Live, Terry/Ohio, Silver Muse: Alaska, Canada/Rockies, Pix’s

[bennybear]

Wow!  Just wow!  Loved the pictures!  Only problem is now I want to try silver seas!  The food and ship look incredible.    I am so glad you had a Great time.   We loved the Anchorage museum too!   Especially the clothing.   Sorry I just found this now.  

[gfkcruiser]

Been reading through your post.  Great as always.  We did our Alaska cruise in late May a few years ago and had wonderful weather.  We were only able to do the roundtrip from Seattle with a few days prior in Seattle due to limited vacation time.  Perhaps we will try another since we now have unlimited vacation time!

 

Regarding the train tour.  Did you do the bus tour with Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary or did you do the self drive option prior to boarding the train to Vancouver?

 

Gail

[TLCOhio]

On 7/29/2019 at 10:14 PM, MHF said:

If I did not mention this before, check out the fabric store on the main street in Sitka.  They have cotton fabric printed with Alaska scenes you cannot get anywhere else.  Quite fun to buy a yard for a future project.  Missy

 

Appreciate all of these added and recent great comments and follow-ups. Will have much more to share this weekend.  Have been busy catching up and re-adjusting my sleep cycles, etc.  Plus, work duties, doing some local TV programs, etc., etc.  

 

 

From Missy above, she was kind enough to make an excellent suggestion for a fabric ship in Sitka.  YES, I talked from Sitka that day back to our good friend, Janet, in Columbus and she was interested in gaining some of their unique fabric.  My wife made the buy there.   Tonight in having dinner with Janet and Dennis, her husband, we "PRESENTED the PRIZE!!".   See the picture below.  As you see, Janet was super pleased!!  It is a special fabric with various shades of blue tied to various unique creatures from the seas in and around Alaska.  Wonderful tip from Missy that worked out to excellent success tonight. 

 

Also below are three different angles of the Bald Eagle from when in Sitka when we did our spectacular private exploring with Captain Paul Davis of Gallant Adventures.  Phone:   907-738-2855   Top ranked by TripAdvisor.  His e-mail:  gallantadventures@yahoo.com 

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

For “Copenhagen: Love, Pix's, etc.”, with many visuals, news clips, tips and ideas for this Denmark capital, check:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2356372

 

Here is Janet smiling proudly and happily about how the results worked out with the great fabric tip from Missy for shopping in Sitka.  It was from Abby’s Reflection Apparel & Quiltworks.  Their website is: https://abbysreflection.com.:

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Here are three different angles on this classic and proud Bald Eagle we observed with Captain Paul during our Sitka adventure.  Don't you just love these "eagle eyes" possessed by this symbol of the United States?:

 

 

[JohnGinPBG]

25 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

Here are three different angles on this classic and proud Bald Eagle we observed with Captain Paul during our Sitka adventure.  Don't you just love these "eagle eyes" possessed by this symbol of the United States?:

 

Those are awesome, Terry! I just bought a 70-300mm lens that I wish I had in Sitka.

 

Keep 'em coming!

[MHF]

Terry, so glad you found the shop!  Attached (I hope) are 2 pix of the jacket my mother made me with that fabric.  The buttons were purchased in Skagway.

 

Missy

[MicCanberra]

Great photos from an eagle eyed photographer.

[QueSeraSera]

The eagle photos are fantastic.  The fabric Missy found is beautiful, as is the jacket!

[TLCOhio]

On 8/8/2019 at 10:41 PM, JohnGinPBG said:

Those are awesome, Terry! I just bought a 70-300mm lens that I wish I had in Sitka.  Keep 'em coming!

 

Appreciate the wonderful follow-up and "success" pictures from Missy about the nice result from the Sitka fabric shop.  I have forwarded to Janet your pictures.  I am sure my friend here in Ohio will do something nicely creative with the fabric from Alaska.  

 

As to John's encouragement to "Keep 'em coming!", YES, I agree and will be posting many more visuals over this upcoming weekend, plus, plus.  We have perfect weather here in Central Ohio this weekend and I am completing the process of going through many of my various good pictures not posted, yet, from our three-week adventure through Western Canada and Alaska.  

