Day 10 Ketchikan

The quaint town of Ketchikan, land of totem poles and the "Salmon Capital of the World". But we had salmon yesterday, so today we went to the George Inlet Lodge and indulged in an all-you-can-eat feast of Dungeness Crab which was out of this world. Our server, Anna gave us a quick tutorial on breaking open the shells to maximize getting all the elegant crabmeat. That was topped off with a cheesecake covered with Alaskan blueberries. We then boarded a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane for a 25 minute flight-seeing tour of the Ketchikan area. Our ship sets sail tonight headed for our final stop in Vancouver, BC. We will have a day at sea tomorrow so we plan to enjoy some of the many things offered here aboard the Island Princess.

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.