We went on our first cruise in 2004 — to celebrate a special birthday. We enjoyed it so much we then chose the same cruise in 2010 to celebrate our 25th wedding Anniversary: Coral Princess – Alaska cruise. But this time we went the other direction — from Whittier down to Vancouver.
Peter Ould and his wife Mary stand aboard Coral Princess, while the majestic Marjorie Glacier rests in the background.
We may have sailed this route before but the glaciers are something you could never tire of. That first glimpse of the pale blue glow with moraine streaks running through. The shapes, the lines of frozen flow, white but not white, the glittering sparkle of sunlight as it glistens on the ice, highlighting the shadows of crevices. The sea reflects these images and absorbs the colours from the glaciers mixing these with the sun and sky – blues, green and purples. Such a breathtaking sight.
The marvel of this cruise is that it isn’t one place or one day — Hubbard Glacier and then Glacier Bay – two days of awe inspiring images and an amazing sense of peace even though you are on a ship with 1900+ people. We stood on deck sharing these sights with strangers, enjoying together the vastness and the tranquility of the area.
Mary Ould enjoying a nice glass of champagne on the first formal evening.
That first day in the Hubbard Glacier area, when we were already mesmerized by such incredible beauty, ended with the first formal evening — and the champagne waterfall. The splendor of the Coral’s atrium, the sparkle of champagne and the rich colours and glitter of evening dresses still cannot compare to the richness of nature in Alaska’s glacier region. It was however a fitting way to relax after such a wonderful day, knowing that these rich experiences of nature were to be repeated the following day in Glacier Bay.
Not only astounding images expand your mind on this trip, as at this point the Glacier Bay Park Rangers came onboard to advise passengers on the natural phenomena of the area. The narration provided an excellent opportunity to learn about the Park’s future and the effects that global warming will have on the glaciers.
In Glacier Bay, we stood at the front of the ship, taking in the beauty of Marjorie Glacier from all angles as the ship stopped and slowly spun around to give everyone a great view of this spectacular piece of ice.
One of the many magnificent sweeping vistas in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
It was good to see the ship’s crew — on the bridge — also spellbound by the magnificence of the scene. The glimmering brilliance of this place made me think the captain up there looked like a big brown bear! OH! It was a brown bear … a very large toy bear with a Coral Princess cap on!
Over the next few days, we traveled down towards Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan we got further glimpses of snow covered peaks with the shadows and gleam of more glaciers in the distance.
Although nothing else on this journey could match the sights of the Glaciers, we did, however, enjoy stops at splendid Skagway — a lovely, friendly town with that “must do” trip on the White Pass and Yukon railway – then the state capitol of Juneau, and finally fascinating Ketchikan.
Everything about our enchanting anniversary cruise was a dream come true and we discovered that when it comes to glaciers you can never get too much of a good thing!
The stunning view of the John Hopkins Fjord and Glacier.
The bear on the bridge.
We are on a 7 day cruise on island princess to Alaska, Voyage of the glaciers.Has anyone been on this vessel is going on this cruise on 4th July 2012? Any comments. Would appreciate yr reply.
We are booked on the Coral Princess for Sept 2012. We were told guys could get by on the formal night with nice slacks and a sweater, is this true? Does the ship take you up close & personal to the glaciers? We are trying to decide whether to do a shore excursion for Misty Fjord, does the ship go close to it? Any suggestions for Skagway excursions, we like wildlife & scenery? We’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary & this will be our once in a lifetime trip. Thanks
A travel agent is not deneed. You can book with the cruise line direct and get the same deal. If only going for a 7 day cruise then either Norwegian.com or Princess.com have the best fares. If thinking of a cruisetour then just Pricess offers then overall deal. I have been to Alaska on 10 cruises and only used a travel agent once. Most travel agents only know what they are told or read. The cruise lines runs the cruises.
My day in glacier Bay started of the day seeing a pod of Killer whales from my balcony ,
then sailing up the Bay, saw seals and pengiuns on the ice flows, a big bear ambling along the shore, Eagles taking off from their nests and doing a soring dance in the sky , I just sat on my balcony all day in sheer wonderment.
45 yr Dream come true for me and my HS travel buddy, WE also are in the 1951Birthday club, first time cruisers and I turn 60 in Glacier Bay( 9/5) -Thinking about a nice Ultimate Balcony dinner on the Coral Princess – Anyone heard anything about that experience? How do I order? Also, I am looking for an example of the daily on board paper. I have no idea what to expect and that IS Adventurous for me LOL. Land first for us -then Cruise on Sept 3. Whoo Hoo- Can not wait!!!
