Vacation time is finally here! You’ve researched what you want to do and where to stay. Made list upon list of things you need take. But have you really thought of everything? 1. Contact your credit or debit card company There is nothing worse than being on vacation and having problems with your credit or debit card. Believe me….I’ve had it happen. And in a foreign country too. UGH! Most credit card companies need to know your travel plans. Some are no longer requiring you to do this, but make sure to check before leaving. And make sure you have enough available credit on your credit cards! If you are going to be gone when a payment will be due, be sure to schedule it! Also….make sure to use a card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee if you are going abroad! 2. Contact your cell phone company. Are you traveling abroad or going on a ship? Talk to your service provider to find out cheapest plan for making calls, sending text messages and accessing Internet from your smartphone. Many cell phone companies offer affordable day passes to U.S. customers for International talk, text, and data plans. Most cruise lines have internet access, so it is easy to stay in touch with people at home using FaceTime or WhatsAp. 3. Notify your home security system operator. This is especially important if you are not going to be available by phone. Give them a secondary phone number if possible, in case they need to contact you. 4. Confirm all reservations. Double-check all your reservations: flight, hotel, car rental, restaurants, attractions and any other services or experiences you’ve planned. Flights can change at the last minute….you don’t want any surprises at a check-in counter. Our son once showed up for a hotel reservation, not realizing he made it for the wrong month! Advance preparation helps avoid disaster. Keep a record of your reservations either in paper form or on your phone. I like to make a master itinerary if going on a longer, more involved vacation. I’ve also been known to take photos of my confirmations. It’s always good to have a backup. 5. Make advance payments on bills that have due dates during your trip. You don’t want to get hit with late fees! Make sure all credit cards, housing expenses (e.g., rent, utilities), and other monthly bills will be paid on time. You’re going on vacation…why worry about missing a payment! 6. Check the weather. This may seem like an obvious one, but many travelers forget to do it. Check the forecast for your destination and pack appropriately. You can also join a Facebook group if going on a cruise or to a popular location….people love to share their knowledge! 7. Eat, throw out or give away any perishable food. Who wants to return home to a stinky fridge! Run the dishwasher, take out the trash and clean the sink. Make sure there’s no food in the drain that could rot or attract bugs while you’re away. Yuck! 8. Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member. Your emergency contact should have a copy of your travel plans and locations. 9. Clean out your wallet. Remove any items you don’t need while on your trip. Remove loyalty cards, gift cards, extra credit cards, and leave any other unnecessary contents at home. Only take what you will absolutely use or need while traveling. 10. Place a hold on your mail delivery. This is very important if you’re going away for more than a couple days. You could also arrange for a neighbor or family member to collect your mail until you get home. 11. Bring in outdoor furniture, water plants, stop the paper if you get one. Don’t leave any outdoor patio chairs, cushions, toys, etc. outside….especially lightweight items that are easy to blow away or be taken. I’ve also heard people say to turn off the water to appliances…like the dishwasher and clothes washer. I don’t recommend this….the one time we did it, it caused our dishwasher to short circuit, resulting in a large repair bill. That was an unwelcome expense to return home to. 12. Close curtains, leave lights on a timer and change your thermostat. Uncovered windows make it easy for people to look in and see if there is anyone home. Having lights go on and off at different times also provides the illusion that someone is home. Set your thermostat to keep the house cool or warm, depending on when you are traveling. No one wants to come home to frozen pipes in the winter! And high energy bills to cool the house in the summer aren’t necessary if you’re not home! 13. DON’T….post on social media that you are going to be gone! This is the NUMBER ONE thing the police tell people not to do before leaving for vacation. Yes, it’s exciting to share your plans, but you never know who is lurking around, looking for an empty home. You can always share those photos when you return. 14. Arrange for someone to stop by and check on the house. If possible, have a neighbor, friend or family member check on the house. Leaks happen….we had one that our housekeeper discovered and saved us thousands of dollars in damages by finding it early! Better yet….have someone house sit for you. This is also a great option if you have pets. Saves boarding costs! 15. Unplug anything that uses a lithium battery. Before you leave, UNPLUG your rechargeable batteries and power banks! A Lithium-ion battery can not absorb overcharge. Fires can happen from the overcharging, and thus overheating, of these batteries. This includes cars, golf carts, scooters, drills, etc. Most importantly….relax and enjoy your vacation. You’ve earned it! Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum, A CelebrityContinueContinue reading “14 Things You Should Do Before You Leave for a Vacation”
Category Archives: Cruise
Icy Strait Point: Where Alaska’s Wild Meets Living Culture
