Cruising Through Alaska’s Beautiful Inside Passage
Published June 15, 2026 · EPStay Travel Journal
The second day aboard MSC Poesia was one of the most peaceful days of our entire vacation.
There was no rush to leave the ship, no transportation schedule to manage, and no pressure to fit several attractions into a few hours.
Instead, we spent the day sailing through Alaska’s famous Inside Passage, surrounded by forests, towering mountains, clouds, and long stretches of calm water.
Every hour brought a different view. Sometimes the mountains disappeared behind low clouds. At other times, the sunlight broke through just long enough to brighten an entire section of the landscape.
The scenery seemed to unfold slowly around the ship. It encouraged us to stop, look, and appreciate how far we had traveled from home.
The girls spent time exploring the children’s activities, playing, making friends, eating, and repeatedly returning to the windows or outdoor decks to search for whales. They were convinced that wildlife could appear at any moment.
Although every distant movement in the water created excitement, we tried not to make the day about checking animals off a list. The real experience was being together in a place unlike anything we normally see.
We walked around the ship, found comfortable places to sit, watched the coastline, enjoyed meals, and explored areas we had not seen during embarkation day.
A sea day gave us time to understand the rhythm of cruise life. There were daily schedules, activities, entertainment, meals, quiet areas, busy areas, family areas, and places where travelers could simply watch the world pass by.
One of the best parts of cruising is the opportunity to slow down. Without realizing it, everyone began spending less time thinking about everyday responsibilities and more time paying attention to one another.
We were not rushing between school, work, appointments, errands, property responsibilities, and household tasks. We could simply be present.
The Inside Passage reminded us that not every memorable travel day needs a major excursion. Sometimes the views, conversations, meals, laughter, and shared anticipation become the experience.
Short-Term Rental Takeaway
Sometimes Slowing Down Becomes the Vacation
Vacation is not always about filling every minute with activities.
Some travelers simply want a quiet patio, a comfortable living room, a peaceful backyard, a private pool, a game room, a good bed, or a place where the family can eat together without feeling rushed.
That is something we intentionally consider at EPStay.
Guests may visit El Paso for military travel, medical appointments, work, family events, celebrations, relocation, or vacation. Regardless of the reason, they often need a place where they can slow down.
A thoughtfully prepared short-term rental can become more than a place to sleep. It can provide space for morning coffee, family meals, quiet conversations, children’s playtime, movie nights, and rest between activities.
Sometimes the moments guests remember most happen inside the home when nobody is rushing anywhere.
Travel Tips
- Bring binoculars for scenic cruising and wildlife viewing.
- Dress in layers because outdoor temperatures can change quickly.
- Review the ship’s daily schedule in the morning.
- Alternate busy activities with quiet family time.
- Visit different decks for changing views.
- Keep a camera or phone nearby, but do not experience the entire day through a screen.
- Allow children to enjoy the Kids Club while also planning shared family time.
- Use sea days to rest before busy port days.
Kids Corner
Qalbi & Libby’s Adventure Journal
Dear Journal,
Today the boat floated through giant mountains!
The water looked very big, and the mountains looked like they went all the way into the clouds.
We kept looking for whales. Libby said she saw one. Daddy said it was another boat. We still think it might have been a whale.
We played games and met other kids. Then we ate pizza. Then we looked for whales again.
The ship has so many places to explore. Every time we looked outside, the view looked different. Sometimes it was cloudy. Sometimes the sun came out. Sometimes the mountains looked close, and sometimes they looked very far away.
The ocean is HUGE.
Daddy said today was a relaxing day. We did not know relaxing could include so much pizza.
A family vacation home does not need constant entertainment to be fun. Children often enjoy simple things such as comfortable spaces, games, snacks, a yard, a pool, a movie, and time with their family.
Planning Your Next Unforgettable Getaway?
Whether you are cruising through Alaska or exploring West Texas, every memorable trip begins with a comfortable place to recharge.
At EPStay, we provide thoughtfully managed vacation homes for families, business travelers, military visitors, groups, and guests who want more space, privacy, and comfort during their time in El Paso.
Our goal is to make arrival simple, provide a welcoming home base, and help guests create memories that continue long after checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cruise sea day?
A sea day is a day the ship is sailing between ports rather than docking. It is a chance for families to enjoy the ship, the scenery, and each other without a shore-excursion schedule.
What should families wear while viewing Alaska scenery?
Dress in layers. Even in summer, wind on the outer decks can be cold. A warm base layer, sweater or fleece, and a wind- or rain-resistant outer layer keep everyone comfortable while watching the view.
Are sea days useful for families with children?
Yes. Sea days let children rest, use the kids’ areas, meet other kids, and enjoy the ship at their own pace. They also give parents a break between busier port days.
Why bring binoculars?
Binoculars help everyone spot distant wildlife, waterfalls, small boats, and details on the coastline that are easy to miss with the naked eye. They also make scenic cruising more engaging for kids.
How can families balance activities and rest?
Plan one or two shared activities and leave open time in between for quiet moments, meals, or nap breaks. Balancing structure with rest keeps everyone in a good mood throughout the cruise.