Hello All! These pictures and story are so wonderful! Thanks for sharing your adventure! We have our FIRST cruise scheduled on September 10 to tour Alaska (Vancouver-Whittier) on the Coral Princess. Looks like that’s the time of year you went so was wondering if anyone has clothing suggestions for this time of year? Also, traveling with two who refuse to take suits on vacation so it looks like formal dining will not be on our agenda. ;-( Where do you dine on formal nights if you are wearing casual (possibly jeans) clothing? Is there a 24 hour buffet on the Coral Princess and if so where is it? I know we won’t ‘starve’ but having never cruised I know nothing about any of the procedures and protocols. I guess not taking formal attire will leave more space in the suitcase for other items. If you can’t wear jeans to dinner it looks like 2 outfits are needed for some days anyway depending on what excursions are chosen. Which brings to mind another question…any recommendations on the excursions? My apologies if I got to lengthy – new to all of this…Thanks in advance for your input!
Hi Rebecca,
We recommend packing to have the ability to dress in layers to be prepared for everything from sunny afternoons to chilly nights. Formal attire is not required for the Horizon Court(our 24-hour buffet, located on the Lido deck). Also 24-hour room service is also available. (Also, the Pizzeria is open until 5:00pm and the Burger & Hotdog Grill is open until 6:00pm daily.)
There are so many excursions to choose from in Alaska! Our most popular tours during your cruise are: Totem Bight State Park & Lumberjack Show Combo (Ketchikan), Any of the Mendenhall Glacier excursions (Juneau), White Pass Scenic Railway (Skagway), and Enchanting Butchart Gardens (Victoria).
Happy planning!
Hi Rebecca,
We visited Alaska on the Diamond Princess in 2009. We also totally enjoyed the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway along with the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Along with the Mendenhall Glacier, we added on a whale watching excursion in Auke Bay while in Juneau. We went to the Mendenhall Glacier first, and then we went on a whale watching excursion. Auke Bay was gorgeous, and we saw around 25-30 whales that day. They even placed a microphone in the water, and we got to listen to them sing. This was in July, so I don’t know how many are still there in September, but we really enjoyed it. You will enjoy your trip to Alaska no matter what you do!!!!
I have been on the Alaskan cruise 3 times now…….and all I can say is that it is wonderful…Whether you do the Whittier to Vancouver or the Seattle to Seattle cruise. I loved it so much that I moved here…..
My son, daughter-in-law and I are going on a cruise to Alaska in August. Any advice about clothes to take at that time of year. How many formal dinners do they have for the 11-13 day trip?
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi Joyce,
Alaska is an amazing destination! In Alaska the average temperature in August is 63-48 degrees.
We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions. Also, dressing in layers is always a good option. Our Alaska cruises are 7 days, 10 days or 14 days. For a 7 and 10day cruise there are 2 formal nights on a 14 day cruise there are 4 formal nights.
Alaska is so beautiful! We just returned and I was cold the entire trip! Luckily I prepared by dressing in layers, jackets and gloves! The temps will be a little bit cooler while you are on your adventure. So much beauty that the cold won’t matter! Wishing you a blast!
We are on the Diamond in May , my Wife spotted this one in the Information Princess send us
last year . I build the rest of our Tour around this Cruise like Denali Mout Mc Kinley
Rocky Mountaineer and Vancouver Island . In the Past we have only cruised in the South Pacific ,we are looking foreward to this one like Children for Santa .
We hope it is like the 3 Cruises we had around NZ Fantastic!!!!
Hi Kurt
We are sailing on the Dawn Princess to New Zealand in December 2011.
Any tips you can give me especially regarding shore tours.
Thanks
Hi Kurt. We are also going on the Diamond in May. (21st) southbound. You aren’t from RO are you?
I am leaving to do a similar cruise but from Vancouver to Anchorage on the 20th August. A dream for 50 yeas. From what I have read I know it will be just amazing. Cannot believe it. Colleagues have shown me their pictures and soon I will be sharing mine. Still cannot believe it. A dream will come true.
We are looking forward to our Alaskan cruise in May 2011 . We have done new Zealand Fjords on the Star Princess and Antarctica on the Golden Princess but can never get enough of the magnificant beauty of snow capped mountains and glaciers , they elevate your whole being to a peace unexplainable . And your right about the staff and crew onboard Princess , they absolutely are a part of the whole experience on board . Look forward to meeting cap’t Bear .
My husband and I along with two other couples (best friends) were lucky to do a 24 day Rockies & Voyage of the Glaciers holiday in August 2009. We sailed on the Coral Princess from Whittier to Vancouver and it was one of the best holidays we have ever had. Our bucket list has this tour marked again as once is definately not enough it is a MUST.
My husband and I are doing a land tour then cruise on Diamond Princess thru Alaska and into Canada starting 29th May 2011.We have cruised with Princess once before so know it will be special.Very excited.Can’t wait to see the glaciers.
we leave Sydney on the 23rd July for our Alaskan cruise. Tick, another dream done…
We did the gulf of alaska cruise and denali trip in sep 2011 and it was truly magnificent! great weather awe inspiring scenery and the crew of the Island Princess were fantastic. My husband and i will be cruising on sea princess to New zealand next year and we can’t wait, but we certainly would like to do an alaskan cruise again.
