๐Ÿšข Day 6 on the Grand Princess โ€“ Exploring Ketchikan on the ๐Ÿฆ† Duck Tour

Our Alaskan adventure aboard the Grand Princess continued with Day 6 taking us to the charming waterfront town of Ketchikan, Alaska ๐ŸŸ. Known as the โ€œSalmon Capital of the Worldโ€ and rich in Native culture and Gold Rush history, Ketchikan is a favorite stop for many cruise travelers ๐ŸŒฒ.

For this port day, we decided to experience the Ketchikan Duck Tour ๐Ÿฆ†, a fun and unique amphibious excursion that takes you both on land and into the water ๐ŸŒŠ for an unforgettable sightseeing adventure. This narrated 90-minute tour gave us a fantastic overview of the cityโ€™s highlights, including Creek Street and the Salmon Ladder ๐Ÿ“ธ. As the Duck vehicle rolled down the streets and then splashed into the harbor, we got incredible views of Ketchikan from both perspectives ๐Ÿ˜.

After the tour, we spent some time exploring downtown Ketchikan before hiking up to Knob Hill Overlook, where we enjoyed stunning views of the town and harbor ๐Ÿž๏ธ. We also stopped to take photos under the famous Ketchikan sign ๐Ÿ“ท and soaked in the vibrant local atmosphere.

Back on board the Grand Princess, we wrapped up the evening with a delicious dinner ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ and the high-energy โ€œBritish Invasionโ€ show ๐ŸŽถ in the Princess Theater.

๐Ÿ“ Watch the full video here: Watch on YouTube


๐Ÿ“… Book Your Ketchikan Duck Tour (Affiliate)
https://sovrn.co/9bef3j0


From the charming streets to the sparkling harbor views โœจ, Ketchikan and the Duck Tour made for a memorable Day 6 of our cruise. Whether youโ€™re visiting for the first time or returning, this excursion is a fantastic way to see it all while having a great time ๐Ÿคฉ.

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Day 5 โ€“ Scenic Cruising Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier ๐Ÿ”๏ธโ„๏ธ

Day 5 aboard the Grand Princess was truly breathtaking as we cruised through Alaskaโ€™s stunning Endicott Arm toward the impressive Dawes Glacier. This scenic sailing day offered awe-inspiring views of towering fjords, floating blue icebergs, and the vast icy expanse of the massive Dawes Glacier itself, all from the comfort of the ship.

While enjoying the peaceful surroundings, we were lucky to spot a bear on the shore and later a whale swimming nearby, making this day even more memorable.

After a day full of incredible natural beauty and wildlife watching, we returned to Botticelliโ€™s main dining room for the Formal Night Gala Dinner. The elegant atmosphere and delicious cuisine made for the perfect dining experience.

The evening wrapped up with an incredible show, Remembering a Legend – A Tribute to Whitney Houston, performed by Cheaza in the Princess Theatre. It was a moving and powerful performance that capped off a wonderful day aboard the Grand Princess.


About the Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Series

This video and blog post are part of our complete Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Series, where we share detailed ship tours, cabin walk-throughs, port excursions, dining reviews, and entertainment highlights from our 7-night round trip cruise sailing from Vancouver, BC.


Cruise Details

๐Ÿ“ Ship: Grand Princess
๐Ÿ“ Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
๐Ÿ“ Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
๐Ÿ“ Itinerary: 7-night Alaska Cruise (round trip from Vancouver)


Watch the Day 5 Video

Experience this amazing scenic cruising day for yourself by watching the full Day 5 video here: Grand Princess Alaska Cruise – Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier | Day 5 ๐ŸŽฅ

Exploring Skagway, Alaska โ€“ Day 4 on the Grand Princess Alaska Cruise ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ๐Ÿ”๏ธ

Join us on Day 4 of our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise as we explore the charming and historic town of Skagway, Alaska! Our day begins onboard with some relaxing downtime enjoying the quiet pools and hot tubs ๐ŸŠโ€โ™‚๏ธโ™จ๏ธ, a perfect way to unwind before heading ashore. For lunch, we stop at the Salty Dog Grill, savoring tasty meals in a casual setting ๐Ÿ”๐ŸŸ.

