Alaska - May 17-24

[poohj80]

WOW! Thank you so much for sharing!

Looks like you had a great spot for taking pix of Tracy Arm. Did you have to find your place really early or was it not that crowded with photo buffs?

 

[mardonna]

How was the weather.....we are traveling in 3 weeks and trying to figure out if it has gotten warmer with each cruise?

 

[Rat-a-too-ee]

Outstanding! I cannot wait to see Tracy Arm now.

 

[ehagerty]

We too are doing the train up and bike down. I can't wait to hear about it!

Will give you the short version now...

Train ride UP - having just completed a 4 night VIA Rail trip across Canada, having to shoot pictures through windows - I was keen to ride on the platform between cars (allowed). I know there was commentary inside the cars, but I rode all of the way up outside (pictures not loaded yet). As we were climbing (over 3,000 feet), I started noticing bikes occasionally going downhill on a road across the valley. My sister, who was also scheduled to bike with us, noted about 1/3 of the way up - "that can't be THE bike ride, can it?" - it was!!

Anyway, bike ride DOWN - was great - it is nearly all downhill. Pretty cold at top (alpine), but the supplier (Sockeye Cycle - something like that) had a box of extra layers for everyone who needed it. Living in the Great Lakes, I was quite prepared - and still took a second layer of gloves! Couple of thoughts:
- the lone, short uphill section was such that I almost asked to walk the bike to the overlook - which they probably would have allowed, but ended up making to the overlook without stopping. For perspective, I walk 3-8 miles a day, but biking uses different thigh muscles, and I was working up a bit of a burn!
- there are 4 stops (overlooks) along the way; you can change your mind and get in van up to and including first stop (after which it departs for town)
- one stop = US customs - that is the only bathroom between leaving getting on the train and getting back
- a raised seal birth certificate for a person in our group (supposedly OK for US-Canadian border, in conjunction with photo ID), caused Officer Brown to give the cycle leader a hard time
- I did not take ANY pictures on the way down - was gripping the brakes too tight, and the overlooks looked out over the same terrain as the train. On the way up, it was sunny. Way down - misty.
- BEAR - we passed right by (within 10 feet) of a bear dining on roadside dandelions. DH took pictures / video.
- hand pressure - I thought pressing the brake handles for 1.5 hours might aggravate my karate-injury, osteo-arthritic thumbs - but they didn't bother me next day at all

Questions?
- pictures still to come

 

[ehagerty]

Any food pictures? Any pictures of the menus?

I do have some pictures of food - the collection is just not as comprehensive as in the past - for a couple of reasons:
- even though we took a cruise-break from 2000 to 2007, we have gone enough in the past few years that we have enough cruise food pictures, already. I will post what I have when I get there, but I noticed that someone on allearsnet.com had a thread about the Alaska cruise food. They also have all the navigators posted - they probably have the menus, too
- I'm 5 years into digital - when I transitioned FROM film (2006), part of my motivation was to be able to take pictures of anything at all, and some of Dan Murphy's food pictures from Les Chefs were very cool and I started doing the same. Some of the initial thrill of taking pictures of EVERYTHING has worn off.....
- Victoria & Alberts - as a recent convert and "new regular" to this restaurant, I - good, bad or indifferent - have a new standard against which to measure whether food is "photo-worthy." I started out snapping everything in photo-journalist mode, but am now mostly only excited by incrEDIBLE art (that link is in my signature)
- Palo's - still photo-worthy, but I've already posted pictures of pretty much everything (search threads) - which I've only been able to do because DS21 and DS23 order 2-3 options for every course!
- Taste of Alaska - salmon and lobster were phenomenal - lobster was 2-3 times the size of the Caribbean ones served on board - prepared perfectly; the salmon was pretty darn good too (I would have said "great" - but that is reserved for the Copper River salmon flown in daily to Wegman's that we ate Saturday night... even pan seared - could not grill as it was rainy - it was unbelievable)

All that said, I WILL post what I have. Stay tuned!

 

[ehagerty]

We are going on the June 28th cruise to Alaska. We have booked the float plane to Misty Fjords. My kids, 14 & 11, really want to do this one because it lands on the water and you can get out on the floats. Is this the one you did? Is it worth it?

We enjoyed ALL our excursions - a lot - including this one. Couple of things we learned (logistics).....
- the plane seats 5 passengers (don't know how they count kids)
-- one person gets to sit in the co-pilot seat - that honor was shared, with one person riding in it TO the lake landing and the other riding FROM the park back to dock
-- three people sit in the middle seat - one has a left view, one a right view - and the middle person, not much of a view for taking pictures - which is OK if they don't have a camera
-- one person sits in back, with ability to slide left - right and look our both windows
- unlike the helicopter ride (which assigns seats based on weight - yes, you have to tell your weight), the pilot pretty much lets the 5 passengers sort out among themselves who will sit where and how to share

Well worth it - pictures loading to web host as we speak (posting will take a little longer!)

