Alaska Trip Report- Cruise & Land: 7/16/25 - 8/2/25 (LONG!)

Question

I traveled from upstate New York with my husband (both 44) to celebrate our 20th anniversary - first time in Alaska for both of us. This trip was overwhelming to plan at first – I didn’t know where to start – but after reading this forum obsessively (thanks to all the regular posters!) and breaking out a map and plotting out what we really wanted to do and where everything was located – I came up with a tentative itinerary and started booking pieces. It slowly came together, and I was so happy with the final plan:

Cruise – Carnival Luminosa 7/17-7/24: Seattle, Sea Day, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

Land – Self Drive 7/24-8/2: Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Cooper Landing, Kenai, Seward, Anchorage

I loved reading all the trip reports so decided to write one of my own for anyone interested in reading about our adventure and as a record for myself to go with all the amazing photos we took (1,100+!!). This is very LONG as it lines out every day, so I’ll post in two sections – Cruise and Land. Happy reading! And feel free to ask me any questions about our experience. I’d love to help someone else with their adventure!

Answer

Thank you for sharing such a detailed outline of your Alaska adventure! It sounds like an amazing way to celebrate your 20th anniversary, and your approach to planning—breaking out a map, plotting priorities, and combining a cruise with a self-drive land trip—is a great model for anyone visiting Alaska for the first time.

Here’s a detailed perspective based on your itinerary and some practical tips and insights that might help others considering a similar trip:

Cruise – Carnival Luminosa (7/17–7/24)
Your cruise itinerary is classic for a Southeast Alaska experience:
- Seattle: Allow time for arrival and perhaps a short city tour or Pike Place Market visit before boarding.
- Sea Day: Ideal for relaxing, attending ship activities, and preparing for the ports ahead.
- Juneau: Plan for a mix of excursions like Mendenhall Glacier hikes, whale watching, or helicopter/glacier tours.
- Skagway: Gold Rush history is front and center; the White Pass Railway is highly recommended.
- Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier: Scenic cruising, so grab a spot on deck early for photos of waterfalls and calving glaciers.
- Ketchikan: Great for cultural experiences, Totem Bight Park, and local seafood. Walking around Creek Street is fun for photo ops and souvenirs.
- Victoria, BC: Charming city; if time allows, visit Butchart Gardens and enjoy local shops before returning to Seattle.

Land – Self-Drive (7/24–8/2)
This section gives you the freedom to explore interior and southcentral Alaska:
- Anchorage: Use it as a base for acclimation, grocery stocking, and optional day trips to nearby attractions like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
- Talkeetna: Quaint town with historic charm, views of Denali, and flightseeing tours. It’s a perfect midway stop to break up the drive north.
- Denali: Two nights here are ideal. Consider a bus tour into the park for wildlife viewing, especially since private car access is limited beyond a certain point.
- Cooper Landing: Great spot along the Kenai River; fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the river views is relaxing after Denali.
- Kenai & Seward: Kenai for wildlife and landscapes, Seward for Kenai Fjords National Park tours and possible kayaking excursions.
- Anchorage (return): Wrap up your trip with a relaxed final day, maybe explore downtown or enjoy a farewell seafood dinner.

Additional recommendations based on your plan:

Driving: Make sure your rental car is suitable for long drives and possible gravel roads; check fuel availability on some remote stretches.
Weather: July–August is generally favorable, but rain and cooler temperatures are possible; layering and waterproof gear are essential.
Reservations: Popular activities, such as Denali bus tours and Kenai Fjords cruises, can sell out, so booking early is key.
Wildlife & Photography: Early mornings and evenings are prime times for wildlife spotting and soft light for photography.
Flexibility: While having a detailed itinerary is great, leaving some buffer time allows you to enjoy spontaneous stops or adjust for weather.

Overall, your combination of cruise and land tour hits many of the highlights Alaska offers: glaciers, wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and cultural experiences. Sharing your detailed trip report with photos will be immensely helpful for others planning a first-time Alaska adventure.

Congratulations again on your anniversary, and it sounds like this Alaska journey was an unforgettable way to celebrate!