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

[worldtraveller99]

Thank you Terry. Very helpful!

[TLCOhio]

On 8/24/2019 at 10:44 AM, worldtraveller99 said:

Love all the photos Terry - any more from around the ship? 

 

Be careful as to what you wish for and request.  Yes, have more visuals relating to the Silver Muse!!  Below is round one for those additional pictures from around and on the Silver Muse. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 31,863 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

When boarding the Silver Muse, it is always interesting to watch the important, behind-the-scenes activities in Vancouver as the crew must "load-up" the ship with various supplies, food and materials.  Lots of work to make sure we have fresh eggs, plenty of beer and wine, needed frozen foods, etc., etc.  By the way, our check-in and boarding process was very smooth, easy and simple for this ship.  No lines, hassles, etc.  The port set-up in Vancouver is very good and efficient based on our experiences.:

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Here is a view of the Silver Note setting on the seventh floor.  Not a big room, making it a nice location for enjoying the jazzy sounds/entertainment.  Second is the pool area in the evening.:

 

 

Here is the set-up by the shoe cobbler in the relaxed Dolce Vita area.  In my view, having this "service" here in this area is not a wise use of space.  This guy never seemed to be doing much "business" or production.  Second is a view from a portion of the Panorama Lounge.  On this ship, there are plenty of nice, relaxed locations for reading, chilling, etc. Third is a view of the main elevator/stairs set-up on one of the Silver Muse floors.:

 

 

 

From our enrichment speaker, Dr. Edward Larson, here is one of the charts he shared showing the slow upward movements in population for Alaska.  Our largest state is still relatively small with its total population.  Currently, Alaska has 710,231 people, ranking 47th.  Only North Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming are smaller among our 50 states.  His presentations gave excellent background for the history and various factors that have have affected this massive state.  Since I knew in advance he would be our speaker, I researched him and obtained from our library four of his books, including the one in 1999 that won the Pulitzer Prize in history.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Below is round two for these extra "bonus" visuals from around and on the Silver Muse.  Happy to answer any questions related to this enjoyable ship.  Might have more visuals to share later.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 29,520 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

Here is a view of the Tor's Observation Library during our Hubbard Glacier sail-in.  Normally, this area is not very crowded or busy.  Second was the set-up in this area during a reception for the previous Silversea sailing members.  :

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Here are a couple of wine options that we really enjoyed during our sailing.  Each evening, they will have some "standard pours" being offered at dinner.  If these options do not fit your taste and/or desires, don't be shy!!  Ask for other potentials that might work better.  Or, a wine that you had enjoyed and liked earlier on the sailing.  The staff is good and flexible, but that first choice offered is not always the best to fit your interests.:

 

 

The Silver Muse has many nice open observation areas such as here when we were visiting the Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.  Fortunately, things do not get too crowded on this ship.:

 

From La Terrazza's evening menu, here are three quick snaps to give a small sampling of the many possible treats at this nice but noise-filled location.:

 

 

[worldtraveller99]

Brilliant Terry, thank you so much! All looks lovely! So there never was a list of the included wines? Presumably there was a list of the paid wines?

[QueSeraSera]

Thank you Terry.  With a little more than a week to go, I'm really enjoying these posts on SS board!  Incidentally, I'm reading A Magnificent Catastrophe by Dr. Larson (even though he won't be on our cruise), very interesting book and I'm learning a few things.

[bigmjh]

Thanks, Terry ... as always, great pictures! We'll be boarding in a little over two weeks from now and looking forward to sailing with SS once again ... and seeing the locations that you photographed so beautifully.

[cruisetheworld67]

Terry   enjoying your photos.  A  quick  question.  On page 4 you  mentioned that  you enjoyed an early breakfast in your

suite since you needed to be in the Venetian Lounge  that morning by 7 am.   Your Butler Janice  arranged this.

 

Did you need to tell her the night before and let her know what you wanted to order?

 

How does that work?

[Stumblefoot]

2 hours ago, cruisetheworld67 said:

How does that work?

Works just like a hotel.  Either hang your choices on the door knob before you fall asleep, or just call room service when you wake up.  Simple as that!

[TLCOhio]

14 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

Works just like a hotel.  Either hang your choices on the door knob before you fall asleep, or just call room service when you wake up.  Simple as that!

