Adventure Archives: Vancouver & Alaska
- May 30
- 8 min read
Welcome to the first instalment of The Adventure Archives; a look back on our trips and what we got up to! These archives will give you an idea of our itineraries, what we got up to, where we ate, what we did and everything in between. Don’t forget, I can take the stress away and plan all of this for you…for free!
We are looking back at our most recent trip for this one, Alaska!
Location: London
Date: 9th May 2026
Travel Day: 1
Time Difference: GMT
Weather: sunny
Step Count: 14,052
Vibe Check: are we there yet?
The Plan
Fly to Vancouver and have poutine.
What Actually Happened
We flew to Vancouver and had poutine! Yes, we actually stuck to our plan for once! The flight was fairly uneventful and may have contained a nap [archive note: there was quite a long nap]. We took the Canada Line from the airport to our hotel which was super easy and then took a walk around Canada Place to figure out where we would need to go to get on the ship. We managed to stay up quite late, which was impressive!
Highlights
Having Canadian poutine and not the terrible version I make myself.
Things We Didn’t Expect
To see the set of The Last of Us smack bang in the middle of Vancouver!
Would We Do It Again?
I think this is a no-brainer really given how much we want to do this cruise again.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Date: 10th May 2026
Travel Day: 2
Time Difference: GMT -8
Weather: a lot warmer than we planned for...
Step Count: 16,598
Vibe Check: how many doughnuts can we eat?
The Plan
Big Bus Tour, Granville Island.
What Actually Happened
Well, we did do the Big Bus Tour, but we were several hours late into our plan as we made some new friends and spent a long time chatting with them at Tim Horton’s for breakfast which was so lovely [archive note: they couldn't get rid of us after that]. They were on the same cruise as us so that solidified our friendship! We actually met them for dinner the same night for more poutine. I also ended up booking us tickets to the Aquarium. If there are animals, I will be going there. We used the Big Bus Tour to get over to Granville Island where we explored to market and ate our weight in Lee’s Donuts. No regrets.
Highlights
Spending time with new friends, seeing otters play and enjoying a good doughnut with a lovely view.
Things We Didn’t Expect
So many options inside the market on Granville Island! From fresh produce to so many food stalls and even jewellery!
Would We Do It Again?
Without a doubt, yes. Granville Market especially should be on your “not to miss” list for Vancouver.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Date: 11th May 2026
Travel Day: 3
Time Difference: GMT -8
Weather: initially a little overcast, clearing nicely to sail away
Step Count: 11,347
Vibe Check: it’s embarkation day!
The Plan
Get onboard the Disney Wonder!
What Actually Happened
We did indeed get onboard the Disney Wonder! It was a little chaotic in the actual port and there was a lot of conflicting instructions given by staff, but we made it safely onboard. It was made even better by being greeted by our friends the second we stepped onboard [archive note: I actually ran to meet them!]. We watched sail away and took in the views before being very British and queuing for the shop. It was arguably the most chaotic shopping experience ever, but I got what I wanted and the crew were incredible at helping everyone out.
Highlights
Seeing the scenery change as we sailed away from Vancouver, and it being a clear enough day that we could see a mountain in Washington!
Things We Didn’t Expect
The absolute carnage at the shops, but also the lack of the Minnie Mouse Alaska Loungefly!
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely, although you won’t catch me queuing for the shop again!
Location: The Sea
Date: 12th May 2026
Travel Day: 4
Time Difference: GMT -8
Weather: cloudy
Step Count: 9,278
Vibe Check: aaaaaand relax
The Plan
For once, there was no plan.
What Actually Happened
We had a good time with our friends and even took part in a napkin folding class [archive note: all napkins will now be made into candles for the foreseeable]. We enjoyed incredible hot chocolate out on the deck as we looked for as much wildlife as physically possible. Somehow, I managed to catch an orca sighting whilst sat waiting for trivia.
Highlights
Seeing an orca for the first time.
Things We Didn’t Expect
To see whales this soon in our cruise.
Would We Do It Again?
Yes, without a doubt.
Location: Sitkine Icecap
Date: 13th May 2026
Travel Day: 5
Time Difference: GMT -7
Weather: overcast and rainy
Step Count: 8,014
Vibe Check: everything looks like a postcard
The Plan
Find wildlife, meet the characters and see the glacier.
What Actually Happened
All of the above! We were first in line for Mr Mouse himself, but only because we were up on top deck for 7:30am. However, it was SO worth it for the views whilst we waited! We managed to meet all of the characters in their Alaskan outfits and crew managed all the lines so well [archive note: shout out to Luke LineWalker]. We then saw humpback whales and it was probably the best moment of the entire cruise [archive note – Paul cried].
Highlights
Seeing humpback whales in the wild and meeting all of the characters.
Things We Didn’t Expect
Seeing whales close to the ship.
Would We Do It Again?
YES! This was the best day of the cruise in my opinion. There is something so magical [archive note: we were on the Wonder, not the Magic] seeing the mountains, waterfalls and everything else.
Location: Skagway, Alaska, USA
Date: 14th May 2026
Travel Day: 6
Time Difference: GMT -7
Weather: initially cloudy but sunny in the afternoon
Step Count: 14,307
Vibe Check: how do I get one of these puppies back home?