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Guide: Whales, Bears & Best Excursions This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! There are some cruise ports you visit for a few hours and barely remember later. Then there are places like Icy Strait Point, where the scenery stays with you long after the cruise is over.Tucked along Alaska’s rugged Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point feels very different from many other cruise ports. It’s quieter. More personal. More connected to the place itself. And that’s because this isn’t just a tourist destination built for cruise ships. It’s owned and operated by the local Native Alaskan Hoonah Totem Corporation, with tourism helping support the nearby community of Hoonah, one of the largest Tlingit communities in Alaska.That connection to local culture is part of what makes this port feel so special. A Cruise Port With Real History Long before cruise ships arrived, this area was home to the historic Hoonah Packing Company cannery. Back in the early 1900s, the cannery was one of the economic lifelines of the region, processing salmon pulled from the rich Alaskan waters surrounding Chichagof Island.Today, many of the original buildings still remain, beautifully restored into museums, shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces. Walking through the old cannery area genuinely feels like stepping into Alaska’s past. You can still see original equipment, historic displays, and reminders of the generations who worked here.Unlike some cruise destinations that can feel overly commercialized, Icy Strait Point still feels rooted in the community around it. Many of the shops are locally owned, and excursions often include local guides sharing stories about life in Southeast Alaska.The nearby town of Hoonah is only about a five-minute drive away, or around a 30-minute walk if you enjoy stretching your legs. Honestly, even the walk itself is beautiful.The views along the shoreline are incredible, and wildlife sightings are surprisingly common. On one visit, we watched humpback whales bubble-net feeding right from shore while walking toward town. In Alaska, moments like that somehow start to feel normal. Incredible things to do Whale Watching at Icy Strait Point If there’s one excursion people should seriously consider booking here, it’s whale watching.The waters near Point Adolphus are some of the richest feeding grounds for humpback whales in Alaska, and this area has developed a reputation for having some of the most reliable whale sightings anywhere in the state.And when people say reliable, they really mean it. Some local operators proudly note they’ve had whale sightings on every tour since 2004.From the moment the boat leaves the harbor, you’re already in prime wildlife territory. Depending on the day, you may see: Humpback whales breaching or bubble-net feeding Orcas Sea lions Sea otters Bald eagles overhead One of the most incredible things about this area is just how wild it still feels.Chichagof Island is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of coastal brown bears in the world. There are estimated to be over 3,500 bears living on the island. That’s almost two bears per square mile.Bear watching excursions typically travel through rainforest, muskegs, and remote wilderness areas outside Hoonah, where sightings are common during summer months. Along the way, you may also spot bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.And while sightings are never guaranteed, that unpredictability is part of what makes it feel so real.This isn’t a zoo attraction. It’s actual wilderness. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bear moving through the forest completely undisturbed, just existing naturally in its own environment.If you’re doing a wildlife excursion here, definitely bring binoculars! Alaska wildlife often appears at a distance first, and good binoculars make a huge difference. Even if you’ve been whale watching before, Alaska feels different. The scenery alone is breathtaking, with dense forest, misty mountains, and calm water surrounding you in every direction.One important tip: book whale watching early if it’s something you want to do. These excursions sell out quickly, especially during peak Alaska season. The ZipRider: Not for the Faint of Heart For travelers wanting something more adventurous, the ZipRider has become one of Icy Strait Point’s biggest attractions. And honestly, just looking at it from below is enough to make some people rethink their life choices.Stretching more than 5,300 feet with a vertical drop of over 1,300 feet, it’s one of the largest zip rides in North America. Riders soar high above the forest canopy with sweeping views over the ocean below.Even people who normally avoid thrill rides sometimes end up loving this one because the scenery is just so spectacular. Bear Watching in the Wild One of the most incredible things about this area is just how wild it still feels. And a bear watching excursion is the safest way to see bears in the wild.Chichagof Island is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of coastal brown bears in the world. There are estimated to be over 3,500 bears living on the island. That’s almost two bears per square mile.Bear watching excursions typically travel through rainforest, muskegs, and remote wilderness areas outside Hoonah, where sightings are common during summer months. Along the way, you may also spot bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.And while sightings are never guaranteed, that unpredictability is part of what makes it feel so real.This isn’t a zoo attraction. It’s actual wilderness. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bear moving through the forest completely undisturbed, just existing naturally in its own environment.And, remember your binoculars! Fishing Excurions Fishing in Icy Strait Point is as authentic as it gets—these waters are rich with salmon, halibut,ContinueContinue reading “Icy Strait Point: Where Alaska’s Wild Meets Living Culture”
Vancouver Travel Tips: Hotels, Transport, and Sightseeing
Planning a trip to Vancouver before or after your cruise? Discover the best hotels, transportation options, things to do, cruise tips, luggage storage, and helpful local tips for exploring Vancouver, Canada.
