A Golden-Grand-Slam-Outta-the-Park Alaskan Cruise! COMPLETE 7/18!!!!!!

[podsnel]

There is a very popular restaurant in Juneau called Tracy's King Crab Shack that I was NOT about to miss when we were in Alaska. I mean, who doesn't want some FRESH Alaskan King Crab Legs when you are up there? Not anyone in my family, that's for sure! They have a really good menu- to be honest, there were many, many more things I wanted to try, but you have to cut it at some point. Don't you? Ugh. Bad advice- just eat everything!



The way it works is you enter through the store, the restaurant is out back on the water. You place your order, and then find a seat until they call your order.



Pods and I were having



Here is a link to their menu- http://www.kingcrabshack.com/Crab Menu 2013 rev1.pdf


We ordered 2 Crab Shack Combos and added 2 single legs to that. They had some specials going, too, but those were with snow crab, and I am not the biggest fan of snow crab. Well, if there is Alaskan King as an option anyway! The Combos included crab bisque, garlic rolls and 4 small crab cakes (the crab cakes were just ok- the bisque and crab were crazy yummy!).







OH YEAH..........





The legs required minimum effort for maximum enjoyment.





YOU are MINE!





It was a GREAT meal, but after a quick stop in the gift store, we were ready to pack it in. We were cold. We were wet. We were tired. At least we were not hungry! To get to the dock, you need to walk to a shuttle bus which is really very close to Tracy's (again, making this a convenient stop).





I remember reading about this shuttle before our trip and wondering if we would know which one to take, but it was very self-explanatory. The distance is also walkable- but by now we were too wiped for anything as strenuous as walking!!



Once back on board? Well, the boys flew over to Vibe (OMG, they had been away from it ALL DAY LONG!!! How DID they DO it????) and Pods and I? We put on swimsuits and coverups, and went to the spa to cash in our rainforest passes. Because nothing says warm you up and relax you fully like a trip there. No pics- but we were in there over an hour, and we had the whole thing to ourselves, it was blissful. So blissful, in fact, we both took a nap! Magical!!

When I come back....Ricky Kalmon and our most amazing dinner at Palo in the history of ALL Palo dinners!

 

[KristiMc]

Those crab legs look yummy! I want to try to make it here but not sure if we will have time. Our excursion (Alpine Zipline and Glacier Adventure) is from 10:45-4:15 with an all aboard of 4:45 so unless we go there for breakfast we are going to miss it

 

[sager1969]

I love your whale pics! We made a mistake and only had a cell phone with us. My best picture all trip was of the Mendenhall glacier from our boat. Mmmmm, Tracy's.... That was honestly melt in your mouth food. Glad you had such an awesome animal sighting. Thanks for sharing!

 

[bcwife76]

Wow you got some amazing shots of those whales (well, all of your photos are amazing actually!) And man.....that meal looks YUMMY!!

 

[pillow]

Happy to see you back!!

Jodie

 

[podsnel]

I have just found this TR and looking forward to following along. Alaska is high on my bucket list but DH isn't convinced yet. (I'll get him to come around one day) All looks fantastic so far!

Welcome to my Tr and thanks for reading along! Don't give up on your DH- my DH wanted to go, but the kids didn't, and DH always thought it was really something for just us- but there were SO many incredible and amazing things to see- it just all made you feel good right down to your soul. Everyone enjoyed it immensely.

Just found your TR and read all the way through and am caught up....yay! I've read most of your other reports and you're just so darn funny and a great writer !

WOW!!! That's so kind of you!! You can DEFINITELY stay!! Thanks so much-

My co-worker was on the Princess the same week that you went to Alaska on the Wonder and am wondering if she's on the Princess boat in your background pics (probably?), and my family is going on DCL to Alaska this summer....the same week that you did so your report is really getting me excited!!! Am looking forward to the rest of your TR.

Wish I was going back- even after this winter, even with the snow STILL outside on the ground. It is just life changing, just so memorable.

I'm relieved to know that the Red Onion has chicken tenders for DS17....my son has no sense of adventure when it comes to food, but I'm sure he'll love the wall art LOL!

Yea, well, the wall art is very entertaining in the red onion, that's for sure!! I think they have chicken tenders there- but we were at Skagway Brewing for lunch (just wanted make sure you knew that).

I'll have to check our your TR for San Francisco since we're planning on going there and DL in 2016. So many trips, so little time

Thanks for posting and getting us all excited!

Tara

I agree, Sooooo many trips, soooo little time. And cash! Where are our money trees??? We all need one! I hope you enjoy that TR, too- SF is a great city with so many wonderful things to do. And they have chicken tenders there, too!

