What We Loved: The Alaska Edition
Ollie with Princess Cruise in Background
Cruising Alaska on the Discovery Princess: What It Was Really Like!
Ship: Discovery Princess
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Route: Seattle → Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway → Glacier Viewing → Victoria
Dates: May 2025
Travel Crew: Me, my 80-year-old adventure-dad + his wife, and my 11-year-old son
Luggage: Carry-on only (yes, really)
Disembarkation: Permanent departure in Victoria, BC with prior approval
Post-Cruise: Extra days exploring Canada — post coming soon!
Vibe: Luxe but not stuffy, family-friendly, surprisingly chill
I’m not a cruise person. Or at least, I didn’t think I was. But this trip? It completely surprised me — in the best ways. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was like a floating Vegas hotel with chandeliers and marble, and I found myself falling into a rhythm of slow mornings, glacier views, and dinners that felt like little events.
I traveled with my dad, his wife and my 11-year-old son, who usually keeps to himself around strangers but ended up loving the onboard kids club so much, we had to pull him out of it just to get him to dinner. It was one of the most stress-free and safe-feeling travel experiences I’ve had with a child — largely thanks to the thoughtful and kind staff.
We departed from Seattle and made three port stops in Alaska — Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway — plus a magical early morning spent slowly gliding past glaciers and icebergs, bundled in blankets with coffee in hand. We also stopped in Victoria, British Columbia, and — with prior approval — we permanently disembarked there to extend our trip in Canada. (More on that in a future post.)
We didn’t do the splashiest excursions — no helicopters or dog sleds — but I’ll share what we chose, what we skipped, and what we wished we’d splurged on. I’ll also talk about what I packed (carry-on only), what I wore, how we navigated formal nights without going full black-tie, and how we approached food (spoiler: there’s a room service app with one flat delivery fee and a continental breakfast you can order to your room the night before — yes, please).
In short: this is the post I wish I’d had when we were planning. Not a cruise guide from a travel agent, and not a TikTok highlight reel — just an honest, helpful download from a real trip, with tips and takeaways you can actually use.
Let’s get into it.
Boarding Like a Pro (a.k.a. The Carry-On Advantage)
Before we get into the clothes (don’t worry — the full what-to-pack-and-how-to-style-it guide is coming), let’s start with the boarding process — and the one decision that saved us so much time: going carry-on only.
We showed up at the port in Seattle and were immediately met with snaking, Disney-level lines of people waiting to check bags. But thanks to our minimalist approach, we walked right past all of that — straight to the security checkpoint.
No baggage drop = no baggage line.
Pro tip: Just act like you know where you’re going. Smile, stay confident, and keep walking. If anyone tries to redirect you to the long line of doom, politely wave them off and keep moving.
To be fair, I didn’t stand in that line, so I can’t tell you how long it actually took. I’m sure Princess has it down to a science. But I’m also just extremely line-averse, and this little strategy felt like a total win.
Security was smooth — metal detectors and x-ray scanners, very similar to TSA, but without the high-stress energy. We were able to bring in the water bottles we were already sipping (some people were chugging theirs at the entrance like it was airport security, but it wasn’t necessary).
From there, we had our documents checked, photos taken, and were handed our Medallions — the wearable tech that acts as your room key, wallet, locator, and all-access cruise pass. .
Meet the Medallion (Your New Best Friend at Sea)
Once we cleared security and check-in, we were handed our Medallions — and honestly? This little wearable was the MVP of the trip.
It’s a coin-sized device that comes on a lanyard (you can upgrade to fancier accessories later if you want, but the basic version totally does the job). It’s Bluetooth-enabled, and once you’re on board, it does pretty much everything except pack your suitcase.
Room key
Wallet
Boarding pass for excursions
Locator for your travel companions (yes, even your kid — more on that lifesaver later)
Digital connection to the ship’s app where you can order food, check activities, or stalk the dessert menu from your lounge chair.
You can also use touch screens placed all over the ship to find your family, locate a restaurant or spa, or just see what’s happening next. Bonus: it also lets you “add” new friends you meet on board. So yes, the vibes were a little bit “summer camp for grown-ups,” in the best way.
