CHICAGOPAUL LIVE!!!! Our First ALASKA CRUISE on the ECLIPSE!!! May 19th Sailing

[chicagopaul]

3 hours ago, lojax said:

Thank you for sharing Paul.  My husband and I are sailing on the Equinox in a couple of weeks and we are considering the Qsine Le Petite Chef experience (being added as part of the Revolution).  We are hesitant for $55 each but it looks like a lot of fun and the food doesn't look half bad either (we aren't picky eaters).  Would you recommend it to other cruisers or is this a pass for the cost?  Thanks for your beautiful posts and always helpful information.  Happy Sailing!

 

The concept is a lot of fun I think. But I think they’re stretching it at $55 per person. We’re in a Royal so it’s included for us. Personally I think if you could get a discount on the first night (30% off or more) or as part of a package then do it. Otherwise for that price I’d rather be in Murano. But this is just me. If you are really curious about the show then it very easily may be worth it to you. 

 

They have also implemented a second menu and second show which is running the last half of the cruise. Here is that menu. 

 

[chicagopaul]

Just realized I forgot to post the Daily for today. Well here it is. 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruzzzinma]

1 hour ago, chicagopaul said:

. My guess is in the Royal we could arrange it (or any specialty fir that matter) into our room. 

Our one RS experience was that you could order, through your butler, from any of the specialties for in-room dining.

[chicagopaul]

Last night dinner was in Tuscan Grill. We made 7:30 reservations because we figured we wanted to call it an early night for our glacier tour this morning. We had a great table by the window for two. 

 

We started with crab cakes and meatballs as appetizers. Then we both had a cesar salad. We ended up with pastas for the entree. I had a half order of the short rib pappardelle ragu and a small order of the gnocchi while Edward had the lobster rigatoni Alfredo. 

 

The crab cake was excellent. Meatballs themselves were very good, and formed / cooked perfectly. They cut like butter. The sauce is a little on the sweet end for my taste. The cedar dressing is better than I’ve had in other ship restaurants but still a little watery. I wish they could go back to the old days of tanks side Cesar. That is when they got it right with the dressing! 

 

The ragu I had was tasty. It would be on the sweet side and if I was making it myself I’d adjust a few things but I still finished it all. I did enjoy the flavors in the gnocchi as well and it was cooked as it should be. Edward really enjoyed the lobster rigatoni. 

 

 

Crab cake above. We should’ve asked for more sauce. That sauce was delicious!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[hcat]

All so yummy looking! Great photos..

 

We have to wait  for Tuscan on Summit...unless the  Summit MDR on EDGE has similar  choices.

 

Have been following and enjoying your review..Thanks for sharing!

 

[chicagopaul]

Good Morning from here but good afternoon / evening to the rest of the world. Before I dive in to last night let’s have a look at the daily. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

Last night was formal night. It was actually switched since tonight was suppose to be formal night. Thankfully our butler called us to remind us since I didn’t even pay attention to the Daily yesterday. So we moved our Murano reservations to tonight and ate in Luminae last night. 

 

Here is the menu for reference while I describe what I had. 

 

 

I started with the wedge and Edward had the risotto to start. Both were great. Finally a salad that really knocked it out of the park. 

 

For entrees  I had the lamb. Edward had the Moroccan chicken and we split a lobster. 

 

The lamb amp was very good. A little bit of fat but that help add to the flavor and tenderness. It was cooked perfectly. The potatoes that came with it were amazing. The lobster was good. A solid job. Tender, not chewy. Great sauce. But Edward’s chicken. Probably the best chicken I’ve ever tasted? I could eat that every single day. I’m going to see if I can get the recipe out of them. Seriously it was that damn good. If you’re in Luminae and see it on the menu don’t think just because it’s chicken it is boring. It was so very good. 

 

For dessert we had the pistachio raspberry vacherin. Another massive win. Phenomenal I must say and I’m not a huge dessert person but I kept eating it. Great well balanced flavors and excellent texture. 

