STATE #50
ALASKA
The 50th State That Started It All
There was only one state left. We never imagined it would become the beginning.
The Journey
The Last State Was Never the End
For years, Alaska represented one unfinished chapter in a lifetime of travel. It was the only state I had never visited, quietly waiting while every other state became part of our story.
When we finally arrived in Alaska, stepping onto the dock in Ketchikan meant I had officially visited all 50 states. It was a moment decades in the making, but it didn’t feel like a finish line. Standing there, I realized how much of America I wanted to experience again, this time with Mary beside me and with a different appreciation for the journey.
Alaska gave us more than a final state. Over the course of the week, we experienced glaciers, wildlife, historic towns, incredible landscapes, and moments we’ll remember long after the trip itself. More importantly, the trip confirmed that finishing the list wasn’t really what this journey was about.
It was about beginning again.
That idea became The Last State First, a journey to revisit all 50 states, rediscover places from our past, explore places we missed the first time, and share the stories we find along the way.
“It wasn’t the last state I needed. It was the first state that showed us there was another journey waiting.” – George & Mary
THE ADVENTURE
The Journey, One Chapter at a Time
Every journey tells a story. Instead of listing where we went, we’re sharing each destination as we experienced it. The scenery, the conversations, the surprises, and the moments that made us stop and simply take it all in.
CHAPTER ONE
One Last Evening in Seattle
We arrived in Seattle knowing this trip would be different. Alaska was the only state left, and somewhere beyond the city was the finish line to a journey that had taken a lifetime.
We spent our final evening before the cruise exploring Seattle, with dinner at Elliott’s Oyster House and a walk through Pike Place Market. There was excitement about what was ahead, but also something harder to describe. After years of saying I had visited 49 states, tomorrow we would board the ship that would take us to number 50.
At the time, we thought we were heading north to finish something. We had no idea we were actually beginning something new.
CHAPTER TWO
North to Alaska
After one last evening in Seattle, it was finally time to board the Star Princess and head north. This wasn’t just our journey to Alaska. It was also our first cruise, which meant nearly everything about embarkation day was new to us.
Finding our cabin, learning our way around the ship, completing the muster drill, exploring the decks, and having that first cocktail were all part of the experience. What might be routine to seasoned cruisers was exciting to us. We were figuring it out as we went and enjoying the feeling of beginning something completely new.
As Seattle disappeared behind us, the anticipation began to build. Somewhere ahead was Alaska, the only state I had never visited.
We were officially on our way to number 50. The next time we stepped ashore, a lifelong journey would be complete.
CHAPTER THREE
First Steps in Alaska
After two days at sea, we finally arrived in Ketchikan. I had spent years saying I had visited 49 states, and suddenly the only thing separating me from number 50 was a gangway.
I wanted the moment to be simple and unmistakable. I stepped off the ship, put my feet on Alaskan ground, raised my arms, and just took it in. Alaska was no longer the one state I had never visited. After a lifetime of traveling America, I had made it to all 50.
But there wasn’t much time to stand still. Ketchikan quickly became an adventure of its own. We headed out on the water for the Deadliest Catch Fisherman’s Tour, watched bald eagles soar around us, and then spent time exploring the town that had just become such an important part of our story.
I thought Ketchikan would feel like a finish line. Instead, those first steps in Alaska felt much more like a starting line.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ice and Whales
The day began early as we sailed into Endicott Arm, surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls, and increasingly large pieces of ice drifting through the water. The farther we traveled, the more dramatic the scenery became.
Our destination was Dawes Glacier, but Alaska had other plans. There was simply too much ice for the ship to continue safely, so we never made it all the way to the glacier. Instead, we stood on deck watching brilliant blue icebergs float past us, a reminder that in Alaska, nature decides how the day unfolds.
And the day was only beginning.
By afternoon we were in Juneau, where the day shifted from ice to wildlife. After visiting Mendenhall Glacier, we headed back onto the water for whale watching. We were fortunate enough to watch more than 18 humpback whales bubble-net feeding, surfacing together against the mountains of Southeast Alaska. It was one of those experiences no photograph or video can quite recreate.
From drifting ice in Endicott Arm to glaciers and whales in Juneau, it became one of the most memorable days of the entire journey. It wasn’t exactly the day we had planned, but that was becoming one of the things we loved most about Alaska.
CHAPTER FIVE
Gold Rush Country
Skagway gave us an entirely different side of Alaska. We spent the day stepping into its Gold Rush history, trying our hand at gold panning, meeting a team of sled dogs, and riding the White Pass & Yukon Route through the mountains.
