ncl alaska cruise from seattle

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

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Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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• American Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Hurtigruten
• Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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• Ports Of Call

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Alaska Glacier Bay from Seattle, 25 August, 2024

Cruising from: Seattle, Washington ;

Departure Date: 25 August, 2024 ;

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ;

Cruise Ship: Norwegian Encore ;

Duration: 7 days ;

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle ;

7-day Alaska cruise on board Norwegian Encore.

Day 0 seattle, washington.

Seattle is a popular departure port for Alaska cruises, offering convenient access to the stunning natural wonders and unique cultural experiences of the region....

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea....

Day 2 Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is a popular cruise port for Alaska cruises, located on the Inside Passage of Alaska. It is the capital city of Alaska and the third largest city in the state. ...

Day 3 Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, located in the Upper Lynn Canal is a place in Alaska where the past lives on. The Port of Skagway is the northernmost ice-free, deep-water port in North America, and serves as a year-round transportation hub between Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northern British Columbia, the Northwest...

Day 4 Glacier Bay, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is a pristine wilderness area in southeast Alaska that is famous for its stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. A cruise through Glacier Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers visitors the chance to witness the raw beauty of this...

Day 5 Ketchikan, Alaska

An Alaskan cruise from Ketchikan is an unforgettable adventure that will take you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world....

Day 6 Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia's capital, is an occasional Cruise Port during the Alaska cruise season, especially at the beginning or the end of the cruise season, when cruise lines have unique itineraries as they reposition their ships from the south to the north, or vice versa....

Day 7 Seattle, Washington

Experience wildlife, wilderness, and native culture on this Alaska cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Visit Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle. Norwegian Encore leaving Seattle, Washington, for 7 days from 25 August, 2024.

Alaska cruise from Seattle August 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website.

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Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Review and Alaska Trip Report 2024

by Prof. Cruise · April 20, 2024

Introduction

By way of a quick introduction, I’m Sarah, also known as “Prof. Cruise.” I retired after 10 years as a college professor to pursue my passion for cruising, moving across the country to Seattle where I now live downtown and within a five minute walk of the NCL cruise terminal at Pier 66. My passion for cruising is only equaled by my love for Alaska. I’ve cruised there so many times locals now wave to me, ask me to take in their mail when they travel, and flag me down to see if they can borrow a cup of sugar to which I reply, “you know I don’t actually live here, right?” I’ve cruised to Alaska dozens and dozens of times on nearly every cruise line and itinerary.

Anyway, the cruise I’m reporting on here was my second on the Bliss to Alaska, but was significant in that it was the very first Alaska cruise across all lines and ships of the 2024 season. It was also my first time cruising solo on the Bliss (last time I had my son with me). The itinerary included port stops in Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria and an evening sailing through the Endicott Arm Fjord (where we were supposed to view the Dawes Glacier, but couldn’t get close enough due to ice and weather conditions). I’ll be providing a detailed trip report from each day as well as highlighting some features I loved about the Bliss (and a few I didn’t) and some tips for those booked on or considering her. But first, here are three links to get you started. The first two are videos, one a full ship tour and one a cabin tour . The third takes you to all the dining menus (MDR, specialty, fast casual, room service, and more) I collected onboard. As always, feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences on the Bliss to the comments.

Norwegian Bliss Ship and Cabin Tours

Norwegian Bliss Dining Menus

Norwegian Bliss Alaska 2024: Daily Trip Report

Day 1: embarkation day.

Theme of day one on the Bliss: Cruising solo. Here are some photos that capture my first few hours onboard the Bliss.

Photo 1: Looking at my apartment from the aft of the ship while making faces at my husband and son and dog who are stuck at home.  Also taunting them: “Neener, neener, neener!”

Photo 2: The chocolate covered strawberries I polished off all by myself because I’m cruising solo and so very thankful I don’t have to share.

Photo 3: The desserts I’m hoarding in my mini fridge for late night emergencies.  With no one to judge me.

Photo 4: Me doing angels on the big bed for one.

Photo 5: A basket of carbs all for me.

These photos could also be used as evidence for why I’m not mature enough to work a real job.

Embarkation Day Lunch

Not that I’m in a rut or anything, but ever since I started sailing on NCL back around 2350 BC (when they still allowed animals onboard and Captain Noah was at the helm), I’ve eaten lunch on embarkation day in the main dining room and have ordered the exact. same. thing. 40,000 hush puppies later and they’re still delicious! Here’s everything I ordered (both Taste and Savor opened for lunch around 11:45am):

Photo 1: Five spice mango tapioca pudding

Photo 2: Sweet corn hush puppies

Photo 3: Orange chocolate mousse

Photo 4: Risotto primavera with pesto

Photo 5: Roasted tomato soup

Night 1 Dinner in the MDR

I ate my dinner in the MDR tonight.  And I’m going to say something extremely controversial now because I know no one reads my commentary when I post food pics.  So here goes it: I’m voting for Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.  No just kidding, I’m voting for Biden.  No actually I’m voting for Kennedy.  Or maybe I’m going to sit this one out in protest.  So now that I’ve offended the four people who bothered reading to this point, I’m going to say what I really came here to say: I think NCL’s version of chocolate lava/melting cake is better than Carnival’s even with the inclusion of fruit (strawberries) which generally have no business anywhere near dessert. There.  Unfriend me if you must.  Anyway, here’s everything I ordered to night (with photo 5 serving as evidence for my bold assertion with regard to cruise line signature chocolate desserts)…

Photo 1: The pepper that disqualified me from the clean plate club (but I didn’t let that stop me from ordering two desserts)

Photo 2: Vegetable burrito 

Photo 3: Cream of cauliflower soup 

Photo 4: Bread service

Photo 5: Warm chocolate lava cake

Photo 6: Honey crème brûlée 

Day 2: Sea day

Good morning!  It’s day two, our first full day which we will spend at sea enjoying some frigid temps, April showers, and large-ish swells (it’s ALWAYS a good time to cruise to Alaska as far as I’m concerned, but some jet lagged grumpy pants seem to disagree). 

