Denali National Park & Preserve

Mount McKinley at Sunrise in Denali National Park & Preserve
photo by NPS Photo / Tim Rains

Denali National Park & Preserve is easily Alaska’s best-known attraction, and one of the country’s most glorious parks. Denali means “the high one” in the Native American language of Athabascan. This is where North America’s highest mountain peak, Mount McKinley (Denali), soars over 20,000 feet into the cloud-wreathed sky. Shuttle bus is the best way to see this magnificent park with its tundra wildflowers and stunning landscapes that are home to moose, sheep, bears, wolves and a wide variety of bird species.

Misty Fiords National Monument

Misty Fiords National Monument
photo by Zarxos / CC BY-SA 2.5

Ice Age glaciers carved narrow ocean inlets forming the fiords at Misty Fiords National Monument. It is a nature lover’s paradise – secluded and breathtakingly beautiful – with towering granite cliffs flanking the shores of its lakes that are home to salmon, porpoises, sea lions and whales. An abundance of precipitation drenches the evergreen rainforest that is thriving with hemlock, spruce, cedar and fir trees, among which wildlife like bears, mountain goats and bald eagles may be seen. But it’s the soaring mist-ringed peaks and waterfalls that captivate the imagination in this place where time seems to stand still. Visitors can get here by boat or floatplane from Ketchikan, as there are no roads. Hiking trails cut through the wilderness terrain, and there are some campgrounds and rustic cabins for rent.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
photo by National Park Service

Kenai Fjords National Park is another spectacular venue for viewing glaciers, ice fields, lakes, mountains, and pristine coastline which are accessible on boat from the nearby town of Seward. This popular destination for kayakers has amazing scenic views, from the deep, narrow fjords and chiseled landscapes, to the tranquil bays. It is a refuge for countless seabirds including puffins, oystercatchers, kittiwakes and gulls. Sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, sea otters and whales are often seen here as well.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Low tide in Bartlett Cove at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
photo by NPS / Kyle Pinjuv

A stunning collection of tidewater glaciers can be seen at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. It is a great place to observe the rocky ice cliffs calve and plunge into the inlets. This primitive wilderness is home to sea lions, sea otters, salmon, porpoises, whales. Land dwelling animals include bears, moose, wolves, mountain goats, and more than 200 species of birds. It is accessible by a short flight from Juneau or Haines, followed by a 10-minute drive to the park headquarters at Bartlett Cove. There are also trails through the lush rain forest that lead to rocky beaches with tide pools that are alive with sea urchins, starfish and shellfish. Outdoors enthusiasts will be delighted. Daily boat cruises and air-taxis offer fantastic sightseeing tours.

Particularly fascinating to children, zoos are a wonderful place for people of all ages to learn about the animal world and our role in its preservation while having fun. Listed alphabetically, the following 10 zoos were selected from the west coast region of the USA and include Washington State, Oregon and California, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Visit one of these fantastic zoos and discover some of the species that share in our amazing world.

Alaska Zoo

A tiger lounging at the Alaska Zoo

Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the Alaska Zoo features a wonderful variety of animals native to this region. There are reindeer, moose, musk oxen, polar and brown bears, wolverines and wolves. Visitors can see a wide collection of birds of prey including owls, hawks and eagles. The zoo is also home to exotic cold weather creatures including Tibetan yaks, snow leopards, Amur tigers and double-humped Bactrian camels. There are tours, animal encounters and various programs that provide guests of all ages with educational experiences they are certain to remember. For more information on this wonderful zoo visit their website at www.alaskazoo.org

Honolulu Zoo

Elephants eating peanuts at the Honolulu Zoo

Hawaii’s tropical climate makes the Honolulu Zoo on the island of Oahu the perfect place for animal species indigenous to the tropics. Birds, mammals and reptiles from three major habitats are showcased here. The African Savannah habitat includes chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, lizards and a walk-through aviary. The Tropical Forest habitat features monkeys, tigers, elephants, Komodo dragons and colorful birds. The Pacific Islands habitat has native birds and reptiles including the Galapagos tortoise and Eclectus Parrots. Children can also enjoy a close encounter with the domestic animals in the Children’s Zoo including sheep, goats, hedgehogs, and llamas. For more information visit their website at www.honoluluzoo.org

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

A pensive gorilla at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Situated on 133 lush sprawling acres in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 1,100 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and more than 800 species of plants. The fantastic exhibits include a gorilla reserve, walk-through tropical aviary, elephant habitat, rainforest, reptile house, and a host of animals native to Australia, Africa, Eurasia, and North and South America. A two-acre Winnick Family Children’s Zoo delights children with a petting area and low windows for pint-sized viewing at rare and unusual animals. The zoo also features an animal themed play park for little ones to climb and explore. A variety of shows and programs at the zoo allow for close encounters with the animals as well. For more information visit their website at www.lazoo.org

Oakland Zoo

A majestic lion at the Oakland Zoo

Set in the picturesque Knowland State Park of Oakland, California, the Oakland Zoo offers families a haven in which to explore the many animals living here. Its main attraction is the African Savannah where elephants and other animals roam a six-acre habitat with grassy hills, open plains, pool and trees. The zoo’s Tropical Rain Forest is a lush and inviting habitat with tigers, primates, colorful birds, reptiles and more. The zoo also features a fantastic children’s zoo with many play and discovery areas including giant sculptures, a Bug House with live insects and a Reptile & Amphibian Discovery room. A small amusement park within the zoo boasts rides for children as well. A variety of programs including live animal presentations and feedings make a trip here unforgettable. For more information visit their website www.oaklandzoo.org

Oregon Zoo

An orangutan at the Oregon Zoo

Founded in 1887, the Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo on the western part of the USA. Located in Portland Oregon, this 64-acre zoo is home to about 260 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians, 1,000 species of exotic plants in their botanical garden, and exhibits reflecting different regions from around the world including Africa – with lions, cheetahs, giraffes and hippos, Asian elephants, rainforests – with monkeys, birds and caimans, the Pacific shores – with bears, penguins, an insect zoo, the popular walk-through aviary Lorikeet Landing, and the Northwest – with a delightful petting farm where goats, hogs, ducks, chickens, rabbits and more reside. The zoo also boasts wonderful train rides that take guests on a scenic tour through the zoo and Washington Park. For more information visit www.oregonzoo.org

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Curious lemurs at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Surrounded by spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington offers a fantastic combination of zoo and aquarium on its 29-acre property. Most of the zoo animals are native to the Pacific Rim and feature such creatures as tigers and gibbons, to walruses, beluga whales, polar bears and puffins. The aquariums – South and North Pacific – are inhabited by a variety of fascinating marine life including shark, seahorses, cuttlefish and eels, and have a discovery center with touch tank. Children can play and explore at the Kids’ Zone with its live animals, petting zoo, crafts, and climbing and play apparatus. Then they can go for an enchanting ride on the zoo’s Antique Carousel that dates back to 1917. For more information visit www.pdza.org

San Diego Zoo

A panda munching on a bamboo shoot at the San Diego Zoo

100 acres in San Diego’s Balboa Park is home to one of the world’s best zoos with more than 4,000 animals and a botanical garden teeming with exotic plants. The San Diego Zoo has many rare and endangered animals and features exhibits with exquisitely reproduced natural habitats that include gorillas, tigers, leopards, jaguars, polar bears, camels, koalas, giant pandas and much more. The zoo’s Discovery Outpost has a wonderful Children’s Zoo with petting area and playground, and over 30 animal exhibits designed with kids in mind. Tours, animal interactions, presentations and programs offer fascinating and educational experiences, while gondola rides on Skyfari give guests an unforgettable view of the zoo and surrounding San Diego areas. The zoo also features a thrilling safari simulator ride and miniature train ride. For more information visit www.sandiegozoo.org

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Elephants at the San Diego Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive 1,800-acre sanctuary with rolling hills, rocky slopes, and over 3,500 animals in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. Visitors can embark on a variety of safaris where they will be treated to memorable wildlife encounters from scenic and relaxing cart and tram tours with knowledgeable guides, to exciting zip lines with panoramic views, to caravans, sleepovers in tents, and more. Kids will enjoy exploring the park’s jungle gym playground, Discovery Station with fun and educational activities, interactive water play area, Petting Kraal with goats, colorful lorikeets, and exotic merry-go-round with its many rare and wild animals for a delightful ride. This African-themed park offers guests a beautifully recreated glimpse of several African regions including a Gorilla Habitat, Lion Camp and Elephant Overlook. For more information visit www.sandiegozoo.org

San Francisco Zoo

A tamarin at the San Francisco Zoo

One of the most popular attractions in Northern California’s Bay Area, the San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, California has about 700 animals representing the regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, North America and South America. Its 100-acre location by the Pacific Ocean offers families fabulous exhibits, a scenic nature trail, shows and programs, miniature steam train, carousel, bird sanctuary, playground and recreational area. The Children’s Zoo has its own exhibits including an Insect Zoo where kids can observe and learn about creepy crawlies in fascination. It also boasts a Family Farm with petting area, hatchery, and programs like animal care and feedings. The Fisher-Price Little Learners’ Log Cabin provides young children and toddlers with dynamic learning opportunities including music, crafts, games and animal encounters as well. For more information visit www.sfzoo.org

Woodland Park Zoo

Penguins at the Woodland Park Zoo

From tropical rain forests, to the African savannah, to the Pacific Northwest, the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington houses about 1,100 animals in its award-winning naturalistic habitat exhibits. Watch jaguars in a lush tropical forest; see lions, hippos and zebras in the grassland plains; hand feed tropical birds as you walk through the Willawong Station where over 150 colorful birds fly free; listen to Madagascar hissing cockroaches and katydids, or observe desert millipedes and scorpions in Bug World. Children will love the Family Farm (seasonal), with its petting area that includes goats, rabbits and sheep, and the nature-themed Zoomazium where they can have fun expending energy in a playground, enjoy stories, arts and crafts, and live animals. The zoo also features an historic carousel with 48 horses that is open year-round. For more information visit www.zoo.org

Summer or winter dog sledding is exhilarating!