 

Regarding my lens used to capture those "eagle-eye" pictures of the birds from Sitka, I was using a VR Nikkor 55-300mm 4.5-5.6G ED lens for these longer shots.  My main camera, other than doing a few pictures with my iPhone, is a Nikon D7200 camera.  I most always shoot in raw and with this camera that means each picture is captured at 24 mp.  That is a very large file size, especially if you are shooting 400-600 pictures in one day as happened several times during this trip.  BUT it gives more "flexibility" and picture quality/options when editing and fine-tuning the better, priority pictures.  Ideally, it would be nice to have a longer 400 to 600mm lens.  However, when you get those bigger lenses, they are much heavier and many times require a tripod.  Too much work and hassle??!!  Always trade-offs with photography and your many options.  That 55-300mm lens is an easy size and combined with that camera gives me reasonable flexibility to capture some very good images.   My main lens used with the Nikon D7200 is an 18-140mm Nikkor lens.  That works very well from wide angle to semi-long lens needs.  I also have a 10-20mm Sigma wide angle that is great for churches and building interiors, etc.  Technically, for those interested, that eagle picture was shot at ISO 640, f/10 at 1/1000 of a second in the program setting that I most often use with this camera.  Need more photo background info?  Happy to share more.

 

Below are some additional visuals from our Sitka sailing and exploring.  Do these added pictures prove that our day was amazing in Sitka with Captain Paul Davis of Gallant Adventures??  Will have more "evidence" to provide.  It was a super thrilling adventure.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 248,273 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

From our coastal exploring, below are a couple more cute views of these sea otters.  Like this salute we received?  Next are examples of the dramatic setting from our circling of Saint Lazaria Island National Wildlife Refuge that is about twenty miles west of Sitka.  This unique nesting area is a very rugged-looking island where no human access is allowed in order to protect the birds there.  It has direct exposure to the Pacific Ocean, making it perfect for birds to inhabit. This island is a volcanic plug with the remnants of an old and eroded volcano. It is an older volcanic "cousin" to the adjacent Mount Edgecumbe on Kruzof Island.  Our skilled guide, Captain Paul Davis of Gallant Adventures, took us inside one of the unique caves and had us close these birds and the natural features of this amazing island.:

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Here is another view of a tufted puffin that had not been previous posted.  Plus, more samples of the bird "action" on this scenic island.:

 

 

 

In returning to Sitka's main harbor area, here is a view of the interesting bridge design there that serves this region.  Also below is another view of the Silver Muse as it was positioned and being tendered with the dramatic mountains in the background.:

 

[worldtraveller99]

Enjoying the stunning photos Terry! When you have time please will you post the daily Chronicles - sea days are especially interesting, thank you very much?

[TLCOhio]

36 minutes ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Enjoying the stunning photos Terry! When you have time please will you post the daily Chronicles - sea days are especially interesting, thank you very much?

 

Appreciate this good, helpful reminder and follow-up.  YES, that scanning and posting of the daily Chronicle is on my "to-do" list.  Plus, about 80-90 more top visual highlights to post!!  Then, also, my wife has a number of key household tasks on  HER top priority list that needs completion.  Will be working away this weekend and Monday to get caught-up.  Posting more and more!!  Just giving fair warnings that additional "eye-candy" is coming.  

 

It is fun looking through the pictures, again, determining the highest priority, best memories to share, etc.  Keep up the great questions, comments, etc.  Always happy to share more details.  Have much more to share on the Silver Muse, including some quick visuals below.   It is also nice to be home with fast, good Internet service where the pictures upload in a more speedy fashion than being on a cruise ship. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,959 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

As a "change-up" from the Sitka wildlife and nature, here are some samples from our evening after being in this coastal town.  We did our second dinner at La Terrazza.  They changed the La Terrazza menu mid-way during our seven-day cruise.  Just three visual samples: First, the tasty duck pasta.  Second was the Osso Buco.  Then, of course, we needed as a reward for a great day by having light, little dessert.:

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We then spent a little time in the Silver Note, enjoying the charming jazzy style of the singer and piano artists Ester and Chantal.:

 

The Voices of Silversea did two, full-cast shows during our cruise.  Here are some highlights from their somewhat new "Queen" program that we had not experienced previously on SS cruises.  Decent costumes and cast for such a smaller ship.  Two of the cast members also did individual programs during our sailing.  There were no other special guest entertainment performers, etc.  That's understandable given this busy, port-intense schedule.  The fourth picture shows the excellent Cruise Director Rico du Breil.  More on and from him later.:

 

 

 

 

During this afternoon in Sitka, there was a little "pool action".  Not that warm.  Not that cold.  A few were in the water, others sat by the waterside with towels to cover, etc.  Nice, scenic setting with the surrounding mountains.  It's Alaska!:

[TLCOhio]

For those interested in "numbers", data and Silver Muse details, I now have some interesting background gained through the kind help of CD Rico.  

