I have not seen many reports on HAL cruise tours so I thought I would post my experience. I apologise for the length.
I start with the itinary that was sent to us pre cruise to which I added the excursions which I purchased, we did this at very short notice so I must admit I took the easy option and allowed HAL to organise everything and it was very relaxing.
Sun Jun 14 MANCHESTER 11:50am
Sun Jun 14 LONDON HEATHROW 12:55pm
Sun Jun 14 LONDON HEATHROW 3:30pm
Sun Jun 14 SEATTLE 5:05pm
Sun Jun 14 SEATTLE 7:50pm
Sun Jun 14 FAIRBANKS 10:22pm
Sun Jun 14 FAIRBANKS
WESTMARK FAIRBANKS HOTEL
813 NOBLE ST.
FAIRBANKS, AK 99701
UNITED STATES
PHONE: (907) 456-7722
1 NIGHT STAY
Mon Jun 15 FAIRBANKS
Tierd after traveling so perhaps:
Lunch at Crepery then walk to Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Centre. Shows at 13.00, 15.00 and 17.00 Beading class 14.00-16.00
Dinner Lavelles Bistro
Tue Jun 16 FAIRBANKS
You will be transferred from your hotel to Steamboat Landing.
Depart at 9:00 am for a 3 hour cruise aboard the authentic sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery.
Enjoy a hearty lunch at Steamboat Landing, the site of your riverboat cruise.
Your visit to Gold Dredge 8 includes many activities: a close-up view of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, an open-air
ride on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad, exploration of Gold Dredge 8, and a chance to try your hand at
gold panning.
You will be transferred from Gold Dredge 8 to your hotel.
Dinner Wasabi Bay Sushi
Wed Jun 17 FAIRBANKS
Enjoy a narrated motorcoach tour to Denali National Park as you travel on the George Parks Highway, with
departures beginning from 9:30 am. Travel time is approximately 3-1/2 hours.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Look for 'Holland America Line'
region. Contact the Denali Tour Desk for more information.
MCKINLEY CHALET RESORT
PHONE: (907) 683-6450
2 NIGHT STAY
Welcome to the McKinley Chalet Resort! Baggage-handling gratuities and taxes are included.
Complimentary shuttles to the Denali National Park Visitor Center are available from the lobby. See the Front
Desk for shuttle times.
13.30- 17.30 River rafting Wilderness Run
About the Excursion
Take time to enjoy the scenery on this mild whitewater excursion along 13 miles of the Class I-II Upper Nenana River. Let your experienced guide share their knowledge of the wildlife and natural history of the area as you sit and enjoy this 13 mile excursion through a meandering glacial valley.
Additional Info
Minimum age is 11 years. Maximum weight is 350 lbs. Guests will be required to navigate 3 steps and walk 30 yards. All guests are required to wear socks and have the capability to access rafts at water level as well as grasp paddle throughout tour. All river gear, including commercial drysuits are provided. Socks are required. This tour operates regardless of weather.
Dinner Prospectors Pizzeria
Thu Jun 18 DENALI NATIONAL PARK
This morning, enjoy your 6 to 8 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour on a National Park bus (length of tour may vary due
to weather and road conditions). A hearty snack and beverage will be provided.
18.15-20.15 Music of Denali
About the Excursion
Kick back and laugh after a full day of sightseeing by joining in on this evening-long jaunt to a family-style roadhouse to see a sidesplitting musical comedy about the first men to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley. The evening begins with a family style dinner featuring Alaskan salmon, smokehouse BBQ, hearty mashed potatoes and house baked apple crisps for dessert. Come hungry because this delicious spread is all-you-can-eat. While feasting on this savory meal, enjoy wonderful performances by a talented group of musicians and singers who hit all the right notes with lively songs and heartfelt sounds.
After dinner, unwind over a cup of complimentary coffee or tea or, if the mood suits, soda, beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase. As total relaxation sets in, get ready to experience a truly delightful show that captures the legendary adventures of the first men known to scale the highest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley, which juts 20,000 feet high into the vast blue sky. Also known as Denali, which means ''The Great One,'' this towering mountain features two significant summits and five glaciers that flow down from the mountain’s steep slopes. Through clever lyrics set to engaging music, the gifted cast tells the entertaining story of these early explorers, including Alaskan native Walter Harper, the first man to reach the main summit. Take in the indomitable pioneering spirit of this determined group who bravely made their way through the Alaskan wilderness to reach new heights, which, according to one of the men, explorer Robert Tatum, was like ''looking out the windows of heaven.'' Enjoy the rollicking ride while experiencing the thrill of discovering gold and the unforeseen dangers faced when climbing this mammoth peak. Relish the spirited music full of funny, lighthearted lyrics and the gifted ensemble that bring this original musical and a slice of Alaskan history to life.