It felt like a smart, easy upgrade from traditional cruise check-ins and room cards — and it made everything feel just a little more seamless. (Especially when you’re managing multiple generations and everyone’s moving at different speeds.)
First Impressions: Like a Vegas Hotel… But Calmer
Walking onto the Discovery Princess feels like entering a calmer, floating version of a Vegas hotel — in the best way. Think: soaring glass windows, sparkling chandeliers, and a white marble spiral staircase at the heart of it all. It’s elevated without being stuffy. Luxe, but not intimidating.
The kind of space where you can sip a mocktail in your Vuori leggings one minute, and then head to dinner in a silk slip dress the next. The vibe is elegant, but make-it-your-own.
We timed our arrival well — checked in around 1:00 PM, and by 2:00 our cabin was ready. That doesn’t always happen, so just a heads-up that you might have a bit of downtime between boarding and settling in.
Room with a View (and a Breeze)
We were on the 15th floor with a balcony, and we loved our cabin. Spacious, bright, and surprisingly comfortable.
Here’s what made it work so well:
King bed that faced forward (tip: choose a room where the bed faces the direction of travel — it may help with seasickness)
Ridiculously comfy mattress (Princess really does take their beds seriously)
Mini fridge for snacks and sparkling waters
Large closet + full-length mirror for outfit planning
Sliding glass doors we left open almost all the time to let in the ocean breeze
Two adjustable lounge chairs + side table on the balcony — perfect for reading, sipping tea, or just soaking it all in
Tip: Ask for a robe, slippers, and fleece blanket from your room steward. Trust me — you’ll want that cozy setup for those balcony hangs.
We kept the balcony door cracked most nights — the fresh air and ocean sounds made the whole space feel serene and helped curb any dizziness. Imagine waking up to sunlight streaming in, the sound of water gently lapping outside your door… it was truly something special.
A Note on Service
Every cabin has a dedicated room steward, and ours was a gem. We let him know we didn’t need a full tidy each day — just a bed made and fresh towels — and he was happy to oblige. He also answered all of our random questions (like “what time does tea start?”) with total kindness.
You’ll notice a daily gratuity added to your bill automatically (it’s very reasonable considering the level of service), but we also chose to tip in cash for staff we interacted with most — like our steward and regular dining room waiter.
Exploring the Ship
After dropping our bags, we went straight into exploration mode. There’s so much to see — and it’s worth getting your bearings early. Some passengers were already sipping cocktails by the pool and diving into vacation mode, but our pace was more chill.
We went to the main dining room around 5:00 PM, picked a window seat, and set up a standing reservation for the same time each evening. It worked perfectly for our rhythm — early enough for family-friendly evenings, but still a little special.
Let's Talk Food: All Day, All Ways
There is so. much. food. And it’s everywhere, all the time. Whether you’re a fine dining person or a hoodie-over-pajamas-for-breakfast person (me, both), there’s a meal — or five — waiting for you.
🍽 The Buffet Vibe
Come as you are. Some mornings I’d throw on a sweatshirt over my pj pants and wander one floor up to grab pastries and fruit to bring back to the room. Very college dining hall, but with ocean views.
The buffet is casual, fast-moving, and huge — with food stations for every craving and big windows lining the space. We even heard stories of lucky cruisers spotting whales while snacking or playing cards near the glass.
The food? Shockingly good.
Fresh, well-prepared, and constantly replenished. I don’t know how the chefs do it at that scale, but hats off to the entire team.
Tables are grab-what-you-can, and sometimes shared. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s easiest to scope out a spot first before going up in shifts.
🥂 The Dining Room: More Buttoned Up
The main dining rooms are more traditional cruise luxe — white tablecloths, attentive servers, printed menus (which you can preview in the app if you like to strategize your meals… or leave room for a “second dinner” at the buffet later. No judgment).
There were always a few Princess signature items — like shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad — but the menus rotated daily, and you could order as much as you wanted. Truly.
One pasta course?
Two appetizers?
A steak and the vegetarian entrée because you couldn’t decide?
Dessert trio?
Go for it. No one’s blinking.