Seward Alaska Cruise Transfers: Train Rides, Tours & Things to Do
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Seward Alaska Cruise Transfers: Train Rides, Tours & Things to Do This is a title This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Many Alaska cruises begin or end in Seward, but this charming waterfront town is much more than a place to board or leave your ship.So, what is there to do in Seward? Is it worth staying a few days before or after your cruise? And perhaps the biggest question: How do you get from Anchorage to Seward—or back again?The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can—and you should consider adding a little extra time to your Alaska cruise itinerary. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and offers everything from glacier and wildlife cruises to scenic train rides, hiking, kayaking, and other unforgettable Alaska adventures.And getting there can be part of the adventure. You can travel between Anchorage and Seward by Alaska Railroad, motorcoach, private transfer, or rental car, with the scenic Seward Highway and Coastal Classic train offering two very different ways to experience the journey. First, let’s get there! Whether you’re heading to Seward to catch your cruise or staying a few extra days to explore, the journey from Anchorage is one you don’t want to rush. The route takes you through some of Southcentral Alaska’s most spectacular scenery, including Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains, Kenai Lake, and the Kenai Peninsula. How Long Does It Take to Get from Anchorage to Seward? Plan on at least 2½ hours to travel the 125 miles between Anchorage and Seward. And honestly, you may want to allow extra time—because the scenery along the way is too beautiful to simply rush through!The drive from Anchorage to Seward, Alaska, follows the scenic route along Turnagain Arm for the first 50 miles before heading into the heart of the Kenai Mountains. Along the way, you’ll skirt the shores of beautiful Kenai Lake and pass the turnoff for Exit Glacier, one of the highlights of Kenai Fjords National Park, before arriving in Seward.Of course, 2½ hours is the minimum. Add time for photo stops, wildlife sightings, meals, or sightseeing along the way, and your journey can easily take considerably longer.My advice? Don’t treat the trip from Anchorage to Seward as simply a transfer. Treat it as part of your Alaska adventure!Be sure to plan accordingly, especially if you’re traveling to Seward to board a cruise. You don’t want to spend your vacation watching the clock—or worse, worrying about missing your ship! Cruise Line Transportation to Seward Most cruise lines offer transportation from Anchorage to Seward on embarkation day, typically by bus or motor coach. The service is designed to take passengers directly from Anchorage to the cruise port in time to board their ship.It’s the simplest and most direct option, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. And there’s a bonus: traveling with other cruise passengers gives you a chance to meet some of your fellow cruisers before you even board.If convenience and simplicity are your priorities, cruise-line transportation is an easy choice. Take the Alaska Railroad If you have the time, consider making the journey from Anchorage to Seward part of the adventure. The Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train offers a scenic ride through some of Southcentral Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes.Instead of sitting on a highway, you’ll watch mountains, forests, glaciers, and waterways roll past your window. And because the train runs directly between Anchorage and Seward, it’s an easy and memorable way to begin—or end—your Alaska cruise.Adventure Class features comfortable seats on the lower level with large picture windows, making it a great option for enjoying the scenery without the higher price tag.GoldStar Service takes the experience up a level—literally. You’ll ride in an upper-level dome car with panoramic windows, plus enjoy a bar, outdoor viewing platform, and dining car.No matter which class you choose, you can walk around the train, use the restrooms, grab a meal, and enjoy views from both sides of the train. Checked luggage travels separately in the baggage car, while you keep your carry-on items with you.And keep your camera ready! The train passes through some incredible Alaska scenery, including glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, rugged mountains, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. You may even spot bald eagles, moose, or—if you’re lucky—a bear.Fares and travel times vary by season and travel date, so check current schedules and pricing when planning your trip. Ready to ride the rails? Don’t wait until the last minute—book your Alaska Railroad journey from Anchorage to Seward in advance and secure your seat on this unforgettable scenic route. It’s more than a transfer; it’s one of the best ways to start your Alaska adventure.Use this link to book your journey and make the ride part of your cruise experience. Book here Turn Your Transfer into an Adventure If you’re staying a day or two in Seward, consider booking your transportation through a local tour operator rather than simply taking a direct transfer.Why? You can turn the journey from Anchorage into part of your Alaska adventure, with opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore interesting sights, and experience more of the area along the way.There are several good tour operators in Anchorage, but this is one of my favorites. I love that you can combine your transportation with sightseeing instead of spending the entire trip simply getting from Point A to Point B. Book Here You Made It to Seward! Well…you’ve made it to Seward! Now the fun begins. Seward is a wonderfully walkable port town packed with restaurants, museums, a public aquarium,ContinueContinue reading “Seward Alaska Cruise Transfers: Train Rides, Tours & Things to Do”
Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Cruise Packing 101 – What Not To Forget This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Protecting your luggage is one of the easiest ways to travel with greater peace of mind. We always lock our suitcases when flying or boarding a cruise ship, and it’s become a standard part of our travel routine.I recommend using TSA-approved luggage locks. These locks help deter opportunistic theft while still allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage if necessary during airport security screenings. After the inspection, the lock can be secured again without being damaged or cut off, so your suitcase stays protected throughout your journey.While no lock can completely prevent theft, a TSA-approved luggage lock adds an extra layer of security and helps keep your belongings safe from the airport to the cruise terminal.Pro Tip: Set your combination before your trip and test it a few times to make sure it’s easy to remember. I also recommend using the same combination on all of your luggage locks so you don’t have to remember multiple codes while traveling. Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a travel wallet to be very useful. You’ve booked your cruise, reserved your hotel, and confirmed your flights… now comes one of the most important parts of planning your vacation—packing!Having a well-thought-out cruise packing list can make all the difference. Unlike other vacations, you won’t always have easy access to stores once you’re onboard, and many essentials are either difficult to find or much more expensive in port. I’ve learned through experience that it’s always easier (and less stressful) to pack what you need before you leave home.Over the years, I’ve discovered a collection of cruise accessories and travel gadgets that make every sailing easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. From clever space-saving products that maximize your cabin to practical travel essentials that simplify packing, these are the items I never cruise without.Whether you’re setting sail on your very first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for a few new ideas, these cruise essentials will help you stay organized, save space, and enjoy a smoother vacation from embarkation day to disembarkation. Packing PASSPORT! and other important travel documents. Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a travel wallet to be very useful. Luggage I have a weakness for new luggage…When shopping for luggage, I always recommend choosing a lightweight suitcase with four spinner wheels. Spinner wheels make navigating airports, cruise terminals, and the ship itself much easier—especially if you’re doing self-disembarkation and carrying your own bags off the ship. After all, no one wants to wrestle with a heavy suitcase before their vacation even begins!My current favorite luggage brands are London Fog and Travelpro. Both offer durable, lightweight options that have held up well through countless trips.Pro Tip: If your suitcase is a common color like black, navy, or gray, use a colorful luggage strap or luggage tag to the handle. It’s a simple trick that makes spotting your bag on the airport carousel or in the cruise terminal much easier. Carry on luggage A good carry-on is just as important as your checked luggage. I always travel with an airline-approved carry-on that fits under the seat in front of me. It has plenty of room for everything I don’t want to trust to checked baggage, including a change of clothes, medications, jewelry,electronics and chargers, Important travel documents, and other essentials. Having these items with you means you’ll be prepared even if your checked luggage is delayed or doesn’t arrive until later.If you need a little more packing space, I also love using a convertible garment bag. It holds an impressive amount while keeping dresses, suits, and other nicer clothing protected from wrinkles. It’s available in several colors and patterns, making it both practical and stylish. Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders Protect your luggage with Reusable Tag Holders There’s nothing worse than boarding your cruise, getting settled into your cabin, and realizing your luggage never arrived outside your door.One of the simplest (and most affordable) cruise essentials I recommend is a set of reusable plastic luggage tag holders. They protect your printed cruise tags from rain, tears, and rough baggage handling, giving them a much better chance of staying attached throughout your journey.After one of our luggage tags was accidentally torn off and our bag went missing, I immediately bought a set. They’ve traveled with us on every cruise since, and I never sail without them.The best part? They’re inexpensive, durable, and can be reused cruise after cruise, making them one of the smartest travel purchases you can make.Below you’ll find Amazon links to luggage tag holders for several major cruise lines.CelebrityMSCCarnivalNorwegian CruisesPrincess CruisesRoyal CaribbeanHolland America Packing cubes I’m officially a packing cubes convert!Packing cubes have completely changed the way I pack for every cruise. Not only do they keep my suitcase neat and organized, but they also make unpacking once I’m onboard incredibly easy. Instead of sorting through loose clothing, I simply move the cubes from my suitcase straight into the cabin drawers or shelves.I recommend buying at least two sets of packing cubes in a variety of sizes and different colors. Color-coding makes it easy to keep each family member’s clothing organized, and the different sizes work perfectly for everything from shirts and pants to undergarments and accessories.I’ve recently started using using compression packing cubes, and I’m officially hooked.On our last trip, my suitcase weighed only 38 pounds,ContinueContinue reading “Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!”
Why cruise Alaska?
