Hello, Reader!

We made it to the start of another week. I hope you're feeling rested and ready to take on whatever this week has in store. We'll be working (a lot) this week, so if that's your plan, too... Hey, at least we're in it together!

To brighten your day, here's a hello from Sharpie:

Sharpie wants to know... Is an Alaska cruise on your bucket list?

Whether your goal is to visit all 50 states and Alaska is still on your "to go someday" list...

Or you've thought about taking a cruise and think maybe that would be a great way to see the Last Frontier...

Or maybe you have a friend who's been and in the back of your mind you've thought, "That sounds fun!"

Now is a great time to consider planning that special getaway.

Some things to consider when deciding if an Alaska cruise is right for you:

1. Do you want to get a feel for Alaska in different locations and don't mind getting just a taste? Or do you want to immerse yourself in Alaska's natural beauty?
2. Are you cool with cold weather in the summer? Or are you more of a sun-loving, beach vacation type?
3. Do you love meeting new people? Or do you prefer to relax and unwind in a quiet space?

What we learned on our first cruise to Alaska:

Cruising is great if you want to set foot in a new place and get a quick glimpse into what it's like. We stopped in three Alaska ports (Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan), plus cruised through Endicott Arm up to Dawes Glacier. Each stop gave us a taste of Alaska, but we never had enough time to truly experience all that Alaska has to offer. It was just enough to leave us wanting more.

To get the most authentic Alaska experience, we found booking an excursion and getting away from the cruise port bustling with thousands of ship passengers and souvenir shops was the ticket.

In Juneau, we booked the Juneau Shore Excursions: Helicopter Tour & Dogsledding Experience. I can't think of anything more "Alaska" than walking on a glacier and mushing with an excited and friendly team of Alaskan huskies, featuring sweet Sharpie!

The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable - even in the summertime (we went in August). Don't expect to spend cruising days lounging by the pool on the upper deck. More likely, when you aren't enjoying one of the MANY ship-board activities, you'll be out on the deck, watching for whale spouts or mesmerized by the beauty of the passing mountains and glaciers.

It's hard to pack light when you're planning for days on shore in the 60s that feel like summertime, as well as ship days in the 40s that feel like winter. Layering is key! My favorite shore attire was a pair of lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants. They were perfect for our excursion in the rain and snow of Juneau, as well as our sunny, sea kayaking excursion in Ketchikan.

Cruising is best suited for people who love people. The best way to describe how I felt our first night on the ship was overwhelmed. It's crazy just how big cruise ships are and how many people are onboard.

We cruised with Holland America on their Westerdam ship which is considered "mid-size." That means there were nearly 3,000 people on the ship between passengers and crew.

It's possible to find a quiet corner somewhere and enjoy the cruise in solitude, but then you're missing out on the spirit of cruising.

There's A LOT to do on a cruise ship, from entertainment to sports to learning about the local environment. Making friends with other passengers is half the fun.

We got to know a mom and daughter from Belize, a couple from San Francisco, and another couple from North Carolina. On a ship with 1,900 passengers, somehow we kept coming together with these few. And, as the week went on, we looked forward to seeing them and swapping stories of our recent adventures.

So what do you think?

Are you ready to cruise?

And is Alaska the place you want to be?

If you're thinking maybe but still have questions, read our recent blog post that goes more in-depth on the pros and cons of cruising to Alaska, highlights of our time in each port, and more.

If you're ready to book a cruise, use the link below to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

Enjoy your week! And happy planning...

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for products and/or services we love. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for choosing to wander with us. We hope your adventures are filled with as much joy and awe as we’ve experienced!