To get from Vancouver, British Columbia to Ketchikan, Alaska takes a lot of sailing time – we set off at 5 pm on Wednesday and will make port Friday morning at 5 am. Today we had a long, lazy day of sailing through the Inner Passage of British Columbia, past many islands and inlets. The weather was cloudy, but clear enough to stroll the upper decks and take lots of pictures. We also did a lot of wonderful eating, beginning with breakfast in our room and ending with an elegant 4 course dinner in the Compass Rose dining room. There was entertainment throughout the day which ended with a Broadway style show (think Simon Cowell telling an American Idol contestant he/she sounded like a cruise ship) but really we liked it, and we then listened to some jazz in the lounge
We also attended a wine tasting (go figure) this morning, shortly after taking some ginger capsules for some rolling ship issues. The head sommelier, a lovely young woman, gave one of the better wine lessons I have ever had, and took us on some of their international adventures in wine tasting and purchasing for the cruise line. We have noticed that most of the crew, in all capacities, are quite young, it appears to be a job one should do before settling down and having another type of career or family. They’re a very international group, too – British dancers, Thai waiters, Moldovan singers, and a very French captain, just to name a few.
Wine tasting:
This afternoon we had a treat as the captain took the ship into a small inlet, one that is not accessible by the larger cruise ships – it was really lovely and while we did not see any bears, there were some waterfalls, and a few eagles. When we got to the end of the inlet, he slowly turned the ship in all directions, almost a pirouette. Then we went to our suite for some pre-dinner wine and cheese.
The inlet:
The cheese:
Tomorrow, as the social director said this evening, the relaxing ends and it becomes port, port, port, port. In truth we will be visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka before ending the cruise with a day of cruising the Hubbard Glacier. We have our marching orders – a Totem Tour early Friday morning followed by a special lunch called Feast of Alaska. Perhaps some shopping in Ketchikan – light rain is predicted.
Comments (5)
Thanks for starting a wonderful and professional blog, pictures and all. Going thru your day and experiencing it all is just what we are looking for. Many thanks.
Posted by Al Ross | June 19, 2009 3:34 AM
Posted on June 19, 2009 03:34
Marcia, It sounds like your cruise has started off nicely. Just to let you know, rain is always likely in Ketchikan with 182 inches annually. Enjoy your day there. Looking forward to more of you blog and wonderful photos.
Posted by Beth | June 19, 2009 7:27 AM
Posted on June 19, 2009 07:27
Food, wine and relaxation! Sounds great to me!
Hopefully the rain stays light tomorrow so you can enjoy your outing.
Posted by candi | June 19, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted on June 19, 2009 10:45
This sounds like a fascinating day - if you're going to be on a boat all day best keep it mixed up. Lots to do but never overwhelming! I'm glad that you're having fun with it.
Posted by Jerry | June 21, 2009 3:51 AM
Posted on June 21, 2009 03:51
I have never been on a cruise but love being on boats. It sounds like a wonderful cruise.
Posted by girasoli | August 8, 2009 8:52 PM
Posted on August 8, 2009 20:52