 

For our July 25-August 1, 2019, sailing, there were a total of 593 passengers. Clearly our sailing was a "sell-out", but nothing seemed too crowded on this seven-day cruise.  Where were these 593 passengers from?  They came from 28 nations.   The most common location for passengers, no surprise, was from the United States, 361 of the 593 total travelers or 64.2% from our country.  Second was Australia with 6.6% of the total passengers.  Always love, both during this cruise and on the Rocky Mountaineer adventure prior to Vancouver, being with those from "down under".  Great travelers and fun people from there.  

 

Third largest were 29 passengers or 4.9% being the U.K.  Next in order were from Mexico (3.9%), Canada and Italy (each at 2.2%), Austria and Switzerland (each at 1.9%), Brazil and Germany (each at 1.3%) and Netherlands and Thailand (each at 1.2%).   

 

CREW MAKE-UP?:  The total crew and staff totaled 402 with, again no surprise, 226 or 56.2% coming from the Philippines.  Next was India with 32 staff or 9.6% from this country.  Next was Indonesia with 24 staff or 6.0%.  Tied for fourth with eleven staffers or 2.7% each were those from Brazil, Italy and South Africa.  Bosnia and Herzegovina had only two staff on the ship, but one of these was very, very important.  He was the Executive Chef and this star did a great job delivering super food service and options.  Only one of the 402 staffers on this cruise was from the USA.  

 

CAPTAIN ALESSANDRO ZANELLO just recently got on the Silver Muse and will be on the ship, as now scheduled, into October.  He grew up in a small, perched Italian village called La Serra that overlooks the Gulf of Poets.  He's the son of an Italian and his mother was from Australia.  Seafaring is in his family with the grandfather being a Chef and his father being a Captain of cargo and passenger ships. The current Silver Muse Captain joined Silversea in 1999 and became a full ship leader in 2012 on the Silver Whisper.  He has also been the Captain on the Silver Wind, Shadow and Spirt.  He was involved in supervising the final construction of the Silver Muse.   Any other having sailed with this Captain?

 

The other top officials included: Staff Captain Sergio Topazio, Chief Engineer Sabatino De Loreto and Hotel Director Paolo Percivale.  I talked some with the HD and he seemed very friendly and detail-oriented.  He now has a salt-and-pepper, nicely-trimmed beard.  

 

The Cruise Consultant and Venetian Society Rep on our sailing was James Edwards.  As I re-call, he is from the UK.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 223,761 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

After our wildlife adventure in Sitka, one of the highlights in the town was visiting their Russian Orthodox Cathedral that goes back to the early days of Alaska history.  It is officially known as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel) The earliest Orthodox cathedral in the "New World," it was built in the nineteenth century, when Alaska was under the control of Russia.  It was destroyed by fire in 1996, but then re-built.  Below are a few visual samples of its exterior and interior from our visit there.:

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Next to this Russian church was one of the colorful poppies growing outside during their long days and short summer season.  Liked seeing this local color and pretty flowers.:

 

Next to their portside visitor center, here was a portion of a long boat with the colorful native art seen in and around Sitka and this part of Alaska.:

[worldtraveller99]

Beautiful! I hadn't realised the Russian church was so pretty - will aim to go in that, thank you. Do value all the work you are putting in, Terry.

[MicCanberra]

Agreed, a great review and wonderful photos. 

[TLCOhio]

On 8/8/2019 at 12:28 PM, gfkcruiser said:

Been reading through your post.  Great as always.  We did our Alaska cruise in late May a few years ago and had wonderful weather.  We were only able to do the roundtrip from Seattle with a few days prior in Seattle due to limited vacation time.  Perhaps we will try another since we now have unlimited vacation time!  Regarding the train tour.  Did you do the bus tour with Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary or did you do the self drive option prior to boarding the train to Vancouver?  Gail

 

Great follow-up question from Gail in Michigan.  No bus tour from us in traveling from Calgary.  We had the "self-drive" option of a rental car from Avis arranged through the Rocky Mountaineer people as a part of our overall "package" including the hotels in Banff, Jasper, the two-days rail and our final three days of hotel in Vancouver.  Got a little discount in putting together the package that way.  Plus, the Rocky Mountaineer people were smooth and good as to how they had ALL of the details set-up.  Pleased with how it all came together well.  More pictures and details later as to those pre-cruise sights and experiences.  

