Live and life from Nieuw Amsterdam's third Alaska sailing

[Florida_gal_50]

Glad you enjoyed your dinner at Canaletto.  I found it to be mediocre in the past but in the last while they have really stepped up their game.  It was exceptionally good on the n statendam in November 2019.  I enjoyed it more than the pinnacle.

[rafinmd]

Congratulations on your 33 years.

 

Roy

[Tbay]

Happy Anniversary, Maria and John.  Lovely pictures.

[StLouisCruisers]

Happy 33rd Anniversary to you and Maria!  It's been so fun to read about your anniversary celebration cruise this week.  Thank you so much!

[Mr. Boston]

Happy Anniversary to you and your wife!

[Copper10-8]

8 hours ago, zelker said:

@Copper10-8  John, would you be so kind as to ask the NL Concierge if he has a sheet with the current pricing for the internet (the ones I've been given in the past break it out by daily cost up to and through 31+ days and shows it for all 3 levels) ... and if you are able to get it, can you please post it! 

 

Thank you!  And enjoy your last day on board.

 

 

I've got my hands on a sheet for ya! Prob no time to post it until after we get home 

[echoshipmate]

John, I suspect I am not the only one that remembers your above and beyond duties when you met and escorted the elderly couple through LAX upon their return from the ill fated WC last year on behalf of their worrying daughter in FLA.

That, was an exceptional moment of compassion and humanity.

Thanks

Doug

[woodworker&knitter]

John and Maria Happy 33rd Anniversary, all the best for many more💐🎉🍾🎊❤️

[tjcox9]

6 minutes ago, echoshipmate said:

John, I suspect I am not the only one that remembers your above and beyond duties when you met and escorted the elderly couple through LAX upon their return from the ill fated WC last year on behalf of their worrying daughter in FLA.

That, was an exceptional moment of compassion and humanity.

Thanks

Doug

Yes, more dittos on that. A really special highlight in the dark time with which we were dealing. 

 

[Nancy&Frank]

John & Maria Happy 33rd Anniversary.  Thank you for letting me sail

vicariously through your posts this week. Safe home and be well 💕

[trixiee]

On 8/12/2021 at 12:20 PM, Lunar Dragon said:

Ja zeker!  I can even say:   schots en scheve Scheveningse schuitjes 😂

OMG!  So making me  pronounce Scheveningese is not just my Dad's little joke?  This is really a "thing"?

🙂 LOL! 

[Copper10-8]

Thursday - Ketchikan, AK

 

After departing Sitka via Sumner Strait, Snow Pass and Clarence Strait, Nieuw A entered, then came chugging down southbound Tongass Narrows bright and early around 0500 hrs., passed Guard Island, eventually Ketchikan International Airport (four daily Alaska AL flights), and then got ready to take her place at Berth #1, out of the four cruise ship berths, along Front Street in downtown Ketchikan. We were safely docked port side alongside by 0700 hrs with two gangways out

 

 

Ketchikan is proof that you can build a city on fish alone. The city was established in 1887 when a salmon cannery was built at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek. For a look into Ketchikan’s past, take a stroll in the Creek Street Historic District, Alaska’s most notorious red-light district from 1902 until 1954. This zigzagging boardwalk on pilings above Ketchikan Creek supported at least 30 “sporting houses” at its height. Today, the old houses have been converted into small shops and businesses. Even Dolly’s House, where infamous Madam Dolly Copeland Arther lived from 1919 to 1970, is now a museum.

 

Today, fishermen and loggers still contribute to a colorful atmosphere in the cafes and bars around the waterfront. Outside of the city limits, Ketchikan is situated at the conjunction of three cultures; Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshan. Highlighting their strong native connections to the community are features like the Totem Heritage Cultural Center, the Totem Bight State Park and the Saxman Totem Park. Ketchikan is also the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, a remarkable protected wilderness area that has been sculpted by glaciers that gouged its deep U-shaped fjords and the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest. With its rich history and spectacular geographical location, Ketchikan has something to offer all its visitors

 

After breakfast, it was a beautiful day in Ketchikan, btw, we relaxed and had a 1030 hrs. Duck tour. A duck, besides a waterfowl, is a military amphibious transport vehicle, meaning it can operate both on lands, as well as in the water. Correctly spelled DUKW, it is a manufacturer's code and stands for D indicating the model year, 1942; U referring to the body style which is utility (amphibious); K for all-wheel drive; and W for dual rear axles 

 

So once we boarded via a ladder, our driver/captain and a second individual who functioned as guide, had a good sense of humor, and finished everyone of his jokes by laughing at himself, took off b showing us Ketchikan tourist attractions such as the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek, the salmon spawning grounds - those bad boys were in season and jumping, City Park’s fish hatchery and eagle center, Whale Park with its flowers, and infamous Creek Street marking Ketchikan’s colorful past and salty beginnings, including Dolly's House with Dolly herself standing in her doorway,

 

We then made our way towards the public launching ramp and our DUKW became a boat by splashing into the harbor and sailing in the Tongass Narrows with a look at some of the “Salmon Capital of the World's” diverse and local fishing fleet, up close views of local fishing canneries, seaplane docks and Ketchikan’s waterfront community.

