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Miller Family's Alaskan Adventure
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Lisa Wainwright
Prosper, TX Travel Agent· 9 Years of Experience
Coasters & Castles Travel - Lisa Wainwright, an independent agent with Coasters & Castles Travel, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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We contacted Lisa with a very last minute (3 weeks advance notice!) trip to Disney. We were first-timers and needed help with every detail. She was... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:Alaska, British Columbia
PLACES VISITED:Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Inside Passage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Mount Mckinley, Skagway, Vancouver
SUGGESTED DURATION:15 Days
This unforgettable Alaska adventure combines the wild beauty of Denali with the luxury of a Princess Cruises Voyage of the Glaciers sailing aboard Coral Princess. From exploring Fairbanks and spotting wildlife in Denali National Park to glacier viewing, whale watching, historic Gold Rush towns, and relaxing in a Mini-Suite with Princess Plus and MedallionClass conveniences, every day brings breathtaking scenery and meaningful family moments. Whether watching Hubbard Glacier calve from the balcony, riding the White Pass Railway, or sharing stories over dinner at sea, this journey blends adventure, comfort, and unforgettable experiences into the ultimate Alaska family vacation.
Close All Days
DAY1
Fairbanks
Close Day
Arriving in Fairbanks
After a long travel day, the family finally steps into Alaska’s cool summer air, immediately noticing how different everything feels.
The sun hangs high even in the evening, giving Fairbanks an almost magical glow.
Logan jokes about how big the trucks are, Lindsay takes in the peaceful scenery, Cole is surprised by how excited he feels, and Cate cannot stop pointing at every mountain view and floatplane.
After settling into their hotel, they stroll along the Chena River, enjoy their first fresh Alaskan meal, and realize this trip is already unlike any vacation they have taken before.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Chena River walk
Local Alaskan dinner
Sunset photos
Downtown Fairbanks
Souvenir shopping
Local coffee shop
Riverfront relaxing
Family photos
Wildlife spotting
Early evening exploring
DAY2
Fairbanks
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Alaska
Close Day
Exploring Fairbanks
The family spends their first full Alaska day discovering Fairbanks together.
Logan becomes fascinated by Alaska’s rugged history while Cole unexpectedly enjoys hearing gold rush stories and learning how difficult life once was in the frontier. Cate loves every quirky stop, from reindeer sightings to local artisan shops, while Lindsay soaks in the slower pace and scenic beauty.
By evening, the family gathers for dinner laughing about the day’s adventures and talking excitedly about Denali and the cruise still ahead.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Riverboat tour
Gold panning
Museum of the North
Reindeer encounter
Local bakery
Pioneer Park
Family photos
Alaska shopping
Scenic drive
Riverside dinner.
DAY3
Alaska
Close Day
The Princess Cruisetour Begins
This morning feels official. The family meets their Princess tour team and immediately appreciates how smooth and organized everything feels.
Logan likes not having to worry about logistics, while Lindsay enjoys simply being present with the family. Cole starts scanning every horizon for wildlife, and Cate proudly wears her new Alaska hoodie while snapping photos constantly.
As the day unfolds, excitement grows knowing the real wilderness portion of the adventure is finally beginning.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Princess tour welcome
Meet fellow travelers
Explore Fairbanks
Organize luggage
Scenic sightseeing
Alaska photo stops
Local lunch
Travel journal notes
Evening walk
Relaxing dinner.
DAY4
Denali National Park
Close Day
Journey to Denali
The drive toward Denali feels like entering another world. Endless forests, winding rivers, and distant mountains stretch for miles as the family watches through oversized windows in awe.
Every time someone spots wildlife, the whole family scrambles to look.
When Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge comes into view, it feels rustic, luxurious, and perfectly Alaskan all at once.
That evening, they gather outside under the long summer daylight, breathing in cool mountain air and realizing the adventure is only getting started.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wildlife spotting
Scenic transfer
Denali photos
Lodge exploring
Princess Village
River walk
Local treats
Lodge firepit
Mountain viewing
Family dinner.
