Since it's already afternoon in Knoxville, use the morning for a relaxed start: pack last-minute essentials and grab breakfast at Wild Love Bakehouse or Central Flats & Taps to fuel up before heading to the airport. Allow extra time for parking at McGhee Tyson Airport, check your flight status, and pick up any travel supplies at Hudson News so you're set for the cross-country flight to your embarkation city.
After a relaxed morning, head to McGhee Tyson Airport with plenty of time for security, then grab a quick lunch bite at Smokies Deli in the terminal before boarding. If you have a long layover, stroll the shops and pick up travel essentials at The Market at the Airport, or if connections allow, schedule a city-time buffer and enjoy a short coffee and people-watch at Abridged Coffee near the downtown terminal before your flight to Seattle or Vancouver.
After arriving at your embarkation city, take it easy with a low-key dinner near the cruise terminal at Ivar's Seafood Bar (Seattle) or The Fish House (Vancouver) to sample local seafood without splurging. Finish the night with a relaxed stroll along Waterfront Park (Seattle) or Canada Place Promenade (Vancouver) to stretch your legs and enjoy harbor views before an early night to rest up for embarkation.
Start your embarkation morning with a quick, budget-friendly coffee and pastry at Top Pot Doughnuts (Seattle) or Purebread (Vancouver) before heading to the cruise terminal early to queue for priority boarding windows. Once on board, drop bags at your cabin, then explore the ship's complimentary highlights like the buffet breakfast venue, the ship's panoramic deck for harbor views, and the guest services desk to confirm shore excursion reservations and cheap onboard activities so you can relax into your Alaska week.
After boarding and a light buffet lunch, stretch your legs with a short, budget-friendly outing off the ship to Pike Place Market (Seattle) or Granville Island Public Market (Vancouver) - great for cheap snacks, people-watching, and picking up inexpensive local souvenirs. Return to the ship in time to join the complimentary ship orientation tour and snag prime seats on the lido deck for sail-away views while enjoying a casual drink from the poolside bar.
After you've settled into your cabin and enjoyed the ship's sail-away, take an easy, budget-friendly walk to sample local flavors ashore: grab bargain-friendly tacos or chowder at The Pink Door (takeaway nearby) in Seattle or a casual poke bowl from Go Fish Ocean Emporium (grab-and-go) near Vancouver's waterfront, then return for sunset views from the upper observation deck while the ship slips out of port. Cap the night with an affordable live-music set or trivia session in the ship's lounge bar, or bring a deck chair to the starboard promenade for stargazing and quiet conversation before an early night readying you for the next day's at-sea activities.
Wake up slowly and head to the ship's complimentary buffet breakfast for coffee and a cheap, hearty start before joining a free bridge tour or the ship's complimentary naturalist talk in the main theater to learn about Alaskan wildlife and glaciers. Afterward, take a self-guided stroll to the sun deck promenade for fresh sea air and informal wildlife spotting (binoculars from the guest services desk are usually inexpensive to rent), then settle into a quiet morning of reading or card games in the library/lounge while planning low-cost shore excursions for upcoming ports.
After a leisurely buffet morning, head to the lido pool deck for inexpensive poolside bingo or the ship's free group fitness stretch class, then grab a light, budget-friendly lunch at the grab-and-go deli before an afternoon of exploration. Spend time at the ship's photo gallery for a free slideshow of earlier cruise highlights, join the complimentary wildlife spotting session on the upper observation platform, and finish with a relaxed hour of people-watching and inexpensive cocktails at the poolside bar as the ship sails toward the Inside Passage.
As twilight falls, grab an affordable snack from the ship's late-night buffet station and head to the observation lounge for panoramic sunset views while the crew dims the lights for a cozy ambiance. Afterward, join the complimentary documentary screening in the theater about Alaska wildlife or attend a low-cost star-identification session on the open-top deck led by the ship's naturalist, then wind down with inexpensive hot chocolate from the cafeteria kiosk while listening to live acoustic music in the aft promenadewalk.
Step off the ship and take a self-guided walk to the waterfront to join a budget-friendly, small-group local shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier trailhead for an easy hike and spectacular views without the premium price of guided glacier tours. After the hike, grab a casual, affordable seafood sandwich and coffee at Auke Bay Fishery Market or sample smoked salmon at Juneau's Harbor Market, then spend a relaxed hour wildlife-watching from the Dansby Dock where local anglers and seabirds gather - a low-cost way to soak in Alaska's scenery before returning to the ship.
After a morning glacier hike, take a relaxed, low-cost afternoon exploring the town by joining the hop-on Capital Transit trolley for a few dollars to reach the Alaska State Museum, where local history exhibits offer a budget-friendly cultural break. Finish with a waterfront walk to Seward Harborview Park for tidepooling and inexpensive picnic snacks from a nearby deli, or catch a short, affordable guided wildlife-spotting walk organized by a local independent naturalist at Auke Bay Trailhead before returning to the ship.