Despite the rumors, however, most of Alaska is not in fact covered in snow and ice year-round. We cruised in mid-June and the temperatures were in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Not exactly the kind of weather in which you can just take the old dog sled for a spin! There were a few companies that offered a package deal: flightseeing with a glacier landing, and then a dog sled ride on the glacier. We were on a last-minute trip that left no opportunity to budget or plan, and the $400 plus per person charge took that option right off our list.

We decided to stay for awhile in Seward, the last stop on our cruise. Several days into our stay, while gathering informational brochures at the youth hostel, the heavens opened up and a light shone down. Summer dog sledding in a wheeled cart with pickup available in Seward, at a cost of only $69 per person! We called immediately to sign up.

About Ididaride

The dogs were so friendly

Our Experience

Tour guides are in training for the Iditarod

Meeting the Dogs

This was the backdrop for our ride

The vehicles are sort of like tiered golf carts

The Race Begins

Our group, with Dad and me in the front row

Break Time

We came to a stop in a breathtakingly scenic spot between the water and the forest, with mountains peeking out in the distance. The dogs rested while we got a more personal experience with our guide. He shared his dreams of running his first race and the challenges he faced. Apparently the race is quite expensive, and you don’t get sponsors until you’ve proven yourself. It can be a real challenge for hopeful young unknowns to finance the entry fee, sled, dog team and all the other expenses. The experience felt very real, and I wish him all the luck in the world!
When the dogs started straining at the harness, the message was clear: they were ready to get moving. So our guide hopped off the cart to take photos of us before heading back out on the course. The dogs are wise to him, and tried to take off without him just as he snapped the last picture! Thank goodness our guide knew how to board a moving cart!

After the Ride

Cuddling the puppies was so much fun

Doesn't that dog look rather GQ?

Ididaride Back

All too soon, it was time to leave. The rest of our group was going on the full-day Seward tour, so Mitch Seavey’s wife Janine offered to drive Dad and me back to Seward. She’s a wonderful person and very easy to talk to. It was terrific to have the chance to just sit back and chat. Janine told us all about their son Dallas’ WildRide Sled Dog Show in Anchorage. I’m not sure how it came up, but when we were talking about the whole experience, I mentioned that I loved the name Ididaride. Then Dad piped up that they should name the return trip to Seward–“How about Ididaride Back?” We all had a good laugh over that one!

Tips for Parents

I honestly can’t say enough good things about Ididaride. Whether or not you and your kids follow the Iditarod, who can pass up a chance to go dog sledding in Alaska? The Seaveys and their employees are wonderfully friendly and welcoming, and are terrific at drawing people of all ages into the experience. Unless your kids are afraid of dogs, I can’t think of a single reason to pass this one up.

Our first impression of Anchorage

After two wonderful weeks in Seward, Alaska, it was time to move on. We had a fantastic time, but were ready to take on the big city. Of course, the term “big city” is relative in Alaska. Anchorage is, by far, Alaska’s largest metro area, holding nearly half of the state’s population. In a state twice the size of Texas that must mean Anchorage’s population is immense, right? Surprisingly, it is not. The greater Anchorage area is home to fewer than 400,000 people. Still, compared to tiny Seward (population 3,000), it was a major change. 

Alaska Railroad 

The Alaska Railroad is definitely a top draw

Seward and Anchorage are well connected by both road and rail. Although we heard that the drive is wonderfully scenic, we both love trains and travel frequently by Amtrak. We couldn’t resist the allure of the Alaska Railroad. 

Begun in 1903 and completed in 1923, the Alaska Railroad did not turn a profit until 1938. Control was turned over to the state in 1985, and the railroad’s focus turned to the burgeoning tourist market. Today the Alaska Railroad offers travelers glass-domed observation cars, fully narrated sightseeing and on-board gift shops. Two classes of service are available: GoldStar and Adventure Class. 

The view from the shared dome car was stunning

We opted for the less-expensive Adventure Class service, which provided comfortable seating downstairs and a shared observation lounge above. Officially, the railroad asks passengers to limit their time in the lounge to 15 minutes at a stretch, so that everyone has a chance to use that space. However, our train was not full and there was never a crowd. 

Downstairs, a comfortable bar area offers large picture windows for a change of scenery. We did not visit the dining car, although we hear that the food is excellent! Snacks are available at the bar, or you may pack your own. We arranged disabled seating, which provided a spot near our seats to park Dad’s ECV. The trains are equipped with an old-fashioned hand-cranked lift, and the employees operating the lift were extremely good-natured about the extra work. 

See how small the train looks against the mountains!

The Seward to Anchorage route is ranked as one of the most scenic in the world, and with good reason! Every mile brought a new view, from hidden waterfalls to sheep grazing on the mountainside. Sadly, we also saw the remnants of an avalanche that derailed a lumber train only three months before our trip. Thankfully no one was injured in the resulting crash. 

Alaska Backpackers Inn 

The Alaska Backpackers Hostel was everything we expected an Alaska hostel to be

We had reservations at the Alaska Backpackers Inn, a hostel located on the edge of downtown Anchorage just blocks from the train station. Since the distance was short, we decided to walk. What we didn’t know then is that, like Seward, Anchorage was devastated by the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964. Measured as an 8.6 on the Richter scale and a 9.2 on the moment magnitude scale, the earthquake was the most powerful ever to hit North America. Several downtown streets actually dropped an average of 11 feet. 

Third Avenue dropped about 11 feet during the 1964 earthquake

This sharp change in elevation led to some tricky moments with the ECV, but we arrived at the hostel unscathed. In fact, Dad managed to survive the entire Anchorage visit without an ECV disaster. I’m the one who, a few days into our stay, slipped on gravel while negotiating a steep hill and slid out on my rear end! It’s just too bad Dad wasn’t a little quicker with the camera. 

The hostel was huge by hostel standards, with dozens of dorms and private rooms. Access to both the hostel and each room is controlled by key card, adding a layer of security not found in all hostels. There was a mixup with our reservation–we had booked two dorm beds in a mixed-gender dorm, but on arrival were informed that there are no mixed-gender dorms. We were given a private room with bunk beds at no additional charge, where we remained for the first three nights until the mixup was solved. We then moved to a four-bed dorm down the hall, although we never ended up with roommates. Our rate was $25 per person per night, a massive bargain given that nearby hotels charge upwards of $200 per night. 

A separate smoking area was convenient for smokers and non-smokers alike

The massive kitchen and dining room were connected to a comfortable living area with couches and a big-screen TV. There was a smoker’s tent outside, a large hang-out area with picnic tables and chairs and a large bucket for cigarette butts. It was a wonderful idea, providing a weather-resistant gathering space for smokers while keeping smoke well away from the main doors. 

Getting Our Bearings 

This is known as a sourdough cabin, from an old term used to describe men who had survived their first Alaskan winter

Other than a sightseeing tour by trolley, there is really no need to leave Downtown Anchorage at all. The walkable (mostly flat, except for the streets dropped by the earthquake) area is packed and overflowing with history, culture and tourist attractions. We headed to the corner of Fourth Avenue and F Street to get our bearings. There are three visitor centers within a half-block of each other providing endless free maps and guidebooks, a large free museum and plenty of helpful locals to offer assistance in planning and booking local activities. Free walking tours depart throughout the day from the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, while trolleys depart from the Log Cabin Visitor Center diagonally across the street. 

The mudflats are like quicksand

We took the free Captain Cook walking tour, which provided a lot of information on Alaska’s European settlers as well as a great view of the mudflats. Similar to quicksand, mudflats are sticky and tough to negotiate. Walking on the mudflats is never recommended. 

Before the 1964 earthquake, this was an exclusive neighborhood

Next up was the one-hour sightseeing trolley. We visited Earthquake Park, once an exclusive neighborhood called Turnagain Heights. During the Good Friday Earthquake, the entire neighborhood was swallowed into the earth! Another highlight was the world’s busiest floatplane base, located at Lake Hood. Always keep an eye out on the road ahead, as moose and bears sometimes find their way onto the busy city streets. 

Ulu Factory 

If you buy an Ulu knife, this guy will teach you how to use it

Located along the waterfront, the Ulu Factory was one of those places you must see to believe. We hopped on a free trolley at the Log Cabin Visitor Center for the short ride. The half-moon shaped Ulu knives are uniquely Alaskan, having been in use for at least 5,000 years. They are endlessly practical, slicing through tomatoes and tough animal hides with equal ease and maintaining a razor sharp edge with little maintenance. We watched craftsmen hand-making the knives, observed a practical demonstration on how to use the knives, and eventually purchased one for ourselves. It’s been an excellent investment, and the price was reasonable. 

Next door is Dallas Seavey’s WildRide Sled Dog Rodeo. Dallas is the son of 2004 Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey. Having met his mother and brother in Seward, we were hoping to meet Dallas, but the show never fit into our schedule. However, we did meet Dallas’ wife Jennifer at a street festival during our trip. The entire family is fascinating, and we enjoyed spending time with all of them. 

Ship Creek provides excellent fishing and birdwatching

If you are into fishing, you could scarcely do better than Ship Creek. Public access is located behind the WildRide tent. Derby-style combat fishing tournaments are held regularly throughout the year. Check with the local authorities before getting started, as fish populations are tightly regulated and catch limits may change depending on the current state of the population. 

Museums 

A mock-up of the Alaska Pipeline at the Anchorage Museum

Anchorage is filled with museums and sightseeing spots, and we took in as many as possible. Ambitiously covering the entire history of Alaska from prehistoric times through today, the massive Anchorage Museum is easily worth two days of dedicated time. We only had half a day to spare, so we opted for one of the many guided tours, included in the admission fee. 

The Alaska Native Heritage Museum honors 11 separate indigenous peoples

The Alaska Native Heritage Center was near the top of our must-do list, and we carved out a full day to see it. A free trolley departs from the Log Cabin Visitor Center downtown. The center is dedicated to all 11 indigenous peoples, and is overseen by a 30-member panel of Elders and Tradition Bearers from all tribes. 

Be sure to visit on a day when the weather is good, as the massive museum and theater are only part of the appeal. Outdoors, a ring of life-size traditional dwellings is staffed by cultural representatives who explain life in their society. 

