The last time I set foot in Alaska's breathtaking wilderness was in the summer of 2017. My wife, Hillary, and I sailed aboard the National Geographic Quest, where every moment felt like a page out of an epic story. This year, we're heading back—not just to satisfy our longing for the place but to celebrate a very special occasion: Hillary's parents' 50th wedding anniversary.
For a milestone this grand, it only felt right to return to Alaska. So, in July 2025, our family will embark on an 8-day journey on the National Geographic Venture, an agile expedition ship crafted for deep exploration. Needless to say, the anticipation is high.
Alaska is truly the perfect destination for a family adventure, especially with a multi-generational crew in tow. Few places can rival the vastness, beauty, and sense of discovery that Alaska offers. And on an expedition cruise, the experience is immersive from dawn to dusk, with every activity—guided hikes, Zodiac excursions, and underwater explorations—bringing you closer to the wild. The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team enhances the experience with an unmatched depth of knowledge, kindness, and attentiveness, turning every outing into something unforgettable.
For our journey, we chose the "Alaska's Inside Passage" itinerary, an 8-day adventure that blends wilderness immersion with the warmth of a family trip. The National Geographic Global Explorers Program also makes this expedition ideal for families traveling with kids, offering young travelers hands-on ways to learn about Alaska's ecosystems and wildlife. Though our kids won't be joining us this time, we know firsthand how valuable the program is in making Alaska come alive for younger adventurers.
One of our most anticipated experiences is exploring Glacier Bay National Park again, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to colossal glaciers and serene inlets where time seems to stand still. There's something about drifting past towering ice walls and listening to the cracks and groans of glaciers as they shift. Few places on Earth can evoke that sense of wonder.
We're excited to kayak once more along rugged coastlines in search of humpback whales and orcas, whose grace and power remind you of the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska. The journey will also take us to quaint Petersburg, a fishing town with a strong Norwegian heritage, where we'll immerse ourselves in the rich local culture and way of life. We'll cap our adventure in Sitka, exploring its unique mix of Russian and Native Alaskan heritage, adding a historical layer to our natural journey.
As with every National Geographic-Lindblad expedition, the presence of naturalists and undersea specialists elevates the experience, providing insights into Alaska's remarkable ecosystem—above and below the surface. No matter how many times you've been, Alaska never ceases to amaze; each trip reveals new facets of its wild beauty. For me, this journey feels as fresh and thrilling as my first visit.
If you're considering an extraordinary family trip, I invite you to join us for an adventure through Alaska's Inside Passage. It's an experience like no other, and I can promise it'll be unforgettable for everyone.
