Embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic landscapes of Alaska aboard the Carnival Miracle, sailing directly from Seattle. This comprehensive guide reveals what it was like to cruise to Alaska in 2021, offering insights, tips, and personal experiences to help you plan your ultimate dream vacation.

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An Unforgettable Alaska Cruise on the Carnival Miracle from Seattle

Prepare to be enchanted as we share every detail of our spectacular Alaska cruise aboard the Carnival Miracle. My husband, John, knew exactly what I needed: a refreshing break and the blissful serenity of a cruise ship nap. To celebrate my 45th birthday, he surprised me with this incredible voyage, and it truly was the most epic birthday gift imaginable!

While this trip was primarily a much-needed vacation, not a work assignment, the sheer joy and memorable moments compel me to share all the fantastic aspects of cruising to Alaska and the exceptional experience we had on the Carnival Miracle. From breathtaking glaciers to charming port towns, join us as we relive this dream adventure.

Essential Pre-Cruise Preparations for Your Alaska Adventure

Cruising in 2021 presented a unique set of circumstances, unlike any previous season. The year was marked by continuous updates and evolving health protocols, making thorough preparation more crucial than ever. As this was our first cruise in 18 months since our last adventure on the Carnival Panorama, we approached our Alaska journey with flexibility and readiness for any changes.

Approximately one week before our departure, Carnival sent an important email outlining new requirements: all guests would need to undergo a COVID-19 test 1-3 days prior to cruising, and masks would be mandatory on board when outside of private staterooms. Far from being a burden, these measures were a welcome relief, affirming Carnival’s commitment to guest health and safety. We promptly completed our COVID-19 tests on Saturday, anticipating our Tuesday departure for the Alaska cruise.

In addition to testing, Carnival required us to complete a health and safety form online before boarding. This simple form, which took mere minutes to fill out, asked about any symptoms experienced within the past 14 days and potential exposures. Once submitted, we were officially ready to embark on our much-anticipated cruise!

To ensure a stress-free start to our vacation, we opted to stay in Seattle the night before our cruise. This decision eliminated any potential travel delays on the day of embarkation, allowing us to wake up refreshed and excited for the journey ahead.

Waking up to the magnificent sight of the Carnival Miracle docked in Seattle, visible from our room at the Westin, filled us with an undeniable thrill. It was the moment the entire trip felt real – we were about to board a new-to-us Carnival ship and set sail for one of our favorite destinations in the world: Alaska.

Crucial Tips for Your Carnival Alaska Cruise:

• Download the Carnival Hub App: Ensure you download the Carnival Hub App well in advance. It’s an indispensable tool for managing your schedule, dining, and communicating on board.
• Plan Excursions Early: Popular Alaska cruise excursions book up quickly. Secure your desired adventures by planning and booking early through the cruise planner.
• Organize Documentation: Complete all required online paperwork beforehand. Crucially, bring physical copies of your COVID-19 test results, vaccination cards, and photo identification to the port for a smooth boarding process.

Seamless Embarkation: Boarding the Carnival Miracle

Boarding a cruise ship always carries an air of excitement, but in 2021, the process included several new and important steps due to enhanced health protocols. Being well-prepared with all your documentation—test results, boarding pass, photo ID, and personal information—is key to a swift and stress-free embarkation.

We chose to utilize the cruise terminal parking, taking the convenient shuttle service directly to the Smith Cove Terminal. Before your cruise, remember to select a specific boarding time slot, which helps manage passenger flow and reduce wait times. With an 11:00 AM boarding slot, we arrived promptly at 10:55 AM, joining an already forming line of eager cruisers.

The first crucial step after handing off our checked luggage to the porters was the health screening. Here, you must present your COVID-19 test results, taken within the 1-3 day window prior to sailing. We observed several individuals needing secondary tests because their initial tests were taken outside this specified timeframe, highlighting the importance of adhering to the guidelines. Alongside test results, you’ll need your original COVID-19 Vaccination Cards, a photo ID, and your boarding pass. Thanks to our diligent preparation, this initial screening took us less than two minutes.

Following the health check, we proceeded upstairs to the terminal. This stage involved a standard security check, where our carry-on luggage was X-rayed. Our boarding passes and photo IDs were re-verified, and photos were taken for our personalized cruise cards. After these steps, we were officially ready to step aboard the magnificent Carnival Miracle.

Our entire boarding process, from arriving at the terminal to stepping onto the ship, took approximately an hour and a half. For guests with mobility restrictions, those unable to stand for extended periods, or anyone requiring additional assistance, it’s advisable to inform terminal staff upon arrival. They offer resources such as wheelchairs and an ADA-compliant line, providing options for a quicker and more comfortable boarding experience.