 

Very good question from cruisetheworld67 and appreciate the excellent, helpful response above from Stumblefoot.  Agreed, we just filled out the night before our request/form as to our our morning breakfast needs and hung it outside.  Worked perfectly, especially on this final day on the ship when we needed to be "up and at it" so very early that morning.

 

Sorry for my delay in responding.  Was tied up yesterday with some various work/meetings.  Catching up today.  Have more visuals and details to share.  Stay tuned and keep up such great sharing on this thread.  Don't be shy with any info needs, questions, comments, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 27,593 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

On 8/26/2019 at 12:07 PM, QueSeraSera said:

Thank you Terry.  With a little more than a week to go, I'm really enjoying these posts on SS board!  Incidentally, I'm reading A Magnificent Catastrophe by Dr. Larson (even though he won't be on our cruise), very interesting book and I'm learning a few things.

 

Good luck to QueSeraSera with your upcoming cruise.  Glad you have enjoyed reading Dr. Larson's book on the tough and nasty 1800 election battle between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  I was surprised to learn that Adams died at age 90 and Jefferson at age 83.  For that point in medical history, those were long, LONG lives.  Both, uniquely died on the same date, July 4, 1826.  That was the 50th anniversary of the signing for the famed Declaration of Independence.  In 1800 and during these periods of history, it was a bad, competitive relationship between these two.  BUT, later, they healed their difference and created a later friendship.  It was "touch-and-go" during these these late 1700's as American was a very young, divided nation that managed to hold it "together".  

 

As mentioned earlier, Dr. Larson will have his newest book coming out in early 2020 on George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.  It will be about their relationships over many decades and how these two were the most important people during the American Revolution and for the start of our country.  At our dinner, Dr. Larson shared a number of interesting items about both of these great leaders, their styles, connections, etc.

 

Did added checking in my photo files and have a number of additional visuals that have not been posted previously.  Below is group one.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Here is more from the Silver Muse, including one of the nice-looking desserts during our initial lunch at La Terrazza.:

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Initial sail-aways are always fun.  From Vancouver it was even better as this location is so scenic.  You definitely want to be up on the top deck of the Silver Muse for that interesting event/opportunity.:

 

 

Here is an interior view with nice floors on the Silver Muse.  Second is one of the dessert from dining in the evening at La Terrazza.  Third is inside the casino on this ship.  Casinos are not my personal "thing:, but it's small and available for those with those interests:

 

 

[Daveywavey70]

Was the casino manager telling you off there Terry? I Don't think you're allowed to photograph in the Casino. He told me off too!

[Stumblefoot]

8 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

Was the casino manager telling you off there Terry?

 

Ha!  My OCD is definitely on the same wavelength as yours as I noticed the same thing in the pic. 😄

Edited August 29, 2019 by Stumblefoot

[Daveywavey70]

18 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

 

Ha!  My OCD is definitely on the same wavelength as yours as I noticed the same thing in the pic. 😄

 

Haha, He really was a grump! I Thought it was just me he was scowling at because I came away with $2100!

[TLCOhio]

23 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

Was the casino manager telling you off there Terry? I Don't think you're allowed to photograph in the Casino. He told me off too!

 

Both of you have very sharp eyes and strong attention to details.  Maybe he was saying "HI!!" to me and being friendly.  Or, maybe something else??  I did not see a sign prohibiting pictures and he did not make me erase the picture.  Oh, well, it's free advertising for the casino!!  And, often, people ask questions about the casino.  There another saying about "Inquiring minds want to know!".

 

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 248,437 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

2 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

Haha, He really was a grump! I Thought it was just me he was scowling at because I came away with $2100!

 

$2100 is BIG MONEY.  Congratulations.  With me, he might have been unhappy that I was not gambling and he did not gain any of my money.  He should have been happy that I did not play and take any of the casino's money.  As I recall, our CD would make announcements after the shows each evening about the casino being open and encouraging "DONATIONS"!  We smartly passed on that "opportunity"!

 

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 237,153 views.

