Alaska in All Its Glory
A Viking Journey Through the Inside Passage
When you picture Alaska, it’s often the raw grandeur that comes to mind — glaciers calving into icy fjords, bald eagles soaring above pine-covered mountains, and the quiet stillness of nature at its most powerful. Yet, as Tania from our Wanderlust Travel Experts support team discovered, Alaska is also a destination of exquisite contrasts — where wilderness meets warmth, and adventure unfolds in extraordinary comfort.
Her 11-day voyage aboard Viking Orion, sailing from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada, revealed a world where every day brought a new story, a new landscape, and a new reason to fall in love with this remarkable corner of the world.
A Seamless Way to Experience Alaska
Viking’s approach to cruising is refreshingly different. Designed exclusively for guests aged 18 and over, with no casinos and no formal dress codes, it offers a refined atmosphere that focuses on discovery rather than distraction. The result is an experience that feels unhurried, elegant, and deeply immersive.
Life onboard Viking Orion blends understated luxury with thoughtful touches. Spacious staterooms, all with private verandas, invite you to watch the ever-changing scenery in quiet comfort. Dining is a highlight, with a choice of venues including Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, both complimentary and celebrated for their impeccable service and creative menus.
As Tania observed, these specialty restaurants are in high demand, so it’s worth making reservations early to secure your preferred dining times. Evenings often concluded with relaxed conversations over beautifully plated meals — and on one memorable night, guests were treated to Viking’s signature Chocolate Buffet, a once-per-cruise indulgence that’s eagerly anticipated by those in the know.
It’s a ship designed for those who value calm sophistication — and for travellers who prefer cultural enrichment over constant entertainment.
From Glaciers to Gold Rush Towns
The journey began in Seward, a coastal town framed by dramatic peaks and glacial waters. It’s the gateway to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, where sea life thrives and salmon begin their incredible migration upriver in mid-June. From here, the voyage traced the rugged coastline South through some of the most spectacular waterways in the world.
In Valdez, the spirit of the gold rush lives on through its fascinating museums and friendly locals, a place where small-town Alaska feels authentic and welcoming. As the ship continued through Disenchantment Bay, the landscape turned ethereal — walls of blue ice rising high above the water, the soft sound of ice fragments drifting past the hull. It’s a moment that stays with you long after you’ve sailed away.
Further along the coast, Icy Strait Point delivered an unforgettable combination of culture and natural wonder. Gondolas climb to sweeping viewpoints, whales breach in the bay, and the old cannery has been lovingly transformed into boutique shops and cafés. Encounters with wildlife here are common — a reminder that in Alaska, the wilderness is never far away.
Skagway Township
The historic town of Skagway offered another glimpse into the state’s colourful past. Once the bustling gateway to the Yukon and the Klondike goldfields, its wooden boardwalks and restored shopfronts evoke a sense of adventure that feels almost cinematic. Many travellers journey along the White Pass and Yukon Route, tracing the trail of those who once chased fortune in this unforgiving land.
Every port revealed another dimension of Alaska’s character — from Juneau’s glacier-crowned vistas to Sitka’s proud Tlingit heritage and volcanic backdrops. And then there was Ketchikan, a vibrant harbour town where Creek Street’s wooden houses perch on stilts above the water. Here, the rhythm of daily life is intertwined with nature — especially in nearby Herring Creek, where bears and bald eagles gather when the salmon are running.
Creek Street
Finally, the voyage glided through the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most scenic waterways. The calm seas, mirror-like reflections, and endless forested slopes created a fitting finale before arriving in cosmopolitan Vancouver, a city that perfectly bridges wilderness and urban sophistication.
Travel Insights from the Journey
Timing is everything in Alaska. Tania recommends travelling in July, when the salmon run peaks and wildlife sightings are at their best. “We were lucky to see the early arrivals in Seward,” she noted, “but just a few weeks later, the bears are more active and the rivers come alive.”
Layers are essential too — even in summer, temperatures can drop sharply as you near the glaciers. A lightweight waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes will ensure you’re ready for both shore excursions and spontaneous wildlife encounters.
Hubbard Glacier
Why Choose Viking for Alaska
Viking’s itineraries through Alaska and the Inside Passage capture the region’s essence with quiet confidence. Each port features an included shore excursion, allowing guests to discover local culture and history without added cost, while optional tours offer even deeper exploration — from kayaking near glaciers to flightseeing over mountain ranges.
What sets Viking apart, though, is the way it balances exploration with ease. You unpack once, yet each day brings a new horizon. The inclusions are generous, the service intuitive, and the focus unwaveringly on connection — to place, to people, and to the experience itself.
Your Own Alaskan Story Awaits
Tania’s journey was a reminder of why Alaska continues to inspire travellers year after year. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity and invites reflection — a land of immense beauty where every day reveals something extraordinary.
If you’ve ever dreamed of watching glaciers calve into turquoise waters, tracing the footsteps of the gold rush pioneers, or spotting bears and whales in their natural habitat, now is the time to make it a reality.
Talk to your Wanderlust Travel Expert about Viking’s Alaska itineraries and discover how you can experience the Inside Passage in comfort and style — just as Tania did. Because some journeys aren’t just holidays; they’re the kind of experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.