I’ve only felt completely “unplugged” a few times in my life. Disconnected. Unable to communicate with my everyday circle.

Oh, the horror! Or not. Each time, after a brief disorientation, I have connected instead with my surroundings and fellow travelers — and loved the freedom.

Without leaving the United States, you can blissfully disconnect in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, one of the wildest places in the country. It’s easily reachable, but mostly devoid of cellphone or Internet access.

That’s why I chose a cruise on the 145-foot Safari Explorer, which was just the right size for exploring secluded areas of the park. It gave me a chance to unplug and kick-start my other senses in one of the most pristine places in the world.

My body quickly attuned to changes in the ship’s engines when it slowed for critter sightings. My eyes became sharper at picking out bears foraging on shore. Or eagles’ nests. Or mountain goats on rocky slopes. My nose detected the fishy smell when a humpback exhaled — or the scent of onshore pine forests. And my taste buds were richly rewarded at every meal.

After five days of sensory rebirth, I was almost disappointed when we docked in the fishing village of Petersburg so the ship could take on water, fuel and seafood. At the local library, I dutifully took my turn in line for Internet access. My cellphone came to life for a mercifully short time. Then we sailed away — and peace once again prevailed.

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Alaska: Northern Exposures