Whale watching is what I want to do most when I finally make it to Alaska. I hope you weren't disappointed.

Even in the pouring rain, it was just spectacular. I hope you get to do it yourself someday.

Tritons is a really pretty restaurant and your servers are too cute!

They were adorable. They kept telling me that they loved me and I was so beautiful and they wished I was their mother too. So cute. FB friends with both now. The Frenchie has left the line-she is living in Australia. But Luisa is still on the Wonder, although she is on break right now. She is a GREAT server, I would definitely recommend her!

The food looks delish!

So that was a Princess Cruise ship? It looked pretty cool.

More please!

Yes- that was Princess. They are VERY big in Alaska- and those were also very big ships! Trying to figure out how to do a Princess cruise, as I try to sample every line (I am booked on Carnival Vista in 2016, so that will be another one down!).

Yay caught up too.

I am one of those that always orders a sundae or Mickey bar for dessert too. I think it's the kid in me.

Who doesn't LOVE a Mickey bar??? Especially a free one???

Dinner looks delicious. I really liked the lamb on the Wonder. I am a carnivore. I didn't have any fish and not sure if I had chicken other than in my salad at Triton's for lunch one day. The meat was always prepared perfectly.

Your servers are darling.

LOVED those girls- they are so sweet!

On our last Fantasy cruise, our server brought Mike the escargot to try. Mike was horrified and wouldn't touch it. Our server was disappointed, but I told him he was trying to get a steak and potatoes only man to eat escargot. The man eats no vegetables. It just wasn't going to happen. After that, our server clearly favored me for the rest of the trip, which was completely fine (more than fine) with me, but Mike was less than thrilled.

HAHAHAHA! What would happen if he had tried it and he LIKED it?? That always cracks me up when people are afraid of food- but I know they are. Just glad I am not one of them- would miss out on a lot of pleasure that way!

My parents did the train and loved it! I think they took that out of Skagway??? They were on Princess. They really enjoyed it - their one and only cruise - us kids gave it to them for their 50th anniversary. I'm so glad we did because I don't think my Dad could do it now and it was always their dream.

Yes, the train is in Skagway. What a wonderful gift to give them, Tammie-

loving the idea of multiple desserts. Drooling is an understatement. The kids laugh that I am reading and reading about cruises, especially since I said I wouldn't ever, never, ever get on one. Oh well , things change. I wonder does crab taste fresher up there?

Yes, crab sure does taste fresher there!! It was amazing!!

I am so hungry after reading that last update....I need to get some breakfast now.....sadly it will only be yogurt

Hmmm...yogurt...king crab....yogurt...king crab....nope! Still want king crab!

 

[podsnel]

Can't wait to hear about whale watching! That sounds right up my alley!

Whale watching was MY personal must-do in Alaska- pre-kids, I did a lot of volunteer work that involved sea mammals (I was a docent to the NY Aquarium, volunteered rescuing stranded mammals and beached whales with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, NJ, which cares for all these animals in distress along any NJ coast. So, even seals who have gone up the wrong river, not just the ocean). It was always of huge interest to me- so this was just a remarkable day!

Do the Alaskan cruises feature more seafood? I'm definitely a landlubber when it comes to food choices, so the deck meals don't sound appealing to me.

Yes, they do have more seafood because they purchase it in the ports- it was actually written up in Food and Wine magazine. They also have things like Elk, that you would not normally see on their menu.

Ellen - i work in a similar industry and work with vendors overseas ordering items. We place all our orders in August for new goods to ship before the next busy summer season. July - November/December is my busiest time of year. That is why we pull our son out of school every Feb or March to do family vacation. Last year was the first summer vacation I took in 15 years, and it was in mid-June, before the busy time.

So challenging to fit in vacations sometimes!!

We're off to Orlando in a few weeks (we always stay offsite), and have a cruise for next year on the Fantasy. We are super excited, as we just found out we will be on one of the "Star Wars" days at sea ships! DH, DS and I are all super huge fans. We haven't told DS about it yet!

That is very cool about the Star Wars cruise! I bet it is going to be great!! Where do you stay offsite?

I love seeing the restaurants, thank you! Did you son say why the Creme Brulee was not up to his standards? I love Creme Brulee Although, your Grand Marnier souffle is verrrrrrry tempting.....

You are welcome- food is a BIG part of the trip for me, so I always try to take Food Porn if possible. And yes, he did say the creme brûlée was not up to his standards. My soufflé definitely was, though!