Free of charge and packed with information, the Alaska Law Enforcement Museum is worth a visit

The free Alaska Law Enforcement Museum, located across the street from the 5th Avenue Mall downtown, is a great place to learn more about frontier life. We got caught up in the extremely long film loop at the back of the museum and spent much longer than we intended. Plan to stay for at least two hours. 

Bear Square offers a sort of "Alaska in a box" experience

Back on Fourth Avenue, we couldn’t resist stopping by Bear Square. This “Alaska in a box” tourist trap uses virtual reality and other technologies to allow visitors to experience most of Alaska’s highlights all in one stop. Dog sledding, hot air ballooning, salmon fishing and gold panning are among the simulated activities. Everything is separately priced and quite expensive, making it really only worthwhile for those who have very limited time to spend in Alaska. 

Shopping and Dining 

The Fifth Avenue Mall is sleek, modern, and quintessentially Alaskan

The 5th Avenue Mall is a great way to reconnect with life in the Lower 48. Look for major chain stores such as Nordstrom and Eddie Bauer and a food court filled with the usual chain fast-food options. Of course, the mall is still quintessentially Alaskan–don’t miss Once in a Blue Moose, located on the first floor. We ended up in the mall several times, whether using the free WiFi in the food court or simply browsing through the shops. 

A Native Alaskan dancer frequently performs at the Fourth Avenue Marketplace

The 4th Avenue Marketplace contains an eclectic scattering of local artisan shops and gift stores. A stage at one end is sometimes used for Native Alaskan dances and cultural demonstrations, while the Earthquake Exhibit documents the effects of the 1964 earthquake on downtown Anchorage. 

Downtown is filled with pricey restaurants and hole-in-the-wall dives. Some of our best meals came from local dives, including the massive portions and staggeringly low prices of the White Spot Café. Local delicacies such as caribou, king crab and reindeer are everywhere, including outdoor food carts, and are well worth a try. 

Street Festivals 

Peratrovich Park is one of many popular spots for free summer concerts

Alaska’s summers are short, and Anchorage residents try to pack in as much fun as possible. An expansive Weekend Market along the waterfront, free concerts in Peratrovich Park and inexpensive off-beat theater productions at Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse are just a few major draws. After hitting our must-sees in the first few days, we changed tactics. Instead of making a plan, most days we simply wandered out of the hostel and down the street. Within a few minutes, we were caught up in a new activity or simply engrossed in conversation with a friendly local. 

What We Learned and Tips for Parents 

Take a break in front of the fire at the Log Cabin Visitor Center

Anchorage manages to strike a perfect balance between big city and small town. Friendly, welcoming locals make everyone feel at home, and it is common to see the same people over and over again. Yet the city offers so many things to do, it would be impossible to do them all in one visit. We met one traveler at the hostel in Seward and again at the hostel in Anchorage who does the same Seward-Anchorage-Fairbanks route each year. She says that on every trip she sees something new or has an experience she has never had before. 

Anchorage is a fantastic destination for kids. A low crime rate and endless attractions ensure that kids are both safe and engaged in their trip. The museums and tourist attractions offer tours and special activities geared towards children, and there are plenty of green spaces to simply run and play. Take time out to meet and chat with the locals, and you will be amazed at how much everyone learns.

Our first impressions of Seward

Our Alaska cruise ended in Seward, and we were surprised how many people hopped on the early train to Anchorage to catch a flight home. If you invest the time and money in getting to Alaska, why spend only a week? Dad and I are full-time travelers, so we decided to spend an indefinite period of time getting to know Alaska’s interior.   

Moby Dick Hostel   

That couch was so comfortable

Youth hostels are a lot of fun. Despite the name, they are generally open to travelers of all ages. You can rent a private room that sleeps two to four people, or rent individual bunk beds in a dorm room. Restroom facilities are normally shared, even if you have a private room. Communal areas include fully-equipped kitchens, TV rooms and game rooms, and bonding with other guests is part of the fun.   

Before leaving Florida, we booked bunk beds in a mixed-gender dorm at the Moby Dick Hostel in Seward. It was a short stroll through the historic waterfront district from the cruise terminal, so I walked and Dad rode his ECV. Alaska is mountainous, and the hill to the hostel was a bit steep. I was out of breath by the time we arrived, but the scenic views were definitely worth it!   

The female half of the owner couple

The hostel was everything I imagined an Alaska hostel to be. A converted home owned by a family that lives on-site, the Moby Dick was clean, comfortable and extremely welcoming. We especially enjoyed chatting with the pre-teen daughters, who had stories to share of the friendships they had developed with international travelers. We paid $20 per person per night, plus a $2 per person linen fee for the entire length of our stay.   

Our Fellow Travelers   

He lived at the hostel for awhile

We struck up an early friendship with a young Israeli traveler who had recently completed his mandatory military service and was taking a year to tour the United States before returning to real life, an American girl in her 20s who travels through Alaska alone every summer, and two Australian teachers in their 60s.   

But perhaps the most interesting was the group of American teenagers on an eco-tour. Their group leader had taken applications from around the country and selected the best and brightest based on an essay and other criteria. The kids were a lot of fun, regularly inventing games based on current events and other intellectual topics. Things were a little crowded when the kids were home, but everyone worked together to plan meal and activity schedules that allowed us to get to know each other while retaining some personal space.   

Sightseeing   

The sea lions were playful that day

On the surface, Seward doesn’t seem to offer a lot of tourist activities. In fact, we originally booked the hostel for only five nights, figuring that we would see the handful of sights and I would take some time out to work (I’m a full-time freelance writer). We ended up spending two weeks, and I barely had time to write at all!   

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a must-see for anyone interested in marine mammals. Primarily funded by settlement proceeds from the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Center is Alaska’s only combination research center and public aquarium. We signed up for a behind-the-scenes tour that gave us extensive access to the research facilities. Encounter tours allow you to get up close and personal with a wide selection of animals.   

The tiny hospital serves both people and marine animals

Interestingly, although there is a dedicated veterinary staff on site, the animals occasionally need more extensive tests such as MRIs. They are carefully transported to the tiny Providence Alaska Medical Center, the only hospital in town! Can’t you just picture sharing your hospital room with a sea otter? Welcome to Alaska!   

Charlie was a terrific tour guide at the cultural center

The Qutekcak Native Tribe Cultural Center is not well advertised, and we happened upon it by accident. It serves a dual purpose as a resource and gathering spot for the local indigenous peoples, and an educational site for local residents. We happened to strike up a conversation with a gentleman at the center whose indigenous family line is strong and proud. He gave us a detailed impromptu tour at no charge!   

Good Friday Earthquake   

The campground was developed after the 1964 earthquake

Seward, along with all of Southeast Alaska, was rocked by an earthquake on Good Friday, March 27, 1964. The most powerful earthquake ever to hit North America, it was measured as an 8.6 on the Richter scale and a 9.2 on the newer moment magnitude scale. It touched off a series of tsunamis that literally swallowed Seward’s busy industrial waterfront. Although the city was quickly rebuilt, planners decided not to take that chance again, passing an ordinance that no permanent structure was ever again to be built along the waterfront. Today the area is home to an expansive campground with low rates and stunning views.   

We wanted to learn more about the earthquake, so we signed up for the afternoon slideshow and original Army documentary at the library downtown. Having survived Hurricane Katrina, we were blown away by how much the photos reminded us of New Orleans in the weeks after the storm.   

The Original Iditarod   

We passed a fascinating afternoon at the Seward Museum and Senior Center

We had heard that the Iditarod race was a celebration of historic events, but didn’t know the full story, so we took in the evening slideshow at the Seward Museum. The $3 per person admission fee included the museum displays, a slideshow focusing on the history of Seward, and a slideshow about the Iditarod Trail.   

In 1925, Nome, Alaska was undergoing a serious diphtheria epidemic. Antitoxin serum was located in Seattle. The serum was loaded onto a ship for transport to Seward, and then taken by train to Nenana, then the northern terminus of the rail line. From there, it was transported by dog sled to Nome. The lead sled dogs, Balto and Togo, are honored in both Seward and Anchorage. Today the race’s ceremonial start is in Anchorage.   

Exit Glacier   

We took a free ranger walk around Exit Glacier

I was absolutely overcome with emotion when the cruise ship visited the Hubbard Glacier, so when I found a flyer advertising an inexpensive glacier tour, I knew I had to visit! Exit Glacier Guides offers shuttle service from downtown Seward to nearby Exit Glacier, so named because it is the exit point from the Harding Icefield. The organization also offers ice hiking and even ice climbing, but due to Dad’s mobility issues we opted for the $10 per person round-trip shuttle.   

At the glacier, we joined a park service ranger for a free one-hour walk through the park. We learned a great deal about the native flora and fauna and the glacier’s recorded history. The tour ended at a rocky plain about a half mile from the glacier. Imagine my shock and excitement when the guide informed us that we could actually walk out and touch the glacier!   

It was like walking on the surface of the moon

The rocky, dusty plain reminded us of the surface of the moon…at least, it would if the moon was criss-crossed by freezing water. We had to traverse three fast-moving, knee-deep, ice-filled streams to reach the glacier. Dad’s cane came in pretty handy as a depth meter! The shock of entering the water was unreal. Every instinct in my body told me to jump back, but I was determined to touch that glacier, so I persevered. There were over a dozen other travelers doing the same thing, and the squeals and giggles echoed through the quiet park.   

The glacier was rough, cold and glittering brilliantly

Despite having spent hours on the cruise watching and listening to glaciers heaving and calving large chunks, nothing could have prepared me for the experience of placing my hand on the glacier’s surface. Rough and glittering like an endless pile of diamonds, Exit Glacier literally took my breath away.   

Ididaride   

We did a scale model version of the Iditarod

Dog sledding was near the top of my must-do list for my trip to Alaska, but I hadn’t had the opportunity to do so. A brochure at the hostel informed us that Mitch Seavey, 2004 winner of the Iditarod, had a summer dog sledding business in Seward. We immediately called for reservations.   