Anyway, I have a personal cruise rule that doesn’t allow me to take any elevators.  It’s a weak attempt at obesity mitigation that honestly doesn’t help all that much and mainly serves to further justify my obscene cruise gluttony.  And mega ships like the Bliss always cause me to reconsider the policy.  Take this morning, for example.  I hiked from my cabin on deck 5 (where the cheap cruisers live) to deck 16 at 5:45 to hit the gym (where I planned to sit on a spin bike while binging Suits on my iPad as further justification for two breakfasts with servings so large most would count them as six breakfasts).  Before we continue with this story, we need to back up a few weeks.  Back in March I participated in the Big Climb where I crawled like a half dead snail up 69 floors of the Columbia Tower in Seattle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  But somehow these stairs on the Bliss are worse.  And there are mirrors on every landing reminding you of how awful you look and guilting you into continuing.  So this morning I huffed and puffed and passed out briefly before nearly drowning in my own sweat to make it up to the gym.  And after 10 minutes of getting my fan and iPad set up on a spin bike in the spin room (which was unlocked with no sign indicating that I couldn’t use it), I was swiftly kicked out (only those taking a class can use the bikes).  And I was like, THANK GOD! to the trainer who looked very confused.  And my brain was like, “well, I tried” and then I proceeded to The Local for my first breakfast (photos to come). I’ve included the daily schedule for today in this post as a reward for those who read to the end of my stairs saga. 

Day 2 Breakfast at The Local

Really this should be called “pre breakfast” because it’s where I get all the healthy crap with vitamins necessary for survival out of the way (what a poor design choice to have fruit be healthy and cinnamon rolls practically skip the stomach all together en route to the thighs).  Anyway, The Local is a complimentary English pub style restaurant open 24/7 for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks.  Here’s the menu and everything I ordered followed by my real breakfast (procured at the buffet):

Photo 1: The Local breakfast menu.

Photo 2: Breakfast sandwich hold the ham (apologies to my meat eating friends who are forced into becoming vegetarian food gawkers for the week).

Photo 3: Seasonal fruit salad (the best, freshest, ripest fruit you’ll find on the ship.  If you have to eat fruit).

Photo 4: Oatmeal with raisins I promptly rehoused to an entirely different table so I wouldn’t barf all over my oatmeal (which, honestly, already looked a little like barf).  The entire cup of brown sugar went right in though.

Photo 5: The #1 best breakfast item on NCL (available in one spot on the buffet – don’t miss them!).  Hot cinnamon rolls!  The other breakfast pastries (with the exception of the chocolate croissants which are decent) are dry and not that great.  

Day 2 Lunch at Taste

Taste is one of the three complimentary main dining rooms on the Bliss (Taste and Savor are located across from each other on deck 6 while the Manhattan Room is larger and located on deck 7.  They all serve the same menus, but only Taste and Savor are open for lunch and only on sea days). I got there at 11:45 to beat the rush, but after no one else appeared for like 15 minutes, I started to think it was something I said (a pretty good bet with me). Anyway, this is my favorite of the three rotating lunch menus on NCL because it features a fried taco salad bowl.  I always try to order just the taco bowl sans salad, but they always look at me weird, so I tell them never mind and just eat out the fried hunk of mozzarella and cheddar cheese shreds before shoveling out the beans and vegetables onto another plate and devouring all the crispy deep fried goodness.  It’s like the county fair at sea!  

I also ordered the tiramisu, noteworthy because it’s so delicious it’s worth sacrificing 3 nights of sleep due to extreme caffeine sensitivity (I’m the fully grown woman who orders an oat milk vanilla “steamer” like a five year old every time she gets invited for coffee). Anyway…

Photo 1: Cream of mushroom soup (a week’s worth of sodium, but so delicious)

Photo 2: Tiramisu (goodbye sleep)

Photo 3: What it looks like to be shunned on a cruise ship

Photo 4: Queso frito tortilla bowl

Day 2 Sea Day Activities

A chilly and rainy morning stroll along the waterfront on which I bragged to several passersby that it was “just a regular Sunday in April for this hearty Seattle gal” before promptly heading up to the Observation Lounge to secure a padded indoor lounger with a water view where I vegetated for the next 3 hours (get there early on sea days to snag one). 

But before I made it to the Observation Lounge, I stopped at my cabin to hair dry my shoes and hang my socks on the handy little wet sock hooks (there obvious purpose on an April Alaska cruise).  It occurred to me midway through this process that I should have packed some “poopourri,” not just for its intended purpose, but for the pungent smell of steaming sneakers.

Later, I briefly attended a presentation in the theater entitled “This is Alaska.”  I say briefly because as soon as I realized it was just a sales pitch for overpriced excursions I’ve done 10 times before and not a lecture by a naturalist (no sign of a naturalist onboard yet), I marched right out of there trying not to be rude, but probably coming across as extremely rude due to the marching. 

I ate and ate and ate.  Before eating some more. And then it was time for lunch. 

Something strange appeared in the sky later in the afternoon.  UFO?  No, sun!  And blue skies!  They started setting up outdoor dining at the restaurants along The Waterfront which I found overly optimistic considering it was only 40 degrees at 3:30.  Any takers?