 

Back on board, we relaxed until dinner time which on this Thursday evening meant a room service/in-room dining order of Tamarind "Land and Sea" (Satay sampler, white rice, wontons and shrimp) Pretty good stuff.

 

At 9:00 PM, we moseyed down to the Main Stage and watch the Step One Dance Company perform in "Musicality," another high energy production this time evolving around the various musical instruments; Well Done! This was the second, and last, of the gala nights, so we finished the night at our favorite late night gathering place, the BB King Blues Club. Friday will be our last day onboard already! Seven-Day cruises go way too fast!

 

 

 

[Florida_gal_50]

Thank you for your live from thread.  I enjoyed reading it.  Safe travels home.

[wandb]

I have loved following along as you have reviewed your week.

Happy Anniversary to you both!!

 

Have a safe trip home. 

[idiebabe]

Happy Anniversary!  Enjoyed reading your “Live”!
 

Safe Travels home!  

[erewhon]

Warmest Congratulations to you and Maria on your 33rd Anniversary, may you have many many more anniversaries in the future.

 

[CruzeQueen2]

Unusually blue skies, and a dry day, in Ketchikan - you know how blessed you were to get that! A special anniversary gift from above . Thank you for all the photos and information. Loved following along with you. 

[aliaschief]

Bag is in hallway and as we retire on our last night aboard the fog horn is blasting every two minutes as we are cruising in dense fog.

 

For us; a soothing sleep hypnotic sound.

 

Tis been a great cruise, on a great ship an crew.

 

Thanks John for taking so many along on with you on this cruise.

 

Thanks for the absolute majority who appropriately masked up and shame on you whom decided your to important to comply.

 

John and Maria safe trip home and remember your always welcomed at our home.

 

Bruce & Sue

[ATC]

2 hours ago, echoshipmate said:

John, I suspect I am not the only one that remembers your above and beyond duties when you met and escorted the elderly couple through LAX upon their return from the ill fated WC last year on behalf of their worrying daughter in FLA.

That, was an exceptional moment of compassion and humanity.

Thanks

Doug

I agree completely and I'd add your comments when the Rotterdam and Zandam met in the Pacific near Panama, did a lot of coordinating and then made their late-night high-speed run thru the Canal.

John, YOU'RE THE BEST. Thank you.

 

[ozcruizer]

Thank you, John - am so enjoying following your Alaskan cruise - one of my favourite places.  We've been there twice from Australia and would so love to go again.  BTW, happy wedding anniversary to both you and your wife - lovely couple!

[mightycruisequeen]

Happy Anniversary to you & Maria!  What a wonderful way to celebrate!

[VintageGeo]

We'd like to add our voices to the chorus of those thanking you for this Live from thread, Copper John. We've enjoyed your pictures and the chance to see the cruise through your eyes. It is always interesting to see your behind the scenes viewpoint of cruising. We appreciate your knowledge, your attention to detail, and your sense of humor. And your willingness to share all these with others to enhance their experiences. 

Wishing you and your lovely wife safe and healthy travels home.

 

Lori & George

 

[VintageGeo]

2 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Bag is in hallway and as we retire on our last night aboard the fog horn is blasting every two minutes as we are cruising in dense fog.

 

For us; a soothing sleep hypnotic sound.

 

Tis been a great cruise, on a great ship an crew.

 

Thanks John for taking so many along on with you on this cruise.

 

Thanks for the absolute majority who appropriately masked up and shame on you whom decided your to important to comply.

 

John and Maria safe trip home and remember your always welcomed at our home.

Bruce & Sue

Love the sound of the foghorn, it is relaxing.

Thank you for sharing your experiences onboard. Hope you've had an enjoyable cruise, and have a safe trip home.

 

Lori & George

 

[Lunar Dragon]

5 hours ago, trixiee said:

OMG!  So making me  pronounce Scheveningese is not just my Dad's little joke?  This is really a "thing"?

🙂 LOL! 

It is indeed!  My mother was from Amsterdam and she told me they used this during the occupation to test if someone was really Dutch or not. My Dad was a New Yorker and my Mom’s family used to ask him to say it at parties because his accent was so terrible 😂 

[tamsno]

John, you are kind, generous and so entertaining.  Thanks for taking us along.  
I’m so looking forward to Rotterdam October transatlantic.  Wish us luck that it sails. 

Safe travels

cindy