The Plan
Play with puppies – that’s it, the whole plan.
What Actually Happened
I cuddled two 3-week old puppies [archive note: the puppy smell was the best!] We headed on a Port Adventure to a Musher Camp where we got to learn about the sport of mushing and meet some of the dogs, with some of them being teeny tiny puppies. We then got to roast marshmallows to make s’mores over an open fire using a proper stick which was very fun. We then headed back to Skagway and explored the town a bit, which looked like a postcard itself! Despite the cold, we had to get an ice cream from the local shop and then walked through all the streets to see the sights.
Highlights
Puppy cuddles, of course!
Things We Didn’t Expect
How cute Skagway would be! The buildings are what I think of when I think of Alaska, and every one of them is different.
Would We Do It Again?
Definitely! I think the Port Adventure is a one and done sort of thing and next time I would do the train.
Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA
Date: 15th May 2026
Travel Day: 7
Time Difference: GMT -7
Weather: strangely sunny
Step Count: 14,408
Vibe Check: I wish the view from Costco was like this at home
The Plan
Port Adventure Jeep hire.
What Actually Happened
We found out a few days before that the Jeep we had booked was only for half a day and when we were paying almost $700 for it, we could not justify the cost. We ended up renting a normal car from a local rental place and drove to Mendenhall Glacier. This was so great and we got to see snow on the ground! We then did the little hike to Nugget Falls and got very close to the waterfall. We then went to Costco [archive note: Costco is a must, obviously] before we called it a day and headed back to the ship.
Highlights
Seeing another glacier and also seeing snow!
Things We Didn’t Expect
The water from the waterfall was nowhere near as cold as I expected, especially because it was near the glacier.
Would We Do It Again?
Yes, but I wouldn’t rent a car this time. I would likely take a whale watching tour here, or just walk around the town.
Location: Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Date: 16th May 2026
Travel Day: 8
Time Difference: GMT -7
Weather: beautifully sunny
Step Count: 13,170
Vibe Check: Well, I have never seen a beaver before
The Plan
Walk around Ketchikan and see the Lumberjack Show.
What Actually Happened
We stuck to the plan! We booked the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show as a Port Adventure but, as the show venue is right next to the ship, you just entered the show as normal and showed your reservation. We got off the ship almost as soon as we could as we docked around 10am, and walked around Creek Street and down the harbour. Everything was so beautiful, but I will admit I was looking for whales the whole time! Our showtime was 11:30, so we saw the show, got back on the ship for lunch and then headed back out. The show was really good and enjoyable. At first, I was worried we would be “too British” for it because it seemed very “out there”, but I enjoyed it a lot [archive note: it was still very out there!]. After lunch, we walked back along Creek Street and then became absolutely captivated by a beaver swimming in the creek! It was later joined by a seal friend!
Highlights
Seeing a beaver for the first time in the wild!
Things We Didn’t Expect
The Lumberjack show to be as long as it was.
Would We Do It Again?
Yes, but I wouldn’t do the show again. It’s definitely a one and done sort of show, but glad we did it!
Location: At Sea
Date: 17th May 2026
Travel Day: 9
Time Difference: GMT -8
Weather: clear skies
Step Count: 8,247
Vibe Check: I don’t want to leave
The Plan
Take in the last day of incredible views.
What Actually Happened
We did exactly that, starting with a beautiful Palo brunch which was so nice [archive note: I basically rolled out of that restaurant]. We then did our final trivias, spent a lot of time on top deck looking out over the mountains and spent time with our friends. We ended up going to Palo again for a sneaky chocolate souffle for dessert in the evening!
Highlights
Palo brunch is always a highlight.
Things We Didn’t Expect
How the scenery would remain the same in terms of mountains right the way through the day.
Would We Do It Again?
Without a doubt, yes. If you can afford it, this would be a great day for a Rainforest Room.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Date: 18th May 2026
Travel Day: 10
Time Difference: GMT -8
Weather: clear skies and sunny
Step Count: 15,627
Vibe Check: Don’t let the intrusive thoughts win
The Plan
Disembark, be sad, go to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and fly home.
What Actually Happened
Exactly that…we were very sad disembarking the ship [archive note: tears happened]. We went to Tim Hortons for breakfast and all yearned to be back onboard. We stored our luggage at the port, which was very handy, and then grabbed the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The park was incredible and we loved walking the bridge, doing the tree top adventure and the cliff walk. We even ended up grabbing lunch at the park, too.
Highlights
The stunning scenery across the park and a free shuttle which takes the fuss out of travelling there.
Things We Didn’t Expect
How much the suspension bridge would wobble!
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely, it was so much fun!
Travel Stats:
Steps Walked: 125,048
Favourite Meal: poutine
Sweat Level: medium
Excitement Level: off the scale
Miles Travelled: 12,035
Budget Damage: medium (that Alaska merch...)
Favourite Photo Spot: Nugget Falls at Mendenhall Glacier
Chaos Rating: low
Unplanned Purchase: maple syrup!
Unexpected MVP: a hat to keep the noggin' warm!
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