I’m so excited to share today’s {Trip Report} with you…and since Texas is so blazing-hot right now, I especially love looking back at these pictures! Skagway was the third stop on our Alaskan cruise with Princess, and after sea-planes and dog-sledding, I didn’t think a scenic railway excursion would all that exciting. Even if we were in the luxury car.
But I under-estimated just how jaw-droppingly stunning the 3.5 hour trip would be, as we journeyed out of town, over the summit of White Pass, to the Yukon River, and down to the Klondike. In fact, it’s so breath-taking, National Geographic included it in their “Secret Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Best Hidden Travel Gems.” #somuchforhidden
Even the train is recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark…a designation shared with the Panama Canal, Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. The vintage passenger coaches are immaculately kept, and a beautiful reminder of slower, gentler times.
I highly recommend upgrading to the private Luxury Car, where you’re treated to bottomless mimosas and snacks, leather swivel chairs, and a private viewing deck with panoramic views. Not to mention a private bathroom. #priorities
It was a warm and stunningly-bright day, so a hat and sunglasses came in handy. And a light jacket was all we needed for the occasional cool breezes.
Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands of prospectors who flocked to Alaska in the late 1800s, in hopes of striking it rich at the Klondike Gold Mines. But even though the gold rush ended, Skagway maintains it’s wild west vibe.
We didn’t strike gold, but we found some yummy cupcakes and Thai food in town! #mykindofgold
We weren’t soaring or sledding, but our hearts were racing just as much by the sheer beauty…in fact, I think it was my favorite of the excursions. But anything involving Mr. SP is my favorite. Is an Alaskan Cruise on your Bucket List yet? I’d move it to the top spot!
Yep! I want to go! So beautiful. Everything looks like it's out of a movie perfect. Your outfit is too cute. I ordered the field jacket- it's coming today!
yay! let me know how you like it! xo
Beautiful town and pictures! So funny, I was just about to ask who takes the pictures of your and the hubby when on vacation just the two of you!
Usually we ask a stranger, or do awkward selfies…but this time we lucked out with Valorie! She was on the cruise with us and we became good friends.
Ugh, I miss Skagway! It was my absolute favorite port when we went. We didn't do the train last time but it's at the top of our list for next time.
yes…it's a must-do!!!
Hoping to go next summer & using your blog as a guide for what I want to do 🙂
Yay!!! I hope it's helpful for you! I've got a few posts planned that might come in handy, too. All I ask is you take me with you! 😉 xo
That looks amazing! An Alaskan cruise is definitely on my bucket list. The landscape is just phenomenal!
And you know my pictures don't even come close to doing it justice!! xo
Eveything looks absolutely breathtaking! What type of camera do you use?
Hi Kylie…I have this older model Canon, and love it. Most of these pics were taken with a 50mm or wide-angle lens.
http://bit.ly/1IiEqzN
Gorgeous scenery. And fabulous pictures!!
Love all the beautiful pictures!! My favorite may be the one with you blowing the dandelion! So cute!
Thank you, Heidi! I felt kind of silly with Valorie told me to do it…but she's so good at what she does, I went with it. So glad I did…I think it's fun, too! xo
These photos and the history make me want to take a trip up for sure!
How did it happen that a friend who is a professional photographer was along. Was that planned by the cruise line. All of the photography makes the post so enjoyable. In general, YOU and your vision are in enjoyable, which is why we come back daily. Thank You!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Andrea! Valorie was the guest of another blogger…we all became good friends on the trip, and when we walked past that old wooden building, she said 'I'm dying to shoot this wall…you two snuggle up in front of it!' I'm so glad she did, Mr. SP and I rarely get pics together on trips!!
So gorgeous! I've always wanted to take a train trip. Looks amazing! And you guys are so in love.
Thanks friend!! Most days we are! 😉 #20yearsisalongtime
looks and sounds just dreamy! of course you are cute as a button!
You are the sweetest…thanks, girlie!! xo
How amazingly beautiful! And that last picture is beyond adorable.
the train looks so fun! and what a cute little town. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Ummm…YES it is! You had me at unlimited mimosas!! These photos are gorgeous!
That may have had something to do with how much I loved the excursion! 😉
Love, love, love that next to last picture of you!! And love that you got plenty of pictures of the two of you together. Beautiful job on pictures all the way around
I've been running around all day in the Houston heat- it's making Alaska look even better right now!
Just stunning! Looks like paradise!
Oh my gosh! That looks jaw dropping gorgeous! I'm totally adding Alaska to my travel bucket list now!
I'm cruising on the Star Princess in just 2 weeks and I can't wait. Your pictures and stories make me even more excited! This RR trip is one of the excursions we picked. I was worried it would be a bit boring but I can clearly see it is NOT! I can't wait!!! Any chance your packing list will make it to the blog before I leave on my trip? Please!!!
Love everything about your blog – It's the first thing I check every evening!
Take me with you!!! You're going to have the BEST time! I don't think I'll have a packing post ready before your trip, but just look at what I'm wearing in each of the recaps, and check the weather for the ports the week you'll be there…that will be a good gauge. I took layers, and lots of really cold-weather stuff, but hardly needed them! I hope this helps!
Thanks, Cassie! I will take your advice and plan on the layers and leave the packable down jacket at home. Your outfits are so adorable and just the look I'm going for. I will re-visit your posts and make my list. Wish you were going to be there – what a fun time we would have!
Oh this trip is just breath taking all around, adding to my bucket list ASAP!
GORGEOUS pics! That last one needs to be in a sweet little frame on your bedside table!
I used to live in Alaska and when I moved away, I left behind friends and famly. I miss it and had a great trip this year visitng and checking out a gold mine in Hatcher Pass. It's an awesome place in the summer. Not so awesome in the winter. [email protected] Loved the pics and haven't been to Skagway.
Could you guys be any cuter?! Fabulous pictures! Thanks for sharing!
We are working to book our excursions for a trip we are taking next summer. Who did you book the train ride through. I have found so many different places, but I want to make sure we have the best experience possible. Thanks!
How fun…take me with you!! 🙂 we booked all our excursions through Princess!
We took this cruise on Norwegian in 2008. Our day in Skagway remains one of my favorite days EVER EVER EVER! We took the kids with us on the cruise (4 people in one of the Ocean View rooms…it was uh…cozy). The day we were in Skagway, the temps were around 75 degrees and we did a rock climbing/rappelling excursion. It was fantastic and the kids (10 and 8) had a spectacular time.
What was the actual railway excursion called? My husband and I are going to Alaska next month and would love to do this!
Thank you.
Nicole
It was booked through Princess directly, so it’s whichever company they use! Have a great trip!