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

[sdjen]

Hi again! So....sorry I have been MIA- I DID get crazy busy- between my kids, my clients, the PTA... I know, I know, you have heard it all before! But that's really how it is! I do have a little time this morning (otherwise known as my house is a disaster after the weekend and I am avoiding the big clean up by doing this instead....). I will get to replies later, but for now, on to Juneau!

We remembered to order room service the night before, thank goodness, because the port time for this one is crack of way, waaayyyyy too early. But it's good it is so early, because you really want to get out and see some animals here. Juneau is the best port for whale watching, and we were booked with Rum Runners- a private excursion, not through DCL. I highly recommend this company, the price was about the same as what we would have paid for a big boat with 50 other people- and we would book them again and again. So, we were meeting them outside at 7 am or so- it was still dark outside, but part of that was due to the rain that was going to be a part of our day. We found our taxi easily, and away we went. It was about a 15 minute ride I think to the port.



We met our captain, Chris, and his naturalist, Shirlena, who is also a Yoga Instructor and reiki master. Got on the boat, and it was time to look for whales-



Onboard, we were offered coffee and other beverages, along with some tea bread. Very thoughtful. Shirlena talked about the whales, and used a plastic whale model to describe what we would be seeing, and what those behaviors meant. Something especially unique about Rum Runners is that they travel with a dog- Brandi- who was very sweet and who we all enjoyed.











Brandi is the new dog- over the winter, they had sadly lost their dog, Moon, who was reputed to bark when she saw whales- and then the whales would be curious and come over to the boat to check her out. Brandi is a puppy in training.



It honestly was not too long before we found humpback whales- rain or not, we could not have had a better day. Because they were EVERYWHERE!!! Here are some of my many, many pics.















They swam around us, they swam under us. We must have seen 30 of them. I do not think this happens every time, so please do not count on so many if you go. Just feel very blessed when it works out this way!



Here the whale was so close, you can barely see her in the photo- but we could feel her blow-








Back in a few- have to take care of a call-

 

[sdjen]

Really enjoying your report! Just had to tell you that because of your pics, I switched our whale watching excursion. To the same company. I'm traveling alone with my 9 year old who LOVES dogs so I know this will make her trip even more enjoyable. Thanks for posting all the pics and details - keep it coming!

 

[dvc4life]

OMG Ellen, I am just getting caught up on your report and it is AMAZING! Those whales and the views were spectacular. What a wonderful day.

And we just had Sasha as our server in February at PALO. He was wonderful!

Thanks for sharing.

 

[tdashgirl]

Your sunset photos and description just gave me chills! So beautiful.

Annnnd -- LIMONCELLO! yum.

 

[silverangel879]

subscribing!....and making notes for our cruise

 

[podsnel]

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

Sorry still so dismal there- hope the sun shines soon! And my walk was WONDERFUL- thanks!

Delicious update! Both meals look outstanding!


Sun!!!!!!

Never underestimate the impact of the sun after a storm- it was so good to see, and see just that way!

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

Or sunset and whales.

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! ;-)

I agree! Someone asked my DH and I recently what our favorite meal onboard a ship has been- Pods IMMEDIATELY answered- the night of the sunsets and whales. Yup. That's my Pookie- he knows me so well!

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!

It was unbelievable- and really, everything was PERFECT inside the restaurant, too. The kitchen on the Wonder Palo does a fantastic job.

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!

Alaska sure does- we have been so lucky to have 3 amazing summer vacations in 3 years (Kauai, Oahu/ San Francisco, Yosemite, DL/ Alaska) and even with all that beauty in our pockets, this night was beyond compare. BEYOND.

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.

Thanks Tammie! It was incredible!

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!!

It was beyond words, really. Are there whales on your cruise?

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.

Yes, I am glad you agree!

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...

KEEP DINNER!!!!!!! You will be dazzled, I am sure- it is just too beautiful to miss!

 

[podsnel]

Really enjoying your report! Just had to tell you that because of your pics, I switched our whale watching excursion. To the same company. I'm traveling alone with my 9 year old who LOVES dogs so I know this will make her trip even more enjoyable. Thanks for posting all the pics and details - keep it coming!

That's great!! You will love it- the whole experience was really good with Rum Runners!

OMG Ellen, I am just getting caught up on your report and it is AMAZING! Those whales and the views were spectacular. What a wonderful day.

And we just had Sasha as our server in February at PALO. He was wonderful!

Thanks for sharing.

It was really amazing, Chris. I am so happy you had Sasha, too!

Your sunset photos and description just gave me chills! So beautiful.

Annnnd -- LIMONCELLO! yum.

It was beyond description- I hope you get to experience the same someday!!

subscribing!....and making notes for our cruise

Welcome!! Thanks so much for joining in- you are in for an unbelievable vacation!

 

[silverangel879]

we are getting excited by the minute...it's been a dream to go on this cruise for a while...and we booked it while on the Fantasy last year!!! We had an incredible experience!

 

[jenseib]

Loving the updates Ellen! Wow! what a spectacular day with a fabulous evening dinner.

I got crazy with sunset pictures too. They are just so amazing.

Your whale viewings...both times are just amazing.

 

[rndmr2]

Love the whale watching pics! That dog is too cute! Looks like my Brother's dog

Beautiful sunset pictures!! I had just said to myself that it looked like the sky was on fire when I scrolled to the next set of comments and you said the same thing, LOL

Looked like a great dinner, too, that lobster pasta looked really yummy!

