NCL Alaska Cruise Seward to Vancouver (Glaciers, Skagway & Juneau) Review + Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Tips

Alaska is a bucket list destination for many – including my family. We had been discussing taking an Alaska cruise before COVID, and finally made the trip the first week of June. The stunning beauty of the 49th state is indescribable. From the magnificent glaciers to the expansive and untouched wilderness, Alaska is a dream destination.

Our adventure lasted 14 days with a 7 night Alaskan cruise included in our itinerary. Our cruise was the 7-Day Alaska cruise from Seward to Vancouver: Glaciers, Skagway & Juneau on the Norwegian Jewel. This included the popular Alaska Inside Passage cruise where we spent a day leisurely weaving through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast.

Instead of taking an Alaska land and sea cruise with a ship sponsored land tour, we decided to explore some of the cities for a few extra days on our own.  Next time we’ll likely include a visit to Denali National Park and possibly add in a road trip. My parents and in-laws previously took an Alaska land and sea cruise and enjoyed the ship organized train rides and accommodation.  However, we prefer doing things at our own pace, so we created our own land tour.

Don’t miss What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise: Printable Packing List

Off to Alaska We Go:

We flew United Airlines first class from Norfolk, VA to Anchorage, AK. The 2nd leg of our journey was 7 hours, so I wanted to be comfortable. Luckily, we had plenty of Ultimate Reward points to transfer to United. We only paid $22.40 total in taxes for our flight! The Chase Sapphire and the Sapphire Reserve are two great credit card options to earn UR’s – We used the Reserve.

Arriving around 8pm, we ended up taking a cab from the airport to our hotel for $21 plus tip. Uber prices had doubled by the time our luggage came out. Surprise, surprise! There were plenty of taxis lined up, so that was a better option  to get on the road quickly .

We chose the Marriott Anchorage Downtown for our 2 night stay in Anchorage. The hotel is a bit dated, but the staff were all friendly and the room was clean.  The location was great, and we had a lot of Marriott points and free nights available from credit card bonus offers. Derrick and I both have the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless which gives you a free night award every card year anniversary. I also have the AMEX business credit card for another annual free night award.

We were upgraded to the Concierge Level due to having Gold status from my credit card.  This gave us access to the Concierge lounge. Breakfast was complementary in the lounge along with a happy hour, bottled water and sodas. However, the lounge was closed on the weekend. I’m always disappointed how these perks aren’t available for weekend travelers.

First Full Day in Alaska:

After breakfast in the Concierge lounge, we finally made it out to explore Anchorage around 10am. K had a bit of work for his summer class to complete before we could start our day. First, we walked all around the downtown area. I would skip that and just focus on wandering “Main Street” 4th Ave. and the Mushing District for some shopping, good restaurants and learning about the history of dog mushing.

The Alaska Mint is a cool store if you want locally handcrafted jewelry, knives, painted ivory, coins, gold nuggets, and more. While most items are made in Alaska, they will tell you if something is made elsewhere. K purchased a fillet knife made with Oosik – a bone that only the male Walrus has…. You might want to explore that on your own.

The prices at the Alaska Mint seemed rather high, but as we continued our journey through Alaska, the prices at some locations turned out to be even more expensive for similar products.

Local recommended – Lunch was at 49th Street Brewery. Derrick had already marked this restaurant as a possibly, but we love knowing about the places locals enjoy eating as well. K said the Yak burger was life changing! I’d say that’s rather high praise if you like a good burger. The seafood chowder was delicious as well as the halibut fish and chips and Derrick’s Reuben. The house brewed semi-sweet cider and Spruce-Plosion IPA were also tasty. Lucy enjoyed a flight of house brewed soda and root beer. We definitely recommend this restaurant when visiting Anchorage.

After lunch and more wandering, we made our way to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This 11 mile paved trail meanders along the coast from downtown (West 2nd Ave.) to the chalet at Kincaid Park.  We originally planned to bike the entire trail but ended up walking part of it due to the rainy weather. We didn’t see any wildlife with the exception of birds and sadly, Mount McKinley was covered by clouds. We did see a small part of Mount Susitna, also known as Sleeping Lady. The tide was out during our walk leaving a huge expanse of mudflats. Just before sunset we were able to see the tide coming in from our hotel window. We also saw Star the Reindeer on our walk back to the hotel.