 

If you’re in Luminae on the Eclipse ask to be seated with Dev from Mauritius. We’ve cruised with him before and he is a fantastic waiter. He’s funny, laid back, but very attentive. Plus he really does enjoy food and will not hesitate to steer you towards or away from certain dishes. 

 

 

 

 

 

Us having our champagne from our suite and cheering to our good friend’s birthday back home who is also a cruise critic member. He’s 32 today. We made sure to cheers at exactly midnight back home in Chicago. 

 

 

 

If you know me, you know I have one pet peeve or general request. When coming back from the restroom I want my napkin folded or replaced. Simple request for any good quality restaurant. Luminae did not fail last night. Not only that Dev turned it into a cute little boat! 

 

 

 

 

Moroccan chicken  

[yoshi]

• That's the Bird of Paradise fold-I love that too. Dinner looks like it was wonderful! Your glacier pictures are such a beautiful blue. I need to do another Alaska trip. I hope you enjoy rest of your cruise, thanks for sharing your trip with us. 

[misterkevin]

22 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

 

The concept is a lot of fun I think. But I think they’re stretching it at $55 per person. We’re in a Royal so it’s included for us. Personally I think if you could get a discount on the first night (30% off or more) or as part of a package then do it. Otherwise for that price I’d rather be in Murano. But this is just me. If you are really curious about the show then it very easily may be worth it to you. 

 

They have also implemented a second menu and second show which is running the last half of the cruise. Here is that menu. 

 

Thanks for such detailed reviews. I enjoy your pictures and commentary. This LPC menu is $55pp? If so, that's a stretch of credibility on value for me.

[chicagopaul]

So today we are in Ketchikan. We had no excursions planned for the day and just wanted to walk around town and hit a bar recommended by our friends Bob and Kathy (Mr. and Mrs. Dewars). We arrived in port around 2pm and we got off the ship around 3:15. We figured we’d let the crowd die down first and it worked well. We headed out and it was a beautiful day. Sunny and around 65 degrees. We walked the town along the water and I stopped at a store to by magnets for a friend of mine. His mother collects them and he asked me for one. 

 

After we we went to Arctic Bar recommended by Bob and Kathy. Bob and Kathy have a special talent for finding dive bars in ports. No matter what part of the world. They’re also some of the friendliest and most sincere people you’ll ever meet, so if they recommend a place you know you’ll feel right at home. Today we went to their recommendation of Arctic Bar which is located right on the water, directly where the Eclipse docked. At first sight you might think given its location it’s a tourist trap. But nothing can be farther from the truth. The exterior along the main road is unassuming and the door is propped open. From the sunny outside street you enter a moderately lit bar that is the epitome of dive bars, but I say this with admiration and not with any negativity. Inside you’ll find an L shaped bar with a dozen beer taps, a handful of four top tables and a pool table in the corner. Windows look out onto the water or in today’s case our ship parked in front. A standard door from Home Depot leads you outside to a balcony with tables and chairs overlooking the water. 

 

We grabbed two seats at the bar because at a place like this, that is where you sit. We ordered two IPAs and listened to the chatter around us. At the bar we were the only ones not regulars, but we felt like we were regulars. A middle aged woman tended bar and a woman in her later 60s was running around taking care of things and in a loud voice complaining that someone thought she was 82. She was swearing, she was yelling, she was laughing, she was smiling, she was real. Her name is Paula and she owns the Arctic Bar. 

 

At first Paula thought we were crew but we told her we weren’t. She thought we looked like regulars at the bar which to me is a compliment. As a bar person I always want to have that look. She chatted with us about the bar, when she bought it, etc. and gave us her card. She could not have been nicer. Around us at the bar were all locals. People who were just hanging out having a beer or many more. Paula would go to take care of business in the back and we’d hear her boisterous voice from the back yelling that someone better get to the front as someone wants to buy a t-shirt. 

 

At the bar sat a woman who clearly knew everyone at the bar. She was joking with everyone, laughing. She was giving the bartenders a hard time but in the same way I give my bartenders back at home a hard time. It’s meant with love. Another patron sat in the corner drinking coffee. Another sat on his phone reading ordering beer after beer. One younger guy who looked like he was in construction sat having a beer trying to decompress after work. 