The puppies will train when they're older

Known as Ididaride, the summer dog sledding operation uses huge wheeled carts similar to golf carts that hold six passengers. The carts are roughly twice as heavy as a fully loaded Iditarod sled, allowing the dogs to build strength and endurance. All of the dogs are currently in training for the race, and some are past champions.   

The ride was phenomenal, a high-speed adventure through a miniature version of the Iditarod layout. Afterwards we got to cuddle and play with the puppies, an important part of their socialization training, and enjoyed a presentation on the gear that the racers use.   

The People of Seward   

The people of Seward were so friendly and welcoming

Seward is such a fascinating blend. The cruise ships are in town twice a week, dumping thousands of tourists in an excited frenzy of shopping and sightseeing. Between ship visits, however, Seward is truly a quaint small town with a population of just over 3,000. Everyone knows everyone, yet newcomers are eagerly welcomed. The main bookstore downtown is owned by the former mayor of Seward, and we were able to have a long conversation with her. When discussing the stunningly low crime rate, she mentioned that the last murder in Seward was about three years ago. Without missing a beat, Dad and I said in unison, “Really? The last murder in New Orleans was three minutes ago!”   

He was just a cool guy

Throughout the city, we made friends easily, particularly in the local pubs that line the streets of downtown. We took the free shuttle to and from our Ididaride tour, giving us the opportunity to chat with Mitch Seavey’s son Danny and wife Janine. They told us all about older son Dallas’ new business in Anchorage, the WildRide Sled Dog Rodeo. Although we didn’t get a chance to check out the show, we had a long and friendly chat with Dallas’ wife when we got to Anchorage.   

What We Learned and Tips for Parents   

We found this hidden waterfall on our last day in Seward

Seward is much more than simply a cruise port. It was everything that we could have imagined an Alaskan port town to be. There is very little information about Seward on the Internet, so we arrived with little idea of what to expect. What we found was a warm and welcoming population, an amazing amount of history and a picturesque fishing village.   

Although Seward isn’t necessarily “exciting” in comparison to places like New York or New Orleans, it has an irresistible energy of its own. Parents will find plenty of open space for kids to run around and play, historical and cultural sites that blend education with fun, and a trustworthy population of interesting people whose life stories are well worth learning. I would be proud to take any child on a visit to Seward.

We loved the Gold Rush town of Skagway

On Day Five of our Celebrity Millennium cruise to Alaska (continued from Part 3: Alaskan Ports Galore), we finally got to visit Skagway. For some reason, this recreated Gold Rush town had been at the top of Dad’s must-see Alaska list for years. I had actually been hired by phone for a summer job in Skagway a few years ago, but for a variety of reasons I wasn’t able to take the job. So we were both really excited to finally visit. 

Klondike Gold Rush  

We visited historic Gold Rush sites on a free walking tour

We purposely decided against booking a tour in Skagway, opting to explore the easily walkable town on our own. Skagway lived and died by the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Located at the foot of the punishing White Pass, it served as a rest stop for gold prospectors on their way north to the Yukon gold fields. The rough and rugged town was run by con men and goodtime girls. Today Skagway’s primary industry is tourism, with most Alaska cruises stopping by. Most of the historic buildings have been restored. 

We checked the schedule of activities at the visitor center

Our first stop was the visitor center at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. We were just in time for a free walking tour led by a park ranger, so we skipped the free movie and got in line. The tour lasted about an hour and took us to some of Skagway’s most important historical points of interest. We learned a great deal about the Gold Rush and Skagway’s role in it. 

The Red Onion Saloon opened in 1897

After the tour, we stopped by the Eagles Hall to purchase tickets to the “Days of ’98 Show Starring Soapy Smith.” We still had a couple of hours before the show, so we headed for the Red Onion Saloon, where I would have been employed had I taken the job. Built in 1897, the Red Onion originally housed a pub downstairs with a brothel above. Today the pub serves up local specialties, while girls in period garb give tours of the recreated brothel. 

Brothel tours cost $15 for 15 minutes...just like in 1898

Kids are welcome on the brothel tour, which has a strongly historic focus. But parents should be aware that the subject matter, prostitution in Gold Rush days, is handled honestly and matter-of-factly. The tour guides wear 1890s-style dresses, but a few nude photos of actual madams are scattered throughout. 

The mildly risque Days of '98 Show with Soapy Smith

Soon it was time for the “Days of ’98 Show.” The musical, which has been presented continuously since 1930, depicts the life of con man Jeff “Soapy” Smith. An underworld boss from Denver who followed the Gold Rush to Skagway, Soapy ran a theater as a front for his cons. The show depicts Soapy as an ultimately sympathetic character. Very conservative parents may not want to expose their children to the mildly bawdy performance, but there were kids of all ages in the audience, most of whom seemed to love the show.  

It was peaceful and slightly surreal at 2 a.m.

Back on board, this was the second of two formal nights. Everyone donned their finest for dinner, although a significant portion changed clothes after the meal. We decided to stay dressed up while closing out the night at Cosmos. The further north we traveled, the more we got to experience the midnight sun. We couldn’t resist slipping out on deck late that night to sit and enjoy the views.  

Icy Strait Point

We took small tender boats to Icy Strait Point

Designed for cruise ships, Icy Strait Point was our port stop on Day Six. Located near the Tlingit village of Hoonah, Icy Strait Pont delivers “the Alaskan experience” in an easy-to-swallow chunk. The fishing museum, zip line tours and bonfire are all within easy walking distance. This is a tender port, meaning that we had to line up for small boats that transported us from the ship to the dock. Those with disabilities may have trouble tendering, as you and your party must be able to get you and your wheelchair down the stairs and onto the tender on your own. ECVs are not permitted on tenders at all.  

We kept expecting E.T. to show up!

Since the distance was short, Dad elected to walk using his cane. We wandered through the fishing museum and visitor center before discovering a short but visually stunning hiking trail. Just a few feet out onto the trail, we were in the middle of the wilderness! The easy, relatively flat path led to the beach.  

Icy Strait Point is aptly named--that water was freezing!

Growing up in Florida, I’m used to hot, white sand beaches. The rocky terrain and freezing water was quite a shock! We each dipped a hand into the water to say we had done it, but I don’t see us becoming members of the Polar Bear Club anytime soon!  

We stayed only a few hours in Icy Strait Point, and then headed back to the ship. After several days in a row of touring, it was nice to simply relax. We went to a wildlife talk by the ship’s naturalist and then spent the rest of the afternoon lounging on the Resort deck.  

Hubbard Glacier  

The Hubbard Glacier was well worth the 27 layers of required clothing!

The naturalist had warned us that we would approach the Hubbard Glacier very early on Day Seven, so despite my distaste for early mornings I was out of bed by 6 a.m. Yawning and bleary-eyed, I bundled up before waking Dad. We were warned that the air temperature, which had been hovering in the upper 50s, would be about 20 degrees colder as we approached the glacier. Climate-controlled viewing was available in Cosmos, and the naturalist’s narration would be broadcast throughout the ship. But being Southerners determined to have an Alaskan adventure, we headed for the Resort deck.  

Dining in front of the Hubbard Glacier was awe inspiring

Grabbing breakfast from the buffet restaurant, we headed outside to the large seating area at the ship’s stern, where a handful of people were gathering. What an experience, eating breakfast on the open deck just feet from one of Alaska’s most spectacular glaciers! As the narration began, the naturalist noted over the loudspeaker that while most cruisers sought warmth indoors, a few hardy souls could actually be found on the open deck. It was a pleasure to feel like part of the elite few!  

Don't believe the commercials--this is "clear" glacier water!

The biggest shock for us was the water. Filled with not only chunks of ice, but silt and dirt, the “clear glacier water” was anything but. The naturalist drew our attention to sections of the glacier that were calving, or producing large chunks, and we sat open-mouthed as we marveled at the sights and sounds.  

That night was the last night of the cruise, so we went to the obligatory debarkation talk. Most cruise lines now allow what is known as “self debarkation.” If you are able to handle all of your own luggage, then you can debark the ship at any time after the All Clear is sounded. Unfortunately, Celebrity didn’t offer this option on this particular cruise. Instead, everyone was assigned colored luggage tags according to cabin placement on the ship, and called for debarkation according to tag color. Those with early flights could arrange early debarkation at the purser’s desk.  

Debarkation  

Time to say goodbye to the cute Ukranian waiter

Since Dad is disabled, we were placed in a separate debarkation group with strict instructions to meet at 10 a.m. Our bags had to be packed and left in the hallway by 11 p.m. Packing is my most hated part of any cruise, but we managed to get it done before dinner. The last dinner is always bittersweet, but it’s a great chance to say goodbye. Tipping is automatically added to your shipboard account, but some cruisers like to give a little extra to those who made their vacation magical. With that in mind, we tracked down our cabin stewardess, the waiter from the casual bistro, and the bartenders from the aft Resort deck bar and Cosmos. We said our goodbyes and discreetly handed over a few dollars each.  

We had a little hiccup at debarkation. Somehow Dad had completely lost the key to his ECV, and we didn’t have a spare. We checked with Lost and Found and with our cabin stewardess, but it had not been turned in. Our quick-thinking stewardess suggested we call maintenance. The mechanic was able to bypass the ignition system and wire a simple on-off switch for the scooter. This was less secure than using a key, but enabled us to get the scooter off the ship. We tried to pay the mechanic, or at least tip him for his trouble, but he refused. We did write a nice note to Celebrity thanking him for his efforts.  

The Millennium docked in Seward

Otherwise, debarkation was a breeze. We had just enough time to grab a quick breakfast from the buffet restaurant before meeting our group. The disabled group was debarked just after those with early flights, so there was virtually no line. The cruise port in Seward is extremely visitor-friendly, with representatives of the city’s tourist bureau on hand. We picked up a free map and got verbal directions to our hostel, and then retrieved our luggage. The hostel was just a few blocks away, so we decided to walk/roll rather than getting a taxi.  

What We Learned and Tips for Parents  

Our cabin stewardess left cute towel animals every night

The second half of our cruise was just as exciting as the first. While we did not experience the highly personalized service and utter relaxation of a luxury cruise, our ship was packed full of high-energy activities and entertainment. We had to be more proactive in seeking out friendships and developing relationships than we would on a ship that held fewer people. However, the larger crowd gave us more potential friends to choose from.  

