Unexpected dinner guests showing up unannounced are typically not a welcomed crowd. Not in Alaska. Our meals would frequently get interrupted by a wildlife spotting, either by a guest who happened to look up from their crab cakes and smoked salmon B.L.T. at just the right moment, or by a crew member. (It's shameful, but by the third day I was not overly excited by bald eagle sightings because I had already seen what seemed like hundreds of them. And that might not be an exaggeration. But that's just how WILD this state truly is!) "WHALE!!!" or "ORCA!!!" were the most exciting for me. I would literally drop my spoon into that piping hot bowl of clam chowder, knowing it would still be there when I returned. But those elusive sea giants demand to be observed on THEIR time. A matter of minutes or even seconds, and they disappear into the underwater world forever. Part of me wishes that I had captured some awesome images of these creatures as they made their short-lived appearances out from the water. But more of me is content that I saw those moments and savored them with my own two eyes rather than through a lens. It also allows some amount of mystery for the reader as motivation to GO to Alaska and SEE it for yourself!
Our group seemed to be fortunate, seeing Humpback Whales pretty much everyday of the cruise and THREE pods of orcas! Jordan was most anxious to see bears, and he got his wish in the form of two really neat opportunities to observe these animals. Both were from the boat, but the beauty of a small ship is that it can be quiet and get CLOSE. First, we saw a lone cinnamon black bear foraging mussels on a shore. We pulled as close as possible and watched this bulky bear gracefully traverse the rocky, steep shoreline. We watched and we watched...all enjoying this scene that you typically only get to see on television. When we finally decided to move on, we didn't even realize what was ahead. Soon enough, we stumbled upon a group of another black bear with two cinnamon black bears!
Bear sighting! (Jenny Johnston)
It's funny how time stands still for a moment while you take in the beauty of what is around you. Especially in a place so wild and untouched as Alaska! I would find myself envious of the animals...no cell phones, no deadlines, no news. Perhaps even no sense of what time is other than time to eat, time to hunt, time to sleep. I'm not really saying that I'd trade places with them, but there is something to be said about the simplicity of their being that made me reflect on my own life. I'll just try to learn from the bears but keep my life, because let's be honest - I wouldn't fare too well having to forage my own food...
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