 

Below is more "proof" for the excellence of our wildlife exploring with Gallant Adventures in Sitka.  In addition to the tufted puffins, stellar sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, bald eagle and humpback whales previously posted, here is more for some of the unique birds seen.  This includes guillemots, cormorants, oystercatchers, gulls, murres, etc.  As I recall the ones shown below with the classy orange feet are guillemot. These  guillemot are experts in diving underwater for food.   The island's name is Kanasx'ée in the native Tlingit language. The reason to prohibit human visitors by foot (excepted permitted scientists) is that every square foot of ground contains underground burrows for nesting birds and can be easily crushed, disturbed or destroyed.  Only a few thousand people each year are able to get out and explore (from the sea) around this unique island.  Our time there was very special!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 84,786 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

While at Saint Lazaria Island, here is a small sampling for the varied bird action, including with the black cormorants and the pigeon guillemot with their special orange feet:

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Here is more of a sampling for the unique formations on Saint Lazaria.  Interesting formations, including this rock arch, on this overall island formed from a "plug" from the volcanic action.  Plus, an example of the items floating in the sea around this island.:

 

 

 

With scenic and dramatic Saint Lazaria Island in the background, here are the four of us at the mid-point of our fun exploring with Captain Paul Davis during our morning in Sitka.  YES, we were smiling broadly for good reasons.  Any doubts as to whether we really enjoyed this private excursion?  The second picture shows our Captain in the enclosed area as he was answering questions from my wife and Chris.:

 

[TLCOhio]

On 8/7/2019 at 11:53 PM, bennybear said:

Wow!  Just wow!  Loved the pictures!  Only problem is now I want to try silver seas!  The food and ship look incredible.    I am so glad you had a Great time.   We loved the Anchorage museum too!   Especially the clothing.   Sorry I just found this now.  

 

Appreciate these continued great comments and follow-ups, including from MicCanberra in Australia and worldtraveller99 in the UK.  Keep it coming!!  Per above from bennybear, why not try Silversea??     It's simple and easy, right?  Just book 'em!    Seriously, there are cheaper cruise lines.  Many, many options to consider.  For us, it's about itinerary and having reasonable value.  With their larger number of ships and reaching so many ports, Silversea has worked well for us.  Silversea understand that the marketplace likes more creativity in places to explore than just the Caribbean and/or the Med.  As mentioned earlier, we super enjoyed so many design and feature options with the Silver Muse.  It's their newest and best ship with more like it to come soon.  

 

Yes, below have more from our Sitka adventure, plus many other visuals to share.  Let me know any additional questions or comments.     

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 64,318 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

 

For whales, YES, at Sitka, we were fortunate to see lots of action . . . and relatively close!!  Here are a few more samples not previously posted.  Notice the barnacles on the tails of these whales?  Love having the mountains in the background with the whale  close in the foreground.:

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Is this a handsome face?:

 

We saw this young eagle and here are a couple of visuals, including another young one flying away.:

 

 

Near the harbor area of Sitka, here was an interesting view involving this lighthouse.  It actually is not a "real", functioning lighthouse. It was built to have that "look" and is actually a rental housing unit on one of the many islands in this region.  Much to love and see in Sitka!!  Plus, it was not crowded with big cruise boats and thousands of visitors.:

[TLCOhio]

Now back to more on and about the Silver Muse.  From our five previous Silversea sailings, the dining option of Indochine was total new for us on this cruise.  Did not know quite to expect, order and enjoy.  Big mystery??!!   Below are some visuals from our first dining at this Asian-accented Indochine.  Silversea calls it "an exquisite journey of culinary discovery."  They say you can "Unlock the hidden treasures of the spice markets of Mumbai, whet your appetite with the exoticism of Thailand and temper your taste buds with the cuisine of Vietnam. Elegant and exquisite dishes bursting with Asian essence awaken your gastronomic senses and immerse you in an expansive tapestry of the palate. Savour the fusion of flavours of a vast continent that defies definition — in a stylish restaurant that pays homage to its delectable cuisine."

