Day 7 of our MSC Poesia Alaska cruise brought an unforgettable day of whale spotting followed by an evening in Victoria, B.C., Canada. It was our last full day aboard the ship, and we enjoyed a relaxed morning before some of the most exciting wildlife encounters of the week.
Victoria is one of our favourite cruise ports, so we were looking forward to exploring its waterfront, gardens, and downtown on foot. Add in breaching humpbacks, orcas, and our favourite ice cream, and it made for a wonderful finish to our seven-night Alaska cruise from Seattle.
Watch our full Day 7 vlog here:
https://youtu.be/HA8dd6gvFhs
A Relaxed Morning Aboard MSC Poesia
We started with breakfast before checking out the games and activities in the Zebra Bar. It was rainy and windy outside, so we also spent some time in the theatre, catching part of the naturalist’s Giants of the Pacific presentation.
With our return to Seattle coming the next morning, we attended the disembarkation talk. It was a useful opportunity to hear about luggage collection and leaving the ship, especially before heading out for our evening port visit.
🐋 Orcas and Fully Breaching Humpbacks
The wildlife was a highlight of our MSC Poesia Alaska cruise, and Day 7 certainly delivered. We spotted orcas from the buffet area on our way to get ice cream. Then the naturalist announced that humpback whales were breaching close to the ship.
We hurried upstairs and were treated to an incredible show. Seeing humpbacks come completely out of the water beside the ship was fantastic, and we managed to capture some of the action on video.
This was our eighth Alaska cruise, and we felt it was the most whales we had ever seen up close without taking a whale watching tour.
🍁An Evening in Victoria, B.C., Canada
After the MSC Voyagers Club appreciation event and dinner, we arrived in Victoria for our final port visit. The weather had improved, which was a welcome change for our walk into town.
We headed first to Fisherman’s Wharf, where the colourful float homes are always a favourite. From there, we continued towards the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria.
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings and their gardens were beautiful to explore. Later in the evening, seeing the buildings illuminated made the waterfront even more memorable.
We also stopped by the Fairmont Empress Hotel, where the flowers and gardens were gorgeous. One of our favourite details was the orca display made from plants and shrubbery. After all the real whales we had seen, it was fun to find more right in downtown Victoria!
Ice Cream and a Walk Along the Breakwater 🍦
A visit to Victoria wouldn’t feel complete for us without a stop at Chocolats Favoris. We enjoyed their waffle cones before strolling along the waterfront and making our way back towards the cruise port.
Before returning to MSC Poesia, we walked along the Ogden Point Breakwater. It was getting dark, and the views of the ships made it a lovely way to finish our evening.
Back onboard, we reflected on a wonderful week of exploring Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Endicott Arm, and Dawes Glacier. The whale encounters were especially memorable, and Victoria gave us a beautiful final evening before our return to Seattle.
Watch our full MSC Poesia Day 7 vlog:
https://youtu.be/HA8dd6gvFhs
More From Our MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise
MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 6: Sea Day, Dirty Dancing & White Night
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-sea-day-white-night-day-6/
MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 4: Icy Strait Point & So Many Whales
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-icy-strait-point-day-4/
10 Questions Before Sailing MSC Poesia (Answered!)
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-questions-before-sailing/
MSC Poesia Aft Balcony Cabin Tour: Stateroom 11250 on Deck 11
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-aft-balcony-cabin-tour/