54 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE FROM THE ROAD • Juneau is where whale watching takes center stage. Summer marks peak humpback season, and excursions into the Inside Passage regularly deliver close-up views of whales breaching, bubble-net feeding in coordinated groups and slapping their tails against the water’s surface. Orcas also pass through these channels, adding an element of unpredictability. • Homer sits along Kachemak Bay and is known for both its arts scene and its access to rich marine ecosystems. Wildlife cruises here often reveal sea otters floating on their backs among kelp forests, puffins nesting along cliffs and, depending on timing, gray whales moving through the bay during migration. • Sitka offers a distinctive blend of cultures set against a backdrop of forest and volcanic peaks. Wildlife excursions frequently include sightings of Steller sea lions hauled out along rocky shores, sea otters drifting offshore and humpback whales feeding in surrounding waters, while inland, brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer move through the dense terrain. • Skagway preserves its Gold Rush roots with a historic downtown, but the real draw lies just beyond, where excursions climb into the mountains via scenic railways, revealing waterfalls, deep valleys and frequent sightings of mountain goats navigating steep, rocky cliffs. • Kodiak delivers one of the rawest wildlife experiences in Alaska, home to the Kodiak brown bear, one of the largest bear species in the world. Guided excursions often focus on remote areas where these massive animals can be seen fishing for salmon alongside foxes, eagles and rugged coastal terrain that feels largely untouched. In select ports, experiences are further enriched through partnerships with organizations such as Huna Totem Corporation, where storytelling, dance and cultural immersion offer a deeper understanding of Alaska Native heritage that adds context to everything encountered along the way. Ultimately, a journey through Alaska is about the moments that make a massive landscape feel personal. By pairing the untamed spirit of the Last Frontier with the sophisticated ease of the Riviera, Oceania Cruises ensures memories as lasting as the landscape itself. For more information, visit oceaniacruises.com . A humpback whale launches into a spectacular breach.

Photo courtesy Red Heritage ATHENAs demonstrate inspiring leadership within their industry, mentor women throughout their career, and dedicate themselves to the community . Thank you to all ATHENA nominees, finalists, and to our recipients for your dedication to the Valley! Congratulations to the 2025 ATHENA Awards Recipients! Brandie Reiner 2025 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient Elvy Barton 2025 ATHENA Public Sector Award Recipient Grenee Martacho 2025 ATHENA Private Sector Award Recipient