Alaskan Adventure Cruise

by Karen Gideon, The Hive Overland Park

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I recently embarked on a week-long cruise with Alaskan Dream Cruise, a family-owned cruise line based in Sitka, AK. The ship I traveled on was relatively small, measuring about 115 feet in length, and accommodating 48-49 passengers along with approximately 22-25 crew members.

We had two expedition leaders who provided information every morning, noon, and evening about the areas we were visiting, the wildlife we might encounter, cultural and historical insights, and many other useful tips. They joined us on all hiking excursions, bringing the experience to life and offering both an educational journey and an epic adventure.

This cruise required active participation, as we hiked, kayaked, and took a small skiff to explore wildlife, glaciers, inlet waterways, and even bear watching! The yacht's smaller size compared to other cruise lines allowed the captain to navigate into small inlets, offering us close glacier views and opportunities to see harbor seals resting on icebergs. We even briefly 'glided' into a glacier cave.

The Alaskan tourist season is short, from late June to mid-September. A major highlight of the trip was the wildlife we encountered—whales, seals, bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles, to name a few.

We visited the Glacier National Park Lodge, where we took an early evening hike through an ancient forest. The forest floor was soft and spongy from years of fallen leaves, pine needles, tree roots, and other organic materials. It was magical!

We had the chance to kayak in a large bay, just us, with only one private boat anchored nearby. We saw bears along the coastline and were greeted by a stunning waterfall. The salmon were easily visible beneath the crystal-clear water.

I've experienced many adventure travels over the years, all in beautiful places with rich history and breathtaking scenery. However, Alaska holds a special place in my heart and the Alaskan Adventure Cruise was an incredible way to see it. Its vastness is awe-inspiring—with mountains reaching high and waters running deep. The impact of its wilderness, filled with unknown secrets, wildlife, and immense beauty, is unforgettable. If you ever have the chance, go!