As those of you who frequent my blog ( com” target=”_blank”>nightlifegay.com) already know, I had the privilege to cruise on the R Family Vacations’ Alaskan Cruise from July 11-17 (rfamilyvacations.com). It was an incredible adventure, and one that I hope all my family members, friends, colleagues and readers can experience once in their lives. R Family Vacations organizes cruises that cater to LGBT families and children, a successful venture started six years ago by Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli O’Donnell. From onboard entertainment with stars like Sharon Gless, Caroline Rhea and Cheyenne Jackson to a series of incredible day stops throughout Alaska, my trip was one for the ages.
In a departure from my usual “Offline” formula highlighting regional LGBT-friendly diversions and events, I’d like to use this opportunity to share some highlights from my trip. If you ever consider taking an Alaskan cruise, this should give you a good starting point. (Coincidentally, RSVP Vacations is hosting a gay Alaskan cruise from Aug. 23-30. According to its Web site, there is still availability onboard. Visit rsvpvacations.com to book your cabin.)
Incorporated in 1889 and best known as Alaska’s capital city, Juneau was the most intriguing stop on my cruise. Here’s a quick rundown of the sites and attractions I enjoyed. For a comprehensive list of everything Juneau has to offer, visit traveljuneau.com.
— Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (fs.fed.us/r10/tongrass/districts/mendenhall): Overseen and maintained by the USDA Forest Service, the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area includes trails, forests, open lakeshore and a variety of exhibits. The activities are as educational as they are breathtaking.
— Mt. Roberts Tramway (mountrobertstram.com): To snap some amazing photos, take the Mt. Roberts Tram cars “Raven” and “Eagle” to Juneau’s Mountaintop Visitors Center. The 1,800-foot ascent provides inspiring views of local wildlife, Douglas and Admiralty Islands, Gastineau Channel and the Chilkat Mountains. Once at the top, visitors can dine, shop and hike their way through Alaska’s native culture.
— Macaulay Salmon Hatchery (dipac.net/visitor): Alaska is home to many of the country’s most productive salmon hatcheries — centers dedicated to the fertilization, incubation and growth of a variety of salmon, the majority of which are released into the wild. Visitors can tour the facility, view salmon runs and learn about the local fishing industry.
— Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure (glaciergardens.com): One fact about which most of us are probably unaware is that Juneau is home to one of the world’s largest rainforests. Featuring towering hemlock forests, botanical gardens and waterfalls spread across 50 acres of wilderness, Glacier Gardens is unlike any other outdoor adventure in the U.S.
— Tracy’s Crab Shack (kingcrabshack.com): As an unofficial foodie, my one “mandatory” recommendation while in Juneau is a visit to Tracy’s Crab Shack. Simply stated, I have never tasted crab legs that even approach the quality and flavor of Tracy’s. King crab is seasonal, so Tracy’s is only open from May 4-Sept. 25 each year. If you can’t make it to Alaska, take a look at Tracy’s online ordering options. You won’t be disappointed.
The second major land stop on my cruise was in Ketchikan. Though it’s the rainiest city in the country, I was lucky enough to get clear weather for the entire day. Ketchikan is a much smaller town than Juneau, so if you plan to invest your hard-earned money in some land-based excursions during an Alaskan cruise, make sure to do them in Juneau. (You can enjoy quite a bit there without breaking the bank.) Alternately, the smaller stops have fewer options and the truly unique among them, helicopter and seaplane tours, can be cost-prohibitive. In smaller towns like Ketchikan, I recommend a guided tour by kayak or on foot.
While the land-based excursions are exciting and often a needed break from the repetitiveness of sea, you will most certainly spend the majority of any Alaskan cruise on the boat. Apart from planned activities, some of your most memorable experiences will take place sightseeing from the deck. You can view hanging glaciers, humpback and killer whales, seals, bald eagles and even bears.
I hope my recommendations help you think outside the box when planning upcoming travel. If you are seriously considering an Alaskan cruise, write [email protected] with any questions.
’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!
If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail [email protected].