jaitip

Antarctica with Holland America (Valparaiso to Buenos Aires) was amazing! 4 days around the various islands of Antarctica and the mainland...photos here so you see the various days' sights...

 

Very nice pics. Couldn’t believe just 4 days. You took a lot of nice pictures.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Thank you for reporting on your adventure. When you travel in Alaska there are always people ready to help. Look for the helpers. I think there may be a law in Canada that prohibits bus drivers from helping people get on and off busses. We ran into a similar situation a few years ago in Vancouver.

 

 

 

I enjoyed seeing the picture of you and your mom. What a special memory you have created for the two of you!

Thank you

Let me explain more. i did not expect any special helps for my mother. She can walk and get on get off anywhere by herself. I did not want to disturb any people. For the bus driver in Vancouver, he did not help my mother to get on and off the bus either. The problem was only there was no wheelchair storage on that bus. That’s why he had to carry it on and off the bus. But the first bus driver who picked me up allowed me to bring it and there was the storage on that bus.

Now I know that I do not need any tour companies. I do not feel much convenient.

But important things, I did not go shopping in Vancouver yet. [emoji14]There were many department stores around my hotels but I was just tired and prepared the things for my mother for her rest.

I want to buy some cosmetics[emoji16][emoji16]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

How about a brief report on your most recent trip ?

what were the highlights? your favorite sight? surprises?

What do you mean "a brief report" on most recent trip?

Was it telling how my whole trip was ? or about flightseeing tour only?

I could not write that long essay, may make people confused! :confused:

Actually I liked almost everything because they were gathering as a whole trip. However, my highlight would be Denali flightseeing tour. It was the most expensive one but it was nice. Although I felt upset when landing on glacier as my pilot said that my mother just stayed inside the aircraft, he should try to help. In the end, he helped, that's it!

But I did not understand what the pilot said during the tour. It was loud inside. I have to listen carefully and need time to process. The most important thing, my mother liked this tour the most but she said that she was afraid and did not want to do it again.

US people still feel it is expensive, so I feel more. Our standard of living is lower than in USA. For the cost of flightseeing ($1100 for both), that amount would be the entire salary for a month.

I met some Thai crews on the ship which there were only 4 at that moment, they earn about $2500 a month. They can pay for what they want. Now, to convert to USD, it is expensive as Thai Baht is getting weaker.

I wanted to have dog sledding too but my mother might not be able to get in the helicopter. And this time there might not be any helps, can't guess what I have to confront!

My tour began in Fairbanks down to Seward till got on the cruise ship.

I went to Kenai Fjords tour too. I saw orcas, sea lions and only tail of humpback whale. I mostly stay outside among sunshine. When I am back to my country, my hands get tan while the rest get white, lol

Most people were nice. I could talk to anyone. Joining as a group tour made me feel not lonely. It is very common there that people greet around It is not like in my country that we mostly smile instead.

The worst thing I confront was the tour to Victoria (Westcoast sightseeing tour company). The bus driver was so rude to me. He always kicked anything near him.

He was angry that I brought my wheelchair without notice. But I asked people who picked me up if I could bring and he said yes. There was a bus change on the way to the ferry port and there was no space to keep my wheelchair on that bus.

For this tour I experienced the worst thing and the best thing at the same time. That was some other passengers were so nice to me. They know what happened and that they had tried to make things better and relaxed. They helped to keep my wheelchair (I mean they grabbed it to avoid its rolling on the bus).

I just could not believe that I could bring my mother to be that far, never even think to go to USA. I can complete it finally although something bad came along.

People in this forum are very nice too.

Also, I feel like I paid a lot as it should not be so. I might know too less.

Thank you.

GOOD FOR YOU! I am So glad for you and your mom that you have navigated this difficult travel situation and done some incredible things. I hope you continue to have an amazing trip!

Thank you so much.

Before departure a few days, my mom had knee pain and that she could not walk properly. I was so nervous why happened now but she was ok later on after seeing a doctor.

Thinking where would be the next trip!!:D:D:)

Although I did not take a helicopter, I liked this too.

It might be easier for my mother to get in.

If I took a helicopter, I would be in the middle seat where I could not take video like this.

Here is my video. Just finishing uploading which took more than a day. It failed many times when nearly finished!

It is a very long video but I just want to keep it all.

Honestly, I felt scared when the aircraft passed the rocky cliff. It was so near! afraid that the wings will crash it.

I'm sure it was such a different thing for her, being from Thailand! It's great to get out and see things, even if you might be a little worried. She'll remember it forever!

Sure!

I am now on the ship in Haines.

People here are very nice to me too.

[emoji4]❤️

Sent from my iPad using Forums

So glad you did it, even if it wasn't perfect. You got to see something amazing!

Yes I am so glad too that my mother could have amazing to remember and talk to her friends when back to Thailand.

Thank you [emoji4]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I understand. If you know what glacier you landed on, that is what you will remember years from now. All the small things won't really matter.

Yes it was Ruth glacier, the pilot explained at the end.

I was glad to have things done. I feel more relaxed now.

