The Adventures of Ed and Serenity

Juneau • Skagway • Ketchikan • Scenic Fjord Cruising

Traveling the world one adventure at a time.
Alaska isn’t just another cruise destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. Towering glaciers, snow-covered mountains, wildlife in its natural habitat, and charming frontier towns make every day feel like a new adventure. If you’re planning your first Alaska cruise or returning to explore even more of the Last Frontier, here’s our guide to some of Alaska’s most popular ports.

Juneau, Alaska

At a Glance
Capital of Alaska
Population: Approximately 32,000
Accessible only by air or sea
Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and the Inside Passage

Our Top Picks
Visit the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier.
Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for spectacular views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel.
Book a whale watching excursion—Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales.
Walk through the historic downtown filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and Alaskan artwork.
Try fresh king crab, halibut, or wild-caught salmon.
Adventure Tip: Whale watching tours frequently sell out during peak season, so book early if it’s on your must-do list.

Skagway, Alaska

At a Glance
Historic Klondike Gold Rush town
Population: Around 1,000
Easy to explore on foot

Our Top Picks
Ride the world-famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad through mountain passes, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery.
Explore historic Broadway Street.
Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Take a guided Jeep or ATV excursion into the Yukon.
Enjoy local restaurants and unique gift shops.
Adventure Tip: Even if you don’t book an excursion, Skagway is one of the easiest Alaska ports to enjoy on your own.

Ketchikan, Alaska

At a Glance
Known as Alaska’s First City
The Salmon Capital of the World
Famous for Native Alaskan culture and colorful waterfronts

Our Top Picks
Walk along historic Creek Street.
Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Watch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
Browse locally owned galleries and souvenir shops.
Take a floatplane adventure over Misty Fjords National Monument.

Adventure Tip: Pack a rain jacket. Ketchikan averages more than 150 inches of rain each year, but a little rain only adds to its charm.

Scenic Fjord Cruising

One of the greatest highlights of an Alaska cruise isn’t found in port—it’s the incredible scenic cruising through Alaska’s fjords.
Grab a warm cup of coffee, head out on deck, and prepare for unforgettable views. Massive glaciers stretch from the mountains to the sea while waterfalls tumble down rocky cliffs. Keep your eyes on the water and shoreline—you may spot humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats, or even bears.
These quiet moments surrounded by Alaska’s natural beauty are often the memories cruisers cherish most.
Adventure Tip: Wake up early on scenic cruising days. The best wildlife sightings often happen before breakfast.

Packing Tips from Ed & Serenity
✔ Waterproof jacket
✔ Layers for changing temperatures
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Gloves and a warm hat for glacier viewing
✔ Binoculars
✔ Camera or smartphone with extra battery pack
✔ Refillable water bottle

Our Recommendation
If you’re sailing Alaska for the first time, don’t try to pack every minute with excursions. Leave time to wander each port, chat with the locals, and simply enjoy the scenery. Some of the best memories come from moments you never planned.
Alaska has a way of slowing you down and reminding you to appreciate the beauty around you.

Final Thoughts
Every Alaska cruise tells a different story. Juneau offers incredible glaciers and whale watching. Skagway brings Gold Rush history to life. Ketchikan showcases Native culture and coastal charm. And the scenic fjords remind us just how powerful and beautiful nature can be.

At The Adventures of Ed and Serenity, we believe travel is about more than checking destinations off a list. It’s about creating memories, discovering new places, and inspiring others to find their own next adventure.

What’s your next adventure?