ThrowbackThursday: Falling in Love with Alaska Onboard Vision of the Seas
Updated: 4 days ago
For this week's #ThrowbackThursday, we are turning back the clock (to when I was working onboard Vision of the Seas, part of the shore excursions team May - September 2001) to look at a classic journey that cemented my love for Alaska: a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise departing from the beautiful port of Vancouver, Canada.
While today’s mega-ships boast skydiving simulators and multi-story boardwalks, there is something deeply nostalgic about the mid-sized vessels that paved the way. For me, that ship was Royal Caribbean’s elegant Vision of the Seas.
With its sun-drenched glass walls, intimate deck spaces, and zero-distraction focus on the surrounding wilderness, it was, and remains, a photographer’s absolute dream.
Here is a look back at an unforgettable 7-day itinerary into the Last Frontier.
ThrowbackThursday: Falling in Love with Alaska Onboard Vision of the Seas
The Ship: Nostalgia and Wide-Open Views
The Vision Class was built with a beautiful philosophy: keep the focus on the ocean. Onboard Vision of the Seas, acres of sweeping glass canopies and classic open-air promenades meant that you were never more than a glance away from a passing pod of orcas or a mist-shrouded pine forest.
Without the massive waterslides blocking the skyline, the top decks offered unobstructed, 360-degree panoramas of the horizon. It felt less like a floating amusement park and more like a true nautical expedition, where the headline entertainment was the raw, untamed landscape outside your window.
The Journey: 7 Days in the Last Frontier
Day 1 & 2: Departing Vancouver & Inside Passage
Our adventure began at the iconic Canada Place terminal in Vancouver, slipping under the Lions Gate Bridge as the city skyline faded into the dusk. Day 2 was spent entirely at sea, gliding through the Inside Passage. This narrow ribbon of water between British Columbia's islands is a masterclass in coastal composition: glassy waters, low-hanging clouds, and the occasional spout of a humpback whale in the distance.
Day 3: Chasing Glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord
There is nothing quite like waking up early, grabbing a hot coffee from Café Latte-tudes, and heading straight to the bow as the ship navigates the sheer rock walls of Tracy Arm Fjord. Slowly idling through chunks of floating turquoise ice, the ship brought us face-to-face with the towering face of a tidewater glacier. The acoustics here are unbelievable; the thunderous crack of ice calving into the water is a sound you never forget. Sadly, Tracy Arm Fjord is now unsafe.
Day 4: Juneau, the Mountain-Ringed Capital
Docking in Juneau offered the perfect mix of wildlife and landscape photography. When possible, we spent time capturing the intense blues of the Mendenhall Glacier and taking a small-boat excursion into Auke Bay, where we were treated to a spectacular show of bubble-net feeding humpbacks. There is so much to see and do in Juneau! I was lucky to have been on board for a full season (May - September) to experience more than what you can possibly see in one day (great excuse to return to this magical part of the world).
One of my favourite highlights was taking a helicopter trip over the Mendenhall Glacier and landing for a dog sledge trip. If you time it right, the husky puppies are adorable. You might also like to take the floatplane/waterplane to see brown bears up close, catching salmon at the falls. There are also mountain bike tours and white water rafting.
Another huge highlight in Juneau, which I booked privately, was taking a flying lesson! I know..I was braver back in June 2001.
Day 5: Skagway & The White Pass Railroad
Stepping off the ship in Skagway felt like stepping right onto a vintage movie set. This historic gold-rush town preserves its 1898 charm perfectly. The highlight of the day was riding the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Clutching our cameras on the vintage outdoor viewing platforms, we tracked old wooden trestle bridges, cascading waterfalls, and massive mountain gorges.
Don't miss a visit to the Red Onion Saloon! This historic bar with staff dressed in period costumes is very lively. With modern pub food such as pizza, nachos, and salmon chowder, you can wash those down with local Alaskan beers or novelty shots such as the "Reindeer Fart". The preserved rooms ("cribs") are up the stairs, once part of the former gold rush brothel.
Skagway is very easy to explore on foot, but a unique way to see the historic streets and discover the gold rush history is in a yellow historic-retro streetcar/vintage school bus. Don't miss the incredible local salmon products. These are pre-packed and available to purchase and take home. A fantastic way to extend your holiday and dine when you get back, or an interesting and unique gift for friends and family.
Day 6: Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital
Our final Alaskan port of call was Ketchikan, a vibrant, rain-kissed town famous for its rich native heritage. Strolling along the wooden boardwalks of Creek Street (built on stilts over the rushing water), we photographed colourful historic buildings, salmon leaping, and an incredible collection of standing totem poles.
Don't miss the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show! They are so incredibly talented. I still have my wee wooden carved chair, kindly gifted, which I treasure.
Day 7 & 8: Reflections at Sea & Return to Vancouver
Our final day was a peaceful cruise back south through Canadian waters. It gave many the perfect chance to sit in the ship’s glass-enclosed Solarium, scroll through thousands of RAW image files, and edit the week's best shots before heading home.
Why We Miss This Era of Cruising
Looking back at my time onboard Vision of the Seas, it reminds me that sometimes, less is more. A smaller ship means you can move from port side to starboard side in seconds when a whale is spotted. It means quieter decks, slower mornings, and a deeper connection to the wild places you traveled so far to see.
Did you ever sail on one of Royal Caribbean’s classic Vision Class ships? What is you're favourite memories of cruising the Inside Passage? Let us know in the comments below!
Until next time...
Happy Travels,
Michelle x
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