A meadow of wildflowers, Mendenhall Glacier in the distance…….what natural beauty
We booked a north bound Alaskan cruise, Vancouver to Seward at the last minute, just six days before departure. Having visited Alaska 20 years before, we sort of knew what to expect and came with a specific list of what we hoped to see — bears, whales, glaciers, sea otters and possibly puffins.
We also traveled with quite low expectations. While Holland America cruise line was not our first choice, we booked that cruise line because the ship spends the day in Glacier Bay National Park, a must see for us.
Overall, we enjoyed our trip but holding low expectations really made the trip.
Highlights —
While the locals complained that the sun had been MIA for almost a month, we experienced wonderful sunny, but chilly weather in Juneau. Since August is a little late in the season for whale spotting, we weren’t sure we’d see whales. Happily, we were wrong.
Auke Harbor, Juneau. I could watch whales everyday.
When the whales weren’t putting on their whale show, the dazzling scenery, especially the clouds, kept the 16 of us on the boat exhaling “ahhhhhhh” as we gazed at the beauty.
Auke Harbor, Juneau
A Day in Glacier Bay —
At the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park, three park rangers boarded our Holland America ship. While one ranger, over a loud speaker, discussed the park’s history, geological changes, the impact of climate change, and pointed out the magnificent sights, two other rangers helped those of us on the decks spot wildlife.
While the glaciers are receding and ever changing, the bay is still stunning. Our photos can’t do the park justice.
In Seward, AK, the last stop on the cruise, we boarded a small ship for a five hour cruise of the Kenai Fjords National Park. That day was filled with adorable sea otters, sweet puffins, and views of the Harding Ice Field.
I love all otters, but these little guys were especially endearing.
Harding Ice Field
Next up, a quick review of life aboard the ship, including a summary of my food struggles.
But where did summer go?
RetireTravelCeliacGo 