“I can't recommend the SALMON TACOS in Juneau enough. It could be very well the best salmon tacos in the world"

-David Bledsoe

Exploring the Last Frontier: Our 9-Day Alaskan Cruise Adventure

This May, we traded our daily routine for glaciers, whales, and breathtaking wilderness on a 9-day Alaskan cruise departing from Seattle, Washington. Here’s a day-by-day reflection on a journey filled with wonder, wildlife, and unforgettable memories. Where are you going?

photos by 📸-David Bledsoe

– Seattle

Our adventure began on May 20 with a flight into Seattle. The excitement was real — we were finally heading toward Alaska! But First, a couple days in the beautiful Seattle area. We enjoyed the Space Needle, Aquarium, and the City Market

– Aquarium

We visited the aquarium in Seattle which was very nice! We saw sharks, seals, sea lions and plenty of other sea animals. Highly recommend checking it out if you have time.

– Board Ship & Set Sail

We boarded our Norwegian Joy cruise ship and settled in, waving goodbye to Seattle's skyline as we sailed into the sea unknown.

– At Sea

This was a day to explore everything the ship had to offer. From panoramic ocean views to relaxing on deck with a book, we embraced the calm ride at sea. The Joy was a great ship loaded with restaurants and things to do. Entertainment and the theatre was nice.

– Sitka

Sitka stole our hearts. With a private driver, we explored a bear refuge and visited an eagle and bird sanctuary — The popcorn was really good here! We had a surreal experience surrounded by nature’s most majestic creatures. Took a walk thru the forest and visited the town and shops.

– Juneau

This place ranked everyone's favorite stop. Whale watching in Juneau was everything we hoped it would be and more. We chartered a private boat with Alaska Sea & Shore and witnessed humpbacks breaching against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

The tour guides at Alaska Sea & Shore were so amazing and provided us with an unforgettable experience. We will be back here!

The whale that followed us the most. Sasha. A momma and her baby Cha Cha.

We even got to see these guys fighting for a spot to warm up.

After the boat ride we got plenty of time to visit the town of Juneau and hit spots like Red Dog Saloon and shops around town.

I can't recommend the SALMON TACOS in Juneau enough. This food was the best we have ever had. It could be very well the best salmon tacos in the world.

We ranked them 10/10 on our food rankings.

– Skagway

Skagway felt like a step back in time. We hopped aboard a historic train ride, winding through dramatic mountain passes with awe-inspiring views around every bend.

The train ride was breath taking

This building was made in the 1800s out of drift wood

– Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay was a masterpiece of ice and silence. We spent the day cruising past towering glaciers, catching calving icebergs and feeling humbled by nature’s scale.

Glacier Bay, Alaska was completely covered by a massive glacier just over 250 years ago—and since then,

The glacier has retreated more than 65 miles, revealing dramatic fjords, mountains, and new ecosystems.

I couldn't stop taking photos on this trip.

– Ketchikan

In colorful Ketchikan, we strolled through Creek Street and on a journey to what we thought was an open cafe. Upon our arrival we found out that the cafe is no longer open but another cafe with great views was. So we stopped for great biscuits and gravy.

– Victoria, BC

A cultural twist to end the trip! With a private driver, we toured Victoria, wandered Chinatown, and took a scenic water taxi to the wharf. The charm of British Columbia was the perfect final touch.

While shopping we thought these "NFS" hats were too funny

The Ferry Taxi was a bucket list favorite and took us to different spots in downtown BC

TIPS when packing for Alaska

1. The Must-Have:

A Lightweight, Hooded Rain Jacket It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to be waterproof. In Southeast Alaska, rain is just part of life, and a solid rain jacket will be your best friend.

2. Fleece, Not Fluff

You won’t need a heavy parka. layer up! A fleece or sweatshirt under your rain jacket is usually just right, even on glacier days.

3. Shoes You Can Walk in… and Get Wet 

Locals live in waterproof shoes, and if you’re walking around ports or doing excursions, you’ll want something sturdy and rain-friendly.

And what not to bring?

Skip the bulky snow boots, umbrellas, formalwear you won’t use, and anything that’s hard to layer or quick to wrinkle. Keep it practical, cozy, and easy to mix and match.

Shop at waygswag.com for outdoor essentials like the rain jacket pullover i love to wear in Alaska.