Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Alaska is transformative. Towering glaciers, majestic mountain ranges, whales breaching in the sea, bald eagles soaring overhead — these are moments that etch themselves into memory forever. Our recent voyage aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer from Anchorage to Vancouver was just that kind of trip: immersive, indulgent, and filled with awe-inspiring scenery from start to finish.
As far as luxury cruise lines go, Regent Seven Seas Cruises consistently earns its reputation among seasoned travelers. A small-ship (600 passengers), Regent is known for its all-inclusive approach — with gourmet dining, fine wines, complimentary excursions, and gratuities, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. Their ships are elegantly appointed but never stuffy, with attentive service that strikes the perfect balance between personal and professional. The Explorer, often referred to as “the most luxurious ship ever built,” was an impeccable home for our journey down Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Setting Sail: Anchorage to Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier
Our vacation began in Anchorage, a city that sits at the doorstep of Alaska’s wild frontier. I do regret not booking an extra three days to have visited Denali National Park with an Alaska Railroad package. However, we took the AR from Anchorage to Whittier along the coastline of Turnagain Bay which was stunningly beautiful.
Boarding the Explorer in Whittier, we settled into our spacious suite, complete with complimentary laundry service, a walk-in closet, bathroom with two sinks, a bathtub, and a private balcony for a front-row seat to the landscapes ahead.
Our first sea day took us to Disenchantment Bay, home to the colossal Hubbard Glacier. The captain inches the ship toward this massive wall of ice, stretching seven miles across and towering up to 400 feet above the waterline. The views were incredible.
Historic Skagway and the Klondike Suspension Bridge
Our next stop was Skagway, a town frozen in time from the Gold Rush era, complete with wooden boardwalks and restored 19th-century storefronts.
For our excursion, we journeyed beyond Skagway into British Columbia to visit the Klondike Suspension Bridge. Spanning 200 feet across a deep gorge with the roaring Tutshi River below, the bridge offered not only heart-pounding views but a connection to the rugged, adventurous spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush. As we walked across, the swaying motion was exhilarating, made all the more thrilling by the wild mountain scenery surrounding us. A stop in Liarsville was a quirky throwback to the Gold Rush past along with a delicious salmon bake lunch.
Whale Watching and the Majesty of Mendenhall Glacier
Sea lions on the buoy
Juneau, Alaska’s remote and road-inaccessible capital, was our next port of call with the promise of wildlife sightings. Our whale watching excursion didn’t disappoint. Outside of Juneau, in the nutrient-rich waters of Auke Bay, we watched a mother humpback whale teach her calf to hunt and play and laughed at frisky seat otters perform their aquatic gymnastics. The experience of seeing these gentle giants up close, surrounded by snowcapped peaks, was breathtaking.
This excursion also included a stop at Mendenhall Glacier, another masterpiece of Alaskan ice. This 13-mile-long river of frozen blue seemed almost otherworldly in its quiet, imposing beauty. Medenhall Glacier is one of the glaciers that is retreating and fellow passengers showed us photos of their visit ten years earlier and the change is evident.
Ketchikan and a Seafood Feast in Clover Pass
Bald eagle fishing in Clover Pass
Further south, Ketchikan welcomed us with its charming, colorful waterfront and rich native heritage. Often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” the town exudes a laid-back, frontier-town vibe. But the highlight here wasn’t on land — it was in the secluded waters of Clover Pass, accessed via a scenic boat ride through forested inlets and pristine waterways.
We arrived at a rustic lodge overlooking the water for a traditional Alaskan seafood bake. First our guide led us on a walk in the Grant and Joe Island State Marine Park within Tongass National Forest which stretches for 500 miles along southeast Alaska.
Back at the lodge, we feasted on freshly caught salmon, Dungeness crab, and juicy shrimp, served steaming hot alongside roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and homemade cookies. On our boat ride home, we spied bald eagles fishing for dinner along the shore.
Life Onboard the Explorer
While the ports of call provided their fair share of adventure, life onboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer was equally memorable. The ship is designed for those who appreciate refined comfort: marble bathrooms, curated artwork throughout the halls, and expansive verandas with nearly every suite.
And after long days of exploration, unwinding in the spa became a ritual of indulgence. All guests have access to a full-gym with exercise classes, infinity pool on the stern, sauna, cold room and steam room. The spa also offers all the services expected of a luxury experience.
Dining is a highlight, with multiple specialty restaurants — including Prime 7 for steak lovers, Chartreuse for modern French cuisine and Pacific Rim for Asian-inspired seafood. Caviar and champagne for breakfast? Why not?
Evenings were spent sipping cocktails in the plush Meridian Lounge, testing the odds in the casino, enjoying live music, or attending shows in the spacious Constellation Theater. Perhaps most luxurious of all, though, was the inclusiveness. Every excursion we participated in was already included in our fare, and the attentive service from the staff made the ship feel like a private club at sea.
Farewell in Vancouver
After a week of glaciers, wildlife, and gourmet meals, we sailed into Vancouver, British Columbia, feeling changed by the experience. The sleek skyline of the city was a stark contrast to the raw wilderness we’d explored, but in many ways, it was the perfect end — a return to the modern world after a deep immersion in nature’s untamed splendor.
Are you ready to go? Call us for a quote today.