After dinner I attended Jersey Boys which is one of the things that keep me coming back to the NCL mega ships despite the 400 flights of stairs I have to climb each day.  The full-length broadway style shows, including this one, are phenomenal and seeing them for free (well, sort of)…at sea…feels like the ultimate life hack.  Honestly, one night in a hotel room in New York plus dinner and show tickets would likely cost more than my entire cruise fare. 

Then I ate again. And flopped into bed while celebrating an extra hour of not sleeping tonight (we were instructed to turn our clocks back one hour) due to that tiramisu I ate for lunch.  Tomorrow is our first Alaska port of call: Sitka. 

Night 2 Dinner in the MDR

Tonight is “Dress up or Not” night (see the second photo for a description of NCL’s “formal night” policy).  Now seems like a good time to educate you on what we Seattleites consider formal.  This is pretty much as dressed up as we get with rain boots mandatory from about October through May (hat is optional, but I hate being cold and this is Alaska in April, so I figure better safe).  

The third photo captures tonight’s emergency desserts from the Observation Lounge, all with an international flare: Biscuits with fresh jam and cream, green tea pound cake, and chocolate cardamom pudding.  There was also a red velvet cupcake, but I ate it half way down the stairs for fuel.

Off to dinner (yes, it’s 4:30, don’t judge, plus I’m seeing Jersey Boys at 6:30)!

If you want to guarantee yourself the best seat (#aftview) in the Manhattan room, line up at 4:30. Another hot tip, if you’re heading to a two hour show right after dinner, don’t order the spicy pad Thai requiring you drink a gallon of water.  Who else is (unfortunately) in the small bladder club?  Here’s everything I ordered:

Photo 1: Cherries jubilee (nearly every dessert contained fruit or vegetables tonight.  For the love.)

Photo 2: After Eight mint chocolate mousse (despite trying to make the 6:30 show, I still ordered two desserts because I’m not giving up my dessert for ANYTHING, even one of the best shows at sea)

Photo 3: Spoils of being a lame nerd who eats early and is in bed by 9pm. Early bird, worm, etc.

Photo 4: Pad Thai

Photo 5: Thai spring roll (there seems to be a theme happening here)

Day 3: Sitka

Day 3 breakfast in the mdr.

We’re not scheduled to arrive in Sitka until 10:30, so I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast in the MDR where I conducted a little experiment in which I tried to determine how many items I could order before my waiter asked, “are you sure no one else is joining you?”  Sadly I never got to an answer because after the third item I feared I might get too full for my buffet cinnamon rolls, so I aborted the whole thing (for today, remember science always involves a lot of trial and error).  Here’s what I had with room to spare no thanks to my waiter who asked, “is that all?” after I’d already ordered approximately 40,000 calories worth of breakfast carbs. 

Photo 1: Table with a view (I arrived right when they opened at 7)

Photo 2: Pretzel roll sandwich hold the ham (one of the two daily specials)

Photo 3: Yogurt parfait 

Photo 4: Belgian waffle 

So, my port day in Sitka.  Sitka is the first and oldest city in Alaska so it’s fitting that it was the very first port of the 2024 cruise ship season.  I last visited here in late October on the very last cruise of the 2023 season.  And I did essentially the exact same thing today as I did 5 months ago.  I swung by a few historical sights on my way to the Indian River Trailhead where I hiked until hitting significant snow at which point I turned around after promising my mom I wouldn’t do anything too reckless like challenge a bear to a snowball fight (honestly, she doesn’t let me have any fun). Then I hit the waterfront on the way back to the ship where I snapped some photos and saw my first eagle of the trip perched in a tree near the playground stalking tourist children fattened up from 45 soft serve cones in two days.  

Some may be wondering why I cruise to Alaska so often and why I’d want to do the exact same thing two cruises in a row.  My answer?  It’s always magical, ethereal, with so many lessons to teach me.  And it’s never, never the same.  In October, as the environment around me began settling into winter, I witnessed the retreat, slowing down, and self preservation necessary for surviving a harsh season.  

Today?  I saw the first signs of vibrancy, of life bursting through the surface ready to grow and embrace the coming warmth.  A good reminder of the cyclical nature of life for all of us.  

Now I’m ravenous, so please excuse me while I head to the MDR to order two of everything because when I texted my mom to reassure her I was still alive, she informed me that I’d better eat an extra large meal and it turns out moms DO know what’s best for us.

Night 3 Dinner in the MDR

It’s not often that I’m tempted by multiple salads, but tonight I wanted all of them.  But then I worried about being a stereotype (vegetarian, salad, you know).  So I went with the obvious choice, the one with candy in it.  And it seems after only 3 nights the chef knows my preferences and put extra brittle in mine.  I also appreciated some warm soup after a chilly, drizzly day at port.  Then I carb loaded for tomorrow’s hike with pasta and bread.  When my waiter brought the dessert menu featuring tiramisu cake, I literally said out loud “NOT AGAIN Satan, I will NOT sacrifice another night of sleep for your sweet cream and espresso soaked ladyfingers.”  So instead I confused my waiter by ordering the sugar free cheesecake and the brownie s’more with enough sugar to murder a diabetic from three counties away. 

Photo 1: Roasted beet salad (with extra candy)

Photo 2: Sugar free vanilla cheesecake 

Photo 3: Minestrone soup

Photo 4: Brownie s’more

Photo 5: My plate right before I licked off the remaining pesto (what, I ran out of bread)

Photo 6: Rigatoni primavera with pesto

So I went up to the buffet for some extra dessert (I didn’t have a chance to stock up on emergency desserts from the Observation Lounge today) and accidentally walked away with a whole second dinner to eat in bed while watching Netflix. Oops.

Also, here’s today’s Freestyle Daily.

Day 4: Juneau

Day 4 buffet breakfast.

