Our Silversea cruise took us from vibrant Vancouver through the stunning inside passage, stopping at remote towns dotted along the Alaskan coast, and ending in Seward. Alaska is all about amazing scenery, wildlife, nature, and glaciers, and spending seven nights travelling along its coast allowed more time to enjoy all that there is to see and do, along with stopping in some smaller, less visited towns.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April/early May to early October, with the most sailings in June, July, and August. For the best weather you should look to travel mid-July to mid-August; however, you could go at any time during the season and have a brilliant time due to the wildlife and weather being so variable.

If you're short on time, an Alaskan cruise pairs perfectly with a short Vancouver city break. If you have a bit more time to explore Canada you can head further afield and see Banff, the Rockies, or maybe even visit the east coast.

We cruised with Silversea on board Silver Nova, an all-balcony, all-suite luxury ship. Silversea gives unparalleled service, with butler service as standard in each suite. Your onboard experience is extremely inclusive, and with one shore excursion included per person per port, you really have an opportunity to see and experience each location visited.

Silver Nova's open horizons gave amazing opportunities to enjoy the splendour of Alaskan scenery and wildlife. Their S.A.L.T restaurant and bar also allowed guests to taste and enjoy the local flavours of Alaska with menus that were location inspired.

An Alaskan cruise is an ideal way to see the beautiful Alaskan coastline while allowing you to visit small towns that cannot be accessed by road. A cruise allows you to be amongst nature and to see the landscape at its finest. It feels like you're sailing through mystical forests along the path of migrating whales and soaring bald eagles.

From the Silver Nova's decks, I saw orcas jumping, bald eagles catching salmon on their migration up the Alaskan coastline, and even the carving of the Hubbard Glacier.

If you want to experience the majesty of nature, explore remote towns, and see diverse wildlife, an Alaskan Cruise is the way to go.

I knew before I went on the cruise, I would love it due to the landscape; however, I didn't realise I'd want to get back on a ship so quickly to go and do the same itinerary all over again. If you asked me if I wanted to get back onboard the Silver Nova and cruise Alaska again tomorrow; I would say: where’s my passport? Let's go!

Other than the beauty of Alaska itself, the ship and Silversea experience was beyond my expectations. As a luxury and inclusive cruise line, Silversea has made the Silver Nova feel like one of the most inclusive 5★+ boutique you could ever wish for. Every element has been thought out, each restaurant and bar has its own unique identity and delicious menus, social areas give a feeling of elegance, comfort light and space. All topped off with the staff knowing your name, remembering your preferences and going above and beyond to help you in any way and making your trip truly personal and memorable. 

Also, no matter where you were onboard, you had viewpoints from which to enjoy the scenery, even in the lift!

⁎ Book shore excursions early to be sure to get the ones you want.

⁎ Make sure to have extra batteries or a power bank for your phone or camera, as you're going to want to take as many photos as possible!

⁎ Don't forget to bring a raincoat and light layers, as the weather is as changeable; we went from 25°C with amazing sunshine one minute, to drizzle the next.