Ellen - for some reason I cannot find the rest of your report on the cruise past dinner at Tritons. Please let me know how to find it, we are taking this cruise this year and your posts are SOOO helpful.

I am so happy this is helping you!! I just got too busy to fit it in, but hopefully will be more consistent now.

Loving reading about your trip! Lots of good info for our upcoming trip in late June. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your TR! Looking forward to the rest!

It will be here before you know it, and you will be amazed at how incredible Alaska is! Thank you for the kind words!

She is still writing and I know she has been pretty busy lately. She'll get back when she has time.

Thanks Jen!

OMG - Ellen, I am thrilled. I was very much looking forward to this cruise for a long time, but knowing we will be onboard together makes me look forward to it that much more. It will be so fun!!!!!

Yes it will!

Oh, I am really wanting to try Princess one day too. My newest bucket-list item is a world cruise - Princess and Cunard seem to be the main lines that offer something like that. Of courses, I will have to win the lottery to do it, see my kid through college, retire, be 80 years old, etc, but hopefully, you'll be onboard with me!

Sure!! It's a date! 28 years from now, a world cruise for you and me. WOOHOO!!!

Looks like y’all had some great DCL eats. Can’t wait to hear more about how you enjoyed the Alaska cruise. I sooooo want to do it again. But I also want to take Willow everywhere else in the world! I need a limitless travel budget and infinite time off work!

It is SO HARD not going back and repeating something you have loved! I can't help it- I always want to do just what I did last year again, and I completely jones for it, until I have a new experience- and then i jones for that one. We ALL need a limitless travel budget!!

Oh, just breathtaking!!!! I love that Rum Runners brings their pup, I am a dog person

Wasn't she the sweetest? The doggie was a big part of why I booked them- I knew my boys would be happy to see a dog, being so far away from ours. But honestly, even without the dog, I would book them again. A great outfit.

The whale watching pictures are incredible. Thanks for posting, the more I read your trip report the more I am ready for our trip

Excellent!! And you are welcome!

Wow you got some amazing shots of those whales (well, all of your photos are amazing actually!) And man.....that meal looks YUMMY!!

Thank you SO much- I was soaked to the bone- we all were- I suggest bringing a big towel in a bag for the camera, it was SUPER wet out there (but none of us cared!).

Happy to see you back!!

Jodie

Hi Jodie!!

 

[podsnel]

After our recharging naps in the Rainforest, it was time to clean up and enjoy the evening. On the Alaskan cruises, there is no Pirate night- figuring that Pirates in the Caribbean does not really fit the same way in Alaska, DCL has a Pixar Pals party in the Atrium after dinner, which is a special Toy Story menu. It was honestly so hard to choose which night to go to Palo on this cruise, because we did not want to miss a special menu we had never had before, but ultimately decided this would be the right night for our adults only dinner. Pre-dinner, though, we went to see Toy Story-the Musical. This gets some pretty mixed reviews, and while I can't say it was my favorite DCL show, I did enjoy it nonetheless. I liked it better than Villians Tonight (which just seems way too long to me). So...after dinner, it was time for the most WONDERFUL and beautiful Palo dinner we have ever had.

I did forget to post pics from sail away in Juneau, so here they are-







Ok! So- Palo- we had Sasha again, and sat at the same lovely table at the window as we had enjoyed at Brunch. This guy Sasha is one who REALLY enjoys his job.



The antipasti were especially yummy here-







This was a unique experience at Palo for us because it was still light outside for much of our meal. Usually we dine in the dark here, because we go at 7:30 or 8, and it has been winter or fall. Of course, in Alaska, days are so long in summer, even by August 15th, so we were to have a sunset dinner. And by the looks of things, it was starting to clear outside...so hopefully, this would be a nice sunset.



A nice sunset. Well, we'll see if that's all there is to say about it in a bit....







SUN!!! There is SUN!!!! YIPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First course,

Cioppino
Italian Tomato Fish Stew with Calamari, Clams, Shrimp, and Halibut, scented with Garlic and Basil



This was absolutely delicious!



But outside.....



Eventually, my camera and I could not take it anymore sitting at that table. We HAD to go outside, HAD to be dazzled without a window between us and the view.

Best. Decision. Ever.

What was outside on this evening was so spectacular, it was the highlight of this Alaskan trip for sure. The most breathtaking, awe-inspiring sunset I have ever been blessed to witness. Where the earth touched the sky which touched the water and the clouds in ways I could never before have imagined.













Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

The sky was magnificently on fire. I just had tears, no words.









I went back into Palo for a bit, but really couldn't stay away for too long. It was just too important to miss.