 

[ehagerty]

How was the weather.....we are traveling in 3 weeks and trying to figure out if it has gotten warmer with each cruise?

From what I can tell, the weather is pretty consistent and temperate - meaning it rains often (usually misty) and temperatures stay within 45-60 degrees - our sailaway looked warmer than Deb Will's pictures on allearsnet.com, but everyone in Vancouver said we had unusually pleasant weather
- the higher the altitude, the colder it gets (can be 40 degree swing, with wind chill) - so even if the weather gets warmer, you probably need all layers for something like Tracy Arm (deck) or port adventure (biking down White Pass)
- Definitely take thermal, wind and moisture-resistant layers - then you can add / subtract as needed
- is can be very windy, depending on where you are (on deck, on FRONT of deck, in valley / fjords, etc.)

There were intrepid people swimming in the ship pools. The onboard comedian surmised that they must have been Canadians!!

 

[ehagerty]

WOW! Thank you so much for sharing!

Looks like you had a great spot for taking pix of Tracy Arm. Did you have to find your place really early or was it not that crowded with photo buffs?

Very insightful question. While we did NOT stake out our location per se, we did arrive in time to secure the spot. I suspect that within short order a strategy will be necessary and the "how to" will be posted on this board and passengers will be battling for position like parade spots. I fear that next year, all the deck rails will have numbers and we'll have to pay a "premium" to secure a location (just kidding!!).

That said, I have NEVER seen such camera equipment outside of a professional sporting event as I did on this cruise - DOZENS of foot-long lenses and specialized equipment - some were fumbling (obviously borrowed, with detached brackets) - some were snapping off shots like the scenery was changing every second (it doesn't change THAT fast, folks) - many were serious about taking pictures. Very soon, folks start figuring out my vicinity was the place to be, and it took some stamina (and DH managing traffic and general jostling, and also letting people step into his spot to take pictures, then escorting them out again) to maintain my upright position.

Also, few people were dressed for the experience. When we originally arrived at this location, there were a dozen people behind the wind shield - everyone with cameras took to the deck rail. Trust me, it was a good 30 degrees colder (wind chill) in front of the shield. Camera equipment and stamina alone is not enough to get this shot (which occurs about shortly before turnaround within the fjord - around the 4th hour) - you'll need to arrive clothed for the long haul.

Also, most people left their rail post after the turnaround as it was time for first dinner / show (5:30-ish). Sunset was 9:40 - so there was easily another 4 hours of picture-taking after the first round of people, such as myself, left. If you don't get the location you want on the way in, be ready to move in after the turnaround.

On the other hand, in talking with people throughout the cruise, MANY enjoyed Tracy Arm, out of the wind, from their verandah. We did not happen to have one. If we did, I would order room service for both meals and watch the trip going in AND out from the comfort of my verandah. The view is pretty much the same on both sides, but this way you will definitely get both views. Only 50% will get the direct view onto the glacier with the strategy and I don't know that we can predict which way the ship will turn (for reference, this trip was counter-clockwise, I think).

 

[poohj80]

Very insightful question. While we did NOT stake out our location, I suspect that within short order, the "how to" will be posted on this board (just not by me, and I am planning to sail again next year - we liked it THAT much) and passengers will be battling for position like parade spots. I fear that next year, all the deck rails will have numbers and we'll have to pay a "premium" to secure a location (just kidding!!).

That said, I have NEVER seen such camera equipment outside of a professional sporting event as I did on this cruise - DOZENS of foot-long lenses and specialized equipment - some were fumbling (obviously borrowed, with detached brackets) - some were snapping off shots like the scenary was changing every second (it doesn't change THAT fast, folks) - clearly folks start figuring out my vicinity was the place to be, and it took some stamina (and DH managing traffic and general jostling, and also letting people step into his spot to take pictures, then escorting them out again) to maintain my upright position.

Also, few people were dressed for the experience. When we originally arrived at this location, there were a dozen people behind the wind shield - everyone with cameras took to the deck rail. Trust me, it was a good 30 degrees colder (wind chill) in front of the shield. Camera equipment and stamina alone is not enough to get this shot (which occurs about shortly before turnaround within the fjord - around the 4th hour) - you'll need to arrive clothed for the long haul.

On the other hand, in talking with people throughout the cruise, MANY enjoyed Tracy Arm, out of the wind, from their verandah. We did not happen to have one............

Thank you for sharing the details! We do have a verandah and expect to experience it partly from there but also want the full surrounded view.