Despite being a mega-ship, the Millennium offers numerous quiet spots

The Celebrity cruise fit our lifestyle, and at no time did we ever feel like we missed out on anything by choosing an inexpensive inside cabin. But that’s because our focus was on meeting new people, seeing the sights and having adventures. If our goal had been relaxation, private time and peace, we probably wouldn’t have been happy with our choices. Your selection will ultimately be based on your budget and your goals for the cruise.  

We saw dozens of kids around the ship and in port. They always seemed happily engaged in an activity, rather than simply roaming the ship in packs. Alaska’s low crime rate, status as a US state and mix of activities make it an excellent destination for kids of all ages. Most cruise lines offer kids’ programs, allowing families to renew bonds without spending every waking moment together. I would go back in a heartbeat with kids of any age.

My favorite quiet spot

The first full day of our Vancouver to Seward Alaska cruise was everything we could have hoped for: relaxing, entertaining and filled with activities. Read about part one of our Alaskan adventure in Traveling 5,000 Miles on Two Weeks’ Notice, and part two where we are introduced to, and are discovering the Celebrity Millennium Cruise.  

We both absolutely love sea days, and this was no exception. We explored the ship more thoroughly and in the process discovered my favorite quiet corner — the Conservatory. I’m not sure if other cruisers didn’t realize it existed, tucked away in a nook near Cosmos disco, but we had the place to ourselves every time we stopped by. Very peaceful to sit and watch the ocean surrounded by plants and trees. We also loved the glass elevators that look out onto the ocean.  

Day Two: Sea Day  

The outdoor pool was rarely used

On a typical Caribbean cruise, the outdoor pool is packed with swimmers on every sea day. On an Alaska cruise, with temperatures barely breaking 60 degrees F, the outdoor pool was deserted. An indoor pool got a bit more traffic, but hot tubs were definitely preferred. We’re not big swimmers or hot tubbers, so we didn’t even bring swimsuits. Instead, we spent the day at silly group activities such as Name That Tune and Win, Lose or Draw. We also attended the port talk for Ketchikan, our first stop, even though we had already booked an independent tour. Hey, they give away free swag at those talks — sit in the first three rows, since they sometimes throw small gift items into the crowd.  

This was the first of two formal nights on the cruise, and included the Captain’s Cocktail Party before dinner. Since this was a day at sea, everyone had plenty of time to dress to impress. If you want to wear a tuxedo or long gown, many Celebrity Cruise passengers do, and formal wear is available for rent on board. However, many male passengers opt for a suit or coat and tie, with ladies choosing cocktail dresses or pantsuits. Having done formal nights many times, and having packed a month’s worth of clothing into two carryon bags, we opted for less formal attire. Dad has a snazzy black velvet coat, which he paired with dark dress pants, while I wore black dress pants and an elegant top.  

Every night after dinner we caught the main show in the Celebrity Theater. Acts ranged from Broadway-style production shows to comedians and magicians. If your kids are young, you may want to choose early dinner seating, which allows you to attend dinner and the show and still get the kids to bed by 10 p.m.  

Day Three: Ketchikan  

The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Both Dad and I are in love with The Deadliest Catch, a Discovery Channel show that follows crab fishing boats on the Bering Sea. So imagine our delight when we discovered a tour named The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour! Fans of the show might recognize the Aleutian Ballad, featured on Season 2 and most noted for taking a rogue wave that nearly destroyed the boat. Today the Aleutian Ballad is used for tours in Ketchikan that are guided by men and women who have actually fished on the Bering Sea. Fans will recognize most of the crew including Derrick Ray, who took over as relief skipper on the Cornelia Marie in 2010 after Captain Phil Harris passed away.  

Kiwi and Chief are among the well-known crew

Although the tour is offered through most cruise lines, you can also book on your own. We booked directly through the company, 56 Degrees North, using a coupon from the Great Alaskan TourSaver. A brand-new $100 coupon book is released each year, offering two-for-one savings on attractions, rental cars and lodging throughout Alaska. The tour price was $168.54 with tax, and the coupon gave us the second ticket free. So we more than made our money back just on that tour alone.  

The wheelhouse of the Aleutian Ballad

The Aleutian Ballad has been completely retrofitted for tourism, offering comfortable stadium-style seating. The seating is partially covered and heat lamps provide some respite from the chilly Alaska weather. We traveled in completely calm waters as the crew shared stories from their lives on the Bering Sea.  

Up close and personal with 800-pound crab pots

We watched them set crab pots and pull in pots that had been soaking, as well as demonstrate other types of Alaska fishing. We were allowed to handle some of the sea life. If you are interested in Alaska fishing, it really doesn’t get any more up-close and personal than this tour! Of course, at the end of the tour we couldn’t resist the gift shop. We picked up a DVD of the tour, a long-sleeve T-shirt for Dad and an Aleutian Ballad crew jacket for me.  

Ketchikan was a relatively short port visit, and the tour took up the bulk of our time. We did a little shopping near the pier and returned to the Millennium. As was becoming our routine, we did dinner and the show, followed by late-night fun at Cosmos.  

Day Four: Juneau  

Downtown Juneau

Juneau is the only state capital not accessible by road or rail, and we were excited to see it. We decided not to book a tour in advance, but see what we wanted to do when we got off the ship. We slept in a little, since the ship would be in Juneau for most of the day.  

Chris was our tram operator and tour guide

We stepped off the ship into a crowded downtown. It seemed like every ship in Alaska must have been in Juneau that day! Just off the dock was a large park ringed by vendors offering tours of every description. We read some signs and asked some prices, but decided to wait till afternoon for a tour. The Mt. Roberts Tramway is located directly across from the dock, and we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time. With our coupon from the Great Alaskan TourSaver, we paid just $27 for the two of us including unlimited tram rides and all-day admission to the attractions at the top of the mountain.  

Juneau was stunning from above the cloud line

The Tramway offers six-minute rides 1,800 feet up the side of Mt. Roberts, and is one of the most vertical trams in the world. We were in Juneau on a foggy, drizzly day, and it was quite an experience breaking through the clouds on the Tramway!  

At the top we found a large visitor center and gift shop, a nature center and several hiking trails. Local musicians sometimes perform in the visitor center theater, and a film depicts the life of the native Tlingit people.  

Juneau by Bus  

Although we could easily have spent the day at the top of Mt. Roberts, we wanted to see as much as possible. Back on the ground, we signed up for a city tour with a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier. We negotiated hard and, while I don’t remember our exact price, it was quite reasonable.  

Juneau is just plain fun

Juneau is just a cool city. Despite being a government town and major tourist destination, Juneau retains a small-town flavor. We drove all around the city, visiting the Government District and several residential neighborhoods before stopping at the Chapel by the Lake. This little log cabin church dates to 1950, when Alaska was still a US territory (it gained statehood in 1959).  

The little log cabin Chapel By the Lake

Although Juneau was the second-largest Alaska city, the Auk Lake area where the chapel is located did not have paved roads or telephone service. A single city bus served the area, and also delivered the newspaper. An itinerant preacher named Reverend McCluggage landed in Haines, Alaska in 1950. He heard that a small chapel was operating out of a tiny building in Juneau and needed a minister. Reverend McCluggage took the job. A few years later he built the log cabin on the shores of Auk Lake. Although the church now has a large new sanctuary, the little log cabin remains.  

Mendenhall Glacier  

Mendenhall Glacier as seen from Photo Point

Back on the bus, we traveled a short distance to Mendenhall Glacier. Glacier viewing had been at the top of my must-do list, and I was breathless as we drove up to the parking area. They say the glacier has been retreating since the mid-1700s, but it remains a massive and imposing piece of ice. We had about an hour at the glacier, so we made a quick stop in the visitor center. A small museum inside is operated by the US Forest Service, but we didn’t have time to look around in great detail.  

Mendenhall Glacier offers numerous hiking trails, including the strenuous West Glacier Trail. We heard that the views of the glacier’s west face are spectacular, but the five-hour hike was out of our reach. Instead, we opted for the flat, paved walk to Photo Point. The trail is accessible for wheelchairs, scooters and strollers, and ends at a spectacular overview just a quarter mile from the glacier. My jaw dropped in amazement as we heard the glacier heave and chunks dropped from it, a process known as calving. You generally think of glaciers as solid and immovable, but it actually seemed almost alive.  

Downtown Juneau and Government Row  

Imagine negotiating that when it's icy!

After the tour, we headed out on our own to take some photos. Government Row is located on high ground, so be ready to climb some major hills. One of the most surprising things to me, being from the consistently flat southern United States, was the steepness of some people’s staircases. I can’t fathom carrying groceries up those stairs in snow and ice!  

Incidentally, we stopped by the Governor’s Mansion. Remember when Sarah Palin supposedly said she could see Russia from her house?  Well, it was actually Tina Fey from Saturday night live that said it during an Emmy award winning impression of her, but try as we might, we couldn’t see any farther than downtown Juneau.  

Can you see Russia in this photo?

Back in downtown, located in the valley along the waterfront, we must have stopped in dozens of little shops and cafes. Our favorite was the Red Dog Saloon, which dates to the Gold Rush era. Among other artifacts is a gun that belonged to Wyatt Earp. He checked it at the US Marshall’s office on June 27, 1900, but left for Nome, Alaska on June 29 without reclaiming it.  

After a long day in Juneau, we headed back to the ship. Tired from our day, we decided to skip the main dining room. At night, a section of the buffet restaurant seating is transformed into a casual table-service bistro, at an upcharge of $2 per person. The food and service was fantastic, and we ended up becoming friends with our Ukranian waiter. Dinner revived us, and we closed out the evening with the main show followed by meeting friends for drinks at Cosmos.  

What We Learned and Tips for Parents  

Save some money by booking tours independently

Having cruised several times before, we have learned that booking tours through the ship is almost always a waste of money. Cruise ships contract with outside vendors to provide tour services, and the ships charge a high markup for the convenience. On both the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan and the bus tour in Juneau, most of the group consisted of people who had booked through the ship–either the Millennium or another ship that was docked in town. They paid more than double what we paid, and were sitting right next to us.  

