SwissMyst

PRINCE RUPERT ISLAND. Starboard side extra benefit Charming low key townafter the recent crush of shared ports. A very welcome port stop. Our verandah faced Odin Seafood Processing facility when a crab boat came to offload. It was like watching an episode of Deadliest Catch live. Buckets and buckets of live crabs hoisted off. Containers and containers of ice loaded on and shoveled into the hold for another run. . It was a ballet of crab sorters, crane operator, forklift operators who all worked as a team, one misstep could create a workplace accident. They worked hard and steady and went to bed every knowing AI would never be replacing their jobs. We stay on for another week to San Diego. Stops in SF, LA will certainly break the mood of so many quieter stops on the first 14 days. Happy travels, tupper and thanks for starting this thread and sharing you beautiful photos. Sorry we did not get a photo of every single large HAL issued umbrella blown to shreds coming back in from Sitka. A little of everything weather wise for Alaska, this time of year.

Was this area now under renovation, that had numerous flat top tables, the old Microsoft Lab classroom?

Glacier Bay Triple Treat. 1. No other cruise ships, Just us alone. 2. Entry permitted into Johns Hopkins glacier bay, partway only due resting sea otter on small ice bergies and growlers. 3. Another day of no rain with sun breaking through for some clear mountain peak views. Very pleasant balcony viewing. I came on this late season cruise expecting it could be rainy, cold and windy every single day. Seven days and counting now, really great weather. One more week to go, as we head into the Alaska rain forest.

Darjeeling tea packets on Noordam at the Lido beverage station. Not the HAL brand, but a French one.

Where is the Big Apple on the Nieuw Amsterdam? It is really big, but on an obscure passage way.

It appears one of our dressy night is the same day as the Orange Party night, three on this 14 day Alaska cruise.

Indeed, port side was the side to be on today, cruising the Prince William Sound out of Valdez with long views of snowy mountains and cliffs meeting the sea. Three enrichment talks today, sea day. 1. Native Alaskan heritage 2. Iditarod race 3. Planning the Glacier Bay visit tomorrow with special access to John Hopkins glacier, which only gets two permits to enter per year. Second Dressy Night tonight. Third one will also be Orange Party night.

Management chose to not deal with the cabana misuse by two adult and six children, including telling us we would probably not get a refund if we wanted to cancel our reservation. Others have mentioned the use of boomboxes, etc. with no resolution either. It is risky proposition if you want the space for a quiet retreat area. But if this is not a primary concern, then it can be a special space reservation option as presented.

No, we had 8 persons using a 2 person cabana close to ours. 2 adults and 6 children. Staff chose not to deal with this. It is a chance you take when renting a retreat cabana.

Darjeeling tea packets are back at the Lido. Not the HAL brand, but a French one.

Captain reported there ar 44 nationalities among the crew. A mini “United Nations” he said, and we have noticed a much wider array than the formerly Indonesian and Filipino crews in the past. I would also love to see the list of the 44 nations listed. Maybe more information when they offer the “City at Sea” video.

Korean Candied Fried Chicken was like Sweet and Sour Chicken in that it was battered small pieces of fried chicken, but the sauce was hot and more salty, which would make it more Korean. Very nice side vegetable with pickled ginger. The maitre d’ was also surprised to see this “crew option” officially. on the menu since he has just come on only a few weeks ago. Don’t know if this is just trial run, permanent or fleet wide. Nice variety to add.

Speaking of good food on this cruise, first time I have seen on the Navigator MDR dinner menu a special featured “Crew Meal of the Day” option. Tonight it is Korean Candied Fried Chicken.

