Every great journey has its surprises, and we’ve had our fair share on this trip. But it’s the moments you don’t plan for that often become the ones you talk about for years to come.

On Monday, 16 June 2025, our Canada and Alaska group arrived in Juneau, onboard the beautiful Holland America Koningsdam, ready for another day of adventure in Alaska’s capital — a city only accessible by air or sea.

The morning began like any other port day: smiling faces, a buzz of excitement, and a line-up of excursions, including a visit to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and optional scenic helicopter flights.

Doug and I joined one of the first departures to the glacier. Our group was scattered around Juneau — exploring on their own, enjoying a sneaky beverage at the Red Dog Saloon, souvenir shopping, sightseeing, or waiting eagerly to board helicopters for a bird’s-eye view of the icefields.

Then the wind changed.

In a matter of minutes, a calm summer afternoon became anything but. A fast-building storm rolled in, bringing intense wind gusts, rain, and even hail. It’s hard to believe, but what we were about to experience was Juneau’s first-ever severe thunderstorm warning — and a series of rapid changes that turned the day on its head.

Down at the harbour, video footage (now seen around the world) captured the Celebrity Edge breaking free from its moorings, drifting dangerously close to the Carnival Luminosa. Onboard crews acted swiftly to anchor the ship mid-port, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic collision. The US Coast Guard has confirmed there were no injuries and have launched a full investigation into the near-miss.

While we remained safe and secure, the sudden change in weather directly impacted some of our group. Several travellers were already in helicopters, moments from take-off, when all flightseeing operations were shut down. For many, this had been a long-awaited highlight — the dream of soaring above the glacier. But, as anyone who has travelled to Alaska knows, the skies don’t always cooperate.

There were some sad faces, no doubt but resignation that disappointment can be part of travel too.

Back onboard Koningsdam, our group slowly reconnected and began sharing stories of where they were when the winds hit. Some missed their glacier flights, others were caught in the rain in town, and a few had no idea how serious things had become until they returned. But everyone was safe. And more than that, we now had a new shared experience on what has already been a remarkable journey.

Because here’s the truth: Alaska doesn’t apologise for being wild. It is wild. Rugged. Unpredictable. Even in June, even in summer, it reminds you that you're somewhere truly raw and untamed. And when you travel here, it’s not just about ticking off glaciers or spotting bears. It’s about how you adapt, how you connect, and how you respond when Mother Nature reminds you who’s in charge.

That’s the heart of any great journey.

And for our group, this was just another unforgettable moment in what has been a truly incredible three-week adventure through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. From snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes to scenic rail journeys, wildlife encounters, and cruising through glacial waters, this holiday has been filled with moments to treasure.

Juneau’s dramatic afternoon reminded us that the best stories often come from the unexpected. And it’s those stories that turn a great holiday into a journey we’ll never forget.

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