Gsel

I also have detergent issues, but never have had a problem with what HAL uses.

I am on the mosquito "best food" list. Have been from Barrow to Juneau including hiking in Denali. Never have had to use bug spray. If you find you need it, buy at your first port. Much easier that way!

DH forgot his hat and paid the price for standing under a eagle in a tree! He never forgot again.

I agree! Having spent lots of time at Pike Place, a tour is a waste. Easily done on your own, love the rest of your suggestions too. Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions. Barbara

Thanks, since we are spending two nights we will be staying close to Pike Place. If she wants it bad enough Target it will be! B

HAL is my opinion. Better excursions, priority in some ports and a great crew.

Thank you, she will be thrilled! B

One of the people sailing with me from Seattle loves Dr Pepper. Does anyone know if or where we could purchase some in cans? (Personally I hate the stuff, she loves it!) Thanks Barbara

I also love the smaller ships. Our first HAL cruise was on the Madam and I fell in love! They seem "friendly" and more relaxed. Yes, they can go into ports that cannot accept large ships. Give me peace and quiet over crowds of thousands any day.

3rdGenCunarder, we did the same tour a number of years ago. We loved it! The idea was not to get from point to point, but to learn about the wildlife and native plants and flowers. Great guide and real fun. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to remember.

Good morning, read your posts about your recent trip, glad you had a good time. Still hanging in here. Will be back on Westy this summer, excited to be cruising again!

Thank you

I agree the scent is very strong. Hate to get into a elevator with someone who has used all of the products at once! We make a fast exit!

Thanks! Have been to Seattle a number of times, but will have a small group with me this time. Want to make their stay as nice as possible.

Thanks to both of you. I understand Royal Sonesta has done quite a bit of remodeling, so will be interesting!

We left hotels up to our TA. She booked us at the Alexis hotel at a excellent price months ago. Anyone have a opinion about this hotel?

My condolences, your Mother is fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter.

On of our first cruises was on the Cunard Princess. Since it was DH'S parents fiftieth anniversary we were invited to the Captain's table each evening. Husband's Mother and I got the giggles the first night when the Captain ate his whole meal with his fingers. Later in the cruise we had all sorts of problems. Air conditioning was out for two days, we were in the south of the Caribbean. When we reached our final stop and everyone was leaving the ship the gang plank collapsed and sent a number of people in the water. We decided then that Canard was not for us, but husbands Mother and I had the giggles every time we recalled that trip!

There were a couple of kids on our tour, they had to be a certain age to blow glass.

We did this tour a few years ago. It is ok, but would not do again. Most of it you can do on your own. If you MUST blow your own glass, do it, but all you will come away with is a glass cocktail stirrer!

How about one person hanging their feet in the water? Refusing to wear life vest?

We have used Jayleen's in Juneau before and will again this summer. Very reputable and a great tour. Jayleen's is a native Alaskan and knows her business. She also knows the habits of whales and also most importantly insists on safety. If you don't comply she returns you to shore.

Seattle is very expensive! I would suggest you look at hotels near Sea-Tac. Many there and quite a bit less than in the city.

I am not a widow, actually I am in "limbo". My husband is in a nursing home with severe Alzheimer's disease. He does not recognize me or our daughter. He is getting excellent care. My daughter mentioned last year she would love to see Alaska some day. So, her dream will come true this summer. We will be visiting Alaska along with my sister and niece. It will be my sister's first cruise after losing her husband and my 9-10th time to Alaska. We both know how proud our husbands would be that we have planned this adventure. I know my husband will be fine, but he is well cared for and we planned for any eventuality. Please remember life is very short and do and go as long as possible!

Thanks !