Alaskan Cruise 2025 with “The Blounts”

It had been 25 years since we were in Alaska. The last time we were there is when our daughter was 19 and performing on the Volendam. She worked for Stiletto Entertainment, a Barry Manilow Company, as a dancer on the ship. Amazing trip. When our friends Dean and Joanne asked us if we wanted to go to Alaska and take a land portion trip to Denali, it was an easy yes. We were there in June and July of 2025 and I was 3 months out of getting a hip replacement. I had hoped to be further along in the healing process, but you never know from one hip to another how it’s going to go. Mine, not so much. However, I don’t think I held anyone back and we managed to have a great time and have a lot of laughs. OK….all aboard the Noordam….. But first Denali.

The next morning we boarded a coach to get to the McKinley Train which has a domed glass top on the second level so we can see the wilderness go by. This was an 8 hour ride to Denali National Park and Lodge. The lodge we stayed in is owned and operated by Holland America. It was quaint and had a central area of which there were fire pits, entertainment, shops and restaurants. The rooms in the lodge were great and suited the area. We had two rooms next to each other, right by the river. We spent some time in the pavilion and then ordered pizza to the room (and box wine). We were exhausted but very happy.

From the Train:

Denali Lodge and National Park:

The next morning we went on a wilderness tour. Our arrival time 4:50 a.m. Yikes. It didn’t seem so bad though because in the Land of the Midnight Sun it is only dark from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. However, if you want to see the bears and other such creatures you need to get up early. We were not disappointed. The bus driver (an old school bus) told us to yell “Stop” then whatever the animal was and at what time on the imaginary clock.

Joanne spotted a Moose and yelled “Stop, nine o’clock, Moose” and we also saw Dall sheep, caribou, a raven and then I yelled “Stop. Bear. Nine o’clock”. It was a mother bear and her two cubs. We learned later that she is a favorite at the park and her name is Blondie. Her cubs were around 2 years old and is was time for them to be on their own which is why she brought them down the mountain. Empty nest time for her I guess.

Jon and I were kind of whooped but the whippersnappers Dean and Joanne decided to go on a white water rafting trip. We decided to go shopping and have a hot dog!

That afternoon we went to a demonstration of the Iditarod Dogs and saw their kennel as well. They let us hold some of the puppies. (insert AW! here)

The next morning we boarded a coach bound for Whittier Alaska. This was another 8 hour ride with a stop for lunch along the way. It was a little chilly on the bus.

So Whittier is an interesting place. You can only get there via a one way tunnel through the mountain but you have to be patient and wait your turn. If it is letting one way go, then you wait or if the train is going through, you wait. That’s right you drive on train tracks. The tunnel is 2 miles long and every so often there are bunkers in case you need shelter. Originally is was because of the cold war and also because of weather. As we were waiting our turn, someone yelled “Stop, Moose, three o’clock”. Anyway, Google Whittier, Alaska if you want an additional interesting read.

We had a sea day or two traveling around Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. Here, I am going to insert beautiful Glacier photos and just imagine them breaking off and hearing the loud cracks into the water.

Our first port was Skagway. It has a Train that takes you up the mountain and into British Columbia, Canada. At the top you arrive to see the Tundra. Still magical after all these years. On the way back to the ship we stopped at a little village known as “Liarsville” for a Burlesque show, some beverages and a blueberry cake. We also panned for Gold.

Our second port was Juneau. Dean and Joanne did a bikes and brew excursion and we did a Walking Foodie Culinary Tour. We decided to rent a walker since my “new” hip isn’t exactly healed yet. The Guide looked at us and said “You do know this is a walking tour?” We said Yes….Hence the walker. Here are some photos of that day.

On every Holland America Cruise there is an Orange Night. Orange is the National color of the Netherlands. The Cruise staff throws a huge party complete with orange drinks which are delicious and there is dancing and hors d’oeuvres . I could say something here about the color orange but I will refrain. This Orange Party was the best we have ever attended and that was due to the Cruise Director……Grant.

Grant, our Scottish Cruise Director

Our third and last port was Ketchikan. It is very kitchy and has boardwalks with cute stores all around town.

On Holland America, besides the Dining Room, there are usually a few other high end restaurants. On the Noordam we ate at the Pinnacle Grill. One of their specialties is the clothes hanger bacon with Rosemary. Delicious. Here are a few photos from that night and some more pictures that I’d like to entitle “Food Porn”. Enjoy.

OK, ready? Food Porn!

Well as we come to a close on this Alaskan Cruise I am always excited for our next journey. We are going to Santa Cruz with our Grandchildren and then in October another Cruise. Hopefully my hip will be fully recovered by then, but you can’t keep me down for long. Our Thanks to the Blounts for joining us on this fabulous cruise to Alaska and trusting our judgement in Cruise Lines. You were a blast.

Savor the Journey and Bon Appetit!