Make the Most of Your Alaskan Cruise: Travel Itinerary and Must-Have Items

We recently went on an Alaskan Cruise aboard the Carnival Spirit! This is definitely a bucket list cruise and I’m still in absolute awe of the beauty that is the Alaskan coastline. 

We saw tons of wildlife – bears, whales, eagles, mountain goats, seals, and wolves! It’s a week I’ll never forget and I would love the opportunity to go back someday. You can see even more of my trip in the Alaska highlight on my Instagram page.

I’ve rounded up all of the highlights and need-to-knows of the week!

I’ve rounded up all of the highlights and need-to-knows of the week – including on board activities, our itinerary, excursions, cruising essentials (and one item I wish I’d brought), and reading recommendations! 

Other Summer Travel Guides:

Ultimate Summer Guide to a Week in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Everything You Must do in Mid-Coast Maine: A Four Day Itinerary

Planning for summer travel? Please consider using my embedded links to purchase. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Activities On Board

One of the best parts of cruising is the wide variety of options aboard. Whether you’re looking for quiet and serene or high energy and social activities, there is plenty for you to do! 

I lean more toward the quiet side of enjoyment but my family loves group activities, so cruising gave us a great balance of both. 

Some of my favorite activities were a couples massage in the spa, cocktail tasting at the Alchemy Bar, reading on the Serenity deck (21+), and booking a Chef’s Table meal. 

Details for all activities aboard can be found on the Carnival Hub app during your trip.

Alaskan Cruise Itinerary

We had five days of excursions! Here’s what our schedule looked like:

Day 1: Embark from Seattle, WA 

Day 2: Day at Sea 

Day 3: Cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord

Day 4: Skagway, AK

Day 5: Juneau, AK

Day 6: Ketchikan, AK

Day 7: Victoria, BC

Day 8: Disembark in Seattle, WA

Alaska Excursions

We booked all of our Alaskan excursions through Carnival! We were really impressed with the variety of options. While we really enjoyed high-energy activities like hiking and helicoptering, my parents were able to opt for easy-going activities like whale watching. 

These are the activities we booked each day:

Tracy Arm Fjord: We booked a small cruise through the fjord, where we got to explore several inlets that our cruise ship couldn’t access. We saw lots of wildlife, floating ice, glaciers, and even a bear! 

Skagway: White Pass Summit Excursion: We took a passenger train from Skagway through the original Klondike Gold Rush trail into Yukon, CA. This was a great group activity that everyone in the family enjoyed. The train cars were heated with gas stoves and we had access to the outdoor platforms. 

Juneau: Helicopter Flightseeing & Glacier Walkabout: We took a TEMSCO helicopter from the Juneau airport to Mendenhall glacier. Along the way, we flew through mountaintops and got a bird’s eye view of the glacier. The sights were unreal! We hiked a portion of Mendenhall glacier and learned about the glacier’s history. Once we returned, we went to Tracy’s King Crab Shack for lunch and it was 10/10!

Ketchikan: Rainforest Island Adventure: We boated to an island in the Tongass National Rainforest, where we hiked to observe wildlife and plantlife. We ended with a campfire and snacks at base. 

Victoria: We didn’t book an excursion in Victoria. We docked at around 8pm and decided to stroll the downtown area. We went to the Empress Hotel and drank Empress 1908 cocktails. The hotel released the gin to celebrate 100 years. We love this gin, so having drinks in the hotel felt very special! 

Cruise Essentials

We are pretty well-versed travelers and have learned what we’ll need and what we can leave behind. We got some surprised reactions when people saw us arrive for Alaska with just a carry-on and backpack! 

Here are the items I found most helpful and one item I wish I’d brought on the cruise!

  1. This portable charger – this was small enough to keep in a pocket or belt bag and came in handy multiple times throughout the week. Especially if you’re using your phone to take photos and videos, that battery life goes quick!
  2. These Cushionair shoes – they are perfect socially acceptable comfy shoes to wear while walking around the boat. They also make the perfect deck shoes if you plan to spend your time at any of the pools onboard. Pro tip: round up a size.
  3. This small tripod + bluetooth remote – this tool made taking group photos a breeze and fits easily in your carry-on!
  4. This hanging toiletry bag – this is my new favorite travel item! If you get anything from this list, it needs to be this bag. I got the MEDIUM size and it fits all of my bathroom and makeup essentials with room to spare. It comes with a hook that you use to hang it up on a door or towel hook and it keeps the counters clean and clutter free (my ultimate stress).
  5. This waterproof wallet – this is such a simple and practical item. You’re going to be around water for an extended amount of time, your chances of a water encounter just went up significantly. (Also, being in a temperate rainforest, we were exposing ourselves to bouts of rain at any moment.) 
  6. These fleece-lined leggings – I wore these multiple times and they served me very well! Depending on the weather and our excursion, I wore them by themselves or underneath thermal sweatpants. I loved that they also have pockets!
  7. These extra long charging cables – we use these regularly at our house, but boy, was I glad we had them on our cruise! We were on an older ship (no shade) and there was only ONE outlet in our entire cabin. These cables made it possible to charge our phones, while still using them as we rested in bed. 


