Ferry to Juneau a fantastic cruise through the inland passage

In the evening, enjoy the balmy night with some drinks on the balcony. Before flying to Seattle and taking a bus to Bellingham, where we depart on the Alaska ferry to Juneau.

The nights were balmy, and we enjoyed some drinks on the balcony. We flew to Seattle from Hawaii. Then, we took a bus to Bellingham and the ferry to Juneau, Alaska. We went via the inside passage route.

Inside passage

The Inside Passage stretches from Vancouver, Canada, through Southeast Alaska to Juneau, USA. The cruise passes small hamlets, islands, big mountains and lush rainforests. The scenery is breathtaking and wildlife is abundant, from humpback whales to Bald Eagles.

We sailed with The MV Columbia. The ferry had observation lounges, a saloon bar, a cafeteria and a small restaurant. She has 100 cabins and can carry 500 passengers and about 130 vehicles. Before boarding, we had plenty of time to walk to the Bellingham wonderful deli. We filled our big bag with delicious food and wine. We’re ready for sailing!

Later, we went to our magnificent outdoor cabin, which had everything we needed for the three-day cruise, two bank beds, one chair, and a small, excellent bathroom. Nice and clean.

Later, we went to our luxurious outside cabin. It had everything we needed for the three-day cruise: two bunk beds, one chair, and a nice, but small bathroom. It was very cosy, cheers!

Even more, if you like a more romantic journey, you can pitch up a tent on the deck and sleep under the stars. You can bring your food and drinks and use microwaves to warm them up. The ferry to Juneau is a wonderful experience.

Furthermore, we could have pitched a tent on the deck and slept under the stars for a romantic journey. We brought enough food and drinks with us. We could save $180 for the cabin and join the mostly younger passengers on the deck. The ferry to Juneau was a wonderful experience.

There was a ranger who talked about the wildlife, Alaska's history, and the passing hamlets. Not to mention the charming saloon, which is open from 1 pm to midnight.

In addition, plenty of entertainment was provided. A ranger talked about the wildlife, Alaska’s history, and the passing hamlets. Not to mention the charming saloon, which is open from 1 pm to midnight. There is also a movie room.

However, we enjoyed dinner in this charming and reasonably priced restaurant.

The cafeteria served excellent meals. They served the best halibut fish and chips we ever had. Once we went to the lovely restaurant. The food and wine were excellent. The service was great and the price was affordable. In addition, the view was breathtaking.

The Ferry Art Gallery

While the ferry to Juneau, Alaska, passed Vancouver Island, we watched the stunning sunset.

Our first evening on the ferry to Juneau. While sitting outside, we enjoyed a glass of wine and tasty sandwiches from the Deli in Bellingham. The stunning sunset, as we are passing Vancouver Island. What a wonderful life.

The view was breathtaking, and the ferry sometimes had to steer through narrow channels of the inside passage.

The views were breathtaking. The ferry had to steer through narrow channels in the inside passage.

Sailing the inside passage we spent the day outside, enjoying the scenery, and having our meals there.

During the whole trip, the fantastic weather allowed us to spend the day outside. The scenery was stunning, lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine waters. We saw some whales, dolphins and bald eagles.

There was plenty of room, and it never felt crowded on the ferry to Juneau, Alaska.

It was very relaxing during the ferry to Juneau trip. There was plenty of room, and it never felt crowded. Walked around, took many photos, and had nice conversations with fellow travellers. We lived out of our rucksacks, bringing delicious food with us. Elk and bear smoked prosciutto, salmon, fresh bread, and a good bottle of wine.

fter 38 hours of sailing, our first stop at the inside passage was at Ketchikan

After 38 hours of sailing, our first stop at the Inside Passage was Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World”. We had only time for a short walk. Unfortunately, we could not explore Totem Bight State Historical Park.

Later, we stop at the small village, of Petersburg.

Later, we stopped at the little settlement of Petersburg. Petersburg has a strong Norwegian heritage and makes a living from the sea. During the summer months, the three harbours welcome visitors who come by boat to fish and enjoy the abundant marine life.

Juneau

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska is not accessible by road; it can only be reached by boat or plane. The scenery, mountains, forests, waterways and glaciers are stunning. It is a great place to see wildlife, including bald eagles, humpback whales, orcas and bears.

Finally, after 56 hours on the ferry, we landed in Juneau at 5 a.m. We booked a car from “Rent a Wreck.” The wreck arrived at 6 a.m., and we drove into town to find a restaurant for breakfast. This was one of the best car rental companies we have used. Driving on the opposite side of the road when you are tired was challenging.

Arriving in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is located in one of the state's largest wilderness areas. Access is only possible by ship or plane.

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is encircled by the sea and vast wilderness areas. Access is only possible by ship or plane. Early in the morning, Juneau is very peaceful. This changed when the cruise ships arrived with thousands of visitors. One day, we saw seven big cruise ships on the docks.

Besides shopping, there are plenty of things to do in Juneau. Also, you take wildlife trips to see eagles, brown bears, and whales. Furthermore, you explore the Mendenhall Glacier. Make a boat trip to Tracy Arm, a 30-mile-long fjord, or take the tram to Mount Roberts. From there, enjoy the panoramic view from 1,800 feet high.

We stayed at a pleasant B&B. To our surprise, many residences had seaplane parking at their front instead of cars. The view was beautiful and our host was very helpful. But soon after our arrival, we learned that we must return to Sydney as quickly as possible due to a detached retina.

On our days in Juneau, we were very busy. We had to cancel all upcoming trips and called our travel insurance company several times. To make it worse, we had great difficulties sending emails to Australia. However, in the end, we were able to spend a few hours exploring the stunning Mendenhall glaciers.

Finally, as a farewell gift, we saw a Black Bear near the parking area trying to catch a salmon.