Alaska 2028: The Ultimate Land & Sea Adventure with JMart Travels
Glaciers. Wildlife. Mountains. And the unforgettable beauty of America's Last Frontier.
June 26 – July 3, 2028 | Norwegian Jade
Optional Denali Pre-Cruise Adventure: June 23–26, 2028
Some destinations are beautiful. Others are unforgettable.
And then there's Alaska.
I spent three weeks exploring Alaska during the summer of 2026, and I came home more convinced than ever that it is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. I watched enormous pieces of ice break away from Hubbard Glacier. I traveled deep into Denali National Park, where moose wandered surprisingly close to our tour bus. I rode the rails through spectacular mountain landscapes, watched whales in their natural habitat, and explored charming coastal communities surrounded by scenery that photographs simply cannot capture.
And the weather? Let's just say Alaska was showing off. We enjoyed an almost unbelievable stretch of sunny days, including clear views of Denali itself — something many visitors never get to experience.
But here's what I learned.
You can visit Alaska multiple times and still barely scratch the surface of everything this incredible destination has to offer. That's why I'm especially excited to introduce our 2028 JMart Travels Alaska adventure.
We've selected a spectacular seven-night voyage aboard Norwegian Jade, sailing from Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada, with opportunities to experience magnificent glaciers, wildlife, charming ports and the breathtaking Inside Passage. And for travelers who want to experience even more, we're offering an optional pre-cruise adventure into Alaska's interior, including Denali National Park and a journey aboard the Alaska Railroad.
Two remarkably different sides of Alaska.
One unforgettable adventure.
And we'd love to have you join us.
Why We Chose Norwegian Jade for Alaska 2028
Not all Alaska cruises are created equal. That's something we've learned firsthand after exploring Alaska aboard different ships, visiting different ports and experiencing the remarkable variety of itineraries available. Some cruises emphasize Glacier Bay National Park. Others feature Hubbard Glacier. Some sail roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver, while others travel one-way between Alaska and Canada. Each offers a different experience.
For our 2028 adventure, we've selected Norwegian Jade's seven-night southbound itinerary, departing Whittier on June 26 and arriving in Vancouver on July 3. Why?
Because this itinerary combines spectacular glacier viewing with some of our favorite Alaska destinations, including Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. It also offers the opportunity to begin your adventure in Alaska's interior before boarding the ship. And having personally experienced this same southbound cruise route in 2026, I can tell you there's an incredible amount to look forward to.
Your 2028 Alaska Cruise
June 26 – July 3, 2028Norwegian Jade | Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia
Our journey features:
Hubbard Glacier — One of Alaska's most spectacular tidewater glaciers.
Icy Strait Point — Wildlife, whale watching and authentic Southeast Alaska experiences.
Juneau — Alaska's capital, surrounded by mountains, glaciers and wilderness.
Skagway — Gold Rush history and the unforgettable White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
Ketchikan — Colorful waterfronts, Native Alaskan culture and incredible coastal scenery.
The Inside Passage — A breathtaking journey through the waterways of Southeast Alaska.
Vancouver — One of Canada's most beautiful coastal cities.
Hubbard Glacier: An Experience I'll Never Forget
I've been fortunate to see some extraordinary glaciers during my travels, including Glacier Bay National Park. But my September 2026 visit to Hubbard Glacier was something else entirely. We were blessed with spectacular sunshine, incredible visibility and the opportunity to get remarkably close to this massive wall of ice. I also booked a special excursion that took us away from the cruise ship for an even closer look.
And then it happened.
A massive section of the glacier broke away and crashed into the water. I captured the entire calving event on video. Even now, watching that footage takes me right back to the moment. The sounds. The scale. The incredible blue ice. The realization that you're witnessing something that has been forming for centuries. It was absolutely breathtaking.
Hubbard Glacier is one of the highlights of our 2028 itinerary, and I can't wait for our travelers to experience it.