Theatre is located at the McKinley Chalets. Transfer time is 6:15 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Family-style served meal including smokehouse BBQ & Alaskan Salmon. Show portion of this tour is 50 minutes
Fri Jun 19 DENALI NATIONAL PARK
You will be transferred from the hotel to the railroad depot from the main lobby. See your Denali Welcome
Envelope for transfer times. A Guest Service Host will direct you to the correct boarding area for the McKinley
Explorer.
Please have ready your Welcome Envelope along with photo identification when you board.
Board the McKinley Explorer for an 8-hour journeyto Anchorage. Meals, beverages, souvenirs and optional excursions are available for purchase.
Please note that the McKinley Explorer is cashless and that all major credit cards are accepted.
ANCHORAGE
Prior to arriving into Anchorage, a Rail Guide will inform you of your motorcoach assignment. Upon arrival, you
will be met by a Guest Service Host. You will receive your Anchorage Welcome Envelope and then transfer to
your hotel.
ANCHORAGE
WESTMARK ANCHORAGE HOTEL
720 WEST 5TH AVENUE
ANCHORAGE, AK 99501
UNITED STATES
PHONE: (907) 276-7676[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG](907) 276-7676
1 NIGHT STAY
Tonight you will stay at the Westmark Anchorage. Hotel check-in is available after 3:00 pm. Baggage-handling
gratuities and taxes are included. You will find the Tour Desk located near the G Street entrance. Guest Service
Hosts are available from 5:30 am until 10:00 pm to help answer questions and to assist in purchasing optional
excursions.
19.00 Table booked Glacier Brewhouse Seafood
Sat Jun 20 ANCHORAGE
Today, enjoy the narration as you travel by motorcoach along the scenic shoreline of Turnagain Arm to Seward.
Travel time is approximately 3 hours. Check your Anchorage Welcome Envelope for departure information.
SEWARD
SEWARD WINDSONG LODGE
31772 HERMAN LEIRER RD
SEWARD, AK 99664
UNITED STATES
PHONE: (907) 224-7116[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG](907) 224-7116
1 NIGHT STAY
Welcome to Seward Windsong Lodge located on the Kenai Peninsula. Check-in is available after 3:00 pm.
Baggage-handling gratuities and taxes are included. See your Seward Welcome Envelope for more information.
Dinner Looks to be OK at the Resurection Roadhouse on site
Sun Jun 21 SEWARD
See your Seward Welcome Envelope for luggage handling details, departure information and hours that a
Holland America Line representative will be available in the hotel main lobby.
Keep any necessary medications and your passport book with you at all times. Please remember to
keep your carry-on luggage with you if you do not intend to return to your hotel.
Ship embarkation begins at 11:30 am. Lunch is available in the Lido Restaurant.
Please have your passport book or other WHTI-approved document ready for embarkation in Seward.
**IMPORTANT** The Department of Homeland Security requires you to carry a passport book or other WHTIapproved
document. Please consult the State Department for more information and for the most current travel
document requirements, http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/do-i-need.html.
07.15-15.00 Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
About the Excursion
Travel to Kenai Fjords National Park to a majestic tidewater glacier on Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruise. Marvel as it calves. Feel its power and hear it roar! You’ll travel to the face of a tidewater glacier and witness one of the most active tidewater glaciers in the park as it thunders into the sea. Watch for humpback whales, orcas, seabirds, sea lions, otters and other wildlife. This trip is narrated by certified captains at the helm of the most modern fleet of vessels in the state. Enjoy lunch on board as you track your route on the flat-screen monitors displaying the map of this beautiful national park.