As daylight softens, stroll to Mount Roberts Tramway trailhead for an economical hike up the lower switchbacks (skip the tram fare and enjoy sweeping harbor views), then warm up with an affordable cup of cocoa or local brew at Tracy's King Crab Shack near the waterfront for a casual seafood snack. Finish the night with a peaceful sunset walk along Eagle Beach, where tidepooling and quiet eagle-spotting from the shore make for a memorable, low-cost end to your Juneau day before returning to the ship.
Begin with a hearty budget breakfast at Skagway Coffee Company (Skagway) or The Hangar on the Wharf (Ketchikan), then take a self-guided walking tour along the historic boardwalk to admire restored gold-rush-era buildings and interpretive plaques at Skagway Museum & Archives or Totem Heritage Center without paying steep tour fees. After that, rent inexpensive bikes from All Aboard Adventures or pick up a local map at Visitor Information Center and pedal or stroll to scenic viewpoints like Lower Reid Falls (Skagway) or Creek Street (Ketchikan) for low-cost wildlife spotting and great photo opportunities before returning to the ship for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a budget-friendly local shuttle to Gold Rush Cemetery (Skagway) or ride the short public bus to Ward Lake Trail (Ketchikan) for a peaceful, self-guided nature walk and easy wildlife spotting away from crowded tourist routes. After the hike, browse affordable local crafts and grab a casual snack at Skagway Brewing Company's outdoor benches or pick up smoked-salmon sliders and coffee from Annabelle's Café before returning to the ship in time to catch the sunset from the forward observation deck.
As the day cools, wander to White Pass & Yukon Route Depot area (Skagway) or Creek Street Boardwalk extension toward quieter side streets (Ketchikan) to enjoy relaxed window-shopping and inexpensive local snacks from a food cart or market stall. Finish with harbor-side sunset views at Small Boat Harbor Pier (Skagway) or the peaceful Settler's Cove Overlook (Ketchikan), where you can spot seabirds and fishermen, then grab an affordable hot soup or chowder at The Thirsty Bear Café before heading back to the ship for a calm evening on deck.
Wake early to watch the ship thread through ice-choked channels from the forward observation deck, then join the complimentary naturalist talk in the panorama lounge to learn about glacial geology and marine mammals before the ship enters the glacier fjord. After the briefing, grab binoculars and head to Hubbard Glacier Viewpoint (or the equivalent park ranger anchorage) for close-up glacier calving views and on-deck photo opportunities, then warm up with a budget-friendly coffee from the ship's café while scanning for humpback whales and sea otters near the ice floes.
After a morning of glacier watching, take a relaxed, low-cost zodiac shuttle or ship-organized tender to the Icy Strait Point boardwalk for easy whale- and shore-bird spotting from the wooden piers, then stroll the interpretive Herring Cove Trail for tidepool viewing and photo stops. Finish the afternoon with a casual, budget-friendly snack at the waterside Saltery Cove Market and a free cultural demonstration at the Tlingit Village Exhibit before returning to the ship for sunset views from the aft observation platform.
After a day of ice and wildlife, enjoy a relaxed evening ashore by joining a short, budget-friendly guided walk to Cranberry Lake Trail for quiet birdwatching and sunset reflections over the inlet, then sample local flavors at the nearby Smokehouse & Market where you can try affordable smoked-salmon bites. Finish with a low-cost cultural performance or storytelling session at Native Crafts Pavilion, then return to the ship for stargazing from the starboard observation rail as the lights of the village fade and the ship prepares to sail.
After an early, efficient disembarkation, head for a quick last bite at Dockside Deli or grab coffee and pastries from Harbor Bean while you confirm your shuttle or airport transfer. If time allows before your flight, stroll the nearby Fisherman's Wharf Promenade for final harbor views and pick up inexpensive souvenirs at Mariner's Market, then catch your pre-booked airport shuttle to ensure a smooth, budget-conscious trip home to Knoxville.
After clearing customs and retrieving luggage, enjoy a relaxed late-afternoon at Pier 66 Marketplace (or the waterfront shopping area near your port) where you can grab an affordable boxed lunch from Harborside Deli and pick up any last-minute souvenirs without rushing. Then stroll to Seaport Park (or the nearest greenway) for fresh-air views and final photos before catching the budget shuttle or pre-booked airport transfer, timed to allow a stress-free check-in for your flight back to Knoxville.
