An unforgettable Alaskan adventure: inside our final 2026 Gold Weekend

There are some journeys that stay with you long after you return home.

For 28 of our Gold Travel Counsellors, an unforgettable voyage through Alaska provided the perfect backdrop for a week of celebration, relaxation and time together.

From the moment the group arrived in Seattle, the trip was about enjoying the reward that came with an exceptional year. It was time to pause, step away from the day-to-day and celebrate the commitment, ambition and care that's made this achievement possible.

Setting sail from Seattle

The trip began with a stay at the Kimpton Monaco in downtown Seattle, where guests gathered for drinks and snacks before enjoying an evening at leisure in the city.

The following day, everyone made their way to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss. Once on board, the group came together for welcome drinks and dinner, setting the tone for the days ahead.

With its spacious Observation Lounge, oceanfront promenade, varied restaurants and lively entertainment, Norwegian Bliss became a memorable base for the adventure.

Taking in Alaska's spectacular scenery

One of the joys of travelling through Alaska was the ever-changing view beyond the ship.

As Norwegian Bliss sailed through the Inside Passage, the scenery shifted from forested shores and rugged mountains to icy waters and towering glaciers. Each day brought a new perspective on one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments.

In Juneau, the group took to the water for a whale-watching excursion. The surrounding bays and channels offered the chance to see humpback whales in their natural habitat, along with other marine life inhabiting the waters around Alaska’s capital.

Skagway offered a different kind of experience. With a full day to explore, guests could choose their own adventure, discover the town’s Gold Rush history or make the most of the ship while it was quieter. The nearby White Pass Railway was one of the highlights available to those looking to experience the area’s dramatic mountain landscape.

There was also time to explore Ketchikan, known for its rich Indigenous heritage and colourful totem poles.

A day among glaciers

Glacier Bay was undoubtedly one of the defining moments of the voyage. Snow-covered peaks, floating ice and immense walls of blue-white glacier surrounded the ship as it moved through the bay.

The day also brought the possibility of spotting seals, whales, orcas and bald eagles. With naturalist commentary bringing the surroundings to life, the experience was as fascinating as it was beautiful.

Time to enjoy the journey together

Although Alaska provided the setting, the people made the Gold trip what it was.

Across the week, Travel Counsellors enjoyed plenty of opportunities to catch up with old and new friends from across the community. Shared dinners, drinks, wine tasting and evenings of entertainment created memories that will last a lifetime.

There were also plenty of opportunities for individual downtime. Guests could enjoy the ship’s restaurants, spa facilities, lounges and activities, or simply watch Alaska pass by from the deck.

A fitting finale

The voyage ended with a special celebration dinner at La Cucina. With the restaurant reserved for the group, the evening was dedicated to reflecting on the week, enjoying great food and celebrating the people whose achievements had brought them there.

Could Alaska be your kind of reward

Our final Gold trip of 2026 showed what makes life as a Travel Counsellor so rewarding. Alongside the freedom to build a travel business around your ambitions, there are opportunities to be recognised, celebrated and welcomed into a supportive community.

Gold is achieved through consistent hard work, exceptional customer care and the success of your own business. The trips themselves are a chance to enjoy that success together.

If you'd like to find out more about becoming a Travel Counsellor, sign up for a Travel Counsellors Discovery Day. You’ll meet the team, hear how the business works and discover where your own journey in travel could lead.