The journey began with a shift from wheels to rails, trading a comfortable motorcoach for a glass-domed train car as dawn painted the Alaskan landscape. This wasn’t just transportation; it was a portal into the heart of the state, a prelude to a voyage that promised to unveil Alaska’s raw beauty.
For eight unforgettable hours, the “steel ribbon” of the Alaska Railroad unfurled beneath us, revealing a breathtaking panorama. Our guide, Pete, wove tales of history and humor as the scenery transformed from dense boreal forests and snow-capped peaks to the dramatic fjords and ancient glaciers that define Alaska’s coastline.
Each meal aboard felt like a celebration of place. Hearty cinnamon rolls topped with crispy bacon and reindeer sausage breakfast burritos fueled our mornings, while afternoons brought the fresh taste of local salmon BLTs. The culinary experience mirrored the stunning scenery whizzing by outside the train windows.
Anticipation built as Princess employees efficiently handled passport verification and distributed personalized medallions – a seamless process that eliminated port-day stress. Stepping off the train in Whittier felt effortless, my luggage already awaiting me aboard the ship, a testament to meticulous planning.
The whirlwind pace of land exploration gave way to the tranquil rhythm of the seven-night cruise south along Alaska’s Inside Passage. Sapphire Princess sliced through the waters of Prince William Sound, offering days of unparalleled scenic cruising.
The sheer scale of nature was humbling. We spent an afternoon mesmerized by Hubbard Glacier, watching colossal chunks of blue ice calve into the sea with a thunderous roar. The dramatic coastline of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park provided a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop.
Glacier Bay National Park offered an even more intimate encounter with glacial majesty. Park rangers came aboard, sharing their expertise as we navigated past nearly two dozen glaciers. From my private balcony, I spotted playful sea otters, basking sea lions, and the fleeting spray of a whale’s spout.
Port calls in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan offered a chance to delve deeper into Alaskan culture and adventure. Excursions, seamlessly arranged through Princess, allowed me to immerse myself in each unique destination without the burden of logistical planning.
Skagway transported me back to the Klondike gold rush era. A guided tour on a vintage yellow bus and a ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Railroad brought the stories of prospectors and fortune seekers to life.
Juneau offered a thrilling perspective from above. A helicopter lifted us to Mendenhall Glacier, where we embarked on a guided hike across the ice field, learning the art of crampon technique and savoring the pure taste of glacial water.
Ketchikan provided a more relaxed pace. A sea kayaking tour allowed us to explore the coastline, encountering a massive purple starfish and a curious Steller sea lion. Back in town, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show offered a lively dose of local entertainment.
Even amidst a full schedule of excursions, there was time to savor local flavors. In Skagway, I enjoyed fresh greenling battered with Spruce Tip Ale. Juneau’s David’s Fish Camp offered fish tacos paired with rhubarb gin and tonic from an award-nominated distillery.
Life aboard Sapphire Princess was a constant source of delight. Sabatini’s, the ship’s Italian restaurant, served a five-course masterpiece, while evenings brought live music, themed trivia, and captivating theatrical performances.
Simple pleasures added to the magic. An ice cream sundae on the roof deck under a starlit sky, or a cheeseburger on my balcony as the Alaskan sunset painted the heavens in vibrant hues – these were the moments that truly resonated.
This wasn’t just a cruise; it was a carefully orchestrated exploration of Alaska’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. The land tour, with its immersive experiences in Denali, provided a profound appreciation for the state’s natural wonders, perfectly complementing the coastal adventures that followed.
The complexity of coordinating a land and sea vacation can be daunting, but Princess handled every detail with remarkable efficiency. This allowed me to fully embrace the journey, to live in the moment, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
