Everyone Should Experience Alaska At Least Once

Ruby Princess

Some trips stay with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase. My Alaska cruise aboard Ruby Princess is definitely one of them.

The adventure started a day before embarkation in Vancouver. I checked into the beautiful Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, which sits directly across from Canada Place. The location couldn't have been better, and the views over the harbour were spectacular.

I spent the day exploring Vancouver, including a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium. To be honest, I've never been a huge fan of animals being kept in captivity, so I was pleased to learn about the aquarium's rescue and rehabilitation programs. Many of the marine mammals there were rescued after being injured or orphaned, and the goal is always to return them to the wild whenever possible. Learning about the work they do gave me a whole new appreciation for the facility. That said, I could have happily spent the entire afternoon watching the sea otters play.

Later, I headed over to Granville Island for lunch at the Sandbar Restaurant. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was lively, and it was the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying one of Vancouver's most popular spots.

That evening, I returned to the Fairmont and enjoyed that familiar excitement that comes the night before a cruise. There is something special about knowing a new adventure is about to begin.

The next morning, I looked out toward the harbour and watched Ruby Princess slowly arrive at Canada Place. Seeing the ship make her way into port was one of those moments that made everything feel real. A few hours later, I would be stepping aboard and setting sail for Alaska.

Morning view from my cabin

One of the things I love most about cruising is waking up to a new view every morning, and

Alaska takes that experience to an entirely different level. The scenery is unlike anything I had ever seen. Towering mountains, waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, dense forests stretching as far as the eye can see, and tiny communities tucked along the shoreline. More than once I found myself standing on deck with a coffee simply taking it all in.

Our first stop was Juneau, Alaska's capital city. Like many visitors, I made my way to Tracy's Crab Shack, and yes, it absolutely lived up to the reputation. The fresh king crab was delicious, and sitting there enjoying lunch while taking in the waterfront atmosphere was one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you.

Next came Skagway, a charming town that still feels connected to its Gold Rush past. I hopped aboard an old trolley tour where our guide was dressed in period costume and completely embraced the role. She reminded me of a western version of Mae West, full of humour, personality, and entertaining stories. Between the laughs and the local history, it was one of the most enjoyable tours I've ever taken.

Our final Alaskan port was Ketchikan. I joined a wildlife boat excursion and it quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. We spotted seals, seabirds, and incredible coastal scenery, but the moment I'll never forget was coming almost face-to-face with a magnificent bald eagle. Seeing such a powerful bird up close was absolutely incredible and something no photograph can truly capture.

Of course, Alaska isn't just about the ports. Some of my favourite memories happened while sailing. Watching glaciers appear in the distance. Looking for whales off the side of the ship. Spotting eagles soaring overhead. Standing on deck in complete silence while surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.

And then there were the evenings aboard Ruby Princess. A wonderful dinner, a stroll around the ship, and eventually heading back to my cabin. Another thing I love about cruising is the gentle movement of the ship giving me an amazing sleep and then opening the curtains the next morning to discover a completely different view waiting outside.

That's exactly what Alaska delivered every single day.

I've been fortunate to visit many beautiful places over the years, but Alaska is different. It's bigger, wilder, and more dramatic than I ever imagined.

The photographs are stunning, but they don't quite capture the feeling of standing there and experiencing it for yourself.

If Alaska has been sitting on your travel wish list, I would encourage you to move it closer to the top. It remains one of my favourite cruises and one of those journeys I would happily take again in a heartbeat.

Why should everyone experience Alaska at least once? Because there are very few places left that make you feel quite so small in the best possible way. The wildlife, the glaciers, the mountains, and the sheer scale of the landscape remind you just how incredible our world really is. It's a journey that stays with you long after you've returned home.

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