Sailing Through the Last Frontier: My Royal Caribbean Alaska Adventure

Pre & post-cruise stays

Since our cruise departed from Seattle, WA, and we live in California, we arrived the morning of our embarkation. We took a later flight, which gave us time to explore Pike Place Market, grab some delicious seafood and visit the Space Needle before boarding the ship.

After the cruise, we opted for a later flight home, which gave us extra time to explore more of Seattle before heading to the airport. If you have extra time, spending another night in the city is also a great way to unwind before heading back to reality.

Essentials to bring

Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about layers! The weather can change quickly, so we brought:

• Waterproof jacket – A must-have for rainy port days.

• Warm layers (fleece, sweaters, thermals) – Mornings and evenings can be chilly. Comfortable

• Walking shoes — You’ll be exploring towns and possibly hiking.

• Binoculars – Perfect for spotting whales, eagles and bears.

• Gloves and a hat — It gets cold on deck when viewing glaciers.

• Swimsuit – Yes, even for Alaska! The ship has hot tubs and an indoor pool.

The ship – Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas

• The Quantum of the Seas is a high-tech, adventure-packed ship with plenty to do on sea days. Some highlights:

• Dining: A mix of complimentary and specialty restaurants, including Windjammer buffet, the elegant Main Dining Room, Chops Grille (steakhouse) and Jamie’s Italian.

• Ship Layout & Amenities: The ship features an indoor solarium (perfect for chilly Alaska days), a casino, rock climbing wall, skydiving simulator (RipCord by iFly) and the North Star observation capsule for breathtaking views.

• Spa & Relaxation: The Vitality Spa offers treatments, and there’s an adults-only Solarium with hot tubs for a quiet escape.

Entertainment & activities

• Live Shows: Broadway-style performances, comedy shows and live music at various venues.

• Adventure Activities: Bumper cars, the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing and even skydiving at sea!

• For Kids & Families: Adventure Ocean Kids Club, a teen lounge and an arcade.

Port calls & excursions

• Each stop on this Alaska Glacier Cruise was packed with incredible sights and experiences:

• Ketchikan, AK: We explored the famous Creek Street, watched the salmon run and took a boat tour through the Misty Fjords.

• Sitka, AK: A beautiful coastal town with a mix of Russian and Alaskan history. We visited Sitka National Historical Park and saw bald eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center.

• Juneau, AK: We toured the adorable town and did some shopping.

• Victoria, BC: A charming Canadian stop where we saw the city on a cute pedibike, where our driver told us all about the town.

An Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean is a bucket-list experience, offering breathtaking glaciers, incredible wildlife and unforgettable excursions. The best time to sail is June–July for peak wildlife viewing, but May and September offer fewer crowds and lower prices. First-time cruisers should pack in layers, book excursions early and opt for a balcony cabin for unbeatable views. Must-do activities include North Star’s 360° observation pod, whale watching in Juneau, exploring Misty Fjords in Ketchikan and seeing bald eagles in Sitka. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just want a scenic escape, this cruise is the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.