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

[jpalbny]

Haha you guys. Haven't been in a casino on any SS vessel in ages. Kinda forgot that they even had them! 😂

[TLCOhio]

18 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Haha you guys. Haven't been in a casino on any SS vessel in ages. Kinda forgot that they even had them! 😂

 

Fun follow-up from J.P.  For us, also, the casino is not of any importance.  It's a fairly small foot-print for this space that must reflect that only a small percentage of the passengers participate there.  

 

Have below some additional pictures from our trip.  Following closely the hurricane getting ready to hit Florida early Tuesday morning.  Our best to those in the Sunshine State. 

 

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 224,215 views.

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

 

Here is an additional view from Vancouver's fun Granville Island with a small sampling of the exciting skyline in this interesting city that merit added time there with pre- or post-cruise activities.:

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Here is another sample for the evening entertainment, plus three different views/angles of the Silver Muse exterior.  This includes an angle from our airplane at Juneau after doing our flight-seeing experience over the five glaciers.:

 

 

 

 

At Hubbard Glacier, here are a couple of added views, including the wind doing tricks on my out-of-control hair.  Sorry, not so pretty!  It was somewhat cold at this location, but not too bad.  Fortunately, we passed through the fog and had nice sunshine at this super scenic spot. Overall, we had pretty good luck with our weather and dodging the rain, etc.:

 

 

On our way to Denali, here is another visual featuring the four-time race winner explaining details about this intense test as they travel along this 1,049 mile routing.  In the background is the race route, plus on the left an example of the protective suit that the driver wears to fend off the extreme cold.:

[TLCOhio]

Earlier, I had given a few items of background and history for Alaska.  Today, I wanted to "catch-up" and provide more detailed depth about this unique and different state.  Hope this info is of interest and informative. 

 

Alaska is just across the Bering Strait from Asia and Russia’s Siberia. The Canadian province of British Columbia and territory of Yukon border the state to the east and southeast. To the north are the southern parts of the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest. It is the largest U.S. state by area and the seventh largest subnational division in the world. In addition, per Wikipedia, it is the 3rd least populous and the most sparsely populated of the fifty states in the U.S.  It is by far the most populous territory located mostly north of the 60th parallel in North America: its population—estimated at 738,432 by the United States Census Bureau in 2015 is more than quadruple the combined populations of Northern Canada and Greenland. Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska's economy is dominated by the fishing, natural gas and oil industries, resources which it has in abundance. United States armed forces bases and tourism are also a significant part of the economy.

 

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million or approximately two cents per acre. This area went through several administrative changes before becoming organized as a territory on May 11, 1912. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959.  Hawaii become the 50th state on August 21, 1959.

 

SIZE?:  Alaska is the largest state in the U. S. at 663,268 square miles, over twice the size of Texas, the next largest state. Alaska is larger than all but 18 sovereign countries. Counting territorial waters, Alaska is larger than the combined area of the next three largest states: Texas, California, and Montana. It is also larger than the combined area of the 22 smallest U.S. states.  That’s large AND big!!  With its many islands, Alaska has nearly 34,000 miles of tidal shoreline.  Alaska has more than three million lakes.  Glacier ice covers about 28,957 square miles of Alaska.  The Bering Glacier is the largest glacier in North America, covering 2,008 square miles.

 

According to an October 1998 report by the United States Bureau of Land Management, approximately 65% of Alaska is owned and managed by the U.S. federal government as public lands, including a multitude of national forests, national parks and national wildlife refuges.   Of the remaining land area, the state of Alaska owns 101 million acres, its entitlement under the Alaska Statehood Act. A portion of that acreage is occasionally ceded to organized boroughs (subdivisions like counties). Smaller portions are set aside for rural subdivisions and other homesteading-related opportunities.  The University of Alaska, as a land grant university, also owns substantial acreage which it manages independently.  Another 44 million acres are owned by twelve regional, and scores of local, Native corporations created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971.

 

Yes, various private interests own the remaining land, but that only totals about one percent of the state. Alaska is, by a large margin, the state with the smallest percentage of private land ownership when Native corporation holdings are excluded.

 

The 1968 discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the 1977 completion of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, it led to an Alaska oil boom. Royalty revenues from oil have funded large state budgets from 1980 onward. That same year, not coincidentally, Alaska repealed its state income tax.  But, as more oil discoveries have happened recently in North Dakota, Texas and Canada, not as much oil has been pumped from Alaska.  That has shrunk their state’s revenue and caused some current fiscal pressures affecting their Alaska budget/spending options. While there, we learned that the latest Alaska Governor, just elected in November 2018, is already under pressure of a potential re-call election as their legislature considers needing to cut that tax rebate that had been $3,000 per person from the oil profits to the state.  BUT, that revenue is down and there are battles as to how to adjust economically.

