Geezer Guides Juneau Alaska

At Sea en Route to Victoria

By Vicky Wells, on June 12th, 2010

Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 12 ~Day #33	Budget to date	Spent today	Total to date	Daily average
Total	$3300	$222.76	$4621.94	$140.05
Miles by Road	Nautical Miles	Miles by Air	Miles by Train	Total Statute Miles
4917	At Sea	000	000	8380.80

Location: At Sea En Route to Victoria

Today’s Total Expenses: $226.76

Daily Cruise Expense: $222.76
Misc: $4.00 (Laundry)

Open Ocean

Today we were at sea the entire day making our run from Juneau to Victoria, British Columbia.

It appears that we are now in open ocean and not in the Inside Passage. We had taken the Inside Passage at the beginning of our cruise.

Beginning very early in the morning we hit some very rough seas. According to the Captain’s Log, which we could see on the TV in our cabin, the waves averaged anywhere from 7.5 ft to 12 ft. At times the ship felt like it was rolling pretty good and often from side to side.

Fortunately, neither Geoff nor I have much difficulty with seasickness, but that certainly wasn’t the same for everyone. We noticed a lot fewer people at breakfast and lunch.

More Laundry

I took advantage of the lull in onboard activity to get in a couple more loads of laundry. Because we are trying to travel as light as possible (although sometimes it seems like we’ve got an awful lot of luggage) I find I need to laundry fairly often.

Special Chef’s Dinner

The dinner planned for this evening was a special Chef’s dinner and I was really looking forward to it. The staff was going to sing, dance make it a very special evening for all. The entire evening would culminate with the serving of Baked Alaska for dessert.

Well, we didn’t make it for the dinner and it wasn’t because either of us was seasick.

Migraine

Unfortunately I am prone to migraine headaches and, for some reason, one decided to strike this afternoon. It was most likely caused by someone wearing WAY TOO MUCH perfume. Why is it that some women seem to BATHE in the stuff? Even if it’s a nice scent, please, please limit the amount that you wear. There are lots of people like me – a strong scent is one of the things that can trigger a serious headache for many of us migraine sufferers.

I ended up in bed for several hours while taking lots of painkillers in the hopes of getting rid of it.

Being in bed in high seas actually worked pretty well as it felt like I was being rocked to sleep.

The headache finally subsided at about 9pm, but our dinner seating was at 8pm. We decided to head for the dining room anyway.

Great Staff

When we arrived at the Main Dining Room the staff was parading around waving light sticks, singing and carrying the Baked Alaska before delivering it to each table. It looked wonderful.

We joined our usual dinner companions and made our apologies for our late arrival.

Immediately both our Steward and the Maitre D’ inquired if we were okay and what they could do for us. As the kitchen was now closed for dinner they managed to get us each a lovely club sandwich for dinner and we really appreciated it.

We were so sorry to miss the festivities of the evening.

Jeff Trachta and Juneau, Alaska

By Geoff Wells, on June 11th, 2010

Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 11 ~Day #32	Budget to date	Spent today	Total to date	Daily average
Total	$3200	$222.76	$4395.18	$137.34
Miles by Road	Nautical Miles	Miles by Air	Miles by Train	Total Statute Miles
4917	At Sea	000	000	8380.80

Current Location: Juneau, Alaska

Today’s Total Expenses: 222.76 + $28.00

Entertainment: $28.00

It Would Be Beautiful If The Sun Was Shining

Yes the rain is back. If you are planning a trip to Alaska be sure to pack rain gear and umbrellas – you will need them. I guess we have been quite lucky with weather; the only bad days have been in Ketchikan and here in Juneau. Of course the locals don’t notice the rain until it’s falling horizontally but I think that’s because they’re covered in moss.

Juneau, Alaska’s Capital
Juneau is unique as the only state capitol that you cannot drive to. The only way in or out is by sea or air – there are no connecting roads.

Mendenhall Glacier

If you take the highway out of town just past the Costco, Walmart and McDonald’s you will find the Mendenhall Glacier. It really is that close. The tour is advertised for $7 – that’s $7 each way per person for a total of $28 which takes you to the face of the glacier in Tongass National Forest.

We would have liked to have stayed there longer and taken some of the hiking trails but the rain was pretty miserable and we are not equipped for it.

More Jewelry Stores

I hope I don’t get Vicky in trouble with other woman but she is fairly practical when it comes to jewelry. She has a few nice pieces but she doesn’t pester me all the time for new trinkets.

Over the course of the cruise we have been following a kind of a treasure hunt using the coupons in the book we got when we boarded. If you visit each of the stores you get different coins and charms free at each store. It’s just junk but I’m sure the grand kids will like them.
Anyway the collection is now complete so we could get back on the ship, out of the rain and grab a late lunch.

