My Alaska Cruise Adventure: What I'm Planning, Booking, and Packing for a 9-Night Journey from Seattle
- Mary Palmer
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
I’m beyond excited to share how I’m planning my upcoming 9-night Alaska cruise from Seattle! The cruise departs July 2025, and includes stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Glacier Bay, and Skagway. I’ll be flying Delta direct from Orange County, California to Seattle, and I’ve already started digging into the best places to stay, what to eat, and what to pack. If you’re dreaming of Alaska or planning a similar trip, this blog is for you.
Where I’m Staying in Seattle Before the Cruise After landing at SEA-TAC, I want to enjoy a relaxing night before embarkation. Here are my top hotel picks:
1 Hotel Seattle – A new eco-luxury gem with earthy vibes and a rooftop patio. It’s sustainable and stunning.
Lotte Hotel Seattle – Chic design, sweeping views, and indulgent comfort.
The Edgewater Hotel – Classic Seattle experience right on the water.
Tip: I’ll take a Lyft or Uber from the airport. It’s the fastest, most seamless way to get downtown.
Seattle Foodie Stops I’m Excited to Try
La Loba at 1 Hotel Seattle – Seasonal, sustainable fare.
Ltd Edition Sushi – Ranked among America’s top 50 restaurants.
Conversation – A chic spot with killer cocktails and artful plates.
What I’m Booking for Each Port These are the excursions I’m leaning toward, based on research and reviews:
Ketchikan
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – Classic fun.
Misty Fjords Floatplane or Boat Tour – Jaw-dropping scenery.
Sitka
Wildlife Kayak Tour – Paddle alongside sea otters and eagles.
Cultural Walking Tour – Explore Russian and Native heritage.
Juneau
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo – A must-do.
Helicopter + Dog Sledding – My bucket list splurge.
Glacier Bay
This is a sea day, but a spectacular one. The ship will cruise past ice walls with commentary from National Park rangers.
Skagway
White Pass Railway – Scenic and historic.
Dog Musher Camp + Zipline – Because adventure!
What I’m Packing: Ship + Shore Packing for Alaska is ALL about layers. I created a checklist (grab yours below) and here are my essentials:
Ship Life
Layered outfits, cozy lounge sets, waterproof jacket
Walking shoes, binoculars, camera
Evening wear for dinners and shows
Excursion Gear
Waterproof hiking boots, warm hat/gloves
Daypack, water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen
Compact rain poncho or packable jacket
Download My Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist
Call to Action: Want Me to Help Plan Your Cruise? If you’re inspired to sail to Alaska or book your own dream cruise, I can help you plan it all—flights, hotels, excursions, and insider perks. Let’s chat!
Stay Tuned: I’ll be sharing real-time updates from the ship and ports, so follow along! Drop a comment or email me at mary@soulsuitcasetravel.com if you have questions or want help building your own itinerary.
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