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June 28, 2023 my husband and I set out on a seven day Alaskan cruise on the Crown Princess doing the Voyage of the Glaciers. We departed Whittier, AK sailing south to Vancouver, British Columbia. Upon arrival at the Anchorage Airport we were transported by bus to Whittier, AK. The only way into Whittier is through a 2.5 mile tunnel. Toward the end of the tunnel the bus driver told us to look to the left, she then played the theme to the "Love Boat" as we went through the tunnel exit. There on the left sat our ship the Crown Princess.
Hokey I know, but fun. We departed that evening setting out to Yukutat Bay. We arrived the next morning, and cruised to the Hubbard Glacier. I would say the highlight of our trip was seeing the Hubbard Glacier. The sounds it made are hard to explain, like a deep thunder. The glacier is 7 miles wide and moves on average 4 miles a day. The ice field that day was low, so the captain of our ship was able to get within a 1/2 mile of the glacier - making for more impressive sights.
The next day we cruised through Glacier Bay National Park, where we saw the Margerie Glacier. Not as impressive as the Hubbard Glacier, but still beautiful. Day 4 we docked at Skagway, AK. What a quaint little town, with wood plank sidewalks and shops. We took a jeep tour up to the Yukon (booked through the cruise line). The scenery was beautiful, but because of the tight schedule we were on, there was not enough time for any photo stops. I wish my husband and I had rented our own jeep and drove ourselves.
Day 5 we were in Juneau. We took a whale watching tour, where we were able to see Humpback Whales and Orcas. The Orca's even put on a show for us. We had forgotten to pack our binoculars, but we were still able to see them.
Day 6 we found ourselves in Ketchikan, AK, where it rains A LOT (average rain total 12.5 ft. a year). We departed the ship and made our way to the visitor's center. Inside desks were set up with tour guides. We talked to a company about doing a float plane tour. He asked if we had considered doing a private helicopter tour. I have always been nervous about going up in a helicopter, but our pilot Ryan said he understood and would treat us right. He drove us to his little helicopter, only one bench seat in front - the pilot, me, and my husband all in a row. Ryan did as promised and didn't do any wild stunts. We saw mountain goats and two black bears, not to mention beautiful waterfalls and scenery. We really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend Ryan and his company, Ketchikan Helicopters.
The last day of our cruise was spent cruising to Vancouver. When we arrived, we were transported to the Vancouver Airport. Once there you go through US Customs, which makes it easier when you arrive back to the US.
Pointers for taking an Alaskan Cruise:
1. Dress in layers
2. Don't forget to pack binoculars
3. Best not to book excursions through the cruise line. Once in port, Skagway, Juneau,and Ketchikan had kiosks set up, selling excursions at a discount.
4. You will take a lot of pictures, so be prepared.
5. Cell phones do work at the ports, just not on the ship.
My husband and I celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary June 29, 2014. We wanted to do something different. This was it. What an amazing adventure. Photos do not do this beautiful State justice. I have a few attached for you to look over.
Gail & Clyde Hayden
Vincennes, IN
July 17, 2023