Look for Wyatt Earp's gun at the Red Dog Saloon

The ships promote safety and convenience as reasons to book their official tours. If you’re a savvy traveler, you can check out tour providers online, read reviews from other travelers, and even find out who the “official” tour providers are for the cruise lines. If you go out on your own, make sure your watch is set to ship’s time. The ship will wait for delayed passengers on an official shore excursion, but will not wait for late passengers who are on their own. Try to be back on board 30 minutes prior to the announced All Aboard time.  

Bald Eagles are everywhere in Alaska

Alaska is an excellent destination for adventurous kids. It’s exotic enough that you could almost believe that you were in a foreign country, yet you have the security of knowing that you are still in the United States. The crime rate is stunningly low even in the bigger cities, and locals are almost uniformly friendly, helpful and welcoming. Everyone has a story to tell, and the state operates on “Alaska time.” No rushes, no worries, just a fascinating blend of history and culture, wildlife and rugged terrain.

Next stop: Skagway Gold Rush and Alaskan Glaciers.

Amtrak makes things easy for disabled travelers

On Day 2 of our Alaska adventure, we awoke bright and early in Seattle. Thankfully, my body was still on Orlando time, so the 7:40 a.m. departure felt more like 10:40 a.m. We had coach seating in the disabled section, providing us with two comfortable seats and room to simply park Dad’s scooter on board. Read about Part One of our Alaskan Cruise here!   

We settled in and then headed for the Club Car, where fast-food style breakfast was being served. Our table turned out to be in a wonderful location for photography, so we stayed put for half of the four hour ride and then went exploring. We love the ability to wander through the train at our leisure rather than being stuck in an airplane seat.  

Border Crossing  

That little white building is the official border crossing

Despite the enhanced security regulations on border crossings, we found crossing by train to be a breeze. At the Seattle train station, we showed our passports and tickets at the counter and were on our way. No need to take off our shoes or pour out our beverages. About an hour before we arrived in Vancouver, train personnel passed out standard customs forms. If you’ve ever left the US, you’re familiar with these forms. We had to state where we were going and how long we planned to stay in Canada. There were lines to declare things like alcohol and cigarettes, and any cash over $10,000. I can’t fathom why anyone would travel with $10,000 in cash, but I’m sure people have their reasons!  

We walked through Customs on the way off the train, where we basically spent under a minute answering the same questions that were on the form. The agent scanned our passports and we were free to go. It really couldn’t have been much easier!  

Embarkation  

Arriving at the cruise terminal

We caught a taxi from the train station to the pier, and checked our luggage curbside. Due to Dad’s disability, we were ushered past the regular check-in line and permitted to check in with suite passengers. We presented our passports and cruise documents and were directed to a waiting area.  

We got to skip most of this line

Boarding was scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m., but was slightly delayed. We found out why when we were handed two forms. The first explained that on the previous cruise, the ship was struck by Norovirus! This is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that spreads rapidly through enclosed populations such as cruise ships and dorm rooms. We’ve been lucky enough never to have had Norovirus, and certainly didn’t want to start in Alaska! The second form was part of the cruise line’s outbreak control procedures, where we had to state whether we had felt ill or run a fever in the past week. If so, then the ship’s doctors would check us out free of charge before boarding. Thankfully, we were feeling perfectly healthy.  

Our First Impressions  

Free drinks were a nice touch

Boarding commenced a short time later, and we were eager to see the ship. We’ve cruised on Royal Caribbean and Carnival, but this was our first experience on Celebrity. I was impressed right off the bat, when we stepped off the gangway into the lobby, and were met by a team of wait staff with trays of free Welcome Aboard champagne and mimosas. I believe there were nonalcoholic choices as well, but free alcohol is a rarity on a mass-market line, so we took advantage of the offer. As it turns out, on every port day, returning passengers are greeted with the option of hot chocolate or water. On cold Alaska days, the hot chocolate feels like a godsend!  

I loved the graceful wooden furniture

The ship was beautiful, decorated in soft colors accented by dark woods. We love the Vegas-style glitz of Carnival, but appreciated the quiet elegance of Celebrity. I was particularly impressed by the wooden deck chairs, a throwback to a more genteel age of cruising and a stark contrast to Carnival’s white plastic chairs.  

Our Cabin  

Dad relaxing in the cabin

As we knew it would be, our cabin was a standard handicapped-accessible inside stateroom, located on the lowest passenger deck. However, the size and location next to an elevator made it quite convenient. Whenever we cruise, the cabin stewards assume that we are a married couple, rather than father and daughter. Invariably, we have to request that the beds be separated (standard cruise cabins feature twin beds that can be pushed together to create a king). The request was handled cheerfully, as were all requests throughout our cruise. We tipped our cabin stewardess a few dollars in cash the first time we saw her, as well as giving a full tip at the end.  

Our storage space was very well laid out

Our cabin also featured a convertible sofa bed and coffee table, and a small desk. Storage space was plentiful, with more than enough room for our clothes, Dad’s medications and all of our toiletries. The handicapped staterooms are a bit larger than average, and we were able to park the scooter out of the way.  

Lunch and Lifeboat Drill  

We couldn't resist the Welcome Aboard buffet

All cruise ships put on an elaborate spread at the buffet restaurant during embarkation, and the Millennium was no exception. The sprawling buffet easily accommodated everyone with minimal waits, and we found seats at the back beside a large plate glass window.  

This was our first introduction to Norovirus precautions. Two crew members were stationed outside the restaurant giving everyone a squirt of hand sanitizer. There was also a large sanitizer station that was kept refilled for off hours, when the crew members were not present. Wait staff did double duty fixing coffee and dishing out condiments so that no containers were touched by multiple passengers. The buffet staff served our food cafeteria-style, rather than everyone taking their own portions. Throughout the week, the library was closed for deep cleaning, and we saw housekeeping staff all over the ship cleaning furiously. Thankfully we never got sick.  

The lifeboat drill was short and painless

After lunch was the mandatory lifeboat drill. Many people hate this process, but it actually goes quite smoothly if everyone participates. All passengers must retrieve their life jackets and meet in designated locations to review emergency procedures. The drill is mandated by the Coast Guard, and provides essential information.  

Celebrity Cruise’s process was simple. Everyone was assigned to a lounge or other large gathering space. We checked in at the door, where crew members were taking names. We sat comfortably for a few minutes, noted the information, and were then free to go. The only hard part was trying to get an elevator afterwards! Since Dad is on a scooter and couldn’t take the stairs, I ran the life jackets to our cabin and met him on the Resort deck. We had seen a great deal of outdoor seating along the ship’s stern, which looked like a great place to enjoy sailaway.  

Sailaway  

This seagull sat with us as we got underway

It may be incredibly cheesy of me, but sailaway is my favorite part of any cruise. We always settle into a comfortable spot on deck, grab the drink of the day, and listen to live music as the ship sets sail. It’s not quite the same as the Golden Age of cruising, when crowds gathered on the dock to wave goodbye and the ships launched streamers as they departed, but it’s pretty close. A seagull came to join me shortly after I found a seat.  

He took great care of us all week

Dad finally made it up the elevator just before departure. He went to buy cards for unlimited soft drinks, and ended up making a new friend. That bartender, as well as the ones in Cosmos Disco, took excellent care of us all week.  

The Vancouver coastline was ruggedly beautiful

Sailing out of Vancouver was so different for us. We’ve mostly done Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida or New Orleans, LA. We did a cold weather itinerary on a fall Canada cruise out of New York City, but this was different yet. Everything was foggy and chilly and rugged-looking. It was the perfect beginning to an Alaskan adventure.  

Evening Activities  

Dinner was a highlight of our trip

Dinner is an important part of cruising, and we have strong preferences. We want traditional seating, in which we are seated at the same table with the same companions and wait staff throughout the cruise. We prefer late seating, which is generally around 8:15 p.m., and we like to be at a table for eight or more. We genuinely enjoy getting to know our dining companions.  

The Celebrity Theater is used for all sorts of events

We received exactly what we requested on the Millennium, and it was an excellent experience. Our wait team was top notch, and our companions were friendly. The food was terrific, and we ate until we were stuffed. Then it was off to the Celebrity Cruise Theater for the Welcome Aboard show.  

We’re generally night owls, and love sitting out on the open deck late into the evening. We usually make a few shipboard friends who do the same, and late night is our time to hang out and relax. That night, we went out on deck and realized it was deserted! Would this prove to be an early to bed crowd?  

We soon realized that we were freezing. Earlier in the day we had noticed warm blankets folded into every deck chair, and a large supply of blankets on counter tops throughout the open decks. We now realized why–it’s rather chilly that far north, even in June! We wondered if, perhaps, the late night crowd was keeping warm somewhere inside.  

Cosmos Disco became our go-to late night spot

After a bit of exploration, we ended up at Cosmos. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and located at the top of the ship, Cosmos combines amazing views with climate control. By day it’s a massive lounge, and at night it turns into a disco. The late-night crowd was out in force, and we made a few friends. Cosmos took the place of the open deck as our default go-to spot for late night socialization.  

Late night on deck

I went to bed around midnight, after an exhausting but fun-filled day. Dad went out on deck around 2 a.m. to take photos. We weren’t quite far enough north for true midnight sun, but it was definitely not the sort of night we’re used to down south!  

What We Learned and Tips for Parents  

Despite holding nearly 2,000 passengers, the Millennium never felt crowded

I recently read about Joe and Amy’s luxury Alaska cruise adventure on Regent Seven Seas. They had a wraparound balcony and butler service, and apparently had a fantastic time. We too had a great time, but our cruise on the Celebrity Millennium was the polar opposite, a last-minute budget cruise in an inside cabin. Although Celebrity is a highly rated mass-market cruise line, the Millennium is a mega-ship, holding 1,950 passengers to Regent Seven Seas’ 500 passengers.  

Did we make a mistake? I don’t think so. There is a cruise style to fit virtually every budget and personality, and I think the Millennium fit ours. We’re independent travelers, prefer youth hostels over hotels, and don’t mind crowds in the slightest. We’re very active, and would rather spend time in a ship’s public areas than a private balcony. Everyone told us we “needed” a balcony for Alaska, but I honestly don’t think we would have used it. For others, such as Joe and Amy, a balcony is a major key to their enjoyment.  