We arrived in Juneau early and only have a half day here, so I opted for a buffet breakfast along with 4,500 of my fellow passengers (note the capacity of the Bliss is only 4,000, but it’s like humans multiply and forget what a line is at the smell of bacon).  If you’re booked on this Bliss, here are a few buffet tips for breakfast :

1: The further back you walk, the more open seating you’ll find.  There are almost always open seats at the very back, even during peak hours. 

2. If you want a more serene spot to enjoy your buffet breakfast without having to walk all the way back to your cabin, go one deck down to the Observable Lounge.  It’s not crowded in the morning, there are plenty of nice spots to eat, there are beverage stations, and there’s a continental breakfast set up to supplement your buffet items (fruit, pastries, cereal, deli meats, and cheese). 

3. While the buffet is large, the selection of items mostly just repeats in many different stations.  However, there is a yogurt bar, hot cinnamon rolls, and a small (but fabulous) Indian section (located on the port side toward the back) that you don’t want to overlook.  

Photo 1: Selection of breakfast Indian offerings.

Photo 2: Heaven on a plate (for like two seconds before it became heaven in my belly).

Photo 3: Made to order veggie and cheese omelette with breakfast potatoes and a custom yogurt parfait.  

My Port (Half) Day in Juneau

When I checked the forecast this morning it looked like rain and temps hovering around 35 degrees so I suited up like a deep sea fisherman risking life and limb for her daily catch despite a promised hurricane. So of course we had sun and not a drop of rain.  You’re welcome everyone!  I sought out some standing puddles just so my rain boots wouldn’t start looking for alternate employment.  And my rain coat did, in fact, get wet.  But from the inside after I’d already sweat through three base layers. 

Anyway, I walked through downtown for research purposes (I’m working on an article for the blog about Alaska cruising in April) and then headed out for today’s hike on the Perseverance Trail.  I don’t hike this trail as often when I visit Juneau because I usually opt to hike to the top of the Mt Roberts tram.  But the tram wasn’t open for the season yet, so I wouldn’t have the option of taking it back down the mountain (which I don’t usually do anyway, but psychologically I like having the option).  

I’m happy I decided on Perseverance today both because it was a gorgeous combination of vibrant evergreens, snow capped mountains, waterfalls, and rivers.  But also because on my way back, two different people from the Bliss recognized me from my blog and thanked me for the Alaska cruise hiking guide I wrote (which was how they learned about this hike).  I spend a lot (LOT – I’m a painfully slow writer) of time writing reviews, guides, etc and sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads them.  So it was rewarding to learn I’d helped someone.  Because that’s the secondary reason I do all this (I mean obviously the primary reason is so I can cruise all the time, lol).  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to every person who visits my blog, reads my articles, offers me support, feedback, and information, and shares in my passion for cruising.  Thank you!

Night 4 Dinner in the MDR

Regrets, I’ve had a few.  On my last NCL cruise (to Antarctica/South America in December) I missed skillet cornbread night in the MDR because it was my son’s birthday and he wanted to celebrate at Teppanyaki.  I’ve regretted prioritizing my kid’s happiness over that cornbread ever since.  So I was NOT going to miss it tonight even though we were scheduled to cruise through the Endicott Arm fjord during dinner.  It was so quiet in the dining room it was like being in church and let me tell you, that cornbread was a religious experience.  

Photo 1: Eggplant parmigiana 

Photo 2: Carrot cake

Photo 3: Cannoli 

Photo 4: Skillet cornbread 100% worth sacrificing important family relationships and once in a lifetime scenery.

Coco’s and The Bake Shop

I upgraded my emergency desserts tonight both because I have a ton of onboard credit to burn through and because I was too tired to trek up 40 million stairs (I am NOT overly dramatic and prone to exaggeration, how dare you) to the Observation Lounge.  Instead I visited Coco’s and the Bake Shop for some premium chocolates, macarons, and a *mini* cupcake (which demonstrates my incredible restraint).

Endicott Arm Fjord

We didn’t make it to Dawes Glacier due to ice.  Honestly the whole thing was kind of unimpressive coming right on the heels of the skillet cornbread.  

Day 4 Freestyle Daily

Day 5: Icy Strait Point

Settle something for me please.  

The first time my husband saw me eating a cupcake like this shortly after we got married he said “there are many things about you I wish I’d known before we got married, but this one really takes the cake.”  To which I replied, “through sickness and bad puns.”  Anyway, this is how cupcakes are supposed to be eaten right?  Or were the rest of you raised by the same wolves as my husband?  Share your perspective to the comments please.

Day 5 Breakfast in the MDR

I’ve reached the point in my cruise where my body is craving fruit.  It practically shouted at me this morning to “put a vitamin in me woman or I’m going to refuse to poop out of protest!” (Sorry, but I’m just reporting the facts.)  So I started breakfast with the half grapefruit and orange segments which both made for a pretty photo and hopefully placated my immune system who I almost started to sympathize with when she was like, “I’m doing my best to defend you against 4,000+ germy humans, half of whom whisk right past the hand washing station at the buffet because the guy singing the washy washy song received his vocal training from a dying boar.”  Then I accidentally poured a cup of blueberries over my pancakes because I thought it was a second cup of syrup and was like, “THERE, ARE YOU HAPPY?!?!”

Photo 1: Half grapefruit and orange segments 

Photo 2: Traditional buttermilk pancakes 

Photo 3: Egg and avocado wrap (one of the two rotating daily specials

Sea Creatures at Icy Strait Point

As a youth I wanted to be two things when I grew up.  A writer (you have ample evidence by now for why that didn’t work out) or a marine biologist (what do you mean I have to study science and not just throw fish at lovable sea lions all day?).  Anyway, if you need to find me for the next several hours (like to bring me some buffet snacks, hint hint) I’ll be photographing every one of the thousands of sea creatures on this beach in Icy Strait Point.  Some dreams never really die, we just modify them to better suit our talents: mediocre cruise blogger/star (fish) paparazzi.  