 

It’s places like this which let you see into the soul of the town, of people. Simply by sitting back and observing. Today we didn’t see any animals, any bald eagles or go salmon fishing. But today I felt like I got a true glimpse into the life of a town I’ve never been to before and for that I’m grateful. 

 

I wish we had more time to spend here. If you are here go to local place for a quick drink and experience the locals. Personally I recommend Arctic Bar. See if Paula is working and make the joke that she looks really good for 82. Haha! The bar is &2 years old not her. 

 

As always thanks for coming along! 

 

 

Arctic Bar - Beer photographed is a double IPA 

 

 

Paula the owner 

 

 

 

[Von & John]

Paul - Welcome to our amazing state!!   It appears you have been enjoying yourself on this cruise.   We just returned from Chicago & a family trip to the Lower 48.  Chicago is my favorite City to live & Alaska is my favorite place to live.  

 

We have cruised Alaska twice...   Great first AK cruise, back in 2007.   Our 2nd AK cruise was this past Sept/Oct, Transpacific - Vancouver to Tokyo....    Amazing weather, views, ports & people!!!!

 

Cheers to both you & Edward.   Enjoy the cruise you are on & your Transpacific in the Fall...   Reliving the memories w/ your pictures & writings.  

Cheers  —  Von & John

Edited May 25, 2019 by Von & John

[silkismom]

That's the same bar we ended up in several years back. My SIL & I went quilt shopping and the guys found the bar, we joined them when we got done and sat outside enjoying the wonderful weather.

[Travelbug750]

We'll be in Ketchikan in July without any firm shore excursion plans other than to walk around town.  We'll be sure to stop in the Arctic Bar before boarding. Sounds like a jewel!

[hcat]

15 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

So today we are in Ketchikan. We had no excursions planned for the day and just wanted to walk around town and hit a bar recommended by our friends Bob and Kathy (Mr. and Mrs. Dewars). We arrived in port around 2pm and we got off the ship around 3:15. We figured we’d let the crowd die down first and it worked well. We headed out and it was a beautiful day. Sunny and around 65 degrees. We walked the town along the water and I stopped at a store to by magnets for a friend of mine. His mother collects them and he asked me for one. 

 

After we we went to Arctic Bar recommended by Bob and Kathy. Bob and Kathy have a special talent for finding dive bars in ports. No matter what part of the world. They’re also some of the friendliest and most sincere people you’ll ever meet, so if they recommend a place you know you’ll feel right at home. Today we went to their recommendation of Arctic Bar which is located right on the water, directly where the Eclipse docked. At first sight you might think given its location it’s a tourist trap. But nothing can be farther from the truth. The exterior along the main road is unassuming and the door is propped open. From the sunny outside street you enter a moderately lit bar that is the epitome of dive bars, but I say this with admiration and not with any negativity. Inside you’ll find an L shaped bar with a dozen beer taps, a handful of four top tables and a pool table in the corner. Windows look out onto the water or in today’s case our ship parked in front. A standard door from Home Depot leads you outside to a balcony with tables and chairs overlooking the water. 

 

We grabbed two seats at the bar because at a place like this, that is where you sit. We ordered two IPAs and listened to the chatter around us. At the bar we were the only ones not regulars, but we felt like we were regulars. A middle aged woman tended bar and a woman in her later 60s was running around taking care of things and in a loud voice complaining that someone thought she was 82. She was swearing, she was yelling, she was laughing, she was smiling, she was real. Her name is Paula and she owns the Arctic Bar. 

 

At first Paula thought we were crew but we told her we weren’t. She thought we looked like regulars at the bar which to me is a compliment. As a bar person I always want to have that look. She chatted with us about the bar, when she bought it, etc. and gave us her card. She could not have been nicer. Around us at the bar were all locals. People who were just hanging out having a beer or many more. Paula would go to take care of business in the back and we’d hear her boisterous voice from the back yelling that someone better get to the front as someone wants to buy a t-shirt. 