 

As mentioned earlier, we were very fortunate that our excellent waiter Norman suggested for our group of five solving our challenge for picking our main entree by doing it "family-style".  We had all eight itemS come to our table.  Such a wonderful FEAST!!  We enjoyed a great range of tastes and dining delights!!  Below are just a few visuals samples from this initial night at Indochine.  That's why we came back on our last night on the Silver Muse for another sampling of Indochine.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 48,885 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

As you walk into Indochine, here is the art work on the wall at the reception desk.  Second is a sample of this overall room, including a large, long table where a variety of passengers can gather for this unique dining experience.:

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Below is my initial appetizer at Indochine.  Second is the chicken soup that was super wonderful with its taste and content.:

 

 

Here is just a small sampling of three entrees served as we experienced and loved the "family-style" dining at Indochine.  The prawns were super good and my top favorite this evening.:

 

 

 

Here was my dessert during our first dining at Indochine.  Look good?  Yes, it was a wonderful treat to top off an excellent dining evening.  Second is our waiter, Norman, with Chris from Philadelphia and Liz from Huntsville, Alabama.  Yes, folks were very happy!!:

 

 

As discussed earlier, here is the shoe cobbler who was set up and operating to sell and make the "Preludio Capri Sandals" in a prime spot at Dolce Vita on Deck 5.  He did not seem very busy either with customers or making his high-priced footwear.  Not sure this so-called "service" merited this prime space and/or the excessive pushing of it with the Chronicle advertising.  Just my opinion that this is an option to be dump by Silversea.  Kind of a silly distraction by Silversea management.  Reactions?:

 

For a late lunch at The Grill, this was the nice Mahi fish.  Outside at The Grill, they had heaters and blankets to make things work when sailing in cooler parts of the world.:

 

Here is another example of the art around on the Silver Muse.  These visuals are more "contemporary" on this Silversea ship compared to what we saw with earlier SS sailings.:

[TLCOhio]

For those with upcoming Silver Muse sailing, below are some more visuals as related to this ship and the excellent staff that served us so well during this cruise.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 46,571 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here's a popular man on the Silver Muse.  It's Hari, the bartender in Dolce Vita.  Below are two other visual samples of the art work around on the ship reflecting the more contemporary look and style.  Many areas of the ship had this lighter, bleached oak/wood appearance.:

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Here is CD Rico conducting trivia in the Dolce Vita area.  As I mentioned earlier, Rico was super excellent, very smooth and highly responsive, etc.:

 

During our last full day on the Silver Muse after seeing Hubbard Glacier, they had a noon buffet in the Dolce Vita area on the fifth floor.  Nothing too fancy or elaborate with the varied and light food offerings, but a nice "change of pace" in new/different location for what amounted to our second sea-day.  As shown below, hey had some special beverages from Canada displayed and offered, plus live music being provided.  Fun, relaxing and enjoyable!!:

 

 

Standing tall and in the middle is Ratko Jeremic, the Silver Muse's Executive Chef.  He is from Bosnia and Herzegovina and was super encouraging and responsive for main dining areas special meal requests. At the right is Amor Antonio, the ship's Executive Sous Chef, plus a hotel officer being on the left.:

 

Here is Dr. Larson giving his final enrichment lecture.  It was all about the Arctic region, who will control and develop it, etc.  Since that area is opening up more due to warming in this part of the world, there are many serious questions and issues to consider for future shipping, extracting its riches, etc.  Dr. Larson was a speaker with Crystal when they did their first Arctic sailing a couple of years ago.  He noted that this first such crossing of he Arctic was costly and popular.  But demand fell off quickly as there are very limited shore options and infrastructure to make it work on a regular, successful basis. Interesting background and insights from his overall presentation about this part of the world controlled primarily by Russia, Canada, the United States, Norway and Denmark.:

[CruisinPashmina]

In the second to last picture, the handsome fellow on the left is a wonderful old friend of mine. Hi, Oliver! 

Cheers,

DWLaG

[57 varieties]

13 minutes ago, CruisinPashmina said:

In the second to last picture, the handsome fellow on the left is a wonderful old friend of mine. Hi, Oliver! 

Cheers,

DWLaG

Young friend 😜 and yes, Oliver is wonderful!

[MicCanberra]

I always like to get a friend behind the bar.

