An Alaskan Adventure Aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner

Some vacations are so full of beauty, laughter, great food, and unforgettable moments, they deserve a permanent spot on your highlight reel — this was one of those trips. From Anchorage to Vancouver, traveling with dear friends aboard the luxurious Regent Seven Seas Mariner, this Alaskan cruise was packed with wonder, wildlife, and just the right amount of whimsy (thanks to our loyal travel companion, Monkey-Butt — more on that later!).

Day 1 – Flight to Anchorage July 3

Vacation mode: activated! We kicked things off flying to Anchorage — no Flat Stanley needed when you’ve got Monkey-Butt, our hilarious little travel mascot. Flights were smooth, and arriving to dreamy 66-degree weather made for the perfect start. We rented a charming house by the ocean (travel tip: renting with friends over a hotel is the way to go!) and spent the evening enjoying the endless daylight — 11pm felt like 5pm!

Oh, and shoutout to Richie, who biked uphill nearly a mile to the liquor store, loaded drinks in his backpack, and pedaled back like a champ. Hero status: confirmed.

✨ Notes:

Delta’s First Class food? Surprisingly awesome.

Bailey’s in coffee = yes. Whiskey in coffee = nope.

Anchorage sunsets (or lack of them) take getting used to.

Day 2 – Exploring Anchorage July 4

Happy 4th of July from the Last Frontier! Anchorage was blooming — and I mean that literally. The flower gardens here are jaw-dropping. We walked the coastline and into Old Town, soaking up the fresh air, city charm, and seriously ripe strawberries.

We waited in line for locally made ice cream (worth every second), wandered through artfully placed wood stumps and flowers around the house, and napped in the afternoon sun. It was one of those simple, perfect days.

✨ Notes:

Anchorage evenings? Still light enough for a stroll at 10pm.

Those mud flats are fascinating (and tempting!) but a little too risky to walk.

I had to resist plucking flower seeds everywhere we went…

Day 3 – Last Day in Anchorage July 5

It was a sweet start (literally) with Richie’s sugar-on-sugar breakfast: Froot Loops topped with sugar! Our Covid tests were negative, which meant we were officially cleared to board the ship tomorrow — woohoo!

Richie surprised me with a stop at an antique store and a special gift: a beautiful ring for our 30th anniversary. There were flowers, fuzzy bees, and an evening spent barefoot in the grass. I was floating.

✨ Notes:

The bees in Anchorage are the cutest — chubby and fuzzy.

Still swooning over a second blue poppy sighting.

30 years of marriage… and still full of surprises. 💙

Day 4 – Boarding the Regent Seven Seas Mariner July 6

We made the beautiful drive from Anchorage to Seward — 2 hours of waterfalls, mountains, moose sightings, and yes, a blurry photo of a Dall sheep.

Then we arrived at the SS Mariner, and wow — what a ship. With only about 500 guests, it felt intimate, luxurious, and relaxed. We found the bar (of course!) and I discovered a new favorite drink: The Mexican Butterfly. Our Concierge Suite was elegant and roomy — and dinner that night? Escargot, lobster, and wine. I slept like a baby, rocked gently by the waves.

✨ Notes:

Always pre-book your Uber in Anchorage.

Even in July, you might need the heat on in your room!

That milky blue water at the pier? It’s glacier melt silt, and yes, seals swim in it.

Day 5 – Cruising to Hubbard Glacier July 7

Sea day! We kicked off with the casino (Bingo winners, thank you very much!) and later cruised into the icy wonderland around Hubbard Glacier. While big chunks of ice kept us at a distance, the views were still spectacular.

Afternoon tea featured cupcakes with generous icing (Richie was in heaven), and later, a nostalgic spin at the roulette table brought back memories of his brother’s tips — we walked away with $540!

✨ Notes:

O-73 is officially my lucky Bingo number.

Hubbard’s aqua-blue water is beyond beautiful.

Forgetting binoculars = rookie mistake. Bring them!

Day 6 – Sitka July 8

Sitka stole my heart. If we ever moved outside of Tucson, this would be the place. We hiked through the Tongass Rainforest, where everything felt like it came from a fairytale. Black slugs (yes, gross) were everywhere, but so were stunning salmon berries and vibrant greenery.

Dinner at Chartreuse, a specialty restaurant onboard, was outstanding. Midnight room service capped off another perfect day.

✨ Notes:

Local bears in Sitka? A brown + polar bear hybrid.

Whale blowholes… not as pleasant as you’d hope.

Illy Crema = my new favorite espresso drink!

Day 7 – Juneau July 9

From halibut fishing docks to gold panning, a salmon bake, and shopping — Juneau kept us moving all day. We didn’t sail away until 11pm, which gave us extra time to soak it all in.

✨Notes:

Everyone has a little “Gold Fever” inside.

The forests in Juneau? Unforgettable.

I really love blue poppies!

Day 8 – Skagway July 10

Today was all about the White Pass train ride — a jaw-dropping journey filled with narrow bridges, dramatic views, and lots of photos! Sitting on our veranda afterward was pure bliss as we sailed through a narrow passage, surrounded by Alaska’s raw beauty.

✨ Notes:

That ocean may look inviting, but it’s ice-cold.

Veranda sitting = best way to cruise in Alaska (18 hours of daylight helps!)

Day 9 – Ketchikan July 11

We docked at West Cove, a new experience for us, but everything was smooth and accessible. The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour aboard the Aleutian Ballad was a highlight — we saw whales, eagles, box crabs, and even an octopus!

✨ Notes:

Ketchikan has grown so much — explore beyond the shops.

Always bring a zoom lens camera to Alaska. I missed some epic eagle shots!

There are three kinds of King Crab: red, blue, and gold.

Day 10 – Inside Passage (Sea Day) July 12

A relaxing day at sea, quietly preparing to say goodbye. Sometimes, silence is all that’s needed to savor the end of a perfect trip.

Day 11 – Disembark & Fly Home July 13

Woke up docked in Vancouver, and before we knew it, we were flying over Seattle’s salmon farms and getting a stunning view of Mt. Rainier. Chasing sunsets over Salt Lake City and seeing a monsoon lightning storm welcoming us back to Tucson was the perfect send-off.

✨ Notes:

Vancouver airport security? Yikes. Give yourself extra time.

Watching takeoff and landing is so underrated — don’t miss the view!

No matter how amazing the trip, nothing beats the joy of opening your front door and being home.

Final Thoughts This trip was about more than destinations — it was about friendship, celebrating love, being surrounded by natural wonder, and collecting memories that are going to live in our hearts (and stories!) forever. If Alaska isn’t on your list, put it there now. And when you’re ready, I’d love to help you experience it the way we did — with luxury, laughter, and a little Monkey-Butt magic.