Cruising Alaska: A Photo Essay

God’s creation proclaims His majesty and splendor. This is especially evident in Alaska. There’s a reason it continues to be a popular cruise destination—its abundance of glaciers, mountains and wildlife all can be perfectly viewed from the deck of a first-class cruise ship.

If you’ve booked a cruise to Alaska, bring your camera—and a few extra SD cards! Here are a few of our favorite photos taken on recent Inspiration Cruises & Tours cruises to this special place.

The Open Sea

If you love the sheer grandeur of the ocean, there’s plenty of it as you cruise Alaska’s coast. These deep blue waters are teeming with wildlife and fishing boats. Because your ship will rarely be out in endless open water along Alaska’s storied coast, the views give you the best of both worlds: the calm expanse of the ocean and the rugged beauty of Alaska’s islands and landscape.

Boat’s Eye View

The most dramatic and unforgettable parts of a glacier are where these massive mountains of ice crash into the sea. Imagine trying to reach these locations by more traditional transportation; few glaciers are accessible by road, and even upon reaching one, you would have to traverse the ice on foot, or fly over it in a plane or helicopter. This is why cruising and viewing glaciers by boat is the most practical and luxurious way to experience Alaska. You can see natural wonders up close from a haven of warmth and safety.

Whale Watching in Juneau

Alaska cruises take place during summer months, when the weather is warmer and the daylight hours are long. This is also during the humpback whale migration, which brings these magnificent creatures to Alaskan shores from as far away as 3,000 miles. They congregate in the rich, protected waters near Juneau, where food is plentiful. If experiencing the iconic breach of a humpback whale is on your bucket list, then be sure to schedule a whale watch excursion in Juneau.

Colorful, Quaint Ketchikan

Tiny Ketchikan encapsulates everything visitors love about Alaska, including fishing and cultural art, and is a stop on almost every Alaska cruise itinerary. Why? Because this historic village offers something for everyone. Visually, Ketchikan is breathtaking with its colorful shops in stark contrast to the emerald green of the surrounding rainforest, which stands out against the misty mountains lurking behind it.

Surrounding Ketchikan is the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. and the largest temperate rainforest in the world. (Yes, rainforest: Ketchikan averages 155 inches of rain a year!) Built on the water, Ketchikan’s shops are connected by the historic boardwalk of Creek Street, and it is known as both the Totem Pole Capital of the World and the Salmon Capital of the World.

Unearthly Glacier Bay

You’ll be most thankful you chose to visit Alaska by cruise ship if your itinerary includes a day cruising Glacier Bay, which is only accessible by boat or plane. As your ship glides through this wonderland of mountains, ice and turquoise water, you’ll find yourself awestruck by the epic views. Whether you’re viewing the 250-foot-high Margerie Glacier or catching the occasional sightings of sea otters or bald eagles, a day at Glacier Bay is one of the most rejuvenating days at sea. (Read more about the beauty of Glacier Bay here.)

Unforgettable Moments with Loved Ones

Of course, any cruise vacation—regardless of the destination—provides an opportunity to connect with those you love. Marriage experts regularly cite how important travel is to romantic relationships. This study reveals that couples who took regular trips together reported higher satisfaction than those who didn’t travel.

Shared activities and novelty travel provide healthy ingredients for a lasting marriage through memorable experiences and opportunities for a couple to refresh and reconnect. But travel doesn’t just foster romance. Going new places with anyone you love—parents, children, even groups of friends—facilitates deep conversations and bonding experiences. Few things create lifelong memories like a Christian cruise to Alaska.

Soaking in the Views

At the end of your Alaska cruise, you’ll find yourself reflecting and treasuring the memories of everything you saw and experienced.

Did you hike the coastal trail through Sitka, or see bald eagles at the Raptor Center? Did you fish for salmon in Ketchikan, or savor exquisite cuisine such as king crab? Did you see a calving iceberg at Glacier Bay or a playful pod of whales?

Whatever the moments, you’ll come home with a memory bank—and a camera—full of them.

Most of all, you’ll feel profound gratitude—nature reflects the character of our Creator. Alaska proclaims God’s creativity, majesty and love.

Alaska’s wild beauty is calling. Are you ready?