The scenery alone would have made the day memorable, but seeing the backside of Mt. Harding made this stop a little more personal. Sometimes the places you visit find unexpected ways to connect with your own story.
The history may have been what surprised me most. Learning about the outlaws who once ran Skagway, the Trail of ’98, and even the connection to well-known Lee’s Summitite Cole Younger made the past feel remarkably close to home. From the streets of Skagway to the mountains above town, this was a place I could have spent much more time exploring.
CHAPTER SIX
Life at Sea
After the nonstop experiences of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, we had two full days at sea as the Star Princess made her way south toward Victoria.
For our first cruise, this was our chance to really experience life aboard the ship. With no excursions to catch and nowhere we needed to be, we could slow down, explore the ship, enjoy the food and entertainment, and simply watch Alaska disappear behind us.
One of those days was especially meaningful. September 4 marked 12 years since the day we first met in Phoenix. We celebrated with dinner at the Crown Grill, another travel memory added to a story that had begun twelve years earlier while we were both traveling for work.
After a week built around reaching Alaska and completing all 50 states, those two days gave us time to slow down, take it all in, and appreciate what the journey had meant before arriving in Victoria for one final evening ashore.
CHAPTER SEVEN
An Evening in Victoria
We arrived in Victoria at 7 p.m., giving us only a few hours to experience the final stop of the journey. Rather than spend that time worrying about how much we could fit in, we climbed aboard a bicycle rickshaw at the ship and headed toward downtown.
Our destination was the Flying Otter for dinner on the waterfront, followed by some time exploring Victoria before making our way back to the ship. It was a short visit, but after two days at sea, it felt good to be back on land and wandering through one more city together.
Victoria wasn’t the grand finale of the journey. It was one last chance to explore somewhere new together before turning toward home.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Returning Home
By morning we were back in Seattle, where our first cruise had begun a week earlier. Disembarkation came quickly, followed by the familiar routine of luggage, transportation, airports, and the trip home.
But we weren’t returning quite the same way we had arrived.
Somewhere between stepping onto Alaskan soil for the first time, drifting past icebergs, watching whales, exploring Gold Rush country, and sharing two quiet days at sea, Alaska had become much more than the 50th state on a list.
We came home having finished one journey and ready to begin another. The Last State First was no longer an idea about what we might do someday. The journey had already begun.
FIELD NOTES
What Stayed With Us
The places, experiences, and practical details that stated with us most.
FAVORITE STOP
GEORGE
Ketchikan
Stepping ashore meant I had finally reached my 50th state.
MARY
Ketchikan
With the Deadliest Catch experience, the eagles, and the cozy, welcoming downtown, this was easily my favorite stop.
FAVORITE MEAL
GEORGE
Love by Britto
Our first dinner aboard the Star Princess, and it set the bar incredibly high. The food, presentation, and experience were amazing.
MARY
Love by Britto
Hands down, some of the most flavorful food of the entire trip, with presentation that was completely off the charts.
FAVORITE WALK
GEORGE
Ketchikan
Creek Street, the salmon ladder, up the funicular, then back down the Married Man’s Trail. A great way to experience Ketchikan on foot.
MARY
Mendenhall Glacier Park to Nugget Falls
It was a little hotter than expected, but the scenery was gorgeous and the destination was absolutely worth the walk.
FAVORITE DISCOVERY
GEORGE
Skagway’s Gold Rush History
Learning about Skagway’s outlaws and the Trail of ’98 was fascinating, but discovering that well-known Lee’s Summitite Cole Younger had also passed through Skagway during the gold rush brought the history surprisingly close to home.
MARY
Skagway’s Colorful Past
Learning more about the colorful and slightly sordid past of Skagway from our Tour Guide, Runaway Jim. There are definitely some stories there!
FAVORITE PLACE
GEORGE
Skagway
There was something about the history and character of Skagway that drew me in. It was the kind of town that made me want to stay longer and keep exploring.
MARY
Ketchikan
The eagles were incredible, and the town just felt comfy and cozy. It was the kind of place I could have wandered around for hours.
FAVORITE EXCURSION
GEORGE
Deadliest Catch Crab Fisherman’s Tour
Cold, windy, and pouring rain, but the eagles and stories of life on the crab boats made it unforgettable. Placing a crab pot tag in memory of Thomas on the memorial pot made it especially meaningful.
MARY
Whale Watching in Juneau
Watching the humpbacks bubble-net feeding made this an easy choice. Seeing that many whales surface together was absolutely incredible.
FAVORITE SHIPBOARD MOMENT
GEORGE
The White Party
Dancing with Mary in the Piazza and having fun with everyone around us. It was one of those moments that reminds me how much fun our first cruise really was.
MARY
Bourbon on the Balcony
Sitting on the balcony with George, sipping bourbon, watching the water, and just taking it all in. Pure peace.
FAVORITE WILDLIFE SIGHTING
GEORGE
Bubble-Net Feeding in Juneau
Watching 18-plus humpback whales surface together while bubble-net feeding was incredible. Even better was learning to watch the seagulls, which seemed to telegraph exactly where the whales would surface next.
MARY
Whales Bubble-Net Feeding
DUH! How could anything else compete?
FAVORITE MOMENT
GEORGE
Walking in the Seattle Rain
After leaving 100-degree heat in Yucaipa, walking from our hotel to the waterfront and Pike Place Market in 65-degree rain felt incredible. It was a simple moment, but it felt like the adventure had officially begun.
MARY
Too Many to Choose
Nope, I can’t pick just one. There were way too many!
WISH WE HAD KNOWN
GEORGE
I Packed Way Too Many Layers
Everyone told us to pack layers for Alaska, so we did. Most days I needed nothing more than a T-shirt, and I probably could have worn shorts. We definitely weren’t expecting it to be that warm.
MARY
Book Fewer Excursions
I wish we had left ourselves more time to wander around, explore the towns, and see where the day took us.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
GEORGE
How Much Time We Spent at Sea
On a seven-day cruise, we only stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. I hadn’t realized how much of the trip would actually be spent aboard the ship. With four-plus days largely at sea, the ship really becomes part of the destination.
MARY
Alaskan Huskies
Learning that Alaskan Huskies that run in the Iditarod aren’t actually the fluffy huskies most of us picture. Who knew?
WOULD WE GO AGAIN?
GEORGE
Absolutely, There’s So Much We Missed
Seven days gave us an incredible introduction to Alaska, but also showed us how much we didn’t see. Next time, we’d cruise one way, explore more ports, continue inland to places like Denali, and fly home from Alaska. There’s still a lot of Alaska waiting for us.
MARY
Yup!
Without hesitation.
EXPERIENCE IT
Come Along for the Journey
We brought home hours of video from Alaska, from our first steps in Ketchikan to glaciers, whales, Gold Rush country, and life aboard the Star Princess. We’re turning those moments into stories and can’t wait to share them.
Alaska videos are coming soon.
FROM THE FIELD
Alaska Through Our Lens
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Our Alaska Travel Tips
Cruise Length
Seven days went by quickly. With only four port stops and much of the remaining time spent at sea, next time we’d choose a one-way itinerary that gives us more opportunities to explore Alaska, including time inland.
Book Excursions and Speciality Dining Early
Some of our favorite experiences happened away from the ship, including crab fishing in Ketchikan, whale watching in Juneau, and exploring Skagway. Decide what matters most and reserve those excursions early. Specialty dining can fill quickly too, so make those reservations as soon as possible.
Pack for Anything
Everyone told us to pack layers, and we did. Alaska turned out much warmer than expected, and most days a T-shirt was enough. But we also encountered cold, wind, and pouring rain. Pack layers and waterproof gear, but don’t assume Alaska automatically means cold weather.
Leave Time to Explore
Don’t schedule every minute. Some of our favorite memories came from simply walking around, like exploring Creek Street, the salmon ladder, the funicular, and Married Man’s Trail in Ketchikan.
Before You Go
Check the forecast right before packing
Reserve must-do excursions early
Bring a waterproof coat, pants, and shoes
Pack layers, but include warm-weather clothes
Plan for more time aboard the ship than you might expect
Leave room for spontaneous exploring
TRIP AT A GLANCE
The Essential Details
TRAVEL DATES
Aug. 30 – Sept. 6, 2026
TRAVEL STYLE
7-Night Alaskan Cruise
SHIP
Star Princess
CRUISE ROUTE
Roundtrip Seattle, WA
PORTS OF CALL
Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, & Victoria
SCENIC CRUISING
Endicott Arm
EXPLORE AMERICA
See Where the Journey Takes Us
ALL 50 STATES
Explore America
Follow our journey as we revisit the places that shaped our story and discover what we missed the first time.
OUR JOURNEY
Our Story
How a lifetime of travel, one final state, and the decision to begin again became The Last State First.
FROM THE ROAD
The Journal
Stories, observations, lessons, and memorable moments from the places we explore along the way.