Of course, glacier viewing depends on weather, ice conditions and the ship's operating decisions. No two visits are ever identical. But that's part of what makes Alaska so extraordinary. You never know exactly what nature has planned.
Icy Strait Point: Alaska's Wildlife Wonderland
If seeing whales in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, Icy Strait Point deserves your attention. Located near the community of Hoonah, this destination offers access to some of Southeast Alaska's most productive whale-watching waters.
During my 2026 visit, I ventured out on a whale-watching excursion and enjoyed a beautiful day on the water. We had sunshine, comfortable temperatures and opportunities to watch Alaska's magnificent marine wildlife.
But Icy Strait Point offers more than whales. Visitors can explore the historic cannery area, enjoy coastal walks, experience local culture, or choose from a variety of excursions ranging from wildlife tours to more adventurous activities. One of the things I appreciate about this destination is that it offers an opportunity to experience Alaska at a different pace.
You can fill the day with activities. Or simply slow down and enjoy being there.
Juneau: Alaska's Capital, Surrounded by Wilderness
Juneau is unlike most state capitals. You can't simply drive there from the rest of the United States. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers and water, it's a remarkable combination of city life and wilderness. And there's plenty to experience.
Popular activities include visiting Mendenhall Glacier, whale-watching excursions, scenic flights, exploring the downtown waterfront and riding the Mount Roberts Tramway when operating.
During my September 2026 visit, I decided to spend the day exploring independently. No scheduled excursion. No particular place I needed to be. Just a beautiful sunny day to wander along the waterfront, visit local shops, enjoy the scenery and soak up the atmosphere.
And yes, I found an absolutely fantastic doughnut along the way.
Sometimes those unstructured days become some of my favorite travel memories. Juneau is a destination where we can help you plan an unforgettable excursion — or point you toward some wonderful ways to explore independently.
Skagway: Gold Rush History and One Incredible Train Ride
If there's one Alaska excursion I would happily recommend again and again, it's the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Skagway itself feels like stepping back into the Klondike Gold Rush.
Historic buildings, colorful storefronts and dramatic mountain scenery make this one of Alaska's most distinctive cruise ports. But the real adventure begins when you board the train.
The White Pass Railway climbs through breathtaking mountain landscapes, following a route originally constructed during the Klondike Gold Rush. You'll see towering peaks, steep valleys, waterfalls and incredible engineering achievements along the way.
I experienced this railway in 2025 and twice in 2026 under spectacular blue skies. And yes, I spent a considerable amount of time outside taking photographs and videos. The scenery was simply too beautiful to stay seated!
For travelers joining our 2028 Alaska adventure, this is one excursion I'd strongly encourage you to consider. The railway excursion is optional and carries an additional cost, but it's one of those experiences that can become a highlight of the entire vacation.
Ketchikan: Colorful, Charming and Completely Alaska
Ketchikan is one of those destinations that feels unmistakably Alaskan. Colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, forested mountains and the famous Creek Street boardwalk create a wonderful setting for exploring. It's also a destination rich in Native Alaskan culture, with opportunities to learn about the region's history, traditions and totem poles.
During my 2026 visit, I enjoyed wandering through town, visiting shops and taking in the scenery. For travelers who prefer organized activities, Ketchikan offers everything from wildlife and wilderness excursions to fishing adventures and cultural experiences including a very popular lumberjack competition show. For those who simply enjoy exploring a destination at their own pace, there's plenty to discover.
One important detail: Norwegian Jade may use the Ward Cove cruise terminal rather than docking directly downtown. Transportation arrangements should be considered when planning your day. That's exactly the kind of practical detail we help our travelers navigate. I found a hack that combines an affordable excursion with a mode of transportation to get you into Ketchikan!