Day 5 Lunch at The Local

This afternoon I lunched at The Local (complimentary pub restaurant) where I ordered the Reuben with no corned beef (because there isn’t a single vegetarian entree on the menu).  But I was too embarrassed to order it like that so I was like, “can I get the artisan grilled cheese?” Blank stare. “Okay, how about the Reuben with no corned beef?” Done! And yes, everyone sitting near me raised an eyebrow in perfect sync like they belonged to the same boy band. I also ordered the carrot cake which, for a dessert with vegetables in it, is a 12/10. 

Photo 1: Artisan grilled cheese aka Reuben sans corned beef

More of Icy Strait Point 

Nature trail with a giant eagle nest (a new addition since my last visit, which I speculated might be animatronic until I saw two eagles flying toward it during sail away and thought, “even Disney isn’t that good and this ain’t Disney”).

Walk to Hoonah as a Haiku:

Beautiful but wet Eagles flying everywhere Three cute seals swam by

Night 5 Dinner in the MDR

I always order the stuffed mushroom caps both because they’re delicious, but also because they are always SO. SMALL. and the jokes practically write themselves:

Honey, I shrunk the mushrooms!  What’s the mushroom’s favorite song? It’s a Small World After All.  Etc, etc.  For note, as a human so short I once mistook a cake topper as an actual bride and groom due to our similar proportions, I gave those mushrooms a nod of empathy before popping all three into my mouth at once like a trio of tic tacs.

The gnocchi is usually one of my favorite entrees, but this time they were practically drowning in so much overly rich sauce (wait, WHO ARE YOU and what have you done with the woman who asks for an extra side of alfredo sauce at Olive Garden to pour over her fettuccine alfredo), I had to throw in a life ring and then put them through a decompression process before eating them. Cobblers are the only dessert that should include fruit and even then in a topping to fruit ratio of 25/1.  While tonight’s ratio was closer to 1/1, it was still delicious, served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Photo 1: Mozzarella and plum tomatoes (basically the bruschetta, but easier to eat)

Photo 2: Stuffed mushroom caps

Photo 3: Apple and fig cobbler 

Photo 4: Potato gnocchi 

Photo 5: Banana split (disappointing, I’d skip it)

Day 5 Freestyle Daily

Day 6: Ketchikan 

Day 6 breakfast cupcakes .

Despite what you may have heard, cupcakes are NOT a breakfast of champions.  After starting my morning at 5:30 with an Oreo and a red velvet, I made it 13 minutes on the elliptical machine before I nearly barfed into the towel return bin (true story). 

Here’s the thing though, since I posted my preferred cupcake eating technique to Instagram and Facebook with accompanying photo, a few of the comments I received have really been weighing on me, keeping me up at night even.  As you know, I take dessert very seriously and when two alternate cupcake eating methods were proposed, I simply had to attempt them.  So this morning I busted out my emergency dessert (because this really WAS a pressing matter) and attempted the…

1. “Best for last” technique where you break the cupcake in half, eat the unfrosted half first to get it over with and then eat the frosted half. And the…

2. “Dipping” approach where you break off small bites of cake and “dip” them in the frosting.  

Results: Delayed gratification has generally served me well, but I don’t want to experience half my dessert like some depression era baking hack. Fail!  As for the dipping technique, that one was an immediate miss as my cake didn’t hold up to the weight and density of the frosting and crumbled.  I adapted by spooning little dollops of frosting onto broken off pieces of cake, but it was way too much work (I probably burned more calories doing that than I did on the elliptical this morning).  

All of this wasn’t for nothing though as I discovered a new technique especially effective for those of us with small (but mighty!) mouths: Frosting redistribution.  I simply broke the cupcake in half and redistributed half the frosting onto the bottom half.  Even distribution of frosting? Check!  Ease of consumption? Check! Clean nostrils? I think there may still be a stray M&M up there, but no frosting. Check!  Success! Maybe I should just have an omelette for breakfast tomorrow though. 🤷‍♀️

Today’s Hike in Ward Cove: Frog Pond Trail to the Perseverance Trail

Even though the Perseverance Trail is part of a trail system I discovered a few years ago within walking distance of Ward Cove (where NCL ships dock outside of Ketchikan), the name has so far discouraged me. When I think “perseverance” I think of some self help nonsense promising mental strength as a result of physical or psychological pain with no certain outcome. No thank you, I’m on vacation! But since I’ve “hiked” (it’s really more of a walk) the Frog Pond and Around the Lake trails about 10 times now, I decided to try this new trail after renaming it the “better to give up than have a sore ass at dinner” trail, thus removing any pressure or guilt.

While this trail did have significantly more elevation gain, it was gorgeous and ended at a secluded lake where I stopped for a few minutes to read one of my favorite poems by Mary Oliver :

So am I glad I tried this new trail? I’ll let you know how my ass feels at dinner! (I’ve booked La Cucina tonight.)

Night 6 Dinner at La Cucina

Tonight I used a platinum voucher to dine at La Cucina, the Italian specialty restaurant on the Bliss. My voucher included a complimentary bottle of wine which I had all to myself. So if you think I’m a bad speller who writes extremely weird reviews with a 100% clear mind, just wait till I have an entire bottle of wine in me. Here we gooooooooo!