We had dinner at Glacier Brewhouse. The herb crusted Alaska halibut and seafood chowder were 2 of our favorite dishes. The service was excellent and the prices, while expensive, weren’t too bad considering the serving size and quality.

Tip: Look for the Bear symbol when shopping to ensure your souvenirs are made in Alaska.

Departing Anchorage and Heading to Seward:

We ate breakfast at Fire Island Rustic Bakery our 2nd morning in Anchorage. The bakery had good reviews and was recommended by a couple of locals. The breakfast sandwiches and the ham & swiss croissant were pricey and just okay. We would suggest sticking with coffee and pastries (the fruit tart was delicious). There is also a juice bar in the back of the building, but we didn’t try it.

After a little more wandering around the city, it was time to head to Seward. We booked a private transfer with Brooks from AK Tripping. We wanted the ability to make stops along the way and a one way car rental was ridiculously expensive. You could also take a bus or the train. The train was fairly expensive, but Brooks suggested taking the train back to Anchorage for those doing a round trip. The train goes through parts of the forests that can’t be seen from the road.

The train for my family of 4 at the time would have cost $476 for Adventure class or $972 for Goldstar class. The biggest difference in the classes is you will have the glass domed ceilings in Goldstar plus included meals and 2 alcoholic beverages. This is an almost 5 hour train ride, so you’d have to choose the class that is right for your family.

We spent $432 on the private transfer plus tip. I highly recommend Brooks for the transfer.  He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and would cater the transfer to your needs and requests (and no, I don’t get anything for the recommendation ;).  The only drawback was that he arrived in a Toyota Highlander with a roof rack which left Lucy rather smushed in the backseat.

Brooks shared a ton of information during our drive. We learned it had snowed in the higher elevation areas around Anchorage the night we arrived.  Locals call the snow still on the mountains “termination dust” but you usually don’t see it in June. While seeing that much snow still on the mountain peaks in June is rare, we loved being able to see the bright white peaks glaring in the distance. It made such a pretty contrast to the greenery.

We drove through the Chugach mountain range and around Turnagain Arm. The Turnagain Arm is a bore tide area where at the inlet, there is a 27 ft tide differential! People actually surf the large wave of seawater. Our guide showed us a drone video he shot of the surfers. Assuming you get out there in time and don’t fall, you can ride for a LONG time.  When tide is all the way out, the entire 25 mile arm is a mud flat.

Our first stop during the drive was at Beluga Point for photos. Unfortunately, you’ll only see the beluga whales here in August and the Fall. We did spy some bald eagles soaring over the mud flats. We were told the eulachon (small fish) that get trapped when the tide goes out makes a great meal for the eagles and other birds.

Our next stop was Bird Point for more photos of the massive mountain range and Turnagain Arm. We could hear birds chirping everywhere but didn’t actually see any of them. This area includes a 6-mile trail that you could walk or bike if time allowed.

Our first hike in Alaska was Byron Glacier Trail. This easy 1.4-mile trail is great for all ages. We visited just as the ferns were waking from their winter slumber. Walk through the alder and cottonwood forest and listen to the cascading glacial creek as you make your way to the glacier. The up-close view of our glacier was breathtaking! We wandered around the edge of the glacier and climbed along some of the rocks that had already been exposed from the melting snow. Due to the glacier being unstable due to snow melt, we were careful not to get too close to the glacier from the creek. Glacial silt turns the water the gorgeous blue color and it changes depending on the way the light hits it. We only spent about 1 hour during our visit.  We were told people typically send 1-1.5 hrs here, so it’s easy to add into your drive.

Another option for great adventure is The Alaska Wilderness Conservation Center.  This rescue center is home to many animals that were orphaned while young or have been injured. The Center attempts to release animals back into the wild but, if not, they try to give the animal as close to a normal home as possible. You can see moose, caribou, musk ox, elk, black bears, brown bears, wolf pack, bison, lynx, fox and more. We chose the hike, but it was a tough decision!

Our last stop was at Canyon Creek overlook near the town of Hope, one of Alaska’s first gold-rush towns.  Take time to read the informational signs to learn more about the creek and town. There is a hiking trail if time allows.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled during the drive to spot wildlife along the road.  We spotted a Moose munching on the grass!  It was amazing to see the massive mammal. We only wish we had the opportunity to see another one (from a safe distance) during the trip.

