When my husband and I (Jen, Tracy’s website assistant) booked our first inside passage Alaska cruise, we knew it was going to be an unforgettable adventure. But we didn’t realize just how perfect it would be as a couple traveling without kids. Sailing along the serene waterways, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and endless wilderness, felt like stepping into another world. An Alaska cruise is unlike any other trip. It blends romance with jaw-dropping scenery and the chance to experience some of the most unique Alaska cruise excursions together. For us, this was more than a vacation. It was a journey designed for discovery, connection, and memories we’ll treasure forever. No wonder so many people say an Alaska cruise for couples is one of the best ways to see this wild and beautiful part of the world.
One of the first things we realized on our trip is that there’s simply no better way to explore this vast state than by ship. Alaska is larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. And you can’t just hop in a car and drive to every destination.
Many of the places we visited, like remote towns, fishing villages, and even Glacier Bay, can only be reached by boat or seaplane. That’s where an Alaska cruise shines. It gives you the freedom to unpack once while still discovering multiple destinations along the way.
From gliding through the calm waters of the Inside Passage to docking at charming Alaska cruise ports, every day brought a new adventure without the stress of logistics. For first-time visitors especially, cruising offers the perfect balance of comfort, exploration, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
One of the first decisions we had to make was where to begin our inside passage Alaska cruise. Most itineraries start from either Vancouver or Seattle, and both offer unique advantages.
An Alaska cruise from Vancouver often sails deeper into the Inside Passage. This gives you more time surrounded by dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and a greater chance of spotting whales right from your balcony.
An Alaska cruise from Seattle, meanwhile, is incredibly convenient. Especially if you’re flying in from the United States, with the added perk of exploring a lively city before you even set sail.
For our adventure, we chose to start our journey in Vancouver, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. The city itself is a destination worth exploring, with its stunning harbor, diverse food scene, and vibrant neighborhoods.
But the real magic began the moment our ship pulled away from the port. Watching the skyline fade behind us as we glided into the wild, pristine waters of the Inside Passage felt like the true beginning of our Alaska story.
If there’s one piece of advice Tracy always gives about any type of cruise, it’s this… Arrive at your starting port the day before your ship departs.
Flights can be delayed, luggage can get lost, and rushing straight from the airport to the cruise terminal is a recipe for stress. By arriving early, you start your Alaska cruise, or any other cruise adventure, rested and ready instead of frazzled and frantic.
That’s exactly what my husband and I did when we flew into Vancouver. We checked into our hotel right after arrival and made it our mission to beat jet lag by staying awake and staying busy.
Luckily, the area around our hotel gave us plenty to explore. Right next door we discovered a fantastic food court filled with plenty of options. Perfect for a quick bite to avoid getting hangry.
Later in the afternoon, we strolled over to historic Gastown, where cobblestone streets and quirky shops gave us our first taste of the city’s charm. Of course, we had to stop by the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which usually puffs right on schedule, as it draws a crowd of curious onlookers. However, the steam clock was under maintenance when we were in Vancouver.
By the time dinner rolled around, we headed to Steamworks Brewery for a hearty meal paired with local craft beer. The buzzing atmosphere, warm food, and waterfront location made it the perfect ending to our pre-cruise day.
When we finally returned to our hotel, we felt accomplished, acclimated, and ready for the adventure waiting the next morning.
The morning of embarkation felt like Christmas morning. We were up before sunrise, too excited to sleep.
We strolled across the street to the port and watched as our cruise ship slowly glided into position at the dock. Seeing the massive vessel arrive made everything feel real. Our inside passage Alaska cruise was about to begin.
With time to spare before boarding, we wandered through Stanley Park as the first light of the day peeked over the horizon, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. The quiet beauty of the park was the perfect way to start such a monumental day.
On the way back, we made a quick stop at Tim Hortons for breakfast. Because what’s a Canadian send-off without coffee and a warm breakfast sandwich?
