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Discovering Alaska on the Carnival Miracle

August 16, 2014 by Jenn 10 Comments

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Nokia Disclosure

Alaska is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I’ve spent time in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, the forests of Costa Rica, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. But nothing could have prepared me for Alaska. You grow up hearing about the vast Alaskan wilderness, the wildlife everywhere, a land remote, isolate and inviting all at once.

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

On Tuesday morning, we floated past a pod of humpback whales. I sat on the balcony, not even needing the binoculars I brought from home, watching them spouting water up into the air. A seal swam by the Carnival Miracle as I ate breakfast on the Lido Deck.

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

A SEAL! WHALES! We even saw a pair of Dulles Porpoises frolicking in the waves outside our balcony!

Wednesday morning we began our journey through Steven’s Passage, known for being feeding ground for Humpback whales, and pods swam alongside the ship for what seemed like hours.

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

We stood, huddled together in the rain on the deck, as the Miracle’s onboard naturalist directed us where to look and told the cruisers about the feeding and migratory habits of the species. Afterwards, Angeline and I boarded a small Catamaran and took the only excursion the ship offered as we drifted through Tracy Arm Fjord, a close up encounter with the Glaciers.

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

There were harbor seals lazing on icebergs, lolling about with their little furry fat rolls jiggling, their whiskers twitching, just enjoying a lazy day in the sun. Our naturalist explained that in the Glacier Bay, the seals had no predators because the whales don’t go that far into the bay – that’s their safe space! They weren’t feeding, they were just lounging around, mother and pups, enjoying not being at the bottom of the food chain for a moment. We even got to see a few swimming around!

And the glaciers? They were pretty spectacular in their own right. Of course I’d never seen a glacier in person before and I was startled by the bright blue color deep within the glacier itself, which became even more beautiful as we experienced a capping! I know that the term is White Thunder, when a piece of the glacier breaks off and falls into the sea – forming an iceberg. But wow, is the name incredibly spot on! Imagine a deep, rolling thunder and then SPLASH as the ice hits the water!

The best part of the day was right before we headed to dinner – a killer whale swam alongside our balcony and Angeline was screaming MOOOOMMMMM! From outside as I rushed to get out of the shower. I only managed to catch it as it swam towards the back of the ship, but even that far away, it was an impressive sight!

image

Our last port of call in Alaska (before heading to Victoria, BC, and then back to Seattle on Tuesday) is in Juneau, and part of our The Best of Juneau shore excursion includes whale watching. All of my camera batteries and phone charges are plugged in…I imagine I will be taking A LOT of photos!

I was excited to see Alaska. The forests, the ocean, the wilderness, the icebergs and glaciers…but the wildlife was the main draw for me. We’re only halfway through the trip and I’ve already seen more than I ever anticipated…

image

All of the photos above were taken with my Nokia Lumia 1020, a great smartphone with an unbelievable camera! You can read all about the features of the Nokia Lumia 1020 here.

Update: I took over 1,000 photos during our Alaskan cruise…

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020 2

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

 

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020 6

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Alaskan Cruise with the Nokia Lumia 1020

Filed Under: Travel

About Jenn

Jenn, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a single woman who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible. Whether it be through sharing new recipes, sharing her dating stories, or encouraging people to embrace adventure and travel, she aims to inspire people to live full, happy and authentic lives.

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Comments

  1. Kelsey Apley says

    August 16, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    That is the most breathtaking view ever! I have always wanted to go to Alaska, it is the one place in the world! Wow what a fun experience, and sounds like a trip that you will remember for a lifetime!!!

    Reply
  2. Kathy says

    August 16, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    That first photo is absolutely stunning. I never though much about visiting Alaska, but your pictures are convincing me to go!

    Reply
  3. Donna says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:15 pm

    What gorgeous photos, especially the first one (and the one of you and your daughter)! I’d love to do an Alaskan cruise.

    Reply
  4. HilLesha says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    Oh gosh, what a gorgeous place to visit!

    Reply
  5. Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    It is extraordinarily beautiful isn’t it? we went on an Alaskan cruise in 2011 and it was one of the most scenic vacations we’ve ever been on.

    Reply
  6. Crystal Green says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    These are some really beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.

    Reply
  7. Colleen says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:45 pm

    This is beautiful I would love to take a cruise to Alaska.

    Reply
  8. Kathleen says

    August 17, 2014 at 1:30 am

    I am so jealous right now. An Alaskan cruise is something I have always dreamed of doing. One day… It looks like you all are having an amazing time so far. Have fun!

    Reply
  9. TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says

    August 17, 2014 at 2:15 am

    Great photos! Two of my sisters when on an Alaskan cruise and they absolutely loved it! I actually have friends living there now –we should visit!

    Reply
  10. Marcie W. says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Alaska looks nothing short of breathtaking! I love the ability to see so much wildlife while just hanging around. Oddly enough we plan to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday in a few years by either visiting Costa Rica or taking an Alaskan cruise. You may have to assist me in that decision.

    Reply

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