As we entered Seward, we stopped by Safeway to get groceries for the apartment.  Don’t forget to sign up for their free loyalty program to take advantage of the sales.  Food in Alaska is expensive, so you’ll want to take advantage of the discounts.

Tip – According to our driver, the best time is the last 2 weeks of June when everything is in full bloom and you have the longest daylight as you’ll enter the summer solstice. However, there will be more crowds than when visited the first week of June.

Spending 2 Nights in Seward:

We stayed in a cute VRBO right by the Alaska Sea Life Center. The apartment is older, but it had 2 bedrooms with separate beds for the kids, the location was great and it was clean.  The apartment was exactly as described online. A good choice if you don’t want to stay in a hotel.

Our first full day in Seward started with Derrick cooking a big breakfast in our apartment. The kiddos were thrilled to have their own bedroom and beds after having to share a bed in Anchorage.

We had planned to hike to Exit Glacier but there was too much snow and hazardous conditions on the extended hike. There are multiple options to hike Exit Glacier.  The one-mile loop is the most popular to view it. We had planned to hike the four-mile Harding Icefield Trail. Since we couldn’t do our planned hike, we looked into other options.

K found a hike up Mount Marathon to keep us fit. We didn’t take the insane sheer cliff climb that they do here annually in Seward, but we did climb the hiking trail. It was a moderately difficult hike with stunning views over Resurrection Bay and the city. I may have lost my balance and almost face planted in the snow.

Lucy and I stopped at the viewpoint above the tree line while Derrick and K continued on to the extreme part of the trail. There is still a lot of snow, so they literally bear climbed their way up the slate mountainside and trudged through snow that came up to their waist in some areas. They were rewarded with spectacular views, a feeling of accomplishment, and thankfully came back down safely. Part of the way they actually had to slide down the snowy cliffside on their backsides to avoid injury but not embarassment.

After a lunch in the apartment and some laundry,  we headed to the Sea Life Center. Here they help rehabilitate local sea life while providing education to visitors. I was beyond thrilled to see puffins – especially when one flew and landed on a rock right in front of me! We also watched seals playing in the water and Stella sea lions lounging on rocks. There is a cool touch tank with species from Resurrection Bay – shrimp, sea cucumber, sea urchin, anemone, starfish and more. There is also a TV giving visitors a live look at Steller Sea lions on Chiswell Island during their breeding season – we even saw some pups.

After an expensive and mediocre dinner, we headed back to the apartment to relax our tired feet. I’m so glad we purchased good hiking boots for this trip!

The only restaurant in Seward that we can recommend is The Lone Chicharron Taqueria. The tacos were delicious, and service was speedy. We ate at a couple other places that weren’t good even though the reviews were decent.  We tried to get into the Cookery, but it was booked.  I’d suggest making reservations in advance.

How many days do you need in Seward?

We decided to spend 2 nights in Seward with one full day to explore before jumping on the ship.  We knew we wanted to board the ship early, so we factored that into our plans. There are some tour options available in Seward such as Kenai Fjord wildlife cruises, dog sledding, gold panning, and kayaking tours. Depending on what activities you want to do will help determine the amount of time to spend here.  The main attractions for us were Exit Glacier and the Sea Life Center which we knew we could get done in our timeframe.

Some passengers choose to arrive in Seward on the day of the cruise.  You can travel from Anchorage via bus, train or car if your ship is sailing in the evening.  Keep in mind that driving can take longer than expected.  It took us 5 hours to get from Anchorage to Seward with stops.  We hardly hit any traffic which is rare during the summer.  There are only a few months to get all the roadwork done, so long delays are the norm. We’re told it could easily take 7+ hours to make the drive depending on traffic and roadwork.

**NCL will not be cruising to Seward in 2025. The port will be Whittier which is about a 2.5 hour train ride from Anchorage.

Alaska Cruise Day #1 – Departing Seward

We spent the morning in Seward before heading to the cruise terminal.  Derrick cooked us another breakfast then we packed our suitcases and left them in the apartment foyer as our checkout time was 11am and our boarding time for the cruise wasn’t until 12pm. We wandered around Waterfront Park before meeting our taxi.