The Inside Passage: Don't Forget to Enjoy the Journey
Some of my favorite Alaska memories weren't made in port. They happened aboard the ship. Standing outside early in the morning with a cup of coffee. Watching the mountains emerge from the mist. Seeing tiny coastal communities tucked between the water and the forest. Breathing in that incredible fresh Alaska air. I have learned in my repeated visits that Alaska has a very distinct and lovely SMELL in the air!
During our final scenic cruising day in September 2026, I was amazed by how beautiful the waterways became as we traveled toward Vancouver. The mountains seemed impossibly close. The passages narrowed. And everywhere I looked, there was something worth photographing.
This is one of the reasons I love Alaska cruises. The ship isn't simply transportation between destinations. The journey itself is part of the experience.
Want the Ultimate Alaska Experience? Add Denali!
Now, let's talk about the part of our 2028 adventure that I'm especially excited to share.
As incredible as Alaska's coastline is, there's an entirely different Alaska waiting beyond the cruise ports.
An Alaska of vast wilderness, towering mountains, scenic railways and wildlife roaming through landscapes that seem to stretch forever. I'm talking about Denali National Park.
And after experiencing it myself in August 2026, I knew I wanted to offer our travelers the opportunity to experience it, too.
That's why we're offering an optional three-night Anchorage Denali Express pre-cruise adventure, June 23–26, 2028.
Day 1: Welcome to Anchorage
Our land adventure begins in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Travelers will arrive, settle into their accommodations and have time to explore independently before beginning the journey into Alaska's interior. Anchorage offers a wonderful introduction to Alaska, surrounded by mountains and filled with opportunities to experience local food, culture and scenery.
Day 2: All Aboard the Alaska Railroad!
There's something special about exploring Alaska by train. During my 2026 adventure, I traveled aboard the Wilderness Express, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery from a glass-domed railcar. I absolutely loved it.
In fact, I wrote in my journal that day that luxury train travel had immediately stolen my heart.
Our 2028 Denali Express adventure includes a scenic journey aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna in Adventure Class, featuring comfortable seating and large picture windows.
From Talkeetna, we'll continue by motorcoach into the Denali region. While the specific train accommodations differ from what I experienced in 2026, the opportunity to travel through Alaska's magnificent interior remains a highlight of the adventure.
And here's something important to understand about Denali. Seeing the mountain itself is never guaranteed. Denali is frequently hidden by clouds, and many visitors leave without ever seeing its summit. During my 2026 visit, however, we were blessed with extraordinary sunshine and a spectacular view. I'll never forget it. Even when the mountain is hidden, the surrounding scenery makes the journey worthwhile.
Day 3: Exploring Denali National Park
Denali National Park encompasses approximately six million acres of protected wilderness. It's one of the most extraordinary landscapes in North America. Our included Denali Natural History Tour takes us into the park aboard a narrated sightseeing bus, providing opportunities to learn about the region's history, wildlife and remarkable environment.
During my own visit, we encountered two large moose that approached surprisingly close to our bus. Those are the moments you simply cannot schedule. You can choose the destination, select the tour and make all the arrangements. But nature gets to decide what happens next. And that's part of the magic.
After our Denali experience, we'll return to Anchorage for another overnight stay.
Day 4: One More Scenic Adventure Before Boarding Norwegian Jade
Our final land-tour day is an experience in itself. We'll travel south from Anchorage along the spectacular Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm. Mountains rise dramatically beside the water, creating some of the most beautiful roadside scenery in Alaska.
Along the way, our tour includes a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where visitors can observe and learn about native Alaskan animals. Then we'll continue to Whittier, where Norwegian Jade awaits. And just like that, our land adventure becomes a cruise adventure.
After several days exploring Alaska's interior, there's something particularly wonderful about stepping aboard a cruise ship, unpacking and settling in for seven nights of spectacular coastal cruising. I experienced that exact transition in 2026.
And I loved every minute of it.
One Incredible Cruise. Two Ways to Experience Alaska.
Not everyone wants the same vacation. Some travelers prefer to fly to Alaska, board their cruise ship and spend seven wonderful nights exploring the coastline. Others want to see as much of Alaska as possible while they're there.
