Alaska had always been high on my bucket list, and this summer I finally packed my bags and returned absolutely thrilled. The experience, as I imagined, was unforgettable, combining a few days in cities across the United States and Canada with a delightful voyage aboard Silversea's always special Silver Nova . A journey filled with unique landscapes, exciting activities, and a touch of luxury that made each day truly special.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 71 – December 2024
Alaska
, known as “The Last Great Territory,” has a rich history that began more than 10,000 years ago when the first inhabitants arrived from Asia across the Bering Land Bridge, which spanned the Bering Strait. These peoples, including the Inuit and other Native groups such as the Tlingit and Haida, developed cultures based on their connection to nature. Their lives revolved around fishing, hunting, and a belief system that honored the local wildlife.
European exploration began in 1741 with the Russian Vitus Bering, marking the start of Russian colonization, which focused on sea otter hunting. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in what became known as Seward's Folly, though it soon proved to be a strategic decision thanks to its natural resources. Alaska became the 49th U.S. state in 1959, solidifying its unique role in the country.
A pleasant journey aboard Silversea's always special Silver Nova.
What makes Alaska unique is its vastness and natural diversity, with pristine and awe-inspiring environments. It is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the U.S., including the majestic Denali. Its impressive network of glaciers, such as the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, attracts explorers from around the world.
It is home to brown bears, wolves, eagles, and whales. Its waters and forests provide unique opportunities for wildlife viewing in their natural habitat, and its indigenous culture remains vibrant.
Traditions such as the Potlatch, community ceremonies of the Tlingit and Haida, and their elaborate totem carvings, celebrate their historical and spiritual connection to the land.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find their perfect habitat here. Alaska's landscapes are a paradise for activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and dog sledding.
Native influences and a focus on sustainability enrich daily life in Alaska. Local cuisine features iconic dishes like smoked salmon and king crab. Furthermore, cultural events such as the Fur Rendezvous and wildlife celebrations offer opportunities to explore the connection between the community and its environment.
In short, Alaska not only surprises with its geographical grandeur, but also with its history, culture, and capacity to offer unique adventures. It is an essential destination for those seeking to explore nature and the past in an immersive way.
Silver
Nova, launched in 2023, a boutique cruise ship with a capacity for 728 passengers—the perfect size for exploring Alaska. Its asymmetrical design maximizes panoramic views from its many common areas and suites, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly ships in the world, featuring hybrid technology that includes liquefied natural gas propulsion systems and batteries to reduce carbon emissions.
The Silver Nova offers exceptional cuisine, with guests able to enjoy a variety of culinary options at upscale restaurants such as SALT Kitchen, which tailors its menu to the local ingredients of each region visited. In total, there are eight restaurants available, including an Asian restaurant, a French restaurant, a pizzeria, an al fresco terrace, and more.
My favorite was the Silver Note, where live music accompanied the gourmet dinners; however, dining at the Atlantide, the ship's main restaurant, is a truly special experience. I must mention the tableware, which is simply exquisite, refined, and elegant.
The bucolic scenery is provided by Creek Street, a historic waterfront promenade built on stilts in Ketchikan.
Among the many charming and exclusive spaces of the Silver Nova, the tranquil pool on the main deck stands out, which we were unable to use due to the weather, which, although not bad until the penultimate day, was not inviting for swimming.
But having a cocktail at the Salt Bar before or after dinner at the Salt Bar was one of the rituals that couldn't be missing from my daily routine, as it is always a relaxed and sophisticated experience.
Rounding out my favorites are Café Arts, Connoisseur Club & Smoking Lounge and the wonderful outdoor bar behind The Marquee restaurant, at the stern, weather permitting, and in Vancouver we made use of it on the great sunny day of embarkation.
But when you embark on a Silversea with this high standard of service, with almost a 1:1 ratio between crew and passengers, a journey, a destination, is experienced in a different way.
Your butler ensures everything in your suite is to your liking, preparing a breakfast table in your cabin with your favorite dishes at your preferred time, and selecting your pillow à la carte to provide the most restful sleep. And those afternoon teas with caviar and champagne? I can't say enough good things about them.
On the day of our arrival, our butler took care of unpacking our suitcases to make our day even more pleasant, and he succeeded, that day and throughout the rest of the trip.
