Live Review Eurodam Alaska April 29 - May 6 2023 Seattle Roundtrip

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, BuddyBee said:

Very glad to hear they have installed a library.  There was one when we first sailed with HAL in 2019 and were sad to see that there was not one when we sailed in 2022.  It was our favorite spot on the ship.

Yes, we've missed the libraries, too, and are happy to see them returning. Not sure why they feel it necessary to leave all the empty cubbies in Explorations Central which had games and a few books...

DH got a really big book to read and is halfway through it. He took a picture of the front of it so if he doesn't finish, he can get it at home. Selection seems to be pretty good with several copies of each book. Drop box to return is just inside the door.

[Denise T]

Awesome pictures! Getting me more excited for my cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam. 

[Haljo1935]

Good morning  - we're entering Tongass Narrows as we near Ketchikan. 

[Haljo1935]

19 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

From yesterday - Welcome to Sitka! 

First pictures are early yesterday morning as we were just coming into Sitka Sound. It is so peaceful here - sunrise was lovely. 

Few pictures from around Sitka, which is a bike-friendly, dog-friendly town. The new welcome center was nice, ypu still go through the old one when returning to the ship.

There are excursions available  Downtown at the shuttle drop.

View of the church with mountain behind is lovely  - clouds rolled in as the day went by eventually blocking the mountain. 

Remember to get fresh popcorn at the Lutheran church - we didn't have room, but did get coffee just inside the littleshop next to it. There are unique fish shaped bike racks outside.

[Haljo1935]

More pictures from Sitka yesterday:

Enjoyed coffee at A Little Something just next to the Lutheran church. It's inside a "mall" with little shops - has fish shaped bike racks out front.

There's a pretty dark blue coat at the fur store if you have an extra $17k - we passed, so it may still be available 😀 

Flowers in bloom at the harbor across from the shuttle drop. Mountain in the background sure makes a nice view.

Sitka is very walkable (reminder free shuttle runs continuously throughout the day to/from ship & Downtown) with a variety of restaurants. The Russian influence is evident in the food options as well as in the shops. This is the place to buy nesting dolls and Christmas ornaments. A very nice variety of handmade jewelry, gifts and shirts - lots of artisans. 

Last few pictures are from our balcony looking over the port as we prepared to say goodbye to Sitka.

Weather held - just started to drizzle as we got back to the ship. There is a courtesy cart to get you to/from the ship & the welcome center if you want/need. We didn't use it, but would also be handy if you're prone to shopping 😉 

 

 

[Haljo1935]

Sunrise through Tongass Narrows coming into Ketchikan has been lovely (seem to be giving that word a workout - open to suggestions for alternatives, lol). The water is very still, balcony is such a peaceful place (using the HAL provided blanket plus my jacket) - sure wish Explorations Central was open this time of day. Is it too early for wine? Need something to enjoy on the balcony. 

Miss the wake views from the aft balconies, but these views are still stunning and camera-worthy. Slightly envious of those who were able to snag the afts 😘🤧 but this slightly forward deck 6 SS from a lowest level balcony guarantee is quite enjoyable and proof last minute guarantees can pay off!! Thanks again @Denise T for your Live thread - it was the inspiration for this booking!!

Edited May 4, 2023 by Haljo1935
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[Haljo1935]

Good morning, Ketchikan!! 

[Haljo1935]

Waiting on clearance to leave ship - looks to be a beautiful day in Ketchikan!

[Haljo1935]

No excursions booked for today - we'll just wander the town and eat a quick lunch at Annabelle's before a very early 12:20 All Aboard.

Usually 🌧 🌦 when we're here, so we do an ATV ride on old abandoned logging trails - the wetter, the better. But since this is a very short stop, we decided to not do the ATV. Mother Nature seems to approve as we've been blessed with a clear, dry day. ☀️🌞🌝

[Denise T]

2 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Sunrise through Tongass Narrows coming into Ketchikan has been lovely (seem to be giving that word a workout - open to suggestions for alternatives, lol). The water is very still, balcony is such a peaceful place (using the HAL provided blanket plus my jacket) - sure wish Explorations Central was open this time of day. Is it too early for wine? Need something to enjoy on the balcony. 

Miss the wake views from the aft balconies, but these views are still stunning and camera-worthy. Slightly envious of those who were able to snag the afts 😘🤧 but this slightly forward deck 6 SS from a lowest level balcony guarantee is quite enjoyable and proof last minute guarantees can pay off!! Thanks again @Denise T for your Live thread - it was the inspiration for this booking!!

I am so glad you are having a great time. I am so excited to go on my cruise and see Alaska too. 

Edited May 4, 2023 by Denise T
Spelling error

[Haljo1935]

Beautiful sunny day, 52, occasional breeze. Nice weather for walking Creek Street.

[Haljo1935]

Enjoying a cappuccino from Local Grounds in the whale park while we wait for All Aboard. 

Local Grounds has a decent menu - I only captured one side of the menu.

Edited May 4, 2023 by Haljo1935
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[Haljo1935]

Back on board still enjoying the beautiful 52(F) almost clear blue sky day. Haven't seen any Pier Runners yet, but there's still time, lol.

Well, thanks to a little internet glitch, I lost the original pictures and we've since left.

But it was a nice final view of the pier, nonetheless, and sail away is gorgeous. 

We're headed to our final port, Victoria BC. It will be a very quick stop for dinner, as we're only there 8pm - midnight.

We're having candied bacon in the Pinnacle tonight - yummy!!

