If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I went to Alaska *cough ahem* three months ago. If you don’t follow me on Instagram you should, because when I start drowning in real life and neglect this space I’m still active on there. I thought about skipping these recap posts and jumping back into real life, but when I write these travel recaps I get to relive the experiences.
So let’s just get to it, shall we?
The purpose of this trip to Alaska was to spend some quality time with my dad. As I age, I realize how important strong relationships are. Since I don’t see my dad that often, I wanted to have some one on one time with him so that we could get to know each other better. I thought perhaps I could fly to Arizona and we’d spend a weekend together, and then he suggested an Alaskan cruise.
I didn’t dare push my idea further, that would have just been rude.
Neither of us had been on a cruise before, so we were fresh meat x2. What they say is true when it comes to cruise ships – endless food, endless entertainment, and just like at the BK lounge, you can have most everything your way. My dad ended up booking through Costco and we traveled with Holland America. I highly recommend Holland America – they were fantastic.
My party days are behind me, and although it would make for great television to get drunk with my dad, we both preferred being in bed by 8pm.
There are many options for cruise ships these days, but if I had to go on another one I would probably stick with Holland America. They say (and by they I mean the well seasoned cruise travelers) once you pick your cruise company you stick with them. There were a lot of older people on this ship, the kind that are retired and need somewhere to spend their RMD’s, so if this isn’t your cup of tea check out one of the other companies.
I also appreciated the lack of small children. It was a nice and quiet trip.
Everything was planned for us. Down to a science. It was almost uncomfortable having so little control. But then I remembered all I had to think about was what I wanted for breakfast each day and the discomfort was gone. I was in awe of how well this trip was planned. I now understand the allure of cruises, you can literally shut the problem solving portion of your brain off.
Breath. Eat. Sleep. Explore. Repeat.
Alaska was unbelievable. Each city we visited will get a separate post, but the landscape is nearly indescribable. It was like my home state of Washington, but on steroids. The pace of life was so much slower and calmer, there are less people, and more mountains. The prices you pay for living in darkness half the year I suppose.
I could totally do it.
The most enjoyable moments on the ship were the many miles walked around the outer deck. Similar to a track, four laps on the deck was equal to a mile. There’s a gym on board too, but for a scenic walk my dad and I often opted for the outdoor laps. The landscape of Alaska while sailing through the inner passages were breathtaking.
Alaska is a must see for any travel lovers out there, and while I usually opt for a “plan it yourself” kind of vacation, I cannot deny the ease of going on a cruise. 10/10. The proceeding posts will break down each city in more detail, but this precursor was to briefly highlight the ship itself.
Oh, and my favorite added touch?
Each night a new creature on my bed. I refuse to admit how much I squealed whenever I saw what they made. Skills on skills on skills.
Q: Have you ever been on a cruise?
53 thoughts on “Cruising Through the Last Frontier”
Anthony
I have never taken a cruise, but this one seems to be right up my alley. Maybe next year…..and yes, I would probably have to go with a parent. Funny how that works out.
Brittany
Ha! It was very enjoyable with a parent, although I might do one alone sometime too!
Angela
I have never taken a cruise either! Your photos look fab as always I can’t wait for the proceeding posts 🙂
Brittany
Thank you friend, excited to share the trip! ❤️
Julanne
Alaska is on my bucket list! Looking forward to reading all your posts and seeing it through your eyes.
Brittany
Ohh it’s a MUST!!! Can’t wait to share more.
Jessica @ Fit Talker
I did an Alaskan cruise with Holland about 11 or so years ago and it was amazing! I thought Holland was great! For us it was a smaller ship which allowed us to get a little closer to things.
I also definitely noticed that the average age was at least 65+, but it was a family vacation, so for us it worked fine.
Alaska is truly beautiful and I hope to return in the future.
Brittany
Our ship was smaller as well, it was a great size. Easy to navigate. I’ll definitely do another Alaskan cruise someday!
Rachel Allene
Alaska has always been close to #1 on my “Must See” list, but now it’s definitely #1. I can’t wait to go someday, hopefully soon. I’m terrified of the ocean and thusly have never considered a cruise, but your pictures and description are making the idea far more appealing!
Brittany
The cruse was super smooth up until the last couple days when we exited the inner passages of the southern tip of Alaska and went more into open ocean heading towards Seward, AK. So it started to get rocky and it was a bit weird. Being on endless open ocean was a bit eerie I admit. But so worth it!
Rachel Allene
Were you able to “see land” at all times? I think I could handle it if I could always see solid ground in any form.. lol
Brittany
No. Only while traveling through the inside passages at the beginning of our trip. There were moments of no visible land for a bit, and then there were a couple days of no land. The couple days part was bizarre.
Rachel Allene
Eeeee, that kind of freaks me out. Could you not even see the mountains? I don’t know if I could handle that. O,O
Brittany
Oh girl, 100% open ocean at times. Literally nothing but endless sea. 😂 You’d prob dislike that immensely. But if you just stay inside you’d be aiiiight. Hahaha.
Amy
YAY!!! I’m SO glad you decided to post about your cruise!! I’ve been dying to know more details ever since you teased it on IG. 😉 Can’t wait to hear more! And SOOO happy for you that you and your dad had such a great time!
Brittany
It was wonderful!! I can’t wait to see it again someday. ❤️
Angie
Yay, you’re back! And OMG, I would squeal for the animal towels too! Never been on a cruise, but we’re thinking about going on the vegan one at some point — hopefully the one to Patagonia. I really wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska, but because of food, we’ll have to stay put on land.
