John Hopkins Glacier, Glacier Bay AK

In August and again in early October of 2022 I had the fantastic opportunity to head up to Alaska on two vastly different cruise lines. As diverse as the two lines are; is also how different my experiences were with both of the cruises.  I am very thankful for the time I spent on the MS Westerdam, a Holland America ship as well as the Norwegian Encore, a Norwegian Cruiseline Ship. Both ships left from Seattle and headed to many of the same ports, so I am going to talk about the experience while on board the two ships.

First I want to state that Alaska is an amazing destination and everyone needs to head up there to experience it at some point in their life, it’s utterly breathtaking. The views are amazing, the culture and history are something you have to experience firsthand, and the food is out of this world. As a 30-something solo traveler, the first of the two cruises was tougher for me. This sailing was on the MS Westerdam. I went into this sailing with an open mind and was looking forward to trying a cruise line that I had not sailed with before. It was evident from when I first stepped onto the ship that I was going to be in the minority of other passengers on the ship, which did not set the bar very high for me on this sailing. There were many times that I found myself bored as there weren't many appealing activities for me to do while we cruised to different places. The entertainment was ok but there wasn't anything to write home about. The food was decent but the thing that ruined my dining experience was the people I ate with. This was partially my own doing as each night I was asked if I wanted to sit by myself or with others. I’m always open to eating with others as it’s a fun way to get to know people, however, those that I ate with did nothing but complain about a multitude of things that were now different since the shutdown. Also, there was only one solo traveler meet-up on the first day and then nothing else. It was fun to meet the only other solo person to show up, along with a member of the cruise staff, who checked on me during the week. Overall I would say that this cruise was ok. It wasn’t horrible but it wasn't great either. 

My time on the Encore was vastly different from that on the Westerdam. The ship seemed to have more life to it, people were excited to be there which helped set a wonderful atmosphere for that sailing. There was always something going on that interested me. Every day I could be found watching or partaking in various games in the Atrium. Each night I could be found listening to country music at the BBQ joint or seeing one of the two amazing shows that they had in the theater. If you do ever sail on the Encore you have to make the time to see Choir of Man. This was the best show I have ever seen on any ship. It was fun, energetic, and fun to sing along with. There were also opportunities for solos to meet up. Which helps one to not feel like they were an afterthought and that we were just as important as those traveling with others. Another experience I want to highlight on this trip is that of the Silent Disco that they had one night. This was my first time partaking in one of them and it was so much fun. On the last night of the cruise was the famous Glow Party (formerly known as the White Hot Party). This too was a fantastic way to cap off another amazing trip to Alaska.

Alaska, with its mighty mountains, glaciers, and wildlife is the last frontier. It is an awe-inspiring place to visit. I am truly blessed to have been able to experience just a small portion of what Alaska has to offer to someone visiting it. If I was given the chance to go back again, I would not hesitate and go again. There are not many places I have traveled to that I can say that about.

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