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| Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises |
“Up north there’s a land without fences. Animals outnumber people, sunlight shines at midnight, and nature reigns. Life is different. This northern frontier still boasts pristine landscapes, majestic wildlife, and a coastline that is one of the most enthralling waterways in the world” (Princess Cruises). I’d been craving a wild travel experience for some time. Not booming nightclubs and a mysterious tattoo that appears in the morning, but wild as in true wilderness. I’d been craving open spaces, land untouched by humankind, and silence. Los Angeles, by way of comparison, has a population of 3.9 million people. Alaska, a frontier spanning 1,400 miles by 2,400 miles, has a total population just under 732,000. In other words, perfect. On 23 May 2014, the Star Princess departed from San Francisco and sailed north toward this pure wilderness. The ship was originally built in 2002 and then refurbished in 2011. When she’s at full capacity, the Star Princess carries 2,600 passengers and 1,100 crew members within her 17 decks. Eighty percent of all outside cabins have private balconies, including my stateroom, which allowed for breathtaking vistas as we sailed through scenery like the Tracy Arm Fjord.
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| Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska |
In case you missed it, The Avid Cruiser recently published their 2014 Alaska Guide, a comprehensive article designed to help you book your ideal vacation to the 49th state. Since I traveled to Alaska in May, on one of the earliest itineraries offered by Princess Cruises, it’s worth noting that some people do avoid the shoulder season. However, this Avid Cruiser article may convince you of the benefits of exploring early and/or late in Alaska’s sailing season. Princess Cruises also hosts a website called “Why Alaska,” orienting travelers to the many possibilities of this potentially-overwhelming destination.
This was my first time to Alaska, but I suspect many readers have experienced her beauty before and I welcome your comments. I booked a shore excursion in each port, as did my friend Heather. We took two of our excursions together, but we booked different adventures in the other two ports; meaning you get the benefit of a review for six different excursion offerings. Also – as a bonus to all the Alaska coverage – I’ve enjoyed a longtime love affair with San Francisco. We flew in a day early in order to share with you some of my favorite pieces of the City by the Bay.
I posted every night, recapping the adventures of the day. Follow along using my Live Voyage Report landing page. Enjoy your virtual vacation!
love,
me
This article was originally published on The Avid Cruiser Live Voyage Report website.
