Come for the Glaciers. Leave With Something Else: Let’s Talk Alaska

I’ll be honest — Alaska wasn’t always my favorite.

In the fall of 2016, my father passed away in Juneau during an Alaska cruise. I have only one photo from the entire trip: a sunrise, reflected in still water, soft pinks and deep silvers diffusing across the glassy surface. It’s beautiful. It’s haunting. And for a long time, it hurt too much to look at.

But grief, like Alaska, has its own kind of wildness…. one that doesn’t ask for your permission, only your presence. And in that presence, something unexpected blooms: stillness. Space. Clarity. A place where something new can begin. For many, Alaska isn’t just a bucket list trip. It’s a reckoning. A reminder of how small we are and how alive we can feel.

And there’s no one right way to see it.

HOW TO EXPLORE ALASKA: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH — AND PARTNER

1. Cruise Tours: Northbound or Southbound

If you want to fully feel Alaska (from the quiet enormity of Denali to the icy breath of calving glaciers) then a cruise tour is your best choice. These hybrid journeys let you experience both the rugged interior and the pristine Inside Passage in one unforgettable flow.

On land, explore the wilds of Denali National Park, try gold panning or riverboating in Fairbanks, soak in natural hot springs, and marvel at the views from the Alaska Railroad’s glass-domed cars. Then, sail the Inside Passage, where whales breach beside the ship, eagles drift overhead, and remote ports like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau await with glacier hikes, dog-sledding, and sea kayaking.

We often recommend Princess Cruises® for these journeys. With over 50 years of expertise, their deep Alaskan footprint includes exclusive wilderness lodges, private railcars, and a fully integrated system designed for seamless adventure and comfort. Southbound sailings tend to be most preferred — explore first, then exhale on the cruise. And premium categories like Mini-Suite, Sanctuary, and Verandah cabins tend to book out early, so planning ahead is key.

2. Cruise-Only Voyages

Prefer to keep things coastal? A roundtrip sailing from Seattle or Vancouver offers an effortless way to dip into the wild — perfect for first-timers, families, or those short on time who still want that awe-struck moment of sailing past a glacier.

• Celebrity Cruises® blends modern luxury with approachable adventure — sleek ships, stylish design, and elevated dining.

• Viking Expeditions caters to those who crave serenity and substance. With adults-only ships, all-veranda staterooms, and excursions already included, it's a quiet, curated way to travel.

• Silversea offers intimate, ultra-luxury expeditions with butler service in every suite, enrichment programs led by experts, and the ability to sail deeper into the fjords.

• HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is ideal for the bold and curious — with rugged itineraries, Zodiac landings, and a strong focus on sustainability and science.

3. Land-Only Alaska

Not into cruising? There’s still magic.
We work with land-only partners like Tauck, Insight Vacations, and Trafalgar, who offer guided adventures through the Alaskan interior — all the grandeur, none of the sailing.

Travel by coach, rail, or small group — stopping in native villages, wild sanctuaries, and places that feel like the edge of the world. With local guides, curated experiences, and effortless planning, these journeys let you simply show up and be present.

4. Extend the Journey: The Rocky Mountaineer

Pair your Alaska experience with one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

Wind through Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, dine on gourmet meals while mountains unfold around you, and stay overnight in iconic alpine towns.

This is slow luxury in motion — and the perfect bookend to your Alaskan adventure.

Every traveler’s version of Alaska is different — but the key is choosing the partner that matches your style, your pace, and your sense of wonder.

That’s where we come in.

Let’s design your Alaska — your way.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you're drawn to the wild quiet of Denali or the icy elegance of the Inside Passage, we’ll help you choose the route — and the rhythm — that feels most like you.

✨ Click here to schedule your complimentary planning call, or submit your travel inquiry form. Let’s craft the kind of journey that stays with you, long after the glaciers have faded from view.

Slo Luxe Travel Design
Unhurried. Unforgettable. Uniquely yours.