We recently completed a wonderful Alaska cruise with Cunard Line, our first since May of 2006. Throughout the voyage, we shared the experience on all our socials every step of the way as we went from place to place. Today, let us dig a bit deeper with a number of posts here, beginning with an overview of our journey.

Travel Day From Orlando To Vancouver

This has been a tough summer for airlines. Still struggling to rebuild post-covid staffing in every department from flight attendants to captains, delays and cancellations made headlines.  For many, what might have been international travel turned into a road trip.  Nothing against road trips.  But if a visit to an iconic landmark somewhere around the globe was the plan, a road trip does not satisfy that itch. Helpful in this situation: I always fly business class no matter what, whenever possible. In addition to a more comfortable seat and onboard amenities, it also gives us a bit of an advantage over travelers in other classes when it comes to rebooking, flight delays, and/or cancellations.

It all started with a 2 AM check of my flight plan on the day of travel.  I just happened to wake up and thought “With all this talk of problems in the air, check to see if anything has changed”.   Glad I looked.  My entire flight schedule from Orlando to Vancouver had been canceled by the airline. 

Immediately, I called United directly. This was a travel day.  Any flight disruptions that might occur are going to get settled between me and the airline. There is very little our travel agents can do for us in this situation. My flights were canceled and while United said they were working on rebooking me, this was the start of a really long 4th of July weekend.  Planes were already sold out. There were very few options for rebooking.  

Here is where Air Canada swooped in as the solution. It would make for a longer, less direct flight plan…but it looked more likely to actually fly. Via text messaging, it was me working directly with the airline and the new plan was in place in minutes.

In “Travel With Only Carry-On Luggage: Here’s How”, we talk about being prepared for travel.  This situation is one reason why.  Getting from Orlando to Vancouver is best described as a fistfight.  I’ve never been in an actual fistfight. I more often choose to barter my way out of what might turn into a fistfight.  Still, now routed through Toronto on Air Canada, flights were stacked up to land.

At the end of a long travel day, I arrived in Vancouver and was in a lovely room at the Fairmont Hotel by midnight.

Within view of my room; the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal cruise port we would sail away from in a few hours.

Sailing Away From Vancouver – Day At Sea

It’s been a minute since we have sailed on a ship of this size that carries this many crew and travelers.  It was 2006 when our one and only other Cunard sailing but the takeaways have endured time.  Or so I thought.   Some elements of the experience have indeed evolved as I noticed rather quickly on Queen Elizabeth. 

Like so many of us, I’ve spent a lifetime evolving into whatever it is I am today. So too has Cunard line, embracing its storied history while charting a clear path toward the future.  Common elements of the experience germane to travel by ship remain.  Today we sailed away from Vancouver and will spend two days on the ship before our first Alaskan port of call in Sitka.  

It was hard not to think of sailing with sister line Princess Cruises on the first-ever Alaska Follow Me At Sea Twitter trip.  That unique sailing ushered in the era of social media as it relates to travel. 

As we sailed away, our attention was refocused on this big ship and all it has to offer.  On this day, there were 57 line-item events on the schedule from which to choose.  It would be impossible to do them all.  So the ability to customize the voyage for individual interests is still very much alive and well if not more than in the past. 

Backing up until just before sailing away, Cunard’s evolved safety protocols were playing on my stateroom TV when I walked on the ship. The plan: visit my Assembly Station where my Voyage card would be scanned, proving I had enough between my ears to figure out where to go on my own.  Later in the afternoon,  the Captain’s Emergency Broadcast tied it all together as guest services stopped for this important event.  Easy.  Evolved. 

Also evolved was the ship’s dress code.  My takeaway from our only other Cunard sailing was that for all practical purposes, every night is a formal night.  While Cunard does indeed encourage and support those who choose to dress to the nines, they’re not throwing people out of the dining room in less formal attire.  Quite the contrary, passengers are reminded daily of alternative dining options that are less formal. In other words, I could have left the formal wear at home and satisfied evening dress requirements with a collared shirt and nice slacks.