 

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race that starts near Anchorage and ends in Nome is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March. Mushers and a team of 14 dogs, of which at least 5must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 8–15 days. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today's highly competitive race. The current record for this race is a little over eight days of time to complete this endurance race covering 1,049 miles.  The most famous event in the history of Alaskan mushing is the 1925 serum run to Nome, known as the "Great Race of Mercy." It occurred when a large diphtheria epidemic threatened Nome. Because Nome's supply of antitoxin had expired, they sent out telegrams seeking a fresh supply of antitoxin. The nearest antitoxin was found to be in Anchorage, nearly one thousand miles away. The only way to get the antitoxin to Nome was by sled dog as planes could not be used and ships would be too slow.  That is the “history/tradition” behind this famed race and why it is so very important within Alaska.

 

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 84,973 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the upscale Town and Country magazine last week, they had this headline: “Explore the Last Frontier of Luxury Travel In the U.S.: Alaska” with this sub-head: "It's as exotic as you can get without bringing your passport along."

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “Alaska is paradise for those who crave adventure. Picture soaring peaks swathed in sheets of ice with craggy faces begging to be climbed; endless slopes of fresh powder with thousands of vertical feet untouched by previous skiers; freshwater streams carving through untouched pine forests and filled with salmon ripe for catching. To experience those elements, though, you’ve got to venture beyond the cruise ports.  Tourism is on the rise in the Last Frontier: The state hosted 1.93 million visitors in 2017, a 4 percent increase over 2016, and tourism rates have increased by 26 percent over the past decade.  It’s still true that most of those visitors do come via cruise ship. But as ground zero for activities like heli-skiing, ice climbing, and glacier hiking, Alaska is also attracting adventurers with money to burn exploring the most exciting terrain in the United States.”.

 

Agree on the need and value for getting beyond just the cruise ship port.  For us, our Juneau flying over the five glaciers out to Taku Lodge was one of the key, top highlights during our trip.  Push your limits in Alaska . . . and do more than just the routine or average.  Be creative in researching and planning your options. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/a28705585/alaska-luxury-travel/

 

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 64,417 views:

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

[TLCOhio]

Here’s a little more “bonus” or added follow-up coverage and background.  Maybe too many details/depth, but am sharing here to assist others with their future planning.  For Ketchikan, as noted earlier, our time in port was limited.  Only docked 7 am to 2 pm.   We had set-up a cruise line tour going to Misty Fjords by ship.  Many pro/con factors involved in that choice, including for how the weather can be challenging and uncertain in this port when we visited.   Basically four of the 4.5 hours was spent going there and coming back.    Did not see any wildlife that day.  Misty Fjords was interesting, but rather . . . “MISTY” with the clouds, moisture, etc.  In hindsight, a fly-over might have been more interesting and time-saving and more costly, but we were going to do such an aerial excursion during our next day.  Such flights, like with this boat excursion, can be a “roll of the dice” as to what you will see and experience.

 

Overall, I would rate Ketchikan as about fourth of the four Alaska ports we visited in this region.  Somewhat interesting and good, but not the best compared to what we did and experienced in Juneau, Sitka and Skagway.  It was interesting and an opening “introduction” to Alaska.   Maybe Silversea was smart in keeping this port stop somewhat short??

 

Here is added background, info from Allen Marine Field Guide for Misty Fjord.  This was the company that provided this ship’s tour:

“Ketchikan is the 4th wettest place on earth!  It rains an average of 160 inches a year.  The greatest amount of rainfall occurs in the fall, usually in October when it can rain 31 days straight.  Residents will readily point out that there is no such thing as inclement weather, only inappropriate attire.”