That last one leads me to the one item I wish I’d brought:

This multiplug outlet extender – We could definitely have used more outlets in our cabin. I know on newer ships this is no longer a problem, but we chose based on the destination not the ship. This tool would have allowed us to charge both of our phones and our portable charger at the same time. 

Click here to see all of my travel essentials!

Reading Recommedations

I chose two “themed” books for our Alaskan Cruise. 

The first was The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, a romance set in Alaska. It was wonderful and I can’t wait to read the next! 

The second a young adult thriller based on a cruise ship. The trapped thriller vibes were too perfect not to bring this one along. Ultimately, I didn’t enjoy it but that doesn’t mean you won’t! Linking it here if you’d like to read the synopsis. I’m a firm supporter of trying a book for myself, rather than sheltering to others’ opinions. 

I also brought our Bookcase Beauty Book Club pick, Have I Told You This Already? By Lauren Graham. It was delightfully funny and insightful! She is the only narrator I’ve ever had to slow down the speed to understand! 

If you’re looking for other summer reading, check out this list of all of my five-star reads (so far)  in 2023!

The Reunion by Kayla Olson

The Twyford Code by Jannice Hallett

Maame by Jessica George

On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Finding Me by Viola Davis

Leave me a note and let me know if this article was helpful or if you’d like more information on any specifics! I’d love to chat! 

Five Star Cocktail: Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Once or twice a year, my mood reader heart craves a book that will rip me apart and leave me changed. On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel took that as a challenge and grabbed ahold of my heart without mercy. 

This book deserves to have a drink poured in its honor, to celebrate the power of McDaniel’s writing, and reflect with those who deeply relate to this story. I’ve chosen to pair it with a Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade. I took inspiration from this blog post when looking for the perfect drink to honor this book and I’m excited to share it with you today.

Just like On the Savage Side, the Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade has an impactful depth and a levity of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more! This is the easy warm weather drink you’ll be making all summer!

Before I dive into my recipe, check out my review of On the Savage Side here.

You can order this book and all of my other favorites from the Books list in my Amazon Storefront

I get compliments on these glasses all the time, so I’m linking them here along with the other barware I use regularly! These make incredible wedding and housewarming gifts!

Hobnail Glasses

Crystal Shaker Set

You can find more of my favorite glasses and barware here.

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Ingredients:

8-10 blackberries

8-10 mint leaves

2 oz bourbon

4 oz lemonade

Ice

Directions:

  1. Combine blackberries, mint leaves, and bourbon into a shaker and muddle until the berries have been crushed and the mint leaves have released their oils. 
  2. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. *You may choose to strain the liquid into the glass, but personally I like the added fruit!
  3. Top with lemonade.
  4. Garnish and enjoy!

Send me a “cheers” if you make a Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade! You can find all of my thoughts on current reads on my Instagram page!

Want to see more Five Star Cocktails? Below are some of my favorite books paired with a cocktail to match!

Strawberry Basil Margarita for The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Strawberry Bourbon Smash for Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Spice Pineapple Margarita for I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

French 75 for Atomic Habits by James Clear

Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita for The Reunion

Large Batch Strawberry Margaritas for Maame by Jessica George

Will you try the Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade? What book would you like to see paired next? Looking forward to On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel?

Leave a comment below and let’s chat! 

Five Star Cocktail: The Garden City

Katherine Center’s books are known for bringing all of the warm fuzzies and her 2023 release, Hello Stranger, is a contender for her sweetest love story yet! It’s my latest read to earn a Five Star Cocktail celebration!

In a recent Instagram Reel, Center shared her perspective on love stories. She spoke about the concept of hope within a love story. That knowing there will be a happily ever after isn’t a spoiler or predictable, but rather allows the reader to experience a rare emotional bliss of something to look forward to, hope. You can check out that reel right here.

Center is a master at creating stories that evoke hope.

This book exudes kindness, sweetness, and levity, which all come as a breath of fresh air in such a stressful time. 

I knew I wanted to celebrate it with a cocktail to match! So, off I went to Pinterest, in search of a drink that felt light, floral, balanced, and welcoming. I found this article from Empress Gin and knew it was what I was looking for! I made a couple of slight adjustments (add a little more gin, simple syrup instead of lychee syrup), but still honored the original recipe. And, that presentation! Let me tell you, this one truly tastes as good as it looks! 

Before I share the recipe and instructions for the Garden City, check out my review of Hello Stranger.

You can order this book and all of my other favorites from the Books list in my Amazon Storefront

The Garden City by Empress Gin

Ingredients:

2 oz Empress Gin

1 oz grapefruit juice

½ oz lemon juice

½ oz simple syrup

Directions:

  1. Shake grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup on ice. 
  2. Pour mixture and ice into a coupe glass.
  3. Top with Empress gin.
  4. Garnish with a pansy and grapefruit and enjoy! 

Send me a “cheers” if you make the Garden City! You can find all of my thoughts on current reads on my Instagram page!

Want more Five Star Cocktails?