Additional Info
Dress in warm layers. Bring your camera and binoculars. This cruise will spend some time in open waters. If you think you may be susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication the night prior to alleviate discomfort so that you can enjoy your sailing. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. This tour is only available to guests overnighting in Seward and participating in the Land+Sea Journey D3L.Ship departs 8:00pm
Mon Jun 22 At Sea
Tue Jun 23 GLACIER BAY 10:00am 7:00pm
Wed Jun 24 HAINES, ALASKA, US 6:30am 9:00pm
08.00-11.00[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG]08.00-11.00 FREE Haines Whales and Lighthouse Tales
About the Excursion
Haines Alaska sits on the Chilkat Peninsula nestled between the Coast and Chilkat Mountain Ranges. Ice fields rim both shorelines and glacial nutrients kick start the food chain in these waters. This summer bloom provides for concentrating marine life in the waters of Lynn Canal. Keep a camera handy as we navigate the shorelines of these fertile waters. You’ll see hanging glaciers, waterfalls, nesting bald eagles, harbor seals, and humpback or killer whales. Drifting and quietly observing humpback whale behavior is a highlight of the cruise. We’ll also stop at a rookery where hundreds of Stellar sea lions gather in the summer to breed and pup. Our cruise destination stands stately on an island 18 miles south of Haines. The Eldred Rock Lighthouse, a picturesque and historic octagonal lighthouse, was first lit in 1906. It is the oldest remaining lighthouse in Alaska and one of the most remote in North America. The lighthouse was built after a series of disastrous shipwrecks that occurred there from steamships full of miners heading north to Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush. The most famous shipwreck was the steamship Clara Nevada in February of 1898. As many as 75 lives and 850 pounds of gold were lost. The gold has never been discovered or the mystery of this disastrous shipwreck. As we hug the shoreline around the island of the lighthouse you will hear tales of the shipwrecks and get up close views of harbor seals basking on the rocks and nesting sea birds playing in the surf. Your cruise takes place aboard the Fjordland, a luxurious vessel specially designed for the waters of Lynn Canal and for viewing the scenery and wildlife up close. The 65 foot, state-of-the-art, fast-hulled catamaran offers comfortable, indoor seating with 360-degree views and a large back deck for spending time outside where the sights, smells and sounds get closer yet. A tasty smoked salmon snack, fruit and beverages will be served underway
Notes:
Bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. The operators of this tour guarantee that a whale will be sighted on this excursion. If not, you will receive a $95 cash refund from the tour operator at the conclusion of the tour.
Haines You can walk from the pier to Fort William H. Seward and into town. Pick up some walking-tour information on Haines at the visitor center (122 Second Ave.). It's open in summer Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fort William H. Seward was designated a National Historic Site by the US government in 1972. Situated on a hill above the dock, the open-air fort is accessible to visitors at any time of day. Walk around and read the plaques on a self-guided walking tour. Many of the buildings are former barracks and officers' quarters. In the center of the parade grounds is a replica of a Tlingit tribal house. The former fort hospital on the south side of the parade grounds is now the Alaska Indian Arts Cultural Center and has a small gallery and carver's workshop where you can see totem carving in progress (it's open when cruise ships are in town). The totems produced here are highly valued (actor James Earl Jones has one in his front yard). Note the giant whale gun positioned on the parade grounds opposite the water. The gun is owned by a local who fires it like a cannon on special occasions.
Chilicot distillery open from 14.00 nearby
Thu Jun 25 JUNEAU, ALASKA, US 8:00am 6:00pm
09.00-13.00[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG]09.00-13.00 Grand Tour of Juneau
About the Excursion
Juneau, Alaska is known for the surrounding glaciers and lush rain forest that make up the Tongass National Forest. What is it like to live in the forest and how does it shape the lives of its inhabitants? The answers begin with a short drive through downtown Juneau’s streets en route to Mendenhall Glacier, located in the Tongass National Forest, where you'll spend 90 minutes exploring the surrounding trails and waterfall offering fabulous views of the glacier. Allow time to enter the Visitor Center to check out the various exhibits and short film on the Juneau ice field. Then, head back to your motor coach and you’re off to Juneau's Rainforest Garden, where you'll take a short, self-guided walk through the forest to view the interpretive plaques. Sit down to chat with the local proprietors as they explain life in Southeast Alaska and the interrelationship between Southeasterners and the surrounding rain forest. Enjoy a snack of a muffin or pastry and cup of tea during the talk. The last part of the outing takes you back to downtown Juneau for a ride on the Mt Roberts Tramway. You can either head straight up the mountain or detour into town and return to the tram at your leisure—your ticket is good all day. You'll want at least 90 minutes to take in the beauty of Mt Roberts. On the ride up to 1,800 feet, take in the beautiful views with the Chilkat Mountains to the north, Stephens Passage to the south, Douglas Island to the west and, in the east, Silver Bow Basin where gold was discovered in 1880. At the top, learn about Alaska’s raptors from a naturalist at the live bald eagle exhibit and visit Raven Eagle Gifts at the Mountain House—an educational experience because you can watch local artisans crafting traditional objects. Looking out at the surrounding mountains and islands that make up the Tongass area, it is easy to understand why Juneauites feel so isolated from the rest of Alaska.
There seems to be quite a lot to do at the top. Including trails and wildlife centre. Can not find any other must dos in Juneau.
