Exploring Alaska

6/9/20256 min read

✈️ Getting There: Seattle Stopover + Biscuit Bitch Brunch

We started by driving to Midway Airport in Chicago and flying to Seattle the day before the cruise. Pro tip: flying in early is 100% worth it for peace of mind. You never know when they could delay or cancel your flight, so get there early to avoid all obstacles. We stayed at a nearby hotel called the BellTown Inn and had dinner at Al Basha, a Mediterranean spot that hit the spot after a travel day.

The next morning, we walked over to Biscuit Bitch—a bold, hilarious, and downright delicious breakfast spot right next to our hotel. (Don’t skip it if you're in downtown Seattle.) Full bellies and coffee in hand, we caught a $20 shuttle to the port and officially began our Alaskan cruise journey!

🛳️ All Aboard: Carnival Luminosa + Setting Sail

Once we boarded the Carnival Luminosa, we found our mid-ship room—no windows, no problem. My mom and I knew we’d be out and about constantly, soaking in views from every other corner of the ship, so a balcony wasn’t a priority. (Pro tip: save the splurge for excursions instead!)

While we waited for our bags, we explored the ship, wandered the decks, and parked ourselves at the back of the boat with drinks and sunshine while we waved goodbye to Seattle. It still didn’t feel real that we were heading to Alaska.

🧭 First Port: Icy Strait Point & The Epic Ziprider

Our first stop was Icy Strait Point, which led us to the tiny town of Hoonah—population: adorable. (Okay, actually around 800 people… and just two police officers!)

We booked the ZipRider excursion, one of the longest and highest ziplines in the world. Think: jaw-dropping views + heart-racing drops. My mom was terrified at first—I might’ve slightly bullied her into doing it—but she ended up loving it. Total highlight moment and an epic story we’ll probably retell forever.

After the adrenaline rush, we strolled through Hoonah and popped into some of the cozy local shops and cafés. I grabbed a salmon pita from a small food shack, and let me tell you—it tasted like it had been caught that morning (because it probably was). Alaska doesn’t play when it comes to fresh seafood.

🎧 Ship Shenanigans: Silent Disco & Moose Memories

Back on board, it was time to dive into some of the Carnival activities. First up? The silent disco—a personal favorite of mine. Now… was it poppin’? Not exactly. Most of the ship’s crowd skewed a bit older (shoutout to all the grandparents living their best lives), so it was mostly just my mom and me dancing like maniacs while the rest of the room quietly sat down and watched. But honestly? That just made it better. Zero pressure, total freedom, and we laughed until our faces hurt.

Later, we found a Build-A-Bear Workshop pop-up on board (yes, really!) and I made the cutest stuffed moose. I named him Tulok, an Inuit name meaing "warrior of the stars," which felt like the perfect little keepsake for an Alaskan adventure. He’s now a core memory in moose form and proudly lives on my travel shelf at home.

🍻 Skagway: Trains, Trails & a Very Fast Growler

Next up was Skagway—and let me just say, it might’ve been my favorite stop of the whole trip. The town felt like a little time capsule tucked between epic mountains, with wooden sidewalks, saloons, and jaw-dropping scenery everywhere you turned.

While exploring, I tried a local porter that was so good I couldn’t leave without buying a growler. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that cruise ships won’t let you bring alcohol onboard to drink—they confiscate it and return it on the last day (because of course they want you buying drinks on the ship instead).

So, what did I do? I sat right there in the restaurant and chugged that delicious porter like a true travel rebel. No regrets.

We also booked a two-hour scenic train ride, and it was unreal. The views from the train wound around towering cliffs, waterfalls, and sweeping valleys. It felt like something out of a movie. I honestly didn’t want it to end. It’s one of those excursions I’d recommend to literally anyone—kids, grandparents, couples, solo travelers. You just sit back and stare out the window in awe.

🛶 Ketchikan: Kayaks, Seals & New Friends

Our final Alaskan port was Ketchikan, and while it was a shorter stop, it was packed with unforgettable moments. We booked a kayaking excursion and ended up paddling through calm, glassy water right next to harbor seals and stunning coastal wildlife. It felt like a postcard come to life—serene, wild, and surreal.

After our paddle, we headed back toward the dock, where I had some of the best salmon of my entire life—fresh, flaky, and grilled to perfection.

Since the port stop was short, we soaked up the rest of the evening on the ship. My mom and I played Rummy (our go-to card game), chatted with some sweet older couples we met throughout the week, and even spotted a few whales breaching in the distance. It was one of those quiet, perfect nights where time kind of stands still.

🍁 Victoria, Canada: A Short & Sweet Sendoff

Our last stop before returning to Seattle was a quick night port in Victoria, British Columbia. We only had a few hours, so we kept things simple—just wandered through the gift shops, took in the beautiful architecture, and snapped some final photos to seal the moment.

There’s something kind of special about those last quiet hours of a trip. Everything slows down a little, and you realize how much the past few days have filled your cup.

💬 Final Thoughts: What Alaska Gave Me

Alaska wasn’t just state #2—it was a total reset button. From laughing through silent discos and ziplining with my mom, to whale watching and card games with new friends, this trip reminded me that joy lives in the details. It was the kind of trip that doesn’t just check a state off your list—it changes you a little. And that’s why I’m doing this whole 50-state journey in the first place.

🧳 What I Used and Loved in Alaska

Whether you’re planning your own Alaskan cruise or just love seeing what made it into my suitcase, here are the real MVPs from this trip:

🌦️ Outdoor Adventures

🎒 On the Ship

  • Compression Cubes – Saved space in our tiny cruise cabin and kept me organized between ports.

  • Foldable Duffel Bag – For all the gifts, moose plushies (hi, Tulok), and last-minute souvenir shopping in Victoria.

  • Portable Power Bank – Essential during port days and long excursions when you’re away from outlets.

🧸 Just for Fun

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you decide to purchase. Thanks for supporting Ashley Travels! 💛

🚢 Ashley Travels: State 2 of 50 — Alaska

In August 2023, I checked off state number two in my alphabetical quest to visit all 50 U.S. states. And let me tell you—Alaska didn’t just meet expectations, it blew them out of the water (literally, since I cruised my way there!).

This trip was extra special because I got to share it with my mom. This was her first cruise AND it was near her birthday. We booked an Alaskan cruise through Carnival Cruise Line and set sail for glaciers, whales, and one-of-a-kind memories. If Alabama was all about finding independence, Alaska was about connection, wonder, and leaning into the adventure.

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