My pilot asked for my email to explain the things after the tour ended too.

Thank you [emoji120]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Nice picture. So glad you decided to go. Were you scared? How about your Mom? What this out of Juneau?

This was in Denali. When I booked, i was not scared but i was when on plane, lol. I booked via the McKinley hotel. I asked a lot regarding my mother’s issue. I even showed my mom to the staff. He said that the pilot could help but in fact it was not so. The staff also called Fly Denali to confirm if there would be some helps for my mother to land on glacier. This was so expensive tour, much more expensive than K2 but we were inDenali.

When landing, my mother could not bend her body and her legs. The pilot said she just stayed on plane, but i was not consent. I think the pilot should help. I was about crying and started being angry. Then the pilot said “ I will find the way out”. He asked another pilot to help and take a seat off so that there would be more space. I feel another pilot so nice and did not hesitate to help. Two pilots helped hold her arms each side while I helped her on the plane to slide her bump down. I took the things available to support her bump.

I did not have much time on glacier. I did not notice actually how long we flew and landed on glacier. The pilot said as my mom needs more time to get in, so we need to go back early.I feel really appreciate another guy in my trip. He helped a lot. He was just a customer like me.

At the end of the tours, my mom really liked it. But she said she felt scared too. I was sitting alone in the back and that i could take both side of views[emoji4] maybe I am the smallest one.

Anyway i dare not go on helicopter as i feel it is fragile. That was just my feeling.

Honestly, i did not understand what the pilot narrated at all [emoji23]

I could communicate if not long speech or long narration.

I feel like my mother liked my pilot very much, haha. If he is single, maybe she would ask me to hit on him,lol[emoji38][emoji16]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Finally we did it.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

To Kctwinmommy: your pic looks very nice. You are well done on photography too.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

During a Millennium cruise a few years ago, we flew in a helicopter out of Juneau to the Taku Glacier, I think it was called. (Exact information not well recalled at the moment - senioritis?) The pilot was actually a childhood friend of mine! Landed and got to walk among the blueish water puddles; an experience of a lifetime, even though we lived in Alaska for three years some 40 years ago. Scenery to and from the glacier was incredible, and were also were able to see sheep and a bear from above amid the waterfalls, mountains, and valleys.

 

 

 

Don't miss it!

Oh!!!!! You live there and still feel it incredible. So what i would feel! I saw snow just twice in my life ^^

Sent from my iPad using Forums

OP. I was scared as well when we went to land on Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter. We booked off ship. The helicopter ride to and from Mendenhall was amazing. I would do it again with no qualms.

Mendenhall was stunning. Don’t miss this excursion. Very pricey, but so worth it.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Don’t you go dog sledding on another glacier (sorry I don’t remember its name). I feel scared too when think of it.

If I mother could not go for it. I might go alone but would feel lonely? :( While the others have their parties, especially I am Asian and do not speak and listen English well.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

To the OP - I have flown in helicopters for a large portion of my military career. Pretty much anything they had. One time in 22 years we had an auto rotate landing at Fort Hood Texas. Funny thing? It was easier that the tactical take offs and Landings that I went through in Viet Nam.

 

My DW and myself will be in Alaska in August - doing the Hubbard Dog sledding thing. I have no fear whatsoever. Enjoy your flight. You will be fine.

Thank you.

Have a nice trio also^^

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Hi jaitip. You are the lady taking your Mom on the cruise? I have read about a plane going down in Ketchikan, many many years ago. Where you wanting to land on a glacier?

 

 

 

I also believe when it is my time to go, it is out of my hands. I would feel safer in a helicopter in Alaska than in Hawaii. Too many close mountains/valleys.

 

 

 

Only you can judge your comfort zone.

Yes I am. I will fly next Friday to Seattle. Tour begins in Fairbanks.

I found one news happened three years ago with HAL customer, don’t know it was true.

At first I want to do dog sledding, but my mom could not attend any of them, so I have no exact plans now. Even maybe forget about it. I already booked some shore excursions, so I might not have enough time except in Ketchikan that I have not booked any yet.

This is my first time in Alaska. If the weather does not allow, the flight would be cancelled and that I will miss any other shore excursions. So i will miss everything. But it is my dream to stand on there.

Landing on Glacier is also nice. My friend just went on there in Skagway this early May. So nice, the weather was so clear.

I might look for one if there are chances, maybe in Denali.

Thank you^^

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Thank you Kennicot

I found some news of those but not many information I have got.

Some might say that i fear everything, just stay home.

That is not true for all. I just want to know the probabilities., how often.

I am not kind of whatever people.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Yes , thank you

But i didn’t find the name of those companies.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I want to know about this that have you all ever heard of that?

I saw some pictures of them but do not know where.

Thank you.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Yes, I've noticed that, too! The Captain Steve we are recommending is Captain Steve Olmstead, with www.alaskahumpbackadventures.com.

 

 

 

Happy planning!

Yes,

I just want to know who as I heard often that he is the best.

