My suitcase has been pulled and packing has begun. I am SO ready to go! It has been far too long since I’ve been onboard a cruise ship and even with the precautions set in place, I’m ready!

Flights have been booked, fortunately I have a short flight so I can fly in the day of the cruise. For those who haven’t cruised, or don’t cruise often, I highly recommend that if you are flying in for a cruise, fly in the day before. This allows peace of mind in case of travel delays or missed flights. The only time I fly in the day of a cruise departure is if my flights are 3 hours or less and I can get an early morning flight. It’s just not worth the stress to fly in same day when you have a long flight.

Excursions are booked. My husband and I went on an Inside Passage cruise a few years back so this time I’m doing different excursions than we did then. Because the cruise lines have received a temporary override and we are able to skip Canada in order to sail (Canada’s borders are still closed at the moment), Princess Cruises added Glacier Bay cruising to the itinerary. In order to accommodate, they changed the order. When we went last time, it was Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria. This time it’s Juneau, Skagway, scenic cruising of Glacier Bay then Ketchikan.

For Juneau, I’ve booked whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier. This tour will be with a professional photographer so he’ll be able to give tips/tricks on getting great scenic views of the glacier (this one does not walk on the glacier), and catching great wildlife photos. I love taking photos, even when I travel I haul all my lenses with me so I look forward to this!

Skagway I have booked two excursions. Last time we did the train to the summit and back to town. Great views up the hills, but since we did that, I’m taking a tour that is a ride up the Klondike Summit with view shots. I will be curious to see how the road views differ from those on the train. The second excursion will be an Alaska Nature and Wildlife Expedition. It will include a ferry ride to Haines then a mini bus ride along the river looking for wildlife and then a short hike near Chilkoot Lake. Here’s hoping we luck into some amazing wildlife!

And lastly, Ketchikan, I will be going on a ‘Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer Cruise’ which will be all about looking for wildlife such as bald eagles, seals etc.

I am looking forward to heading back to Alaska and seeing new areas on my excursions. Naturally, I’ll post along the way! Follow my page so you don’t miss the excitement of cruising again!

Stay tuned!