After years and years of taking cruises in the Caribbean, Europe, even the South Pacific, last month I finally took my first cruise to Alaska, aboard Holland America's Oosterdam.

July and August are high season for Alaska cruises, and the weather cooperated: some mist in Ketchikan, and overcast skies throughout, but no rain during the weeklong voyage. 

Our itinerary included Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, all in Alaska, and Victoria on Vancouver Island, B.C. 

The two excursions we booked through Holland America were memorable:

• Rain Forest Canopy & Zip-Line Expedition in Ketchikan, with seven ziplines through the tree tops as eagles glided nearby
• Discover Alaska's Whales in Juneau, where guide Katy Bear (yep, seriously) from Gastineau Guiding stepped us through a citizen science marine life adventure. 

Here are some of my favorite photos I captured during the sailing. If you're thinking of visiting Alaska, now's the best time to book your cruise for 2018. Hope this Visual List inspires you!