Ketchikan

Our first port of call: Ketchikan. 

We opted not to do an excursion through the cruise line and found an independent kayaking tour. We bundled up in waterproof dry suits, rode a boat out to a secluded cove, and then kayaked along the coast. We saw starfish, jellyfish, bald eagles, kingfishers, and even a sea lion popped up and checked us out. The landscape was incredibly beautiful. We followed it up with a smoked salmon snack and tried out some Alaskan beer before we boarded back on the ship. 

All in all, one of the best days of my life.