Mumsy and friends live from the NA -Alaska

[Mumsysailor]

12th May -Ketchikan

It has been a beautiful day all day today. The sun has been warm enough to wear shorts and a T-shirt. This is the only weather I've known in Alaska as the last time we were here it was hot the whole trip.

 

There are two other ships here today: MS Westerdam and Norwegian Pearl.

 

We docked at a little after 10am and, after allowing time for those on shore excursions to get off, we wandered into to town to browse the shops, remind ourselves of the rustic architecture, view the Totem Poles, and to find ourselves some lunch. We found what some might term a 'greasy spoon' cafe just a little off the main tourist route and had an adequate yet inexpensive lunch. The place was occupied by many locals and that's always a good sign to me.

 

Further wandering took us along Creek Street but we were disappointed to discover that the Funicular Railway was out of order. We continued our slow walk past the many souvenir and artisan craft shops before exploring some of the main shops in town.

 

 

At about 3pm we headed back to the ship which was docked at the Northernmost part of town. As we walked along by the dock we noticed the stained glass panels on the street lamps. I didn't photograph all of them but here's a selection - very pretty. We also noticed a tsunami evacuation route sign. The last time I saw those was in Phuket.

 

On our return to the ship we sat by the Lido pool enjoying the warm sun and drinking cocktails. At 4.30pm we took part in the Trivia Quiz and, again, won with a full house!!! More Alaska pins this time.

 

While we were in our room getting ready for tonight's dinner at Le Cirque when Captain van Dreumel announced that Orcas where playing just off the Starboard bow and we were treated to another fabulous display. I didn't get my camera there in time to capture them but the memory of them jumping right out of the water in front of us will stay with me forever.

 

Dinner at Le Cirque was exceptional especially as Clifford was looking after us once again. He is so funny and had our table in stitches for much of the time. He offered us the President's Cut steak again but we declined. There was plenty on the menu to interest us without it. Clifford has a phenomenal memory and often made detailed reference to our trips with him before. I really want to take him home with me.

 

After dinner we went to the Northern Lights for a bit of dancing before retiring to our room to be greeted with that beautiful little box of truffles.

 

Tonight the clocks move forward one hour - good job we don't have to be up early in the morning.

 

 

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[qsuzi]

What nice pix of Ketchikan. Thanks Mumsy.

Edited May 13, 2016 by qsuzi

[KAE27]

Beautiful pictures - thank you for posting them.

[gottagoacruzn]

Hey Mumsy, can understand how that image of whales will stay with you forever. Twenty yrs ago, on an Alaskan cruise, was walkin up to the front of the ship, when a whale breached, an couldn't get the camera to go, just stood there and watched.:eek: Oh am getting ansy to go!!

 

Virginia

Edited May 13, 2016 by gottagoacruzn

[Lizzie68]

It's interesting to read so many criticisms of the seagull-feeders, and yet the Deadliest Catch tour - where eagles are "summoned" by virtue of feeding - is regularly highly praised here and is one of the top rated HAL-sponsored excursions. To be clear, I'm opposed to both, and I don't know that the people criticizing here are the proponents of that excursion, but there does seem to be a disconnect.

 

The disconnect is that Glacier Bay is a National Park and pristine. Deadliest Catch is at open sea.

[sherryf]

It's interesting to read so many criticisms of the seagull-feeders, and yet the Deadliest Catch tour - where eagles are "summoned" by virtue of feeding - is regularly highly praised here and is one of the top rated HAL-sponsored excursions. To be clear, I'm opposed to both, and I don't know that the people criticizing here are the proponents of that excursion, but there does seem to be a disconnect.

 

I also highly disapprove of this practice and refuse to ever take the tour because of it. :mad:

[CowPrincess]

It's interesting to read so many criticisms of the seagull-feeders, and yet the Deadliest Catch tour - where eagles are "summoned" by virtue of feeding - is regularly highly praised here and is one of the top rated HAL-sponsored excursions. To be clear, I'm opposed to both, and I don't know that the people criticizing here are the proponents of that excursion, but there does seem to be a disconnect.

 

I'm one (as is sherryf) who regularly tells people about the eagle feeding on that tour. I never endorse that tour. I think it is shameful to entertain tourists with that behaviour. One of the reasons the tour operator gets away with it (AND with having crab pots in the water out of season) is that the area they use is native land, so doesn't fall under any federal regulations.

 

So for some of us who have commented, there is zero disconnect.

Edited May 13, 2016 by CowPrincess

[CowPrincess]

Mumsy, your day in Ketchikan, and your evening at the PG, sound wonderful. And WHALES :D Awesome! Thank you for the pictures, I really appreciate them :)

[KAE27]

I'm one (as is sherryf) who regularly tells people about the eagle feeding on that tour. I think it is shameful to entertain tourists with that behaviour. One of the reasons the tour operator gets away with it (AND with having crab pots in the water out of season) is that the area they use is native land, so doesn't fall under any federal regulations.

 

So for some of us who have commented, there is zero disconnect.

 

I was pretty sure I'd read your thoughts on the matter before but was too tired to search. :D I appreciate and agree with you! Thank you for what you and sherryf (and likely others) do to educate people on that matter.

