It was really a “sea day” but still amazing scenery.  The ship did a nice, slow cruise through the bay where we could see Hubbard Glacier.  It’s a big ‘un!  While we were cruising through the bay, the cruise director announced over the loud speaker lots of great facts about the glacier, glaciers in general and the history of Hubbard Glacier. 
 
After a fortifying breakfast at the buffet, I bundled in the arctic gear again and went to the Spinnaker.  That’s the bar that is all the way forward on the top deck.  It includes a deck (outside) that you can go out and walk around the front of the ship.
 
It took me only 0.2 seconds to realize that – holy crap – it’s frickin’ FREEZING!  Windy, raining sideways and the temp about minus 430F.  (alright, a slight exaggeration).  I tried getting some pictures through the observation windows.  Not so much.
 
Hood up, jacket fully zipped, gloves on I brave the elements for a brief minute to get some photos.  It’s pretty spectacular to see a glacier like that for the first time.
 
Upon meeting back with mom at the cabin and warming up, we decided to take in some of the daytime entertainment.  The various members of the crew have little games, contests or demonstrations in the different bars throughout the day. 
 
We decided after the ‘very’ long walk to Bliss lounge, we must have the drink of the day – Mai Tai.  The staff on the ship was great fun.  When I ordered the “Mai Tai” at the bar, the bartender retorted “Your Tai?”  Took me a sec.  After my standard eye roll we had a good chuckle.
 
Once we got out of the bay where the glacier was, the seas kicked up again and were really rough causing mom some sea sick feeling.  We had an easy (and quick!) dinner from room service.
 
Mom feeling better so we headed to the show for the evening – a Tribute to Burt Bacarach.  While I didn’t recognize his name right away, I really knew a ton of his songs.  He passed away earlier this year and it was a show to remember! 
 
Nighty night – just wait for tomorrow!

Our second stop in the largest state of the union brings us to another cold spot.  Icy Strait Point – or I just called it "Icy" for short.  This is a dedicated, privately owned cruise ship stop near the town of Hoonah.  The property is owned by the Huna Totem Corp and the only privately owned cruise ship port in Alaska.  We dock here at 10:00 a.m. today, but before docking, I have my first on-board massage. 
 
The young lady who does my massage is also very sweet and does a pretty good job.  She finds that ‘spot’ – ever present – next to my right shoulder blade that is usually about 29 inches of solid rock (aka my knotted muscle) and exclaims “It is soooo bad!”  Yep that’s the spot, dearie, just keep going.
 
Upon completion she explains to me about her life changing and extending products that I simply must buy to survive.  Yes, yes I know – and now I must be going to meet mom for our tour.
 
Mom and I bundled up in our arctic wear and headed for land.  Small gift shop, small museum and tram stop greeted us as we arrived.  Humph.  Not much here, but if you take the tram across the way there’s a tad bit more to see. 
 
With our tour starting in about 30 minutes we just found what we wanted to buy at the shop and headed back to wait for a boat.  (Yes, I see the irony, cruising on a boat and then getting off and waiting for other boats.)
 
Back by the ship we are waiting to go Whale Watching culminating with a Seafood Feast.  Fortunately, we found a spot under an awning where mom could sit and I could stand without getting rained on. 
 
We got on the (thankfully) ‘enclosed with plenty of comfy seats’ boat to head out to sea to spot some humpback whales during their annual feeding trip this time of year.
 
Cool point of interest:  in January, 2020, mom and I took a trip to see friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  (That was a trip for her birthday too, now that I think of it.)  We went on a humpback whale watching boat tour then as well. 
 
Now, we get to see the same whales feeding in June in Alaska.  We saw whales both times.  Although I must say, we saw a lot more whales and a lot more of the whales in PV.  I think they prefer warmer weather too.
 
On this tour we got a bonus of seeing a sea otter colony as well as some sea lions on a buoy.  One helpful suggestion I would like to offer any tour operators that are doing Whale Watching Tours (north or south):  2 hours watching these spectacular mammals is plenty.  Seriously. 
 
