My First Alaska Cruise and Why I'm Going Back

Alaskan Wilderness

Alaska Wasn't Even On My List

I'll be honest. Before my Alaska cruise, I'd seen all the photos. The glaciers, the wildlife, the dramatic landscapes. But I didn't really get it until I was sitting in the indoor lounge at the top of the ship, looking out those massive windows, watching a pod of orcas swim alongside us.

Alaska wasn't even on my travel list. This was my first cruise, and I'd said yes more out of curiosity than anything else. I had no idea the magnitude of nature we were about to witness. It's bigger, quieter, and more affecting than any brochure could prepare you for. And now that I'm heading back in July (and yes, there's still room if you want to join me), I keep thinking about what made that first trip so memorable.

Alaskan Cruise

The Moments That Stay With You

Here's what nobody tells you about Alaska: the best moments aren't always the planned excursions. Don't get me wrong, those are incredible. But some of my clearest memories are the unexpected ones.

We took a small boat excursion to a rainforest hike. On the way in, I saw a bald eagle flying overhead. I think it was my first time seeing one in person, and I was amazed. Just this magnificent bird soaring above us.

Breaching Whales

After our hike, we were sitting on the boat heading back when our guide said she'd spotted something earlier and hoped we'd get to see it on the return trip. She positioned us perfectly. Then it happened. A whale breached. This massive, beautiful arc out of the water. It was thrilling in a way I still can't quite describe. Everyone on that boat gasped, and for a few seconds, we all just sat there grinning at each other like we'd witnessed something sacred.

The People You Meet and the Stories They Tell

We went on several excursions during the trip, and each one brought its own surprises. One day, we took a scenic train ride in Skagway. Our guide talked about what it's really like to live there, especially when the tourists leave, and winter settles in. She described the long stretches without light in a way that made me understand why Alaskans are the way they are. There's a resilience there, but also this deep appreciation for summer and light and warmth. It gave me a completely different perspective on the place we were traveling through.

The cruise staff brought their own kind of magic. The cruise director, with his British accent, kept announcing there would be "fun and frivolity" on the ship, and it became this running joke with my friends that lasted long after we got home. We enjoyed the dining and shows on board. We even painted pottery. There's something about the way the crew blends genuine enthusiasm with just the right amount of playfulness. Travel can be both meaningful and fun, serious and a little silly.

Skagway Train Excursion

Why I'm Going Back

One trip to Alaska isn't enough. I realized that pretty quickly. There's Denali, which I'm finally going to see this summer. There are regions I didn't visit. Experiences I didn't have time for.

You can't see it all. And that's okay.

What matters is being present for what you do see. Not rushing from one photo op to the next, but actually sitting with the experience. Watching those orcas until they disappeared. Listening to that train guide talk about her life. Feeling the cold air and the movement of the boat and the bigness of everything around you.

If You're Thinking About Going

Alaska works for different travel styles. Cruises give you access to remote coastal areas you couldn't easily reach otherwise, with the comfort of unpacking once and letting the ship do the work. The combination of organized shore excursions and downtime on the ship suited me well as someone who likes structure but also needs quiet time to process experiences.

Escorted tours are another great option, especially when you want to spend more time inland exploring places like Denali, Fairbanks, or the interior wilderness. You get expert guides who handle all the logistics, plus the benefit of traveling with a group while still having your own space and schedule.

Some people combine both. A cruise along the coast followed by a land tour, or vice versa. It depends on what you want to see and how much time you have.

For someone who gets nervous about travel logistics or feels overwhelmed by too many choices, both cruises and escorted tours simplify things. The itinerary is set, activities are coordinated, and you're surrounded by people whose job is to help you navigate it all.

Ready to Experience It Yourself?

Has Alaska been calling you? Trust that instinct. Like I said, I'm heading back in July 2026, and there's still time to join that group. But 2026 isn't the only option. We can plan something for 2027, too.

Either way, I can help you plan your Alaska adventure. Whether it's a cruise like mine, an escorted tour, or a combination that lets you experience both the coast and the interior, we'll create an itinerary that matches your travel style and comfort level.

The Alaska you're imagining, and the Alaska you'll actually experience, will be different. And with the right planning and support, that difference will be even better than you hoped.

About the Author: Ericka Hamilton, Travel Advisor & Educator

Ericka Hamilton is the owner of Unveiled Explorations & Travel, where she helps cruisers, solo travelers, and groups plan meaningful, effortless travel. With a background in education and mental health, she brings a calm, clear, and supportive approach to trip planning—specializing in cruises, escorted tours, and intentional travel for people who want structure without overwhelm.

Learn more at unveiledexplorationstravel.com