Day 5 - Sitka, Alaska
After breakfast, it was an early start as we headed out for our excursion: Siginaka Islands Cruise and Kayak Adventure. I was nervous as I’d never been kayaking before, but there was no need to be. After putting on our spray skirt and life jacket, we headed out on a boat that took us around picturesque islands. We arrived at a jetty, disembarked and were put into small groups. Our guide taught us how to paddle and how to get in and out of the two-person kayak.
For my first time in a kayak, I was surprised by how easily I picked it up. We took a leisurely trip around some of the islands and saw bald eagles, jellyfish, starfish and some crabs along the way. The scenery was incredible and we stopped every now and then for photo opportunities. Our guide was very knowledgeable about Sitka and the surroundings and made us laugh with stories about people living in the area. The excursion was just under two hours and I loved every minute of it - it’s definitely the most incredible thing I’ve ever done!
After we arrived back at the port, we decided to get the coach into Sitka. Sitka is not very large so it only took us about 20 minutes to walk around. It is a very picturesque city and is the embodiment of Alaskan stereotypes with mountains, beautiful landmarks, quirky shops and tourists.
After a delicious dinner onboard Queen Elizabeth, we headed to the Yacht Club on Deck 10 to meet the rest of the group and danced into the early hours of the morning.
Day 6 - Juneau, Alaska
Today, we headed out on another excursion: Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest. We got a coach from the port of Juneau and headed in the opposite direction. Our guide was hilarious and so enthusiastic - she pointed out bald eagles and places of interest along the way.
We arrived at the port and boarded a small boat. It had two levels with a viewing platform outside, complimentary hot drinks and complimentary smoked salmon crackers. We were wrapped up warm as it was freezing out on the deck! We stood for about an hour while we headed towards a favourite spot for whales. We passed incredible sights and saw the gigantic Mendenhall Glacier from a distance. Just when we had given up hope of seeing whales, two appeared and graced us with a double-tail splash. It was incredible! They didn’t break the surface (it was the wrong time of year) but we were happy to see them and it was worth the wait.
Upon returning, we walked around Juneau which is full of shops and lively bars. We headed to the Red Dog Saloon, where swinging doors, sawdust and staff dressed in traditional Western outfits were the norm. The cocktails were large and the ambience was brilliant. After, it was back on board as we sailed towards Ketchikan.
Dinner was an Alaskan-themed seafood menu called the Frontier - speciality dining in the Lido Restaurant on Deck 9 for one night only. We sat by the window and the view was stunning. But the view paled in comparison when the food arrived. We shared a seafood platter, king prawns, crab, lobster and mussels. It was the tastiest seafood platter I’ve ever eaten.
Day 7 - Ketchikan, Alaska
After breakfast, we headed to Queen Elizabeth’s spa, Mareel® Wellness & Beauty, on Decks 9 and 10. We swam in the hydropool and enjoyed the sauna and steam room before heading back to our cabin to get ready for our next excursion.
Top tip: Head to the spa on a port day as the spa gets incredibly busy on sea days.
Just a short walk from where we were docked was the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The show was primarily for families, but the atmosphere as the two sides of the audience were set against one another and made to cheer their own team created a fantastic atmosphere in the small stadium. Two teams of burly lumberjack performers threw axes, climbed trees, chopped wood and ran atop logs floating in the water. While both teams tried to win at each stage, we booed the opponents and cheered our team, being swept up in the fun and excitement.
For lunch, we headed back onboard Queen Elizabeth. We tried the delicious chilli dog at the Lido Grill on Deck 9 and decided to unwind with a few cocktails before dinner.
Tonight was Cunard’s famous masquerade ball. We headed to the stairs outside the Golden Lion Pub to take a group photo, feeling very glamorous and mysterious in our masks before going to the Britannia Restaurant for dinner.
After dinner, we went to the Queen's Court to watch professional dancers perform the Tango. The performance was electric and, accompanied by the Moulin Rouge version of Roxanne, was passionate and dramatic.
Day 8 - At sea
Today, we were treated to a speciality lunch in Steakhouse at The Verandah on Deck 2. The menu and food did not disappoint - the steak was exquisite and the service exceptional. The restaurant is at a supplement but definitely worth it! We ordered far too much as we had every side on the menu, but it was all so delicious we couldn’t help ourselves.
We spent the rest of the afternoon out on the deck sunbathing, dipping in and out of our favourite place, the hot tub. With a cocktail, of course!
Before dinner, we met in the Yacht Club for pre-dinner drinks. Sadly, it was our last night onboard - we didn’t want it to end! After dinner in the Britannia Restaurant, it was off to the Yacht Club for our last night of dancing.
Day 9 - Disembark
After breakfast, we said farewell to Queen Elizabeth and all the new friends we had made and set off for the airport.