 

At the bar sat a woman who clearly knew everyone at the bar. She was joking with everyone, laughing. She was giving the bartenders a hard time but in the same way I give my bartenders back at home a hard time. It’s meant with love. Another patron sat in the corner drinking coffee. Another sat on his phone reading ordering beer after beer. One younger guy who looked like he was in construction sat having a beer trying to decompress after work. 

 

It’s places like this which let you see into the soul of the town, of people. Simply by sitting back and observing. Today we didn’t see any animals, any bald eagles or go salmon fishing. But today I felt like I got a true glimpse into the life of a town I’ve never been to before and for that I’m grateful. 

 

I wish we had more time to spend here. If you are here go to local place for a quick drink and experience the locals. Personally I recommend Arctic Bar. See if Paula is working and make the joke that she looks really good for 82. Haha! The bar is &2 years old not her. 

 

As always thanks for coming along! 

 

 

Arctic Bar - Beer photographed is a double IPA 

 

 

Paula the owner 

 

 

 

 

Sorry to quote and repeat this  all... but to me it is a great vignette...well writen, great photos...You can really feel the atmosphere!  Well done....thanks for sharing it,,.

[chicagopaul]

Here is today’s daily 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

34 minutes ago, hcat said:

 

Sorry to quote and repeat this  all... but to me it is a great vignette...well writen, great photos...You can really feel the atmosphere!  Well done....thanks for sharing it,,.

 

Thank you so much! 

[Locksmth]

Could you please post up the diesembarcation schedule?  It would nice to schedule our pickup when we return next week.

 

Great blog btw.  I have been following it intensely

 

[Peteymil]

Who is the CC hostess?

[chicagopaul]

2 hours ago, Peteymil said:

Who is the CC hostess?

 Captains Club hostess is Adriele Santos 

[chicagopaul]

3 hours ago, Locksmth said:

Could you please post up the diesembarcation schedule?  It would nice to schedule our pickup when we return next week.

 

Great blog btw.  I have been following it intensely

 

 

Here you go! 

 

[chicagopaul]

Today we had a bridge tour and lunch with senior officers. As luck would have it we were seated directly next to Captain Michael and Hotel Director Dan. Lunch was in Tuscan. We both had the branzino. It was very good today. Here are a few photos. Also I wanted to say that I mentioned to the hotel director how much I enjoyed the Moroccan chicken the other night. Within a few minutes an envelope was delivered to the table with the full recipe. Awesome! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JennAngel9]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive review ChicagoPaul!

 

I just now read the whole thread trying to see if you mentioned the hostess in Luminae and the Michael's Club concierge.  We sailed on the Eclipse back in December and were told Bianca would still be the Michael's Club hostess and that Katya would remain a hostess in Luminae.  Have you seen either of them on board?  If so, please let them know that Elizabeth (4) and Stanley (2) who fell in love with them over Christmas are still thinking of them.  

We are considering booking a last minute suite for July, but probably won't do it unless they are still around. 🙂

 

Thank you again, and have a wonderful trip!

[Kathy53]

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your comprehensive review, amazing photos and comments regarding your entire cruise.  We welcome you back to Vancouver - a city we love....because we live here and appreciate your gracious comments.  We were so fortunate to visit Chicago in July and absolutely loved your city as well.  We're on the Eclipse in July on a 7 day AK cruise and because of your many reviews, are so looking forward to it.  Safe journeys and THANK YOU, once again.

 

Edited May 26, 2019 by Kathy53
I had to change a word.

[micheleata]

Loving your review!   The pictures look so beautiful.  Thank you for sharing with us!

 

 

[cruisecatmama]

Wonderful blog! As always! So sorry, I had not been on the site for so long and caught the tail end. If you  see Star and/or Fabrice again before you disembark, please give them my love (Jacqueline Walker, oh, and James). Glad to hear Decoy is back on board and happy to see photos of my Martini Bartender friends. We were on the Eclipse Mar 10 - Apr 8