Cruising Alaska

- August 23, 2015

We tossed aside the beachside, tropical honeymoon destinations for a more adventurous option, Alaska! This bucket list vacation was the best choice we could have made; every minute of our trip was amazing with tons of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We took a cruise on the Crown Princess which we found to be the best option for seeing the most of the huge state of Alaska, while also immersing ourselves in the luxury of gourmet meals, entertainment, and the beautiful ship accommodations for our week-long exploration.

Peak travel season in Alaska is mid-June to Mid-August. On our trip (August 15th to August 22nd), we experienced the typical weather of a summer in Alaska. Temperatures ranged from mid 50°F's to upper 60°F's, with light drizzles and mist scattered throughout the days. The average chance of rain in August is 50%, so the precipitation was no surprise to us and contrary to expectations, the rain had very little impediment on our travel plans. Dressing in layers is key, along with wearing a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes for walking. At times, the sun was so strong, we even got some color. One of the coolest aspects of Alaskan summers is the hours of daylight. The sun didn't set earlier than 8:30pm/ 9pm each night. And more sunlight equates to more opportunity to take in all the unbelievable beauty of this awesome destination.

Tracy Arm Fjord- Sawyer Glaciers

Endicott Arm Fjord- Dawes Glacier

Tracy Arm Fjord- Sawyer Glaciers

Glaciers and icebergs are quintessentials to the Alaska experience. Our nordic quest to Dawes Glacier through the Endicott Arm Fjord, followed by scenic cruising the next day in Tracy Arm Fjord where the North & South Sawyer Glaciers are located, were indescribable experiences. The drifting blue ice leading up to the glaciers were like images from a travel magazine. All were different shades of blue depending on the angle of light, just slowly floating through the icy Pacific waters. Seeing and hearing the ice calving from the glaciers was an experience in itself. Along the canal of the fjord were surprisingly long stretches of green treeline and vegetation as well as dozen of waterfalls. The glaciers, mountains, serene ocean, waterfalls- All of it was absolutely breathtaking. It's an experience you can only get in Alaska. There is so much to explore in this world; we're glad to have marked off at least one extraordinary place on the list.