In my opinion, a luxury cruise is a better choice when the kids are a little older. Largely due to cost, the average passenger age skews a bit older on the luxury lines. Consequently, children on board have a harder time meeting kids their own age. While children’s programs are standard fare on virtually every ship, the more kids are on board a line’s average cruise, the more extensive the programming tends to be. Beyond looking at the price, I think it’s important to look at the overall experience that you desire, and choose a cruise line and cabin that best fits your personal criteria.

The cruise continues in Celebrity Millennium Alaska Cruise Part Three: Ports Galore

Skagway, Alaska offers multiple forms of transport

My parents always meant to visit Alaska. They gathered tour books, visited websites, and even planned out a driving itinerary. Unfortunately, health issues and real-life concerns prevented them from living out their dream. After my mom passed away unexpectedly in 2004, at the age of 50, I moved in with my dad, who has some chronic health concerns. We travel full-time in an RV and I write about our experiences while he takes the photographs. I was determined that Dad would make it to Alaska, but the timing never seemed to be right. 

The Deal of a Lifetime 

The Celebrity Millennium was our ship of choice

That all changed at the end of May 2009. Dad and I were at a crossroads trying to plan out our summer. Nothing quite seemed to be working out. Then I got an email from Travel Zoo, an online service that compiles the best travel deals around the world. Celebrity Cruises was having a massive sale on their Alaska itineraries but for the best prices, we would need to leave in June. It took all of five minutes of discussion to realize that this was the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Dad was in the Navy years ago, and we knew that many cruise lines offered military rates for veterans. He called Celebrity directly and was offered a rate of $299 per person, plus taxes and port charges, for a 7-night Northbound Alaska cruise from Vancouver, BC to Seward, Alaska. The cruise would depart June 12, 2009. Dad’s disabled and uses a travel ECV for long distances, so we needed a handicapped cabin. We got the last one on the ship!

Planning and Packing in Two Weeks Flat 

Living in an RV makes traveling simple

Living in an RV has a number of advantages. One of the biggest is that it’s significantly easier to shut down an RV than a house. We are members of the Thousand Trails RV camping system, and happened to be staying in a membership park near Orlando, FL. We also have a climate-controlled storage facility nearby. After making arrangements to store the RV in the storage lot at the campground, we started moving things that could be damaged by heat (CDs, DVDs, etc) into our storage unit. 

Since we would be traveling all that way, we couldn’t see hopping directly on a plane after the cruise. We decided to expand the trip by staying in youth hostels for an undetermined period of time following the cruise. We had airline credits from a cancelled trip the previous summer, so we booked Southwest one-way from Orlando to Seattle, with plans to use a combination of credits on Alaska Airlines and US Airways whenever we were ready to come back. 

We’re big fans of Rick Steves, the guru of independent travel in Europe, and we love exploring new places on a budget. So we ordered official Rick Steves luggage (a rolling suitcase for him and a backpack for me, both carryon sized, along with two smaller daypacks), with priority shipping. We wanted to be able to easily handle our own luggage on and off the ship and while traveling independently throughout Alaska. It took me several tries to pare down my clothing options, but we managed to make everything fit. One entire backpack was dedicated to Dad’s medications–since we didn’t know how long we would be gone, he took plenty of extra meds!

Time to Go Already? 

The ECV makes a pretty good pack mule

Before we knew it, departure day was upon us. On June 11, 2009, we stored the RV and drove to the Hawthorne Suites near the Orlando Airport. We booked through parksleepfly.com, which gave us one night in the hotel and 30 days of free parking. If we needed more than 30 days, it would be $5 per night. 

Our flight departed at 9:35 a.m., so we took the free 7:30 a.m. airport shuttle from the hotel. I’m not a morning person at all, so I actually woke up sometime during the flight. We had an hour and a half layover in Chicago, and landed in Seattle at 3:15 p.m. local time. It was 6:15 Orlando time, and we were starving. But as it turns out, food would have to wait. 

Stairs Plus Scooter–Now What? 

It doesn't go up stairs too easily

We were booked at the Green Tortoise Hostel near Pioneer Square. Never having been to Seattle, this seemed like a perfect location for getting the feel of the city. Being a hostel, the price was right too, at $29 each for two beds in a mixed-gender dorm room. We caught the city bus from the airport and soon arrived at our destination. 

We opened the front door and found ourselves staring at a very steep stairway! There was no room to maneuver Dad’s ECV into the building, so parking downstairs was out of the question. Carrying the 80 pound scooter up those stairs was not happening either. I’m not sure why the hostel didn’t mention the stairs when we called to find out if they could accommodate the scooter, but there we were. Dad left the scooter and our luggage with me and went up to ask about a second entrance, but there was none. 

We walked–well, I walked, he rolled, to a nearby Starbucks and got online. Thankfully we carry our laptops everywhere. We finally found a Holiday Inn downtown for $150. Not quite as good a deal, but the hotel was beautiful and we were grateful to have somewhere to sleep! 

Seattle in an Evening 

The Seattle cruise port is pretty spectacular

We got settled and had some dinner, and then headed out to explore. While picking up a few items at the gas station behind the hotel, we realized that the Space Needle was just a couple of blocks away. We were exhausted by this point, having spent hours solving the lodging problem, but we were determined to see SOMETHING in the city. So we headed for the Space Needle. 

All I can say is wow! The view was absolutely spectacular! A museum at the top explained the history of the Needle as well as some Seattle history. It’s the kind of thing that I usually really enjoy, but I was honestly too exhausted to take much in. It was around 11 p.m. local time, 2 a.m. Orlando time, and we had been up since 5 a.m. We decided to call it a night, since we needed to be up early the next day to catch a train to Vancouver. 

What We Learned and Tips for Parents 

An Alaska cruise is always worthwhile

We’re very fortunate to be able to travel on a whim, and I realize that most families have too many obligations to simply up and leave on two weeks’ notice. If you do happen to have that flexibility, there are many deals to be had. If not, then book as far in advance as possible. Cruise lines generally offer early booking discounts that are nearly as good as last minute deals. Your cruise fare is guaranteed not to go up, but if prices drop before your final payment date, you may be able to ask the cruise line to match the lower fare. 

Our struggles in Seattle made me realize the importance of backup plans, particularly when traveling with children. As two adults, we were able to drag ourselves and our luggage all over Seattle, but I would not want to put small children through that. When experimenting with independent lodging of any sort, whether a hostel, guest house or even small motel, I would recommend booking a chain hotel as a backup. Most chains allow you to cancel your reservation until 6 p.m. on the day of arrival at no charge, allowing you to check out your intended destination before making a final decision.

Read on in Part two of our Alaskan Cruise, Was the Deal too Good to Be True?

Alaska Railroad train station

Last month I found out through my mother that Joe and Amy (my aunt and uncle), were about to embark on an extravagant 7 day trip to Alaska.  We were on the phone when she mentioned it, and I was absolutely intrigued! A good friend of mine went there on a fishing expedition just over a year ago and I’ve had a longing to visit ever since. He returned a year ago with an icebox full of frozen Halibut, but what really peaked my interest were the stunning scenic coastal photos of this great state!

It was mid August 2010 on the eve of their trip and my mother said she would convince my uncle Joe (her brother) to take time throughout his Alaskan adventure to document their experiences. Thanks to my mother’s powerful gift of persuasion (and some arm twisting), he brought his computer and digital camera  on their journey to “The Last Frontier”, where he promised to log periodic journal entries and take lots of photos.

Below are six of Joe’s journal entries which he sent us by email along with attached photos.  I also interviewed both Joe and Amy after their trip, so be sure to read my concluding remarks outlining some important tidbits of valuable information about their trip, as well as my thoughts on how well suited the Alaskan cruise would be for children.

Entry 1:

When I travel I want to take time to daydream. I am not your curious tourist, nor do I want to be busy with anything. So writing down my daily journal on this exciting adventure is not my cup of tea. My problem is that my bossy sister ordered me to do it, and because I don’t want to be forever pestered for not doing it, here I am writing during our flight to Anchorage from Los Angeles.

We are almost 4 hours into the Alaska Airlines flight and the scenery out the window is phenomenal. We’ve just past the town of Ketchikan. I can see thousands of Islands and a vast expanse of rugged terrain with sharp top mountainous edges. There’s scattered snow, and we’re in mid August!

This morning I woke up at 4:30 AM. My wife Amy woke up 15 minutes later. We had everything ready to go when Shahid, our loyal town car chauffeur picked us up. He loaded the luggage with care and off to the airport we went. O.K. enough for now, ‘cause I want to daydream a little while looking out my first class window before we land. Toot-lu…

Entry 2:

Mountain side view from Alaska Railroad trip

This is all from memory, since we were enjoying ourselves too much.  It’s August 18, 2:40am and I woke up to use the bathroom; My mind keeps me from going back to sleep. Finally Amy wakes up at 5:30 and we’re at the Alaska Railroad train station in a jiffy. This coastal classic train departed on time at 6:45AM

Wow! What a ride! 4 hours through the Alaskan wilderness with some amazing glaciers to behold, not to mention the numerous rivers, streams and brooks with some raging white waters! The scenes are continuously unfolding with barely the time to assimilate the aw-inspiring splendors of nature! The photos are better than any narration, so go ahead and soak them in. The second story, first class with glass dome-top car we were in, allowed for maximum visibility. Breakfast was called in around 8:00AM. By then I was starved and could have eaten a horse, but the omelet had to do. I washed it down with an “Alaskan Amber”, one great local brew.

The living room in our Regent Seven Seas suite

Once at Seward, our destination, we were told to get onto the yellow school bus. If we only knew in advance that the ship was only a half mile away, and that our luggage was already booked to go all the way into our cruise ship suite, we would have walked. The bus driver? I could write a small book about that weird guy. He was standing by the bus with his long, unwashed hair dangling by his cheeks when we asked if this was the bus headed for the Regent Seven Seas Cruise ship. It was as if he had absolutely no idea what we were talking about. A few words were exchanged and I entered the bus under the impression that we would eventually get there on this crazy bus: maybe 45 minutes or one hour. Turns out the moron bus driver talked the same way to everybody, no matter where their destination was. I’m not sure whether he had the brains of a squirrel, or whether he just hated his job.