If your flight is later in the evening, enjoy a relaxed final meal at Harborview Bistro near the cruise terminal for budget-friendly plates and harbor views, then take a slow walk through Marina Park Boardwalk to stretch your legs and watch the last light fade over the water. Finish by catching a rideshare or the pre-booked airport shuttle from Terminal Shuttle Hub and grab a quick coffee or sandwich at Gate-side Espresso before boarding-an easy, low-cost way to close your Alaska week and head home to Knoxville.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wild Love Bakehouse (breakfast) | $10 |
| Central Flats & Taps (breakfast) | $12 |
| McGhee Tyson Airport (parking - daily average) | $18 |
| Hudson News (airport purchase - snacks/essentials) | $8 |
| Smokies Deli (airport lunch) | $12 |
| The Market at the Airport (McGhee Tyson - shopping) | $8 |
| Abridged Coffee (coffee if stopping downtown) | $5 |
| Flight Knoxville (TYS) → Seattle (one-way, cheapest average per person, basic fare) | $300 |
| Flight Knoxville (TYS) → Vancouver (one-way, cheapest average per person, basic fare) | $320 |
| Ivar's Seafood Bar (budget dinner, Seattle - casual) | $20 |
| The Fish House (Vancouver - casual dinner) | $25 |
| Waterfront Park (Seattle) - stroll | Free |
| Canada Place Promenade (Vancouver) - stroll | Free |
| Top Pot Doughnuts (coffee & pastry, Seattle) | $6 |
| Purebread (coffee & pastry, Vancouver) | $6 |
| Cruise terminal embarkation fee / port fees (per person, typical included in cruise fare) | Free |
| Buffet breakfast on cruise (usually included) | Free |
| Pike Place Market (snacks / small souvenirs) | $15 |
| Granville Island Public Market (snacks / souvenirs) | $15 |
| Lido deck casual drink (poolside bar) | $8 |
| The Pink Door (takeaway nearby - casual meal) | $18 |
| Go Fish Ocean Emporium (grab-and-go poke, Vancouver) | $14 |
| Ship orientation tour (complimentary) | Free |
| Complimentary bridge tour / naturalist talk (onboard) | Free |
| Binocular rental (ship guest services) | $10 |
| Library/lounge (onboard) - quiet activities | Free |
| Poolside bingo / group fitness class (onboard) | Free |
| Grab-and-go deli (lunch onboard) | $10 |
| Ship photo slideshow (viewing) | Free |
| Observation lounge snacks (late-night buffet) | $6 |
| Mendenhall Glacier local shuttle (Juneau, round-trip, budget small-group shuttle approximate per person) | $35 |
| Auke Bay Fishery Market (casual seafood sandwich) | $12 |
| Juneau Harbor Market (tasting/samples) | $8 |
| Dansby Dock (wildlife-watching shore stroll) | Free |
| Capital Transit (Juneau trolley / bus single fare) | $2 |
| Alaska State Museum (Juneau) - entry fee per person | $12 |
| Seward Harborview Park (picnic / tidepooling) | Free |
| Local independent naturalist short walk (budget-guided, approx.) | $25 |
| Mount Roberts Tramway trail (hike up - skip tram fare) | Free |
| Tracy's King Crab Shack (cup of chowder / cocoa) | $10 |
| Eagle Beach (sunset walk / tidepooling) | Free |
| Skagway Coffee Company (breakfast) | $8 |
| The Hangar on the Wharf (Ketchikan breakfast) | $12 |
| Skagway Museum & Archives (suggested donation/entry) | $8 |
| Totem Heritage Center (Ketchikan) - entry/donation | $5 |
| Bike rental (All Aboard Adventures or local) - hourly budget | $15 |
| Visitor Information Center (maps / free info) | Free |
| Lower Reid Falls (walk / viewpoint) | Free |
| Creek Street (Ketchikan) - stroll | Free |
| Gold Rush Cemetery (self-guided visit) | Free |
| Ward Lake Trail (public bus to trail - bus fare) | $3 |
| Skagway Brewing Company (snack/beer casual) | $12 |
| Annabelle's Café (smoked-salmon sliders & coffee) | $12 |
| Forward observation deck (sunset views onboard) | Free |
| Small Boat Harbor Pier (Skagway) - harbor views | Free |
| Settler's Cove Overlook (Ketchikan) - stroll | Free |
| The Thirsty Bear Café (hot soup/chowder) | $10 |
| Hubbard Glacier viewpoint / panorama lounge (onboard viewing) | Free |
| Binoculars & naturalist talk (onboard) | Free |
| Icy Strait Point boardwalk (tidepool / whale-spotting) - stroll | Free |
| Herring Cove Trail (self-guided) | Free |
| Saltery Cove Market (snack) | $10 |
| Tlingit Village Exhibit (cultural demo - typically free) | Free |
| Cranberry Lake Trail (guided short walk - budget group) | $15 |
| Smokehouse & Market (smoked-salmon bites) | $12 |
| Native Crafts Pavilion (low-cost cultural performance/donation) | $10 |
| Dockside Deli / Harbor Bean (disembark breakfast / coffee) | $8 |
| Fisherman's Wharf Promenade (stroll) | Free |
| Mariner's Market / Pier 66 Marketplace (boxed lunch / souvenirs) | $12 |
| Airport shuttle (port to airport, shared budget shuttle) | $15 |
| Seaport Park / Marina Park Boardwalk (stroll) | Free |
| Harborview Bistro / Harborview Deli (final meal near terminal) | $18 |
| Rideshare / taxi to airport (average per person share) | $20 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1,189 |