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| Two ships docked in Skagway in 1990 |
When I first sailed to Alaska in 1986, the journey felt like stepping into a private world. The ships were small — real small — and they travelled the true Inside Passage. We slipped north between Vancouver Island and the mainland. All the way up the coast, we saw islands on either side of the ship all the way to Juneau. We were sheltered by the islands, gliding through calm water that felt like a hidden marine highway known only to a lucky few.
Those early voyages were quiet, personal, and deeply connected to the coastline. You didn’t just see Alaska — you felt it. The ship hugged the shore, weaving through narrow channels where you could watch eagles perched on driftwood and fishing boats heading home at dusk. It was the kind of travel that made you slow down and breathe.
The Golden Age of Cruising — At Least, That’s How It Felt
Cruising in the 1980s had its own charm. There were no specialty restaurants charging US $60 per person. The dining room was the heart of the ship, and the food — well, it was genuinely excellent. Every meal felt like an occasion.
And people dressed for dinner. Formal night meant long gowns, sparkling jewellery, and men in tuxedos. The ship would hum with that special kind of excitement that comes from everyone putting in the effort. It wasn’t about being fancy — it was about honouring the moment.
Fast Forward to Today: The Era of the Mega Ship
Now Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Mega ships carry thousands of passengers, and the Inside Passage has become a highway of its own. Princess has 50% of their fleet in Alaska, sailing from San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver. Prices this year have jumped sharply — partly because so many sailings are sold out. Alaska isn’t a hidden gem anymore; it’s a global favourite.
Today’s ships are floating resorts: • Dozens of restaurants • Broadway‑style shows • Go‑kart tracks, zip lines, and multi‑storey atriums • Specialty dining that can cost more than a nice dinner out at home
It’s impressive, no question. But it’s different.
What Hasn’t Changed
Alaska still has a way of getting under your skin. The glaciers still crack like thunder. The whales still rise out of the water like they’re greeting you. The air still smells like cedar and salt and something ancient.
Whether you’re on a 200‑passenger ship or a 5,000‑passenger one, Alaska remains Alaska — wild, humbling, and unforgettable.
What I’ve Learned After Four Decades
Travel changes. Ships change. Trends come and go. But the magic of Alaska endures.
If anything, having seen both eras — the quiet, intimate Inside Passage of the 1980s and the bustling, high‑demand Alaska of today — makes me appreciate the journey even more. I’ve watched Alaska cruising grow from a niche adventure to a worldwide phenomenon, and I feel lucky to have experienced it from the beginning.
And every time I sail north, I’m reminded of that first trip in 1986, when the ship was small, the water was calm, and Alaska felt like a secret whispered just to me.