We were finally heading to the seafood feast portion of this excursion.  Thanking God and the Baby Jesus in heaven (again)!
 
We arrive to an outdoor picnic area where they have a southern style crab boil for us.  Snow crab, shrimp, mussels and sausage along with potatoes and corn on the cob – all you can eat. 
 
A small fire roaring in the center of the area melted the marshmallows for our s’mores dessert.  Food was great!  I can’t say for sure if it is easier or harder to shell crab with numb fingers.  Either way, just as messy. 
 
The drawn butter was a lovely touch.  And it stayed melted till we got to the table, put a bite of crab into it (after the shell removal) and was only slightly solidified for the first bite.  Post first bite involved putting butter paste on the crab if you so chose.  
 
Melting the marshmallows was a wonderful opportunity to be reminded of that thing they call “heat” and I was hopeful the sugar might give some increase of blood flow back into my extremities.  Marshmallow melted, time to put on the chocolate and graham cracker.  Alas, the cooling of the marshmallow from the fire to the table did not allow for any chocolate melting, but I ate it anyway.  (refer back to the dream of sugar rush increasing blood flow)
 
Fully stuffed from our feast, we head for the tram to ride back to the ship and potential for that distant dream of heat and feeling my fingers once again.  Here I am being reminded – it’s the little things that matter in life.  Even mom was cold and that is not a common occurrence!  I believe that I now know where the saying “colder than a witch’s tit in a brass bra” may have started…
 
Upon return to the luxury liner with heat, a sun on the side and a Starbucks in-side, I headed for coffee.  With Bailey’s.  Ironically, the 3 shots per cup (yesTHREE) of Bailey’s I had the barista add to each LARGE cup of coffee were included with my drink supplement.  Each cup of coffee cost about $6.  Right then, I would have paid $60.
 
Finally warm and feeling most of the fingers and toes, we headed for our “fancy” dinner at Le Bistro – the specialty French restaurant.  The spot where I did the wine tasting. 
 
Ooo – la – la!  In a gorgeous dining room with a table next to the window, the servers were spectacular.  The appetizers of cauliflower puree and cream of mushroom soup were nothing short of luxurious.  Entrees of crusted pork chop and filet were melt-in-our-mouths delicious and the decadent dessert, an éclair, may just have been life changing.  (Maybe I should tell the spa girls about this…?)
 
A night cap listening to the playful piano music in the Windjammer topped off a great day.  Yes, despite my frozen fingertips, it was another great day full of fun.


NOTE:  If you click on the pix, you can read the captions and see the entire photo.
 
 

 OOOOO – we are HERE!  First day in port with our first tour planned.  We were up and at ‘em nice and early having breakfast at the buffet.  I must say – their buffet was very, very good.  Tons of options and huge variety and all of it was very tasty.
 
After breakfast, I went to see about where (in town) we could find some cough drops & cough syrup for mom.  She had this nagging cough that was just hanging on.  The nice gent at the service desk told me to do what they (the staff) do and catch the free shuttle to Walmart.  While that is exactly what we planned, the nice gent failed to explain that there is an exclusive shuttle that goes directly to Walmart and back to the ship.  (We discovered this little fact after our day was over.)  SO, we hopped on the free shuttle for the cruise shippers to head into Ketchikan.  As we passed Walmart (and waved goodbye) I thought ‘surely we can figure out how to get back.’
 
Once off the free shuttle inyo town, we learn that there’s a free Ketchikan shuttle that makes a loop around town and we can take that to Safeway.  Ok – that will work.  It was 8:30 a.m. so most of the tourist / souvenir shops were still closed.  We hopped on the bus and enjoyed the ride.  Cool surprise – we stopped at a Ketchikan museum, The Totem Heritage Center.  The driver apparently takes a 10 minute break there so I hopped out and took a bunch of pix of the totems.  Sweet!
 
We made it to Safeway and headed in to get supplies.  DAMN – stuff is expensive!  I know, we all hear how it’s very expensive in Alaska, but the truth just smacks you right in the head!  Cough syrup was about $25 for a bottle.  NOT a gallon, just normal size.  The photo below shows $9.99 for a 5lb bag of apples or oranges.  Glad we’re just visiting!
 