The ship didn’t leave Seward until 9pm, but we wanted to spend the day wandering the ship while most of the cruisers were on shore. We had a buffet lunch then explored the ship before staterooms became available around 2pm. After a nap for me and more looking around for the rest of the family, we had a delicious dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse.

Cagney’s is always a favorite on NCL.  We enjoyed the steaks, sides and desserts but weren’t fans of the crabcake and lobster bisque. We used our Free at Sea specialty dining credits to enjoy dinner here. After dinner we hung out in Magnum’s Champagne and Wine Bar to sip on a cocktail and listed to music before returning to our cabin and relaxing on the balcony. The show that evening in the Stardust Theatre was a comedian. We had intended to view the nights entertainment but chose to relax instead.

Lucy spent some time in the teens lounge and K hit the casino as he’s now old enough to play.  He ended up winning $100 then decided to stop while he was ahead. Such a smart boy!

The Norwegian Jewel is fairly similar to the NCL Jade which we had previously sailed, so we were already familiar with the size and layout.  These sister ships are a smaller class of ship and don’t have all the extra amenities as mega ships. We weren’t cruising for the water slides and rock climbing wall, so a smaller ship was okay for us.

Derrick and I were in the Forward-Facing Deluxe Penthouse with Large Balcony (cabin 10002) while the kids shared an inside stateroom across the hall.

Alaska Cruise Day #2 – Cruising Hubbard Glacier

We woke up later on our 2nd cruising day as it was a sea day, and we wouldn’t be cruising by Hubbard Glacier until the evening.

This was a lazy day for us and would be perfect for swimming in the heated pool, relaxing in the hot tub or being pampered at the spa. We had a late lunch at O’Sheehan’s, the 24-hour restaurant. This was a different dining experience on the Jewel than when we sailed on the Jade. On the Jewel, it’s a sit down restaurant where you must check in with the hostess to be seated. On the Spirit, there was table service, but you just walked in and sat down. It was a much smaller venue, and we think had much better food on the Spirit than on the Jewel.  K was highly disappointed.

Derrick and I decided to participate in a wine tasting which ended up being a fun and educational experience. Each wine was paired with chocolate and the sommelier discussed each wine, history and distinguishing features. Make sure to make a reservation in advance to save time.  We were able to bypass a long line of people waiting to enter the venue without reservations.

Since Derrick and I booked a suite, we were invited to the Haven Sun Deck to enjoy the glacier viewing where they were serving hot chocolate, coffee and adult beverages. This was another disadvantage to booking the kids in a separate room as they weren’t able to join us for any of the suite benefits. However, we preferred to reap the benefits of our forward facing balcony and hang out there anyways.

Cruising by the Hubbard Glacier was a surreal experience. Photos just can’t do justice to the magnificence of the glacier. The words stunning, incredible, spectacular, and awe-inspiring are not adequate enough to describe the feeling of viewing the Hubbard Glacier. The shear size and beauty of the glacier can’t be put into words. We splurged on a forward facing balcony stateroom and were thrilled with the choice. We were able to sit on the balcony, watching as the glacier slowly came into view. There were plenty of outdoor seating around the ship, but we loved being able to pop back into our stateroom when we got chilly.

Our older camera said “subject is too bright” while trying to photograph the glacier. The sun was peeking out and you definitely needed sunglasses as the glare was insane. I highly recommend purchasing a new camera if yours is outdated. Our camera is at least 10 years old and I really should have thought ahead and purchased a new one of this trip. I won’t make that mistake on our next Alaska cruise!

I didn’t realize you could book an excursion to view the glacier up close.  A boat left directly from the ship and was able to get up close to the Hubbard Glacier and watch the ice as it crashed into the bay.  This would be a great excursion to book especially if you won’t be viewing Mendenhall Glacier later in the cruise.

We enjoyed dinner at Chin Chin, the complementary Asian restaurant. We usually book to eat at the paid hibachi restaurant, Teppanyaki, but decided not to go on this cruise.

Alaska Cruise Day #3 – Visit Icy Strait

We were in Icy Strait from 9am – 6pm and booked a private whale watching tour with Hoonah Whale Tours from 11:30am- 2:30pm. Unfortunately, Derrick broke his ankle the night before, so he wasn’t able to join our adventure. He climbed the side of a mountain a few days prior, but the wet pool deck did him in. He had surgery when we returned home and recovered well.

