Seward, Alaska
If ever there was a way to capture those idyllic, crystalline icy days of January and extend them to summer, it’s an escape to Alaska. From gigantic tidewater glaciers, to snow-capped mountains amid forested flanks, leaving behind Washington cityscapes and seeing this awe-inspiring land is a must. But “roughing it” need not apply. Plan now to take in picturesque views and gear up for adventurous offshore excursions while enjoying sheer luxury.
Last July, we sampled the Seven Seas Explorer from Regent Seven Seas Cruises for a week, cruising from Seward, Alaska to Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan before ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. With upscale design, spacious suites, elegant restaurants, holistic spa services and plenty of space to breathe and relax, let’s just say that the ship sailed, and we plushly “seas(ed)” the day.
The Atrium of the Seven Seas Explorer by Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Seven Seas Explorer experience is something special. Every suite has spacious closets, high-end finishes, relaxing slumber beds, a minibar and a private balcony. Sizes range from 307 square feet in their Verandah Suite up to an incredible 4,443 square feet in the Regent Suite ($6,499 to $85,598).
The all-inclusive approach allows for taking a cooking class, muscling the Technogym Strength Machines in the fitness center, enjoying an acoustic set with a cocktail, soaking in the infinity pool (a definite favorite), eating gourmet meals or playing blackjack in the same day. Style is king, with art by Pablo Picasso gracing the ship’s walls and delicate glass installations that hang impressively from the ceilings. With just under 750 guests on board, the feeling on deck – and throughout the trip— is amply comfortable.
WHEN AT SEA
See: Most of the world’s glaciers are shrinking as the climate gets warmer. So, seeing the Hubbard Glacier up close is striking, if not humbling. Nicknamed the “Galloping Glacier” this east Alaska behemoth is rapidly advancing toward the Gulf of Alaska into a pristine area known as Disenchant Bay. Measuring 76 miles long, it is also the largest tidewater glacier in North America. From our private balcony, with binoculars in focus, we were able to view its phenomenal blue hues and impressive towering surface while watching harbor seals and otters swim starboard.
The Hubbard Glacier
Eat: Our top dining spot onboard was Pacific Rim, the pan–Asian restaurant that wowed not only in design due to its intricate architectural details, wood carvings and immense art installation, but with a perfect balance of flavors. Try the hamachi, salmon and tuna sashimi, the miso black cod and sample the mango mochi for dessert. There is no shortage of other restaurants (though results were mixed) such as Prime 7 with elevated American fare, chic dining at Chartreuse, Compass Rose and others.
Dining at Prime 7
Unwind: Schedule a restorative treatment well in advance from the Serene Spa and Wellness which touts “globally-sourced” natural ingredients to soothe both the body and mind. When finished, head to the infinity
pool to relax with dramatic views every way you turn.
The Infinity Pool of the Seven Seas Explorer
Play: Gather new friends and some racquets to serve and bounce away in a completely screened paddle tennis court; or engage in a spirited contest of Bocce on the ship’s court. If you prefer to hang solo, head to Golf Net to work on your fairway swing.
WHEN ON LAND
In Sitka: Once the historic center of Russia’s Alaskan province, the island town of Sitka is now known for its fishing industry and its pristine landscape that fronts the Pacific Ocean. Take a wildlife quest and see why
the town boasts the highest saltwater sport fishing for king salmon in Alaska.
In Ketchikan: The town name supposedly comes from the native term “Katch Kanna”, which roughly translates to
“spread wings of a thundering eagle.” An outstanding collection of totem poles makes a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art.
Views of Juneau from a private cabin
In Skagway: Beginning in 1897, this frontier town at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage was the starting
place for more than 40,000 gold-rush stampeders. Ride the historic narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway as it climbs 3,000 feet high into immense mountains, taking in views of Bridal Veil Falls and
the peaks of Inspiration Point.
In Juneau: Juneau’s surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880’s. Head up the Mount Roberts Tramway, which ascends some 2,000 feet, for a scenic city view and a series of walkways and hiking trails.
4 ACTIVITIES FOR ADVENTUROUS CRUISERS
Stretch your limits and get your blood pumping while you feast in the Alaskan views. Here are our favorite high-octane recreational activities:
Dogsledding on the glacier
• Advanced Bike Trip (Sitka) – Peddle nearly 15 miles of biking trails, mountain roads and coastal roads.
• Klondike Rock Climbing and Rappelling(Skagway) – Don rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses and start climbing the granite.
• Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) – Mush Alaskan huskies atop the 12-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier.
• Sea Kayak Adventure(Ketchikan) – Paddle to Eagle Island, along the shorelines of the Tongass National Forest.
See full story in the February 2024 edition.
*Photos courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
