My Seattle & Alaska Cruise Travel Diary
Some trips feel like they were made for memory making and our Seattle and Alaska cruise on the Norwegian Encore was exactly that. From the vibrant colors of Pike Place Market to the breathtaking glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park, every stop brought something new to take in. For me, it wasn’t just about the views and the food (though there was plenty of that!) it was about slowing down, soaking in the details, and finding inspiration in the unexpected.
S E A T T L E
Seattle was the perfect place to start our adventure. We spent an afternoon wandering Pike Place Market, which felt like a bigger, more layered version of Reading Terminal Market back home in Philadelphia. With multiple levels, rows of fresh flowers, local crafts, and plenty of unique foods, it was buzzing with life and color.
We made our way past the stadiums, stopping in a dive bar for drinks during a baseball game, then headed to Vito Coffee, where I had a pistachio cardamom latte I’ll be dreaming about for years. From there, we went up the Smith Tower for sweeping city views before visiting the Chihuly Glass Museum.
The glasswork was utterly gorgeous, not just as art, but as a reminder of what’s possible when creativity meets craftsmanship. One installation was especially meaningful to me: a display originally created for a Barneys New York holiday window. As someone who’s spent years in visual merchandising and design, it felt like my favorite worlds colliding in the most unexpected way.
We wrapped up Seattle with a walk past the Space Needle and dinner at Von’s 1000 Spirits, where the sourdough bolognese and pizza are worth the hype. Overall, I found myself really falling in love with Seattle, the energy, the creativity, and the layered character of the city. I can’t wait to go back and explore even more.
C R U I S I N G A L A S K A
Boarding the Norwegian Encore was like starting a new chapter. Each port along the way gave us something different to experience:
Juneau: We started at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, then wandered into an outdoor garden space filled with food trucks and live music. Lunch at Deckhand Dave’s fish tacos so fresh and flavorful & was a highlight. We capped it off with a stop at the quirky Red Dog Saloon for a drink before heading back to the ship
Skagway – A cozy breakfast at the Sittin’ Sasquatch set the tone before we hopped on the White Pass Scenic Railway. The two hour train ride was filled with breathtaking mountain views and winding tracks that felt like a trip back in time. Back in town, we enjoyed mimosas and fish and chips at Woadie’s, which did not disappoint.
Glacier Bay National Park – This day was about quiet wonder. Wrapped up on deck, we watched glaciers drift by while a park ranger narrated their history. It was peaceful, awe-inspiring, and one of those “pinch me” moments that stay with you.
Ketchikan – Our short visit included a lively lumberjack show, which was pure fun. The town itself looked colorful and full of character, I wish we’d had more time to explore.
Victoria, BC – A walking tour gave us a chance to soak in the charm of the city. By nightfall, everything lit up beautifully, making for a magical last evening of the trip.
S U R P R I S E S
Two things really stood out:
The daylight lasted until nearly 10 p.m., giving evenings a golden, lingering glow.
The weather was surprisingly mild, in early August, most days hovered around 70 degrees. I had always pictured Alaska as cold and icy, but instead it felt fresh, crisp, and energizing.
T R A V E L I N S P I R E S
What struck me most on this trip was how inspiring it felt to step into such different places and rhythms. Seattle was vibrant, layered, and alive with texture, from the flowers at the market to the architectural details in the city. Alaska was slower, calmer, and breathtaking in its natural beauty.
For me, those contrasts are exactly what spark new ideas in design. The deep blues of the glaciers, the organic shapes of the Chihuly glass, the playful layering of markets and cityscapes, they all echo what I love most about art and interiors. Just like with fashion or home décor, it’s about mixing patterns, playing with texture, and letting color tell a story.
That’s what I try to bring into Tracy’s Fave Designs, pieces that feel personal, layered, and inspired by the world around us. This trip was a reminder that when you slow down and look closely, inspiration is everywhere.
If you’ve ever thought about a Seattle and Alaska cruise, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a journey that blends city energy with the great outdoors, with plenty of good food, history, and beauty along the way. More than just a vacation, it was an experience that left me refreshed, recharged, and inspired. And while Alaska was stunning, I also found a new love for Seattle, a city I know I’ll return to again.