Fri Jun 26 KETCHIKAN, ALASKA, US 11:00am 7:00pm
13.00-16.30 Rainforest Canoe and Nature Trail
Begin today’s adventure with a scenic motor coach drive to a secluded mountain lake. On the shoreline, you’ll board 37-foot Native-style canoe that is fast, stable and easy to maneuver. Paddling under the direction of an experienced guide, scan the shore for wildlife and learn about the natural and Native history of the Ketchikan area. The lake is ideal for canoeing and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest—the largest National Forest in the United States. Step ashore at a remote base camp for an Alaskan-style snack, including smoked salmon, clam chowder, and rolls with wild berry jams and beverages. Your knowledgeable guide will lead a short nature walk, highlighting the flora and fauna of the rain forest, including a carnivorous plant—the sundew—which uses tentacles with an adhesive ‘dew’ to ensnare small insects. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to comfortably explore Southeast Alaska in the same way it was discovered by its original explorers and inhabitants.
Notes:
A life jacket is provided, along with rain gear (poncho) if necessary. Dress comfortably in layered clothing.
Sat Jun 27 SCENIC CRUISING THE INSIDE PASSAGE
Sun Jun 28 VANCOUVER, B.C., CA 7:00am
Sun Jun 28 VANCOUVER
Vancouver Ship to Airport Transfer: You will be transferred from the ship to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have purchased air on your own, Holland America Line must be advised of your air
schedule at least 14 days prior to arrival. Please complete Online Check-In at our website
(www.hollandamerica.com) with your flight information or have your travel professional contact Holland America
Line at 1-877-724-5425[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG]1-877-724-5425 FREE or 1-206-286-3900[IMG]resource://skype_ff_extension-at-jetpack/skype_ff_extension/data/call_skype_logo.png[/IMG]1-206-286-3900.
If Holland America Line does not receive the flight information, you will not receive the transfer and
will be ineligible for reimbursement of this service.
Sun Jun 28 VANCOUVER 8:50pm
Mon Jun 29 LONDON HEATHROW 2.00pm
Mon Jun 29 LONDON HEATHROW 3:45pm
Mon Jun 29 MANCHESTER 4:45pm
Diary of what we actually did and how I felt. I have not included pictures as it would be even longer.
Alaska
14th June 2015
Day started early as I woke at 04.00 alarm due to go off at 06.30. Left the house at 07.20 and after a quick trouser swap got to m&g no problems. First in the line so close to reception easy walk to terminal 3. Already checked in online so went to baggage drop. No one else in queue. Off loaded baggage and received boarding passes for Alaskan airways as unable to do this portion ourselves. Not able to sit together as flight full!! Full breakfast in terminal 3. Flight delayed by 10 mins. Michael kept bleeping through security and they took a drug swab of his bag - all the medicines in it. Took off with even more delay but a quick flight 45 mins and they served drinks and nuts. Arrived Heathrow well signposted to go for connecting flights, however extremely busy and not sure what to do we saw that our flight left from gates B so made our way there however there was very little to eat in that area, saying that, we had a nice panini, cakes looked good but we were too full to have one. Made our way to the gate via loos and it was called for boarding, later found out we missed seeing the golfers ie Westwood plus others. Prebooked seats bit of a lottery if you managed to sit with traveling companion. Sat on runway for half an hour before taking off. Flight 9hours 20 mins. Food chicken casserole usual plane fare. Offered juices and water on several occasions. Final snack egg sandwich and scone with jam and cream but that was fiddley in confined space.
In Seattle we had to pass through immigration which was extremely quick, lines were a lot longer for those who had visited before on an esta. Pick up luggage. First bag came off quickly but then quite a wait for the next, beginning to panic, then took it to drop off. This left us 1/2 hour before gate opened. No time for food just a quick drink. Alaskan airways a bit like easy jet and food and drink had to be paid for. Bbq chicken sandwich ok but coleslaw yuk. Flight 3hours 20 mins no entertainment. Sat between an Alaskan student and a mum returning home she was proud of her daughter and showed me a picture of her daughter with the bear she had shot the day before. I was a bit shocked as such a culture shock. She explained they need guns to stop having a corrupt government but both she and the student were not happy with the way the country was being run. Anyway they finally let us off the plane after rearranging the luggage so the plane did not fall over.
Quickly retrieved baggage HAL representatives easily identified and quickly onto coach for westmark. Coach had to be chocked when standing! 2 other couples on coach who I'd seen on plane looking at Hal itinerary so I introduced myself. They in fact came from Yarm!! They had had a nightmare due to the flight they were on from Newcastle being canceled. Anyway after a drink went up to our rooms, key cards handed to us at airport, luggage still not brought up to our room and after a 27hour day not amused. Anyway finally hit the bed at 00.30. Still bright daylight and at 02.41 when I woke first.
