Starting your Alaska Cruise in Seattle brings you to the home of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass and the Boeing Factory.
My flight to Seattle was via Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines. A comfortable flight with options in Business Class, Premium Economy/Comfort Class and Economy. A 2-2.5hr stopover is a good connection time in Honolulu, though you could always choose to have a couple of days stopover to explore the tropical paradise that is Hawaii.
Most Seattle airport hotels have complimentary shuttle buses operating 24/7 to and from the airport. Check-in for my Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise was quick and seamless, despite there being 4000 passengers to check-in. Exploring the ship before too many passengers got onboard was the best use of time. Most people head straight to the buffet, but if you take the time to make yourself familiar with the ship you will see lots of lounges, bars and restaurants with few people around.
Norwegian Encore has a relaxing Thermal Spa with a large hydrotherapy pool, spa, steam room, snow room, saunas and hotbeds, and you can purchase a pass to visit for the entirety of the cruise. This is invaluable when you want to relax those muscles after a day exploring the magic of Alaska. There is also a Go Cart Raceway on the top deck for a bit of fun, along with waterslides for the younger crowd.
The first port of call was Juneau, where my shore excursion was a canoe trip up to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. Canoeing on a native canoe with 10 other passengers was one of the highlights of my cruise. To be around 200 metres from the glacier at water level was a memory that will always stay with me.
Skagway is a picturesque Gold Rush town and home to the White Pass Railway, which is a must-do excursion in Skagway. Established in 1898 to take the gold stampeders to the Klondike gold fields, the train journey is both informative and scenic.
Ketchikan is famous for having the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. It is also popular for its Alaska Crab, bear viewing and nearby Misty Fjords. Berthed 15 minutes from town, a shuttle was provided to get you into the heart of town.
Cruising through Glacier Bay National Park brought sightings of Alaskan Otters, Humpback Whales and Orcas. Not to mention viewing the many glaciers in various parts of the National Park.
The Haven onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines is a ship within a ship. A luxurious, well-appointed and spacious area, you'll enjoy the personal service of a concierge, complete with privacy, tranquility and an exclusive pool and sundeck area for Haven guests only. With priority boarding, as well as reserved areas in the theatre and dining areas, you will have a unique experience you'll never forget and you will want to stay in the Haven for all your cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line.
If you'd like more information or would like me to plan your Alaskan cruise adventure, please contact me today.