Back at the hotel, we zipped up our suitcases and handed them over to the bellhop, who whisked them across the street to be loaded onto the ship. Boarding a cruise ship can feel overwhelming at first, with long lines and unfamiliar processes, but we were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything ran.
There were plenty of staff members directing guests, answering questions, and guiding us every step of the way. Before we knew it, we were scanning our cruise cards, stepping onboard, and heading straight to the buffet for a quick lunch.
Plates full, we found a table, grabbed a window seat, and toasted to the beginning of our adventure. Then, like many eager passengers, we headed up to the top deck to soak in the views of Vancouver’s skyline, the harbor, and the mountains beyond. Standing there with the cool breeze on our faces, we felt like our journey had truly begun. Even before we set sail toward Alaska.
As the ship’s horn sounded and we slowly pulled away from Vancouver, the energy onboard was electric. Passengers lined up near the railings, waving to the city as it faded into the distance, while the ship slipped gracefully into the calm waters that would carry us north.
There’s something magical about that first moment of movement on an inside passage Alaska cruise. The hum of the engines. The sense of adventure. And the breathtaking views of mountains and coastline stretching ahead.
We found ourselves pausing often just to take it all in, knowing the journey had truly begun.
When it came to our accommodations, we’d decided long before that this trip called for something special. A balcony stateroom.
On an Alaska cruise, and especially when sailing through Glacier Bay, the chance to step outside at any moment to watch whales breach or glaciers sparkle in the sunlight is worth every penny.
Our room felt surprisingly spacious, with a walk-in closet that made unpacking and organizing easy. But the real treasure was the private balcony. From the moment we slid open the glass door, we knew it would be the heart of our cruise experience.
Whether it was sipping morning coffee while the mist rose off the water, cuddling under blankets as we scanned the horizon for wildlife, or sharing quiet evenings with nothing but the sound of the ocean around us, that balcony gave us countless romantic moments.
Choosing a balcony was one of the best decisions we made for this Alaska cruise as a couple. And it’s a tip I know Tracy always recommends for travelers. Especially those celebrating milestones or looking for a truly unforgettable experience.
Our first full day onboard our inside passage Alaska cruise began bright and early. Thank you, time change!
Luckily, we quickly discovered the International Café, which turned out to be one of our favorite spots on the ship. Open 24/7, it became our little haven. The morning crew learned our names almost immediately and, by day two, they already knew our order before we even said a word.
I can’t recommend their almond croissants enough. I may have indulged in one every single day, always paired with a salted caramel coffee that tasted like heaven at sea.
A couple of hours later, we’d wander up to the buffet for a second breakfast (because why not, it’s vacation).
The rest of the morning during this day at sea was spent exploring. We walked the outer decks, racking up a couple of miles while the ocean stretched endlessly in every direction.
There’s something peaceful and energizing about a walk at sea. The fresh air. The sound of the waves. And the chance to look out for passing wildlife.
By midday, though, my husband had his eye on something else entirely. The Dallas Cowboys game. To his delight, the ship was showing it on the massive screen up on the Lido deck. Sitting in the sunshine, surrounded by fellow fans (and a few rival supporters), we cheered along with the crowd. It was a memory that blended his love of football with our love of travel in the most unexpected way.
We ended the evening in the most perfect way. Wrapped in blankets on our balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sky turned brilliant shades of orange and pink before fading into twilight. And in that moment, we realized this cruise was giving us not just adventure, but also plenty of quiet, romantic moments together.
Our first scheduled Alaska cruise port was Ketchikan, a destination we’d both been looking forward to exploring. Known for its colorful waterfront, rich Native heritage, and reputation as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is often a highlight on any inside passage Alaska cruise.
We were nearly at the dock when the winds picked up, rocking the ship with powerful gusts. Despite the help of tugboats, the captain ultimately determined it was unsafe to attempt docking.