The service tonight was…off, until it got really comically bad. The high point was when my waiter approached the table next to mine and called a clear “ma’am” a “sir.” I generously thought, “language barrier?” but when he realized his mistake three courses later, he just busted up laughing and was like, “you’ve been a lady this whole time?” Like maybe her gender identity changed between the antipasto and the risotto. I should mention that the bottle of wine I selected was called 19 Crimes, which I order every time because it’s the only one I can pronounce. But tonight it seemed very on brand and I offered to share a glass with my waiter who’d committed all 19 crimes before the 7 o’clock rush. The final crime occurred when I was informed that the dessert I’d ordered wasn’t ready yet and would I like the tiramisu (!!!) instead. You’ll recall I sacrificed an entire night of blissful cruise sleep to tiramisu like 72 hours ago and vowed to never order it again. Anyway, the food was very good, but only about 10% better than what I’ve been enjoying in the MDR and certainly not worth the extra $49 (not including the wine) it would have cost me without the voucher.

Photo 1: 19 Crimes Chardonnay

Photo 2: My table at La Cucina

Photo 3: Mozzarella caprese

Photo 5: Gnocchi a la something

Photo 6: Cannoli with a side of garlic to keep the devil from making me order that tiramisu

Okay, that review wasn’t so bad. I think I even used commas correctly a few times. Now off I go to do my best Whitney impression on (not at) the piano in the atrium even though karaoke doesn’t start for another 2 hours in an entirely different location and please come and visit me in the brig because “I, I, eye, will always love you youuuuuu!”

Night 6 Freestyle Daily

Day 7: Sea Day/Victoria, BC

Day 7 Room Service Lunch

I just finished a telehealth call with my therapist who gave me the following advice when I described the crushing depression I’m currently experiencing over my cruise ending tomorrow: “Turn on the news for a little perspective honey and please, for the love, don’t approach your friends and family for support because they will 100% resent and possibly even disown you.” Obviously I fired her, ordered a bunch of carby room service food appropriate for wallowing, opted for Netflix in bed over news, and am reaching out to you, my beloved cruise community for support, because I know you get it. Honestly, I’m not sure 7 night cruises should even be sold as vacations. By the time I figure out which direction to turn for my cabin coming off the stairs and which venue has the best chocolate cake (surprisingly, room service), they’re asking me to put my luggage outside by 9pm!

And to make matters worse, as soon as I disembark tomorrow, I’m moving (20 feet across the hall, but still!)! Which reminds me, if someone local to Seattle wouldn’t mind me crashing on your couch for a few days while I pretend to be lost at sea so I don’t have to help, I’d be ever so grateful.

Anyway, if you need me I’m in bed crying into my mac ‘n cheese and working up the strength to venture out to Coco’s to spend my last $11 in onboard credit on a giant ice cream sundae to further eat my sorrows.

Here are some room service food pics. There is a $9.95 + 20% service charge per room service order (but you can order as much as you want).

Coco’s

Last Supper at Los Lobos

“Supper” is such an old fashioned word and I like to think of myself as young and spry and hip (I mean as long as I pop a few Tylenol before rising from a seated position, I’m almost as steady as a drowsy toddler with some puréed food down her shirt), but coupled with “last,” supper feels appropriate for this occasion.

I was in the throngs of despair, yes, but at least there was guacamole and I was alone so I could double dip. The shareable guacamole was prepared table side which was a little awkward for this introvert, terrible at small talk. All I could come up with was, “how many times per night do you have to pretend to care about how people spent their day while you contemplate letting your knife slip on an avocado pit so you can spend a peaceful evening in the medical center?” He ignored my question and asked me where I was from. “Seattle.” And then I remembered protocol, looked at his badge which said “Philippines” and asked “small town or large city?” to which he responded “Manilla,” to which I replied, “oh, BIG city” and he moved on to his next table.

That guacamole was very (VERY) good and I ran out of chips before noticing how sad my little cup of untouched salsa looked.

I also ordered a betabel salad, the rajas and crema tacos, the elotes, and the tres leches cake. The tacos and the elotes were essentially the exact same dish, but with one including an edible delivery device and the other requiring another awkward conversation (they cut the kernels off the cob table side) and a fork. I dug around looking for the promised poblano peppers in the tacos, but found them more elusive than my dog on bath day (I looked for the peppers hiding under my chair which is where I usually find Henry, but they weren’t there either).

All my food was good (the corn with a side of corn and the salad) to great (the guacamole and cake) but again, not worth the a la carte price ($60 + 20% service charge) I’d have paid without my Platinum voucher.

Day 7 Freestyle Daily

Victoria, BC

Despite it being one of my favorite cities in the world, this is all I saw of Victoria on this sailing:

I’ve been to Victoria dozens and dozens (and dozens) of times and always get off the ship, even at night. My favorite thing to do there on evening stops is to walk to the lighthouse at the end of a long pier adjacent to the cruise ship piers to watch the sunset and snap some photos of the docked ships. However, because my sailing was in April, by the time the Bliss was cleared around 8:15pm, it was already dark. So I opted to stay onboard this time. Some may be wondering why Alaska itineraries round trip from Seattle stop in Victoria, most often in the evening, providing cruisers very little time in port. It’s to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act  which requires foreign-flagged ships transporting passengers between U.S. ports to make a stop in a foreign country. Don’t view Victoria as a wasted stop though – it’s a beautiful city, day and night!

Final Afternoon at Sea

On my final afternoon at sea I attended a matinee performance by The Beatles Experience in the main theater. This Argentinian cover band performed numerous shows throughout our sailing in both the theater and more intimate Cavern Club. They not only imitated the sound of the iconic band with near perfection, they also captured the essence of each band member to an almost eerie degree, like Lennon and Harrison had risen from the dead and reunited with McCartney and Starr to do what every famous musician most fears in retirement, performing on cruise ships. If you’re sailing on the Bliss, don’t miss them!