So we head back out at the bus stop where the free shuttle will pick us up and take us back to where we catch the bus back to the ship.  (I’m not sure if you’re aware, but my sense of direction and distance can occasionally be slightly “off” to say the least.)  As we are standing waiting, I’m looking at this building about a block or so away and say to mom, “I think that’s the building right by where we catch the bus to the ship.”  We have a little discussion and agree – sure, we can walk.  GOD BLESS MY MOTHER.  It was obviously NOT the building by the bus stop we needed.  About 2 miles later, we made it there.  I told her she could be mad at me, and she probably was because her knee was killing her, but she took it all in stride.
 
Back at the dock, we stopped in the gigantic warehouse that had been turned into a market for the cruise shippers.  Little did we know then, it was some of the best shopping for prices and variety that we would have all trip.  I am grateful because that is where I bought my jacket:  fleece lined, water proof, hooded and warm for ONLY $30!  I don’t think I could have bought it for that price, that nice, at home.  SCORE and I really needed it (much to my chagrin).  Quick lunch and head to the bus for our tour.
 
We went out to learn about crab fishing in the Bearing Sea on the Aleutian Ballad.  For anyone who has watched “The Deadliest Catch” this is the infamous ship which was overtaken by a freak 60 foot swell and almost sunk.  It was caught on film and has been the most requested / watched clip of the show ever.  (here’s the clip)  The crew on the ship was very cool and educational.  The ship sailed out to sea near the Metlakatla Indian Reservation where the crew was allowed to feed the Bald Eagles.  It was soooo cool – they just swarmed the boat when we got to their feeding area. 
 
They showed us the crab traps (huge!), a trap they use to catch octopi who steal their catch, the various fishing lines and how things worked.  A very special moment was when we got to put a message to dad on a tag and it will be put on the main crab trap (with lots of other memorial messages).  Now let me tell you, crab fishing ain’t for the faint of heart.  And you better know what (the F) you’re doing or just plan to perish.  I got some great photos and this link talks a lot more about the boat and how the tour came to be.  While I was shivering pretty much the whole time, it was a very interesting experience and worth the cold.
 
Straight back from the Ballad to the cruise ship (our tour was late) and we got back to our cabin so I could warm up!  Dinner was again fabulous and the highlight of our evening was the show that night.  Rob West from the UK did a tribute to Frankie Valli.  One of our favs!  We enjoyed and headed to bed for a big day again tomorrow.

The first full day of cruising was a “sea day.”  That means no stops and we were just cruising up the coast of Canada heading to Alaska.  It was stormy, windy, rainy and cold.  In fact it was so rough on the sea that the ship’s staff had fastened… oh hell – just call them what they are:  barf bags - to the banisters (both sides) on each deck of the ship.  It was apparent this was not their first “rock and roll” day at sea.  They were quite fancy little barf bag holders with straps that held them in place right at easy-grab level.  The rough seas (Captain said 9-10 foot swells) didn’t bother me but mom was feelin’ a little puny (i.e. motion sick or flu or something yuck).  In spite of that, she did spend a minute on the balcony enjoying the view.
 
That morning I indulged with a facial at the spa.  Quite lovely and relaxing.  The esthetician was a cute young thing from India and did a great job.  Afterwards she explained and showed me all the products she used and stressed how important it was that I buy these in order to live a long and happy life.  Ok, maybe she didn’t quite use that pitch but she was very disappointed that I didn’t buy the (approx. $600 worth of) products right then and there.  She was very careful to explain that if I did decide to buy I REALLY needed to get them from her because she’s the only one who would know exactly what I need.  Yeah, yeah – it’s called getting old, darling.  I’m gonna be OK.
 