Why are you going to Alaska again? Aren’t you tired of it? Isn’t it boring, seeing the same ports over and over? What is so special about it? I am asked these questions every year when we book our annual Alaska cruise. And no….I WILL NEVER GET TIRED OF ALASKA!!! Each cruise is different. Yes, we sail to the same ports and usually with the same cruise line and often on the same ship. But each sailing is different. The weather is different…sometimes rainy and cold, sometimes sunny and hot….but always beautiful. The passengers change…we’ve made lifelong friends onboard. And the crew changes…but we somehow manage to find crew members we know from previous cruises. Alaska has an magic that can’t be described. Gazing upon the majestic mountains, the blue ocean and knowing that you are witnessing pure wilderness is amazing. There is nothing like watching whales surface beside your ship….seeing the water spouts from their blow holes creating rainbows in the sunlight, or watching dolphins play in the waves ahead of the ship as she gently glides through the water. I can watch the magnificent bald eagles soar overhead and circle the ship looking for fish in the water below for hours. And the seaplanes! I can hear the roar of their engines in my memory as I write. Don’t miss out on the glaciers….watching them calve and hearing the ice thunder as they move is incredible. Dawes Glacier Endicott Arm Fjord h Exploring the ports is always fun. You don’t need to book excursions. Of course, it is an excellent way to experience all that Alaska has to offer! We have done train and bike rides, zip lining, float planes, horseback riding, beer tasting. a lumberjack show and whale watching. Now we enjoy just wandering around and discovering bits of history that are tucked in out of the way corners. Talk to the locals…they know all the secret spots. Do some hiking….the views you will be rewarded with are incredible. We have discovered small salmon streams loaded with spawning fish and have even seen a young bear raiding a trash can in Ketchikan. Luckily, he was far enough away that he didn’t know we were there. He was FAR more interested in that trash can! I highly recommend going to Alaska at least once in your lifetime. Yes, it is expensive. But it is an experience you will never forget or regret. Be sure to check out the other articles about Alaska in this blog. I’ve tried to cover the major ports and glaciers. Here are a few to start with…. What do I pack for Alaska? , Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget! and 19 Essential Items for your cruise cabin Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Explore Anchorage: Must-Do Activities and Attractions
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. What is there to do in Anchorage? LOTS! Some of our favorite activities are renting bikes, visiting the Ulu factory or just walking around downtown. There is also a great museum that is well worth the time. (Several of the cruise line busses depart from this location.) You can even go to a baseball game! And don’t forget to get a reindeer sausage…absolutely delicious! Baseball Baseball in Alaska, you ask? Yes! Anchorage is home to two teams of the Alaska Baseball League: the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Anchorage Bucs. In addition to the Glacier Pilots and Bucs, high school and American Legion games are played at Mulcahy. It has a natural grass outfield and an infield of FieldTurf and has one of the largest capacities of any outdoor sports facility in Alaska. Many college players go north each summer to play and to be seen by major league scouts. Biking Biking is a great option for all fitness levels, because the experience is what you make of it. Take relaxing rides along paved trails and enjoy the scenery. Or….try a thrilling mountain bike adventure. Biking makes for a great individual or family activity away from larger tours. There are many trails in and around Anchorage and several places to rent. One of our favorite rides is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The trail starts in the downtown area and stretches for 11 miles, offering breathtaking views of Alaska’s natural beauty. It is an easy journey around the Anchorage airport, with paved paths and the chance to see wildlife and beautiful scenery. Be sure to give the wildlife a wide birth though….they are WILD and will attack is threatened. Seeing grizzly bears and moose in Anchorage is common, showing a city living in harmony with the nearby wilderness. Ulu Factory The Ulu factory is close to downtown. It is down the hill, close to the train station. The factory provides a free shuttle, if you choose not to walk. It runs from 10:00am and to 7:00pm June, July and August Inside you can watch the knives being made, the blade and handle assembled and packaged. A staff member will be happy to take you on a personal tour. You can also see a demonstration on how to use, sharpen and care for an Ulu knife and cutting bowls. There is a nice gift shop in the building where you can purchase the knives and other Alaska products. Just behind the building is a salmon creek with viewing platforms. If the salmon are running, this is a great location to see them. Anchorage Museum The Anchorage Museum is a large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum located in a modern building in the heart of Anchorage. It is dedicated to studying and exploring the land, peoples, art and history of Alaska. The museum is located at 625 C Street. Cost of admission is $18/adult, $12/senior, student or military with ID, $9/ages 3-12 and free for 2 and younger. We found it to be a pleasant way to spend a few hours and learn more about Alaska. Earthquake Park In 1964, Anchorage