We are planning on an Alaska cruise next year, just trying to decide on the land tour part. In Aug we are going on our 1st ever cruise to Asia on Sun Princess. Can’t wait am really looking forward to it. Just need to get our Alaska one settled & booked, so we dont miss out, really enjoyed reading about your cruise.
Hire a car in Anchorage and tour the Kenai peninsula ending up in Homer. Allow about a week. Fabulous.
My wife and I celebrate our 15th anniversary on the first night of our cruise on the Island Princess leaving Whittier mid-September followed by her birthday the next day at Hubbard glacier.
This will be our first Princess cruise and we’re certainly looking forward to it !
My husband and I are celebrating our 25th in September and will be cruising to Alaska on Princess at that time. i am thinking of surprising him by making reservations to have our vows renewed. Any suggestions??? I’ve read somewhere that it is with a group of people and I was looking for something a little more personal.
Hi Brenda we re-newed our 25th Anniversary last year in Alaska and no you don’t have to do it with a group of people,but when booking they said they couldn’t gaurantee what day it would be on and how many people would be re-newing and you couldn’t get your money back,but that was no good for us as we wanted to re-new 25 yrs from the 1st time we got married.So we left it and then when we got on board the ship I went to reception and asked them and explained that it had to be on the 1/6 as that was the date we 1st got married 25yrs ago and we didn’t want to re-new with strangers they spoke to the captain and he agreed to do it and it was very emotional day and personal and very special so please wait till you get on board and just ask and I’m sure they will try to accommodate you both good luck.Ester.
My husband and I did the Rocky Mountains and Alaska Cruise in 2010 to celebrate our Golden Wedding. What a fabulous time we had. Everything was perfect. It was our first cruise and we enjoyed it so much we are off again in 5 weeks time with Princess to Beijing for a few days then cruising to Alaska. Can’t wait.
My friend and I are booked on the Diamond Princess leaving Bejing on May 6 cruising to Vancouver, we are really looking forward to it. My first Princess cruise was a 35 night cruise Syd to Syd Hawaii & Tahiti cruise and loved every minute.Maybe we will meet up somewhere on board.
Reading this brought back memories,like you we went on our 1st Princess Cruise in 2006 to Celebrate my 50th and now we go every year with Princess Cruises.We also went to Alaska May 2010 to Celebrate our 25th wedding Anniversay and we also renewed our Wedding Vows and what a fantastic place to do it and I would love to go back again at some stage,but we are off to Hawill with Golden Princess in September to Celebrate my husbands 60th and we can’t wait.Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
Wow, I cannot believe it has been a year yesterday since we sailed on the Dawn Princess for a 35 night cruise return to Hawaii. What memories we have so much so we sailed the Diamond in December 2010 out of Singapore to Sydney. Great way to see some of OZ we had never been. We are now it the process of planning our trip to Canada for next year which is a dream holiday for me, this cruising is certainly addictive well holidays in general are addictive.
If you have any good tips on what trips to do would be fantastic, as it would help us to decide when booking for any tours.
We just made our reservations for Jun on the Diamond to celebrate our 30th. We are getting more excited every day. We have heard from many people that cruising Alaska is the best.
We also planning for next year to celebrate our 50 golden anniversary, so looking forward to it. sounds wonderfull. Have been to Norway and expect this will be much more. Thankyou for your information.
The Alaska trip looks fantastic, I’ve been thinking about going, your experiance has made my mind up, Thanks for sharing the wonderful time
Fab pictures, I am off to Alaska in May 2011 for my 50th with my best friend, who is also celebrating her 50th this year, so a very special trip for us. Cant wait, only 8 weeks left to go, must not forget the camera. It’s our first cruise and hopefully not the last.
Hi; my wife and I are going on an Alaska cruise also in May; for our 25th. We’ll be on the Diamond. Really enjoy reading about experiences in Alaska on these cruises. We can not wait to go. Best wish’s to you and your friend on your cruise.
Excellent read
we also are on the Diamond in may 2011 for the Beijing/alsaka cruise,
now it’s even more exciting
Viewing your pictures brings back lots of memories from hours spent marveling at the wonder of Glacier Bay! Just spectacular!
We are planning to take an Alaska cruise next year and would also like to include a road/rail tour holiday could stretch around 18 days. what is your recommendation. We have been considering making an Alskan cruise for quite a whiles. We normally cruise with P&O but they do not cover Alaska
We are on an Alaskan cruise with Princess in Aug, 7 days, Hubbard Glacier, Inside Passage etc. Pre the cruise we are going to Denali. Princess have their own wilderness lodges and their own train. You can vary the number of lodges that you visit and the number of nights. It looks spectacular and we are really looking forward to it. Can recommend Princess cruises. Just booked the Caribbean for 2013 with the family for my 60th.
Many thanks, Peter, for sharing your special time in Glacier Bay. It’s a remarkable place everyone should have on their travel bucket list!