Jordan with Hoonah Whale Watching tours took us out on our small group tour. Only 6 people sail so it makes a great option to see the sea life and not be smashed in with 100 other people. I asked if it was possible to see brown bears and was told it was possible, but you don’t always see them from the water. Fun fact – Icy Strait has the highest concentration of wild bears in the world! Jordan puttered along the shoreline as we headed out to see whales and we actually saw a massive bear! We were a couple weeks too early for salmon, so the bear was scrounging for berries and roots just along the tree line.

We were fortunate to spot whales several times during our excursion. We saw the massive humpback whales in pairs and even a pod! This was our first time seeing whales which was an absolutely incredible experience for the entire family. We also saw harbor seals and otters (including babies!) It was so fun watching the animals play around in the water.

Jordan said his van doesn’t have A/C, so keep that in mind if traveling in July or August. The ride is only about 5 minutes from the meeting point to the marina. Jordan wasn’t really the chatty sort, but he was knowledgable and a good guide.  We would highly recommend taking a small group tour if it’s in your budget.

After our tour we walked around Icy Strait and toured the cannery museum. There is also a show performed by the native Tlingit teaching about their culture, but we didn’t get a chance to see it.  If you’re up for a little adventure that doesn’t require you to venture far from the port, there is a Zip Rider where you can fly at 60 mph.

After dinner in the main dining room, the kids went to hang out and I went to the adult comedy show in the evening.  While it was funny, I felt he tried a bit too hard to make it 18+.  Derrick ordered room service since we was laid up with his ankle.

Alaska Cruise Day #4 – Visit Juneau & Cruising Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

We were in from Juneau from 7am – 1:15pm and had a Helicopter Glacier Walkabout scheduled for 9:30am. We were up early and ready for one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had – a helicopter tour and Mendenhall glacier trek with Northstar. We explored the glacier and learned more about how they form and transform. It was an experience like no other!

I wanted to do the 4.25 tour, but it was sold out. Our tour was a total of 3.25 hours.  Still plenty of time to explore and appreciate the magnificent views. Our group was picked up at the pier and driven to the airfield.  Here we were suited up in our trekking gear which included bright red rain pants and jacket, gloves, boots, a trekking pole and fanny pack with a granola bar and bottle of water. The bottle of water is great to empty and fill up with glacier water. We were sorted into helicopters based on weight distribution. While they try to keep groups together, you could end up separated.

We flew over Tongass National Forest, massive flows of ice and countless snow covered mountains. Just the helicopter tour itself was amazing. The flight time was approximately 20 minutes. Once we landed at the base camp and stepped out of the helicopter,  everyone’s jaws dropped. The beauty of the rugged ice field and the feeling you get being able to actually step foot on this massive glacier is indescribable. We were impressed just viewing the Hubbard Glacier, but being able to actually touch the ice is an experience like no other.

Once on the ground, we were fitted with crampons so we would be able to walk on the ice. During the hour long trek part of our tour, we walked over the packed ice, drank water straight from a glacial stream, peered down a deep crevasse, and discussed the ever changing mass of ice.  Our guide shared his knowledge of the glacial environment as we trekked along the 13 mile path down to Mendenhall Lake. We learned that in the mid-1700s the annual rate of melt began to exceed its annual total accumulation which has resulted in a 2.5 mile reduction of the glacier since that time!  After too short of an adventure on the glacier, it was time to board the helicopter for the 10 minute ride back to the airfield.

Notes – These tours are extremely popular and are limited, so make sure to book early. It is also moderately difficult, so it’s not suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Obviously, Derrick was forced to miss out due to his ankle. You will need to book through the cruise line.  I attempted to book through Northstar as it is cheaper, but they didn’t have tour times available while the ships are in port.  Our tour did return late, so the cruise ship waited for us.  I wouldn’t book a tour that was due to return 45 minutes before the ship leaves port unless it was through the ship.

We didn’t have time to visit Juneau, but there is a shuttle to take cruisers to the town center if you choose not to do a tour. However, I can’t recommend the glacier trek enough!