was hit by a devastating earthquake, one of the most powerful quakes ever recorded, significantly impacting Anchorage. The city initially considered developing the affected area but opted to preserve it as a park due to the soil’s instability. This decision has provided a space for reflection and education on the forces that shape our world. Earthquake Park Visitors can engage with informative plaques detailing the quake’s events and its effects on the region. It features an extensive walking trail, offering a peaceful journey through shaded forests and alongside the bay with picturesque views. This park is more than just a green space; it’s an educational journey into a pivotal moment in Alaska’s history. It offers a unique opportunity to understand the 1964 earthquake’s impact and enjoy the natural beauty that has emerged in its wake. Explore Downtown Downtown is very walkable with shops, a tourist information center (where you can get information on a free, guided walking tour) and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (where you can learn about Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness through a scavenger hunt for children). At least one of the shops will have a piece of glacier ice you and touch! Visit a Brewery or Distillery If you are a beer lover, you can visit two breweries downtown….49th State Brewing Co and Glacier Brewhouse. Mid-town you will find Broken Tooth Brewery, Cynosure Brewing and Matanuska Brewing Company. Each brewpub has a full menu of beers and food available. There are also several distilleries in Anchorage you can visit. Alaska Spirits and Anchorage Distillery are two of them. Where to Eat? Snow City Cafe serves classic comfort dishes for those searching for hearty meals. For a more upscale dining experience, Jens’ Restaurant & Wine Bar serves fine food and wine with a touch of Alaskan influence in a fun and elegant atmosphere. Other dining options include Ginger, which offers Pacific Rim cuisine and classic Asian specialties. Club Paris, which offers a traditional steakhouse experience for both lunch and dinner and Kincaid Grill, which specializes in seafood and Alaskan Regional cuisine. We ALWAYS make sure to visit one of the hot dog carts downtown and get a reindeer sausage. Believe me…there is nothing like it! You can get a regular or spicy one, with or without grilled onions. YUM! Aviation Museum Is anyone in your group an aviation enthusiast? The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum offers a fascinating look into aviation’s pivotal role in Alaska’s past and present. Aviation is a vital mode of transportation across the state’s vast and remote areas, making this museum a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique aspects of Alaskan life. The museum is home to an impressive collection of educational exhibits, including numerousContinueContinue reading “Explore Anchorage: Must-Do Activities and Attractions”
Norway Fjord Cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse!
In August of 2017, we visited our daughter in Hove, England and family friends near Sheffield. After spending several days traveling around the country, we boarded the Celebrity Eclipse in Southampton and headed to Norway! We had visited two of the ports on a previous cruise and were looking forward to seeing them again and to exploring several new ones. This was a special cruise for the Eclipse…they only visit these ports twice per season…once in the spring and once in late summer. First stop was Bergen, where we had been before. This time, it was pouring rain and windy, but we went ashore and walked around the Hanseatic port. Bergen is very walkable. The hop-on-hop-off bus is also a great option to explore the city. Be sure to visit the outdoor fish market and try some of the local sausages, which include reindeer, elk and whale. After returning to the ship and drying out, we received a lovely surprise in our cabin from Captain Leo and enjoyed a delicious dinner in the main dining room. The next morning we arrived in Flam. Flåm is a village in southwestern Norway, in an area known for its fjords. It sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the vast Sognefjord. The dramatic Stegastein viewing platform juts out high above the Aurlandsfjord. South of Flåm Harbor, the 17th-century wooden Flåm Church lies in the valley. The Flåm Railway offers valley and waterfall views as it climbs to a station on the Hardangervidda plateau (wikipedia). We opted to not take the railway and instead hiked to the Brekkefossen waterfall. It was a pretty steep and strenuous hike, but the views from the top were 100% worth it. On the way back to the ship, we passed the Aegir Brewery. It is the local brewery in Flåm and has received several awards for their delicious tasting beer. The brewery opened in 2007 and has been named “Norway’s BrewPub of the year” three years in a row. The brewery produces a wide range of varieties of beer and offer many types of different flavors, with seasonal varieties. Be sure to visit the Gilde hall which was built in the Viking style, with walls marked by driftwood dragon heads and a 9-meter-high chimney. You can also purchase a pint in the historic hotel, Freitheim Hotel or the Bakkastova Cafe. Both are located very close to the fjord and provide great views of the ship. After our adventures, we were exhausted and returned to the ship to enjoy the evening with another wonderful meal in Silhouette, the main dining room. Geiranger was our next port of call. We visited this port in 2014 and were excited to be back. We chose to walk up the stairs alongside the Fossevandring waterfall. It is an easy walk with metal steps and hand rails. On the prior visit, we visited the Union