After the show we were instructed to stay seated for the traditional NCL farewell ceremony in which officers and crew are paraded out and introduced and they smile and wave pretending not to be resentful that this unnecessary spectacle has put them behind in completing their duties and that their 16 hour day is now 16.5. But the worst part was when the Captain came out and, even though I was sitting second row center, didn’t even acknowledge my week-long attempts at seduction with a little wink or nod or some other sign that he knew I existed. In a final desperate grasp at my dream, I imitated what I’d seen like 2,000 crazed women do earlier and flashed him while bobbing up and down and shouting in a glass shattering tone, “I love you Ringo” and back to the brig I went.

But that’s not where my legal troubles ended. As I went to disembark the ship the following morning I was flagged at immigration and instructed to “see finance” before I’d be allowed to leave. I was thinking “oh crap, I’m being busted for sneaking off some tiny boxes of cereal I’m going to try to pass off as a souvenir for my kid.” But it turns out I’d ended my 7-night cruise with a negative balance of $48 which I was given in cash. I mention this to drive home the point that I’m cheaper than a generic can of green beans, but also that you can have a relaxing, fun, indulgent cruise vacation without spending a lot on onboard “extras.”

A Few Tips for Debarkation Morning

You have two luggage options for debarkation. The first is self-assist which will get you off the ship sooner. However, you’ll be responsible for carrying all your own luggage off the ship. If you’d rather not haul your own luggage, you can place it outside your cabin door by 9pm the evening before debarkation. After debarking the ship, it will be available for you to pick up inside the cruise terminal (or if you have Port Valet, it will be transported directly to the airport for you). Here’s the debarkation schedule for each group:

While this is always me on debarkation morning…

…some may need to get off the ship as quickly and early as possible to catch a flight or get to work. If so, you’ll want to start lining up outside The Local at around 6:30am with all of your luggage. You’ll be processed through immigration right on the ship as you exit using facial recognition technology. Once the line starts moving, it’s a very fast, efficient process. If you don’t yet have transportation lined up, there will be taxis, shuttles, and NCL’s shuttle service all vying for your business as you exit the terminal.

Favorite Spots On The Bliss

I provide this section not because you care about my favorite spots to hang out on the Bliss, but as a service so you can avoid me should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being booked on the Bliss at the same time: “Well there’s 6 grand and 3 hours hearing about her baby who it turns out is actually a 25 pound dog of ‘uncertain lineage’ (it’s called a mutt, lady) we’ll never get back.” 

Even though I’ll bait you with a shirt that reads, “ask me about my dog,” DO NOT ask me about my dog!  Or just steer clear of any venues serving free food or drinks and these additional areas of the Bliss:

The Waterfront On The Bliss

Rarely occupied by more than a dozen or so people during the day, The Waterfront is the perfect spot to avoid crowds and enjoy comfortable seating and fresh air and scenery if you don’t have a balcony cabin. Here I am doing just that, despite looking like I’m geared up for a blizzard:

You can also maximize your drink package without judgment by rotating among several bars located nearby. 

The Observation Lounge On Port Days

Located at the very front of the ship, the Observation Lounge offers comfortable seating and unparalleled views.  It also features a bar…

…and delicious complimentary snacks and unique desserts, many with an international flair and not available anywhere else on the ship.

All of that makes it a popular spot and fighting for a seat among the crowds sort of feels like the purpose has been defeated.  “I came up here to relax, not to declare my objections to mixed martial arts. You two should really have gloves and head protection on if you’re going to punch each other out over that lounger!” 

I recommend avoiding the Observation Lounge on sea days unless you get there very early to snag a spot and bring something to pee into and an assistant to fetch your snacks. Otherwise if you get up for two seconds you’ll either lose your spot to a nimble grandma who’s been lying in wait with a 500 page novel she plans on finishing in one sitting or if you attempt to save your spot by leaving a sweater on your chair, you’ll get accused of being a chair hog, shunned, and required to wear a scarlet H on your shirt for the remainder of the cruise. Take full advantage of it on port days though when most of your fellow passengers are off the ship!

The Bliss Hot Tubs On Port Days

Ditto on the hot tubs.  They probably contain more pee than water on sea days, but you’ll be totally in charge of how much pee is in them on port days while everyone else is off the ship. 

The District Brewhouse On Sea Days

Without the drink package on this sailing, I spent more time in the bars when they were closed.  With huge windows and skylights, comfortable seating areas, and no crowds during off hours, The District Brewhouse is the perfect spot to hang out to read, play cards or board games, or hide from the brother-in-law your husband swore you would hardly see if you let him tag along: “Hey, there you are!  I guess I’ll let you buy me a beer.  Wait, it’s closed?  I’m heading back to the pool to sun my butt crack then if you start missing me.”

Least Favorite Spot On The Bliss

The gym is always my least favorite spot on any cruise ship, but I hated it even more on the Bliss, probably because I found it too hot and too small for the size of the ship and thought it opened too late in the morning (6am).  For the size of the gym versus the size of the ship, it really should be been open 24/7 to have a prayer at accommodating everyone weird enough to exercise on vacation.  

Activities On The Norwegian Bliss

With thrilling water slides that shoot you out over the open ocean, laser tag, and Go-Karts, the Bliss is two parts ship and one part amusement park.  Note that any outside activity is weather dependent and will be closed if it’s too cold and/or rainy.

How Much Are The Go-Karts On The Bliss?

Ten laps around the course will cost you $15.

How Much Is Laser Tag On The Bliss?

One 10-minute session of laser tag on the Bliss will cost you $9.95. 

