On a recent seven-day cruise through Alaska’s scenic fjords, two longtime friends—reuniting after years apart—found themselves balancing nostalgia, personal challenges, and the unpredictable joys of travel. The trip, aboard the Star Princess, departed from Seattle and made a stop in Juneau, offering a blend of natural beauty and onboard luxury.
The journey brought together the author, a professional journalist from Auckland, New Zealand, and Dan, a resident of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Their friendship dates back 36 years to middle school in suburban Los Angeles. Despite their different life paths, they have maintained an enduring bond, reconnecting every few years despite long periods of limited contact.
Dan, a veteran and service dog trainer currently managing stage-four skin cancer through an experimental immunotherapy regimen, faced unique challenges throughout the trip. For the first time, he spent several days away from his service dog, Ranger, which underscored the difficulty of the extended absence. The couple navigated sharing a small cabin with beds only centimeters apart, a stark contrast to their adolescent sleepovers and a test of adult comfort levels.
The cruise itself was a mix of relaxation and exploration. The ship offered amenities such as buffets, spa pools, and a daily “Apres Sea” happy hour. Excursions included visits to local bars in Juneau, where the pair encountered an unusual local specialty humorously dubbed a “crab fart” — a Bailey’s and Kahlua-based shot marketed as part of a self-guided pub crawl featuring similarly themed drinks like “bear farts” and “duck farts.” This lighthearted experience served as a bonding moment amid their more reflective conversations.
Throughout the cruise, Dan’s health and his connection to the veteran community were evident. He often found solace on the ship’s smoking deck, engaging with fellow veterans, while his friend joined in supportive camaraderie. The trip also included more traditional cruise experiences, such as high tea, which provided a contrast to their usual travel style.
Their conversations did not shy away from serious topics. Dan acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of his treatment and asked the author to speak at his funeral, a request met with quiet acceptance, reflecting the maturity and depth their friendship has grown into over decades.
As their time aboard the Star Princess drew to a close, the two reflected on their shared history and the unpredictable future. Despite the challenges and occasional moments of discomfort, the trip proved a valuable reminder of enduring friendship, resilience, and the simple joys found in unexpected places.