Day 9 Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, no roads in or out, you can only arrive here by boat, plane, or birth canal! Went whale watching today aboard the St. Maria...saw many humpback whales, harbor seals, bald eagles, and stellar sea lions. Grilled silver koho salmon lunch at the beautiful Orca Point Lodge, then off to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Just when you think you have seen the most spectacular sight on earth, you find another equally or more unbelievable.
Gene finally saw his bear...ha ha! Formal dinner night...lobster which was delicious. If you don't see something on the menu that you want, just name it and they will fix it for you. We are getting very spoiled.

Day 8 Skagway

What a fabulous day! Docked at Skagway and took helicopter to Meade Glacier. Landed and walked all around on the glacier seeing lots of crevasses. Beautiful breathtaking views. Lunch at the Stowaway. Delish fish and chips and xango for dessert. Then these adventurers headed out to do the zip line in the rain forest. Took our breath away...literally! Back to the ship for yet another fine dinner in the beautiful dining room. Tomorrow...whale watching in Juneau. Stay tuned!

Day 7 Glacier Bay

Today we went to Glacier Bay which is a national park. Saw the beautiful Margerie Glacier and enjoyed spotting some humpback whales, sea otters, and other wildlife. Here on the cruise when someone says 3 o'clock they are not telling the time, but the location of wildlife. For example, "whale, 10 o'clock!". More wonderful food and a comedy act in the lounge before turning in. Gin, love all the song lyrics!

Day 6

Full day at sea. We are treated like royalty! Food is great and very abundant...can't decide on which appetizer?.... Have two...or three! Walked all around the ship. It is huge and events going on all over the place. Pulled into Yakutat Bay to see our first glacier. Lots of chunks of ice in the water. Kathy, you would love that!!! Formal dinner and a broadway type musical show after. Our stateroom is very spacious with king bed and big balcony. We have coffee and rolls delivered to the room each morning and sit on the balcony. This is pretty close to heaven!

Day 5

Up early for the 9 hour train ride to Anchorage to board the Island Princess at Whittier Port. Sounds long, but the views never disappoint, the service is great, and we spotted more wildlife including a cow moose with two calves. Had mandatory muster drill then a wonderful dinner and off to bed.

Day 4

It was cold and rainy this morning as we took a bus 14 miles into the Denali National Park and Preserve, but that did not dampen our spirits at all. It makes you very thankful for the adventurous pioneers that cut a road into this vast tundra wilderness, and even more thankful for those folks that had the foresight to preserve and protect this beautiful land by making the 6 million acres a national park. We saw several cow moose and a gigantic bull moose. Also a caribou with a hugh rack. Back in time for lunch of Alaskan Seafood Nachos and the best crab dip ever. Took a quick nap before boarding a covered wagon to the backcountry to a cabin for a country style all-you-can eat dinner. One last drink on the deck before turning in at 11 pm and of course it is total daylight! Tomorrow we take the train to Anchorage and board the ship.

Day 3

Got on the glass top train for 4 hour train ride from Fairbanks through the beautiful countryside of Alaska to Denali National Park. Wonderful breakfast in the dining car. Spotted an eagle and a moose. The Princess Wilderness Lodge is a gorgeous place. Walked along the Nenana River. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner theater where Gene was pulled up on stage to help with the performance and Boots got kissed on the cheek by our waitress!