We chose to eat dinner at 5:00 PM with the same server each night, which gave the whole experience a nice rhythm. And since we were cruising with my dad and my son — who were there to soak up quality time together — it ended up being the perfect call for our family.
☕️ Room Service + Round-the-Clock Options
You also have the 24-hour International Café on board, which has small sandwiches, pastries, and snacks any time you want.
And if you’d rather stay in your robe? There’s an onboard room service app, which was $15 total for the entire cruise to unlock free delivery — whenever. Most of the food is included, but there are also premium options from various specialty restaurants if you feel like treating yourself.
(We didn’t explore those this time, but they’re very “Vegas at sea” — sushi, steakhouses, Italian, and more.)
🧁 Our Personal Food Rhythm
Mornings started slow — we’d pre-order a continental breakfast (fruit, pastries, tea, coffee) to arrive around 7:00 AM and enjoy it on the balcony in robes, watching the sun come up over the ocean. Once we were fully awake, we’d head to the buffet for “second breakfast.”
Lunch changed depending on the day’s activities — sometimes buffet, sometimes room service, sometimes pizza or a burger at one of the more casual spots on board.
But every single day? There was always something good.
What I Packed for Alaska (And What Actually Worked)
Let’s be honest — packing for an Alaskan cruise is no joke. You’re dealing with layers, dress codes, wildly unpredictable weather, and in my case… a self-imposed carry-on-only rule.
Rather than cram everything into one giant post, I’m breaking this up into short, digestible sections that highlight the MVPs of my suitcase — what I wore on repeat, the pieces that surprised me, and the few things I wish I’d packed more of (hint: activewear).
One key that made it all work? Sticking to a tight color palette. I packed mostly black, camel, and beige — that boring-not-boring trio that mixes and layers effortlessly. Add in gold and brass jewelry and a pair of classic black Chelsea boots, and suddenly everything just goes. It’s less about minimalism and more about traveling with fewer decisions to make — and more time to enjoy the view.
For reference, I’m 5'1" and typically wear a size XS/S, so you’ll see notes throughout about how things fit my frame. That said, everything I’m recommending here is versatile, wearable, and should work beautifully across a wide range of body types — even bump-friendly if you're expecting.
First up: the jacket that saved my layering strategy — and my sanity.
What I Wore in Alaska: The Jacket I Reached for Every Day
Let’s talk about the MVP of my Alaska suitcase: the Paka Apu Lightweight Puffer. If you’ve ever tried to pack light for a trip that involves glaciers, fancy dinners, and unpredictable wind chill, you know how stressful it can be. I agonized over every single item — but this jacket? No notes.
What made it so perfect:
It’s warm without the bulk
Made with Alpaca fiber, it kept me cozy on breezy decks, chilly port excursions, and early mornings with coffee and sea air — without making me feel like I was wearing a sleeping bag.Water-repellent (and PFAS-free)
If you’re paying attention to what goes on your clothes and into your body, you’ll appreciate that this coat repels moisture without toxic “forever chemicals.”Temperature regulating
I didn’t overheat in the sunshine or freeze when the wind picked up. Alpaca is naturally thermoregulating, which made it perfect for the unpredictable Alaskan weather.Consciously made
Paka’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and ethical production is real — not marketing fluff. The Apu puffer is Bluesign® certified, and every piece supports rural artisans and regenerative alpaca farming in Peru. You can literally feel the care woven in.
This jacket earned its space in my carry-on (yes, I only brought a carry-on), and I would absolutely bring it again. It hit that sweet spot of performance, minimalism, and values alignment that’s hard to find — especially in travel wear.
The Dress That Did the Most: Quince Washable Silk Maxi
Let’s talk cruise dinners. Packing for the evening portions of this trip might go down as one of my most stressy travel moments to date.
There were two formal nights on board, but the overall dining room dress code leaned business casual every night. Some evenings, we dressed up a little. Other nights? We hit the buffet in loungewear and called it good (more on that soon — the cozy clothes deserve their own moment).
So while I technically needed just two elevated looks, I still wanted options that felt pulled together — without overpacking. Enter: the 100% washable mulberry silk maxi slip dress from Quince. In black, of course.