 

Misty Fiords National Monument is administered by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Tongass National Forest.  This area has been in the news recently as some logging will be allowed for portions of the area here.   From Wikipedia, Misty Fiords is about 40 miles east of Ketchikan and is comprised of 2,294,343 acres in Alaska's Panhandle.  John Muir compared this area with Yosemite Valley for its similar geology and glacial morphology.  Light-colored granite, about 50 to 70 million years old has been sculpted by glaciers that gouged deep U-shaped troughs throughout the monument. Many of the glacial valleys are filled with sea water and are called "canals", but they are not man-made in any way; the walls of these valleys are near-vertical and often rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level, and drop 1,000 feet below it.  One peak rises to 6,250 feet above sea level. Most mountain tops in the monument are in the 4,000 to 5,000 foot elevation range. Tree line is usually around 2,700 feet.  Congress reserved 151,832 acres for the Quartz Hill molybdenum deposit, possibly the largest such mineral deposit in the world. The national monument was originally proclaimed by President Carter in December 1978.

 

As noted/pitched by Silversea: “Explore the second-largest wilderness region in the United States.  It is a remote area crafted by nature's forces over tens of thousands of years.  Pass by sheer granite cliffs, plunging 1000-foot waterfalls, and crystalline glacial lakes.”

 

New Eddystone Rock is a pillar of basalt. The basalt came from fractures in the floor of Behm Canal in the last five million years. The broken, haphazard texture of these basalts indicates that New Eddystone Rock was part of a volcanic vent where magma rose repeatedly to the surface of the earth.

 

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 49,332 views.

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

 

This is another view/angle for the main downtown and residential areas that rises up in Ketchikan.  Lots of shops here, but nothing too great in the opinion of Penny and Chris.:

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Here is another view of the famed New Eddystone Rock seen on the way to Misty Fjords. Being so overcast and cloudy did not make this picture look as good as if we had had a nice, sunny day.:

 

Here is the view of the cover on the brochure provided by the company taking us out to Misty Fjords.  Plus, a couple of other visuals not previously posted from this tour.:

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2019 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

Here is a little more to finish as relates to Ketchikan and Misty Fjords.  Was just on the phone with a good friend in NE Ohio who had just come back from doing their first cruise in Alaska.  Her view was "good" for the ports and options in these various Alaska areas.  As we discussed more, one key point is that with the various stops, there is a very, very wide range of options and potentials for each of the ports.  As I re-call, Silversea had 20+ options available in most of these ports.  Plus, there are other potentials to do privately and/or on-your-own.  

 

So many, many ideas to consider as to water, air, boat, extreme sport, touring, nature, eating, etc., potentials.  In Ketchikan, she did a tour going out on a smaller boat to catch some crab and then coming back and having a "crab leg dining feast".  They liked it!!!  Research and consider your many options for these various Alaska ports.   

 

From the U.S. Forest Service/USDA website:

“17,000 years ago Misty Fiords National Monument would have been covered with only one thing, massive bodies of ice. As the ice disbanded, it carved away gloriously long, deep fiords with cliffs that rise for thousands of feet. They are considered the skyscrapers of this wilderness wonderland. Travel either by boat or floatplane in Behm Canal, the major waterway through the heart of the area, and sightings of killer whales, porpoises, mountain goats, and bears could be possible. Step on the edge of the wilderness boundary, walk inward, and be surrounded by Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar trees. Unique geological features such as mineral springs and volcanic lava flows can be found deep within this wilderness monument. Voyage closer toward the Canadian border through the many king salmon spawning streams, or through the sky and see what remains of the ice (now only in the form of glaciers) that once created this current mystic landscape.”

 

Wilderness Challenges: “People are lured into Alaska for its beauty and excitement but remember it is also very unforgiving. Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness is within a temperate rainforest where the average summer temperatures are between 45-65oF. Be prepared with the appropriate clothing, safety equipment, shelter supplies, and water purifying devices for a cool and frequently overcast climate.”