In the afternoon, we embark on the scenic and narrated Skagway Streetcar Tour ๐Ÿš‹. This tour takes us to iconic sights including the Gold Rush Cemetery โšฐ๏ธ and a panoramic lookout point that offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding landscape ๐ŸŒ„.

After the streetcar tour, we spend time exploring downtown Skagway on foot ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ. We stroll along Broadway, taking in historical landmarks such as the historic train display ๐Ÿš‚, the infamous Red Onion Saloon ๐Ÿธ, and the informative Visitor Center ๐Ÿ›๏ธ. Along the way, we pause for a delicious snack at Alaskan Fry Bread, where we try their famous Doughboy treat ๐Ÿฉ โ€” a local favorite.

Next, we embark on a short but rewarding hike to Yakutania Point ๐ŸŒฒ, which offers stunning views of the harbor and the cruise ships ๐Ÿšข. On our way back, we stumble upon a fun Ducky Derby event ๐Ÿฆ†๐ŸŽ‰, adding a playful touch to our day.

Back onboard, we enjoy a wonderful dinner at Botticelliโ€™s Dining Room ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ, followed by an energetic performance of โ€œSweet Soul Musicโ€ ๐ŸŽถ in the Princess Theater. From start to finish, Day 4 was packed with unforgettable moments on our Alaskan adventure.


Cruise Details:

๐Ÿ“ Ship: Grand Princess
๐Ÿ“ Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
๐Ÿ“ Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
๐Ÿ“ Itinerary: 7-night Alaska Cruise (round trip from Vancouver)
๐Ÿ“ Port of Call (Day 4): Skagway, Alaska


Watch More Skagway Adventures:

๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ White Pass Summit Scenic Railway Excursion in Skagway Alaska ๐Ÿš‚
๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ Hiking to Yakutania Point & Smugglers Cove in Skagway Alaska
๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ Walking to Lower Reid Falls & Gold Rush Cemetery in Skagway Alaska


Ready to explore Skagway with us? Watch our full Day 4 cruise vlog for all the details and beautiful sights!
Watch Day 4 Video Here ๐ŸŽฅ


If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow along as we continue our incredible journey through Alaska aboard the Grand Princess.

Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Adventure – Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Day 3 ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ”๏ธ

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Vlog – Day 3: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Exploration

Day 3 of our Grand Princess Alaska cruise brought us to the stunning port of Juneau, Alaska – and what an incredible day it was! From calm ocean views to glacier-fed waterfalls, it was the kind of day that reminds you why Alaska is such a bucket-list destination.

We started the morning onboard with a peaceful breakfast in the Botticelli Dining Room, enjoying classic cruise cuisine while watching the mountains glide by. After breakfast, we headed up on deck where we were lucky enough to spot whales ๐Ÿ‹ in the distance as we cruised through the Inside Passage – a truly unforgettable moment.

In the early afternoon, we arrived in Juneau. Rather than book an excursion, we opted for the local city bus ๐ŸšŒ, an easy and budget-friendly way to explore the area. (๐ŸšŒ Check out the Juneau Bus Schedule here.)

We rode out to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, where we hiked the trail to Nugget Falls. The views of the glacier and roaring waterfall were absolutely breathtaking. To access the trails and visitor center, a fee or pass may be required depending on your visit time or the specific areas you plan to visit in the park, so be sure to check the official Mendenhall Glacier site for details.

On the way back, we stopped by the Juneau Whale Project to see the iconic whale statue before strolling through the shops and soaking up the coastal charm of downtown Juneau.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Da Vinci Dining Room and wrapped up the night with a fun and energetic juggling show in the Princess Theater.

๐ŸŽฅ You can also check out our separate video on the Goldbelt Tram Excursion in Juneau if you’re planning an upcoming cruise!

