Our First Full Day at Sea

Our first full sailing day is exactly what you would expect—relaxing, scenic, and filled with exploration. The whole family wakes up, gets ready, and heads to The Windjammer for breakfast.

The buffet offers endless choices, and everything tastes amazing. The fresh fruit selection is a highlight. I don’t plan on eating healthy during this trip, but the perfectly ripe fruit is too good to pass up. Starting the morning with fresh flavors makes our Alaska Cruise Sea Day even better.

Exploring the Ship

After breakfast, Dawn, Benson, and I spend time exploring the ship, moving from floor to floor to see where everything is. Since we watched plenty of cruise videos, it feels more like confirming what we already know than discovering something new.

However, we wander into the shopping district to see what the stores offer. I spot a shirt I really want to commemorate my first cruise, but unfortunately, they don’t have my size. Even so, browsing the shops is a fun way to pass time on our Alaska Cruise Sea Day.

A Relaxing Escape to the Solarium

Later, we take Benson to the Royal Babies and Tots area, where they watch him for an hourly rate—about the same cost as his daycare back home. With some free time, Dawn and I head to the Solarium, a perfect escape on our Alaska Cruise Sea Day.

If you’re not familiar with the Solarium, it’s an adults-only area at the front of the ship. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, it offers an unobstructed view of the ocean and sky. Sitting in the hot tub as the ship sails forward is an experience like no other. The movement of the ship causes the hot tub water to rock, which is both calming and entertaining.

Incredible Views and Wildlife Sightings

Of course, with one of the best views on the ship, we spend plenty of time watching the ocean. Occasionally, sea life breaks the surface, creating a moment of excitement. Some experiences feel up close and personal, while others are more distant but still incredible.

Eventually, we stop searching the water for movement and just soak in the view. Alaska’s natural beauty makes every moment special. Spending time relaxing and watching the scenery is a highlight of our Alaska Cruise Sea Day.

Unexpected Realizations at Sea

Two things surprise me about this journey.

I knew land would be visible while sailing, but I didn’t realize it will be there the entire time. However, knowing and experiencing it feel completely different. I expect only brief glimpses of coastline, yet land stretches endlessly beside us.

I also understand that much of Alaska is a rainforest, but seeing it firsthand feels unreal. The dense, green coastline looks far more vast and breathtaking than I ever imagine.

For more information about our ship, Ovation of the Seas, and Alaska tourism, visit travelalaska.com or alaska.org.

Stay tuned as we share more from our adventure at sea! To read about day two of my Alaska adventure, visit 2022 Family Cruise to Alaska: Day 2. Also explore the whole story at Alaska 2022 Adventure.