Saturday 22nd was pretty frenetic as we had to hand over the scooter (sadly, as I had enjoyed my runaround so on it!) breakfast, pack and check out and then catch a cab down to the embarkation zone. There we parted with our luggage, and stood in various queues, some shorter than others, thanks to the presence of my boot and wheelchair. First we had to checkin, then go via other checking point and then cross the Canadian customs and finally clear our bottles of wine! Finally we located our stateroom which is very adequate for 2 of us but a little cramped for the other 3 who are sharing with a bunk bed. Once our cases arrived and we had unpacked, we had to attend a 'muster' and learn how to put on our life jackets and practice a very slow evacuation.
Then it was up to the Lido deck to watch the ship sail out of port and start experimenting with the cocktails!!
Leaving Vancouver
Supper, we partook of the buffet in the Horizons restaurant and then explored the various bars, facilities and crooning areas. I gave up before the others explored the Night club, which they seem to have enjoyed.
Luckily Sunday was a slow start but we discovered that certain areas close early for breakfast so had to make do with pastries ( a real hardship but plays havoc with the Banting diet!)! We did find the promenade deck and I had the opportunity to try out the Everest jacket as it was quite misty and windy, especially in spots where it was shaded!
I Thoroughly enjoyed the first full day at sea which though a little bit rough, the sail was very steady. I think by the end of the day, I had worked out most of the routes to the various restaurants, places of interest and our stateroom. We were also well on our way to trying a number of the cocktails or mocktails on offer and tried out quite a few of the loungers at the different pools both in the bow and stern, my favourite being right at the back of the ship as it tended to be quieter. We did not, however try the pools!!!
An afternoon nap was very welcome before we dressed up for the formal captain's welcome with a champagne waterfall. We watched the proceedings from the Vines bar and were impressed with the formal wear. For dinner we tried the Traditional Dining restaurant where they were having a special menu for the 50th Celebration. Much more enjoyable than the buffet of the night before.
The others again went exploring the night life, but I must admit I tended to fadie quite early!
Monday, we docked early in Ketchikan along with 2 other cruise ships. The main souvenir shops seemed to be open aswe docked - 05:30 and were busy all day!
View of Ketchikan - float planes everywhere!
New Eddeystone Rock
We then turned into the Misty Fjords park and were totally overwhelmed by the amazing scenery with granite stone walls, amazing colors on on the rocks and moss and ferns and waterfalls - it was stunning visually. Choosing a couple of photos is very very difficult.
One of the numerous waterfalls
Amazing colors on the rocks
We arrived at the international floatplane airport!!! And climbed aboard.
It was quite a different trip as we then flew overland as opposed to over the water, though there is so much water that there are lakes within lakes.
It was a fabulous trip and experience.
As we didn't have too much time on our return, we caught a shuttle to the famous Creek street - the old red light district - and were able to see some salmon swimming in the creek though there were numerous dead ones as well. They are seemingly left to provide nourishment for other river life!
Creek Street
Back on board for lunch and a nap, followed by another supper in the traditional dining area with planning for Juneau.
More to follow shortly!
Having trouble choosing the most relevant photos!!!!
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