A Few (Honest) Thoughts on the Bliss to Alaska

Watch out wolf, you’ve got competition from the Bliss when it comes to being big and bad.  Average-sized cruise ships hug the shoreline, hoping to blend in so the Bliss won’t swallow them up and spit them back out into the ocean along with the pulverized organic waste destined to become fish food. 

In case you haven’t heard, the Bliss is a huge ass ship.  I think the technical term is mega .  And while there’s a ton to do for those not content to relax and eat for 168 hours straight (me), it’s not ideal for anyone looking for a more serene experience.  I also hesitate in recommending it for the 7-day Alaska itinerary from Seattle (even though I’ve done it twice myself), especially for those who haven’t cruised to Alaska before. Why? Because times at each port are limited and you’ll spend a lot of that time waiting in line for shuttles to transport you to town (NCL has the least desirable docking locations in Alaska) and because NCL offers very little Alaska-specific programming and food (as opposed to lines like Holland America and Princess that offer a lot). Also, popular ship activities will be very crowded on your two sea days.  If that doesn’t bother you and you decide to book for Alaska, be sure to reserve your preferred dining venues and ship activities as early as possible, because everything fills up fast.   

If you’re fortunate, as I am, to have visited Alaska many times, the Bliss is awesome on port days when most passengers are off the ship.  In fact, on my first cruise on the Bliss with my son, we stayed onboard for the majority of our time in port and practically had the entire ship to ourselves.  That’s when the Bliss is really fun and you can fully appreciate all she has to offer!  And she has a lot to offer.

I guess my advice would be this: If you’re cruising primarily for the ports or don’t like sailing with throngs of kids (especially during school breaks), consider avoiding the Bliss in favor of a smaller ship or different line.  If you’re cruising for the ship, have kids or don’t mind kids, and are happy staying onboard while at some of the ports or are on one of her longer, non-Alaska sailings, definitely book the Bliss.      

If you’re already booked on the Bliss for a 7-night Alaska itinerary, ignore everything I just said! Even though it’s not my ideal ship for Alaska, I enjoyed nearly every second of my time onboard and at port and if you venture with an open heart, a sense of humor, patience, and a grateful, adventurous spirit, I know you will too!

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Guide to Cruising from Seattle in 2024: Hotels, Transportation, Attractions, Safety, and More!

First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions

Homework (10 points):   Are you booked on the Bliss? Ask any questions you may have to the comments.

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April 25, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published April 25, 2019 · Last modified June 26, 2019

Prof. Cruise’s Review of a Standard Balcony Cabin on Princess

May 7, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published May 7, 2019 · Last modified May 23, 2019

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Thanks for your review. Your reviews a always a “must read” for us both because of the information you provide, the humor. Sounds as if you had a blissfull trip.

One request – Would you provide an itinerary of your future trips so that if we happen to be booked on the same cruise we can bring extra food onboard so we won’t starve when the waiter mentions that they’ve run out…

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Hi, I am a novice currently doing research above May/June cruise to Alaska. A couple questions: 1. Encore arrives Seattle at 6AM on the disembarkation day, when should I expect to get off the ship? I am thinking 11:18AM returning flight from SEA, is it feasible? 2. On their description of balcony room "and some have additional bedding to accommodate one or two more guests", when booking, how do I know if a room has "additional bedding" (I assume is pullman bed)? 3. How's the wifi speed on ship, does it support watching youtube? Thanks!  

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I hope you enjoy your cruise. We'll be going early May and I am super excited. I'll be happy to help answer your questions as best as I can from past cruises.

1. You should be able to make your time unless things are slowed at the port for some odd reason. I'd just recommend that if you can take your bags off with you. That will greatly speed things up. I didn't do that once and booked a flight much like yours and missed it because it took almost 40 minutes to get my bags. It can be a hassle but if you want to be 100% sure to make the flight best to carry off.

2. Additional bedding is sometimes in the closet. I've had hit or miss on this one. But luckily, I've had great room stewards and all I had to do was ask them for additional bedding and pillows. By the night time it was there and ready for me. We had our room steward make up the couch in other cruises to be a bed. I am going to assume that this ship will be no different. I have not cruised this ship before but I have the Bliss and it is mirrored almost the same.

3. Wifi speed on any ship can be hit or miss. The streaming wifi is $34.99 USD/day. On all the ships I have been on, the ability to stream youtube or anything else has been hit or miss. One minute (literally) you have great service, watching away, and next minute its gone and no signal. Weather can affect it as well. So yes you can get it and watch youtube to answer your question. You ultimately must decide if the price is worth it. I don't think I'll pay the price when I can just use my Ipad download the videos with youtube premium and at ports just use wifi  to download more as the cruise goes on. That's my plan. Saves me a ton of money and I pay one monthly bill instead of the almost 250 for 7 days. 

Hope this helped a little and again hope you enjoy your cruise.

I hope you don't get the problem we had!!!   They docked in the opposite direction expected so the luggage was stocked on board in the wrong direction.   The first luggage off was for the last passengers to disembark!!!!   A real shambles!!

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

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Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

The itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, while others don’t mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

The good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

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9 Night Alaska - Seattle (Sea/Sea)

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

The scenic beauty of an Alaska cruise will brighten your spirit—from breaching whales to snow-capped peaks.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Norwegian Sun - Passenger Capacity: 1,936 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2001 Last Refurbished: 2021

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Seattle, Washington , Sitka, Alaska , Juneau, Alaska , Skagway, Alaska , Glacier Bay, Alaska , Icy Strait, Alaska , Ketchikan, Alaska , Victoria, British Columbia

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9 Night Alaska - Seattle (Sea/Sea) sailing on the Norwegian Sun

Departure dates: may 2024 - sep 2024.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise fare rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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