Mojo Travels June 2025 - North to Alaska

 

Almost 2 years ago, my friend+sister (friendster), Leigh Ann, wanted to take an Alaskan cruise in June 2025 to celebrate a "big" birthday she had in February 2025.  So, Joe, Joy (my sis-in-love) and I, along with Leigh Ann's sister, Ginger and mother, Judy headed north to Alaska.  

Joe, Joy and I had been on an Alaskan cruise in 2016, but we were greatly interested in seeing Denali.  We highly recommend an Alaskan vacation.  Holland American, not only has the cruise ship, but the train and lodge.

We participated in the land tour first.  Yes, do the land tour first...cuz your hiney is going to be tired!!!  This trip included the land tour and cruise and all the transfers.  All you have to do is be timely and adhere to the schedule.  But you will be tired living out of a suitcase for 4 days.  But oh! the sights you will see.  Also during this land portion, we did not see nighttime. When you wake up in the middle of the night, it is still light outside.  Quite odd to adjust.

Here is the itinerary:

Flew to Fairbanks for 1 night

Took a bus from Fairbanks to the Denali Lodge for 2 nights

Took a a scenic train from Denali to Anchorage for 1 night

Took scenic train to Whittier to get on the Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship

The picture at the top is Mount Denali and we were only 3-5% of the visitors to actually see this majestic mountain.  It is so massive it has its own weather system and stays covered in snow year round.  Also clouds keep it covered from view.  But the sun came out, the clouds parted and we got to see it.  This picture cannot do it justice.  It was a fabulous moment. It looks like a painting, doesn't it??? 

The day we took this tour, we had to be on the bus at 6am!  For me that is painful, but it was so worth it. 

Here are a few other sights from Denali National Park.

                                             Back row:  My sissy, Joy and my love, Joe

                                             Center: Leigh Ann, Me and Ginger

                                             Front:  Mama Judy

The scenic train ride from Denali Lodge to Anchorage was about 8 hours.  It was an awesome experience and the views great. People like to live off the grid along the Alaskan Railway.  A little too rustic for me, no electricity, no indoor plumbing.  But the land is untouched by man and the air so fresh and crisp, I can see where some would just like to live in this wholesome way. Here a few pics from this train experience.

After a night in Anchorage and a train ride to Whittier, we made it to the cruise ship.  We were all tired and ready to unpack all our stuff and stay in a room for 7 nights.  Holland America has been going to Alaska for 75 years, so they know how to make it an immersive experience.  The day we went through Glacier Bay, you could go outside to all decks and at noon, they served pea soup!  It was tasty and soothing to the soul while experiencing the grandeur of God's handiwork. Four of us had 2 aft rooms, which I highly recommend on an Alaskan adventure.  You can sit on your balcony and see views from both sides of the ship.  We had 2 rooms side-by-side, so we got the balcony door opened so we could walk about. This was a fabulous experience.

From the aft balcony, my friendster, Leigh Ann

We visited Skagway, whale watching in Junea and Ketchikan.  Having the land tour and the cruise just makes for an immersive experience to see Alaska and all it has to offer.  It is a trip of a lifetime!!!

Here are some random pictures.

Creek Street in Ketchikan

Mendenhall Glacier

Until me meet again, blessings!