In July 2025, Debra and I embarked on a grand voyage along the coast of Alaska, a two-week cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. We sailed from Vancouver to Seward and back, with port stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point, with a transit through the wild landscape of Hubbard Glacier. We had the time of our lives!
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our voyage.
This story, part of a series, is an introduction to our day in Juneau.
Click HERE to read a short introduction to our voyage.
This story, part of a series, is an introduction to our day in Juneau.
Debra and me aboard a tender in Juneau Harbor
Juneau, Alaska (July 11, 2024) The first port of call has always been the most exciting one for me, as it marked the true start of my adventure as a student and explorer. And so it was with Juneau, the capital of Alaska and our first port of call after nearly two days at sea.
Crystal Serenity set sail from Vancouver early evening on the 9th and logged nearly 700 nautical miles en route to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. We cruised at an average speed of 15 knots—a leisurely pace that was well below the ship’s top speed.
Debra and I did what most passengers do on sea days—attended Enrichment Program lectures, enjoyed a casual, buffet-style lunch, read the novels we traveled with, listened to a violinist at the afternoon tea, feasted on a five-course dinner, and watched a magical musical performance. Without the hustle and bustle of port excursions, we immersed ourselves in many fun experiences as we sailed northeast along the coasts of British Columbia and the panhandle of Alaska, and all the time on calm seas.
Crystal Serenity set sail from Vancouver early evening on the 9th and logged nearly 700 nautical miles en route to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. We cruised at an average speed of 15 knots—a leisurely pace that was well below the ship’s top speed.
Debra and I did what most passengers do on sea days—attended Enrichment Program lectures, enjoyed a casual, buffet-style lunch, read the novels we traveled with, listened to a violinist at the afternoon tea, feasted on a five-course dinner, and watched a magical musical performance. Without the hustle and bustle of port excursions, we immersed ourselves in many fun experiences as we sailed northeast along the coasts of British Columbia and the panhandle of Alaska, and all the time on calm seas.
Debra and I had been to Juneau before. It was in May 2010, a one-day stop on a twelve-day cruise aboard the Celebrity Mercury. On that day, which you can read about HERE, Debra and I flew by helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier. We soared more than one thousand feet above the glacial landscape and then lightly touched down atop this massive river of ice to explore crevasses and other rugged features, and to view (and taste!) blue ice.
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Now, that WAS an adventure—and a truly memorable experience!
That was then, and this was now. Please join Debra and me, if you will, on our photo safari in Juneau.
That was then, and this was now. Please join Debra and me, if you will, on our photo safari in Juneau.
Part 1 of Our Photo Safari: Mendenhall Glacier
Part 2 of Our Photo Safari: Whale Watching