We tried to contain our excitement while showing Derrick all of our excursion photos and videos but it just wasn’t possible. After a late lunch it was time to relax and get ready to cruise through Endicott Arm & by Dawes Glacier in the early evening. Endicott Arm is a narrow fjord extending over 30 miles. The fjord terminates at the stunning Dawes Glacier. Alternatively during your Alaska cruise, you may cruise down the waterway along the Tracy Arm ending at the Sawyer Glacier. While we cruised along the Endicott Arm, I don’t think you could be disappointed by either location.

We again took advantage of our forward balcony to watch as bright blue icebergs drifted past, eagles soared amongst the tree tops and countless waterfalls cascaded down the mountains. This is another time that you definitely want to have a pair of binoculars. We brought 2 on our cruise and it worked out well for my family of four to share.

Don’t miss this and other must bring items with our Alaska cruise printable packing list.

Alaska Cruise Day #5 – Visit Skagway

Next up was a visit to Skagway where were in port from 7am – 5pm. We rented a wheelchair from guest services, so Derrick was able to join us at this port.
Our first activity of the day was to ride the White Pass Railway at 9am. We booked tickets for the White Pass Summit Excursion directly through the railway website and boarded at the Skagway Depot. If booking through the cruiseline, you will board at the pier. There are other railway excursions as well, we just chose this option.

The White Pass Summit Excursion is 40 miles roundtrip and lasts approximately 3 hours. Along the route you’ll pass waterfalls, glaciers, gorges, cross bridges and go through tunnels as well as see the original Klondike Trail of 1898. While it was cloudy, chilly and a bit rainy; the views were awesome! The commentary was informative and it was a great way to experience Alaska. My in-laws did this excursion twice, but I feel like it was more of a one and done for us. The kids also enjoyed the views and the train ride even though they didn’t have cell service through most of the trip.

When boarding the train, sitting on the left as you leave the station will position you to be cliffside and get distant mountain and canyon views. On the way back you’ll ride along the mountainside passing up close to countless water falls, moss covered rocks, small purple, pink and white flowers.

*Make sure to book tickets in advance as this is a popular excursion. If booking through the railway, you’ll need to arrive 20 minutes early to pick up tickets and take a short 10 minute walk or shuttle to the depot from the pier. It’s also important to note that the train cars leaving from the cruise port were crowded while our car wasn’t even full.

After our railway tour, it was time to explore the town, browse the shops and get lunch. Make sure to look for the ‘Made in Skagway’ logo to purchase locally crafted products. We ate lunch at the Skagway Brewing Company. The food and service were great and Derrick enjoyed his beer. The Red Onion Saloon is another popular eatery/attraction. We didn’t go in, but my in-laws previously enjoyed lunch here and touring the brothel museum.

Another option that we were unable to do because of Derrick’s injury was visit the Gold Rush Cemetery. Continue walking for about 6 min after the cemetery to view a spectacular waterfall. This is a bit far to walk from town so call the Skagway SMART Bus to get a ride. I actually used this service to take me to a clinic to purchase Derrick crutches to use once we disembarked the ship.

Derrick and I used our 2nd free specialty dining at Le Bistro. They had escargot on the menu which we always order when cruising.  We also tried the french onion soup, filet and Dover sole. After dinner, we listed to music in Magnum’s bar before calling it a night.

Alaska Cruise Day #6 – Visit Ketchikan

Our last port day we visited Ketchikan from 11:30am-6pm. Our only plan here was to explore the town.

If sailing with NCL, you have to take a free shuttle about a 20 minutes to get to town. Four ships can dock right in town, but NCL will exclusively dock at their new pier at Ward Cove. You will be dropped by dock 4 and can walk through town and to Creek Street or take a free bus that leaves from the same area. I do find this to be a huge negative as you’re wasting time at port. You also have to be mindful of the last shuttle which is 1 hour before all aboard time. All other cruise lines just walk off the ship and are immediately in town. Tours will be picked up from the port, so that makes things a little easier for those going on excursions

Ketchikan is named the salmon capital of the world. Unfortunately, the salmon were just beginning to come in during our visit on June 10th, so we didn’t get to see them run. The historic district, Creek Street, is definitely picturesque. We took a ton of photos and browsed the shops.  Before heading back to the shuttle we shared fish and chips and smoked salmon chowder with lovely water views at the Alaska Fish House. The food was good and the fish was reasonably priced by Alaska standards.

Tip – If you want Jellyfish Donuts (located across from Dock 4), go early. They were sold out when we arrived.

