Our big summer vacation for 2014 was a 7 night Disney cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, aboard the Disney Wonder. Originally, Alaska may not seem like a common destination for summer travel. Most people generally prefer warm, tropical destinations. Especially for those of us in Alberta and living so close to the Rocky Mountains, Alaska and its surroundings may seem to be very similar to our Canadian picturesque view of the mountains and landscapes. But having been to Alaska and its natural untouched beauty, it is a destination I would highly recommend and definitely go back if given the opportunity to return!
The cruise season to Alaska begins in May and ends mid-September. Several cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and Princess Cruises are simply a few operators that offer sailings to Alaska.
TRACY ARM
One of our first visits was to Tracy Arm, a fjord located near Juneau with a narrow passage that provides an up close and scenic view of the natural beauty of Alaska. As you pass through the fjord, the waters are calm and the breathtaking views of large glaciers and floating icebergs are surrounded by rugged mountains and forest terrain. Wildlife including black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbour seals, bald eagles and other birds can be visible as you cruise through the fjord.
The cruise season to Alaska begins in May and ends mid-September. Several cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and Princess Cruises are simply a few operators that offer sailings to Alaska.
TRACY ARM
One of our first visits was to Tracy Arm, a fjord located near Juneau with a narrow passage that provides an up close and scenic view of the natural beauty of Alaska. As you pass through the fjord, the waters are calm and the breathtaking views of large glaciers and floating icebergs are surrounded by rugged mountains and forest terrain. Wildlife including black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbour seals, bald eagles and other birds can be visible as you cruise through the fjord.
Heading into the narrow inlet of Tracy Arm
  Sawyer Glacier and floating icebergs |   Floating icebergs |
 Sawyer Glacier  Glacier amongst mountainous terrain |  Sawyer Glacier  Bald eagle |
SKAGWAY
Our next stop was our first port, in Skagway, a sleepy town that appears to be frozen in time as it was the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1880's. Its history is largely steeped in the days of the Klondike Gold Rush, beginning around 1880 and ending in 1899. Gold was first discovered along the nearby Klondike River, which brought forth people from all over in the hopes of finding gold.
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In Skagway, we opted to enjoy the "Klondike Experience" which included Dog Sledding and Mushing experiences combined with Gold Panning. Dog mushing originally was a common form of transportation of goods and communication during the Klondike Gold Rush. Over time, the use of dog mushers was reduced as modern technologies for transportation was introduced to the area. To keep the legacy and spirit of dog mushing to Alaska's roots, the Iditarod, the Last Great Race on Earth was created. Originally created as a one-time event, the event has grown to epic proportions with a race running each year. Sled dog teams train all year from everywhere to participate in the gruelling race, in blizzard, white-out conditions, sub-zero temperatures, gale-force winds creating wind chills of -100F (-73'C), for the shot at the title of champion. The race runs in early March from Anchorage down to Nome and teams consist of one musher and 6 to 16 dogs on the team. The race is usually completed in 9 to 15 days. The Iditarod keeps the legacy of dog mushing alive and central to Alaska's state identity.
 Explaining footwear and dog care on the Iditarod Trail  Husky sled dogs |  Equipment for the Iditarod Race  3 week old Husky puppies! |
We were then introduced to Gold Mining and Gold Panning adventures. We get to look for gold! We were able to collect about $44 in gold that day!
 Two Bit Tom shows us how to pan for gold! |  Gold panning |
JUNEAU
Juneau is the state capital of Alaska and is only accessible by air
or ship. Our port adventure was whale watching and we were
able to witness natural feeding habits, also known as bubble
net feeding, of humpback whales. It was a rare and amazing
sight to witness and I know that the term, "bubble net feeding"
has not been lost on my kids! I cannot describe into
words the experience but here is a great article that
captured the experience from nature's perspective
(with much better photos from a closer angle).
Juneau is the state capital of Alaska and is only accessible by air
or ship. Our port adventure was whale watching and we were
able to witness natural feeding habits, also known as bubble
net feeding, of humpback whales. It was a rare and amazing
sight to witness and I know that the term, "bubble net feeding"
has not been lost on my kids! I cannot describe into
words the experience but here is a great article that
captured the experience from nature's perspective
(with much better photos from a closer angle).
 Harbor seals |  Harbor seals |
Mendenhall Glacier is also visible from the catamaran and you get a close up view of the beautiful glacier.
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KETCHIKAN
Ketchikan is a quaint little fishing town, famously known as the salmon capital of the world! Fishing and tourism are the staple industries in the area and many people come to Ketchikan to fish! Ketchikan is also home to the largest collection of totem poles.
Ketchikan is a quaint little fishing town, famously known as the salmon capital of the world! Fishing and tourism are the staple industries in the area and many people come to Ketchikan to fish! Ketchikan is also home to the largest collection of totem poles.
We took the opportunity to check out the "Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show", a live action packed family fun show showcasing the raw strength and power of lumberjacks!
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Lumberjacks!
As the ship is docked, you can take a closer look at the beauty of the Disney Wonder ship! So much care and detail is placed on the appearance of the ship both inside and outside. As we docked in Skagway, maintenance workers were around the ship, washing it down, painting the sides and painting touch ups to the Captain Mickey on the front! Again the attention to detail that Disney places is beyond anyone's expectations.
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Alaska is a beautiful destination. Not one I would have expected to be so mesmerized by. The natural untouched beauty and history of the land gives me a new appreciation for life and for nature and its beauty. I'll admit, I never would have thought that Alaska would have been this interesting! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to experience it and I would definitely recommend the Alaskan cruise experience for a unique vacation!
For more photos, please check out my Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ReneeTsangTravel.
For more photos, please check out my Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ReneeTsangTravel.
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