What a fantastic trip you had! The IG feed on your trip was definitely a tease, was wondering when you’d write about it. Looking forward to hearing more!
Brittany
I will say the food options on a cruise are super customizable! It would definitely be easier to go on an all vegan cruise to not have to think much, but I often asked for plain (no butter) vegetables and ate lots of salads. I did have fish, but Patagonia would legit win life. I want to go there!
Angie
That’s nice to know because I really would like to do the Alaska cruise.
Brittany
Yeah! And plenty of fruit for breakfast and oats and some cereals too. Plus when getting off at the ports you can find places to eat off ship too. 🤷🏻♀️
Angie
Cool!
rootchopper
My wife took her mother, sister, and our daughter on a cruise in Alaska. Lots and lots of WOW moments. MIL got seasick a lot which is why I didn’t go.
Brittany
I admit the last day or so when we hit open ocean the waves were pretty big. I don’t get sea sick, but felt a little blah from the rocking. Still worth it though. 🤷🏻♀️
rootchopper
Also welcome back to the blogosphere. I missed your posts but your Instagram stuff is hilarious.
Brittany
😂😂 thanks for the support on both.
Josh dV
That looks just lovely! I cannot wait for the individual recaps. Alaska I hear is super beautiful and if you love being outside it is the place to be. I have a CG shipmate stationed up there now and they are ready to stay put.
I’ve only ever done one cruise (honeymoon in the Caribbean) but it was nice. Oh and I was in the Coast Guard for 4+ years but that just means I’m comfortable on the water. Those were not pleasure cruises.
Welcome back friend. Missed your face.
Brittany
Ah yes the coast guard was prominent in a few of the cities! Fun facts to learn about you. My dad was in the navy and he did many ship tours that he was reminded of while on the cruise, but of course those were not for pleasure either haha.
icefogger
I have never been on a cruise, but I have traveled the Alaska Marine Highway. Great post!
Brittany
What a fun option! We have ferries in Washington similar, but I’d much rather go on one in Alaska!
stateeats
So you’ve discovered the joys of cruising! The towel animals are the best part!! Can’t wait to see the rest of your posts! -Kat
Brittany
I seriously loved them more than I should have. ❤️🤗
Ellie
What a great way to spend time with your father. My dad isn’t into travel, so with my van purchase, we talk about that and he’s helped me with the interior a bit. He also now watches vanlife YouTube videos!!!
Was it cold there?
Brittany
I love that! I actually asked my dad once to help me convert a truck/van into a living space too, ha! Some areas were warm, but it was mostly cold. Some were comparable to Washington so I wasn’t too uncomfortable at any time.
Liz H
Welcome back–I’ve missed your vacation blogs & can’t wait for more of your Alaskan cruise!
Looks chilly, though! 😮
Brittany
It had its moments of warmth! Mostly cold though. 😝
danaelizabethx
I’m so glad you had such an awesome trip with your dad! My dad is my favorite travel buddy and we go on week long road trips at least once every year – it’s so fun! Maybe we will have to switch to a cruise to Alaska – sounds like a blast!! 🙂
Brittany
Ohh you must! You two would love it!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
YOU POSTED A BLOG POST!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MAKES MY HEART SING? 😉
Also, LACK OF CHILDREN = SILENT MUSIC!
I also REALLY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO DO THAT ELEPHANT TOWEL THING CAUSE THE FAAAKKKK!!!!!! You did not text me a picture of that genius!!!!!!
Brittany
Haaahaha omg there were sloths and squids and dogs and octopus! The towels were amazing. No giraffe though.
Pingback: Ketchikan, Alaska | Blissfulbritt
P
Yay you’ve posted!!!! I’ve never been on a cruise before but I wouldn’t mind going on one someday…and just looking at the pictures I can tell Alaska is your kind of place 😛
Brittany
I loveddd it sososo much.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m glad you’re writing recap posts. I’ve been wanting to hear about the cruise. My mom went on to one to Alaska too and adored it. I think she would’ve moved there if it wasn’t so cold. Also I’m thrilled for the father daughter bonding time. Hooray!
Brittany
Hooray indeed! I’d totally live in Alaska!
An Unrefined Vegan
She’s back! With travel adventures!! Yay! I love that you are spending time with your dad – again, showing you are wise well beyond your years! I cherish every moment w/ my Pops. And, you’ve ALMOST convinced me that the right cruise might be fabulous. Up until this post I held a very negative view about them.
Brittany
I had too, I totally admit a cruise was never on my radar. Now I’m a believer!
Allie Zottola
I am so happy you’re blogging about your cruise! Jimmy and I have been talking about going on an Alaskan cruise in the near future and this makes me so pumped!! I love that you went with your dad! It really is amazing how as we grow, we start to realize how valuable time with loved ones really is!
As for cruising, isn’t it crazy how they have things down to a science?! I have cruise twice, once with Carnival and once with Royal Caribbean and would definitely not cruise with Carnival again. I liked Royal, but I’d definitely try any other line!
Brittany
I hear Carnival is for the younger folks that like to party. Not my scene haha!
Allie Zottola
Same!!
Pingback: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge | Blissfulbritt
kagould17
Looks like a great time. We hope to get to do this one day with our kids. Thanks for sharing Brittany. Allan
Brittany
I hope you do as well, it was a lot of fun.
Pingback: Norwegian Cruise Line | Blissfulbritt