Live from the HAL Noordam 9/8-15 2024 Alaska Southbound

[VintageCheap]

Ketchikan is scenic.  We got a break in the rain to accomplish our two goals - the yarn shop and some spruce tip beer. 

 

The yarn shop about 3/4 of a mile away had locally dyed offerings.  Decisions had to be made.  Blue it was.

 

On the way back we found a funky waterfront bar with a view of cruise ships.  Go figure 🙂 The spruce tips vs hops beer was good and even consumed by locals.  

 

The Oceans combo got a new guitar player so was a trio again.  The sound was well practiced even though in fact it was not he just arrived.  They played a Tango. If I was in charge I would have just four in Rolling Stone and put two back in the classical place.  

 

MDR had a Gala dinner and salmon mmm.  No waiting again

 

 

Edited September 14 by VintageCheap

[VintageCheap]

We are supposed to be complaining out here.  Not finding a lot.   The blueberry pancakes were slightly over mixed at brunch but the fish sandwich was excellent.  

 

The City at Sea tagline might be borrowed but the talk was fine and many crew and officers were featured.

 

We have amazing weather and calm seas even on the outside bit of our route.  

 

The Alaska sale items were picked over the shop folks seemed happy as they need to stock up on Kiminos and Asian stuff soon

 

We apparently passed our Coast Guard inspection in Juneau.

 

Edited September 15 by VintageCheap

[VintageCheap]

We were hoping for a few more dance numbers in Ocean.  Jazz is fine but not ideal for dancing.  We walked in at 530 to a Dolly Parton song and breaking glassware.  OK then 😉 I can report the floor is just barely big enough for Country Two Step.  Counterclockwise line of dance, folks.  Pro tip: Non skid deck shoes don't slide.

 

We visited our relative and reunion leader up in his Neptune Suite on Seven Aft.   He is a perfect twin of Henry VIII so we called him King Neptune all week.  Nice digs- the balconies seem to connect.  The front desk in the Suite Lounge reportedly can fix anything.  

 

A key feature - a wall clock on Ship's Time. 

 

The inside passage is pretty.   

Edited September 15 by VintageCheap

[VintageCheap]

There was exactly no waiting for self assistance departure.  Nor in the terminal.  The Canadians have perhaps concluded if your ID has been checked a dozen times this week you might be a minimal risk.  

 

I keep missing the memo on why modern megaships are good.  This was pretty chill and felt like a vacation.

 

A few days in BC and then back to sea on Cunard. Live blog to follow there.  

 

 

[Sea42]

38 minutes ago, VintageCheap said:

There was exactly no waiting for self assistance departure.  Nor in the terminal.  The Canadians have perhaps concluded if your ID has been checked a dozen times this week you might be a minimal risk.  

 

I keep missing the memo on why modern megaships are good.  This was pretty chill and felt like a vacation.

 

A few days in BC and then back to sea on Cunard. Live blog to follow there.  

 

 

Thanks for letting us tag along with you!

Safe travels and I hope you enjoy your time in BC and on your Cunard cruise.

[Broon]

Thank you for your posts. We are boarding the NOORDAM today. 

[VintageCheap]

2 hours ago, Broon said:

Thank you for your posts. We are boarding the NOORDAM today. 

Enjoy your trip.  The former King Neptune, banished to steerage, got a serious deal on a B to B to B and can be found in Lido, port side, by the wait station.