First Impressions & Onboard Indulgence

There’s an unparalleled feeling of anticipation and excitement that washes over you as you walk up the gangway and officially board the ship. It’s the definitive moment when you know your amazing vacation has truly begun. Upon boarding the Carnival Miracle, we were directed to our designated muster station. After a brief, few-minute presentation on how to properly use a life jacket, we were free to explore the ship and begin our adventure.

Since we boarded quite early, our stateroom wasn’t quite ready. We took this as an opportunity to head directly to the Serenity Deck, a perfect adults-only retreat, to relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline as the city slowly faded into the distance. It was here that we raised a toast to the start of our week-long Alaska cruise, enjoying a refreshing Bahama Mama and a classic Carnival Cruiser Cocktail.

For this cruise, we decided to purchase the Cheers Drink Package for the very first time. This all-inclusive beverage package promised a worry-free approach to enjoying our favorite drinks throughout the voyage, and we were eager to explore the full extent of its offerings.

Our Extended Balcony Stateroom: A Room with a View

Our chosen accommodation was an extended balcony stateroom located on Deck 6, towards the aft of the ship. We specifically opted for this category to experience the difference the additional space would make, and we were thoroughly impressed. The generous balcony provided ample room to stretch out, relax, and fully immerse ourselves in the stunning Alaskan scenery as we sailed by.

The stateroom itself was thoughtfully designed, offering all the essential amenities for a comfortable week at sea. From a cozy bed that promised restful nights to efficient storage solutions, it perfectly met our needs. The extended balcony, in particular, became our private oasis, offering uninterrupted views and a tranquil retreat whenever we desired.

Night One: Dining Delights and Craft Cocktails

One of the most welcome updates to the Carnival Hub App is the convenient ability to check in for dinner when you’re ready. We always opt for “anytime dining,” preferring the flexibility to eat when it suits our schedule rather than adhering to a fixed time. With the new check-in feature, we could easily add ourselves to the waitlist and receive a notification when our table was prepared. Upon arrival at the restaurant, a dedicated line for guests with confirmed tables ensured we were promptly seated.

Dinner on the first night was absolutely amazing! I couldn’t resist indulging in two bowls of my absolute favorite appetizer on any Carnival cruise: the exquisite Strawberry Bisque Soup. For the main course, John enjoyed a fantastic steak and potatoes. Then, it was time for dessert! My go-to on the first night, and frankly, almost every night, is the iconic Chocolate Melting Cake—pure deliciousness.

After a satisfying meal, we made our way to the Alchemy Bar to unwind with a delicious cocktail or two. One of the greatest perks of having the CHEERS package is the freedom from worrying about individual drink costs. It’s a flat rate for the entire cruise, providing complete transparency on your beverage budget. The only additional charges are taxes on drinks when the ship is in port and tips for the exceptional crew, which are well-deserved.

We kicked off our Alchemy Bar experience with a delightful Martini Seduction and a zesty Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini. The Alchemy Bar on the Carnival Miracle is remarkably spacious, featuring an extensive seating area furnished with plush leather sofas, elegant wingback chairs, and other comfortable seating options perfect for lounging. We spent the remainder of our evening relaxing here, thoroughly enjoying the creativity and enthusiasm of the bartenders as they crafted exquisite cocktails.

Sea Day: A Day of Blissful Relaxation on the Carnival Miracle

Ah, the glorious Sea Day! For us, it equates to a happy, unhurried day. A Sea Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in whatever brings you joy. Our ideal itinerary included sleeping in a bit, followed by a delicious Sea Day Brunch in the elegant Bacchus Dining Room.

After savoring classic Eggs Benedict and comforting chicken and biscuits, we set off to explore the ship. The Carnival Miracle, while smaller compared to newer ships like the Mardi Gras or Panorama, offers a charming and intimate cruising experience. One aspect I particularly adore about this class of Carnival ships is the distinctive and unique decor. The Miracle is a treasure trove of funky, fun art and fascinating details at every turn. Everywhere you look, there’s a new piece of art or an intriguing element to discover, making exploration a delightful pastime.

Following our explorations, it was time for my absolute favorite Sea Day activity: a rejuvenating cruise ship nap! I had genuinely been counting down the days to this very moment—the luxury of a mid-day nap without any guilt or stress. There’s something uniquely serene about the gentle rocking of the ship combined with the quiet comfort of the cabin that creates the perfect environment for deep relaxation.