Of course, we were disappointed. We had hoped to walk along historic Creek Street, browse the shops, and head out on a rainforest hike. But as the day went on, and the wind continued to howl with sheets of rain sweeping across the decks, it was clear the captain made the right call. Safety always comes first, and in Alaska, the weather has the final say.
Instead of letting the change dampen our spirits, we embraced the unexpected sea day. We joined a few onboard activities. Spent a little time exploring areas of the ship we hadn’t noticed before. And even indulged in a much-needed afternoon nap.
Sometimes, those unscheduled pauses are a gift. While we missed experiencing Ketchikan, we reminded ourselves that this was part of the adventure of an Alaska cruise. A journey shaped not only by the ports but by the untamed, unpredictable beauty of the state itself.
Our first true taste of Alaska on land came in Juneau, the capital city and one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports. The highlight of our day was a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier and the nearby Nugget Falls.
Standing before the glacier was breathtaking, but also bittersweet. The sheer size and beauty were undeniable. Yet it was impossible to ignore how much the glacier has receded over the years.
As we hiked the short trail to Nugget Falls, we were reminded we weren’t the only ones out exploring. Signs warned us to keep an eye out for bears that often roam the area. The roar of the falls, crashing down near the icy blue glacier, was worth every cautious step.
After our adventure at the glacier, we returned to town to wander through Juneau’s shops. We picked up a few souvenirs before making our way to the legendary Red Dog Saloon. Stepping through its doors felt like stepping back in time.
This rustic saloon has been around since the days when Russia still owned Alaska. And the atmosphere reflects its colorful past. The first thing we noticed was the smell of sawdust. It covers the floor to make cleanup easier at the end of the day, adding to its old-time charm.
With swinging doors, vintage décor, and a lively crowd, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat while soaking in a bit of local history.
Juneau gave us a perfect balance. Awe-inspiring nature at the glacier, paired with quirky, authentic Alaskan culture in town. It was exactly the kind of variety that makes an inside passage Alaska cruise so unforgettable.
After our incredible day in Juneau, we were eagerly anticipating our next stop… Skagway. We had planned to ride up to the Klondike Summit and take that fun “two countries at once” photo with one foot in Canada and the other in the US. A bucket-list moment for sure. But Alaska’s weather had other ideas.
Mid-afternoon while we were still in Juneau, the captain announced that high winds were forecasted for the next day in Skagway. The winds would be gusting up to 50 miles per hour.
It simply wouldn’t be safe to dock the ship, and a decision was made to remain in Juneau instead. At first, we were disappointed, but we appreciated the fact that this choice gave us the chance to explore more of Juneau rather than spend another day entirely at sea.
The next morning, we headed into town early for a little more shopping and wandering the streets. Unfortunately, the storm rolled in fast. Heavy rain and strong winds swept through, making it difficult to stay outside for long.
By mid-morning, we decided to head back to the ship. A wise decision, since nearly all excursions and tours had been canceled for safety reasons, including the tram we’d been hoping to ride. To make matters worse for locals, the town even lost power, forcing many shops that were still open to close their doors.
While it was disappointing to miss Skagway and the Klondike Summit on this trip, we kept our spirits high. It’s just another reason to return someday and check that adventure off our travel bucket list.
On an Alaska cruise, flexibility is key, because the weather can change everything. And honestly? It’s part of what makes the journey so authentic. Alaska shows up on her own terms.
When our ship docked at Icy Strait Point, our first impression was that there didn’t seem to be much to do. The dock area looked quiet compared to some of the larger Alaska cruise ports. But once we stepped off the ship, we realized just how much this little corner of Chichagof Island had to offer.
We started our visit at the museum, which told the story of Hoonah Village and detailed the devastating fire that swept through the community years ago. It was a humbling reminder of the resilience of the people who call this place home. From there, we strolled along the scenic coastline, breathing in the fresh sea air until it was time for our excursion.