So while mom was relaxing in the cabin, I went exploring the ship again.  I, by sheer accident and happy luck, managed to get in on the wine tasting at Le Bistro (the French specialty restaurant).  Normally $49 additional cost but my “drink supplement” got me a discount so I paid $20.  SCORE.  It was fun and interesting and quite entertaining to watch the participants.  The lady next to me was a single participant as well, and you could tell she was feeling the need for those barf bags strapped to the banisters.  The couple on the other side were NOT impressed with the wine (one rosé and three reds).  The couple across from them were winos like me and sucked down every drop of each glass.  The sommelier was one of the waiters at Le Bistro and very helpful.  At one point while explaining all the ‘deets’ of the wine, a particularly strong swell caused him to sway and hold on to a pillar he was standing near.  He said, “Have any of you seen the Poseidon Adventure?”  I laughed out loud.  Some others were not amused. 
 
Back at the cabin, mom had powered through and was ready for dinner.  We were heading that direction when we were walking past a guy from Effy, the on board (fancy) jewelry story, and I mentioned something about taking a picture to mom.  The guy said, “You can take pictures of my beautiful jewelry.”  So in the spirit of supporting the staff (and checking out dazzling jewelry) I stopped and looked at the table he had set up – not really paying much attention to him.  He asked where I was from – Colorado.  When I asked him he said “Honduras.”  I said, “Honduras huh?  I lived in Roatan for nine years.”  He said, “Oh my god I’m from Roatan!”  We then proceeded to talk about Pensacola, Flowers Bay, Gravels Bay and the places we know on the island.  While we were chatting I was admiring a particularly pretty tanzanite bracelet with little diamonds which he put on my wrist.  Mom walks up and said, “Ooo Tor – that’s pretty!”  I agreed and asked Marshal, my new Roatan bud, how much.  He said, “Well since you’re from Roatan, I can give you a discount off the $12,000 dollars to …” and I cut him off to say, “I lived in West END, remember?  Not West BAY!”   We all had a good laugh and I politely handed the spectacular piece back.  It was fun seeing him several more times during our cruise.  What an awesome surprise and it truly is a small world.
 
Dinner at the Four Seasons dining room again tonight.  All delicious and the “s’mores mousse” I had for dessert was particularly decadent.  After dinner off to the see the Classic Rock show by the Norwegian Theater Group.  Band, dancers and singers - they were really good!

Since I had had a more sleep, I was actually able to stay up and catch the sunset this evening.  Pretty darn beautiful – but I still think I prefer Roatan – on the beach – in the heat.  No complaints though!  Tomorrow we stop at our first port, Ketchikan. 

NOTE:  if you click on the photos, it will bring up the full view - some with captions.


 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  This does not affect your price or product –so please click the Amazon link.  Thank you for your support!!!!

Well, we got on the ship and finally made it to the cabin on Monday, June 12th.  We had a great cabin with two (twin) beds and a small couch and the balcony.  Yes, yes of course a bathroom too.  When we arrived, there was a nice little birthday card for mom on her bed which offered her a very special gift at a restaurant of her choice.  We had a great view of Seattle from our balcony that day.
 
Dinner was delectable in the Four Seasons Dining Room.  It’s one of the two, main dining rooms included in the cruise price.  Not formal but a little more impressive that the buffet or the bars that offer food.  A nice 3-4 course menu which offers appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and, of course, dessert.  We felt it our duty, nay obligation, to have 3 courses each.  And wine.  It hurt me a little, but I powered through.
 
Side note - I had included in my cruise package a “drink supplement” if you will.  Meaning all alcohol was included in the price already so no additional charges.  EXCEPT for while in Port of Seattle – we had to pay the tax on any drink.  (eyeroll)
 
We departed Seattle about 5:00 pm on Monday and had dinner shortly thereafter.  After dinner, I thought I’d run right up to the Spinnaker lounge and enjoy the sunset.  HA HA HA HA!  I was a little tired, still on Colorado time and I believe the sun finally set about 10:15pm.  The photo is the closest I could come and I was sleeping quite well by sunset so I missed it.  But I thoroughly enjoyed the cover band playing there and the view was amazing.  One of the things I loved about the Spinnaker was their gallery of Cuban art in and around it.  Brought back some great memories of my trip to Cuba several years ago. 

