Amazing crise so far x Solsice any ?

[Snowey88]

Sorry for ghosting this thread.  The internet connection was terrible. I did not get the upgrade package.  I spent way too much time trying to do stuff on my phone.  The X app kept saying that they were putting the finishing touches on and so it was basically useless.  Worked ok before we boarded.  

 

We had a wonderful cruise.  WE are not game playing/theater people so we did not go to any shows.

 

WE spent a lot of time before dinner at the Martini bar.  We sat on the ends so we would not be so crowded but let's face it, it is a cruise.

 

We rode the elevator when empty and maybe 10% of the time when peeps were in it.  Tried to mask when could.  Never had Covid.  I decided before we left that it is what it is.

 

Oh, the Pike Market is packed and would recommend a mask.  I bought flowers to bring to the ship for $20-$30.  After the cruise, we found a nice place at the market that had good food and was not swamped.  Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar.  It is a little hard to find but that is what made it not so crowded.  Near a public restroom.  Across from Market.  I had the mixed basked, clams, shrimp, etc.  My DH found the place and called me.  I had to have a local show me where it was.  He initially stopped there for a beer but we decided to order.

 

We had quite a bit of CC so I reserved the EAgle float (Haines).  It was a HUGE job getting there for litterly nothing.  Was not happy.  I am a professional photographer and was thinking this would be the highlight of the cruise.  The operators were  all professional, not their fault. I fault Celebrity in that it was just too early to do this trip.  Nothing to see.  One eagle does not cut it for me.  I know animals don't just show up because we are there.  I have many pictures of eagles and it was basically a float trip with having to hassle with putting on boots, raincoat, getting in boat,  taking a ferry to get there and a bus ride!  It is all in the lit so I was not surprised.  X should not have started this trip at over $400 for a couple to see what you can see on the ship.  Disappointed.  

 

With that being said, we did do 14 years ago a heli landing on a glacier.  That was other worldly and worth the money.  We did the Juneau Whale watching with an ind. and were on a nice small boat.  The ride was surprisingly smooth and not many people!!  The same or cheaper than X.  We did see 3 whales but don't expect them to jump fully out of the water.  I have some nice tail photos.

 

We ended up in the MDR on day 2 with a 10 top to ourselves!  Not sure why but we loved it.  We were next to a very cool group that have been traveling for years.  It was fun to see them with their games and trinkets they brought on the ship.  We were even honored with a mini British flag, and 2 flapping butterfly thingies.

 

Ship was 1/2 full and we had plenty of room to spread out.  There were times where we ate our breakfast at the last table where the door opens on the aft in the Ocean View Cafe.  We tend to eat breakfast later than most so by the time we wanted lunch the Cafe was closing a lot of the stuff down.  Pizzia & pasta was available.  YUM.  I understand they need to get ready for dinner.  Just be aware when you decide to eat a late lunch.

 

Our waiter and staff were wonderful.  He was an X chef from the Philippines.  He was pretty all business but at the end, we did get him to warm up.  VERY efficient.  Had wonderful selections.  One of the items on the menu was Chilean Sea Bass and you would never know it because the words were not on the menu.  He recommended it but I could not find it on the menu to look at it again.  He pointed out which one it was and again nothing to indicate Sea Bass.  He asked if I wanted the skin.  Don't think so but he persuaded me to try it!!!  YUM.  They make it crunchy.  Anyway, don't dismiss what the waiters recommend and ask questions.  I love different foods and it was fun to try them.  I had escargot almost every nite.

 

Room attendant was efficient.  We are not fussy people.  We got what we needed and did not lack of anything.

 

Skagway we just got off the ship and asked a cab driver to take us somewhere.  We  settled on going to a lake and having him pick us up in 2 hours.  Around $90.  We hiked around the lake and enjoyed it.  The weather was beautiful.

 

Oh, when we got back, it was so sunny outside that we sat outside the Oceanview Cafe (aft) and that is when it happened!!!  I was looking at the mtn. and town when all of a sudden an eagle was coming my way (deck 14).  I took my small lens off and snapped on the large lens and the eagle went parallel to me and soft of hovered there!!!!!!!!!!!!  THE MOST awesome pictures!  I was rewarded!!!  If he would have went fast, it would have been blurry since I had the settings at 1000 sec.  WOW.

 

Don't miss Tracy Arm and the Glacier.  We could not get very close, however, we have been to AK 2 other times and we were not disappointed.  It was soooo beautiful.  You have to get up early to enjoy it.  We took lots of pictures.

 

I had quite a bit of CC so, I had 89 left at the end of the trip.  I had already hit the stores so I ordered the digi pkg.  I made sure we and myself got lots of pictures.  I had no intention of buying them.  Don't need prints of us, however, with the digi pkg, you can enjoy them on your device.  Glad I camped it up on some of the photos.

 

Sorry again for disappearing.  I am not sure if you get the upgraded wifi you will be much happier.  I did not let it spoil my VACAY.  My DH needs Wifi to keep in touch with his clients so it was kind of a buzz kill at times.

 

Claudia

Edited May 18, 2022 by Snowey88

[Daisydoggie]

Thanks for taking the time to post Snowey88!  I appreciate your excitement regarding your eagle encounter.  Experiencing moments like yours is what we all hope for as we look forward to cruising Alaska. Can't wait!