Our afternoon was a blissful cycle of napping, watching the world drift by from our private balcony, and indulging in more naps. It was, in every sense, a perfect Sea Day. We opted for a casual evening, skipping formal night in favor of cozy clothes and pizza delivered directly to our stateroom. The Carnival Hub App now offers convenient food delivery, and at just $5 per pizza, it was incredibly worth it! We curled up, watched a movie, and reveled in the pure bliss of a relaxed evening.

Tracy Arm Fjord: Glaciers, Wildlife, and Unforgettable Views

Good morning from the stunning waters of Alaska! There’s an unparalleled feeling of awe that accompanies waking up to a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains and perfectly calm, reflective waters. Sailing from Seattle into Alaska’s Inside Passage can occasionally be a bit bumpy, so reaching the tranquil waters of the passage feels utterly blissful.

We kicked off our day with my favorite breakfast burritos from the Blue Iguana Cantina on the Lido Deck. The ability to customize my burrito with a variety of fresh ingredients from the salsa bar is always a treat! Next, we embarked on an excursion that I believe is an absolute must-do for any Alaska cruise: the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion. It consistently ranks among our top favorite Alaska cruise experiences.

While the Carnival Miracle slowly navigated its way through the majestic Tracy Arm Fjord, we transferred to a smaller, more agile excursion boat. This allowed us to zip ahead and get an incredibly close, intimate look at both the North and South Sawyer Glaciers. The experience was nothing short of spectacular.

I distinctly remember a moment of pure delight when we approached the South Sawyer Glacier and discovered hundreds of harbor seals lounging on the floating icebergs. It was an absolutely incredible sight! While we didn’t witness the glacier calve on this particular trip, we had the fortune of seeing it during our previous visit, a truly powerful display of nature.

The excursion also provided unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the Carnival Miracle sailing elegantly through the narrow, towering walls of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Lasting several hours, the excursion seamlessly brought us back to the ship, where we were even able to spot the glacier from the comfort of our own balcony.

I had every intention of sharing details about the lively Red Frog Pub and Piano Bar on the Carnival Miracle that evening. However, I must confess that the supremely comfortable bed proved too enticing. I may have fallen into a deep slumber for over 10 hours, waking up just before our arrival in Skagway. A happy “oops” moment, indeed!

Skagway, Alaska: A Journey into Gold Rush History

Skagway is renowned as an exceptionally easy port to navigate, both on and off the ship. Typically, cruisers enjoy a long day here, with up to 12 hours available to explore. This generous timeframe allows for booking both morning and afternoon excursions, making it possible to pack in multiple adventures, or simply take your time wandering through this historic town. We chose a leisurely approach, walking off the ship to explore the fascinating Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and immerse ourselves in the charm of downtown Skagway.

For those who prefer to minimize walking, a convenient Smart Shuttle System operates right outside the cruise terminal gate. A mere $2 buys you a one-way ride, or $5 grants you an all-day pass for unlimited trips between the ship and town. Once in town, Skagway is a delight to explore on foot, with its array of charming stores, local restaurants, and captivating historical sites. The Klondike Gold Rush NHP boasts an excellent visitor center with a museum and an informative park movie, right in the heart of town. Additional exhibits, including the wonderfully preserved Mascot Saloon, are scattered throughout, offering engaging insights into the gold rush era. Children can even participate in the Junior Ranger program to learn more about the park and its rich history.

For lunch, we gravitated towards the always-popular Red Onion Saloon! This historic establishment offers fantastic themed cocktails, including a famous “reindeer fart shot” that I’m determined to recreate at home. Skagway is also an excellent port for souvenir and gift shopping, with a plethora of options ranging from jewelry stores to local artisan crafts. Many stores even provide a complimentary, cute Ketchikan shopping bag, making it easy to carry your treasures. We found some wonderful gifts for our family during our time in town.

One obligatory stop whenever we’re in Skagway is the renowned Skagway Fish Company! You can’t miss this bright red restaurant, conveniently located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. My husband, John, confidently declares that they serve the best halibut fish and chips he’s ever had, anywhere. This visit, John decided it was finally time to indulge in some authentic Alaska King Crab Legs, and I’m pleased to report he absolutely loved them.

It’s truly incredible to see the sheer size of a King Crab when you hold one of its impressive legs. Having watched many seasons of “Deadliest Catch” this past year, it was a lot of fun to experience tasting it firsthand. After a full and engaging day in Skagway, it was time to head back onboard and prepare for dinner. We chose to dine in the Bacchus dining room again, specifically to ensure we could enjoy the irresistible Chocolate Melting Cake for dessert. They also offer an excellent selection of wines by the glass, included in the Cheers Drink program. We relaxed after dinner, knowing we had an early 8 AM excursion meeting time in Juneau the following morning.