What we saw and experienced in the following days became a fascinating memory of a territory full of a very unique history that, although recent to European eyes, is no less fascinating.
A cruise is one of the best, if not the best, ways to explore Alaska in a short period of time. The distances are vast, and many places are only accessible by sea. Accommodation is limited, and the small winter population needs to be reinforced in the summer to accommodate tourists. It's no wonder that all cruise lines end up including Alaska in their itineraries; new destinations are already being added next year.
It seems I'll have to return because we ultimately couldn't enjoy the experience of getting up early and seeing the imposing Hubbard Glacier up close, which, we were told, should be done with a hot chocolate in hand while silently listening to the glacier's creaking and calving sounds. Fascinating. I'll be back.
The Silver Nova offers exceptional cuisine.
During Silver Nova's 19-trip Alaska season, which ran from May to September, the ship covered more than 32,000 nautical miles over 133 days. Nearly 10,000 bottles of champagne were consumed in the elegant restaurants and bars. More than 120 lectures were given, providing context and enriching information. Almost 200 SALT Lab classes were held to learn about local culinary culture. Thirty photographs by Steve McCurry were installed on board as part of Silversea's 30th anniversary exhibition. These photographs chronicle the most significant milestones of the destinations visited by Silversea over the past three decades. Each image celebrates the spirit of discovery that defines Silversea.
Vancouver:
We begin our cruise from Vancouver, the vibrant heart of Canada's west coast and the ideal departure port for exploring one of the world's most enchanting cities. Two days in this Canadian city allow you to explore Stanley Park, stroll through the lively Gastown neighborhood, and even cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 137-meter wonderland for those who aren't afraid of heights.
The cuisine is diverse and outstanding, welcoming visitors in an admirable way. Before boarding, we explored Vancouver's captivating Waterfront, an area that blends modernity and nature. This waterfront promenade offers breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean, as well as iconic landmarks like Canada Place, which evokes the sails of a ship, and FlyOver Canada, an immersive cinematic experience that soars above the country's landscapes.
Having breakfast while watching the numerous exploration planes take off and land with the mountains in the background is an image you'll keep in your memory.
sailing
was through the spectacular Inside Passage, a route of majestic scenery. Ships using this route can avoid some of the rough weather on the open sea and can visit some of the many isolated communities along the way. Stretching hundreds of nautical miles from Puget Sound, Washington, across the coast of British Columbia and into the Gulf of Alaska, it includes more than 1,000 islands, a seemingly endless coastline, and thousands of idyllic coves and bays.
A cruise is one of the best, if not the best, ways to explore Alaska in a short period of time.
Sailing excitedly through the stunning scenery, we encounter ports of call such as Skagway, from the gold rush era; Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world; and Juneau, the capital of Alaska.
The Inner Passage is heavily trafficked by cruise ships, cargo ships, tugboats with trailers, fishing boats, recreational boats and ferries.
Ketchikan,
first stop. Known as the “salmon capital of the world,” it offers activities such as the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, visits to the totem poles of Saxman Village, and kayaking or zip-lining adventures. Local wildlife includes bald eagles and seals in its protected bays.
There are many excursions offered at almost every port of call, including small plane tours and even pleasant scenic trips in amphibious vehicles. Salmon, now in their upstream migration season, are everywhere.
The Silver Nova's asymmetrical design maximizes panoramic views.
The bucolic setting is provided by Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on stilts along the banks of Ketchikan Creek. A former red-light district, it's now a picturesque place to visit Dolly's House Museum, see totem poles, shop in local stores and galleries, and enjoy local art and culture.
In the summer months, thousands of salmon gather to spawn upstream; seals and otters are never far away, with eagles perched in the trees.
Juneau
is the state capital with a population of about 31,000. Between May and September, the city's daily population can increase by approximately 6,000 people due to seasonal workers and visitors, primarily from cruise ship arrivals.
It is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier, which we can access via footpaths or helicopter tours, but which can be seen from Brotherhood Bridge, where we went.
Alaska is home to grizzly bears, wolves, eagles, and whales.
There are also numerous whale watching excursions and many other activities. It's easy to explore the town independently and stroll through the shopping streets, or take the Juneu Tram cable car back up. At the top, there's a trail through the forest where numerous signs clearly indicate that you might encounter a bear, and that simply making noise will help them avoid you.