We’re at the ship within 20 minutes, we check in and we’re so impressed by the beauty of this ship looking at it from the dock. On the ship, the check-in is very methodical and lengthy. Our suites are going to be available at 2:30PM.

Our master bedroom cruise suite

Our suite is gorgeous with 2 bathrooms, marble top, floors and walls. The large bathroom has a full deep tub plus a shower stall. The bedroom has a giant bed, a walk-in closet with plenty of room for both of us, drawers and all. Very nice comfortable living room, with convertible couch and desk for my laptop. We have our own stewardess and our own butler. Both are extremely courteous. They explain in details their function, which is basically all the things we could ask for. There doesn’t seem to be any limitations! We could order unlimited room service, and because we’re in a grand suite, we could order from the top notch restaurant and have our own private romantic dinner. A bottle of Veuve Cliquot is sweating in its silver ice bucket trying to lure me into popping it….Wrap around balcony is phenomenal! We can see more than 180 degrees!

Joe takes a nap; the rest of the day is just getting acquainted with the ship, eating and soaking in the realities of the most famous cruise anywhere in the world!

Entry 3:

This morning Jojo wakes up energetic after a solid 9 hours of dodo (sleep)! Amy is feeling lazy, so yours truly goes up to the fitness room, and for the next hour or so, he shows off like Tarzan. Back in the suite, we nibble through the breakfast that John, our butler, served. This was ordered last night by checking certain items on a hanger list. Did you know what a hanger list is? OK it’s a sheet of paper with a design you can “hang” onto your exterior door knob listing your wants and needs; there, now you know.

At 11am Amy goes to a lecture on glaciers and in particular on the Hubbard Glacier, the largest and most awesome glacier in the world. I sit with her for 5 minutes and decide this is a bunch of BS they’re trying to impress us with. What’s a glacier? It is nothing other than a river; it does all that a river does: constant movement in one direction, from land to the sea. It just moves much slower than most rivers, but when it finally pours into the Ocean, it does so with spectacular shows! The giant edge, breaks through one chunk at a time and splashes phenomenally into the Ocean, creating all kinds of chunks of ice, some as large as a small island: thus the “ICEBERG”!

Calm ocean waters from Regent Cruise ship

Tonight we are invited at the table of the cruise director for dinner, s’il vous plais!!! I am not sure who’s going to be honored more: Mr. director, or Joe and Amy.

As we approach Hubbard glacier, the scenes are extraordinary. All taken from our giant wrap-around balcony, of which there are only 4 on the entire ship. Everybody else has to scurry to the deck and run from one end to the other, just to get a glimpse of what we see on full display from the panoramic view on our balcony suite.

Entry 4:

Hubbard Glacier Alaska

It is 10 am and we have just stopped by the Aleutian Islands: about one thousand of them, a lot of them privately owned with amazing fairytale  picturesque houses.  These people must have a drastically different kind of life than ours.  They each have a dock with a boat anchored.  I imaging this must be their vehicle; the highways are the waterways surrounding them and leading to the little town. WHAT A LIFE!

In the meantime, Amy and I are gearing up for our 3-hour excursion in Sitka, where, by the way, the signing of the purchase of Alaska took place!!!  Months ago Amy booked us on this bike ride and walk/hike in one of the rain forests.  We’re feeling great and the service is out of this world.  All of the staff members are super polite and eager to help.

Entry 5:

What day is this? I really don’t know. Having a hard time telling where exactly I am. Am I in heaven? Is this the beginning of eternal life? Not sure.

Look how calm the waters are in the channels!

All I know is that yesterday, when confronted with SITKA I thought I was still in my early thirties. I went chasing after Realtors all over town. “I’m looking for an Island to buy”. “No problem” came the answers in a most simple and spontaneous fashion. “Here is a  list” of the Islands for sale, ranging in price from $150,000 to $2.4 Million. Depending on size, availability of utilities, and whether there is existing structures, i.e. a gorgeous, to-die-for, dream-like, only-in-your-dreams (maybe), Disney-imagination HOUSE.

They say there are a thousand Islands here. If anything, they’ve under estimated or under-counted. Some of the homes we’ve seen on these private Islands, as we were approaching Sitka, left me in a stupor with the bottom half of my jaw dragging on the ground and eyes wide open and bulging. To add on to all of these fairy-tale images, the climate is MILD year-round. Never mind that this is Alaska. Temperatures almost never dip below 30 degrees: Normal “winter” temperatures are 30 to 40 degrees. Summers are in the 60′s and 70′s. There is a lot of drizzle in the warmer temperatures, and there are no bear problems to speak of. Why? Because apparently there is such an abundance of natural foods like salmon by the zillions, and so forth, that they just don’t bother humans.

View of the Aleutian Islands from our Regent Cruise

Really! To own an Island with a house here is no big deal.  And, most of them have electricity and water, channeled from the city in pipes under the ocean to the Island.  Think of your dream vacation house: Nature like you’ve never dreamed of, fishing like you’ve never imagined. There is no rocking waters for those who get sea sick – the channel and rivers are calm!  You can hunt for moose or elk: Like to eat delicious meat with NO CHOLESTEROL? Lovely little town with a bunch of sweet-as-honey folks, total silence at night, no traffic, no police harassment, total and absolute serenity. Only one problem: can you handle it?

Entry 6:

We are now sailing within one of the channels in the “Inside Passage” toward JUNEAU, the Capital of Alaska. The climate is somehow similar to that of Sitka, but the city is larger. We are beginning to see some houses built right on the shores of the channel. This channel has got to be at least 20 miles across and the waters are as calm as a lake! Amy and I did not schedule ourselves for any excursions on this stop (schedule arrival 1:00 PM; departure 11:00 PM), because I refuse to act like your typical tourist. We’ll get off and just browse around the town; do some spontaneous discoveries, have lunch, fart around, and then get back on board. Then, maybe we’ll fart around a little more.

Conclusion from Interview with Joe and Amy

It’s been about two weeks since Joe and Amy returned from their Alaskan vacation cruise.  Yesterday (Labor Day) they hosted a family lunch party at their house in Los Angeles for about 20 people where I was fortunate enough to be able to take a few minutes of their time and ask some key follow-up questions about their trip.  The information I gathered should prove valuable to anyone who decides to follow in their footsteps, whether you are travelling as a couple as they were, or on a family excursion as I plan to do when our 11 month old son is a little older.

AAA Travel is the agency they used to book their Cruise.  They booked everything from their Alaska Airlines first class round trip air fare, to their Regent Seven Seas Cruise suite, to the many “excursions” available to them on each of their stops between the Seward shipping dock and Vancouver.  Apparently there are both free and paid excursions, and both need to be reserved far in advance because of high demand.  They did several of these excursions including the rain forest hike/biking in Sitka, and the tram ride up the mountain in Skagway.  One excursion they did not do but discussed for their next visit was the float plane which flies over several islands populated with bears.  It’s supposed to be an amazing view from that height!

The Regent Seven Seas Alaskan Cruise stopped at several ports from Seward to Vancouver, so there were quite a few shore excursions to chose from. For a complete list of available excursions for each port between Seward and Vancouver click on each of the ports below for a list of associated shore excursions.

- Hubbard Glacier
- Sitka
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan

If you are travelling with children I recommend reading the details about each excursion to determine if it’s something your kids can handle and enjoy.

Our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ship

They stayed overnight at a Comfort Inn in Anchorage just minutes away from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.  They described it as having a seedy motel like quality, not a very flattering description! The Captain Cook hotel was their first choice, but it was booked months in advance because of all the cruise ships scheduled to leave the next day.

Sitka rain forest excursion Alaska

Joe and Amy had a first class upper deck cabin on their Alaska Railroad train ride from Anchorage to Seward where their Regent Seven Seas Cruise liner was waiting.  Shortly after departing the train station they were treated to a wonderful breakfast. Throughout their 4 hour ride the train conductor was like a scenic tour guide focusing their attention on the various points of interest along the way.

They specifically chose to ride the smaller 500 passenger cruise instead of the larger ship (700-800 people capacity) for several reasons.  The smaller ship was more expensive, but the higher price tag provided for a more exclusive experience with a much higher class of service.  Another significant benefit in choosing the smaller ship was that it had much better access to ports in the Inside Passage that the larger ships could not reach because of the narrow channels.

The Inside Passage is a highly travelled coastal shipping route through one thousand islands and thousands of coves and bays extending approximately 15,000 miles.  The popularity of these routes are due in large part to the calm seas that result from the natural island formations littering the coast line.  The seas were choppy prior to entering the Inside Passage and Amy was feeling nauseated even after taking the complimentary Meclizine pills provided by the cruise ship.  She returned to normal once they entered the channels, but in hind sight she says she would have brought the “patch”, presumably the Transderm patch that can be placed behind the ear and cure seasickness for 3 days.  She also mentioned that eating extra “carbs” helped her keep the nausea under control.

Their accommodations were fantastic and they were treated like royalty.  They had a very large private wrap around deck with a panoramic view like no other on the ship.  It was very cold outside especially with the wind factor, so in hind sight Amy said that for the same price it would have been better to get the larger suite with a smaller private deck.  This was their first Alaskan cruise, so these are just tips they learned as first timers on what they considered to be an extraordinary adventure.

The Regent Alaskan cruise is not really made for children under 3 years of age from what I have read.   The minimum age requirement to travel on the ship is 12 months old.  Also, there is no official babysitting service on the cruise, but you can hire crew members to assist as a nannies on an individual basis if necessary.    There is a complimentary program for older children called the Club Mariner Youth Program.  The crew’s youth counselors provide all kinds of fun activities targeted for 3 different age groups: ages 5-9, 9-12, and 13-17.  This is a perfect way to entertain and educate the kids while parents can enjoy some alone time.  Activities include games, whale and glacier watching, craft tasks, on board films, and other functions designed specifically for each age group.

View through window of Regent Seven Seas Alaskan cruise