There are a lot of ways to experience Alaska – but few can compare to sailing through its pristine wilderness in all-inclusive luxury. With Silversea Cruises, I had the chance to explore the heart of America’s last frontier while enjoying gourmet meals, world-class service, and front-row seats to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife on Earth.
From glaciers to grizzlies, kayaks to trains, and fine dining to floatplanes, here’s everything that made this Silversea journey to Alaska unforgettable.
Hubbard Glacier
Humpack Whale in Alaska
Onboard Silversea Muse
Cheryl in Skagway
Alaska Railroad
Matanuska Glacier.
Anchorage Hop on Hop off Bus
Denali Sightseeing Flight
Silversea Muse in Alaska
Bear in Juneau
Cheryl in Alaska
Our journey began in Vancouver, and after boarding the ship, it didn’t take long to feel completely at ease. As we cruised north through the Inside Passage, I quickly settled into the rhythm of sea life: coffee on the balcony, champagne in the hot tub, exploring the ship’s many offerings, and indulging in some of the best food I’ve ever had on a cruise.
Though I expected constant rain (this is a temperate rainforest, after all!), we lucked out – with only a couple of rainy hours during the entire week.
Our first port, Ketchikan, delivered a perfect mix of wildlife and walkability. We started with a small boat excursion that gave us a glimpse of the area’s vibrant ecosystem – followed by a delicious seafood boil.
With time to spare, we strolled downtown and wandered into the historic Creek Street District, once a red-light area and now home to quirky shops and colourful houses perched on stilts above the salmon stream.
Our next stop was Juneau, and thanks to a leisurely morning before our excursion, we took a recommendation from a local and headed to Cope Park. There, in the middle of town, we spotted a black bear lounging near someone’s backyard – a reminder that in Alaska, nature is always nearby.
Later that day, we joined a whale-watching tour that completely exceeded expectations. Silversea had arranged a small-boat excursion where every guest had a window seat with open panels for glare-free photos.
The best part? The whales put on a show! We watched – mesmerized – as humpbacks performed a rare bubble-net feeding display, which is a coordinated hunting technique that is as fascinating as it is beautiful.
No Alaskan cruise is complete without a visit to Skagway, and we took full advantage of it by hopping aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Our shorter summit journey took us 20 miles along the original Gold Rush trail, passing dramatic vistas like Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch.
Back in town, we made time for some local ice cream and stopped by the legendary Red Onion Saloon – a former Gold Rush-era brothel turned saloon and museum. Yes, you can take a short tour upstairs!
Our final port before reaching the glacier fields was Sitka, where we opted for a morning kayaking excursion through Sitka Sound. The calm waters, abundance of jellyfish and starfish, and peaceful paddling were a beautiful contrast to our high-adventure days.
Our last day on board brought us face-to-face with the Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. Watching massive chunks of ice calve into the sea while sipping coffee on deck was the kind of serene, once-in-a-lifetime, experience only Alaska – and Silversea – can deliver.
Though the cruise ended in Seward, my Alaskan journey was far from over. Instead of taking the standard coach transfer to Anchorage, I upgraded to the Alaska Railroad – and I’m so glad I did. The scenic ride was breathtaking, and the train itself was extremely comfortable. Wildlife sightings like moose or bears are even possible en route (though they eluded us this time).
After checking into the Hilton Anchorage – a quick five-minute walk from the station – I had planned three more nights to explore more of Alaska’s interior.
To kick things off, I took a short and informative Anchorage Trolley Tour. It’s a great intro to the city’s history and quirks – like the fact that moose are so common, there are 1,600 in the area – and yes, it's illegal to push them out of airplanes. Alaska, you never disappoint.
Next up: the incredible Matanuska Glacier. I spent nearly three hours walking across the ice in crampons, guided through blue crevasses and icy ridges on a glacier stretching 27 miles. It felt like another planet—and yet another Alaska highlight.
Another train ride took me to Whittier, where I boarded a smaller vessel for the 26 Glacier Cruise. Despite its name, we saw even more than just glaciers – sea lions, otters, seals, and a breaching whale all made appearances. The calm waters made for a smooth journey and plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
On my final day, I had hoped to take a flightseeing tour to Denali – but in true Alaska fashion, the weather had other plans. The skies were clear in Anchorage, but Denali was unsafe to fly to.
Instead, I joined another flightseeing trip focused on glaciers and wildlife. We flew over Knik Glacier (among others), landed lakeside, and even saw moose and bears from the air – an unforgettable finale to an epic adventure.
Alaska is wild, dramatic, and humbling. Exploring it with Silversea allowed me to experience it in both luxury and depth – from the elegant service on board to the authentic, expertly guided excursions on land and water.
Whether you're sipping wine in front of a glacier, kayaking through jellyfish-filled bays, or spotting grizzlies from a floatplane – Alaska has a way of staying with you long after you leave.
Until next time, Alaska. You were unforgettable.
Cheryl is a member of the My Canada Trips team. To experience her trip for yourself, check out our Alaska Cruise holiday itineraries below.
Alaska Cruises
Alaska Luxury Cruises
Alaska Cruises
Alaska Cruises
Alaska Luxury Cruises
Alaska Cruises
Alaska Cruises
Alaska Cruises
Canada & Alaska Cruises
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