[worldtraveller99]

Another question please Terry:

Our landing times are meant to be: 

Ketchikan 8.00 am to 2.30 pm

Juneau 9.30 am to 11.00 pm

Skagway 8.00 am to 4.00 pm

Sitka 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

 

Did the ship keep to this? What times were you actually off the ship each day? How near to the end time do you need to back on the ship? Thank you for your help!

[MicCanberra]

Generally all aboard is 1/2 hour before departure time, I doubt this cruise would be different. Unless on a ship's tour, I always prefer to be at least an hour prior to the departure time.

[worldtraveller99]

Thank you MicCanberra. I had guessed at definitely being back 45 mins before the official time. Still interested though in whether the ship was able to keep to those times - in and out?

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Another question please Terry:

Our landing times are meant to be: 

Ketchikan 8.00 am to 2.30 pm

Juneau 9.30 am to 11.00 pm

Skagway 8.00 am to 4.00 pm

Sitka 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

Did the ship keep to this? What times were you actually off the ship each day? How near to the end time do you need to back on the ship? Thank you for your help!

 

Here is what was planned and scheduled for our recent cruise: 

July 27, Sat., Ketchikan, 7 am-2 pm
July 28, Sun, Juneau, 9 am-11 pm
July 29, Mon., Skagway, 8 am-5:30 pm
July 30, Tues., Sitka, 9 am-6 pm
 

BUT, what really happened??  We arrived in several of these ports a little earlier than planned.  We initially set sail a few minutes ahead in Vancouver as all were onboard and things were fully ready.  In Juneau, the ship moved up the sail-away time to 10:30 pm and we actually departed a little earlier than that revised schedule time.  In Skagway, we were ready and also departed a little earlier.   YES, MicCanberra has made the point well was to how the ship wants you on the ship at least a half-hour before the planned departure time.   

 

Great ID'ing by CruisinPashmina as to staffer Oliver.  He did not have a name tag on his jacket and I was not able to list his name.  What does Oliver do on the ship?  Keep up the great questions and sharing. More visuals are posted below and upcoming.  Hope this helps spur more comments, info interests, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 46,315 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

At Hubbard Bay, this visual shows the six zodiacs on the Silver Muse.  These small vessels were not used during our sailing and on most of the seven-day Alaska cruises.  They were used, however, for such exploring during some earlier and longer Silver Muse Alaska sailings  Maybe such fun zodiacs can be in the Silversea future?.:

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At Atlantide, here are a few added visuals.  In the first is Chris with Michael Atherton, the Maitre D'Outlet.  Second is a small view of this dining venue, including giving an idea for its comfortable chairs and set-up.  Third is Chris with Henry, our beloved waiter.  For our first night with Henry, he said we were in the "naughty" corner.  Super fun with him, plus great service and skill.:

 

 

 

At Atlantide, here are a couple of examples for the range of dining treats.  This includes being served a seafood chowder being poured at our table. Second is a delightful dessert enjoyed there after we had our Beef Wellington.:

 

At Dolce Vita, here was the Silver Muse piano entertainer performing with the bar open in the background.:

 

In the past, people have been interested in what various types of alcohol would be available on the Silver Muse.  At Dolce Vita, here are a couple of visuals to provide a sampling of the many beverage options.  How do you rate the Scotch potentials?:

 

 

At the Girdwood hotel location near Anchorage, here was one of the outdoor sculptures, this one by Frederick Remington. Lots of flowers outside, including as shown below.:

 

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

I always like to get a friend behind the bar.

 

Yes, great and smart plan to have a "friend behind the bar".  During our Silver Muse sailing, I was very pleased to learn that they were able to offer my favorite of a frozen margarita with salt in the right glass and tasting excellent for my interests.  Nicely enjoyable!!

 

Earlier I posted some details about Skagway and just a couple of pictures.  BUT, we enjoyed much more there and I wanted to complete my posting for this historic and colorful town dating back to the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush days.  Plus, what we did and saw nearby. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 46,265 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

From Skagway's history downtown area, here is a small sampling of the various wooden buildings dating to their Gold Rush days.  Skagway was a key point for fortune-seekers getting their supplies and heading north to Whitehorse and their chance at wealth.:

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The railroad was and is popular here in Skagway.  Below are a couple of older pieces of equipment, including a specially-equipped piece of snow-blowing engine.  Second is one of the outdoor sculptures in their downtown to reflect their pioneering "sour-dough" explorer history.: