Cruising in Alaska

Getting Ready to Travel In this episode, we share tips and tales for cruising in Alaska. There are many options for those of us with body changes. This is the foundation of the Living the Could Life approach. Transcript Click Here for Transcript : Theresa: Welcome back to Living the Good Life, where we talk about travel, change, and what it means to build a life that fits the body you have today, not the one you used to have or the one you wish you had. I'm Teresa. Robert: And I'm Robert. Today we're diving into a bucket list giant, Alaska, but we're doing it through a lens that doesn't get talked about often enough. What it's like to cruise the last frontier when you're navigating mobility challenges, low vision, chronic illness, or other challenges. Theresa: We often talk about the two meanings of could. There's the polite permission, could I sit here? And then there's the possibility I still could see the world. Alaska is just the perfect could destination. Robert: Exactly. It's about the science of the could. We've talked about the McGill University studies on neuroplasticity, how our brains can rewire to find new ways to navigate the world. Alaska cruises are built for that. The scenery comes to you. You can sit on a balcony or in a lounge with floor to ceiling windows and have a front view seat to a glacier without taking a single step. Theresa: People often ask, can I really do Alaska with a disability? Robert: And the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Alaska is arguably the best accessible wild destination on earth because the cruise ships act as mobile base camps. You get the glaciers and the grizzly bears without the vertical hikes. Theresa: Use the 70-day workbook or calendar that is listed in the show notes to practice before your cruise. If you aren't used to a scooter, practice in a local grocery store. If you have low vision, practice using your assistive tech in new environments. Maybe you're on a new med or digestive schedule. See how that works best for you before hopping on a cruise ship. By the time you hit the gangway in Alaska, your brain has already done the could work. Robert: Just a bit of housekeeping before we start. Mainstream cruises in Alaska start at four different ports. Seattle, Vancouver, Seward, and Whittier. The last two are near Anchorage and are usually one way. The others can be either one way or round trip. We will be focusing on round trip Seattle for today. Seattle has many daily flights. It's a great city to visit and the port is convenient to access from downtown. Actually, there are two ports there. Be sure you know which one you're going to. Theresa: What we like to do when in Seattle is grab a city pass and explore Seattle either before or after the cruise. Another thing I really like about the port of Seattle is that when your ship returns to Seattle, you can send your luggage for free from the ship to the airport. All ships do not seem to advertise that, so be sure to ask. That way you are left unencumbered with luggage, so it's perfect for exploring Seattle. Many flights leave late at night on disembarkation day, so there's often plenty of time to discover more of Seattle rather than more of Seattle's airport. Who wants to sit the airport for hours? We use their city pass at the end of cruises. Robert: The city pass is great. It was so easy to go and explore the aquarium after we had checked into the ship. Of course, we always recommend arriving in port at least a day prior to departure. It's more relaxing and if you're coming from the east, it gives some time to adjust to the three hour difference in time. You want to be well rested for your cruise. Theresa: That is so true. You know, just talking about this Alaska cruise and prop brings back so many memories. I'm ready to go right now, but before we get started, let's talk about a few considerations before booking the cruise. Robert: Like which ship to sail? Theresa: Not yet. You're getting ahead of yourself. Even before that, there are a few things to think about, like your ability to do this. Of course, we'll add a reminder about that 70 day change workbook and calendar again. With a few adjustments, the good news is that Alaska has many options to fit your travel needs. Robert: But first, you need to honestly consider a few things before embarking on an Alaska or any other cruise for that matter. And if there are a few things that you think that might provide some challenges, look for alternatives like excluding an activity or excursion and substituting or finding assistance. This will help you determine if Alaska is right for you. Theresa: And I should mention right here, regardless of your body changes, if you don't enjoy nature and are looking for shopping museums and big cities, Alaska may not be for you. If you're a beach bum, you will find a beach in Juneau, but that probably isn't what you are used to. No palm trees, no beach cabins, no warm water. Of course, you will find shopping ...