Another Formal Night

Formal nights on a cruise ship are one of the few remaining chances the average person has to dress up. I would probably feel a whole lot better about it if I had a tailored Tux.

I grew out of my last tux many years ago and never bothered to buy a new one. What I really need is a big cumber bun to hide my big tummy.

My current dinner jacket does not fit well and I frankly find ties about the most uncomfortable thing there is to wear. We have clothes for six months traveling packed into one duffel bag – there is not a lot of room for fancy duds.

Dinner and a Show
Except in our case – since we have late sitting – it’s show and dinner.

This was the best show of the cruise. We have never heard of Jeff Trachta but apparently he was on the soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful for several years and appeared on Broadway in Grease. We thought he would just be some pretty boy singer but wow were we wrong.

He has a high tech show that uses pre-recorded video of him playing multiple parts that make up his chorus. He has a great voice plus he is possibly the best impressionist I’ve ever heard. All in all an excellent hour.

This was followed by a surf and turf dinner ~ almost worth getting dressed up for.

At Sea en Route to Anchorage, Alaska

By Vicky Wells, on June 6th, 2010

Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 06 ~Day #27	Budget to date	Spent today	Total to date	Daily average
Total	$2700	$222.76	$3277.38	$121.38
Miles by Road	Nautical Miles	Miles by Air	Miles by Train	Total Statute Miles
4917	1307 + 717 = 2024	000	000	7244.6

Location: At Sea
Daily Cruse Expense: $222.76

Heading for Anchorage

Today was another “at sea” day meaning that we are simply putting miles behind us in order to get to Anchorage tomorrow.

On this cruise we will have a total of three “at sea” days. The first, of course, was the Inside Passage, our first full day on the Amsterdam. The second is today as we head towards Anchorage and the third will be after we leave Juneau and head for Victoria, British Columbia where we will actually be disembarking. We want to spend more time in Victoria and then take the train up to Nanaimo to visit with my brother and sister-in-law before heading back to my sister’s in Chilliwack to pickup our car and start the eastward bound part of our North America trip.

Motion of the Ocean

For most of our voyage the seas have been fairly calm but have been a couple of days where we’ve had some significant waves. Certainly not what we would consider rough seas but enough to sometimes get the ship rocking a bit from side to side.

Neither Geoff nor I are particularly susceptible to seasickness but other people, including one of our dinner companions, were feeling the effects from time to time.

As you exit the main dining room each evening you are presented with a choice of mints, hard candies and crystallized ginger. Both of us have been indulging in the crystallized ginger and recommending to anyone who is a bit queazy because of the motion of the ship.

Ginger is wonderful for settling the tummy.

Entertainment Onboard

Each evening there is entertainment in the Queen’s Lounge, a large, two-storey theatre at the bow of the ship. There are two performances so they can accommodate all of the passengers onboard.

They have a talented group of singers and dancers that stay with the ship in addition to guest performers.

Classical Music at Sea

Our absolute favorite so far was a pianist – Elliot Finkel. He not only played for us one evening but today, at 3:00pm, he gave us a classical music performance that ended in a standing ovation.

Weight Loss Challenge

Perhaps the title for this part of my post should be – “What was I thinking?”

I guess it kind of goes right along with the obvious senior moment I had when I decided I didn’t really need to pack a warm jacket for our Alaska cruise. Thanks again to my sister for the warm fuzzy jacket that I have used extensively on this trip.

No, I haven’t yet weighed myself since the first time I weighed in, so I have nothing to report.

I did promise myself that I wouldn’t have dessert with lunch, though, and I kept that promise for a full 24 hours!

Whether you’ve cruised or not, everyone knows that it’s pretty much non-stop food on a cruise. Most of it is really quite good, too.

Last night we decided to eat in the Italian restaurant onboard rather than in the Main Dining Room. You need to make reservations for this restaurant, but it is included in your cruise fare.

I had veal and Geoff had cod and it was obviously cooked to order and delicious. We had a lovely table to two right in front of a large window.

I was hoping to sight some whales but no such luck. Maybe tomorrow.

The Land of the Midnight Sun

We’ve all heard this expression and tonight we actually experienced it.

After watching a movie in the small theatre we went to the Lido Deck for a midnight snack and cup of tea. It was midnight and the sun still hadn’t completely set.

We witnessed a section of bright blue sky with rose-colored clouds and the sun attempted to set just past midnight – incredible!

Geezers Strike Gold in Sitka, Alaska

By Geoff Wells, on June 3rd, 2010

Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 03~Day #24	Budget to date	Spent today	Total to date	Daily average
Total	$2400	$222.76	$2525.10	$105.21
Miles by Road	Nautical Miles	Miles by Air	Miles by Train	Total Statute Miles
4917	676 + 223 = 899	000	000	5694.4

Current Location: Sitka, Alaska

Geezers Strike Gold
The prize draw took place at 6:45pm outside the ships jewelry store and yours truly was the winner of $50 worth of gold chain. I’m not sure exactly what happened but it turns out that only the winning ticket was mine the prize was Vicky’s. Funny how that happened but I wouldn’t have had much use for a gold chain anyway. Vicky apparently knew precisely what to do with it and now has a new charm bracelet.