Join me when next we run through our first full day on the ship.  Thanks for your comments and suggestions - I appreciate the feedback!
 

Alaska Cruise – June 2023

Just tooooo much to tell for one post – so y’all buckle up and get ready for several over the next little bit.

June 11, 2023 – Sunday – flying to Seattle with “plenty” of time…

Of course, the excitement starts with arrival at the Montrose airport on Sunday afternoon.  Smooth check in and I really appreciated the United gate agent who checked us in an gave us much better seats – together.  Then, getting through security went well (I LOVE pre-check!) and here we are waiting to board from Montrose to Denver.  

I was thinking – “Great!  We are early, no rushing, mom can take her time walking to the plane so she doesn’t aggravate her knee…”  Well just as we line up to start the boarding process, two flight attendants (who were already supposed to be on our plane to Denver) were lollygagging around the waiting area.  The gate agent chastised them to “get their butts on the plane – very unprofessional!”  (paraphrased  - you’ll forgive me.  It’s my blog after all) The flight attendants then proceeded to educate the gate agent (along with the rest of us) that all flights to Denver were grounded for two hours due to weather.  

WELL F&%K.  That means we will miss our flight to Seattle.  Which means we won’t get to Seattle in time to arrive at the dock by 10:30 the next morning.  (insert more curse words running around my head HERE)

Well thank God and the Baby Jesus in heaven that the pilot must have had some similar words running in his head because he managed to scheme a way with air traffic and the storm gods to allow us to leave only an hour and fifteen minutes late.  Still a tight window to make our plane in Denver but do-able.  Thank God – we made it to DIA – bumpy but we made it.  

AND – travesty!  No wheelchair for mom….  “It’s coming they say… it’s coming.”  Well we managed to find, beg and cajole a very nice man to take mom even though she wasn’t on his little tablet (the ruler of all things wheelchair for United).  Just FYI, for anyone who might ever need to know, it is 0.9 mile from gate B10 to gate B67 at DIA.  While that’s not horrible, mom probably would not have made it.  As it was – with the little, skinny Indian man huffing and puffing as fast as he could (me too) we had about 3 minutes to spare getting to our gate.

Thankfully – made it on with an uneventful flight to Seattle and making it to our hotel about 11pm.  WHEW.  (Welcome to flying with Tor… man- I’m getting tired of it!)

June 12, 2023 – Get ourselves to and ON the ship!

Nice enough hotel (near the airport) had a decent, hot breakfast included.  Free airport shuttle but no free cruise dock shuttle.  No worries – we will Uber.  Not a problem getting one and he was a great driver, nice man and got us there with no issues.  Except for one – we were about (literally) two blocks from the dock and had to stop and wait for a train crossing.  A COAL train.  (jaw drop here)  Yes, we were in Washington, Seattle, Washington.  Mom and I were both quite shocked – we figured for sure those folks forbid that “evil black stuff” like Colorado is trying their best to do.  Warmed our hearts just a bit.

Now to the dock – great baggage guy grabbed our bags at the curb and sure enough they were waiting for us when we FINALLY got to our cabin - near the cabin in the hall – but close enough.

We had to wait before we could enter our cabin on the ship so we did – by the pool – in the sun – having a couple drinks. (best weather all trip) Got lunch from the buffet around the corner and just looked over some of the “things to do” while we were waiting.  I came across the Kayak Excursion offered in Ketchikan.  I looked at mom - dead serious - and said we should do THAT.  I swear to God I wish I had a picture of the look on her face!  Suffice it to say that it communicated, “You fkg idiot - are you INSANE?!?!”  I got a good chuckle out of that one.

Now we are waiting, and have been since about 11am, to get in our cabin.  By about 2:30, mom was getting a little impatient and asked me to go see if we could get there.  Nope, doors to the cabin halls are still closed.  They continued to call over the speaker system which decks could go to their cabin.  Right about 3pm they announced that decks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 were now ready.  WE were on deck 9.  I laughed out loud and mom just had that disgusted look again.

The adventure begins…. soon!

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  This does not affect your price or product –so please click the Amazon link.  Thank you for your support!!!!