Do you have a dream destination you want to visit? I’m sure you said yes, because almost everyone does! Alaska, the land of the midnight sun, was a destination I had wanted to see for so long. And I’ve now vacationed in Alaska more than once, because it is simply an incredible destination. It is also one of the family vacation destinations I recommend quite often. Especially since there are quite a few family-friendly activities you can do while visiting. Today, I am sharing some of the activities we did while visiting the land of the midnight sun. 

The Land of the Midnight Sun – An Amazing Family Vacation Idea

When I think back to the moments during our Alaskan vacation that just took my breath away. Those are the stories I share with clients and friends. The stories that light me up the most are the ones I want to share with you here.

So, grab a glass of wine, a cup of hot chocolate, or whatever makes you smile. And join me as I share a few stories and pictures from my trip.

Let me start by saying I went into this trip with one mission, I was going to go big or go home. This was an adventure. And the plan was to lean in as far as I could. Little did I know just how far that lean would take me.

An amazing 8-day Alaskan vacation for families. 

Hiking on an Old Logging Road

Our captain who, we will talk about coming up, was also interested in logging. So, he had made some amazing contacts with a local logger.

One day, as we were sailing near a small islet, the captain pulled into the logger’s dock. And we were able to get off to explore.

We were in small groups of only about 10 people. Each with a member of the crew who was there to share knowledge with us. We hiked up an old logging road until we came to a field in the clearing. The guide was showing us the different flowers that were blooming there. And why they were growing in that area.

All of a sudden, one of the guests let out a squeak. We all looked up. Over by the tree line, along the edge of the field, was a grizzly bear. We were in awe. The bear then got up on his hind legs and the stare down began.

Okay, he stared. We scrambled for cameras. The guide told us to be quiet, not say a word. The silence was deafening. Well, it would have been, had it not been for the clicking of the camera lenses.

After a few moments, the bear dropped back down to four legs and sauntered away into the bushes. The guide radioed to the other groups behind us to be on the watch. And to make as much noise as possible, so they didn’t startle the bear. Safety was always their first priority. But the most amazing experiences of nature ran a close second.

I will never forget the day we got to stand face to face (okay, yes, with a field between) with a grizzly bear in the land of the midnight sun.

Get closer to bears in Homer Alaska. 

Polar Plunge

It’s just as it sounds. We plunged into those polar temperature waters in the land of the midnight sun on purpose.

This is something they offer of the sailings in Alaska. You get an opportunity to jump right off the back of the ship, while it’s anchored, of course.

It started mostly as a challenge from my daughter. She was going to do it, and there was no way I could chicken out. I wasn’t about to let her hold that over me. So, if she was doing then so was I!

The water was about 40 degrees and at some point, the realities of what I was doing set in. Unfortunately, it was just a split second before I hit the water. At that moment I sent up a prayer, “Dear God, please don’t let me have a heart attack when I hit the water”.

Thank heavens for the answered prayers. I survived. Not to say the air didn’t instantly suck out of my lungs the second I hit the water. But they had warned me that the cold water would be a shock to the system.

This was the one moment above all else on this trip where I was faced with whether or not I was truly committed to going big or going home. I highly recommend the going big route! 

Check out these family bucket list destinations in Alaska! 

A Kiss for Good Luck in the Land of the Midnight Sun

At least that’s what they told Caitlynne. According to the guides, kissing a banana slug is supposed to bring you good luck.

I’m not entirely sure if Caitlynne believed it or not. But we were in the land of the midnight sun. So, she did it. But the video didn’t capture it the first time, so she had to do it a second time. Oops! 

When I think of traveling with my teens, it’s people like the cruise director and guides that can make a trip a vacation of a lifetime. The guides were so awesome. They weren’t stuffy or boring. In fact, they seemed to know exactly what to say to inspire the teens to participate – by choice.

The guides seemed to speak their language to keep them engaged and entertained. So much so, my daughter hardly ever noticed that she didn’t have a Wi-Fi signal. I swear that it takes a very special person to make that happen. Especially during a family vacation. 

 

Our Captain

Our Captain had to be the most surprising element of our adventure. Typically, on most cruise ships, you only ever see the captain when he does his celebrity tour through the foyer for the photos with the captain evening.

That wasn’t the case on this ship. The captain had such energy of being a family man. It was as if the crew were all his family. And best of all, we were being hosted by him and his family in their home. Although, their home was a small ship in the land of the midnight sun. 

If the ship was docked, it wasn’t uncommon to see the captain driving a skiff with passengers. Or offering a hand to help you on and off the ship. I think my admiration of the captain was strongest when you would come back on board the ship and find him playing cards with his crew. Laughing together. Smiling. And enjoying their time together.

I adored that the captain was an EVERYBODY person. That he wasn’t too big for his britches. Yet at the same time, seemed to be constantly wanting to ensure we were safe at all times and having a great vacation. There is nothing more comforting than to feel like you are a guest in someone’s home.

Bubbles from Beneath the Ship

One of the truly unique experiences we had (among so many others) was our ability to just shut off the engines and wait. We could stay in one place and watch nature unfold.

We were sitting inside of an inlet, the engines cut, watching over the sides. The bubbles were forming in the water beside us. Bubbling their way to the surface. This was the whales bubbling the fish into a circle so that they could come up and swallow as many as they could force into one area. It was exciting to see those bubbles forming, because we knew the whales would be breaching soon.

The guides shared with us as well, that when you see a flock of birds circling out over the water, the whales will be coming up soon. The birds circle above the bubbles waiting for the whales to come to the surface. Then the birds go in and capture the fish that the whales didn’t swallow. I wonder if that’s a bird’s version of hunting fish in a barrel?

The one thing I haven’t yet mentioned about UNcruise, that I feel is their number one differentiator, is that they go where no one else does. The ports or stops we made; you’re simply not going to find other ships. They provide a truly authentic experience where you will connect with nature in ways you simply can’t do with other cruise lines. It really is the UN cruise way to explore by cruising.

Big ship or small ship? Which is best for your Alaskan family vacation? 

Bonus Adventure in the Land of the Midnight Sun

When we were in Alaska, we did my newest favorite thing to do while on vacation. We hired a local photographer to take us around the area and explore. She took us to her favorite spots (locals know the best spots) and took our photos. In many destinations, the photographer is usually with you for about 60-90 minutes. But this photographer was sensational and took us around for hours. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get that close to a bald eagle, much less have someone else capture the moment. 

If you would like to follow in my footsteps or blaze your own trail in the land of the midnight sun, it is time to plan your own family adventure! 

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next family trip to the land of the midnight sun? 

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.