Truth Be Told – What Really happens on An Alaskan Cruise?
As you stand on the lido deck watching the crew-driven dance party, the scene looks familiar. Drinks are flowing, music is blaring, ship photographers are happily snapping photos and kids are playing in the hot tub. But as you sail farther away from Seattle towards Juneau you start to observe the notable differences; the air is getting chilly, flip-flops have been replaced with Keene boots and the ten children on the cruise have entered the Jr Ranger’s program – never to be seen again. You have officially embarked on an Alaskan Cruise.
Your Alaskan Cruise Wardrobe- it’s Different!
The first visible difference on an Alaskan cruise is the wardrobe. Overall, the emphasis is on comfort & functionality. The biggest thought of the day may be “What flannel shirt should I wear today?” Followed by the next thought- “What jacket should I put on over the flannel shirt?” There are definitely specific articles of clothing needed for an Alaska cruise (find my recommendations here). But ultimately, I’m here to tell you that nobody gives a rat’s ass about what you’re wearing on deck because you & your cruise mates are too busy taking pictures of the breath-taking scenery off the bow.
Smile for the Camera
On an Alaskan cruise you MUST be camera ready!! Beforehand, assess your current picture taking prowess. Don’t use a camera at home? Leave it behind! This may sound counterintuitive but if your “go to” picture taking happens mainly on your cellphone – stick with that program! (Be sure to upgrade to a model with stellar lens capabilities- like the quad lens of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.) If you are an amateur photographer, bring your lightweight camera & scale down your gear. Forget the tripod but be sure to grab your long lens for whale watching & scenic shots.
Wild Alaska Excursions
The excursion options on an Alaska cruise ship are WILD. One minute you’re at a lecture about whale flute identification and the next minute you’re your hair is whipping on a dog sled excursion! Be prepared to put on a puffer jacket and hit the wild sights & sounds of this expansive land. Salmon runs, salmon bakes, river rafting, whale watching, harrowing helicopter rides & historic hikes, …all the adventure you want or need is at your at your feet (as long as you have the right boots). If you want the non-exertion excursion Alaska has that too. Booking a laid-back shuttle tour or the historic White Pass and Yukon Route train might be just what the doctor ordered. Be sure to book these tours in advance if you want your choice of time/day.
Onboard Entertainment: Naturalist, Park Ranger & Sled Dog Puppies
The Naturalist
Only on an Alaskan cruise do people consider lectures a form of entertainment! Every day is a different lecture depending on the port of call and wildlife on view. Quirky Naturalists are on hand each morning to teach you the latest whale watching lingo (AKA “flukes” & “pleats”) or the difference between a Pink, King or Sockeye salmon. Of course these lectures are optional, but it definitely makes you feel well-versed in the Alaskan culture… and the thought of naming your own whale becomes increasingly enticing as well.
Glacier Bay Day & The Park Ranger
An interesting thing happens on Glacier Bay Day… at the crack of dawn a tiny boat speeds towards your ship and drops off a very important person- The National Park Ranger. They too have immense information about the wildlife & every Glacier as far as the eye can see. Their goal is to give you a “play by play” of your beautiful surroundings as you boat spins in the bay. This special day is showcased by closing the casino & creating specialty pop-up shops that focus solely on Glacier Bay merch. Have your camera on & your credit card handy… and when you’ve had your fill of nature & glaciers, you can step inside to examine the interior ice sculptures found at any onboard bar.
