Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pair the untamed wilderness of Alaska and the Yukon with the comfort of a luxury cruise? Our own Kim Hoogstraten, one of the Travel Advisors at YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem, recently found out on Holland America Line's 12-Day Denali and Yukon Cruise Tour. She sent us her travel diary as she went, and it's a wonderful picture of what this part of the world has to offer. Here are her highlights, in her own words and ours.

By rail into Denali National Park

Kim's journey began in Anchorage aboard the McKinley Explorer, which she called "an amazing 8hr train ride through to Denali National Park." Eight hours may sound like a long time on a train, but with the Alaskan wilderness passing by the window, the hours slip away easily.

In Denali, the Tundra Wilderness Tour made the early start worth it. "On the Tundra Wilderness Tour (an eye-wateringly early 5am start!) we ticked off 4 of the Big Five: caribou, moose, grizzly bear and Dall sheep. Unfortunately no wolves," Kim told us. "This is a really great guided tour and beautiful scenery. If wildlife is spotted but too far away, the driver has a camera to zoom in and show on the drop-down screens in the bus!"

Lodges, riverboats and a step back in time

The group stayed at a wilderness lodge along the way. "We loved the lodge, such a unique experience in a beautiful setting!" said Kim, who also recommends the blueberry mojito.

From Fairbanks, the Riverboat Discovery Cruise and Lunch showed the group how people really live in this remote corner of the world, with a local narrator telling the story. "I learned about dog mushing, native settlements and how the locals go about their day in the winter," Kim said. A stop at the native village on the Chena River gave the group a look at traditional homes and clothing.

Crossing into Canada, Dawson City in the Yukon was a real step back in time, with "dusty roads, saloons and good times in this little Canadian town." Kim's timing was perfect: she arrived for the Discovery Days parade, and the group was also lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.

Emerald Lake, Skagway and the White Pass & Yukon Route

The road south to Skagway included a stop at Emerald Lake, where the vivid colour of the water made for one of the most striking photos of the trip. In Skagway, the ship sits docked at the very end of the historic town, a sign that the cruise half of the journey was close.

First, though, came the White Pass & Yukon Route railway, a heritage line that climbs through steep mountain passes, past waterfalls and over trestle bridges. It's a highlight of any Alaskan itinerary and one we'd happily build into a tailored itinerary for you.

Waking up in Glacier Bay

"Today we embarked on the Koningsdam," Kim wrote. "I'm excited to see Glacier Bay tomorrow whilst having breakfast in bed!" The next morning delivered just that. Waking up to towering glaciers and still, icy water from the comfort of your stateroom is one of those moments that stays with you, and it was clearly a favourite of Kim's.

Ketchikan, a port not to miss

The final port in Kim's diary was Ketchikan, and she was clear about it: Ketchikan is a must for anyone planning a trip to Alaska. Holland America Line has a long history of sailing in Alaska, and that experience shows in how smoothly the cruise runs. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, too. Kim spotted a few locals grabbing their own takeaways for dinner.

Why a cruise tour is better with a Consultant

A cruise tour like this one combines trains, lodges, guided tours, border crossings and a luxury cruise in one seamless journey. That's a lot of moving parts, and it's exactly where a YOU Travel & Cruise Consultant comes in. We look after every connection and transfer, and we're here for you before, during and after your trip, wherever you are in the world. Better still, when one of our own team has been there, you get first-hand advice on what's worth the early start and which cocktail to order at the lodge.

If Alaska and the Yukon are calling, let's meet and start planning your next holiday or cruise together. Call us on 07 579 3431, email bethlehem@youtravelbop.co.nz.