The Royal Caribbean Group, owner of Silversea, supports local Alaskan communities by collaborating with community organizations and leaders. For example, in August 2024, it launched a pilot program to increase access to high-speed internet in Juneau. In partnership with the Alaska Native corporation Goldbelt, the program deployed Starlink's high-speed, low-latency internet service to residents, tourists, and businesses in the city. Several Starlink terminals were also deployed in Sitka during widespread internet outages, improving coverage for residents.
Skagway,
the former epicenter of the gold rush, offers a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, bridges, and historic sites along the historic White Pass & Yukon Route. You can also see the original 1898 Klondike Trail carved into the rocks, a lasting tribute to the thousands who traveled this route in search of fortune.
For the more adventurous, there are cycling and hiking trails in the nearby forest. Its historic center retains the charm of the late 19th century.
We booked a tour to the Yukon, it had been recommended to us and it did not disappoint.
The Silver Nova is one of the most environmentally friendly ships in the world.
The Yukon Suspension Bridge is one of the most fascinating excursions you can enjoy in the region, especially for lovers of history and breathtaking scenery. Located at the White Pass Summit, this modern bridge combines spectacular views with a connection to the region's past. You'll need your passport because you'll be crossing into Canada.
The bridge offers a unique perspective of the Tutshi River, which flows through a deep canyon surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. During the walk, visitors stroll across a structure suspended high above the ground, allowing them to admire the rugged landscape and crystal-clear waters from a privileged vantage point.
The area surrounding the bridge is emblematic of the Klondike Gold Rush, when thousands of prospectors ventured into this remote region in search of fortune. Many of the roads now used to access the bridge have historical ties to this era, adding a cultural element to the experience. The bridge is safe, but certainly not suitable for people with a fear of heights.
In addition to crossing the bridge, you can explore nearby trails and enjoy observation platforms designed to capture the vastness of the landscape. The site also features interpretive panels that explain local history, from the indigenous peoples to the impact of the gold rush.
The journey to and from Skagway is an adventure in itself. During the trip, we experienced all kinds of weather: sun, rain, thick fog, you name it… On the way back, we came across a bear wandering peacefully near the road, and it didn't even flinch when we stopped to watch and film it.
For me, this excursion is a must. Once in town, shopping and tasting wild salmon and king crab. Unbeatable.
Sitka
, founded in 1799 by the Russians when it was part of the Empire, is the largest substate in the U.S. Its buildings show Russian influence, making them distinct from those we've seen previously. Currently, it has a population of just over 8,000 and is known for its natural landscapes. Highlights include Sitka National Historical Park with its totem poles and coastal trails. It's ideal for hiking, kayaking, and observing marine life such as otters and whales.
The area surrounding the Yukon Suspension Bridge is emblematic of the Klondike gold rush.
Sitka is charming and very pleasant. You can do almost everything you could do at the previous stops—kayaking, wildlife watching, etc.—but simply strolling around is easy and gives you a good sense of its character. There are many street stalls where you can sample king crab and salmon, and of course, restaurants. A walk to the marina is ideal.
We ended up on the coast near the Sitka Science Centre, where you can see salmon jumping in the water and even a sea lion among the boats.
Hubbard Glacier, one of the reasons to return.
A day at sea allows you to enjoy this imposing tidal glacier, the largest in North America. The views are spectacular, especially on clear days, and the sounds of ice calving into the water are unforgettable. Although we couldn't see it—because that's nature, and storms can strike when you least expect them—this experience is one of those things you can't do any other way than aboard a cruise ship. Like I said, next time.
Disembarkation in Seward and Anchorage.
We disembarked in Seward and, after a pleasant bus ride including whale watching, arrived in Anchorage to spend a few hours before heading to the international airport. I was looking forward to seeing it.
Silversea's Alaska cruise season runs from May to September.
It's the largest city in Alaska, combining modernity with access to nature. From there, you can visit Denali National Park, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, or hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Anchorage is also known for its restaurants and museums, such as the Anchorage Museum, which explores Alaskan history and culture.
Silversea's Alaska Season in 2025:
In 2025, the Silver Nova will return to Alaska from May to September. Itineraries will include popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as less-visited ports like Valdez, Icy Bay, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, and Haines. The Silver Moon will also sail Alaska from May to September on 7-day voyages, which will include a day of sailing in Hubbard Bay and the Inside Passage, with stops in Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.
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