Exploring Alaska: Our First Cruise Aboard the Oceania Regatta

For our first real cruise—a full seven days—we decided to explore Alaska aboard the Oceania Regatta in mid-September. As non-cruisers, we deliberately chose a smaller ship and an off-peak time to avoid the typical tourist crowds. Oceania Regatta, known for being a more intimate vessel compared to today’s floating cities, was perfect for that. With around 600 passengers and a crew of 400, we found it had a calm, relaxed atmosphere, which was ideal for us. Most of the guests were retirees, adding to the peaceful vibe.

Oceania claims to have the “best cuisine at sea,” and while I can’t say for sure how it compares to other cruise lines, the food was a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The culinary offerings were varied, and dining was definitely a highlight of our experience.

As novice cruisers, we were a bit unprepared for the finer details of embarkation and disembarkation. On the first day, we boarded around noon for a 7 pm sailing, which, in retrospect, was a bit early. Next time, we’ll likely opt to board later in the day. We also learned the hard way on disembarkation day that we couldn’t remain in our cabin past 8 am, even though our scheduled exit wasn’t until 9 am. Good to know for future trips!

Our route was a classic Alaska itinerary, sailing in and out of Vancouver with stops at Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, and Wrangell, plus two days at sea.The weather was great, enjoying sunshine for five of the seven days and just a bit of rain on our final sea day.

Each port had its own charm. In Ketchikan, my husband and I split up for separate adventures. He went salmon fishing, while I biked through the Tongass National Rainforest. Yes, a rainforest! Southeast Alaska’s climate is mild, with winter temperatures above freezing, much like Seattle. The scenery was absolutely stunning, with towering trees and lush greenery everywhere.

Sitka was our “do-it-yourself” day, where we wandered the town and explored some of the local historical sites. It’s a fascinating place with rich history, especially from the Russian colonial era.

Haines was the smallest stop on our trip, but it was also one of the most memorable. We kayaked on Chilkoot Lake, surrounded by mountains and the quiet beauty of nature. It was a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.

Wrangell, however, brought some disappointment. We had booked a jet boat excursion to see the Shakes Glacier, but due to low water levels, the boat couldn’t reach the glacier. While we enjoyed the boat ride, we were disappointed that the company didn’t offer a refund or a warning in advance, as they surely knew about the conditions before we boarded.

Onboard, Oceania offers nightly entertainment, including singing performances and comedy shows. During the day, activities range from trivia to exercise classes to afternoon tea, so there was always something to do. We also took advantage of the two specialty restaurants on the Regatta, which require reservations. Both were excellent, adding a little something extra to the dining experience compared to the main dining room and buffet.

One of the best decisions we made was to book a balcony room. Waking up to panoramic views of the Alaskan wilderness and the soothing sound of the ocean waves was truly unforgettable.

Overall, our first cruise was a success, and it’s inspired me to start looking into two future voyages. Antarctica and the Scandinavian fjords are now on my radar!