15th June Fairbanks West mark hotel
After a fitful sleep awoke fully at 06.00. The room is large with a huge bed, bathroom including bath which has a nightlight that changes colour so you don't have to put lights on when you use it, however as its light all night you don't really need that feature. The room has a seating area with an another TV and a small kitchenette with table and chairs, it also has a desk and swivel chair. The view overlooks the parking lot but there are hills behind.
Went down to breakfast at about 09.00 and opted for the fully monty at $18. Cereal fruit and yoghurt followed by eggs benedict, scrambled egg, bacon, ham and warm cinnamon rolls, tasty enough but not a patch on El Gouna, neither is the view! We are using this day as a catch up day so decided to just wander. Got a map at the tour desk and set off down town after about 10 minutes of boring block walking decided to head for the river passing the golden heart plaza with its tribute statue to the Eskimo. The statue is Malcolm Alexander’s “Unknown First Family,” which in his words is “Portraying the family of all mankind, the family of Fairbanks, and the nuclear family, let this statue symbolize, for families present and future, the pride and dignity of this great land.” A time capsule, to be opened January 3, 2059, is buried in the Plaza. The clock tower, donated by the Fairbanks Rotary Club in 1990, commemorates this organization’s first fifty years of service to Fairbanks and the Interior. It plays random music every 15 minutes. The walk along the river is pleasant enough crossing the footbridge and watching the fish a man commentated that they were grayling we got chatting he was a native and he told us all about the 13 organisations which own Alaskan mineral rights and how the Alaskan people had shares in these. The building by the river was owned by the Doyon corporation in which he had shares and into which he persuaded us to visit. It held a small museum of Alaskan artefacts, the beading on photo frames was beautiful. We then left him and continued our walk along the river to the Morris Thompson centre. Free entry but no cafe. Exhibits very interesting giving the history of the Alaskan pipe way and a glimpse into the way of life of the Alaskan people. We had timed our visit to coincide with the cultural show. This involved a group of 10 students showing us and explaining to us about their native dances accompanied by drums. A guitarist and fiddler then came on stage to accompany them to a few more dances including a jig a two step and an invitational which got some of us on stage to dance. There were not many of us in the audience and some of the students looked bored but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
By this time it was 14.00 so we went off looking for the crepery which had good reports on trip advisor, Michael found it as he was keeping in the shade as it was so hot. It was in the co op. Although a crepery we opted to share the salmon filled avocados followed by a crepe, however couldn't manage the crepe.
As it was hot and we were still tired we headed back to the hotel, found a very small convenience store to buy a couple of bottles of water and came across an old uninhabited clap board house with a carved eagle.
Spent the rest of afternoon sleeping.
Dinner was taken at the hotels red lantern restaurant same menu was there as in the northern latitudes restaurant as well. M had a crab and Brie dip to start followed by crab legs. I had reindeer meatloaf followed by salted caramel ice cream, with wine and beer $109. Unfortunately now where inspired us so we went to bed.
16th June
Sleep was once again fitful this could be due to the fact that even with black out curtains it's still light. We had to be in the lobby for 8.15 for our river boat discovery tour. This involved a 3 hour narrated trip up the river chena including a seaplane taking off and landing, stopping off at some sled dog kennels trained by a famous female sledder and a walking tour of a typical Indian way of life. The weather was perfect and the trip was most enjoyable. Once we got back lunch was served. The salad was superb as was the chocolate torte. After lunch we were driven to gold dredge 8 where we viewed the trans Alaskan pipeline followed by train trip past historical aspects of gold mining to the dredge boat where we were told its history. At the end of the line we were given a small bag of dirt and a chance to pan for gold. We managed to get a few specks. A most enjoyable and informative trip.
Back to the hotel a quick nap and we once again ate at the hotels restaurant.
Bed by 20.30.
17th June
Woke at 1 realised I hadn't put all the tags on the bags but the bags had gone, went down to front desk and got the tags on the bags. But then realised the tags were for a different hotel to the one I thought we were staying at. After breakfast checked and we had been given wrong tags. No problem they would sort it.
The journey to Denali was beautiful a fantastic clear day and the mountain appeared in all its glory several times as well as other spectacular vistas. Arrived at McKinley lodge Denali at 12.45 just time to get to the room note no bags before returning to the main building for a quick bite and to meet up with the group from the river rafting. Here we were told it was going to be a bit more scary than advertised, what the heck we would go for it. The rafts went from the hotel so we were driven there and kitted up, we could take nothing on the ride. It was a warm day and I had trousers and t shirt, over this we put on dry suits and a life jacket as Lee was doing the paddling we didn't have to wear helmets. The water was 39f but didn't feel it. It was an exhilarating and beautiful experience not as bad as I had feared. They were doubting whether they could do the journey the following day as the melt water was due. After de robing and returning to our room still no bags. Rang front desk and after a bit of bullying on my part and platitudes on there's they agreed to find them quickly.
