The Adventures of a Travel Agent

When sailing to Alaska, you see the cruise you have chosen passes through Tracy Arm Fjord, you might not really give it another thought as you focus on the destinations that offer excursions. Well, this is not a drive by, this is a highlight of your entire trip you won't want to miss. The only way I can describe Tracy Arm is 'breathless beauty".  Standing on my verandah in the silence of mother nature was a moment I won't soon forget.  The magical layers of clouds and fog over the mountains and in the steep valleys, thousands of waterfalls stories high, chunks of ice the size of trucks floating by, bald eagles soaring by, all while your ship is passing so slowly and quietly you think it must be a dream! The ship entered the fjord at 6:00 AM for it's four hour journey.  On board Naturalist, Brent Nixon, provided a soothing, quiet narration as we made our way through.  This was a wonderful addition to the experience. His extensive knowledge allowed u

I wasn't sure what to expect when stepping out onto the verandah of our cruise cabin, upon arrival into the small port if Ketchikan.  But when I saw it, I realized it was exactly what I expected.  A small beautiful sleepy town perched on the side of the rocks adjacent to the water.  Covered in mist and vividly green.  At that moment you would never know that 10,000 people a day come to town via cruise ships throughout the summer season.  By the end of September the town reduces back to its year round population of about 500. Being on the water at the edge of a massive rainforest, the winters are not as harsh here as you might expect. Ketchikan offers many activities for shore excursions, or you can simply spend your time strolling through the small shops.  Its close to impossible to get lost, and hiking trails along the salmon streams, totem poles and more are within walking distance.  For those that delay and wish they would have booked an excursion, the visitors center at the pie