When you’re on a cruise be sure to Get Off …

…The beaten path every now and again. 

This is the first of a few blogs I will do over the next few weeks and months highlighting some of my and my fellow crew members favorite off the beaten path restaurants, cafes, bakeries, beaches and all sorts of hidden secrets that could take you months to find. This week I’m going to focus on Alaska. Now I know in my webisode I mentioned that Alaska is going to most likely be cheaper next summer due to the increased tonnage, but it’s a very popular destination and one of my all time favorites. Anyone that is sitting at home sweating out a boiling summer should consider a trip to Alaska. That’s you Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona; it’s cool and comfortable, filled with interesting characters and a very colorful history. There’s something for everyone to do, from adventure hikes on Glaciers to smooth and easy train rides through the mountains even world class shopping right at your cruise door steps. Alaska has it all and with Norwegian Cruise Lines bringing Nickelodeon characters like Sponge Bob Squarepants and Disney Cruise Lines even entering Alaska, it’s younger spirited more family friendly than ever. No more tumbleweed's around the nightclub at midnight. Unless you choose a cruise that is more geared to adults and less to families, read Holland America and Celebrity, which also offer their own unique advantages to visiting the 49^th state in the union.

My personal connection with Alaska began late in the summer of 2003 when I started my cruise career onboard the Vision of the Seas in Vancouver, I only got to have 2 weeks in Alaska and didn’t get to see very much, however I had the opportunity to return for two full seasons many years later. I always had a wonderful time in Alaska, did so many adventurous things and managed to meet all sorts of interesting people and find all the little secret spots. I’m a huge supporter of independent and family owned businesses and Alaska abounds with that spirit. All over the state you’ll find great family owned cafes, shops, and more. Some are amazing, some maybe not so much, the following list is by no means the definitive say on independent Alaska, but just a few of my personal favorites. 

One of my favorite stops in Alaska is Skagway, most ships stay the longest in this tiny port, which is actually the birthplace of little girl many of you may have heard of, Sarah Palin. Regardless of your politics there is no denying the deliciousness and quirky independence of one of my favorite places. When I was a cruise director I would go on stage and tell thousands of people to stop by my number 1 dont' miss spot of Skagway and I never once got negative feedback.

So here it is don’t miss spot number 1:

Sugar Mammas Cupcakes – This tiny independently owned and operated cupcake shack took the city by storm back in 2008 and has been dolling out the most delicious and creative cupcakes in the state every since. The most popular and always delicious is the red velvet, however the menu changes daily and the owner operator Deb is always cooking up interesting flavors and bizarre treats. If it’s there, try this one: maple bacon cupcake, not for vegans but OMGoodness is it delicious. The store is also a bit of a novelty shop, featuring everything from slightly raunchy post cards, vintage toys, sunglasses and even occasionally roller skates. Stop by and see Deb and the gang and be sure to try a cupcake made with their signature secret recipe “love”. Like your mamma used to do.

Skagway is not for dieters, there are pizza parlors, breweries and fudge shops on every corner and most all are good, however there is one restaurant and one dish in particular that stands out above the rest for me.

Stowaway Café French Fries – Stop by the Stowaway Café located right off the big pier, not the town pier, for a number of great dishes always served with a smile, but in my opinion their French Fries, served with a secret dipping sauce, there horse radish and hot sauce in there for sure (I know but trust me it’s amazing), for some of the best French Fries you’ll ever have in your life. I don’t know what it is, but they are AWESOME, crispy, full, golden dark brown, just amazing. God I want some French Fries right now.

Juneau – Juneau is full of awesome dive bars and jewelry stores also adventure abounds in the surrounding parks and rivers, so after your shopping or outdoor adventure pick a dive bar and try an Alaskan Amber or any Alaskan beer on tap, you have to get it on tap to truly experience it. Look for a bunch of crew members loitering outside a bar that usually means it’s a dive bar that is welcoming to tourist and it probably has Wi-Fi, so you can check your e-mail if you’re feeling withdrawal. Other than a mandatory beer stop, if you have an early call you can try one of my favorite treats ever.

The Paradise Café & Bakery, located next to the Harley Davidson Store is full of delicious treats, coffee, lunch and amazing breakfast, their quiche and scones are unbelievable, but they also have a cookie that is out of this world. The Pumpkin Cookie, soft with the most delicious icing, screw your diet, try a cookie you won’t regret it. Warning these sell out quick, go early and if you have a late call and you can’t make it till after 4, don’t count on getting a cookie, but they do have other great treats and you may get lucky.

Icy Strait Point: This teeny tiny port of call is a relative new port for Alaska but you may have a ship that stops there. My suggestion is to take a tour don't worry you’ll still have some time to shop around, this is pretty rugged Alaska. They have a dive bar right in the entry to "town" called The Office. The Office has the best steamed crabs you’ve ever eaten, it’s usually full of people sitting at plastic tables, eating crab legs from paper plates, and they are amazing. The Juke Box also has some deep cuts for those music heads out there so spare a few dollars for some great tunes and soak in a true Alaskan experience, nothing fancy just good a** seafood.

Ketchikan: Ketchikan if you happen to get one of the very rare sunny days is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. However, even if it’s raining wildlife and fun abounds. The tour options and shopping opportunities are out of this world. If I had to give you one off the beaten path stop, try “Burger Queen” no not Burger King, Burger Queen, it’s right across the street from the pier and is usually littered with crew members a sure fire sign that it’s good. They have awesome old fashioned burgers, fries and out of this world Onion Rings, but if you want something unique, my friend Yvette Sechrist, no relation to Ryan, but also a true port expert says the must try is the Halibut Burger, fresh fish, light bread, special sauce a quote from Yvette “It’s the best fish sandwich I’ve ever eaten EVER” That means you better try it. You’ll thank us later.

Many of you will also stop in Victoria, a stunning pacific northwest Canadian city that usually falls at the end of your cruise and sometimes is a night stop, the crew love a night stop because it’s one of the only times you get to see a city at night. But it is such a beautiful city it doesn’t matter when you go. The best thing to do there is the Butchart Gardens. It’s just unbelievable what they have done with the place. I’m not a huge garden fan and I love it, I've been three times and would go again also if your there at the right time of the season, usually around July onwards they have a fireworks show that is not to be missed. This is a heavily promoted attraction and for good reason, it really is that great. Sorry I don’t have a more unique off the beaten path stop for victoria but didn’t want to leave you high and dry. If you can’t go to the Gardens, a stroll around the city is worth it, and something unique and free you might like to see is the floating houses, this great little neighborhood of teeny tiny houses that are all around a series of docks and the houses are literally floating, it’s really cool and makes me wonder why other lake communities haven’t copied the idea, when they do, remember who told you they should.

So again this is by no means the definitive list and be all end all Alaskan cruise to do list, these are just a few of my expert recommendations and some off the beaten path options for the independent minded cruiser.

Keep it on Cruise Control.

Till next time.

-Andy