However by this time m was stressed we went for a drink and found a fantastic place to sit outside, they said we could even eat there. We had a very good meal overlooking the gorge and it was very warm. I had an excellent salad with pear goats cheese and pecans followed by scallops, corn and bacon with a thyme foam. Good food lovely surroundings. Bed by 20.30
18th June McKinley lodge
Again woke at 1, this room looks to be a handicap room, bathroom huge bed with blanket throw, views of trees, however could hear someone with a nasty cough. got up for breakfast at 6.15 went up to the main restaurant for breakfast. Ok for me m disappointed. Contacted kids as the main building is the only place with wifi. We were then off on the tundra wilderness tour of Denali national park. Our driver was Alan a physics teacher. Throughout the tour he would give us information on wildlife, history, politics and geology. The mountain kept on revealing itself. We managed to see Dall sheep specks on hillside, a sow bear with her 2 Cubs which Alan thought were about 3 years old so should be leaving, artic ground squirrels and lots of caribou which due to the heat of the day were either paddling in streams or standing on ice. Except for one which was right on the road in front of us. We drove to mile 62 and got a fantastic panaorama of the mountain range. It was a fabulous day made better by the superb weather.
On returning to the lodge we had cocktails before returning to our room to shower all the dust off.
For the evening I had booked the music of Denali- dinner with show. Dinner was good brisket with bbq sauce, meat melted in mouth and salmon with a dill sauce. and the show cheesy the actors enthusiastic and I enjoyed it. Bed later 21,00!
19th June
Improving woke at 4.00 woke m at 7.00 as we had to have bags packed and outside door by 7.30. This time we thought we would have breakfast in buffet. $18 same hots as in restaurant, fruit bowl was lovely it included strawberrys and grapes. Blueberry muffins as well. Got on the first bus to train station. Very pleased with seats 9a and 9b kenai coach first coach on train, only views we didn't have were below us and behind. The train was very clean and well presented with fresh flowers. Space under seat in front for bags so it much room, however more comfortable than airline seats.
Wow we had the perfect day clear blue skies, Denali was "out" again, this time we saw moose so happy now, also Eagles, swans eagle nests beaver activity and I might have seen a beaver swimming.
Lunch was served in the restaurant area below not bad value for money considering the captive audience!
A friend had said all you saw were trees. I dispute that, mountains, gorges, lakes, rivers, streams, plains burnt areas, firemen putting out fires and moose.
The journey took 8 hours and I did not resort to reading in all that time once again a fantastic experience.
Arrived at Anchorage station and the appropriate coaches were lined up exactly so we walked straight off train and onto them good planning. Handed the hotel key cards and further instructions as we got onto the coach.
Bit more of a walk off coach into hotel but staff around to expedite movement got to our room, the great debate will our luggage be there? Yes one bag! The phone rang people in next door had our second bag, it had the right number on it! The room was comfortable two double beds with large number of pillows, clever arrangement of bathroom with a sink and wardrobe on a corridor to bathroom which included bath and shower. Views from balcony through the buildings to the sea. Balcony.
I had booked brewsters brew house on line so looked on line as to where that could be 50 yds it said, went out onto balcony and yes saw it opposite.
Glad I had booked as the place was heaving and people were given those flashing table ready indicators but we were shown to our table immediately. M had calamari, nicely cooked followed by crab legs. I had chilli prawns and salad followed by peanut butter pie. Pleasant and convenient. Bed 21.00
20th June anchorage westmark hotel.
Again awake at 04.00 got up at 08.00 re packed and went for breakfast, busy had to wait. Hot buffet not good not much selection and eggs cold however greater variety of pastries.
A few hours to kill before our transfer so wondered around, flowers in park very vibrant in colour, not many shops market just setting up.
12.00 left for Seward. Beautiful coach ride along rivers and between mountains. Narrated through out by the driver entertaining and informative. A moose spotted and several Eagles on nests. Stopped at a glacier for a break,
Staying at wind song lodge. Set in beautiful surroundings overlooking the river. Ate on site, pleasant enough and then had a drink in the evening sun on the decking. Bed by 20.00 again!
21st June Seward
Up early for the kinai fjord cruise. No. Time for breakfast fortunately they had an express bar where we got coffee juice, fruit bowel and a blueberry muffin.
The driver arrived on time but the one of the guests didn't his wife then went looking for him so we were 1/4 hour late leaving. 5 minute journey to the dock, could see the zaandam ready and waiting for us. We were given boarding passes for the small ship and a bit dismayed to see the long queue to get on. Fortunately no one else wanted to sit outside at the back!
