We recently checked a big one off the bucket list: a cruise to Alaska! And not just any cruise — we sailed on the Celebrity Edge, which might just be the biggest ship we’ve ever floated on. Seriously, the thing is a floating city with its own zip code.

We boarded in Seattle on a day that was, by Pacific Northwest standards, practically tropical: mild temps, calm breeze, and blue skies. Naturally, we made the most of it by strolling the outer decks and soaking in the pre-Alaskan sun. The ship’s vibe was a mix of modern chic and a hint of the unexpected — think art installations, infinity pools, and a bar around every corner.

One of my favorite moments was standing at the wings near the pool. It felt like being perched above the ocean with nothing but sea and sky for miles. We found a bar on the opposite side of the Olympic-sized pool (yes, an Olympic-sized pool at sea!) and lingered there until the call of the indoors — and a delicious drink — won us over. After that, truth be told, we didn’t brave the decks again. Alaska’s chill has a way of reminding you where you are.

As the ship gently pulled away from the dock, Mt. Rainier put on a show for us. Majestic, snow-capped, and refusing to be ignored — we watched it for as long as we could before it faded into the horizon behind us.

First Stop: Ketchikan

Ketchikan charmed my socks off. It’s a picturesque little port town brimming with rustic, western details and more gift shops than you can shake a totem pole at. We weren’t the only ones there — three enormous ships docked at once made for a bustling, shoulder-to-shoulder shopping spree.

We caught a Lumberjack Show that was pure Alaska energy: axe throwing, pole climbing, and enough chainsaw action to make any logger proud. The finale? Good old-fashioned log rolling. It was a splashy, slippery mess for the competitors — and an absolute hoot for the rest of us.

Next Stop: Juneau

Well, we could have explored Juneau. We should have explored Juneau. But, friends, it was freezing. Alaska does not mess around when it says “bring layers.” So, instead of venturing out, we watched the world go by from the warmth of the ship — hot coffee in hand, fuzzy blanket wrapped tightly around us. Zero regrets.

Glacial Grandeur at Endicott Arm

From Juneau, we sailed to Endicott Arm to witness Dawes Glacier. If you ever need to be reminded how small you are, stand in front of a towering wall of ancient blue ice. Even from the comfort (and warmth) of the ship’s panoramic windows, Dawes Glacier was breathtaking. We snapped dozens of photos — trying, failing, and trying again to capture the impossible beauty.

After our frosty encounter with Dawes Glacier, we sailed on to Skagway — and let me tell you, if I was going to venture out into the cold anywhere, it was definitely going to be for the White Pass Train.

Yes, it was cold — bone-deep, nose-turns-red kind of cold — but I wasn’t about to miss this historic ride. So, bundled up like an arctic marshmallow, I climbed aboard. The train chugged up into the Yukon territory, climbing higher and higher along sheer cliffs and snowy ridges. The scenery was pure winter wonderland: vast blankets of white snow draped over jagged mountains, frozen rivers winding like silver ribbons below.

We heard stories about recent avalanches in the area — a little nerve-wracking, to be honest. Our guide assured us that the snow up there was packed so solid it was like a boulder. Still, I might have kept one eye on the slopes just in case! But truly, the ride was spectacular — a piece of living history winding through a place so wild and untouched that it felt like stepping back in time.

Last Stop: Victoria, B.C.

We wrapped up our icy escapade with a quick stop in Victoria, British Columbia. Unfortunately, we docked pretty late, so by the time we could wander, it was too dark (and we were too cozy) to muster up much exploring. Instead, we did what any smart cruiser would do: stayed onboard, sipped a couple of well-earned cocktails, and toasted to our grand adventure.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey

When I first dreamed of cruising to Alaska, I pictured towering glaciers, charming port towns, and moments that would make me feel tiny in the best possible way. And Alaska delivered all of that — and then some.

The Celebrity Edge itself was stunning. Getting from one end to the other felt like walking a small marathon, but every corner revealed something new: stylish lounges, restaurants with menus from around the globe, and quiet spots where you could watch the world go by.

Our room was an Infinity Veranda, which was the best of both worlds: a comfy cabin with a “balcony” that magically turned into an open-air haven with the push of a button. It was the perfect spot to sip coffee while glaciers drifted past or to watch the rain fall over the endless ocean.

In the end, our Alaska cruise was everything I’d hoped for and more. I fulfilled a dream, gathered memories I’ll treasure forever, and learned that when it comes to the Last Frontier, a warm drink and a good pair of gloves are worth their weight in gold.

What’s on your bucket list?

Eydie