Edited May 4, 2023 by Haljo1935
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[Haljo1935]

23 hours ago, BuddyBee said:

Thanks for the info. We don't spend nuch time in the casino either, so no need for you to "take a peek". There's so much else to see and do.

Happened to go through the 🎰 casino today (to avoid the elevator mob delay getting back on board in Ketchikan). The upgrades are obvious- it is definitely bigger with some fancy new machines. There is also a smaller section with doors that looks like it could be closed off for smoking.

[Haljo1935]

Just returned from the thermal pool; while relaxing in a ceramic chair (I love those things - can I get one delivered?) I was treated to a very nice dolphin show.

We crossed into Canada about an hour ago and were told we'd likely see an increase in wildlife. If that's it, they were right on schedule, lol.

No pictures since I was in the spa, but it was nice.

Tonight is Pinnacle Grill and candied bacon, so no more spa tonight. Tomorrow I'll do at least 2 final visits as we don't get into Victoria BC until 8pm. Can't visit the spa Sat am since we'll be disembarking, so I will make the most of my time there tomorrow. 

And still need to visit FCC to book my next Alaskan adventure!!

[oakridger]

You sure are going above and beyond with your posts and beautiful pictures!  You certainly were lucky in Ketchikan with the weather.  I think it's rained (as it does!) on the last 5 times I've been there.  

 

Thanks again and I'll keep watching for more!

 

~Nancy

[Haljo1935]

11 hours ago, oakridger said:

You sure are going above and beyond with your posts and beautiful pictures!  You certainly were lucky in Ketchikan with the weather.  I think it's rained (as it does!) on the last 5 times I've been there.  

~Nancy

@oakridger Hey, Nancy - figured if I was going to get internet and do a live review, I should really do it 🙂

Yes it always rains on us,, too,, when we're in Ketchikan which is great for doing the ATV excursion. But since we weren't doing it this time, we weren't sure how fun walking around in the rain would be, lol. So we were thrilled to have the beautiful weather.

This morning is overcast and really looks like it could rainy any moment. We have company in our clouds...

[Haljo1935]

Crabs and Restrooms (oh my - that could be a bad combination, 😆) Meant to post this yesterday - the menu from Ketchikan Crab & Go for anyone needing a crab fix. Pinnacle Grill does not have crab on the menu, so this is your place to get it. It's inside the Salmon Landing Market "mall" downstairs near the bear; restrooms are upstairs.

 

Edited May 5, 2023 by Haljo1935
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[oakridger]

I wonder how the Ketchikan Crab and Go prices compare to Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau?  

[MisterMatthew]

Thank you so much for posting... really enjoying your insight.

 

I will be on that ship May 20.  Again, thanks!!!

 

---misterMatthew

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, oakridger said:

I wonder how the Ketchikan Crab and Go prices compare to Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau?  

Didn't find a clean copy of the entire menu, but here's what I did find. Tracy's doesn't really list pound prices that I could find except for the Brown King crab.

[Haljo1935]

Just got into Victoria alongside the Volendam. Raining g so we're not taking the shuttle to town - no Irish Times Pub for us tonight. We will instead be eating final dinner in MDR.

Bags are packed - ready to go into the hall. Deadline is midnight- we packed anticipating going into Victoria but changed our minds - think this is the earliest I've ever packed at the end of a cruise. 😪🤧

We

[Blackduck59]

I'm sorry the weather didn't cooperate for your stop in Victoria. It is the start of beer week today, and there are many beer themed things going on. I've enjoyed reading your thread, thanks for your reports.

Too bad you have such a short visit.

Edited May 6, 2023 by Blackduck59

[slidergirl]

4 hours ago, oakridger said:

I wonder how the Ketchikan Crab and Go prices compare to Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau?  

Tracy was $70/lb for one type and $75/lb for another.  I’m on the Eurodam too.

 

I did pickup my Soho Coho Tshirt - the one outside the front door.  Looks a lot like one I have from a Lyle Lovett concert.   And I saw some old bottles and glass insulator caps through the window at Sam McGees.  I collect the insulator caps, so it was one bright spot in Ketchikan to find a bunch of them and buy one.  Too early for fish in the fish ladder, I was sad at that.  Watching the fish fight up the ladder is fun to watch.  

We’re docked in Victoria next to the Volendam.  She looks like a nice little ship.

[Haljo1935]

Norwegian Bliss also came in, so there are at least 3 of us here; although, I can't see the NB from my balcony (we're port side next to the Volendam), but did see her pulling in during dinner. Volendam looks pretty all lit up.

Of course, it looks like the rain has stopped, but we'll still not go into Victoria. We like eating at Irish Times Pub and already ate on the ship since we thought we would not be getting off.

DH had salmon (again) in MDR - said it was good. I was finally able to get mint chocolate chip ice cream - it's not offered every night. Tip if you have a favorite ice cream: ask your server each night what flavors they have as they do rotate nightly.

Now for logistics of disembarkation: we are doing Port Valet, so we will not need to claim luggage at airport tomorrow morning. However, we did get charged $40 which Guest Services cannot remove - they have to send an email and we won't know until we see final CC charges whether or not it was removed. That charge was not there before dinner, so be sure to check your statement late enough for everything to hit, but early enough to address discrepancies; Guest Services is open 24 hours; the line was short but moved very slowly. With Port Valet and SeaTac transfer, we are in group B, 8am disembark time, breakfast at Lido starting 6am or MDR 630; there is no room service.

I'll do a final post in the morning to advise of any changes and how disembarkation went.

I already miss Alaska! 🤧😪