Cruise to Alaska
Day One - Wednesday, 4th May
I left the Sutton Place hotel and got a taxi to the Cruise Terminal.
Here I had to obtain my over-priced Covid-19 antigen test but that wasn't straight forward - another story in itself.
Another story in itself is the convoluted route from the testing centre to where I dropped my luggage off then wound my way through various corridors and up floors to have my documents checked: Passport, Proof of Vaccination, proof of negative covid-19 and boarding pass. Next was to update the ArriveCAN app with my return details so I can get back into Canada.
Finally, there was US Customs and immigration to pass through. No problems with the scans (I didn't even have to remove my boots!) but the border officer couldn't understand my Manx passport! Twice I had to provide fingerprints and photos and he had to go and seek advice. Finally I was allowed through and it got easier after that and I was on-board the Zeuiderdam by 14:20.
Shown to my cabin - 1079, on Deck 1 and introduced to the cabin steward, Aji.
Watched the compulsory safety video on the cabin (stateroom as they call them!) then visited my muster station - which I hope is the only time I will have to go there!
Departed at 16:00 and went on aft deck to meet other passengers and have a couple of drinks then spent the evening exploring the bars and attraction on board the ship before my first night in my cabin.
The second day (Thursday, 5th May)
Today started with a brilliant sunrise through my window - so at least it wasn't raining!
Today was all at sea travelling the longest distance north to our first stop - Juneau.
Various ship-board activities were available and one I thought would be good for me was an 'International Beer Tasting session' - of course it would!
It started out very quiet with just me and two other blokes, from various parts of the US but then, 2 minutes after the event was due to start, we were invaded by about 20 Spanish men, women and a crying baby. Oh joy!
Even the bar man giving the presentation seemed to find it amusing, especially as they were all far too busy talking amongst themselves (well, shouting really) he could hardly be heard. It was funny but we struggled through. Beers were: Red Stripe (yes, I know!); Dos EKis ?, Sam Adams (USA) and Duvel (Belgian). It was fun and reasonably cheap!
Overnight, the clocks also were put back by a further hour to Alaska time..
Day three (Friday, 6th May)
Today was our first land excursion in Juneau, the capital of Alaska.
The first activity today was a helicopter trip to the M? glacier and after being picked up and driven to the airfield, getting into various hi-viz clothes and walking boots, we took off to fly to the glacier.
Unfortunately, as we arrived, the snow started to fall heavily and the pilot decided we would not be landing on the glacier as it looked like a white-out was imminent and he couldn't guarantee being able to bring us back!
We had a full refund but I would rather have walked on the glacier.
Back in Juneau, I took the tramway to the top of the cliff but there wasn't much to do as it wasn't fully open but the views - and the deep snow drifts up there were magnificent!
Day Four (Saturday, 7th May)
Today was another land-excursion, this time in the town of Skagway.
I had opted for a train trip to the Yukon mines but that was cancelled due to lack of interest from the rest of the cruise passengers so it was replaced with a town old-style guided bus tour.
This was followed by a trip on the famous Yukon and White Pass railway over some beautiful mountain passes with snow as high (if not higher) than the train itself! This was when I first me some new friends, Nick & Jane.
Back in the town, I visited the Skagway Brewing company where I met the Dutch couple from the previous night - this time, I had my Radio Caroline shirt on and I bought a Skagway brewery T-shirt.
Day Five (Sunday, 8th May)
Today was a day at sea but in the magnificent Glacier Bay.
A slow cruise around a few of the more significant glaciers like ...
Overnight, we travelled south back towards our starting point n Vancouver but before that on
Day Six (Monday, 9th May)
Today was our last land-excursion, this time to Ketchikan. After going ashore and walking for a mile or two, I met a small group of people who were booked on the Ketchikan pub crawl!
These were, John & ?, ? & ?. The
Three pubs: the ?, the Asylum and the ?
Back to the ship for the final time for the final journey back to Vancouver.
Day Seven (Tuesday, 10th May)
Today was all at sea heading back to Vancouver.
Overnight into Wednesday, 11th May (my 66th birthday!) we sailed back to Vancouver and was ready to disembark by 09:00. I had abandoned plans to use their luggage service and carried my own bergen off the ship and back into Canada.
When I returned to my cabin after breakfast, a greeting card had been left from the captain wishing me a happy birthday!
No problems getting through security, just a question about what I was doing for the next 16 days (as I had entered on my arrival form) but a quick explanation of the Rocky Mountaineer and visiting relations in Ontario and I was through.
A short wait for a taxi back to the ? place hotel where I was booked in for the next two nights.
Partially unpacked, changed into shorts and set off to walk to Stanley Park.
Climbed to the Lion's Gate bridge to watch and video the Zuiderdam leaving at 16:00 on the same cruise I had just left!
Walked back to town for a beer in the Steamhouse Brewery then back to the hotel for the night.