Can you tell us, when the ship turns around in Tracy Arm, does it back straight up first or make a left or right turn?

 

[ehagerty]

Thank you for sharing the details! We do have a verandah and expect to experience it partly from there but also want the full surrounded view.

Can you tell us, when the ship turns around in Tracy Arm, does it back straight up first or make a left or right turn?

I am starting to be able to anticipate how you think - I even updated my original response to include that information, but our updates "crossed" - I believe it was a "left" turn (counterclockwise). I have NO idea if that is standard, or based on the direction of the pilots who are brought on board for this specific purpose and current conditions (like position of icebergs).

Another thought - from in front of the windshield, you can only hear the wind and miss ALL the commentary provided over the PA system (pretty sure you can hear in your room) by the Park Ranger (or whatever he was) who is on board for that purpose (along with other presentations).

Based on what we've gleaned so far, sounds like you should watch the entry INTO Tracy Arm from your verandah, then when people head below deck after the turnaround, take their place at the rail...... Maybe, even go above deck just BEFORE the turnaround to the BACK of Deck 9 or 10 - then, when the ship turns - regardless of direction, you will have the primo spot on the way OUT (and this might be easy to do, as it is not intuitive).

 

[poohj80]

I am starting to be able to anticipate how you think - I even updated my original response to include that information, but our updates "crossed" - I believe it was a "left" turn (counterclockwise). I have NO idea if that is standard, or based on the direction of the pilots who are brought on board for this specific purpose and current conditions (like position of icebergs).

Another thought - from in front of the windshield, you can only hear the wind and miss ALL the commentary provided over the PA system (pretty sure you can hear in your room) by the Park Ranger (or whatever he was) who is on board for that purpose (along with other presentations).

Based on what we've gleaned so far, sounds like you should watch the entry INTO Tracy Arm from your verandah, then when people head below deck after the turnaround, take their place at the rail...... Maybe, even go above deck just BEFORE the turnaround to the BACK of Deck 9 or 10 - then, when the ship turns - regardless of direction, you will have the primo spot on the way OUT (and this might be easy to do, as it is not intuitive).

Thanks again! I was also thinking after we turn, there would be a similar view from the aft of the ship as we are pulling away.

 

[DisneyBasket]

Also, most people left their rail post after the turnaround as it was time for first dinner / show (5:30-ish). Sunset was 9:40 - so there was easily another 4 hours of picture-taking after the first round of people, such as myself, left. If you don't get the location you want on the way in, be ready to move in after the turnaround.

On the other hand, in talking with people throughout the cruise, MANY enjoyed Tracy Arm, out of the wind, from their verandah. We did not happen to have one. If we did, I would order room service for both meals and watch the trip going in AND out from the comfort of my verandah. The view is pretty much the same on both sides, but this way you will definitely get both views. ...

This is an excellent point. We were on this cruise with you. My DH went back to our stateroom as soon as the ship began to turn, but I decided to stay on Deck 10. I claimed a spot on the port rail, close to the bow, and got some EXCELLENT shots of the glacier when the ship turned. We had Main seating for dinner, but I had plenty of time to hang around on deck and take photos before it was time to go get ready for dinner.

I enjoyed being up on Deck 10, and I did not fight the crowds for a spot at the bow railing, although we did try to work ourselves up that way when the ship arrived at the glacier. We chose not to stay in our stateroom, even though we had the verandah, so we could try to capture the vista in our photographs. No matter how hard you try, unless you hang way out over the ocean (NOT ADVISED) it is difficult to get that same perspective from your verandah.

The scenery was so beautiful that we were able to tolerate the cold/wind for the entire afternoon. Some of my best photographs were from Tracy Arm.

 

[DisneyBasket]

...Based on what we've gleaned so far, sounds like you should watch the entry INTO Tracy Arm from your verandah, then when people head below deck after the turnaround, take their place at the rail...... Maybe, even go above deck just BEFORE the turnaround to the BACK of Deck 9 or 10 - then, when the ship turns - regardless of direction, you will have the primo spot on the way OUT (and this might be easy to do, as it is not intuitive).

 

[DisneyBasket]

Thanks again! I was also thinking after we turn, there would be a similar view from the aft of the ship as we are pulling away.

This is exactly right. I enjoyed unmolested views from the aft railings before going back to get ready for dinner. Deck 10 emptied out after the ship turned, as though the movie was over and the credits were rolling.

 

[ehagerty]

This is an excellent point. We were on this cruise with you. My DH went back to our stateroom as soon as the ship began to turn, but I decided to stay on Deck 10. I claimed a spot on the port rail, close to the bow, and got some EXCELLENT shots of the glacier when the ship turned. We had Main seating for dinner, but I had plenty of time to hang around on deck and take photos before it was time to go get ready for dinner.

