Discover why Alaska belongs on so many travel bucket lists—from breathtaking glaciers and mountain scenery to incredible wildlife and rich Indigenous cultures. Explore ways to experience it, whether as a couple, with family and friends, or on a group adventure. Ready to turn “someday” into a plan? Join Barefoot Travel’s August 2027 Alaska cruise with Holland America.
Some holidays promise sunshine and relaxation. Alaska promises moments that make you stop, look around and say, “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Perhaps it’s your first glimpse of a glacier, a whale surfacing nearby, or mountains rising above the water as you enjoy your morning coffee. Alaska offers a sense of scale and wonder that photographs can only begin to capture.
For anyone who loves nature, wildlife and exploring somewhere different, it’s easy to understand why this destination earns a place on so many bucket lists.
What Will You See in Alaska?
Scenery that becomes part of the holiday
In Alaska, the journey itself is a highlight. Along the Inside Passage, forested islands, coastal communities and mountain scenery give you plenty of reasons to spend time outside with your camera—or simply sit and take it all in.
There’s something lovely about having nowhere else you need to be while the scenery changes around you.
Glaciers that put everything into perspective
Seeing a glacier is one of Alaska’s signature experiences. From the water, you begin to appreciate the size, texture and colours of these enormous rivers of ice.
Your itinerary matters here. Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier and other glacier-viewing areas offer different experiences, so choosing a cruise involves more than comparing ships and prices. Holland America offers a variety of Alaska sailings with glacier viewing, including itineraries visiting Glacier Bay.
Wildlife in its natural surroundings
Whales, bears and bald eagles are among the wildlife travellers hope to see in Southeast Alaska. Wildlife excursions can add another dimension to your visit, whether you’re heading out on the water or exploring with a local guide. Sightings are never guaranteed, which makes those unexpected encounters especially memorable.
My advice? Keep your binoculars nearby—and remember to put the camera down occasionally so you can enjoy the moment.
Culture, communities and stories
Alaska is also a place to listen and learn. The Inside Passage is home to Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples, whose living cultures can be experienced through art, cultural centres and locally led activities. Making time for these experiences brings meaning to the landscapes you’re visiting.
How Should You Experience Alaska?
A cruise is an appealing choice if you enjoy unpacking once, visiting several coastal destinations and returning to a comfortable home base each evening.
A cruise and land journey suits travellers who want to explore beyond the coast. Holland America’s Alaska cruisetours combine a cruise with time inland, with options that include Denali. These require a different itinerary from a simple round-trip coastal cruise.
A smaller-ship adventure may appeal if you prefer an intimate atmosphere and a stronger focus on activities such as kayaking, hiking and wildlife exploration. The right fit depends on your interests, comfort level and preferred pace.
Who Should You Experience It With?
Alaska can be a wonderful trip for couples, friends, families or solo travellers joining a group.
For couples, it offers time together and experiences you’ll talk about long after you return. For families, it creates opportunities to share something new across generations. And for friends—or travellers who enjoy meeting people—a group departure adds the pleasure of familiar faces and shared excitement.
Imagine returning from an excursion and comparing whale photos over dinner, or standing together on deck as a glacier comes into view.
You can enjoy that connection while still choosing activities and downtime that suit you.
Let’s Move Alaska From “Someday” to Your Calendar
When helping clients plan Alaska, I look beyond the cruise fare. The itinerary, glacier viewing, ship atmosphere, excursions and any time before or after the cruise all help shape the experience.
At Barefoot Travel, I’ll help you understand those choices and find the trip that suits you.
Interested in travelling with a group? Ask me about our August 2027 Alaska cruise aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam, sailing round-trip from Vancouver.
Whether you’re ready to book or just beginning to explore, let’s talk about what your Alaska adventure could look like.
Sarah Boville | Barefoot Travel Inc.
289-455-1343 | www.barefoottravel.ca
With You Every Step of the Way.