VALDEZ. Shore excursions sold out, left us wondering what we would do for a day on our own in tiny 4,000 population Valdez. Not to worry, surprising treasures and walks in this little town, surrounded by high snowy peaks. Best recommendation was the short walk from the Visitor Center shuttle stop to the remarkable collections at the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum located adjacent to the Prince William Sound College. Both large and small Alaska wildlife specimens in very naturalistic display and carefully curated native crafts. Valdez Museum is equally interesting including the great surprise exhibit of one of the Prinsendam’s lifeboats used to rescue the 319 passengers after it caught on fire and needed to be evacuated in 1980, before finally sinking. The city of Valdez took in the rescued passengers and crew after their harrowing hours in the open sea. There are several easy hiking trails offering views across the water, town and lush forested landscape. Dock Point Trail includes boardwalks, benches,and vista points. Shared the port today with the Viking Orion, who was small enough to get the city side dock. We were out of town a few miles but free shuttle were available, Valdez is a very worthy port stop. Looking forward to getting reports from the shore excursions.

ENRICHMENT. Christie, a biogeologist, has provided excellent lectures. She takes a very practical approach to enhancing the Alaska experience. How to use your binoculars. Why is there so much life in these cold Alaska waters. How to identify different types of whales.

VALDEZ. Another clear, sunny day. Cold but little wind and no rain so far in any of our ports. Stunning fjord like views, craggy mountains and a small intensely white glacier right off the ship starboard side views.

Large thermal pool, heated loungers, moist sauna rooms, aroma showers, changing room with showers, locker with robe and slippers. Open until 10 pm.

Sun broke through early afternoon and suddenly there was “Alaska” snowcapped peaks and all as the city postcard backdrop. On the verandah right now in the sun for what looks it could be a spectacular sail away sunset. Bureau of Lands Federal Building is another good city visit for Alaska scenic and wildlife exhibits and gorgeous videos. Agree, Alaska Museum has stunning and well displayed collections of tribal artifacts. Museum store has very nice selections for an extra special Alaska souvenir.

Lido lunch today. Chocolate oatmeal bars. Oh my!

Deck 8 Vista Suite cabins have been refurbished sometime in recent past. Bathrooms new zigzag tile, great lighting. Bath tub, separate shower, double sinks, large center drawer, shelves underneath. Cabin colors are grey, neutral, hint of lavender geometric patterned carpet, white neutral nubby sofa flecked with grey, pops of black flecked cushions, smoky pale lavender curtains, patterned sheers, neutral ivory grass cloth pattered wall paper, mahogany color framed large TV screen, dark bronze framer oval clear glass coffee table. Colors are a good match for the older fixed blond wood color cabinetry, topped now with new faux marble white counter tops. Verandah. Two lounger chairs with separate foot rests, two side chairs, one medium size side table. Cushions are pale gray, cream and pale ochre stripes. Overall look very pleasing, freshened and more contemporary. Yes, walls can hold magnets.

Mystery construction zone blocked off in Explorers Lounge behind tall walls. “Library”. The one word answer from one of the construction workers. There are shelves with books already in this area, but the part of this area that previously had many flat tables is the area under going renovations.

Great day in Kodiak. Simple things for us. Third time here. Just walked into town, spent time walking around the docks, talking to the fishing boat owners. Sushi lunch at Hana restaurant past the bridge, new coffee shop with great views over the water next door to Hana. Lots of birds, must come for the chum from the fishing boats. Loop back through town seeing sites, museums and nature center. Fun to poke around the large marine supply stores along the way. Wish they had tours of the fish processing plants. Great weather. Sunny, slight wind, cooler in the late afternoon. Long lines to get back on ship, but it moved quickly. School bus shuttles into town at Visitors Center. Mile and half level walk into town on paved sidewalk.

On Noordam right now, no issues or smells at all. She like her Vista sisters did have more flamboyant decor when first introduced,but it has been immensely softened over time. Excellent cruise so far. She is an older ship, some built ins cannot be changed. Know this before you go, if decor is a deal breaker. Area in the former Lincoln Center Explorers Lounge is partitioned off with construction sign saying improvements are coming. Unknown right now what that means.

Captain reported waves twice as high as expected. One hour delay for Kodiak arrival.

Ship moving very fast this morning,, assume captain is trying to make up lost time to get us to Kodiak. Going around the storm and into the storm lost time and added distance to our first port stop.