That's why we've made the Denali adventure optional.
Experience Alaska by Sea
June 26 – July 3, 2028
Seven nights aboard Norwegian Jade, exploring Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and the magnificent Inside Passage.
Estimated package pricing begins at:
Interior Stateroom: $2,900 per person
Balcony Stateroom: $4,850 per person
Prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to change until booking. Contact JMart Travels for current package inclusions and availability.
Experience Alaska by Land AND Sea
June 23 – July 3, 2028
Begin with our optional three-night Denali Express adventure, then continue with the seven-night Norwegian Jade cruise.
Estimated Denali extension: Additional $1,599 per person.
The extension includes organized land transportation, accommodations, Alaska Railroad Adventure Class travel, the Denali Natural History Tour and additional sightseeing as outlined in the cruisetour itinerary.
Airfare, meals not specifically included in the package, optional excursions and other personal expenses may be additional.
For travelers who want to experience both Alaska's magnificent interior and its spectacular coastline, this is the option I would strongly encourage you to consider.
Why Plan Your Alaska Adventure with JMart Travels?
Alaska has become our most-booked destination, and it's easy to understand why. Choosing the right Alaska vacation requires more than finding a cruise with an attractive price.
The cruise line matters.
The ship matters.
The itinerary matters.
The departure and arrival ports matter.
The glacier-viewing opportunities matter.
And the time of year can make a tremendous difference.
That's where firsthand experience becomes especially valuable. We've personally explored Alaska's coastal communities, experienced different glacier-viewing opportunities, traveled its railways, ventured into Denali National Park and enjoyed excursions ranging from whale watching to scenic train rides. We've also learned the practical details that aren't always obvious when looking at a cruise brochure.
Which ports are easiest to explore independently?
Which excursions deserve special consideration?
What should you pack for Alaska's unpredictable weather?
How do you prepare for a trip that includes both a cruise and a land adventure?
And how do you choose between the many Alaska itineraries available?
We love helping our travelers answer those questions. Because our goal isn't simply to sell you a cruise. It's to help you experience Alaska in a way that matches your interests, preferences and travel dreams.
And when you book with JMart Travels, you have a local team available to help with the details before, during and after your journey.
That's what we mean by:
World-class journeys. Hometown care.
Want to Learn Even More About Alaska?
We've created an extensive planning resource to help travelers understand the many ways to experience America's Last Frontier. Our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Alaska Adventure explores Alaska cruise itineraries, glaciers, ports, excursions, weather, wildlife, packing and much more.
Whether you're joining our 2028 group or considering a completely different Alaska adventure, it's a great place to begin.
Alaska Is Calling. Will You Answer?
Some trips are vacations. Others become stories you tell for the rest of your life.
Alaska has given me more than a few of those stories. From standing beneath the towering peaks of Denali to watching Hubbard Glacier thunder into the sea, I've experienced moments that reminded me just how extraordinary our world can be.
And perhaps my favorite part of building JMart Travels is getting to share those experiences with others. That's why I'm so excited about our 2028 Alaska adventure.
We've selected an incredible cruise itinerary, created an opportunity to experience Denali before sailing, and put together a journey that showcases two remarkably different sides of Alaska. Now we'd love to help you experience it for yourself.
Join JMart Travels in Alaska — June 2028!
Norwegian Jade: June 26 – July 3, 2028
Optional Denali Express: June 23–26, 2028
Ready to learn more?
Contact JMart Travels for current pricing, available staterooms, package inclusions and reservation information.
📞 812-351-0513
We can't promise perfect weather, a cloudless view of Denali or a glacier calving at precisely the right moment. But we can help you plan an extraordinary Alaska adventure, backed by firsthand experience and a team that genuinely cares about making your vacation everything it can be.
Alaska has my heart. I have a feeling it might capture yours, too.
Comments