This was a day full of natural beauty, Alaskan adventure, and memories weโ€™ll never forget. Donโ€™t miss the full Day 3 vlog here:
๐Ÿ“บ Watch the full Day 3 Juneau Vlog on YouTube

Coming up next: Day 4 in Skagway, Alaska!

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise – Sea Day Fun, Formal Night & Shows | Day 2 ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ

Day 2 of our Grand Princess Alaska cruise was our first full day at sea, giving us the perfect chance to enjoy everything the ship has to offer. After a relaxing start in our cabin, we headed up to the Horizon Court for a buffet breakfast with amazing ocean views.

Throughout the day, we explored the ship, checked out some shopping, and watched the Officers vs. Guests axe-throwing competition. We also toured the Grand Princess self-serve laundromat, perfect for anyone cruising longer than a few days.

Andrea joined a fun dance class, and together we later watched a lively martini demonstration. We also enjoyed afternoon tea in the Da Vinci Dining Room before dressing up for formal night and capturing some pre-dinner selfies. Dinner in the Botticelli Dining Room featured the Captainโ€™s Welcome and an elegant multi-course meal. We capped off the night with the โ€œBorn to Danceโ€ show in the Princess Theater – an energetic and professionally produced performance.

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
๐Ÿ“ Ship: Grand Princess
๐Ÿ“ Location: At Sea
๐Ÿ“ Itinerary: 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Come along as we enjoy everything the Grand Princess has to offer during a fun and relaxing sea day!

๐Ÿ›’ Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)
๐Ÿ“บ Watch the Full Day 2 Video on YouTube

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise โ€“ Day 1: Boarding, Sail Away & First Impressions ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒ„

If youโ€™ve ever dreamed of cruising to Alaska, our Day 1 aboard the Grand Princess by Princess Cruises is a great way to see what the experience is really like! In our latest video, we bring you along as we kick off our 7-night round-trip adventure from Vancouver, BC.

We start our journey by taking the SkyTrain to Canada Place where we board the Grand Princess. Once onboard, we explore the ship, tour our obstructed Oceanview cabin E224, and soak in the excitement of embarkation day. One of the most memorable moments is our scenic sail away from Vancouver, cruising under the Lions Gate Bridge and past Stanley Park with stunning coastal views.

In the evening, we enjoy dinner at Botticelliโ€™s Dining Room and take in a live performance at the Princess Theater. Itโ€™s the perfect start to our cruise as we head toward the glaciers and natural beauty of Alaska. Day 2 brings a relaxing sea day as we sail north.

๐Ÿ“บ Watch the full Day 1 video here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youtu.be/o16kwDSP-UI

If youโ€™re curious about the Grand Princess or planning your own Alaska cruise, this video gives you an honest look at the embarkation experience, ship atmosphere, and more. Follow along with us each day as we document our full cruise journey!

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
๐Ÿ“ Ship: Grand Princess
๐Ÿ“ Cabin: E224 โ€“ Obstructed Oceanview, Deck 8
๐Ÿ“ Itinerary: 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver

๐Ÿ›’Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)

Grand Princess Obstructed Oceanview Cabin Tour โ€“ E224 on Deck 8 (What to Expect)

If you’re planning a cruise on the Grand Princess and considering an Obstructed Oceanview Cabin, you might be wondering exactly what you’re signing up for. We recently returned from a 7-night round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver aboard the Grand Princess and stayed in Cabin E224, located on Deck 8. In our latest video, we give you a full walkthrough of the cabin so you can see it for yourself before you book.

๐ŸŽฅ Watch the full cabin tour here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Grand Princess Obstructed Oceanview Cabin Tour โ€“ E224

Our video covers the cabin layout, storage space, bathroom, TV, and most importantly โ€” the window view. While labeled โ€œobstructed,โ€ we were pleasantly surprised by how much ocean we could actually see. This could be a great budget-friendly option if you want some natural light and a glimpse of the sea without paying for a full oceanview or balcony cabin.

We also show the power outlet setup (for those of you bringing tech gear), and talk about the overall condition of the room. The Grand Princess is an older ship, but we found the cabin clean and comfortable for our week-long journey through Alaska.

