I went on a 6-day cruise in Alaska with a National Geographic photographer, and seeing wildlife up close felt like I stepped inside a TV show

Ryan BieberMay 28, 2023, 17:13 IST

From tundra treks to close encounters with brown bears and whales, the author says his first cruise was more immersive than he expected.Ryan Bieber

Last year, I won a free cruise around southern Alaska and had no idea what to expect.
From day one, I saw brown bears catching salmon and humpback whales breaching just yards away.

Last spring, I was one of five winners of a college writing contest for environmental storytelling. As a prize, the five of us received a free, six-day cruise that summer in Alaska. The cruise, called the "Wild Alaska Escape," travels from Sitka to Juneau across southeast Alaska and is run by Lindblad Expeditions, an eco-tourism-focused cruise company, in partnership with nature magazine National Geographic.

The normal price of this cruise is around $4,800 per person, but as a prize winner, I received the trip for free, which included food and nonalcoholic drinks onboard. In August, I paid for my own flight from Portland, Oregon, where I'd just finished 70 days of camping and volunteering for AmeriCorps, to Sitka, Alaska, to depart on the cruise.

Here's what the cruise was like, from nature and photography excursions to early morning wildlife sightings.

I arrived in Sitka excited to see a new state and experience a week at sea, since I'd never been to Alaska or on a cruise before.

The National Geographic Sea Bird ship sailing through a fjord about 50 miles south of Juneau.Ryan Bieber

Boarding the ship, I fell in love with the ocean views on deck. I thought the interior was slightly dated, but cozy.

The main lounge and top deck on the ship.Ryan Bieber

I thought my cabin was modest in size and decor, and I appreciated the large window.

Even with two beds, the author's room felt slightly cramped.Ryan Bieber

On the ship, I found the crew and nature experts to be friendly and knowledgeable about the region and local wildlife.

Reading on the ship and taking in the views.Ryan Bieber

We saw animals like puffins, whales, and sea otters during the trip, often at unpredictable times.

On the ship, the crew mapped out each animal sighting, including this humpback whale.Ryan Bieber

I especially enjoyed our daily excursions on smaller rafts, since it brought me closer to wildlife in ways I didn't expect.

A brown bear on the shore a few yards from the author's boat.Ryan Bieber

There were optional outdoor activities each day like hiking, kayaking, and rafting, so I never felt bored.

The author and fellow travelers hiking through scenic alpine meadows on a tundra trek.Ryan Bieber

Throughout the trip, I was glad to receive advice from the National Geographic photographer to improve my photography skills.

Photos from the author's nature hike.Ryan Bieber

Each day ended with an educational recap led by the ship's team of naturalists, which I found insightful and supportive.

Fellow passengers and crew members gather in the lounge for an end-of-day recap.Ryan Bieber

The highlight of my trip was seeing receding glaciers. I felt lucky to see them knowing one day they might be gone.

A view of the Dawes Glacier from the Zodiacs.Ryan Bieber

I enjoyed Alaska's summer weather, and the comfortable temperatures meant we saw more animals than usual, according to the naturalists on board.

One of many rainbows spotted at sea over the course of the trip.Ryan Bieber

The cruise exceeded my expectations in nearly every way, and I left wishing it could last longer.

Docked in Juneau, the National Geographic Sea Lion ship appears small in comparison to other major cruise lines.Ryan Bieber

Although the regular price tag might deter me, I wouldn't hesitate to take another cruise with a team of nature experts.

The author in front of the Mendenhall Glacier in the Tongass National Forest.Ryan Bieber

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