Thank you for introducing. I will be there in early June.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Chiming in with our recommendations for whale watching company in Juneau! We've just booked Captain Steve, with Alaska Humpback Adventures for our two Juneau visits during our first ever B2B Alaska cruises in July. He's the absolute best whale watch captain (out of approx. 7 captains) we've had in over a dozen excursions out of Juneau. Lost track of him after he left Harv & Marv and were thrilled to discover he started his own company this year! We have complete confidence in his competence as a captain. He's lived and captained in Juneau for decades and knows those waters intimately. On his trips, not only will you see whales but he also will point out all the other wildlife you observe along the way. His love and enthusiasm for wildlife is contagious!

 

 

 

His 6-passenger boat, the Merlin, has a hydrophone, which means you may be able to hear the whales communicating with each other. One year when the Auke Bay area humpbacks were in a bubble-net feeding period, we knew when they were about to surface because we could actually hear the "signal" via the hydrophone. Spectacular wildlife experience!

 

 

 

For anyone who wants the intimate whale watching experience of a 6-passenger boat, in our opinion, there is no reason to go with anyone but Captain Steve. While on his site, check out the breathtaking photos in the Gallery. www.alaskahumpbackadventures.com.

Excuse me. How many captain Steve are there for whale watching?

As I searched, I found captain Steve in many web sites. i am confused.

Thank you

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Chiming in with our recommendations for whale watching company in Juneau! We've just booked Captain Steve, with Alaska Humpback Adventures for our two Juneau visits during our first ever B2B Alaska cruises in July. He's the absolute best whale watch captain (out of approx. 7 captains) we've had in over a dozen excursions out of Juneau. Lost track of him after he left Harv & Marv and were thrilled to discover he started his own company this year! We have complete confidence in his competence as a captain. He's lived and captained in Juneau for decades and knows those waters intimately. On his trips, not only will you see whales but he also will point out all the other wildlife you observe along the way. His love and enthusiasm for wildlife is contagious!

 

 

 

His 6-passenger boat, the Merlin, has a hydrophone, which means you may be able to hear the whales communicating with each other. One year when the Auke Bay area humpbacks were in a bubble-net feeding period, we knew when they were about to surface because we could actually hear the "signal" via the hydrophone. Spectacular wildlife experience!

 

 

 

For anyone who wants the intimate whale watching experience of a 6-passenger boat, in our opinion, there is no reason to go with anyone but Captain Steve. While on his site, check out the breathtaking photos in the Gallery. www.alaskahumpbackadventures.com.

Thank you so much. I will look through it.

I know that we cannot control the nature but I want to see as much as possible.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

If i want to leave the hotel to the airport around late morning on Wedenesday, how long approximately does it take to the airport and how much about the costs, should it be fixed rate?

Thanks

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Hahaha - like many cruisers we thought it would be our only trip to Alaska so we splurged! Subsequent Alaska trips haven't been as expensive (well, not until the upcoming cruise where we are paying for the entire family of 7). It is the one itinerary that we have repeated in our cruising history of more than 20 cruises on Princess.

 

 

 

I hope you and your mom will have a wonderful time!

You are also Princess fans. [emoji4]If I have chance to go there again, i would go on Princess. There are many Thai crews on there too.

Thank you.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Here is my photo review of the McKinley Resort that includes restaurants at the Resort:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/place/alaska-2/denali/mckinley-resort/

 

Since most food in Alaska tourist areas is brought from Seattle by ferry, menus reflect those transportation costs. FWIW I used the HAL Meal Plan covering four days for $299 but could have only spent $200 for very nice meals. If I walked across the street from the McKinley Resort, there was a Subway that could have saved even more.

 

Temps last year the first week in June at Denali started in the 40's F and up to the upper 50's in the afternoon. That means wearing layers of clothing that you can remove as the temps rise.

 

Enjoy your cruise planning.

Thank you.

Meals offered by HAL were nice? Maybe my mom and I could not eat much, even in the ship I went with Princess in Asia last year.

What I can eat well are dessert^^but not putting too much cheese.

About temp is quite lower than what I expect. i saw in weather forecast were 40-60 f. However I will prepare.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Did you look at the web sites of your hotels ? most hotels will have 2 or 3 different restaurants and will post the menu for each in their web site, as well as the prices.

Usually prices in a hotel are more expensive than an independent restaurant so perhaps you will find other options within walking distance of your hotel.

 

 

I live in the Seattle area where costs are high so I don't think Alaska prices are outrageous. The portions are large though so we often share one entrée and order and extra soup or salad.

 

 

As for excursions, most travelers choose a vendor ahead of time because they are want to go with someone with a good reputation. There will be options available at the pier .... they may be as good as the well known vendors or they may be duds.

 

 

Temperatures in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest aren't predictable except within a day or 2. All you can do is look at a weather site and you'll get an idea of what's possible.

Thank you.

I saw some menu in the hotel but I just want to know in general mostly.

For excursions I have a ideas from cruise ship and then go to the vendors, most vendors prefer me to book with the ship like Allen Marine. I think HAL use this vendor.

Reading too much English cause me headache too^^

Sent from my iPad using Forums