Hotel, which we decided to do again. We enjoyed a quick glass of wine for me and a beer for my husband. After visiting with the front desk, we decided to do what they described as an “easy, 20 minute hike” to the local farmhouse. Let me just say….boy, were they wrong! An hour later, and another straight up climb, we reached the Westerås Farm and Restaurant. Even though the climb was tough (especially after the climb we did the prior day), the view was once again amazing and totally worth the effort. The restaurant is housed in a building dating from 1603 and has panoramic views of Geiranger. We met some wonderful English ladies on the way up and joined them for another beer and some Norwegian waffles with homemade strawberry sauce. Delicious! We decided to walk back down to the ship via the road….SO much easier! And the views were just as stunning. Geiranger has a really cute port area with shops and food stalls. A favorite of the crew is the coffee shop just across the street from the main shopping area. It was hard to believe we only had two ports left. Alesund was next on our agenda. Ålesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the art nouveau architectural style, in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904. It is a very walkable town with cobblestone streets and is surrounded by water. Many tourists visit the Aksla viewpoint, the Sunnmore Museum, or walk through the Art Nouveau district (many buildings have numbered plagues that correspond to a map that is available at tourist information). We found the Miracle House. About ten thousand people became homeless when 850 homes were lost during the great fire in Ålesund on January 23rd, 1904. One house in Grensegata remained standing among the ruins. Anders Nor, who lived in the house, was visited by an angel the day before. The angel promised that his home was going to be spared. Furniture that was removed from the house lit up in flames but the house stood unharmed when every other building in the eastern district burned to the ground. The house was built around 1870 and has been the property of the Walde family. In 2012, the Pentecostal Church Filadelfia Ålesund aquired the house. It has since been restored and is now open to the public free of charge. There is a small kitchen were you can purchase a tea and cake to enjoy either in the house or on the patio. That evening, we were invited to the helicopter deck for sail away. As we left the port, a tug boat gave us a nice send off. Our final port was Stavanger….another city we had never visited. Stavanger is a city in southwestern Norway. In the center of town, Stavanger Cathedral dates back to the city’s 12th-century founding. Stavanger Museum chronicles the city’s history and displays preserved wildlife. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum illuminates the oil industry with submersibles, a large drill bit and an escape chute.ContinueContinue reading “Norway Fjord Cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse!”
Pros and Cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Dawes Glacier: Pros and Cons of Each Cruise Experience This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Many people have questions about the differences between the three glacier experiences available on an Alaska cruise, so I thought I’d put together a quick list of the pros and cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, and Dawes Glacier. Hubbard Glacier Pros: Hubbard Glacier is a massive, advancing glacier reached by sailing through the beautiful Disenchantment Bay. At an incredible 76 miles long and approximately 1,200 feet deep, it is the largest tidewater glacier in North America.One of the biggest advantages of visiting Hubbard Glacier is the opportunity to witness dramatic glacier calving—the spectacular sight and sound of huge chunks of ice breaking away from the face of the glacier. Because Hubbard is actively advancing, calving activity can be especially impressive.The area is also rich in wildlife, both on land and in the water. It is common to spot seals lounging on ice floes, along with other Alaska wildlife. A naturalist onboard will provide information about the glacier, surrounding area, and wildlife, making the experience even more interesting. Hubbard Glacier Cons: There is only one active glacier at this location. There is another glacier off to the side, but it is not advancing and does not calve, so Hubbard Glacier is really the main attraction.Another potential downside is that Hubbard Glacier can be difficult to reach during certain times of the Alaska cruise season. Earlier and later in the season, sea ice can make it challenging for ships to get close to the glacier. Depending on ice conditions, a ship may have difficulty entering Disenchantment Bay or may not be able to cruise as close to the face of Hubbard Glacier as planned.So, while Hubbard can offer an incredible glacier experience, the viewing conditions can be somewhat unpredictable depending on the time of year and the amount of ice in the bay. Glacier Bay Pros: Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a completely different glacier-viewing experience than Hubbard Glacier. Instead of focusing on one glacier, you’ll have the opportunity to see several glaciers throughout the day.On a typical cruise through Glacier Bay, you’ll see Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, and Lamplugh Glacier, with the majority of your time spent near Margerie and Grand Pacific, which sit next to each other. Margerie is the larger and more active of the two, making it a favorite for watching and listening for calving.Grand Pacific Glacier is quite different. Much of the glacier is covered with rock debris from landslides