Juneau, Alaska: Whale Watching and Glacier Views

Our arrival in Juneau early in the morning was absolutely breathtaking! The water was serenely calm, creating a beautiful vista as we slowly sailed into port. With our excursion meeting at 8:15 AM on the pier, we set two alarms, determined not to let the comfortable bed tempt us into sleeping in.

The main dining room offers an excellent sit-down breakfast menu, perfect for a relaxed start to the day. Many guests rush to the Lido Deck buffet or Blue Iguana Cantina for a quick breakfast burrito, often overlooking the tranquil sit-down option. The menu features everything from classic Eggs Benedict to a hearty bacon and eggs breakfast sandwich. We always appreciate starting our day with a leisurely breakfast, complete with coffee and tea, before our adventures begin.

We booked the “Discover Alaska’s Whales” tour, and it proved to be an utterly amazing experience. This exclusive excursion accommodates only 20 guests, so early booking is highly recommended. On our way to the whale-watching boat, we made a quick stop at a viewpoint to admire the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, adding another iconic Alaskan sight to our day.

The excursion itself takes place on a small boat, perfectly sized for its 20 guests, a knowledgeable guide, and the captain. One of the best features of this vessel is its low profile to the water, which allows for incredibly close encounters with the whales. And when I say close, I mean truly close! We were treated to the incredible sight of a mother humpback whale and her calf swimming within 10 feet of our boat – it was absolutely epic!

Throughout the excursion, we spotted at least 15 humpback whales, along with several Stellar Sea Lions. It was a fantastic display of Alaskan wildlife, an experience I would gladly repeat tomorrow if given the chance. The tour also conveniently offers the option to be dropped off in downtown Juneau near the famous Red Dog Saloon, allowing for a couple of hours of town exploration depending on your excursion’s timing.

After a fulfilling day of whale watching, we returned to the ship to unwind and relax on our balcony. We spent a glorious six hours simply sitting on our balcony, patiently watching for more humpbacks. Of course, the moment one of us would step inside to use the restroom, a humpback would inevitably make an appearance – a running joke throughout the trip! At one point, I even started playing solitaire, hoping that not paying attention would magically bring the whales closer.

We were eventually treated to the most amazing show: a baby humpback whale continually breaching and smacking its little tail on the water. It went on and on, putting on an incredible performance just for us. Everyone on their balconies cheered for the baby humpback, yelling “go baby go!” It was one of those truly magical cruise moments that you simply can’t plan for. Dinner in the main dining room that evening was accompanied by a new cocktail for me, a refreshing Carnival Cosmo, and capped off by the spectacular sight of a full moon glowing over the water. It was truly a night to remember.

Ketchikan, Alaska: Creek Street Charm and Local Delights

When sailing into Ketchikan, here’s a playful but practical tip: ensure your curtains are closed if you happen to be sleeping in or just walking around in a state of undress! The ship docks remarkably close to town, and you might inadvertently put on a show for local residents or early risers in the morning. Despite this humorous possibility, docking in Ketchikan offers a truly gorgeous view as you pull into town.

Having visited Ketchikan a few times on previous Alaska cruises, we opted for a relaxed day, wandering through town to discover anything new. One of our absolute favorite things to do in Ketchikan is to stroll over to Creek Street and capture its iconic charm. It’s a truly epic Alaska photo opportunity. During our visit, the salmon were actively spawning upstream, providing fascinating entertainment as we watched them, and the opportunistic seals attempting to snatch them for breakfast.

Ketchikan is also the perfect port for souvenir and gift shopping! With the ship so close, you don’t have to carry your purchases very far. Plus, many stores thoughtfully provide a free, charming Ketchikan shopping bag. We managed to pick up some wonderful gifts for our family while exploring the town. After a relaxing time in town, it was time to head back aboard the Carnival Miracle and return to our private balcony. We once again spent hours watching for humpback whales and dolphins, soaking in the serene Alaskan waters.

The views sailing out of Ketchikan are truly magnificent. It’s incredibly relaxing, creating a sensation of being tucked away in a safe, tranquil bubble as you unwind on the balcony. Our only concern was cuddling under the comforter we had liberated from the bed, purely for relaxation. These moments of pure tranquility on the balcony are precisely why we adore booking cruises. Being able to take a deep breath and simply relax, free from any stress, is an invaluable experience.