If youโ€™re on the fence about booking an obstructed cabin, this video will help you decide if itโ€™s the right fit for your cruise. Donโ€™t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Alaska cruise tips, cabin tours, and vlogs from our Grand Princess adventure!

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
๐Ÿ“ Ship: Grand Princess
๐Ÿ“ Cabin: E224 โ€“ Obstructed Oceanview, Deck 8
๐Ÿ“ Itinerary: 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Enjoy the tour and happy cruising! ๐Ÿ˜Š

๐Ÿ›’Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)

10 Fears and Questions We Had Before Our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise (Answered) ๐Ÿšขโ„๏ธ

Planning an Alaska cruise can be exciting, but it also comes with plenty of unknowns, especially if youโ€™re sailing on a ship for the first time. Before we boarded the Grand Princess by Princess Cruises for our 7-night round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, we had quite a few questions and concerns.

We werenโ€™t sure what to expect from an older ship like the Grand Princess. Our cabin was an obstructed Oceanview stateroom (E224) and we didnโ€™t know if weโ€™d be able to see the ocean at all. We had questions about the number of power outlets, the food options outside of the buffet and dining room, whether the pools and hot tubs would be warm enough, and even if we’d be able to get into our cabin early on embarkation day.

There were also rumors online about plumbing issues, and we received an unexpected email from Princess Cruises before our trip offering us the chance to switch sailings in exchange for onboard credit, which definitely raised some concerns about whether the ship was overbooked or if something was wrong with our room.

To help others who might be wondering the same things, we created a video that answers all of these questions based on our own experience aboard the Grand Princess.

๐ŸŽฅ Watch the full video here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ 10 Fears & Questions Before Our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise (Answered)

If youโ€™re booked on the Grand Princess or considering an Alaska cruise with Princess, this video offers a first-hand look at what you can expect, from food and entertainment to stateroom details and embarkation tips.

Weโ€™ll also be sharing more from this sailing including a full cabin tour, ship tours, daily vlogs, and plenty of cruise tips, so stay tuned for more.

Thanks for reading and happy cruising! โš“๐ŸŒฒ

๐Ÿ›’Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)

๐Ÿšข Sailing on a Cruise Out of Vancouver? Stay at River Rock Casino Resort + Dine at Gordon Ramsay Steak

๐Ÿš† The Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

Sailing on a cruise out of Vancouver? If you’re arriving a day or two early, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel can make your pre-cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable. We spent two nights at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, part of Metro Vancouver, and it was the ideal place to kick off our Alaska cruise adventure.

Just a short ride from Canada Place, where cruise ships depart, this resort offers everything from easy SkyTrain access to fine dining at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We filmed our full stay so you can see what itโ€™s like:

๐Ÿ“บ Watch the video:
๐Ÿ‘‰ River Rock Casino Resort + Gordon Ramsay Steak | Best Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver


๐Ÿ“ Easy Access to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

The River Rock Casino Resort is located just three SkyTrain stops from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and about a 20-minute ride to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. From there, itโ€™s just a short walk to Canada Place, where most Alaska cruises begin.

The resortโ€™s location in Richmond makes it a smart and accessible choice for cruise travelers looking to stay near Vancouver before boarding.


๐Ÿฅฉ Gordon Ramsay Steak: An Unforgettable Dinner

During our stay, we had an incredible dining experience at Gordon Ramsay Steak, located right inside the resort. Our meal featured:

๐Ÿž Warm artisan bread
๐Ÿฆ€ A flavorful crab cake
๐ŸŸ Perfectly cooked sablefish
๐Ÿฅฉ Tender Wagyu beef
๐Ÿฅง Classic Beef Wellington
๐Ÿฎ And the famous sticky toffee pudding

This restaurant was a highlight of our pre-cruise stay and the perfect way to start our vacation.