It was a cool grey day, cloud level was low so we needed all the cold weather gear we had with us.
As soon as we set off a pair of bald headed Eagles flew above us and a lazy sea otter showed off. The scenery was beautiful with glaciers and hanging glaciers. We also saw dall porpoises every where, harbour seals, Sitka? Sea lions, beautiful rock formation at 3 window holes where we also saw starfish, got very close to the Hubbard Glacier and watched it for several minutes saw small pieces break off and splash into the sea. Heard the whole thing creaking and groaning. After leaving the glacier we headed back the way we came as a pod of orcas had been spotted. When we got there they were among the small fleet of salmon fishermen, 3 of them with another behind. After they set off we went looking for birds in resurrection bay. We came across a group of black legged gulls when a humpback whale came amongst them he came up a couple of more times and we got a good view of his tail as he dived behind us.
The rest of the cruise we saw puffins, Eagles, cormorants and other sea birds.
We arrived back into dock at 14.20 very pleased with what we had seen. The company transferred us to the cruise terminal 5 minutes away. Embarkation took 5 minutes as no one else there and we were on the ship.
Impressions of stateroom. Smaller than celebrity. Ocean view bed in awkward position in front of window. Hot. Fruit in room nice touch. Bath in bathroom. Robes provided. Plenty of storage space for clothes. Comfortable sofa.
Impressions of boat: comfortable, nothing wow but easy on the eye, no complaints.
Fire drill was at 19.30 for half an hour on deck.
We then went straight for our evening meal, I had shrimp cocktail, coconut and nutmeg cold soup, Alaskan salmon followed by baked Alaska. We won't starve!
From dinner we went straight to the show- an introduction to singers and dancers, pleasant enough. Bed 10.30!
22nd June Zaandam sea day
Went down for breakfast at 08.00 nice selection then up on deck to find a chair. There are a limited number of loungers on deck I don't know if this is due to the itinerary, anyway found one by the pool the sliding roof was open and it was quite hot so came back down to put on swimming costume and spent the rest of the day lazing in the sun. Had sushi for lunch and nachos for mid afternoon snack.
Bar prices seem to be cheaper than celebrity as well.
Formal night, dressed for dinner and went to have a cocktail, Alaskan iced tea! Pretty blue colour looked pretty and tasted ok. Went to eat at 20.00 asked if we would like to share, decided we would and met a lovely couple from Vancouver he was a professor of ethics and we spent a very pleasant couple of hours, a little disappointed in food, strange couscous very starchy.
After the meal we went to the show, pleasant entertainment. And to bed.11.00 wow!
23rd June Zaandam glacial bay sea day
Again went down to breakfast at 8.00 got a table in stern of ship whilst eating breakfast saw a whale. After breakfast went to find a position to watch from for the rest of the day, went to the crows nest overlooking the bow, comfortable seats inside and waited for the day to unfold in front of us, beautiful view fantastic day. Plenty of wildlife, more sea otters, whales and bald headed Eagles. The people to our left claimed to see a bear. Whilst we traveled we had the park rangers on board. We spent an hour at Marjorie glacier watching and listening. On our way back we went up john Hopkins to pass Lampllugh glacier. The captain and pilot navigated us pass an island of sea lions, the noise they made was quite incredible.
It had been quite a tiring day so after diner we skipped the comedian and went straight to bed.
24th June Haines
We docked in Haines very early and as our trip left at 08.00 we had breakfast in the lido. The choices were exactly the same as in the dining room. Our trip was the Haines Whales and Lighthouse Tales. Haines is supposed to be renowned for its bald eagle gathering in the autumn. We did see plenty of Eagles including some immature ones. We also saw a colony of stellar sea lions much closer than we had seen them on the boat the previous day. The noise and smell was very impressive it was fascinating to watch the creatures fighting and showing off. A group of the juveniles came right up to the boat. We then came across a mother and calf humpback whales and watched them for several minutes the skipper told us the pattern to watch for. To get a picture of the tail. We also saw it breach which was the first time they had seen this year. A trip to the lighthouse and we were back on board by 11.00 the weather was perfect, warm and still so we sat by the sea view pool until it got too hot when we took shelter on chairs on deck 7 at the aft. No one else around and very quiet and relaxing. It got too cool to sit outside by 17.00 m went to jacuzzi I went for a shower. M said they were doing an Alaskan salmon bake and bbq on deck and it was very busy. We opted to go to main dining room again after a cocktail where we were given appetisers and peanuts. Nice touch. Dinner was good chilled rhubarb soup and crab cakes were excellent.
Too tired for the show so to bed.
