Our Cruise Itinerary by Day
| Cruise Itinerary | Arrive | Depart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 MAY | SEATTLE, WASHINGTON | 4:00 PM | |
| 25 MAY | CRUISING | ||
| 26 MAY | ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE | ||
| 26 MAY | JUNEAU, ALASKA | 12:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 27 MAY | SKAGWAY, ALASKA | 7:00 AM | 8:30 PM |
| 28 MAY | ENDICOTT ARM & DAWES GLACIER | 7:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 29 MAY | VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 30 MAY | CRUISING | ||
| 31 MAY | SEATTLE, WASHINGTON | 4:30 AM |
There are several different itineraries for travelling to Alaska by cruise, but simply there is the inside passage starting from either Vancouver or Seattle, or the northbound or southbound and adding a land portion from Anchorage. On my last cruise to Alaska, (this was my 3rd, and definately not my last), I chose to leave from Seattle aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The ship is massive, although not the largest. So why did I chose such a large ship, 2 main reasons; 1) we were travelling in the spring to Alaska so I expected there would be some inclement weather so I wanted lots of indoor activities; 2) I was travelling with my 7 year old son and we are both quite active so I wanted a ship with lots of bells and whistles in terms of fun. The ship did not disappoint.
Royal Caribbean, Ovation of the Seas
Indoors, when the weather was inclement, there was plenty to do. We found ourselves at the Seaplex section, complete with bumper cars and a roller skating rink.
Pools
It was great to have both an indoor and outdoor option for both families with kids, as well as the adults-only section.
North Star
You also have the unique ability to board the North Star, which allows you a 360-degree view to a height of 300 feet above sea level.
Dining – Wonderland Restaurant
Your experience starts with your blank menu, which needs to be activated by a paint brush and water.
Chef’s Table
Without a doubt this was my favourite meal of the cruise.
The advantages of the larger ship is definitely lots of different activities to appeal to more people. There are so many opportunities to try so many things you may not otherwise or introduce your kids to, such as rollerskating, bumper cars, rock climbing, circus school or iFly. You do have to pack your patience as there are a lot of line ups. What was interesting though is while we were waiting for our turn, you are watching the people in the bumper cars, which is entertaining and becomes a show in itself. As well you build up a comradery among those you are waiting with and eventually on the rink with. The larger ship also affords for so many different dining options. Though the specialty restaurants are not included, I feel were worth the extra cost and really enhanced the experience. The ship is really logically designed and we were able to navigate the ship rather easily. There were times when the main promenade was quite crowded, but there are plenty of alternate locations to find some space. I love the experience so much that I’m looking forward to trying some of the even larger ships such as the Symphony, Harmony, Allure and Oasis of the Seas.
Our Ports
Juneau, Alaska
Panning for Gold Excursion
Haines
Haines, Mosquito Lake, Kroschel Films Wildlife Centre
Without a doubt one of the best excursions we did. You go to get upclose with wildlife. Meet Steve Kroschel, a film maker and firstclass showman. I even kissed a moose!
Port, Victoria, B.C.
In Victoria, we decided to go independently as there wasn’t a tour including what I wanted to see and do which was see Butchart Gardens, and have High Tea at the Fairmont Royal Empress Hotel. I hadn’t recalled how far of a drive Butchart Gardens was from downtown Victoria, (nearly an hour), which really shortened our time at the gardens. In retrospect we could have had High Tea at Butchart Gardens, however I don’t think it would have been the same experience. In the end, our day was rushed, but we did get to experience two things that were important to me, and it was well worth the effort.
Butchart Gardens
Victoria, B.C. High Tea at the Fairmont Royal Empress Hotel
Loved this experience.