This dress was an absolute hero. Lightweight, luxe, layerable. I wore it with cashmere sweaters and Chelsea boots for a relaxed dinner vibe. By layering on top, it gave off a “wait, is that a skirt?” energy — a little trick that made it feel like I wasn’t just repeating outfits (even though I totally was).
Could I have slipped on heels and gone full glam? For sure. But we were traveling with an 11-year-old boy, eating dinner early, and making this trip our own. The cruise crowd leaned older — elegant, yes, but not overly trend-driven — so it felt natural to do things our way and fit in as we pleased.
And the dress? It kept up with every version of the night.
Bonus points: it’s machine washable, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and folds down to nothing in your suitcase. Chic, low-maintenance, and endlessly adaptable.
A skirt is also a great option.
Three Sweater Styles That Work Hard in a Carry-On
(Pick one. Maybe two. Max.)
When space is limited (read: carry-on only for an Alaskan cruise), every piece has to multitask. That’s why I focused on sweaters that could pull double duty: layer over a black silk slip dress for dinner, then get reworn the next day with leggings or denim for exploring, lounging, or just grabbing another pastry.
I didn’t bring all three of these — but if you’re building your own travel capsule, these are the three silhouettes that work, depending on your personal style and what makes you feel pulled together without trying too hard.
Let’s break it down:
1. The “Woke Up Like This” Slouch: Quince Batwing Sweater
This one nails that relaxed-yet-refined feel. It’s got a slightly oversized cut with soft drape and just enough structure.
Slightly oversized, but polished
Has that perfect just-long-enough length for leggings
Gives major “effortless cool mom in Copenhagen” energy
Wear it loose or do a gentle front tuck to define your waist
2. The Structured Relaxed Fit V-Neck:
This one is for when you want something slightly less billowy but still easy and elegant. The neckline on this Jenni Kayne Flynn is the real hero here — deep enough to layer with short, stacked necklaces for a little polish.
Because it’s less flowy than the batwing, this sweater may need a little styling help to hit just right — especially with a long slip dress.
For a Little Extra Drama: The Goop Plunge
If the Jenni Kayne V-neck feels quietly elegant, the G. Label Lillian V-Neck is her more daring, confident older sister. This one comes with a true plunge — we’re talking full-on ballerina décolleté moment. It’s understated in that intentional French-girl way, but make no mistake: it brings a bit of heat.
We love this kind of neckline with subtle, sculptural jewelry and a soft, natural cleavage — nothing overly styled or pushed-up. Just that beautiful collarbone-forward, “I woke up like this, but better” vibe.
If you’re dressing for one of the cruise’s formal nights and want to up the ante without going full sequin gown, this is your move. Show a little skin, but keep it minimal everywhere else. Trust — it’s powerful.
The Turtleneck Twist
Another way to style that G. Label V- Neck without giving up the drama? Layer a tissue-thin turtleneck underneath. We loved how they styled it this way on the site — it softens the neckline without covering it up, and adds a completely different kind of elegance.
This look is quietly cool, a little 90s, a little French film heroine.
It would’ve been perfect for:
Off-ship exploring: left slouchy over leggings and boots. And the turtle neck adds another layer of layering, a must in Alaska. But, make it cute.
Evening dinner on board: tucked just slightly into tailored pants for a minimalist, high-impact vibe. Add a bold earring, swipe of lipstick, and you’re out the door.
Bonus: layering like this gives the sweater even more range, so you can pack less and style more.
Bonus Styling Tip: A Peek of Lace for Fuller Busts
If you’re fuller-chested, the Goop plunge might feel a little too dramatic on its own — especially when you're surrounded by retired couples and sugar-fueled children.
Enter: the scalloped-edge cami. Something like the Everly Cami from CAMI NYC offers a bit of coverage while still letting you enjoy the neckline moment.
Adds a touch of softness (thanks to the scalloped edge)
Tones down cleavage without hiding it
Layers well without adding bulk or bunching. Depending on the color and your fit, it could even work solo as a dinner top — just add an off the shoudler sweater or blazer and you’re done.
Because packing light doesn’t mean playing it safe.
3. The Versatile Cardigan: Slouchy, Belted, or Buttoned
Cardigans are the MVP of multifunctional packing — especially if you pick one that can swing from cozy grandma energy to fashion person on a fall coffee run.