DAY5
Denali National Park
Close Day
Denali National Park Adventure
Today becomes one of the most unforgettable days of the trip. As the family ventures deep into Denali National Park, everyone falls quiet while scanning the wilderness for moose, bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.
Cole becomes completely invested in spotting wildlife first, while Cate gasps every time the scenery changes. Logan and Lindsay exchange smiles knowing this is exactly the type of family memory they hoped for.
By evening, everyone is exhausted in the best possible way, sharing stories over dinner about their favorite moments inside the park.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Denali park tour
Wildlife watching
Mountain photography
Ranger narration
Scenic overlooks
Family selfies
Lodge deck views
Local dining
Hot drinks
Relaxing evening.
DAY6
Denali National Park
Close Day
Denali Exploration Day
With a free day in Denali, the family chooses adventure at their own pace.
Logan loves the idea of an exhilarating excursion while Lindsay enjoys slowing down enough to truly appreciate the scenery. Cole wants something active and exciting, and Cate eagerly volunteers for every new experience possible.
Whether soaring above glaciers on a flightseeing tour or hiking peaceful trails around the lodge, the entire day feels immersive, exciting, and deeply connected to Alaska’s wilderness.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Flightseeing
Hiking trails
Rafting
ATV excursions
Scenic photography
Lodge shopping
Riverside relaxing
Wildlife viewing
Mountain dining
Sunset scenery.
DAY7
Mount Mckinley
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Alaska
Close Day
Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge
As the family travels south toward Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, the scenery somehow becomes even more dramatic. The lodge itself feels peaceful and luxurious, surrounded by towering trees and incredible mountain views. Everyone slows down today. Logan relaxes with a drink overlooking the mountains, Lindsay takes endless scenic photos, Cole explores every overlook he can find, and Cate loves simply sitting outside taking it all in. The evening feels cozy, calm, and unforgettable.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Scenic transfer
Denali viewpoints
Lodge photography
Great Room relaxing
Nature walks
Mountain viewing
Hot cocoa
Riverside scenery
Scenic dining
Evening stargazing.
DAY8
Anchorage
Close Day
Boarding Coral Princess
Today the adventure shifts from land to sea. After traveling to Whittier, the family finally sees Coral Princess waiting in port. Boarding feels effortless with MedallionClass technology, and their Mini-Suite immediately feels spacious and comfortable. Cate rushes to see the balcony, Cole wants to explore every deck, and Logan and Lindsay smile as they toast the beginning of the cruise portion with drinks included through Princess Plus. Sailaway through Alaska’s dramatic coastline feels absolutely magical.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Embarkation
Mini-Suite balcony
Medallion setup
Sailaway views
Explore the ship
Specialty dining
Family photos
Princess Plus drinks
Pool deck
Evening entertainment.
DAY9
Hubbard Glacier
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Inside Passage
Close Day
Hubbard Glacier
Early in the morning, the family wakes to icy blue scenery surrounding the ship. Standing together on the balcony wrapped in blankets, they hear the thunderous crack of glacier ice calving into the sea. Everyone falls silent watching Hubbard Glacier tower above the water. Cole records videos nonstop while Cate cannot believe the color of the ice. Logan and Lindsay sip coffee together realizing this is one of those rare travel moments that truly exceeds expectations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Glacier viewing
Balcony breakfast
Wildlife spotting
Scenic photography
Hot chocolate
Binocular viewing
Glacier commentary
Deck walks
Evening cocktails
Sunset watching.
DAY10
Glacier Bay
Close Day
Glacier Bay National Park
Today feels cinematic from beginning to end. Rangers board Coral Princess and help bring Glacier Bay to life as the family watches massive glaciers, waterfalls, and untouched wilderness glide past the ship. Seals rest on floating ice while bald eagles soar overhead. The family spends most of the day moving between their balcony and the open decks, unwilling to miss a single moment of scenery. Tonight’s dinner conversation becomes entirely about which glacier was everyone’s favorite.