Getting off the bus, you’ll have another chance to shop at the dock store. We decided to wander around here listening to live music before getting back on the ship.

Since it was getting close to dinnertime once we made it back on board, we went to the main dining room.  We decided to mainly eat in the complementary restaurants on the cruise since we spent our budget on excursions.

Our friends previously took the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour and the kids loved it. You can see more Alaska cruise excursion recommendations

Alaska Cruise Day #7 – Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Day

Our last day of the cruise was spent cruising the Alaska Inside Passage and enjoying a final day of relaxation, food and a few adult beverages. Alaska’s Inside Passage extends 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean. We spent a large part of the day taking advantage of our balcony and binoculars. We scanned the coastline hoping to see bears or sealife playing in the water. The sound of the tide as it runs out and how the light reflects off the few snow covered peaks and watching eagles soar above the treetops was so peaceful and magical.

The cold air from the sea and wind settled in as we continued our passage once the sun was no longer keeping us warm. We stayed out until darkness set in and only vague silhouettes of the mountains persisted. It was the perfect way to end our Alaska cruise. You’ll definitely need your winter gear, binoculars and camera on this day of the cruise if you’re planing to spend a lot of time outdoors. Another great place to relax and enjoy the view is the Spinnaker Lounge located on deck 13. The panoramic views and drink service make it a perfect spot to hang out and keep warm if you don’t have a balcony room or just want to get out amongst the other guests.

When we weren’t outside, we made use of room service for lunch and a final dinner of prime rib, risotto and lava cake in the main dining room.

Depart Cruise and Spend 2 Days in Vancouver

We disembarked the NCL Jewel and spent 2 days in Vancouver, BC before flying home. We stayed at the Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites with points again and thought the hotel and staff were great. They even helped me find a place to rent Derrick a wheelchair. We had read that staying near Gastown was the place to be. The location was great for walking, but I would likely stay slightly farther west and closer to the waterfront next time. We wandered around downtown, the waterfront and saw the steam clock on our first day in BC.

We enjoyed visiting Stanley Park and taking in the views of downtown.  The park is perfect to get away from the bustling city and explore nature. Don’t miss a walk though totem poles at Brockton Point and taking the required photo of “Girl in a Wet Suit” statue.  Although, I admit, she was rather disappointing in size.

A visit to Granville Market is a must when visiting Vancouver. We were lucky to have another gorgeous day to wander around the indoor market and browse through some of the cute shops.  We purchased a bear print while at the market to add to our collection of artwork. It was relaxing to sit outside with a coffee and watch seaplanes take off and land along the waterfront. Another TikTok pick was Lee’s Donuts and they did not disappoint. We also stopped at Dockside restaurant to try the popular Spot Prawn which are only available for about 4 weeks and we were able to sample these tasty crustaceans during our visit.

K found our best meals of the entire trip from Tiktok. We had the best sushi EVER at Miku. From their signature Salmon Oshi Sushi to the Wagyu Nigiri, everything was incredible. Seriously, INCREDIBLE! It’s expensive but totally worth it for the experience and flavor of the dishes. We even ended up ordering more Wagu it was so amazing.

We also ate dinner at Robba da Matti. The recommendation was to eat at the West End location and we couldn’t have been happier with our meal and service. A few items that stood out for us included the burrata caprese, fritture di pesco (as a starter), pappardelle “roche roche”, and tiramisu. A good spot for breakfast was Nemesis with tasty sandwiches, pastries and coffee.

Note: We did witness a good deal of drug use while while walking around the downtown area including multiple people using needles on the streets. While we didn’t necessarily feel unsafe, it is something to be aware of and possibly have a discussion with your children about beforehand.

*Taxi tip – Cash was preferred and USD were accepted (had a greater value at the time of travel).

Saying Goodbye to the BC

Alas it was time to say goodbye to Canada but it won’t be our last visit. We can’t wait to take another Alaska cruise, and I’ll ensure we stop in Vancouver.  However, we will likely spend some time in Whistler and possibly add a short road trip. Our Alaska cruise was such an incredible adventure and getting a chance to experience the primal magic of the Alaskan wilderness is a memory we won’t ever forget.

If cruising Alaska with NCL, Don’t miss our top 22 Norwegian Cruise Line Tips and Tricks! Plus find out What Alaska Cruise Excursions We Recommend.

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