You’ve got two strong styling routes here:
Worn open: let it hang loose, off one shoulder, half buttoned, for that soft, undone look
Buttoned + belted: turn it into a top by buttoning it up (as high or low as you like), then define your waist with a belt — either tucked under or belted on top as a visible accessory
Style note: It’s all about knowing your body and how you like things to drape. Don’t be afraid to try both tucked and untucked versions to see what feels most “you.”
Use a bra tuck to create a defined waist
Try the hair tie + tuck trick
Pair with a slim leather or woven belt and tuck slightly under
We love a good belt buckle
This one from Sezane. And this one from Boden are two faves.
🧳 Why These Work So Well for Travel
Each of these sweaters was more than just a dinner outfit. I wore them:
With leggings and sneakers for coffee runs and reading on the balcony
With denim and boots for casual port town wandering
Layered over my black silk dress to instantly look dinner-ready
The key? Multifunctional pieces that feel as good as they look — and style up or down depending on what the day calls for.
A Quick Note on Fabric: Why Natural Fibers Matter
When you're trying to rewear and restyle the same pieces multiple ways — especially on a trip — natural fibers are the difference between “I packed smart” and “I feel a little gross by day four.”
Wool, alpaca, silk, cashmere — they breathe better, resist odor, and tend to hold their shape more gracefully over multiple wears. They also look elevated by default, which means you can pair a cozy sweater with boots and a silk slip and suddenly you’ve got a cruise dinner outfit. No fuss, no plastic-y cling, no weird sheen under dining room lighting.
Yes, you can find cheaper sweaters in synthetic blends — but they usually don’t perform the same way. And when you’re living out of a carry-on, quality over quantity really does make a difference.
The Only Purse I Brought — and She Understood the Assignment
I paired the Quince silk dress with a leather crossbody bag from Madewell (similar style linked here) — and honestly, they were a match made in packing-efficiency heaven.
This bag came with me everywhere:
Onboard for dinner
Off the ship into port towns
Walking tours, salmon jerky tasting, last-minute souvenir shopping
It’s structured enough to look polished but not precious — and the shape makes it feel like something your effortlessly stylish friend would carry to a museum café. The crossbody strap kept my hands free, and it fit the essentials: phone, room key medallion, lip gloss, sunscreen stick, and mini wallet.
It balanced out the dress beautifully — adding just enough casual structure to make the whole look feel elegant, but grounded. Think: Italian art dealer meets Alaska casual.
Cruise Hacks I’m Glad I Knew (or Figured Out Fast)
Let’s be honest — space is tight when you’re committed to carry-on-only packing. But here's a tip that saved me from overstuffing my suitcase and let me feel fresh every day, even after hiking, whale watching, and chasing a tween through the halls of the ship:
Book a room close to the laundry room.
It sounds small, but it makes a big difference. I’d pop down to wash our gym clothes, undergarments, and layers mid-trip without it being a whole errand. I brought a tiny bottle of Branch Basics concentrate from home. Total game-changer.
Use the ship’s laundry service.
We saw so many button-downs and ties hanging on cabin doorknobs — clearly, the men had this figured out.
💡 Machine-washable silk = travel magic.
That Quince silk dress I wore to dinner? I didn’t have to wash it this trip but had I spilled on myself at dinner (or my son had spilled on me!) I could have easily taken care of the stains. Having clothes that pull double duty and hold up in the laundry is the real travel luxury, IMO.
This little system let me pack less, stress less, and still feel like I had what I needed. — even with unpredictable kid messes.
What We Lived In: Casual + Activewear That Actually Worked
When your days include lounging on deck, layering for chilly excursions, and hustling for croissants at the buffet, you need clothes that flex with the moment — literally and figuratively.
We packed comfortable, well-made basics that we could mix, match, rewear, and even dress up a little. Think neutral tones (black, camel, beige), soft fabrics, and thoughtful brands that walk the line between style and sustainability.
Here’s what earned a repeat wear — and then some:
Vuori Joggers + Vuori Leggings
Soft & flattering. These were perfect for gym days, port days, or quick buffet runs. Comfort that doesn’t slouch.