HIGHLIGHTS:
National Park viewing
Ranger talks
Glacier photography
Balcony relaxing
Wildlife spotting
Scenic lunch
Casino in the evening
Family selfies
Evening show
Sunset scenery.
DAY11
Skagway
Close Day
Skagway
Stepping into Skagway feels like entering a gold rush movie set. Wooden storefronts, mountain backdrops, and historic railroads create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Cole loves the adventure history while Cate enjoys browsing colorful local shops. Logan becomes fascinated by the Klondike stories, and Lindsay loves the small-town charm. Riding through the mountains on the White Pass Railway becomes one of the family’s favorite shared experiences of the entire trip.
HIGHLIGHTS:
White Pass Railway
Gold rush history
Downtown shopping
Scenic photos
Salmon lunch
Local museums
Hiking trails
Souvenir shopping
Mountain viewing
Evening onboard activities including playing in the Casino
DAY12
Juneau
Close Day
Juneau
Juneau delivers another incredible Alaska day filled with glaciers and wildlife. The family watches whales breach in the distance before standing together in front of the towering Mendenhall Glacier. Cate is amazed by the waterfalls while Cole cannot stop taking pictures of the scenery. Logan and Lindsay love the balance of adventure and luxury that Princess provides, especially returning to Coral Princess for drinks, dinner, and a relaxing evening after such an active day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Whale watching
Mendenhall Glacier
Tram ride
Glacier photography
Seafood lunch
Local shopping
Wildlife spotting
Scenic trails
Specialty coffee
Evening entertainment.
DAY13
Ketchikan
Close Day
Ketchikan
Ketchikan greets the family with colorful waterfront buildings, misty mountains, and rich Native Alaskan culture. They wander Creek Street together, watch floatplanes land nearby, and learn about totem poles and local traditions. Logan enjoys the fishing-town atmosphere while Lindsay loves the coastal charm. Cole and Cate become completely invested in spotting bald eagles. By now, the family has settled into the rhythm of Alaska life and wishes the trip could last longer.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Creek Street
Totem parks
Floatplane viewing
Seafood dining
Rainforest walks
Local art shops
Eagle spotting
Waterfront photos
Cultural tours
Sweet treats
DAY14
Inside Passage
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At Sea
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Alaska
Close Day
Final Day at Sea
The family wakes knowing this is their final full day onboard Coral Princess. Instead of rushing, they simply enjoy the ship together. Logan spends time at the casino, Lindsay relaxes with coffee overlooking the ocean, Cole explores the upper decks, and Cate enjoys one last afternoon by the pool. At farewell dinner, they talk about their favorite memories, laughing about wildlife sightings, glacier moments, and unexpected adventures. Nobody is ready for the trip to end.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Balcony breakfast
Casino time
Pool deck
OceanNow delivery
Searching for Ocean Wildlife
Shopping onboard
Afternoon tea
Sunset viewing
Farewell dinner
Evening entertainment
DAY15
Vancouver
Close Day
Vancouver Arrival
As Coral Princess arrives in Vancouver, the family watches the coastline appear from their balcony one final time. Alaska has given them adventure, relaxation, luxury, and unforgettable shared experiences. Logan talks about coming back someday, Lindsay scrolls through hundreds of photos smiling, Cole admits the trip was “actually awesome,” and Cate is already asking where the family should travel next. Leaving the ship feels bittersweet, but the memories feel permanent.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Final breakfast
Balcony goodbye
Vancouver photos
Luggage pickup
Airport transfer
Family recap
Souvenir check
Scenic departure
Travel journaling
Future trip planning.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From towering glaciers to unforgettable wildlife encounters, this Alaska journey is more than a vacation—it is the kind of family adventure that becomes part of your story forever.