Let me start this final installment in my Alaska series by saying this trip was a dream come true; to share it with family made it all the more special.  As the days slipped by we found ourselves nearing the end of our time at sea.  We’d planned for it for a year and spent a lot of time trying to get every detail perfect.   You know what I was keenly reminded of as each day passed?  No matter how hard you try, you won’t get everything just right, some things will fall through the cracks or they just won’t go as planned and then you have a choice, just roll with it or be upset about it.  Your attitude will make all the difference.

We sailed into Ketchikan in the early morning and it was such a unique port.  The ships were snuggled in their berths along the port in a perfect line. Fortunately, they were neatly poised as a background for any picture taken from the sidewalk which ran parallel with the port.   The trip back down the Alaskan coast had been stunning, some of the bluest waters, and you could catch just a glimpse of land if you squinted hard enough.  Six of the eight of us decided to disembark and explore the small town of Ketchikan, while my Dad and his wife went to a lumberjack show.  They told us later they really enjoyed it, even if it did rain a little.  That’s another lesson I learned while in the artic, it almost always rains, so be prepared.  A good raincoat is worth the investment if you’re going to take this trip.

Ketchikan, Alaska was a little bigger than the other towns we’d visited, there were several shops and restaurants along the dock.  We walked a good distance from where we disembarked until we found the heart of the town and, of course, we spotted the cutest coffee shop.  My sister and I decided to duck in and grab a latte, because how often in your life will you get the chance to buy one in Alaska?  Exactly, that’s why we went into this little place.  It was extremely crowded, but everyone was very friendly.  Something I observed while on this cruise is that your ship is one of many on the exact same route, so everywhere you go you’ll see and talk to people headed to the same places as you.  I loved meeting people from all over the world, I think I sometimes forget, in my little corner of the world, just how big it really is.   We met people from Canada, from several states within the United States, Japan, China, Brazil, England, Scotland, France, and so many more.  I was a little disappointed we didn’t come across anyone from Australia, I love their accent!

We bought a few souvenirs in Ketchikan, I made sure mine were small because, as I told you in an earlier installment, my suitcase was a breath away from being too heavy.   I loved this day because it was more relaxed and casual; strolling the streets in Alaska felt like I was in a movie, it definitely didn’t feel like my real life.  Boarding the ship was no big deal, no Tender boats to ride or anything, just a walk down the gangway and you’re in the town.  Ketchikan was a great stop, but we only shopped for a couple of hours before we were ready to get out of the cold and rain.  The next stop was Victoria, Canada and we would arrive in port at 9pm.  At this point, it was Friday night, we decided we didn’t want to get off the ship that late and we were only going to be in port until 11, just two hours.  We stayed on the ship and watched the farewell show, it was really good, a memorable way to wrap up our amazing cruise. 

I’ve had so many people ask me for pointers or tips for an Alaskan cruise, and I’ve shared several over the last few weeks.  But, I figured I’d make a quick list, in case it helps someone who’s planning a cruise of their own.

First:  Plan the cruise as far out as possible because it gives you plenty of time to pay, and often you’ll get the best choice of rooms.   And splurge for the balcony!

Second:  I would use a travel agent, it is a free service and they are so knowledgeable and it helps a lot as you navigate all the choices and deadlines.

Third:  Book a private shuttle from the hotel to the port and from the port to the airport.  We found this to be so helpful and we had a large enough vehicle to fit our entire group as well as luggage.  It costs a bit extra, but it is so worth it!

Fourth:  Book your excursions as soon as you can.  It’s amazing how fast they fill up!

Fifth:  This is one we didn’t do well, it worked out, but it could’ve been better.  Make your dinner reservations ASAP.  For us, we had to wait until the cruise was paid for before we were allowed to make reservations and, honestly, we took our time making them even after it was paid off.  Because of that we ended up in the same dining room every night.  Thankfully it was a good place to eat, but it would’ve been nice to try something else, but without reservations it’s really hard to eat anywhere but the buffet. 

Sixth:  Try to arrive at least a day before your cruise is set to sail.  My husband has seen so many people miss important events, including cruises, because of flight problems.  Don’t be that person, plan to arrive with plenty of time to spare. 

Seventh:  Be sure you have a warm jacket, a rain coat, scarf, hat, gloves, comfortable boots, all the warm stuff, you will need it, trust me!

Eighth:  I recommend bringing binoculars, you’ll enjoy them.  We bought a pair for each of us, but, honestly, we would’ve been just fine with one, we really didn’t need two.

Ninth:  Get familiar with the app of whatever cruise line you choose.  On our app we found the itinerary for each day and could navigate meals and events on the ship.  It was very handy. 

Tenth:  On our ship the evening shows could get very crowded and, with limited seating, some people couldn’t even get in, try to get to your chosen event early. 

Eleventh:  I have a terrible habit of over packing.  I wish I’d known our ship had a laundromat, I might’ve packed a little less and washed some things.  Who am I kidding?  I would find other things to pack, I just can’t help myself.  Seriously, check and see if your ship has a laundromat, it’s very convenient.

Lastly, thank you so much for reading my Alaska cruise series!  It has been so fun to write about, and even more fun to answer questions and, hopefully, help guide anyone who is interested in taking one.  What an amazing experience, one I will never forget!

The best advice I can give you?

Take the cruise. 

Just do it.