🐑 Paka Thermal Crew + Socks + Bras
Made from breathable, warm alpaca wool and certified PFAS-free. The thermal crew was a layering MVP. The socks? Little clouds. Honestly, this is one of our favorite brands- we might have to do a whole blog dedicated just to their story. Filling our closets as fast as we can.
☁️ Mate the Label Organic Cotton Tees
A clean, better-for-you basic that paired with everything. Soft enough for long travel days, cute enough for casual dinner.
✈️ Alo Muse Hoodie + Muse Sweatpants
This was the travel day outfit, and it doubled as a lounge set on board.
Stylish but comfy. Pieces can be broken up and worn with tees, boots, or layers — which made this set work hard.
🧺 A Quick Note on Laundry
If you’re planning to rewear pieces (and you should — we did), look for natural fibers like alpaca, cotton, or wool, which breathe better and hold up longer between washes.
Synthetic fabrics just don’t wear the same.
We kept our packing tight by doing a mid-cruise laundry refresh — either with the onboard service or DIY in the laundry rooms.
The travel-sized Branch Basics concentrate, worked for everything from leggings to undergarments to post-hike socks. Bonus: it doesn’t take up space, and it’s safe for sensitive skin.
Tip: Remember to request a room close to the laundry. It makes this whole strategy much easier. I wished I had brought more workout clothes because I used the gym more than I thought I would.
Next up are the excursions. You’ll find out what we did and wished we had done off the ship.
🚐 Off the Ship + Into the Wild: Our Alaska Excursions
While life on board was delightfully laid back — filled with gym sessions, kids club adventures, pastry breaks, pool dips, and a few highly competitive table tennis tournaments — the real magic of an Alaska cruise is in the ports.
(Also: I didn’t book a spa treatment and I regret it. Don’t be me. Next time, I’m scheduling a massage with zero guilt.)
Here’s what we did — and what we wish we’d done — at each stop:
🪓 Ketchikan: The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
This was our first Alaskan port, and it came with a built-in theme: lumberjacks.
We caught the onboard teaser show the night before and it totally sold us. The next day, we booked tickets for the full Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in town, and we are so glad we did.
It was high-energy, surprisingly athletic, and fun for every age. We were full-on hootin’ and hollerin’ for our favorite team like seasoned fans. (Yes, there’s an actual World Championship of Lumberjacks. And yes, these folks are the real deal.)
This was a short port stop, so we kept it simple after the show — poked around the historic downtown, visited a small museum, and picked up some local art before heading back to the ship.
❄️ Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier + Waterfall Hike
Juneau was nearly a miss — we almost didn’t book anything in time. But as we stepped off the ship, we snagged last-minute seats on a double-decker bus heading to Mendenhall Glacier — and we were so glad we did.
We scored the top level seats, got a scenic ride through town, and were dropped off near the entrance to Tongass National Park. We had just under two hours, which gave us time to hike to the waterfall and grab some photos from the scenic lookout.
Tip: If we could do it again, we’d build in more time to explore the trails around the glacier — and 100% splurge on the helicopter tour that lands you on the glacier.
You can even be a musher for the day, riding with real sled dogs. Adding it to our “next time” list.
🚂 Skagway: White Pass Railroad
Skagway was all about the train. We booked the White Pass Route — a 3-hour round-trip ride that climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation along the original Klondike Trail of 1898.
The ride is fully narrated, the views are breathtaking, and the stories of the Gold Rush era are wild. We passed waterfalls, trestle bridges, and the hauntingly named Dead Horse Gulch.
One note: If you're afraid of heights, this ride may spike your heart rate.
But the views? Worth it.
Afterward, we headed straight back to the ship instead of wandering town. It was a shorter stop, and we were happy to decompress.
All of our excursions were booked through Princess, which made everything easy and low-stress.
Bonus: you’re guaranteed to be back in time before the ship departs — no sprinting down the dock needed.
One quick note: there were so many other excursions to choose from —
whale watching, salmon and crab bakes, ziplines, walking and biking tours, kayaking, flightseeing, glacier treks… truly something for every kind of traveler.
We barely scratched the surface — which, honestly, just gives us a reason to come back.