Before heading to dinner, we made a stop at the Alchemy Bar for a couple of expertly crafted cocktails. You can never go wrong with a refreshing Cucumber Sunrise and a vibrant Purple Sunset. It was the perfect prelude to our evening.

John surprised me by booking the ultimate cruise ship date night at Nick and Nora’s Steakhouse, uniquely located on Deck 11, directly beneath the Carnival Funnel. The Carnival Miracle is the only ship we’ve encountered where the iconic red Carnival Funnel is partially open, allowing natural light to filter in. Nick and Nora’s Steakhouse, situated directly beneath this distinctive funnel, offers a sophisticated fine-dining steakhouse experience. While it comes with an additional charge of $38 per guest, it promises an epic meal. Even as a vegetarian, I was assured a fantastic and satisfying dining experience.

My husband, John, always eagerly anticipates steakhouse night. He raves that Carnival’s Onion Soup is the best he’s tasted anywhere in the world. John will happily elaborate on any of the superb steaks available at the steakhouse, being a devoted fan of Fahrenheit 555 and Carnival’s commitment to USDA Prime Beef, aged for 28 days. As for me, I enthusiastically recommend the incredible desserts, including the “Art at the Table” chocolate creation, the rich chocolate bomb, and the generously sized cheesecake.

After our sumptuous dinner, feeling delightfully full, we decided to spend a little more time relaxing at the Alchemy Bar. The resident “Alchemists,” Ismail and Zora, are truly exceptional, crafting amazing martinis and cocktails with flair. It was then we realized we had only one more full day on the ship, prompting us to soak in every last moment we could.

Final Sea Day: Leisure, Laughter, and Lasting Memories

Did I mention how much I adore Sea Days? When we first started cruising, we used to meticulously pack our sea days with activities, driven by a fear of missing out on any fun. Now, after more than 20 cruises, we’ve adopted a far more relaxed approach. Our perfect sea day involves sleeping in, savoring a leisurely Sea Day brunch, and simply going with the flow.

After a delectable Sea Day brunch featuring Eggs Benedict for me and a delightful Pancetta Scramble for John, we made our way to the Java Blue Coffee Shop. Here, we were treated to epic coffees crafted by the amazing Christian. Christian, at Java Blue on the Carnival Miracle, is truly hilarious and an absolute joy! He created the perfect chai latte for me and whipped up an iced caramel coffee for John that was beyond good. His infectious humor had us laughing so much that we ended up sitting next to the Java Blue Cafe for an entire hour, simply enjoying Christian’s lively presence and infectious enthusiasm.

Our relaxed day continued with a quick stop at the Red Frog Pub to enjoy a refreshing Ting Mojito and a tropical Rum Jumper. We also made an attempt to learn shuffleboard. I must admit, neither of us had a clue how to play, but we had an absolute blast inventing our own rules and trying to outscore each other!

One of my most cherished aspects of cruising with Carnival is the opportunity to “Groove For St. Jude.” Carnival maintains an incredible partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Several years ago, I had the privilege of flying to Memphis to support Carnival’s Day of Play at St. Jude. That weekend was truly life-changing, and ever since, we’ve dedicated a portion of our yearly profits to St. Jude. We wholeheartedly encourage you to support St. Jude during your Carnival Cruise! It’s a fun and impactful way to contribute to families in need.

The remainder of our final sea day was spent in pure relaxation, watching for whales from our balcony. We did make one last essential stop at the Alchemy Bar to see Zora and Ismail, ensuring I got my final Carnival Cruise Cocktail before the inevitable task of packing began. Sadly, our wonderful week-long Alaska cruise was drawing to a close.

Effortless Disembarkation: A Smooth Farewell

Leaving the ship was surprisingly quick and incredibly easy! There were no delays or reasons to prolong our time onboard. We made our way down to the dining room, where Platinum guests had a designated area to relax before disembarking. Upon arrival, we realized our disembarkation number had already been called. In less than two minutes, we walked out of the dining room, down the gangway, and off the ship. The entire process of exiting the ship, locating our luggage, and heading to the parking lot shuttle bus took mere minutes.

As we departed the parking lot, casting a longing glance back at the magnificent Carnival Miracle, we found ourselves already discussing when we could next embark on another Carnival adventure. After 18 months spent at home without cruising, spending a week at sea exploring Alaska felt absolutely amazing. The dedicated Carnival crew members were phenomenal, consistently providing epic customer service and injecting a vibrant sense of fun into every aspect of the ship experience.

This unforgettable trip served as a powerful reminder of why we cherish cruising so much and the immense importance of taking time to relax, reconnect, and simply enjoy precious moments together.