And when I went out on deck this time, the view had become even more moving. Because now, the sun was just not setting in the most spectacular fashion, but a pod of whales had shown up to enjoy it themselves.

Words can't express what all this meant- I am choked up writing about it now, 7 months later.



I know it is hard to see here, remember, we were high up on the ship, but there was a mother and baby swimming together as well as several others- if you have any way to see this larger, please do so!



If you look, there are 3 whales together in the lower right corner here-



My favorite one- a whale's tail-



I was standing with another woman, and we were pointing them all out to each other..."There's 3! There's a Mom and baby! There's 4 more!! Unbelievable!!!"

It was just one of those moments in life where I was very aware of how small we are, and felt so blessed to be a part of something so much larger than myself. I believe I thanked God for that great gift once or a hundred times that night- in fact, I am still thanking Him now.

Dinner continued....

 

[podsnel]

Back to our regularly scheduled food fest....

I had ordered Pappardelle con Aragosta Lobster, Parsley, and Fennel with Chili and fresh Tomato Sauce which I really enjoy- this is my favorite pasta.



Sasha was really working hard on that tail!! YUMMMMM....





Pods and I were ordering the same things tonight which we normally do not do. I have to say, it was all really delicious, as wonderful as any Palo experience could be- with the addition of the best view EVER, I think this will always be my favorite cruise ship meal ever.

Sorbet intermezzo-





It was still light outside. I love Alaska!



I decided to have Oregano and Parmesan Crusted Rack of Lamb With Sangiovese Roasted Shallots, Olive Oil baked Roma Tomatoes, Potato Pave, and Herb Jus for my main course-



While Pods enjoyed Our Beef Tenderloin “Palo” Topped with Palo signature Barolo Red Wine Sauce



Of course, you know what's next...





Sasha also brought out Tiramisu (I think?)-



Our dessert cup runneth over!



And one last word- limoncello-



Love that little glass!

BEST. DINNER. EVER.

Up next- Pixar Pals party and Ricky Kalmon puts people to sleep-

 

[ShellB8585]

Thank you so much for this update! today the weather is dull and cold, work is slow and I have been incredibly bored but this update has put a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing that incredible sunset with us, it certainly was just...wow!

 

[podsnel]

Thank you so much for this update! today the weather is dull and cold, work is slow and I have been incredibly bored but this update has put a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing that incredible sunset with us, it certainly was just...wow!

I am so happy you enjoyed the posts!! It really was something to see- I will never forget it! And so sorry you are dreary and cold today- we are having an odd 60 degree afternoon, I am getting ready to go for a walk! Hope you have weather like this soon....

 

[ShellB8585]

I am so happy you enjoyed the posts!! It really was something to see- I will never forget it! And so sorry you are dreary and cold today- we are having an odd 60 degree afternoon, I am getting ready to go for a walk! Hope you have weather like this soon....

Unfortunately I live in England so we get a lot of dreary :-( spring is just around the corner though . Enjoy your walk!

 

[rentayenta]

Delicious update! Both meals look outstanding!


Sun!!!!!!

 

[KristiMc]

What a nice dinner at Palo. Can't beat the sunrise and whales.

 

[bcwife76]

That sky looked incredible!!! I don't think I've ever seen a sunset that magnificent!! And then that dinner....well pretty much Best Night Ever I'd say! ;-)

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

That's a hard one to beat. It seems that everything was aligned just right for your wonderful dinner. Add in the beautiful scenery and then the whales. Perfect!

 

[sager1969]

What an amazing night for you! It seems that Alaska really makes you appreciate God as an artist. I have not had the lamb in Palo but it looks delicious!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

A MAZING whale adventure!!!! Followed by your incredible sunset pics! You really couldn't have asked for a better day. I'm happy for you.

 

[Flossbolna]

I came here to comment on the whale watching excursion and had no idea that you added another update about whale watching!! And how amazing was that!!

I think I already mentioned when you wrote about brunch that we had Sasha on my first cruise and I loved him. I totally agree that it shows how much he loves his job.

Seems like you had a wonderful day all around! Perfect excursion, perfect dinner and perfect sunset!

We originally had planned to only do brunch on our Norway cruise, but when we lowly Silver CC members could book, all brunch was gone already. So I got us a dinner instead on the evening we leave Geiranger. We will be sailing out of that long fjord and sunset in Norway in June is going to be at 11:30pm. So, I was hoping for a scenic meal. Our plan is to try to get brunch once we are on the ship and then cancel dinner, but now after looking at your pictures, I think that maybe we should keep dinner...