From Port to Tea to T. Rex: Victoria & Our Jump to Canada
We wrapped up the cruise in the most us way possible — with a quiet night in one of our favorite cities.
Because we planned to disembark early in Victoria, we filled out the required form on the Princess website ahead of time. If you’re thinking of doing something similar, it’s easy enough — you just need to give them notice in advance but there is no guarantee it will be approved. Fill out the forms way in advance if this is your plan.
We booked a charming Airbnb just a 10-minute walk from the Victoria cruise port in the James Bay neighborhood — quiet, walkable, and full of that small-town-meets-seaside-magic energy.
We didn’t disembark until after 7pm, so we kept it low key: a short stroll around the neighborhood and then an early night.
🍵 Morning Tea at The Pendray Inn
The next morning, we made our way to The Pendray Inn — a stately, ivy-covered heritage house just a short walk from our Airbnb — for a truly lovely tea-style breakfast.
We ordered three breakfasts — it was Mother’s Day, after all, and we decided to treat ourselves. (Also, have you ever traveled with an 11-year-old boy? The second you think you’ve ordered enough food… you haven’t.)
One of our favorites was the Luxury Breakfast Tier — a beautifully arranged spread of seasonal fresh fruit, local turkey sausages, French toast bites, perfectly cooked eggs, and a house-made scone with Devon-style cream and berry jam.
It was light, elegant, and deeply satisfying — served with piping hot tea and a peaceful view of the waterfront and surrounding gardens.
And honestly? For the quality and experience, the price was a pleasant surprise.
A full moment of beauty and calm — without the inflated hotel brunch tab.
Even better? The Pendray is walking the talk when it comes to sustainability.
They're not only part of the carbon-neutral Huntingdon Manor Hotel, but the Pendray Tea House itself is a leader in eco-conscious dining:
🍽️ First restaurant in Canada to earn The PLEDGE on Food Waste Gold certification
♻️ Recipient of BC Green Business’s highest Green certification
🌊 Surfrider-approved for ocean-friendly practices
So yes, your tea and scone moment can also support regenerative, responsible hospitality.
Between the beautifully curated meal and their serious commitment to doing good behind the scenes, this breakfast experience easily earned a spot on our Victoria must-do list.
🦖 Dino Lab + The Bug Zoo = Peak 11-Year-Old Boy
The rest of our day was very kid-coded — and honestly, I loved every second of it.
My cousin, who lives on Vancouver Island, drove down to spend the day with us and play tour guide. First stop: Dino Lab — a private working fossil restoration lab that doubles as an interactive museum and boutique.
We suited up in lab coats and safety glasses, and spent 45 minutes using air scribes to carefully clean real fossils.
It was oddly meditative… and also very cool to see the behind-the-scenes world of paleontology.
I tapped out after 45 minutes, but my son? He could have stayed all day. (Future paleontologist alert?)
Tip- Book your slot well in advance.
We followed that up with a coffee and ice cream break in a local neighborhood, and a casual walk through a park where a group of men were playing cricket — the kind of small moment that makes you feel like you live there, even if just for an afternoon.
Then it was off to the Victoria Bug Zoo, which is exactly what it sounds like: a whole place dedicated to bugs.
It’s small (just two rooms), but we spent hours there. A knowledgeable guide was on hand to share facts, answer every question, and even let us hold some of the specimens.
Needless to say, our kid was in heaven.
🥂 One Last Dinner + A Travel Tip
We wrapped up our Victoria day with dinner at Heron Rock Bistro, a local spot recommended by our Airbnb host (and confirmed by my happy hour search). The food was outstanding — I still dream about the warm French lentil salad.
Yes, I said lentil salad. It was herbaceous delightfulness in a bowl.
After dinner, my cousin drove us to the BC Ferries terminal to catch our boat to Vancouver.
🚨 Travel tip:
The cruise ship port and the ferry terminal are not the same — they’re about 40 minutes apart.
Don’t make the mistake I almost did and book your Airbnb near the wrong one.
We only scratched the surface in Victoria — there are gardens, museums, and more we didn’t get to see. But this city’s officially on our return list.
Next stop: Vancouver.