25th June Juneau
Woke up to cloudy skies programme said it would rain. Breakfasted in main dining room before leaving on our trip of Juneau. The coach driver Dan was extremely funny. First we went to Medenhall glacier and walked to nugget falls before visiting the visitor centre where we watched a film on the receding glacier. Here it was busy we later found 4 cruise ships in town. We were then driven to a rainforest garden which was very been and lush many plants recognisable. Then we were driven to the mount Roberts tramway a cable car to the top of the hill. Good views from the top and several walks but we had already walked quite a way to nugget falls. We watched another film on the tulgit people. We were fortunate whilst we were out we had not had any rain.
On returning to the boat we had lunch and sat beside the lido pool. The roof was open. During the course of the afternoon the roof closed as it did rain it made a great clunking noise as it closed. M played pool golf!
I watched sail away, interesting as we were buzzed with sea planes as they took off.
Formal night and show although we didn't see all of it as I couldn't keep my eyes open.
26th June Ketchikan
Breakfasted in main dinning room, captain came over the tanoy informing us of an accident the previous day in Ketchikan when a float plane carrying Hal guests crashed leaving no survivors. M rang his father to assure him all was ok with us. Getting off the ship to find our excursion I briefly found wifi and checked messages and Facebook. We were then taken on a pretty drive to a glacial lake which we canoed on looking at the flora and fauna m saw an animal but was unable to identify. We briefly snacked on clam chowder smoked salmon before going on a brief nature trail. Getting back into the canoe we once again bellowed to hear the echo which came back twice amplified. Being on the lake was so relaxing as no sounds apart from the birds and splashing of the oars. On our drive back to the boat we encountered a couple of deer in town.
Tried again for Internet and failed.
Back on board at 16.30. The rest of the day as usual. Cocktail followed by dinner and bed.
27th June sea day
Again breakfasted at about 08.00 each day I have had a different breakfast today it was American. Then went up on deck and found loungers in the sun. The roof was partially open and although others were huddled under blankets I found it quite comfortable. Several whales were spotted off the boat.
Again lunched on sushi and as the captain said we were entering the inner passage about 3 I went on deck above the crows nest. Here it was so calm no one else around apart from the odd crew member taking a break. The scenery was not that exciting so after a couple of hours went down to pack. Cocktails and dinner and as the scenery got more interesting went up to crows nest to watch before going to bed.
28th June Vancouver
Woke as the boat was docking, it was late. Breakfast eggs benedict. Then back to stateroom waiting for disembarkation. I had decided on a hop on hop off tour with luggage transfer.
Late off boat but no passport controls to go through went quickly and picked up luggage easy. Queue to drop off luggage long. Queue to get on hoho bus long. A bit worried as how this would pan out later in the day. Not much information was given as to the length of the tour 2 1/2 hours, or that afterwards we then had to get the train to the airport to pick up luggage and how long that would take 30 mins.
Stopped off in Stanley park near some beautiful gardens. Saw a black squirrel. Walked to the totem poles then took the bus to an observation point. This bus driver was good. Next bus we were not sure where we were getting off but without explanation she was quickly off grid later found out roads were closed due to a marathon. We seemed to be taken all over the back streets of not so pretty Vancouver ending up in Granville Island where we got off to try and find lunch. Granville Island was packed vancouverians spending their Sunday's we did manage to find an interesting warehouse the sandbar restaurant which had interesting views from its patio and a cool breeze. I had seared tuna Michael had seafood club sandwich very pleasant. We then made our way back to the bus stop and got off to watch the steam clock perform. Met a tramp who claimed his mother was from Steyning and had been a war bride.
Back to Canada place to get the train to the airport, easier without luggage. Found the luggage collection point who managed to find our luggage! Check in had opened at 15.30 and as it was now 16.30 checked in and dropped off bags. I liked Vancouver airport, airy and not too busy comfortable chairs, free wifi, however food and drink was very expensive $4 for a small block of chocolate tons of shops but didn't look in. Plane late due to medical problem on incoming flight. Take off very turbulent but the rest of the flight ok managed to get some sleep.
29th June England.
Landed at 14.30 had to be at departure gate by 15.25. Heathrow was a nightmare, we fortunately did not have to collect luggage but the queues through border control and security were horrible. Eventually persuaded them to let us through the fast track and made it to the gate with 10 mins to spare. Flight delayed due to someone not managing it through the mayhem and luggage had to be removed. Anyway got to Manchester bags quickly off and hit the motorways which were choca. Picked up Nicole and home by 20.30. A fantastic holiday.
I hope this helps those planning an Alaskan holiday as I find these boards so useful.
I also apologise for all spelling and grammatical errors as the diary was often written at 02.00am when I couldn't sleep.