Hello from Alaska
Welcome to Alaska! I am so excited to be here because Alaska has been a bucket list destination for me for a long time. I will be cruising up the coast of Alaska for 11 days with Seabourn, who are very kindly hosting me on this trip. Yesterday, we were in Ketchikan, a cute little coastal town with colorful buildings. I had the opportunity to go on a wilderness excursion and learn how to fish. Today, I woke up to a breathtaking view of Rudyerd Bay, where the Misty Fjords National Monument is located. John Muir called this place the Yosemite of Alaska.
My First Time on a Cruise Ship
This is my first time ever on a cruise ship and I had no idea how grand it would be. When I got on board, I was amazed by the elevators and the multiple floors. The whole ship is beautiful, but my favorite part is the deck with a pool and two hot tubs surrounded by scenic mountains and fog.
Exploring Sitka and the Alaska Raptor Center
Today, we are in Sitka, Alaska. I have wanted to visit this place for years because it looks absolutely gorgeous. I am excited to walk around, explore, take photos, and visit the Alaska Raptor Center. The center rehabilitates injured birds from the wild and releases them back into nature.
Cruising the Endicott Arm
Today, we are cruising up the Endicott Arm. I woke up to chunks of ice floating past my balcony, with seals resting on them. In the afternoon, I will be getting on a Zodiac boat with the Ventures team to get a closer look at the ice and hopefully see more seals.
Amazing Wildlife Encounters
We just got back from a Zodiac boat ride and it was incredible. We saw seal pups, a rainbow, and a stunning glacier. It was like Christmas for photographers. Today, I also got to live out one of my fantasy selves as a National Geographic photographer. Being out on the rugged boat and capturing photos of seals felt like a dream come true.
Visiting the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals
This morning, I visited the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals in Haines, Alaska. It was amazing to see all the animals with their unique stories. There was a baby moose named Laura whose mother was killed by a grizzly bear. The center takes care of these orphaned animals and provides them with a safe environment.
Wildlife Spotting in the Indian Islands
This morning, we went out on the Zodiac boat again to the Indian Islands, a hotspot for wildlife. We saw otters, puffins, seals, and sea lions. One of the most incredible things we witnessed was a giant sea lion popping up next to our boat and tossing a fish. Soon, we were surrounded by sea lions catching fish, while bald eagles circled above, diving to catch scraps. It was like something out of a nature program.
Enjoying a Relaxing Sea Day
Today is a sea day, so we’re not stopping at any ports. I am taking this opportunity to relax on the ship. There are so many amenities on board, including a spa, fitness center, and four restaurants. Being on a cruise solo has been surprisingly great. I have had invitations to dinner from different guests every night, allowing me to meet new people.
My Last Night in Alaska
It’s my last night in Alaska and I am in Anchorage. I decided to spend a couple of days here after the cruise ended in Seward. I am currently at Beluga Point, enjoying a beautiful sunset with the view of mountains and water. It’s almost 10:00 p.m. and still very bright outside. The sunset won’t happen until 11:40 tonight. Alaska has exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to come back and explore more of this incredible state.
Thank you so much to Seabourn for hosting me on this cruise. It has truly been the experience of a lifetime. Stay tuned for a blog post and more photos on my Instagram.
See you in the next one! Bye!