Known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Alaska offers its visitors and residents many unique opportunities and experiences. With approximately 34,000 miles of coastline, the state offers incredible coastal exploration opportunities and is renowned for delicious seafood.
EBONY recently set sail on Princess Cruises to embark on the ultimate icy, Alaska adventure. We experienced the best of land, sea and gastronomic delights. This highly sought-out cruise allows guests to see more of the state by combining an unforgettable experience with land options to visit Denali National Park and Princess’ signature Wilderness Lodges.
Our journey began in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we set out on our land tour. We traveled through the magnificent Denali National Park, taking in the awe-inspiring sights and seeing wildlife (from a safe distance) along the way. Before boarding Princess Majestic in Whittier, we continued our adventure and visited various destinations, including Anchorage and Talkeetna.
Our itinerary gave us a closer look at Alaska’s interior, and an even closer look at impressive glaciers while making port stops at Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan. If you’ve been thinking of adding the destination to your travel list, we’ve put together this guide to help make your trip to-notch.
Where We Stayed
The Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge is a standout lodge, providing tranquility and calm amidst the Alaskan wilderness. Following our land adventures, we set sail on our cruise ship. Our staterooms offered comfort, and we had balcony views to take in the stunning coastline. The ship is truly a traveler’s playground with plenty of options for relaxing; including booking a service in the award-winning Lotus Spa or unwinding at any of the indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs.
What We Did
There was truly an adventure for everyone throughout the trip with must-try experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
No Alaska visit is complete without a visit to Denali National Park. We traveled there via bus, and our driver shared the history and highlights. We also spotted wildlife as we drove along Park Road.
During our sailing, we toured Glacier Bay National Park. We had an incredible up-close glacier-viewing experience, and National Park Rangers boarded the ship to help with marine wildlife spotting.
Where We Ate
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying your hand at fishing for the first time, the “Cook My Catch” program offers an unforgettable adventure that celebrates the bounty of Alaska’s waters. You start out on a fishing excursion, where you have the opportunity to reel in your own fish. Once you’ve landed your catch, the talented chefs transform it into a culinary delight for your dinner that same night.
Throughout the cruise, we savored the freshest catches the state has to offer. From the prized King (Chinook), Sockeye and Coho salmon varieties to the succulent wild Alaska cod, halibut, rockfish, Dungeness crabs and wild spot prawns. For an exceptional treat, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the King Salmon with Razor Clams, a true Alaskan delicacy.
For wine enthusiasts, delight in the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of wines expertly paired with the iconic Alaska salmon. Immerse yourself in the nuances of each wine as it complements the flavors of the seafood, creating a truly memorable and harmonious dining experience.
Packing List
Alaska’s unpredictable weather can catch travelers off guard. These are a few technical and fashion-friendly suggestions to make your trip go as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re on a cruise or exploring the land, being prepared with the right attire and essentials will help you embrace the elements.
Layering your clothing allows you to adapt to changing temperatures and weather conditions.
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