra week to further explore this stunning frontier.

As part of our cruise excursions, we embarked on the M/S Aleutian, an authentic Alaskan crab boat tour. This experience was nothing short of spectacular. We watched in awe as nearly 50 bald eagles soared above us, feeding on fish tossed by the fishermen. The sight of these majestic birds in action was unforgettable.

Another highlight was our visit to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. The glacier’s icy expanse was breathtaking, and we also had the chance to visit the Juneau Musher Camp and Sled Dog Discovery. Meeting the sled dogs and learning about their training and lives was both educational and heartwarming—a true Alaskan experience.

Sailing through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was another unforgettable moment of the cruise. The pristine wilderness and towering glaciers were simply awe-inspiring. We also found ourselves mesmerized by the immense beauty of the Hubbard Glacier, which we could admire right from the comfort of our stateroom balcony. Watching the massive ice formations calve into the sea was a sight we will never forget.

After the cruise, Anchorage became our home base during this extended adventure, thanks to a cozy Airbnb that welcomed us with the comforts we needed after long days of exploration. From there, we set out to immerse ourselves in the best that Alaska had to offer.

Our journey took us to Talkeetna, a charming town with panoramic views of Denali, and into Denali National Park itself, where towering peaks and vast wilderness left us awestruck. We hiked trails that brought us face-to-face with Alaska’s rugged terrain, spotting wildlife that seemed to thrive in this untamed land.

A visit to the Matanuska Glacier was another unforgettable highlight. Hiking on the blue ice of this massive glacier felt like stepping onto another planet. I marveled at the crevasses and ice formations, each one a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Shoutout to my guide, Drew of https://www.novalaska.com/trip/mantanuska-glacier-hike/ . It was supposed to be a 6-hour hike but it ended up a 7-hour one because he introduced us to some mountaineering skills.

Portage Glacier offered its own magic, as we beheld its icy expanse, while the Kenai Fjord Peninsula revealed a coastline teeming with marine life and dramatic scenery. From the tour boat we’re on, we marveled at the sight of gray whales, puffins, and sea otters, jaw-dropped at the beauty of the gigantic thumb jutting from a mountainous landscape. Every sight, every moment was an opportunity to connect with nature.

But it wasn’t just the destinations that took our breath away. Driving along the Seward Highway and heading north to Denali, with its endless vistas of mountains, glaciers, and shimmering waters, was an experience in itself. Every twist and turn of the road seemed to unveil a new postcard-perfect view. The drive was a feast for our nature-loving eyes and a reminder of why we had fallen in love with Alaska.

Our time in Alaska was more than a vacation; it was a journey of discovery, a chance to reconnect with the natural world and embrace the spirit of adventure. Each moment—whether on the deck of the cruise ship, hiking a mountain trail, or simply soaking in the views from the highway—reminded us of the beauty and wildness that still exists in the world.

If you’re ever seeking an adventure that will stay with you long after it’s over, we wholeheartedly recommend Alaska. Just be warned: you may find yourself, like us, extending your stay to soak in every last drop of its splendor.

Photos:

Top: The view of the town of Ketchikan, Alaska from balcony of our stateroom

Bottom left: The gray-haired couple, Walter & Janice enjoying the Alaskan Crab Fishing Tour. Check this out: https://alaskacrabtour.com/

Bottom right: Pennock Island as we were leaving the port of Ketchikan, Alaska

We’ve always been excited to embark on exciting and new adventures. From Janice’s climbing the high peaks of New Hampshire, or Walter piloting a limping boat across the Gulf Stream coming home from the Bahamas.