At Sea

Today was another day at sea, bringing bonus time to explore the magnificent Queen Elizabeth from top to bottom.  Tonight would cap off a relaxing day with the first of two truly formal nights, this one themed an Ice White Gala Evening.  

Interestingly, while other cruise lines are promoting their experience as less formal all the time, Cunard goes a different direction.  Passengers are encouraged to choose white, silver, or blue gala evening attire.  While they’re at it, maybe add some diamonds or silver jewelry from a ship’s store for some bonus bling action.  The entire day was spent in preparation for Ice White Gala Evening with some passengers dressed up before lunch. 

Now if you’re reading this and thinking “Formal nights?? No thanks!”, hear me out. Again, it is not required for anyone to dress up for the evening and alternative dining and live entertainment options of a more casual nature are plentiful as well.  

Other noteworthy highlights promote the day’s theme and included:

• Ice White Featured Films On Stateroom TV
• A Port Presentation for Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan
• Line Dancing
• Watercolour* Class
• Team Trivia
• Cunard Insights Lectures on Stateroom TV
• Bridge Lessons
• Ballroom Dance Class that I should have attended says my performance on the dance floor
• Croquet Tournament and yes they do have Paddleball 
• Darts
• A Photo Scavenger 
• A Showing of the film Top Gun Maverick
• A Noon Navigational Announcement by the Captain that would happen every day

All of the above and a number of less notable events were scheduled before lunch. So yes, there was plenty to do.

Tracy Arm Fjord

On the fourth day of our Alaska cruise, we were again at sea but this time scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord. 

Tracy Arm Fjord is a 30-mile-long fjord located in the Tongass National Forest of southeastern Alaska, about 45 miles south of Juneau. The fjord is named after Benjamin Franklin Tracy, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy from 1889 to 1893.

Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. It is known for its stunning beauty, remote wilderness setting, and abundance of wildlife. The fjord is home to two glaciers, Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier, which calve icebergs into the emerald-green waters of the fjord.

Wildlife in Tracy Arm Fjord is abundant. Visitors may see whales (no), bears (no), seals (no), eagles (yes), and other animals. Also popular: kayaking, hiking, and fishing.

Cruises through the fjord typically last for 5-6 hours and allow travelers to see the glaciers, wildlife, and other natural wonders of the fjord.

Interesting facts about Tracy Arm Fjord:

• The fjord is home to the largest tidewater glacier in the United States, Sawyer Glacier.
• The fjord is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, which is a federally protected wilderness area.
• The fjord is a popular destination for whale watching. Humpback whales, orcas, and other species of whales can be seen in the fjord during the summer months.
• The fjord is also a popular destination for bird watching. Bald eagles, puffins, and other species of birds can be seen in the fjord year-round.
• The fjord is a challenging but rewarding place to kayak. Kayakers can paddle through the narrow channels of the fjord and get up close to the glaciers.
• The fjord is a beautiful place to hike. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls.
• The fjord is a great place to fish. Salmon, halibut, and other fish can be caught in the fjord.

Sitka

On the fifth day of our luxury Cunard Alaska cruise, we visited Sitka where I got off the ship for a tour focused on finding wildlife in their natural habitat. Also on tap, was a variety of informative talks on board Queen Elizabeth as we cruise toward the end of our sailing.

In 1867 the United States purchased Alaska from the Russians. The transfer of ownership ceremony from that event was held in Sitka. That made Sitka Alaska’s first capital city. At the time, Sitka was accessible only by air or sea.  Now, cruise ships visit Sitka as one of the most popular stops on Alaska itineraries. Appealing features include magnificent scenery, fishing, hiking, and abundant wildlife…which we saw on our first tour of the trip, a wildlife hunt and crab feast.

Our tour happened on the water around Sitka where we saw a number of bald eagles and whale parts.  Frankly, if you’re thinking you’ll capture a whale leaping from the water, that probably won’t happen.

Sighting magnificent American bald eagles in their natural habitat is truly breathtaking and very doable.  I’ve done Alaska several times and seen them on each. Whales are another matter.  

Hold a starfish? Yes, you can.

The images we see of giant whales leaping from the water and then apparently posing for photos are rather difficult to capture. Partial whale sightings will happen on most tours and do indeed give you an idea of just how large they are.