That afternoon, we joined a two-mile wilderness hike. To get there, we boarded a bus that carried us inland, where our guide shared an incredible fact. Chichagof Island is home to about 915 year-round residents and roughly 4,000 bears.
Suddenly, the presence of a security guide carrying a 12-gauge shotgun alongside our naturalist made perfect sense. While we didn’t see any bears (something I’ll admit I was just fine with!), we did gain a new appreciation for the wild landscape.
The hike offered sweeping views and fascinating insights into the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make this island so unique.
Afterward, we made our way back toward the dock and spent some time browsing through the local gift shops. With handmade crafts, native art, and plenty of souvenirs, it was a fun way to support the community before heading back to the ship. Icy Strait Point may not have looked like much at first glance, but it ended up being one of the most surprising highlights of our inside passage Alaska cruise.
By the time we reached Sitka, we had high hopes for another memorable port, but I’ll be honest… It didn’t quite win us over the way we expected. Maybe it was the weather. (Did you know that much of coastal Alaska is actually one giant temperate rainforest?) After days of drizzle, the constant rain was starting to wear us down. Still, we laced up our boots and set off for our scheduled excursion. A four-mile rainforest hike.
Despite the soggy weather, the hike itself was beautiful. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about the plants and wildlife that thrive in this lush environment.
Along the trail, we stopped at several vantage points that offered incredible views. Misty mountains, dense green forest, and glimpses of the coastline through the trees. We couldn’t help but admire the wild beauty of the area.
After the hike, we were dropped off in Sitka’s small downtown area. While it had some shops and a few local attractions, nothing really caught our attention. By that point, even with our trusty rain suits (which we highly recommend packing for any Alaska cruise excursions), we were simply tired of the rain. We decided to call it a day, hopping back on the shuttle and returning to the ship.
That evening, we shifted gears and treated ourselves to one of the two specialty dinners included in our cruise package. Earlier in the week, we had savored Italian cuisine, but in Sitka, we opted for the steak and seafood restaurant.
Both experiences were fantastic. Perfectly portioned courses. Attentive servers. And flavors that made us forget all about the rain outside. If you ever have the opportunity to enjoy a specialty dinner on an Alaska cruise, I can’t recommend it enough. It adds an extra touch of indulgence to an already unforgettable journey.
If there’s one day that stands out most from our inside passage Alaska cruise, it’s the day we sailed into Glacier Bay National Park. Not every cruise itinerary includes it, and only two ships are permitted to enter the park each day.
Even then, weather plays a huge role in determining which glaciers passengers are able to see. That’s part of what makes it such a rare and awe-inspiring experience.
Early that morning, park rangers from Glacier Bay boarded our ship from their base camp. They stayed with us throughout the day, broadcasting commentary over the loudspeakers and through our stateroom televisions. Their insight transformed the journey into something more meaningful, pointing out landmarks, sharing the history of the glaciers, and highlighting wildlife whenever it appeared.
Wrapped in blankets on our balcony, we spent nearly the entire day outside. Even though it was sprinkling off and on. We were grateful that our balcony had a roof, which meant we could stay dry and comfortable while still enjoying the views. While wildlife was quieter than expected (perhaps the whales had already started their journey back to Hawaii, sensing the storms we were experiencing before they hit), we did see plenty of playful otters bobbing in the icy water.
The true highlight was the chance to see Lamplugh Glacier and the rarely visited Johns Hopkins Glacier. Our ship lingered in front of Johns Hopkins for nearly an hour, giving us time to soak in the dramatic wall of ice, listen for the cracks and rumbles of calving, and simply sit in awe of nature’s power.
It felt like an immense privilege to witness something so few people ever get to see, and it was a moment that reminded us why an Alaska cruise as a couple is so special. Time slows down, and the beauty of the world takes center stage.