 

[pierresgirl]

Started reading a while ago and almost caught up! The Sawyer blue ice is unbelievable, so beautiful. My gf and her family did the cruise in Alaska last Aug as well, they loved it. I can't believe how light it is so late at night! I had some spa services and shut her down right away by telling her my job and that I can get everything at cost, plus there is an Elemis 10 mins from me. My 15 yo loved Vibe too, glad your boys had fun! The helicopter and glacier walk pics are so amazing! I'd be scared too! The flowers in the field are so pretty, kinda surprises me to see them there! Will catch up later!

 

[JKSWonder]

Such amazing, gorgeous views! Really awesome.

I have just booked us for a cruise on the Norwegian Getaway for the kids spring break in April 2016. I know absolutely nothing about Norwegian, so I'm looking forward to the investigation/planning phase!

 

[Beth D]

AAAHHMMMAAAZZZIINNGG! Those photos in these last updates are truly spectacular. I love the whales, the dog, and your sunset pics - how fabulous!

I am definitely booking onboard next year for Alaska!

Ellen - we stay at Sheraton Vistana in Orlando - it's 5 minutes away from DTD entrance. My folks have a timeshare. A dozen pools, hot tubs, bike rentals, tennis & basketball courts, activities, arcades, plus a full kitchen and washer & dryer - right in the condo! We relax and swim, and this year we're doing 2 days at Universal...

 

[missyp]

Love love love this trip report. Taking notes for July!

 

[OhMari]

Your whale tale was beautiful. Can you please say on Facebook when you have updates. I barely get on the DIS anymore-I know shameful, but life is just so busy.

 

[Saamh]

I ran across this TR because I'm hoping to talk hubby into taking an Alaska cruise (hoping DCL will still do Alaska in 2016). We are from Seattle and live in Phoenix now so we have fears of taking a vacation to a cold, rainy place. After reading your TR I am convinced we would love it! You have an amazing way of writing and I love the way you approach traveling!

Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone but I read your Alaska TR, California TR AND your Fantasy NYE trip report. Yep, did it all today (working from home has it's perks!) Gotta run - I think I have more reading to do.

 

[podsnel]

So, where was I...oh yea- we had finished the most glorious meal ever in Palo, and headed over to see Ricky Kalmon hypnotize some folks (which, I have to say, is ALWAYS entertaining!!)





And then we followed that up with a nitecap-



a pomegranate something or other. In our cabin, we had a little friend on the bed



and out on our verandah, we had a view of a beautiful moonlit and starry sky...



The next morning, we ported in lovely Ketchikan, the rain capital/salmon capital and probably some other capital of the world.



Our ship docked right across (kind of) from the notable sign...







We grabbed a quick breakfast from Beach Blanket, and then got off the ship to meet our morning tour with Ketchikan Taxi Tours.



We were promptly met by Kat, who would be our guide for several hours this morning. I had booked this because I thought it would be a great way to hear about Ketchikan, and to see everything there was to see. This tour was VERY reasonable, too! And Kat was very nice, and had lots of stories to share along the way. First, she took us out to see if we could find some bears.



But at the moment, only birds and salmon at this creek, known as Herring Cove.



Back into the taxi for a visit to a waterfall



Back into the taxi to look for the bears...



And we spotted one in the distance! But needed binoculars to really see him.



And he did not stick around for long. I guess he had grabbed some salmon, and he was done eating. Hey! Eating! You know who else likes to eat? US!



Kat told us everything was very fresh and that the chowder was especially good. Well, we did as we were told, and ordered a bunch!



We sat down and while we waited for our mid morning snack, we counted salmon.



I think we got 3342- what do you get?

Kat told us what was amazing was that in just a couple more weeks, they would all be gone. It would be over, until next spring. Amazing thing, that salmon run. Very glad we witnessed it.

Tim had fried shrimp and Tyler enjoyed some clam chowder- Pods and I shared one.



We spotted an eagle...and oh, in case you haven't noticed yet, it was NOT raining today. In fact, it was absolutely a SPECTACULAR day!



Isn't he beautiful?



Such a magnificent animal. Cont'd next post...

 

[podsnel]

Next (and sorry it took me so long- took me about 8 tries to get a blue letter sized as a 5)we headed back towards town. Kat tried her best to convince the boys to head north to Alaska for their summers to work in the salmon canning facility- lots of cash to be made. But I think they said thanks, but no thanks.



She drove us by the high school, where she told us the baseball team had a total of 3 games per season- and 2 probably got rained out.

PACK YOUR BAGS,BOYS!!! MOMMY FOUND YOU A NEW TEAM!!!

Sorry.

She took us to an office building, where (in many people's opinions) the finest and best carved totems are-







Next, more totems up at Potlach Totem Park http://www.potlatchpark.com. and a banana slug....



The man who owns the park also likes to collect cars-





He even has a 1924 Stanley steam car





It was really an impressive collection.

She told us several of the things erected here were put up for the benefit of a Disney Excursion. Well, how about that!



See the scales?





The Clan House-





Inside, the carving was beautiful







There was definitely a lot to see, and I was glad we had someone with us to talk about what we were seeing!





After this, we headed back to Creek Street, thanked Kat for the tour of town, and were dropped off to have some lunch.



Cont'd next post....

 

[KristiMc]

Nice update. You had such a beautiful day in Ketchikan.

 

[micandminforever]

Thanks for the update and pictures. Your report is helping me get excited about our cruise to Alaska coming up this summer.