Juneau

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and is located in the southeastern part of the state. The city is situated on a narrow isthmus between the Gastineau Channel and the Lynn Canal and is surrounded by mountains. Juneau is the most populous city in the Alexander Archipelago and the sixth-largest city in Alaska.

Juneau is known for its stunning natural beauty, with mountains, glaciers, and rainforests. The city is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Alaska State Museum, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and the Alaska State Capitol.

Juneau is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. The city is also a popular cruise ship destination, and they all offer excursions to nearby attractions, such as Mendenhall Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Here are some other interesting things to do in Juneau:

• Take a walk or bike ride on the Mendenhall Valley Trail, which offers stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier.
• Visit the Alaska State Museum, which houses exhibits on the history and culture of Alaska.
• Highly Recommended: Take a flightseeing tour of the Juneau area, which offers stunning views of the city, mountains, and glaciers.
• Go whale watching in the Gastineau Channel, where you can see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals.
• Hike to the top of Mount Roberts for stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
• Visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, which houses exhibits on the history of Juneau.
• Take a boat tour of Tracy Arm Fjord, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site. (There are currently no UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the state of Alaska. However, there are several natural and cultural sites under consideration: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and the historic mining town of Kennecott.)

Ketchikan  

Ketchikan is known for its rainforests, totem poles, and fishing. It is the fourth-largest city in Alaska and the largest city in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, at the head of the Ketchikan Narrows, which connect the Inside Passage and the Pacific Ocean. At our Noon briefing, Cunard Captain Tomislav Bozic explained that we would be passing through the narrows at night, a sight worthy of getting up to see.

Ketchikan is the rainiest city in North America, with an average annual rainfall of 153 inches. However, the rain doesn’t dampen the city’s beauty or charm. Ketchikan is home to a lush rainforest, with towering trees and abundant wildlife. Interestingly, it was the only day on our sailing that featured abundant sunshine. The city is also home to a number of totem poles, which are carved wooden pillars that are used by the Tlingit and Haida people to tell stories and record history.

Ketchikan is also a major fishing port, known for its salmon fishing. The city is also a popular destination for halibut and crab fishing. In addition to fishing, Ketchikan is also a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. The city is surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterways, which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Here are some other interesting things to do in Ketchikan:

• Take a walk on Creek Street, a historic boardwalk that was once home to the city’s red light district.
• Visit the Ketchikan Raptor Center, a non-profit organization that rehabilitates injured birds of prey.
• Take a boat tour of the Misty Fiords National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Go whale watching in the Inside Passage.
• Hike to the top of Deer Mountain for stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
• Visit the Totem Heritage Center, which houses a collection of totem poles and other artifacts from the Tlingit and Haida people.
• Take a flightseeing tour of the area which, to me, is a must-do at some point in your Alaska cruise. There is only so much we can see from ground level.

Ketchikan was also the place where the most enjoyable shore excursion of the trip happened. A Wildlife Cruise & King Crab Snack would end up defining the voyage in many ways, demanding a separate post just about that tour. Still, a few images from that marvelous experience:

Day Eight- At Sea

Our final day on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth would be spent at sea which I think made for a nearly perfect itinerary. Being at sea allowed me to explore areas of the ship I had still not seen, pack, say goodbye to friends made onboard, and wrap up the cruise quite nicely.

Now back home in Orlando, I’m looking back at our Cunard Alaska sailing from a number of angles. In the coming days, I’ll share those thoughts along with must-have information about Alaska in general and getting the most out of your Cunard cruise, sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

• Bering Sea Crab Fishing Tour Photo Gallery
• 2023 Alaska Packing List
• Flying: Tips, Tricks, And A Plan
• The Unique Cunard Alaska Itinerary
• Queen Elizabeth Britania Club Living
• Let’s Dance! Part Of The Cunard Experience…If You So Desire
• Cunard Queen Elizabeth Culinary Gallery
• Ten Favorite Cunard Experiences
• Cunard Features You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
• My Favorite Cunard Alaska Images
• Travel Photography: Throw Away Your Camera Gear Today