After the excitement of Glacier Bay, our next day was a welcome chance to slow down and simply enjoy life at sea. Much like the previous Sunday, the highlight for my husband was watching football on the big screen up on the Lido Deck.
The rain had finally cleared. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow across the water. The air was still cool enough that we needed blankets to stay comfortable though.
It was one of those perfectly calm days that make an inside passage Alaska cruise so special. We napped, read books, and lingered over coffee without feeling rushed. We even managed to sneak in a tour of one of the ship’s galleys. There was no schedule pressing us, no excursion waiting onshore. Just time together and the endless horizon stretched out around us.
It might not sound as thrilling as glaciers and wildlife, but these quiet days were some of our favorites. They gave us space to recharge, reflect on everything we’d seen, and savor the fact that we were experiencing it all together.
By the end of the day, wrapped in our balcony blankets once more, we agreed that sometimes the simplest moments at sea are the ones you remember most.
Our last Alaska cruise port was Victoria, British Columbia. A stop that felt like a sweet farewell before heading back to Vancouver.
We arrived around 4 p.m. and had just a few hours to explore before the ship’s departure at 11 p.m. Instead of booking an excursion, we decided to simply walk from the ship to downtown, which took about 40 minutes.
The stroll gave us a chance to stretch our legs and take in the charm of the city. Downtown Victoria is full of shops, restaurants, and beautiful hotels that made it feel warm and welcoming, even in the fading daylight.
On our way back toward the ship, we stumbled across a hidden gem… Fisherman’s Wharf. Its colorful floating buildings lined the docks, creating a picture-perfect scene.
While most of the shops had closed for the evening, the restaurants were still buzzing with energy. Even though we didn’t linger long, we could tell this area had a fun, laid-back vibe. Definitely a spot worth revisiting if we return to Victoria.
By the time we reached the ship, we were tired from the day and ready to relax. We grabbed a late dinner at the buffet and headed back to our stateroom for one final night at sea.
As I folded clothes and tucked souvenirs into our suitcases, it hit me that our incredible journey was coming to an end. The next morning, we would be back in Vancouver, saying goodbye to the ship that had carried us through glaciers, rainforests, and unforgettable memories.
As we sailed back into Vancouver, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything we had experienced during our inside passage Alaska cruise. From the glaciers of Juneau to the hidden surprises of Icy Strait Point, every stop offered something new and memorable. Even when the weather forced us to adjust our plans.
We may have missed Ketchikan and Skagway, but the beauty of Alaska lies not only in the destinations, but also in the adventure of the journey itself.
Choosing a balcony stateroom gave us space to relax, reconnect, and soak in the scenery at any time of day. Whether it was sipping morning coffee as otters floated by in Glacier Bay or bundling up under blankets to watch the sunset at sea, those quiet moments became some of our most cherished memories.
For couples, especially, an Alaska cruise for couples is about more than sightseeing. It’s about creating experiences together that feel both romantic and adventurous. And if you’re empty nesters, it’s the perfect way to celebrate freedom and explore without worrying about the logistics of travel.
If there’s one thing I’d share as advice, it’s this… Alaska is unlike any place you’ve ever been. You can’t simply drive from town to town. Many areas can only be reached by boat or plane, which makes cruising not just convenient, but truly one of the best ways to see the state. Pack rain gear, prepare to be flexible with your plans, and embrace the unexpected. That’s all part of the magic.
Our journey through the Inside Passage reminded us of why travel matters. It reconnects you with nature, with history, and most importantly, with each other. And while this may have been our first inside passage Alaska cruise, I know it won’t be our last.
If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized planning session with her. This link will take you directly to her digital calendar to set up a time to meet that is convenient for you. I promise she will take good care of you and create a memorable vacation you will never forget!
Oh, and if you’re not ready to have Tracy start booking your next vacation, sign up for her newsletter. She is always sharing a wealth of travel information that will come in handy to help you decide which destination is next on your travel list!
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