zestyzorra

So, I am driving from Seattle the day I embark on the cruise out of Vancouver. Do you think I need 2 ArriveCAN entries? Or just the cruise one?

If anyone can help me with my situation, I would be so grateful... I'm driving to Vancouver on 7/3, immediately boarding the Eclipse for 1 week on a RT from Vancouver, then staying in BC for a few days before driving home. Do I need more than one ArriveCAN entry?

On the Summit last week, they actually did give me a more expensive sparkling wine in the MDR a few nights when they had run out of prosecco.

Deckhand Dave's has the best fish and chips I've ever had...

Forgot to add that there's also the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau. It was expensive and not the best but I still really enjoyed myself. The salmon was overcooked and covered in a sweet brown sugar glaze (which was optional), the sides were plentiful but mediocre, as were the desserts (Blueberry buckle and roasted marshmallows). They could have used more rain protection, and you couldn't escape without reeking like a campfire. That being said, there's a stunning waterfall at the end of a brief trail included with your AYCE buffet. It wa lovely being outdoors, surrounded by the gorgeous trees and smelling the alderwood fire (I just hate smelling like it later). It was hokey but also felt like a real Alaskan experience. I'm conflicted, but I'd go again.

Juneau is your best bet for food. Tracy's Crab Shack is along the main dock. They have king crab legs (though if available, they are extremely expensive). They also have a tasty crab bisque. It is convenient and very popular. My favorite place is actually a food truck called Deckhand Dave's. It is very close to the dock, about a 5-7 min walk. They sometimes have chowder but it is ALL about the fish and chips. They have 3 kinds of fish, typically rockfish, salmon and halibut. You can mix and match or get 1 kind. The fries are amaaaaaazing as well, as is the homemade tartar sauce. They also serve excellent fish tacos, too. Though it is a food truck, there are tons of tables (some covered by a tent in case of rain). There's also an oyster and champagne bar, an old boat converted into a bar with Alaskan beer on tap, and a crepe place as well. I love Deckhand Dave's so much, I'm planning to eat there twice when I visit in July. (Our port time is 11am to 10pm or something similar). I haven't found anywhere amazing in Ketchikan recently. There was a place 10 years ago with amazing fish and chips but they closed, sadly. Next time, I'm planning to try Ketchikan Crab and Grille. Ketchikan is a fantastic place to buy salmon, however. Both canned and smoked are everywhere. Haven't been to Icy Strait Point yet, though the restaurants near the dock have poor reviews. The Fisherman's Daughter looks promising but you'd have to make the 1 mile walk into Hoonah to get there, unless you had an excursion in town. I'm planning on doing whale watching when I visit next month, so I won't have time but I'd love to hear if anyone else who went thought it was worth the effort.

Just wanted to report back that we did end up visiting Art Mel's. We took a cab from Front Street. The driver was skeptical that Art Mel's would be open, but I asked to try (having seen people review it recently on trip advisor). It was definitely open. The driver agreed to wait for us. It took about 10 minutes for the food, and less than 5 each way to Front Street. The fare was nearly $30. The sandwich over $15. Ultimately, it was not worth it. I am willing to pay for good food and deal with hassles to get it, but in the end, the wahoo fish and rasin bread were dry and the tartar sauce tasted like plain mayo. The ginger beer was warm and not my favorite. The sandwich was pretty large as advertised, but the taste was fine but nothing special. YMMV.

Thanks for letting me know. I'm mostly trying to figure out what time to make dinner reservations so I can see the shows, too.

On board now. Sushi on 5 is my personal favorite. I also tried Tuscan Grill. Did not care for ribeye, but branzino was awesome, as were the appetizers and desserts.

They added Newport back for our 5/23 sailing but kept our Bermuda days in tact. We were never going to tender and we were still going to Bermuda on Bermuda day, with or without Newport. Someone on the roll call surmised Newport wouldn't refund the port charges. Who knows... the whole thing is a stressful mess.

Would you mind sharing a picture of the freestyle daily? Mainly the page with the schedule, not all the ads. Thank you! I'd also love to know what nights Choir of Man is playing, if you remember. TIA!

Thank you very much, Charles! For this and all of your answers over the past year 🙂

I am looking for advice on the best way to get to the Crystal Caves from St. George's. I believe you can take any bus going toward Hamilton to reach the Crystal Caves (eta 20 min. sound right?) But I was wondering if there are also mini busses? If so, does anyone have experience with this? Are they still running? Where do you pick them up in St. George's?

Has anyone been to Art Mel's Spicy Dicy? It appears to be near Hamilton but up hill and 30 minutes by foot. I am curious if there are any bus stops that get you reasonably close? Are there sidewalks and is it safe for pedestrians, despite the up hill trek? Or is a cab the way to go? (Some people report taking a cab and asking the driver to wait. Seems expensive?) Also, it is take out only. I've read that people go to Admiral park and picnic on the beach. Is it easy to get back to Hamilton from there? I have read that the fish sandwich is amazing but I am trying to determine if it is worth the trouble to get there. Thanks!