Strawberry Basil Margarita for The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Strawberry Bourbon Smash for Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Spice Pineapple Margarita for I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

French 75 for Atomic Habits by James Clear

Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita for The Reunion

Large Batch Strawberry Margaritas for Maame by Jessica George

Will you try the Garden City? What book would you like to see paired next? Looking forward to Hello Stranger by Katherine Center? 

Leave a comment below and let’s chat! 

Five Star Cocktail: The Strawberry Margarita

Maame by Jessica George might just be THE contemporary fiction novel of the year. Okay, March might be too soon to call it, but this book will certainly make it to many reader’s favorite lists this year. 

Maame was the February 2023 Read with Jenna pick and a February Book of the Month selection. It took no time for the rave reviews to begin rolling in and for me to get a serious case of FOMO. I downloaded the audiobook and into the story I dove. 

I loved it! Today, I’m sharing a five star cocktail to celebrate this magnificent book. No doubt, Maame will continue to be a popular pick for book clubs everywhere in the coming months. 

I wanted to create a large batch drink, perfect for serving at book club gatherings that allowed for minimal work on the hostess! 

Enter, the Strawberry Margarita

Before I go into the recipe and directions for preparing the drink, check out my review of Maame here. You can order it and all of my other favorites from the Books list in my Amazon Storefront!

You can also find a step-by-step video tutorial linked here.

The Strawberry Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 2 C tequila blanco
  • 2 C Master of Mixes Lite Strawberry Daiquiri & Margarita Mixer
  • 1 C blood orange juice
  • ⅔ C orange liqueur
  • ⅔ C lime juice 
  • Lime wedge
  • Sugar

Mocktail Option:

  • 2 C Master of Mixes Lite Strawberry Daiquiri & Margarita Mixer
  • 2 C lime seltzer
  • 1 C blood orange juice
  • ⅔ C orange liqueur
  • ⅔ C lime juice 
  • Lime wedge
  • Sugar

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a large pitcher

2. Stir well

3. Use a lime wedge to prep the rim of a drinking glass

4. Rim the glass in sugar (or salt!) 

5. Fill the glass with ice

6. Pour, garnish, and enjoy!

I began this Five Star Cocktail journey last year as a creative way to honor my five star reads, the books that made the biggest impact on me. Through these videos and blog posts, I also strive to showcase that you don’t need to be a mixologist to craft delicious cocktails at home! My goal, with each drink I share, is attainability without compromising flavor!

Need to boost your cocktail game? Click here to check out my party and hosting essentials.

Send me a “cheers” and let me know if you make a pitcher of Strawberry Margaritas! You can find all of my thoughts on current reads on my Instagram page.

Want more Five Star Cocktails?

Strawberry Basil Margarita for The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Strawberry Bourbon Smash for Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Spice Pineapple Margarita for I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

French 75 for Atomic Habits by James Clear

Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita for The Reunion

Large Batch Strawberry Margaritas for Maame by Jessica George

What book would you like to see paired next? Looking forward to Maame by Jessica George? 

Leave a comment below and let’s chat!

Book Review: Maame by Jessica George

Maame by Jessica George might just be THE contemporary fiction novel of the year. Okay, March might be too soon to call it, but this book will certainly make it to many reader’s favorite lists this year. 

Maame was the February 2023 Read with Jenna pick and a February Book of the Month selection. It took no time for the rave reviews to begin rolling in and for me to get a serious case of FOMO. I downloaded the audiobook and into the story I dove.

Before I share my reflections, read the synopsis for Maame below:

Goodreads:

Maame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi but in my case, it means woman.

It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting.

When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts”: She finds a flat share, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it’s not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family, and the perils—and rewards—of putting her heart on the line.

Smart, funny, and deeply affecting, Jessica George’s Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism, to female pleasure, the complexity of love, and the life-saving power of friendship. Most important, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures―and it celebrates finally being able to find where you belong.

My spoiler-free thoughts:

FIVE STARS. This will definitely be a contender for my favorite book of the year. Maddie’s story was complex with difficult family dynamics, an identity crisis, and navigation through love and friendship. It was also friendly and familiar with internal monologues and very relatable Google searches for a woman in her mid-twenties. 

She wants to find love and appreciation, but in an era of online dating profiles is left feeling disconnected. She wants to break out on her own, but feels tethered to familial duties. She wants to discover herself and bloom to be who she truly is, but is left torn between two cultures. 

You can still be “coming of age” in your twenties. Maddie is proof that being a “late bloomer” is perfectly normal. Life, beauty, opportunities are still working out for you if you are brave enough to go for them. 

Read this book! Listen to the audio! Maddie will quickly feel like a friend you want to cling tight to. 

Maame by Jessica George is out now! You can order your copy here.

I recently share a Five Star cocktail recipe on my Instagram page honoring Maame! You can check it out here!

Want more Five Star Cocktails?

Strawberry Basil Margarita for The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Strawberry Bourbon Smash for Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Spice Pineapple Margarita for I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

French 75 for Atomic Habits by James Clear

Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita for The Reunion

Do you have any thoughts on Maame? What are some of your favorite Read with Jenna book club picks? Do you have a favorite book of 2023 yet? 

Leave a comment below and let’s chat!

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