Edited May 13, 2016 by krista4

[gottagoacruzn]

Hey Mumsy, forgot to ask if you were docked near the tunnel there in Ketchikan, an did you eat at the Burger Queen? Oh gee, what a shame, you got to pack up tonight!!:(

Edited May 13, 2016 by gottagoacruzn

[Krazy Kruizers]

Mumsysailor

Great pictures. Ketchikan is one of our favorite ports.

We love it when an officer comes on and alerts us to wildlife right near the ship.

[Scrapnana]

Really enjoyed Le Cirque last night with friends. Great meal and wonderful service from Clifford.

 

 

Amuse bouche

 

 

Lobster salad

 

 

Chateaubriand

 

 

Strawberry Pavlova

 

 

Petits fours

 

 

Our group

 

 

Attended the Mariner Society Lunch today and was pleased to see a different menu. I was disappointed that the Captain did not make an appearance.

Edited May 13, 2016 by Scrapnana

[RetiredMustang]

Thanks for a great thread!

 

Mumsy -- thanks for doing your first live blog. Like Mtn2Sea, I found that when I started doing them, I began to do more things so I could report on them. Then, I found myself noticing things more, and remembering details (OK, at least some times :D) so I could add them to the blog. But, here is another advantage -- I can go back later and relive the cruise by bringing up the blog on CC whenever I want. You may find that a bonus as well some day.

 

Sapper -- Good to see you and DH looking so well! A south Pacific interlude followed by Alaska: how nice! Ironic that the weather is better in Alaska than it was in Tahiti. ;)

 

Scrapnana et al -- I enjoyed the food porn shots, and appreciate the effort it took to get them.

 

Dave

Edited May 13, 2016 by RetiredMustang

[SherriM]

Loved your photos in town, Mumsy! The stained glass is gorgeous and we will LOOK for them in September and will remember you!

The Tsunami signs are seen regularly on the west coast. Maybe started appearing 10-15 years ago or so. First time I saw them was while in Florida...so I thought it was a Floridian thing! And now I see them often here in Southern California!

[Caribbean Chris]

Thanks so much for the Live reports! We'll be in Alaska on Maasdam for two weeks in August...you've really whetted my appetite to get on board!

[gigianne]

Thanks Mumsysailor, Lizzie, Sapper and Scrapnana for taking us along on your Alaska journey. Safe travels home!

[islandblue]

Thanks so much for this very informative and entertaining thread. A friend and are are on the May 28 sailing of the Nieuw Amsterdam and all your comments and photos have added to the anticipation! Glad you had a wonderful time!

 

 

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[erewhon]

Thanks for all the reports and photos.

[Mumsysailor]

Victoriann, we'll be coming over on the Pacific Coaches scheduled bus service leaving Canada Place at 8.30am on Saturday. Not sure what time it arrives, DH deals with all of that. I'll call you.

 

 

13th May - Final Sea Day.

 

Beautiful morning with sea like a mill pond. Some nice whale activity around 10.30am on the starboard side.

 

At 11am we attended the Mariner's Medal Ceremony where Lizzie68 and her DH were presented with their 100 day medals cheered on by other Cruise Critic members. The lunch was good but the Chardonay was not to my liking so I exchanged it for the red which was marginally better.

 

This afternoon was spent packing and booking a future cruise. I'm very happy to say that the future cruise deposit for British Pounds onboard was a good deal. See picture.

 

Our winning streak failed us with Trivia this afternoon and so did the sunshine as we were plunged into thick fog. On the bright side we got to hear that horn blowing over and over. :) Around 5pm we emerged from the fog with glistening water and spectacular scenery.

 

As we wanted to make the most of our time together, Sapper1, Lizzie68, me and our DHs had a very informal dinner together before joining Scrapnana for our last chance at Pub Trivia at the Northern Lights. It was evident that the stakes were higher because the questions were a little more obscure. However, undeterred, we went on to win the bottle of sparkling wine for our final encore. We took it along with us to watch The Marriage Game in the main theatre and a very kind bar steward brought us glasses and poured for us.

 

Our final group activity was to join in the Karaoke at the Northern Lights, singing Sweet Caroline in our own inimitable style.

 

It's always sad when saying farewell to dear friends whom we've known so long but we're already making plans to travel together again in the not too distant future.

 

Tomorrow we leave the ship to join up with other dear friends on Vancouver Island while others make their way back home. This has been all the fun and laughter it promised to be and well worth the distance travelled to get here.

 

I hope all you who read this have enjoyed travelling along with us.

 

 

 

 

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[puppycanducruise]

Thank you for taking us along.

I've enjoyed your comments and your pictures.

Safe travels.

[1of4]

We loved sailing along with "the gang". Safe travels! :)

[Mtn2Sea]

Really enjoyed all of the reports. Wishing all safe travel back home.

[innlady1]

Safe travels, friends! I wish I'd done this cruise with all of you. If you do another, Fred and I will join you. Hugs to you, Martin, lizzie and sapper! Safe travels across the USA, Canada and across the pond!

[Lizzie68]

Saying goodbye to good friends is always hard, but we have future cruises together to look forward to. I can honestly say this has been a fun-filled week with lots and lots of laughter. We will be disembarking soon and my journey ends while the others have far to go so I wish them safe travels. Next year some of us will be on this ship for 27 days and I sure hope they have improved the Internet by then. My minutes are almost used up , hope you all enjoyed our cruise along with us and I look forward to catching up with CC later without counting minutes!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Loved all the reports.

Everyone have a safe travel home.