Let’s Talk Alaska: Celebrating 50 Years on Royal Caribbean®’s Serenade of the Seas

By Karie Young, Travel & Cruise Consultant
Sailed August 2026 · 6 min read

Dawes Glacier at the end of Endicott Arm, with turquoise water and mountains, seen from Serenade of the Seas — Dawes Glacier at the end of Endicott Arm

Quick takeaways

Karie sailed from Vancouver to Alaska on Royal Caribbean®’s Serenade of the Seas in August 2026 to celebrate her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
Ports of call: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka.
Her favourite part: cruising the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.
Don’t miss the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, the Red Onion Saloon and the train ride in Skagway, and the totem poles and forest paths in Sitka.

I recently returned from my Alaskan cruise on board Royal Caribbean®’s Serenade of the Seas! We sailed from Vancouver in August 2026, and I’m not gonna lie… I wasn’t quite sure what I had signed up for, but WOW, what an amazing trip!

Celebrating 50 years together

This trip was extra special because we were celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary! Fifty years together deserves a big celebration, and I can’t think of a better backdrop than the mountains, glaciers and waterways of Alaska.

Karie Young standing on the pier in front of Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas — All smiles in front of Serenade of the Seas

Why Alaska surprised me

The breathtaking views, the stories and history to learn in each port, sky-high mountains, icebergs floating by, waterfalls around every corner… and honestly, my list could go on and on! Alaska truly exceeded my expectations.

Sunlight sparkling on the water, seen over the railing of Serenade of the Seas

Sunset over the water from Serenade of the Seas in Alaska

Cruising the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is a protected route of channels and fjords that winds between the islands and the mainland of Southeast Alaska, lined with forested mountains on both sides. Cruising through it was one of my absolute favourite parts of the whole trip. Every time I stepped out on deck, there was something new to see.

Calm water and misty mountains along Alaska's Inside Passage

My favourite day: Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

If I had to pick one highlight, this was it. Endicott Arm is a long, narrow fjord south of Juneau with steep mountain walls and waterfalls tumbling down the sides. As the ship slowly makes its way in, the water turns a bright turquoise from the glacial silt, and little icebergs drift right past you. At the very end sits Dawes Glacier. It was simply unforgettable!

Karie Young smiling on deck with the turquoise water and mountains of Endicott Arm behind her

Steep green mountains rising from the turquoise water of Endicott Arm

The view of Endicott Arm from the ship's railing, with glacial water and steep mountains

Snow-capped peaks above the glacial water of Endicott Arm

A small blue iceberg floating in the turquoise water of Endicott Arm — Icebergs floating by!

Mountains and a small forested island in the glacial water of Endicott Arm

Advisor tipGlacier days are spent out on deck, so bring a warm, waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves. Keep an eye on the ship’s daily schedule so you’re outside when you enter the fjord, because the views start long before you reach the glacier.

Juneau: shopping and saloons

Alaska’s capital city sits at the foot of steep mountains and can only be reached by sea or air. We spent the day walking around downtown and shopping, and of course we had to hit up a couple of saloons! My favourite was the Red Dog Saloon, with its swinging doors and Gold Rush–era feel. Don’t leave Juneau without stopping in!

The red Red Dog Saloon building on a corner in downtown Juneau, Alaska, with mountains and a cruise ship behind — The famous Red Dog Saloon in downtown Juneau

Karie Young smiling inside the swinging saloon doors of the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau — My favourite stop!

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known for its totem poles and for Creek Street, the historic boardwalk of colourful wooden buildings built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek.

Skagway: the Red Onion Saloon and a train ride

Skagway was a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, and the whole town still has that Gold Rush feel. We started at the historic Red Onion Saloon, then hopped on the train that climbs from sea level up into the mountains, past rushing rivers, waterfalls and steep cliffs. The scenery along the tracks was incredible!

Railway tracks running beside a rushing river in the mountains near Skagway

A rushing creek cutting through a forested gorge near Skagway

Misty evergreen forest on the mountainside above Skagway

Evergreens and fog-covered mountains in the hills above Skagway

A train winding along a cliffside track in the mountains above Skagway

Karie’s tipBook the Skagway train early. It’s one of the most popular excursions in Alaska, and the views are worth every minute!

Sitka: totem poles, forest paths & bald eagles

Sitka blends Tlingit culture and Russian history with a beautiful setting on the outer coast, surrounded by islands and mountains. The totem poles and forest here were so pretty to explore. We wandered the paths through towering trees and spotted wildlife along the way, including a bald eagle perched right above us!

A carved totem pole in front of a painted clan house on a grassy lawn in Sitka, Alaska

A gravel trail winding through tall trees in the forest in Sitka, Alaska

Karie Young standing on a forest trail among tall evergreens in Sitka, Alaska

A bald eagle perched in a tree in Sitka, Alaska — Our bald eagle sighting!

Planning your own Alaska cruise

Thinking about an Alaska cruise? Here’s what we tell clients who are just starting to plan.

When to go: the Alaska cruise season runs from about May to September. June, July and August bring the warmest weather and longest days, while May and September can mean lower prices and fewer crowds.
Sailing from Vancouver: cruises from Vancouver, like Karie’s, are a great fit for Canadians. Ask us whether a round-trip or one-way sailing suits your plans best.
Look for a glacier day: itineraries visit different glaciers, such as Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Ask us which glacier your sailing includes.
Bring your passport: you’ll be visiting U.S. ports, so bring a passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Pack in layers: the weather changes quickly, so bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes and binoculars for spotting eagles, seals and whales.
Book excursions early: popular tours like whale watching, glacier flights and the Skagway train can sell out.
Arrive the day before: fly into Vancouver a day early so a delayed flight doesn’t put your cruise at risk.

Advisor tipCelebrating an anniversary, a birthday or a family milestone? Alaska is a wonderful trip to share. Let us know what you’re celebrating when you book, and we can help coordinate cabins, dining and excursions so everyone can enjoy it together.

If Alaska is on your bucket list, let’s make it happen! Reach out and I’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.

Plan your Alaska cruise with Karie Explore Royal Caribbean®

FAQs

Where does an Alaska cruise on Serenade of the Seas go?

Karie sailed from Vancouver in August 2026 and visited Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka, with scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.

What is Endicott Arm?

Endicott Arm is a long, narrow fjord in Southeast Alaska, south of Juneau, with steep mountain walls, waterfalls and turquoise glacial water. It ends at Dawes Glacier.

What should I do in Juneau on a cruise?

Karie spent the day walking around downtown, shopping and visiting a couple of saloons. Her favourite was the Red Dog Saloon.

What is there to do in Skagway?

Karie visited the historic Red Onion Saloon, then rode the train up into the mountains past rivers, waterfalls and cliffs. Book the train early, as it’s a popular excursion.

What is there to do in Sitka?

Explore the totem poles and forest paths, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Karie spotted a bald eagle on her walk.

Is an Alaska cruise a good way to celebrate an anniversary?

Absolutely. Karie sailed with her family to celebrate her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, and the scenery made it a trip to remember.

When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

The season runs from about May to September. June, July and August are the warmest months, while May and September can mean lower prices and fewer crowds.

Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise?

Yes. Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports, and Canadians must travel with a valid passport. We recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.