Sun in Sitka
Before the excitement on board we spent a very enjoyable day in Sitka, Alaska. We have been in the North West for more than two weeks now and the phrase we have heard most often is, “It’s lovely when the suns out”. Today we actually got to see for ourselves. The sun shone in Sitka and it was lovely.

Tendering
Sitka does not have a cruise dock so the only way to get from the ship to the shore is via a tender. By the time we had finished breakfast the crew had launched several life boats and lowered a gangway from the side of the ship. Shuttling back and forth it took very little time to get everyone that wanted to go ashore on land.

Not Like Ketchikan
Sitka is very different from Ketchikan. Where Ketchikan is a series of jewelry stores clinging to the side of an island, Sitka is a quaint but modern family town with well cared for houses and pleasant parks.

Downtown Sitka
We caught the free shuttle bus at the tender dock and rode it for what seemed like only half a mile to downtown Sitka. From there we explored the stores and the ocean side park. It was very relaxing and the sun felt good after so many days of overcast and rain.

Getting Wet in a Good Way
We made it back to the ship in time for lunch and a shower. Yes, the shower was on the fritz again so we had to leave in the morning after only a a quick sink wash of the smelly bits. Fortunately the plumber had everything working again so we were now fit to go out in public.

Free Internet
We grabbed our MacBook and headed back into town and found the library. We had been told they had free wifi, which they did. I was able to get caught up with our posting and emails. It has only been a couple of days since we logged on but between Vicky and myself we had over 2000 emails – most of which were spam – I hate spammers.

Last Tender
By the time we were done we only just made it back to the dock in time to catch the last tender to the ship. Time for some tea and pastry then on to the drawing for the gold chain – which is where I started.

Ketchikan – Alaska Cruise Day 3

By Vicky Wells, on June 2nd, 2010

Our transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment cost so far
June 02~Day #23	Budget to date	Spent today	Total to date	Daily average
Total	$2300	$222.76	$2302.34	$100.10
Miles by Road	Nautical Miles	Miles by Air	Miles by Train	Total Miles
4917	676	000	000	5694.4

Location: Ketchikan, Alaska

Time Zone Change

As we headed towards Ketchikan we also crossed into another time zone and the clocks were set back an hour giving us either more party time or sleep time. I’m afraid we chose the extra sleep time. I guess we were still trying to catch up on our sleep from our 40 hour experience.

Shopping, Coupons and Free Stuff

When we boarded the m/s Amsterdam in Seattle, we were given a large book for coupons that covered the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Many of the coupons offered free gifts without any purchase necessary. I know I don’t really need most of this stuff but I just can’t resist. So, coupon book in hand, we headed down the gangway and into Ketchikan.

The Weather

The weather, unfortunately, was overcast and rainy but we tried not to let it dampen our spirits and we began to explore our first Alaskan town.

I’m not sure I ever seen so many jewelry or souvenir shops all in one place before. A lot of the jewelry was beautiful and even, sometimes, tempting, but I stuck to my free coupons and collected all my “loot”.

I have collected coins and charms (you get the whole set of eight by visiting the designated shops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway). I have also collected some other lovely items like a pearl pendant, pearl earrings, a charm bracelet and other items.

We did a small walking tour to Ketchikan along with taking a ride on the free shuttle.

Keeping Expenses Down

In keeping with our goal to keep our expenses under control for the 6+ months that we are traveling, we bypassed any excursions or attractions but still managed to enjoy our day despite the weather and the crowds.

Crowds

That’s right – I said crowds. There were four cruise ships in port, some considerably larger than ours. At times, apparently, there can be as many as seven cruise ships in port, swelling the town to more than twice it population for a few hours.

Formal Night

This was our first formal night of the cruise. I wore my favorite “little black dress” and Geoff looked extra spiffy in his white dinner jacket and black pants.

We have lovely dinner companions at our table from Colombia who have traveled extensively and their English is just so much better than our Spanish. But the conversations are enjoyable and we are using the few Spanish words we know.

We are actually seated at a table for six but so far whoever is supposed to occupy the other two seats have not yet shown up.

We are also very lucky to have a window table with lovely views whether in port or underway.

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At Sea en Route to Victoria

Jeff Trachta and Juneau, Alaska

At Sea en Route to Anchorage, Alaska

Geezers Strike Gold in Sitka, Alaska

Ketchikan – Alaska Cruise Day 3