After years of dreaming about an Alaska cruise, my husband and I were invited to join Dr. Charles Stanley and friends of In Touch Ministries on a 7-day Inside Passage Alaska cruise. Now, through these Christian cruise pictures, we bid you to take the journey with us as we share highlights of our unforgettable trip.
Embarkation Port: Seattle, Washington
Image: © Bill Fairchild
Seattle, Washington, was the embarkation point for our Christian cruise to Alaska. Since it was our first time in the Emerald City, we decided to arrive early and spend a couple of days exploring prior to departing on our cruise. Seattle has no shortage of things to do, so it made an outstanding addition to our Alaska cruise vacation.
At Sea on the ms Zaandam
Image: © Bill Fairchild
Our Alaska Inside Passage cruise began with an early arrival at the pier in Seattle, Washington. Prior to departure, we wanted to spend ample time exploring the seaworthy resort that would be our home away from home for the next seven days.
Port of Call: Juneau, Alaska
Image: © Bill Fairchild
Juneau, the first port of call in our Alaska Christian cruise itinerary, is a beautiful old mining town and Alaska's state capital. The only access to the area is by boat or plane. The city also boasts the highest bear population in North America. Juneau's quaint and colorful heritage district was conveniently located just steps away from our cruise ship—perfect for quick shopping trips in between excursions.
Port of Call: Skagway, Alaska
Image: © Bill Fairchild
The second port of call on our Alaska cruise was the unique gold rush town of Skagway, Alaska, known as the Gateway to the Yukon. Just 15 miles from Canada, Skagway came alive in 1897 when gold seekers began pouring into the Yukon territory for the Klondike Gold Rush.
Cruise Tracy Arm to Sawyer Glacier
Image: © Bill Fairchild
Without question, the highlight of our Alaskan cruise was the five hour round-trip voyage through Tracy Arm to Sawyer Glacier. We were blessed with a bright, cool morning as we entered the sheer-walled fjord known as Tracy Arm. Sailing past huge icebergs, numerous waterfalls, and spectacular views, the entire journey was narrated by a trained geologist, Billy Caldwell.
Port of Call: Ketchikan, Alaska
Image: © Bill Fairchild
Our third port of call, Ketchikan, is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in Alaska's Inside Passage. Located on Revillagigedo Island and rich in commercial fishing resources, Ketchikan is proud to be called the "Salmon Capital of the World."
Port of Call: Victoria, British Columbia
Photo: H Richard Johnston / Getty Images
Our final port of call, Victoria, British Columbia, is also a favorite Alaska Inside Passage cruise ship destination. Eager to make the most of our short visit in the striking old Canadian town, we decided to see Victoria's highlights by bus tour. Character and old-world charm line the streets, as well as lavish flower displays which can be seen all around the downtown "Garden City."
