Michelle Fortner's Alaska Cruise: Why This Destination Stole My Heart

I've heard it a thousand times: Alaska cruises are for old people. You know the stereotype. It's a trip you take when you're checking things off before the end. I'm here to tell you that couldn't be further from the truth. When I boarded my Holland America cruise for a Symposium at Sea with Travel Only, accompanied by my husband and my mom, I found a ship filled with families, middle-aged adventurers like myself, and yes, some seasoned travelers too. But the energy on board? It was anything but sleepy.

This wasn't my first time in Alaska, and honestly, that's what makes me love it even more. I could go back again and again. I could live there. The scenery pulls at something deep inside you, and every visit reveals something new.

The Ever-Changing Magic of Alaska

What surprises most first-time visitors is the weather. I knew what to expect, but watching newcomers discover Alaska's mood swings is always entertaining. In the morning, you might be out on deck in shorts and a t-shirt, soaking up warmth you never anticipated this far north. By afternoon, clouds roll in, rain patters against the windows, and suddenly you're reaching for your parka and toque. All in the same day. It sounds dramatic, but it's absolutely real. Pack layers upon layers, and then pack a few more.

The wildlife sightings, the towering glaciers, the way the light changes over the water throughout the day, these are the moments I keep thinking about and telling everyone who will listen. Alaska is alive in a way that few places are. You're not just lounging by the pool. You're engaged, you're learning, you're experiencing nature at a scale that feels almost impossible.

Insider Tips That Make All the Difference

Here's something most travelers wouldn't figure out on their own. If you're flying into Vancouver to start your cruise, book the Pan Pacific Hotel. It's attached directly to the port. In the morning, you call the porter, they come up and grab your suitcases, and you don't see them again until you're on the ship. No dragging luggage through the city, no stress. The magic continues on disembarkation day too. Most ships have you off by 7 or 8 in the morning, but what if your flight isn't until 9 at night? The Pan Pacific offers luggage storage for about five to ten dollars per bag. That means you can spend your final day exploring Vancouver unburdened, not awkwardly rolling a suitcase through Stanley Park.

Another tip: skip the expensive taxis and Ubers from Vancouver airport. The Metro system takes you right to the Pan Pacific. It's simple, affordable, and stress-free. These are the kinds of details that transform a good trip into a great one.

Who Should Book This Trip

I genuinely believe Alaska by cruise is for everyone. Every fitness level, every age group, every kind of traveler. Whether you're an active adventurer wanting to kayak near glaciers or someone who prefers to absorb the scenery from a comfortable lounge chair, Alaska delivers. Families with kids? Absolutely. Multigenerational groups like mine? Perfect. Solo travelers seeking wonder? You'll find it here.

Having sailed Alaska on both Holland America and Princess, I now have the perspective to match clients with the right cruise line for their personality and preferences. Maybe Disney is the answer for some. Perhaps Virgin fits others. That firsthand knowledge, knowing the strengths of each line, means I can help travelers achieve exactly what they're hoping for. I can't wait to send more clients to Alaska. This destination has my whole heart, and I know it will capture theirs too.