and medial moraines, which extend across a large portion of the glacier’s face. It may not have the bright blue appearance you might expect from an Alaska glacier, but the geology makes it fascinating to see.If ice conditions allow, the captain may also venture into Johns Hopkins Inlet, giving you a chance to see Johns Hopkins Glacier. I’ve only experienced this once, and the glacier was quite a distance away, but it was still an incredible sight.Another major advantage of Glacier Bay is the National Park Service ranger narration. Because Glacier Bay is a national park, cruise ships are required to have a park ranger onboard while traveling through the park. The rangers provide commentary over the ship’s loudspeakers, pointing out glaciers, wildlife, geology, and the ecology of the area as you sail.And the wildlife sightings can be just as exciting as the glaciers! We’ve watched bears walking along the beach and even saw a moose swimming across the bay while we were near Margerie Glacier.One fun fact we learned from a park ranger: the same bear can be called a coastal brown bear when it is on the coastline and a grizzly bear when it is in the mountains. Same bear—different name depending on where it lives!For me, the combination of multiple glaciers, wildlife, scenery, and the National Park Service narration makes Glacier Bay a very unique Alaska cruise experience. Glacier Bay Cons: While Glacier Bay offers an incredible variety of scenery and glaciers, there are a few things to keep in mind.Many of the glaciers in Glacier Bay are retreating, although not all of them. Johns Hopkins Glacier, for example, is actually advancing at a rate of approximately 10 to 15 feet per day. However, because it can be difficult for cruise ships to get close to the face of Johns Hopkins Glacier, you likely won’t have the opportunity to witness calving there.Margerie Glacier is another example. It is considered relatively stable, meaning it is neither significantly advancing nor retreating. Because of this, it is not as active as some other glaciers, and the calving can be less dramatic. Instead of huge chunks of ice crashing into the water, you may see what looks more like ice waterfalls cascading down the face of the glacier.Another consideration is the weather. Glacier Bay can be cold, wet, and foggy during the Alaska cruise season. The area has a cool, wet coastal temperate rainforest climate, with summer temperatures generally ranging from around 50°F to 60°F.So, if you’re hoping for a warm, sunny day with spectacular glacier calving, Glacier Bay can be a bit unpredictable. But honestly, the weather is part of the Alaska experience—and the scenery is pretty spectacular even when it’s cold and rainy! UPDATE: Due to ongoing safety risks following a 2025 landslide, cruise lines have removed sailings into Tracy Arm from many itineraries and have instead switched to the nearby Endicott Arm Fjord.IfContinueContinue reading “Pros and Cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord”
Hubbard Glacier
I absolutely LOVE Hubbard Glacier. It was named after Gardiner Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society. This tidewater glacier may be a bit of sleeping giant. Off the coast of Yakutat—200 miles NW of Juneau—Hubbard is gigantic. It is more than six miles wide where it meets Disenchanment Bay. Before it reaches the sea, Hubbard is joined by the Valerie Glacier to the west, which, through forward surges of its own ice, has contributed to the advance of the ice flow that experts believe will eventually dam the Russell Fjord from Disenchantment Bay waters. On a clear day, you can also see Mount Walsh, with an elevation of 11,000 ft. The Hubbard Glacier ice margin has continued to advance for over a century. In May 1986, the Hubbard Glacier surged forward, blocking the outlet of Russell Fjord and creating “Russell Lake.” All that summer, the new lake filled with runoff; its water level rose 82 ft, and the decrease in salinity threatened its sea life. Around midnight on October 8, the dam began to give way. In the next 24 hours, an estimated 1.3 cu mi of water gushed through the gap, and the fjord was reconnected to the ocean at its previous level. This was the second largest glacial lake outburst flood in recorded history, and had the equivalent flow of about 35 Niagara Falls. In spring 2002, the glacier again approached Bert Point. It pushed a terminal moraine ahead of its face and closed the opening again in July. On August 14, the terminal moraine was washed away after rains had raised the water level behind the dam it formed to 59 ft above sea level. My first visit to Hubbard Glacier was only 4 years later, in July of 2006. The naturalist onboard was very excited that the opening to Russell Fjord was still open. The fjord could become dammed again, and perhaps permanently. If this happens, the fjord could overflow its southern banks and drain through the Situk River instead. For now, the glacier isn’t surging, but it is advancing. It takes about 400 years for ice to traverse the length of the glacier, meaning that the ice at the foot of the glacier is about 400 years old. The glacier routinely calves off icebergs the size of a ten-story building, but usually about 3-4 stories high. Where the glacier meets the bay, most of the ice is below the waterline, and newly calved icebergs can shoot up quite dramatically. The journey to the glacier is also wonderful. At the mouth of the fjord, it is very common to see a lot of wildlife…whales, dolphins, seals. And seals love to hang out on the ice floes. Keep an eye on the cliffs also….there is a chance of seeing Dall sheep. Be sure to bring warm clothing…jacket, hat, gloves for the sail in. It will be chilly!