Sunday 6th September 2026
Seattle
The start of our adventure on an Alaskan cruise with our good friends Ann and David.
Early start for our flight to Seattle. Lee (Platinum Travel) picked us up in the mini bus for the journey to Heathrow. Great flight with BA, good seats, food, entertainment and service. We were picked up in a minibus from the airport for the short transfer to our hotel. 4 points by Sheraton was a typical airport hotel, a little run down, however lovely big room and bathroom. After dropping off our cases we strolled to the train station and took the light railway into downtown Seattle. A bargain at just $3 each way for a 45-minute journey.
We strolled to the iconic Pike Street Market where we saw the iconic flying fish stall, which is actually just fishmonger throwing salmon to each other! We found a bar overlooking the waterfront where we could see the pier our ship would leave from and enjoyed a couple of drinks. Another stroll and another bar at Miners’ Landing in the glorious sunshine. Although we only had a very brief experience of Seattle we liked what we saw. We then went back to the hotel as an early start had left us completely exhausted.
Monday 7th September 2026
Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, we left to board our cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II. Short transfer to the port, through Seattle and then we walked straight onto the ship, a very sleek boarding procedure. Once on board, after dropping off our bags, we met in the Golden Lion for our first onboard drinks. After unpacking we joined the sail away party on the Lido deck. Lovely warm sunshine and ice-cold champagne as we waved goodbye to Seattle.
In the evening, we ate in the Steakhouse, excellent food and service. This was part of a package of three speciality meals we had bought before boarding. It had been a long day so a quick nightcap in the Commodores Lounge (Crow’s nest) before an early night.
Tuesday 8th September 2026
Sea Day
Leisurely cruise up the coast towards Alaska. Nik and I started the day with coffee and croissants in the Carinthia Cafe. We then explored the ship. We attended two talks one on ports and the other on wildlife. The wildlife one was excellent and the icing on the cake was we saw our first whale breaching from our balcony, unfortunately too quick for a photo! Lunch was in the Golden Lion again, followed by a music quiz which was great fun. Time for a siesta before getting glammed up for Ice White Gala night. We met for pre-dinner drinks in the Commodores lounge and were treated to a view of whales from the windows. Dinner was in the MDR which was very good.
9th September 2026
Wrangell
Disembarked at 12 noon. Wrangell is the main town of the island with the same name. It is a very cute little frontier town. Fabulous trip on old school bus with a knowledgeable local guide. The tour took in the highlights of Wrangell, the museum, harbour, Chief Shakes’ house, Airport and Petro Glyphic beach, ending in drinks at Reyme’s bar, which had a very authentic American rustic charm. Saw lots of deer today.
Back onboard for pre-dinner drinks in the Commodore’s and dinner in the MDR.
10 September 2026
Juneau
The state capital of Alaska, Juneau - only accessible by sea or air.
Ann and David had booked a whale watching tour via the ship. But we decided to do our own thing by using an AI itinerary. We had a brief stroll around the downtown area and then boarded a coach for the Mendenhall Glacier about a 30-minute drive from downtown. The glacier was breathtaking. We walked the trail to Nugget Falls which were spectacular. We also walked Steep Creek Trail as that was where bears could possibly be seen. We didn’t see any bears but saw some dead salmon so they had been there. On our way to the visitor centre, we saw a bald eagle chilling in a tree. Bit far away to get a good picture but was amazing through my bargain Amazon binoculars!
Our driver Aidan recommended street food at Deck Hand Dave’s for lunch. We had salmon tacos which were excellent with a beer for Nik and hard Seltzer for me. Great experience eating outside. But I think I’ll pass on the hard Seltzer next time!
Final experience of the day in Juneau, whale watching. We were very lucky and saw a group of around 15 humpback whales. Even got to witness them bubble net fishing, which was an amazing spectacle.
11th September 2026
Skagway
As we walked around the deck before heading out we saw two sea otters fishing in the harbour. Probably an adult and youngster as the bigger otter seemed happy to share its catch. The town of Skagway is really just one street of tourist shops in a frontier gold rush style, but some interesting museums.
In the afternoon we went on the White Pass Railway up on the Yukon trail, which was very scenic. Drinks and a bite to eat in the Golden Lion before getting ready for our box experience in the theatre. The show was called ‘Come from Away’ and was inspired by the generosity of the people of Gander in Newfoundland who welcomed grounded passengers into their community in the aftermath of 9/11. It was excellent and enhanced by being in a box with champagne and mini desserts. The icing on the cake was a spectacular display of the Northern Lights from our balcony.
