Alaska Through Five Senses: What Nobody Tells You Before You Go
Every photo you've seen of Alaska is true. But photographs only tell you what Alaska looks like. Here's what it actually feels like - through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch - from two advisors who just came back.
Why Alaska Is Actually the Perfect Place to Take Your First Cruise
Our answer to "where should I start with cruising?" is almost always Alaska. Here's why the geography makes the case - and why a cruise is actually the easiest way to experience one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
5 Things That Surprised Us About Azamara (And a Few More We Couldn't Leave Out)
We knew Azamara's reputation. We'd done the research. And then we sailed it through Alaska ourselves. Here are 5 things that genuinely surprised us - and a few more we couldn't leave out.
Round-Trip or One-Way Alaska Cruise? Here's How to Decide.
Round-trip or one-way Alaska cruise? Most people don't know this decision exists. Here's the honest breakdown - including what we learned from doing a cruisetour ourselves and what we'd do differently next time.
When Should You Cruise Alaska? A Month-by-Month Guide (From People Who've Actually Been There)
The right time to cruise Alaska depends entirely on what you're looking for. Here's our honest month-by-month breakdown - from wildflowers in May to the Northern Lights in September - with firsthand notes from our own July sailing.
"I'm Not Sure How The Cruise Line Makes Any Money!"
"I'll be honest - this was the most expensive vacation we've ever taken. But now that I've been on the ship and I see everything that's included ... I'm not sure how they make any money." Here's what a skeptic discovered about premium all-inclusive cruising.
3 Reasons to Start Your Alaska Cruise in Vancouver (And Why We Always Arrive Early)
If you're planning an Alaska cruise and you have a choice between Seattle and Vancouver - choose Vancouver. We just did it. Here's why it wins, what to do when you get there, and the U.S. law that makes Canada a required stop anyway.
Marylander Goes to Alaska. Here's What Happened.
I went to Alaska as a certified expert. I came back as a believer. Here's what the scale, Hubbard Glacier, and the salmon I never saw taught me - and why none of it was what I expected.
Notes from the Co-Founder Who Hugged a Bear
I knew Alaska intellectually. I'd spent months helping prepare other people for it. And then I got there. Here are the moments I didn't see coming - and the ones I keep thinking about.
Why You Might Love Explora Journeys in Alaska (Even If You've Never Heard of Them)
There’s a ship that hasn’t sailed Alaska yet. It won’t until 2027. And we’re already talking about it. Here’s why EXPLORA III ended up on our Alaska Shortlist - and who it’s right for.
Why You Might Love Azamara in Alaska (And Why the Itinerary Is the Whole Point)
A traveler told us she finished her Alaska cruise feeling like she'd barely gotten there before it was time to turn around. Here's the itinerary we'd recommend instead - and why 11 nights changes everything.
Your Brain Is Already in Alaska. Here's Why That's a Good Thing.
Psychologists have found that anticipating a trip triggers a dopamine release that can outlast the vacation itself. Here's what that means for the Alaska trip you keep putting off.
What Happened When Our Client Had to Cancel Her Alaska Cruise (And Why She Got Every Penny Back)
She had been planning her first Alaska cruise for almost a year. Then her doctor told her she needed surgery. Here's what happened next - and why she didn't lose a penny of her $7,000 investment.
Why Alaska Should Be On Every High Achiever's Radar (And Why We Almost Missed It)
We tried to get to Alaska in 2025. We waited too long and lost the sailings we wanted. Here's what we learned - and why 2027 might be your year.
Four Reasons to Cruise Alaska with Your Group
Discover the magic of Alaska on a group cruise! Explore breathtaking glaciers, encounter majestic wildlife, and immerse yourself in rich Native American culture. Learn why Alaska is the perfect destination for a memorable group adventure, from ideal travel times to must-see ports.