Vancouver: A Sweet Finish
We’ve been to Vancouver before — and like so many travelers, left already plotting our return. On our last visit, we didn’t have nearly enough time at Science World, and I’d promised my science-loving boy we’d come back just for that. So this leg of the trip? All his.
We booked an Airbnb in a quiet, charming neighborhood that turned out to be walking distance to the best coffee I had all trip. It was the kind of café-slash-grocer you wish existed on your own corner: beautifully curated, low-key, full of locals. I had my eye on some small-batch jam and local pantry goods… but carry-on life makes souvenir shopping a bit more strategic.
We had just one full day in the city, and we spent it at Science World — a huge, light-filled dome of hands-on learning and discovery. Even though it was our second visit, we still didn’t see everything.
Every exhibit felt like an invitation to play, question, and tinker. From physics to ecology to human biology, it’s built to engage kids without boring grownups (a rare feat).
If you’re traveling with curious kids — or curious adults, honestly — this one’s a must.
By this point in the trip, we could feel that end-of-journey exhale settling in. We were still soaking it all in, but also ready for our own beds, our gecko, and the gentle rhythm of home.
So we took it easy: Vietnamese takeout, and a slow walk to Rain or Shine Ice Cream for what ended up being one of the most memorable dessert stops of our whole adventure.
This local favorite is B Corp certified, known for their sustainability efforts, community involvement, and a deep dedication to real ingredients — the kind of place that handcrafts their waffle cones and composts what they can’t serve.
(They even offer ice cream pints by bike delivery in some neighborhoods.)
My son went for Cereal Milk Skies — a dreamy blue scoop made with blue spirulina that tasted exactly like the bottom of a bowl of Frosted Flakes.
I had a scoop of London Fog (because bergamot, obviously) and Coffee Toffee, which may go down as the best coffee ice cream I’ve ever had.
On our last morning, we strolled down to The Mighty Oak for one more coffee and a final walk through the neighborhood. Just as we stepped outside, we caught a glimpse of a movie being filmed on the street — a very Vancouver moment. We had talked about renting bikes and looping around Stanley Park like we’d done on a past visit… but honestly? Sleeping in and taking it slow felt like the right move. No regrets.
Instead, we wandered through the quiet streets, admiring the Pacific Northwest’s green-velvet hush — moss-covered trees, shaded paths, the kind of deep breath you didn’t know your nervous system needed. It was a peaceful wrap-up to a trip that was, somehow, both full of motion and deeply grounding.
We did our last bit of laundry (one of the benefits of staying in an Airbnb), folded everything neatly into our carry-ons, and relished the idea of unpacking directly into drawers instead of a laundry pile.
Before boarding our flight, we grabbed a few very Canadian snacks — ketchup chips, All Dressed chips, and the holy grail: a king-size Canadian Kit Kat, which the flight attendant handed to my son as we walked on the plane. Unprompted. Just... kindness. (If you haven’t had a Canadian Kit Kat, you’re missing out. Somehow creamier, less sweet, and leagues above the American version.)
To top it off, when the handle of our carry-on jammed (of course it did), the Air Canada agent didn’t flinch — they gate-checked the bag without charging us, saving us from an end-of-trip fee and letting me preserve my carry-on-only pride. Gold stars all around.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a vacation — it was an experience. A chance to step out of our usual routines, to watch three generations move through new places together, and to feel a little awe in the everyday.
We learned the rhythm of the ship, found our favorite pastry station, got really good at layering outfits, and surprised ourselves with how many different types of tea we could drink in one week.
We cheered for lumberjacks, stood face-to-face with ancient glaciers, and touched real fossils in lab coats. We climbed train cars and ate ice cream flavored like cereal milk. We woke up to the sound of the ocean and ended our nights in borrowed fleece robes, watching the moon from the balcony.
It was slow in the best way. Soft adventure.
And we’ll be talking about this one for a long time.
If you’re considering an Alaska cruise — especially with family — we hope this gave you a real feel for what to expect, what to pack, and why we’d do it again in a heartbeat.
We came home rested(ish), caffeinated, and slightly overstuffed with pastries, ready to tell everyone we know: if Alaska’s been on your list, bump it to the top.