Cruise Countdown: Packing, Planning & Prepping for Alaska

Published on July 3, 2025 | By Mary Palmer | She Ventures Travel

Looking forward to the wildlife experience

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Today is all about packing suitcases, triple-checking the weather in Alaska, and buzzing with excitement with my good friend Carol—because tomorrow, we’re off!

We’ll fly to Seattle on July 6th, spend the night getting into vacation mode, and then board our cruise on July 7th for 11 days of nature, wildlife, glaciers, and soul-refreshing adventure.

We’ve both been dreaming of this trip for months. Carol is my favorite kind of travel buddy—curious, open-hearted, and up for just about anything. We’ve spent hours talking through outfits, layering strategies (hello, waterproof everything), and which port we’re most excited to explore. Spoiler: it changes daily.

What We’re Packing

Our suitcases are a mix of:

• Fleece-lined jackets and windbreakers

• Hiking shoes for misty trails

• Cocktail dresses for dinners at sea

• Binoculars (wildlife, we’re ready for you)

• A whole lot of curiosity

And yes, we’re bringing extra room in our bags for souvenirs and unexpected treasures.

 Alaska Cruise Itinerary – July 2025

Day	Date	Port	Arrival	Departure
Day 1	Mon, July 7	Seattle, Washington	—	4:00 PM
Day 2	Tue, July 8	At Sea	—	—
Day 3	Wed, July 9	Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska	7:00 AM	5:00 PM
Day 4	Thu, July 10	Sitka, Alaska	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Day 5	Fri, July 11	Juneau, Alaska	8:00 AM	10:00 PM
Day 6	Sat, July 12	Glacier Bay Cruising	—	—
Day 6 (cont.)	Sat, July 12	Icy Strait Point, Alaska	5:00 PM	10:00 PM
Day 7	Sun, July 13	Skagway, Alaska	6:00 AM	6:00 PM
Day 8	Mon, July 14	At Sea	—	—
Day 9	Tue, July 15	Victoria, British Columbia	6:00 PM	11:59 PM
Day 10	Wed, July 16	Seattle (Debarkation Day)	6:00 AM	—

Viator Excursions by Port – Alaska Cruise Click here to see all excursions or click book here on each suggested excursion:

Ketchikan (Ward Cove)

• Misty Fjords Seaplane Adventure – Scenic flightseeing tour over Alaska’s rainforest fjordsBook here

• Totem Bight Park & Saxman Native Village – Explore Tlingit culture and totem carving traditionsBook here

• Lumberjack Show & Historic Trolley Ride – Fun for all ages, combines history with entertainmentBook here

Sitka

• Wildlife Boat & Land Tour – See sea otters, eagles, bears, and visit Fortress of the BearBook here

• Totem Trail & Raptor Center Visit – Enjoy local culture, rescued birds of prey, and nature walksBook here

Juneau

• Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Combo – Iconic Alaska: glacier viewing and humpback spottingBook here

• Helicopter & Dogsled Glacier Adventure – Land on a glacier and ride with a dogsled teamBook here

• Gold Panning & Salmon Bake – Classic Alaska experience with local flavorBook here

Glacier Bay (Cruising Only)

• Enjoy views of tidewater glaciers, wildlife, and narrated naturalist programs from the ship(No excursions available; stay onboard for scenic cruising)

Icy Strait Point

• Whale Watching & Marine Wildlife Cruise – Spot whales, sea lions, and bald eaglesBook here

• Bear Search Expedition – Head inland with a guide to safely look for brown bearsBook here

• ZipRider Adventure – Ride the world’s largest zipline above the rainforest canopyBook here

Skagway

• White Pass Scenic Railway Tour – Historic rail line into Yukon with incredible photo opsBook here

• Gold Rush Tour & Dog Sled Camp – Learn about Alaska’s gold history and meet sled dogsBook here

• Guided Hiking Adventure – Explore alpine trails with views over fjords and valleysBook here

Victoria, BC

• Butchart Gardens Evening Visit – Explore one of Canada’s most famous gardensBook here

• Whale Watching Tour – Sail the Salish Sea and look for orcas and humpbacksBook here

• Victoria City Highlights Private Tour – See the Parliament, harbor, gardens, and moreBook here

Come Along for the Ride

This blog is where I’ll share highlights from each port, reflections from the deck, and a peek into the magic of cruise life. Whether you're planning your own Alaska trip or just want to live vicariously—we're glad you're here.

Got a question about what to pack or what we’re doing in each port? Drop a comment below! And if you want to follow the full journey, photos and all:

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Let the adventure begin,Mary