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 46,807 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 are some additional visuals from in and around Misty Fjords, including proof as to why it is so named.  Look misty??? The third picture shows one of the planes flying over as we were on our boat.:

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Below is one of the graphics on a t-shirt to represent some of the local tribes in Alaska.  Around 20% of the population in Alaska has native connections and they view that history/tradition as very important.  On our ship to Misty Fjords was an artist from that tribe who was doing some of her crafts and talking with passengers.  Nice design touches with this graphic!:

 

In coming back to Ketchikan, below are a few more visuals, including showing the large Disney ship that docked next to our Silver Muse.  Second is one of the below-water views of a star-fish type of creature seen in Alaska.  Nice, interesting color and shape.  Third is another angle on the outdoor sculpture next to our ship to reflect the local history in Ketchikan.:

 

 

[QueSeraSera]

Thank you Terry.  Your posts have provided a wonderful window into what cruising on SS will be like.  As have the posting of others who have posted blogs and made useful comments (too many to mention all, so forgive my failure to be complete but here's looking at you @jpalbny @rich48100 @Daveywavey70 @Rachel G @Observer @Stumblefoot @Lois R phil + many others)  Our flight to Vancouver is 2 days away, boarding the Muse 3 days from now.  I'm feeling a lot of excitement with maybe a tinge of nervousness still hanging around that is not anyone's fault but my own.  It may be more related to the flight delays I'm seeing out of Richmond today, I suppose due to Dorian.  Anyway, thank you all, about to get busy packing and checking flights.  And if the vibe on board is anything like the vibe on this board, @JsJourneys I think you ought to go with Silversea (I'll let you know after the cruise)

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, QueSeraSera said:

Thank you Terry.  Your posts have provided a wonderful window into what cruising on SS will be like.  As have the posting of others who have posted blogs and made useful comments (too many to mention all, so forgive my failure to be complete but here's looking at you @jpalbny @rich48100 @Daveywavey70 @Rachel G @Observer @Stumblefoot @Lois R phil + many others)  Our flight to Vancouver is 2 days away, boarding the Muse 3 days from now.  I'm feeling a lot of excitement with maybe a tinge of nervousness still hanging around that is not anyone's fault but my own.  It may be more related to the flight delays I'm seeing out of Richmond today, I suppose due to Dorian.  Anyway, thank you all, about to get busy packing and checking flights.  And if the vibe on board is anything like the vibe on this board, @JsJourneys I think you ought to go with Silversea (I'll let you know after the cruise)

 

Appreciate your wonderful comments, update and follow-up.  On behalf of all of the Cruise Critic "All-Stars" you mentioned by namein your message, we wish you good luck and great weather for your flights from Virginia and arriving safely in Vancouver.  YES, we hope you will share much information and details about your Silver Muse sailing, what you enjoyed most in Alaska, etc., etc.  Don't be shy!! We look forward to hearing much more from you after your cruise adventure..  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 46,428 views.    

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia late last year, they had this headline: “The world's greatest train journeys” with this sub-head: "FIVE AMAZING CLASSIC TRAIN JOURNEYS".  This was their opening story summary: "There's something magical about a journey by train. Sometimes the magic is inside – in a restaurant car with white tablecloths. Sometimes the magic is outside, in the landscape the train traverses – an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.  I've been hooked on the magic of train travel since the tender age of 13."

 

Here are the highlights related to our pre-cruise adventure in doing the two-day Rocky Mountaineer train: “Crossing the wild Rocky Mountains along a pioneering 19th-century railroad, this journey is all at once a geological field trip, a sightseeing adventure and a wildlife safari. It promises cinematic views plus a bevy of engineering marvels, and you might spy a bald eagle, moose or grizzly bear.”

 

During our journey from Jasper to Vancouver in late July 2019, we did not see much wildlife, but that various mountains, wild river, etc., scenery was super amazing.  

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/the-worlds-greatest-train-journeys-h187ix

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 46,413 views.

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

 

From this Australian newspaper profile, here is one of the pictures used to illustrate the value of doing the Rocky Mountaineer rain adventure in Western Canada.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

On 9/2/2019 at 8:03 PM, QueSeraSera said:

Thank you Terry.  Your posts have provided a wonderful window into what cruising on SS will be like.  Our flight to Vancouver is 2 days away, boarding the Muse 3 days from now.  I'm feeling a lot of excitement with maybe a tinge of nervousness still hanging around that is not anyone's fault but my own. 

 

For our Cruise Critic board friend from Virginia's Capital City, are you now on the Silver Muse and waiting for your sailing away later today from Vancouver??  Understand there was a serious mechanical issue causing you to be delayed and needing to skip Ketchikan.  Would love to hear more from you, how passengers are adjusting to this development, etc.  Look forward to any and all info. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 32,058 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008