Our long-anticipated Alaska cruise aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth finally began, and we couldn’t wait to document every moment of this incredible journey. This blog post covers our embarkation in Vancouver, the breathtaking Canada Day sailaway, our first sea day, and an exciting day in Ketchikan, Alaska. From whale sightings at dinner to exploring Creek Street and witnessing a totem pole carver at work, this trip was packed with unforgettable experiences.
Day 1: Embarkation at Canada Place, Vancouver
Our journey started at Canada Place Cruise Terminal in Vancouver, a bustling hub for cruises heading to Alaska. The embarkation process was surprisingly quick and efficient, with security and check-in moving smoothly. However, there was a bottleneck of priority boarders, so we had to wait about 30 minutes before stepping aboard the magnificent Queen Elizabeth.
First Stop: Lunch at The Golden Lion Pub
After settling in, we headed straight to The Golden Lion Pub, a charming, British-style pub onboard. We enjoyed a delicious meal, soaking in the warm, cozy atmosphere before heading off to explore our balcony cabin.
Our Balcony Cabin Tour (6033)
Our home for the next week was a Grade BE Balcony Stateroom – Cabin 6033, and it did not disappoint! Here’s a quick breakdown of our room:
Bathroom: Compact but well-designed, featuring a walk-in shower with glass doors, premium Penhaligon’s toiletries, and ample storage space.
Living and Sleeping Area: A queen-sized bed with plush bedding, a vanity desk with a large mirror, and a wall-mounted TV for evening relaxation.
Seating Area: A two-seater sofa and coffee table, perfect for morning coffee or a snack.
Balcony: Spacious enough for two reclining chairs and a table, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and upcoming Alaskan scenery.
Canada Day Sailaway from Vancouver
Since our sailaway fell on Canada Day, the entire Vancouver waterfront was alive with celebrations. The festive atmosphere, complete with music, fireworks, and cheering crowds, made for an unforgettable send-off.
As we set sail, we passed by Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks. This 1,000-acre park is home to stunning cedar, fir, and spruce trees, as well as the iconic Seawall, a scenic route popular with walkers and cyclists. Established in 1888, the park is named after Lord Stanley, the same figure behind the Stanley Cup.
Soon after, we sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge built in 1938 and originally financed by the Guinness family (yes, the beer makers!). The bridge stretches 473 meters, offering some of the most spectacular views of Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Passing beneath it on a clear, sunny day was truly magical!
Dinner at the Lido Buffet and a Whale Spotting Surprise
For our first dinner aboard, we opted for the Lido Buffet, which featured a special Canada Day-themed selection. We found a perfect window seat, allowing us to soak in the last glimpses of Vancouver as we sailed into open waters.
Then, something incredible happened—we spotted a whale from our table! This unexpected sighting was the perfect way to end our first evening onboard.
Day 2: Relaxing Sea Day
Our first full day at sea started with a room service breakfast, including cereals, pastries, and a full hot breakfast. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sight of the open ocean.
Watercolour Painting Class at Britannia Restaurant
After breakfast, we headed to the Britannia Restaurant for a watercolour painting class. This relaxing and creative experience was a wonderful way to spend time onboard.
Lunch at Britannia Restaurant
For lunch, we returned to Britannia Restaurant, enjoying a delicious meal with excellent service. The menu featured a variety of options, from fresh seafood to classic British dishes. Dining in this grand setting was a treat, and it set the perfect tone for a relaxed afternoon at sea.
Touring the Mareel Spa & Evening Thermal Suite Session
On embarkation day, we explored the Mareel Spa, which features a thermal suite, sauna, gym, and various massage treatments. We had pre-booked a two-hour session for today in the thermal suite for the evening, a great hack to avoid the crowds during Gala Night. While many guests were at dinner, we enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing spa session.
Room Service Dinner & A Quiet Night In
After our spa session, we decided to order room service for dinner. The convenience of enjoying a private meal on our balcony while watching the ocean stretch endlessly ahead was truly luxurious. The menu included soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees, making for a cozy and restful end to our sea day.
Day 3: Arriving in Ketchikan, Alaska
After two amazing days at sea, we finally arrived in Ketchikan, Alaska, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. This charming town is rich in native culture, historic sites, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Exploring the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
We started our day with a visit to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, a 40-acre reserve filled with towering spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees. While walking the scenic trails, we spotted fresh bear claw marks and droppings, indicating that bears had recently passed through. We also saw several juvenile bald eagles, making for some incredible wildlife viewing.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting a master totem pole carver. Here, we watched as he skilfully crafted intricate designs into cedar poles, a tradition passed down for generations by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Each totem tells a unique story, often representing ancestral spirits and clan heritage.
Creek Street: A Walk Through History
Next, we made a quick stop for brunch before heading to Creek Street, one of Ketchikan’s most famous landmarks. This historic wooden boardwalk was once the town’s red-light district during Prohibition. Today, it’s lined with boutiques, art galleries, and historic sites. If you visit at the right time of year, you can even see thousands of salmon swimming upstream!
Steakhouse at the Verandah
Back on the ship, we headed to The Verandah Steakhouse for a special dinner. This specialty dining experience, booked for $58.50 per person, was a highlight of our cruise.
The menu featured a selection of premium steaks and seafood, including buttery wagyu beef, dry-aged Angus steak, and Alaskan crab. The attention to detail was exceptional—even allowing us to choose from a selection of specialty steak knives to suit our preference.
Evening Entertainment: Queens Room & ‘A Night at the Movies’
To end our day, we headed to the Queens Room for an evening of entertainment with ‘A Night at the Movies’. This elegant venue, with its classic theatre ambiance, provided the perfect setting to unwind after an exciting day exploring Ketchikan.
With three days of breathtaking scenery, delicious meals, and enriching experiences, our Alaska cruise aboard Queen Elizabeth was off to an incredible start. Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue exploring the stunning Alaskan coastline!
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