๐Ÿ”— View the Gordon Ramsay Steak Menu


๐Ÿ’ฆ Resort Amenities at River Rock

The River Rock Casino Resort has everything you need to relax and recharge before setting sail. Amenities include:

๐Ÿ’ฆ A pool with water slide
๐Ÿ’ช A fully equipped fitness center
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Chairmanโ€™s Room Lounge and Buffet
๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Complimentary parking
โ˜• Starbucks
๐ŸŽฌ An in-house theater
๐ŸŽฐ A full-service casino

Whether you’re winding down before your cruise or looking for something fun to do, this resort has it all.

๐Ÿ”— Visit the River Rock Casino Resort Website


๐Ÿ›’ Booking Your Stay at the River Rock Casino Resort

If you’re planning a cruise out of Vancouver and looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay nearby, consider booking your stay at the River Rock Casino Resort through Hotels.com. Itโ€™s a great way to secure a room close to the airport, SkyTrain, and cruise port, while taking advantage of flexible booking options and rewards.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Check current rates and availability on Hotels.com (Affiliate)

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Final Thoughts

If youโ€™re planning to sail from Vancouver, the River Rock Casino Resort in Metro Vancouver is a top-notch place to stay. With quick transit to the port, luxury amenities, and a memorable meal at Gordon Ramsay Steak, this spot checks all the boxes for a perfect pre-cruise experience.

๐Ÿ“บ Watch our full experience here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ River Rock Casino Resort + Gordon Ramsay Steak | Best Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

Why We Love the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28โ€ Checked Luggage in Celadon & Navy

If youโ€™re searching for a stylish, durable, and thoughtfully designed suitcase, the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28โ€ Checked Luggage might just be the perfect fit. We recently featured it in a new video on our YouTube channel, Northern Viking Explorer, and weโ€™re excited to share why itโ€™s quickly become our go-to choice for travel. ๐Ÿงณโœจ

๐ŸŽฅ Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/lvnYidtKwR4

This beautifully crafted hardside suitcase is available in stunning Celadon and Navy color options, giving it a sleek, modern look that stands out on the luggage carousel. But itโ€™s not just about aesthetics โ€” itโ€™s built for functionality and endurance.

What We Love About the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28โ€ Luggage

  • Durable Construction: Made from German Makrolonยฎ polycarbonate, this case is lightweight yet tough enough to withstand airport handling. ๐Ÿ’ช
  • 360ยฐ Spinner Wheels: Glide smoothly and quietly through terminals with ease. ๐Ÿ”„
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Secure your belongings while complying with security standards. ๐Ÿ”’
  • Elegant Finish: The micro-diamond texture resists scratches and keeps the exterior looking clean and polished. โœจ
  • Organized Interior: Features a built-in compression system and dry-wet separation pocket for easy, organized packing. ๐Ÿงผ
  • Spacious Capacity: With a generous 99L capacity, it easily handles everything you need for long trips. ๐ŸŒ

We also highlighted the LEVEL8 Packing Cube Set in our video. The modular cubes keep your clothes, electronics, and toiletries neat and easy to access โ€” making packing (and unpacking) way less stressful. ๐ŸŽ’

See It in Action

Weโ€™ve put together a full overview in our video, showing both the 28โ€ Voyageur suitcase and the Packing Cube Travel Set up close. From design details to how it performs in real travel scenarios, youโ€™ll get an honest, hands-on look at what makes this luggage special.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Watch now: https://youtu.be/lvnYidtKwR4


๐Ÿ›’ Shop LEVEL8 Luggage & Accessories (affiliate links):

๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28โ€ Checked Luggage Celadon: Shop Here
๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28โ€ Checked Luggage Navy: Shop Here
๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the LEVEL8 Voyageur Carry-On 20โ€: Shop Here
๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy the LEVEL8 Packing Cube Travel Set (6 pack): Shop Here
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Shop LEVEL8 on Amazon: Shop Here


Whether youโ€™re planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, this luggage is built to travel with you in style and comfort. Let us know what you think, and donโ€™t forget to subscribe to our channel for more travel gear overviews and cruise adventures! ๐Ÿšขโœˆ๏ธ

DISCLAIMER: This website contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of the links, Iโ€™ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.