12th September 2026
Hubbard Glacier
Relaxing breakfast in bed, before heading out to the talks on Sitka and Ketchikan.
The scenic sail at the Hubbard Glacier was amazing, stunningly beautiful. The commentary by the onboard naturalist gave us lots of interesting information. But it was very cold, so a rum hot chocolate was needed to warm us up!
Unfortunately, I’d come down with a cold, so was feeling a bit rough. An afternoon nap for a couple of hours was necessary to try and beat the cold.
In the evening, we ate in Coriander which was the pop-up Indian restaurant onboard. Stunning food, but an early night for me as still feeling a bit rough. This was the second of the speciality restaurants we had pre-booked.
13th September 2026
Sitka
After breakfast we caught the shuttle bus into Sitka. Lovely stroll around the National Park where we were lucky enough to see the salmon running, but sadly no bears. On to Ernie’s bar which allegedly serves the best duck farts in Alaska! We tried a duck fart and a duck shart!!!!
In the afternoon we took a tour, the Sitka express and fortress of the bear. We got to see brown and black bears who had been orphaned and now live in a sanctuary. Unfortunately, there is no rehabilitation and release program, so they will live in captivity forever.
14th September 2026
Ketchikan
Started our day with a waterfront and wildlife tour. We saw bald eagles, seals, sea lions and but sadly no bears or whales. Ketchikan was very busy with 5 cruise ships in town. We strolled around town and walked up the famous Creek Street where the salmon were running hoping to spot a bear. Unfortunately, we had just missed a bear, it was there an hour earlier. We decided to have a traditional Alaskan lunch, Nik and I shared fish tacos and fish and chips, Ann and David had a spider crab leg with chips and chowder. We went for one last stroll around the town, where I sampled fireweed and honey ice cream, which was very tasty.
After dinner Nik and I went to see The Barricade Boys in the theatre. A quartet of singers with a musical theatre background, who sang a variety of different songs and were excellent.
15th September 2026
Sea Day
After a leisurely breakfast we attend a port talk to help us plan our last shore day in Victoria. Afterwards the onboard naturalist Rachel gave a fascinating talk about Orca’s and British Columbia’s unique wildlife. Another beautiful sunny day, we have been truly blessed on this cruise. A stroll around the deck before meeting Ann & David in the pub. We did the music trivia quiz and scored a very respectable 33/43.
Highlight of our day was the Alaskan themed champagne afternoon tea; it was scrummy. Few more cocktails in the Commodore’s lounge before changing for our final gala night- the masquerade ball. We were still so stuffed from afternoon tea we had a liquid dinner! Managed to see the show in the theatre which was themed around artistes from London performed by the resident theatre group, it was very good. Night cap in the midship bar, but Nik and I got distracted by the yacht club disco and had one more drink and a bit of a boogie.
16th September 2026
Victoria, British Columbia
We left the ship at 10am and took a leisurely stroll down Dallas Street to downtown. We stopped enroute at Fisherman’s Wharf which is a quaint area of floating colourful house boats, bars and restaurants. Then onto downtown taking in the sights of the Government Building, Empress hotel and the BC museum. Victoria is very colourful with beautiful floral displays. We carried on up Government Street to China town. And wandered down the very narrow Fan Tan Alley. We wandered back down the waterfront and stopped in the brilliant sunshine for a refreshments, none of us could face alcohol after the previous day’s excesses!
The final leg of our circular tour included Beacon Hill Park and then back along Dallas Road beside the sea. During our walk we were lucky enough to see a pod of four orcas in the bay, at Ogden Point. On the rocky path we saw a melanistic garter snake which is native to Vancouver Island. Final stop was a waterfront cafe for drinks and a bite to eat in the brilliant sunshine. On our stroll back to the ship, we saw a sea otter with 2 pups, fishing and playing. 22,000 steps today!
Back onboard for our last afternoon drink in the pub before packing.
Last supper in the MDR and last drinks in the Commodore’s Lounge. We caught a bit of the last set of the Barricade Boys in the Queen’s Room and bid Dominic our wonderful bar tender from the Golden Lion goodbye before turning in for the night.
17th September 2026
Disembarkation Seattle
Arrived at Pier 91 so a little further to the airport. Arrived at Seattle airport in plenty of time for our 13.30pm BA flight back to Heathrow. Once at Heathrow we were met by Lee for our journey home.
Alaska and the Queen Elizabeth II really exceeded our expectations. Fabulous holiday, wonderful memories, shared with good friends.
Add comment
Comments