Radiance of the Seas from shore - photo by Joshua Jedwab

Glaciers, Lattés and Some Really Stupid Salmon: A Family Cruise through Alaska

My family’s recent northbound voyage aboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (August, 2008) between Vancouver, BC, and Seward, Alaska was proof positive that our 49th state is no longer the geriatric destination it was once thought to be.

Instead, it’s one of great appeal to younger, more active travelers, and thanks to the line’s eclectic program offerings — both onboard and ashore — families with children of all ages can enjoy 7-, 11, and 12-night Inside Passage cruises. Read more of Dawn M. Barclay's story about her family cruise through Alaska.

Touring Alaska the Green Tortoise Way: Twenty Eight Days on a "Hippie Bus"

Given the chance, would you like to spend 28 days on a bus with a group of strangers? When I was offered the chance to take a month-long Green Tortoise bus tour of Alaska, I admit I had some misgivings.

But the scenery was awesome, the food was fabulous, and I had an opportunity to get to know people from all over the world. Read more of Sam Hartshorne's story about a road trip through Alaska.

The Discovery, originally built in 1931, has undergone full restorations by Alaska Yacht Charters to make it comfortable for cruising through Alaska.

Personalized Charter Of Alaska Keeps Customers Coming Back For More

In 2004, Mike Jones of Winter Springs, Florida went on an Alaskan cruise through Alaska Yacht Charters. When asked about his experience on The Discovery with Captain Ben Swanson he answered hurriedly “I’m a busy man, but I have enough time to tell you he’s a worthless captain,” without skipping a beat, he continued, “so much so, I went on a second trip and might go again this summer.”

Swanson recommended speaking with Jones because he was a repeat customer, a common occurrence with the business, he said. So, what is it that keeps customers coming back year after year, regardless of the cost? “Ben brings you places nobody else has been before that’s for damn sure,” Jones exclaimed. Read more of Emily Grund's story about Alaska Yacht Charters.

Wily Trout and Trickster Raven in Alaska

On my first day in Nondalton, Alaska, I saw a raven and thought it was a bird. Later, I found I had witnessed the supernatural.

The remote village of Nondalton is only reachable by bush plane or boat and fronts Six-Mile Lake, 190 miles southwest of Anchorage. It is home to about 200 residents, primarily Dena’ina Indian.

To the Dena’ina, the raven is the creator of their ancient world and is known as a mischief-loving deity. Their oral history is filled with raven stories meant to teach and entertain. I was to hear many tales of the trickster raven while in Nondalton. Read more of Jim Schutz's story about Nondalton and Alaska traditions.

Read more GoNOMAD stories about Alaska:

Nome, Alaska: Three Roads to Roam

Small Ship Cruising Through Alaska's Inside Passage

Haines, Alaska, Destination Guide

On Alaska's Stikine River: Up in a Jet Boat, Down on a Raft

Into the Heart of Alaska's Inside Passage