I enjoyed being up on Deck 10, and I did not fight the crowds for a spot at the bow railing, although we did try to work ourselves up that way when the ship arrived at the glacier. We chose not to stay in our stateroom, even though we had the verandah, so we could try to capture the vista in our photographs. No matter how hard you try, unless you hang way out over the ocean (NOT ADVISED) it is difficult to get that same perspective from your verandah.

The scenery was so beautiful that we were able to tolerate the cold/wind for the entire afternoon. Some of my best photographs were from Tracy Arm.

I agree with ALL your points - that spot where the rail bows out on both sides was also an excellent location - really, the only reason to be dead center is to get the mickey icon in the picture. I happened to be there when the crowd started to congregate (as opposed to planning it and camping out) as we entered Tracy Arm, so I stayed put from entry to turnaround.... and now that I have my "classic Mickey fjord" picture, I don't know that I will do it again next year (yes, that right, next year!!)

 

[caniac27]

subbing

 

[ehagerty]

subbing

Well, nearly neighbors, anyway! I see you are getting ready for your trip in a couple of months, too!

 

[ehagerty]

This was a multi-phased, 2 weeks vacation.
- 4-night, 3-day sleeper-train trip across Canada VIA rail
- 3-night, 3-day visit in Vancouver
- 7-night, 7-day Alaskan cruise
- 1-night, 1-day in Seattle

Since this is the Disboards, I will start with the DisCruise, but if anyone has questions about the other elements, let me know!

The port - Canada Place
- has a Starbucks, with an outdoor patio (nice place to wait)
- has a hotel / convention center - nice to wander around - bathrooms not as easy to find as I thought they were going to be (up both escalators to the hotel lobby, then hard right)
- is not very Disneyeqsue (or, "Port Canaveral-ish") as a "port experience" - more like your old-style cement and ribbon queues - but on par with most airports (DSs were moo-ing and bleating)
- once onboard, though, there was a lot to like about the view!

.... Canada Place from the ship

.... Downtown Vancouver - and the beginning of my "mickey icon" shtick

.... warming up on deck, with Canada Place in the background

... the local ferry and docks

the world's prettiest container ship dock - at least I thought so until I saw Seattle's the next week (Mt Rainer)

.... with mountains in the background

Well that about takes 180 degrees - probably need to post and start the 181-360.....
.

 

[ehagerty]

Otter - some marine mammal!

Seaplanes coming and going

Aladdin on deck (not really, its DS21)

... a little bit of everything - the Wonder, Vancouver and Canada Place

... and its time to sailaway

.
.

 

[JOANNEL]

Will give you the short version now...

Train ride UP - having just completed a 4 night VIA trip across Canada, having to shoot pictures through windows - I was keen to ride on the platform between cards (allowed). I know there was commentary inside the cars, but I rode all of the way up outside (pictures not loaded yet). As we were climbing (over 3,000 feet), I started noticing bikes occasionally going downhill on a road across the valley. My sister, who was also scheduled to bike with us, noted about 1/3 of the way up - "that can't be THE bike ride, can it?" - it was!!

Anyway, bike ride DOWN - was great - it is nearly all downhill. Pretty cold at top (alpine), but the supplier (Sockeye Cycle - something like that) had a box of extra layers for everyone who needed it. Living in the Great Lakes, I was quite prepared - and still took a second layer of gloves! Couple of thoughts:
- the lone, short uphill section was such that I almost asked to walk the bike to the overlook - which they probably would have allowed, but ended up making to the overlook without stopping. For perspective, I walk 3-8 miles a day, but biking uses different thigh muscles, and I was working up a bit of a burn!
- there are 4 stops (overlooks) along the way; you can change your mind and get in van up to and including first stop (after which it departs for town)
- one stop = US customs - that is the only bathroom between leaving getting on the train and getting back
- a raised seal birth certificate for a person in our group (supposedly OK for US-Canadian border, in conjunction with photo ID), caused Officer Brown to give the cycle leader a hard time
- I did not take ANY pictures on the way down - was gripping the brakes too tight, and the overlooks looked out over the same terrain as the train. On the way up, it was sunny. Way down - misty.
- BEAR - we passed right by (within 10 feet) of a bear dining on roadside dandelions. DH took pictures / video.
- hand pressure - I thought pressing the brake handles for 1.5 hours might aggravate my karate-injury, osteo-arthritic thumbs - but they didn't bother me next day at all

Questions?
- pictures still to come

Thanks, we are bike riders, but here in FL. very few hills. Were they bikes with gears and more than one speed? How fast were you going down hill? I am a big chicken!!