What we did on HAL Alaska Cruise July 19'

[Alaska2019cruiser]

I just booked two more cruises (Canada & Europe) and am using these boards. It then occurred to me I never went back after we cruised Alaska to help anyone out with what we did for excursions! So consider this a pay it forward post! 

 

We traveled with our two sons (at the time age 16 & 11) and my in-laws (70's) 

 

We sailed on the HAL Amsterdam (Neptune Suites) which we ALL LOVED that ship! But that is a different post. 

For excursions:

Started in Seattle: Woke up early and hit the public market, saw flying fish, gumwall. Lots of fun!
 

Ketchikan - We did a private Salmon fishing trip for the 6 of us (1K total). It was beautiful to be on the water but since both my husband, kids, and father in law love to fish they weren't into having the pole handed to them after the fish was hooked. I myself was very grateful as holy moly it's hard to reel a salmon in! We (not really) caught a lot. We had it frozen and shipped to us. I guess it was our fish that we got but who really knows. It was so awesome to have a souvenir once we were home of that trip. It was pricey, sort of worth it for the fishing, but the views were great! Lots of eagles! 

Then when we had the van drop us off at the top of the crooked lane and walked and popped into shops. Got some canned salmon (awesome!) and hats. Then got back on cruise ship. Really cute town! 

 

Skagway- Grizzly Zipling Tours- WE LOVED THIS!!! Our personal fav! (my in laws did not do this; they did the train which they said was long and a bit scary at times) For us, ziplining was by far our favorite. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! You get views, views, views, a meadow filled with wildflowers, waterfalls, and light adventure! It wasn't that scary and I hate heights and any activity that asks my weight! 

Juneau - Mendehall Glacier- It was cool, very nice attraction. Not a huge wow! this is Alaska; more of a wow national park visitor center. Sad how much it has melted. We learned a lot. We then stopped in Red Dog Saloon (a MUST!) Such great laughs! Then had king Crab Legs right on the dock in a restaurant which were enormous!!!! 

Victoria - Such a brief spot, we just walked around. So pretty and really wish we were there longer. 

Back to Seatlle- We did the space needle, a tour, ate gooey duck. 

If anyone has questions, just ask! 

Edited March 9, 2023 by Alaska2019cruiser

[Ferry_Watcher]

Sadly, in the four years between your 2019 cruise and your review, the lovely Amsterdam, was sold by HAL

[Coral]

43 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

Sadly, in the four years between your 2019 cruise and your review, the lovely Amsterdam, was sold by HAL

Bad COVID. Some of my favorite ships were sold off also.

 

Thanks for the review!

Edited March 9, 2023 by Coral

[Ferry_Watcher]

59 minutes ago, Coral said:

Some of my favorite ships were sold off

 

I was so fortunate to have had sailed on the Amsterdam in 2019.  We will be on the Zaandam later this year.  Love those smaller ships.

[Alaska2019cruiser]

Oh, I didn’t realize. 😢
 

We’re doing the Zaandam this year b/c it reminded me of the Amsterdam.

 

we’ve done a couple of mega cruises; none of us liked it! 
 

The smaller ships are a treasure. 

[ski_mom]

Thank you for the review - we are trying to get our plans finalized for this summer!