I just got back from a Cruise on the Westerdam to Alaska. We stayed in Westin Hotel Seattle the night before. On the morning of June 30 we walked to Pikes Public Market. We really enjoyed the Market it had a lot of local craftsmen ,a huge assortment of flowers and other vendors. The other side of the street was lined with restaurants and shops. Across the street was the water front with a park.

At noon took a cab from the hotel to the pier. Two ships were boarding, lucky for us ours was the one with shortest line. We were in our room by 1:pm. Our cabin was 8028. Last fall we were on the Zuiderdam in cabin 5125. The cabins were identical. Enough room for a weeks stay. The cabin was in great shape the bathroom looked like it brand new. The whole ship was in good shape and the same class as the Zuiderdam so that made it easy to get around.

Our first full day was at sea. The next day was Juneau. We signed up for the Mendenhall Glacier and Garden tour. At the glacier we walked to Nugget Falls and had a short time at the visitors center. The bus driver gave us an hour and fifteen minutes at the glacier. Not nearly enough time. We had expected to go to the Gardens first then the glacier if we did we could have taken a bus back to town and had enough time. The garden was anticlimactic to be polite, or a disappointment from my side. If I had to do it again I would have taken the shuttle to the glacier

Next was Glacier Bay and it was spectacular. Two Park Rangers came aboard the ship. One was on the PA system from the bridge and pointed out all the glaciers, plants, and animals. She covered the history and the majesty of the glaciers. Many other cruisers commented on how great her presentation was. The other Ranger did educational programs during the day. Dutch Pea Soup was served on the deck. We did a little shopping in Juneau and checked our emails at the Library. It was free and right on the dock.

July fourth we spent in Sitka. Sitka was a pleasant village. We took the Tribal Trolley Tour around the village. You could then get off and on at all the stops all day. The whole day price was $10.00 PP. We went to the National Park. There was a short movie then took a walking trail that displayed 14 totem poles. It was a great trail to walk on. Nice way to spend part of the morning. We walked back to the village and my wife Linda, got into some serious shopping. The shops were busy but not crowded and the shopping atmosphere was pleasant. We had to tender to the ship so we left before the Fourth of July parade. Great day.

In Ketchikan we took the Trolley City and Saxon Village Tour. First we went to Saxon Village to see the Totem Poles. The trolley driver showed us the shop where they make the poles. You look in through the window as he gives his talk. He then took us into the middle of the totem poles. After his talk he said it was time to get back on the bus. If you paid attention to his talk you had not time to take pictures or look at the poles close up. Then it was back to the city where you are left out at Creek Street which is a shopping area. The walk back to the ship from Creek Street is less than five minutes , if you don’t shop but Ketchikan is full of great shopping. All of the shopping areas in Alaska were easy to shop in and less high pressure than other ports I have visited.

Our last port was Victoria British Columbia. The port is a couple of miles from downtown but they have plenty of transportation options. We took the shuttle it was great. Victoria is a beautiful city. Many upscale shops, The Empress Hotel , and the Provinces Parliament Building a great stop but only from 6PM to Midnight.

We were blessed on the whole cruise with great Weather and calm seas. The food was good and so was the service. We saw seals, dolphins ,whales and otters all too far or too quick for us to get a decent picture.
Delray

Thanks, Delray! I hope to do an Alaska cruise one day. How was the temperature? Could you be outside on deck or on a balcony comfortably?

We had good weather. Between 50 and 60. On the warmer days we spent time on the balcony. While we were stopped at Glacier Bay and the glacier was on our side in was really great. We also used the balcony in ports. We were on the port side and we had the towns on our side in Ketchikan and Juneau, it was like having your porch on main street.

Hmm...50-60 is refrigerator weather to me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I'm thinking we could save some money with an ocean-view for this one...with a fireplace. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

No, no, no. You don't get it. The deal is to get a balcony, so you can sit down in Glacier Bay, etc., and see everything there is to see. You will want to be up on deck a LOT in Alaska and it is easier to be able to use your balcony and bop in and out of the heat. Cruise ships in Alaska come with -- or at least they did when we sailed a few years ago-- nice BLANKETS that you can use on your balcony. And, you carry onboard with you some lovely whipped cream in a can, store in your fridge. Get you a small bottle of kahlua, or whatever. Order room service coffee early in your trip, and hide the carafe from your cabin steward. (Otherwise he will take it away and you'll have to order room service again just to get the pot!) Any time you want an Irish Coffee on your balcony, go up to the lido and get some coffee and you're set!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

It was pre-digital pics, so I have no idea how to find it quickly, but I have a picture somewhere of the perfect Alaska cruise ship balcony--Blankets, Irish coffee, a camera and binoculars!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Carol: Maybe I should just look up some pictures on You Tube! I am not sure I want to be that cold. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Geat point Carol...and I don't drink coffee! Many ships have a trolley around the top deck, but not with the cold drinks as in the warm climates.

Hey, I think you can manage it for a week or so!!! We are really considering doing another Alaska cruise soon. It is cool, seeing so much ice and snow, after living in Florida for several years!!!

I LOVE that idea!! But I don't think they allow you to bring alcohol on any more...they want you to buy it from them. Either way, I'm guessing you can buy a bottle in the ship's store and take it to your cabin?

I didn't realize it was that cold in July....I'll have to get David there without that knowledge and pretend it's an unusually cold summer.....

It depends on what cruise line you sail on. Technically all cruise lines say you are not supposed to bring liquor onboard. Princess and Holland America do not search your luggage, like the the rest of the cruise lines do, and confiscate liquor. Regardless, you can purchase a small bottle onboard for use in the cabin on both of those cruise lines.

We had one of those cloth wine bags that holds 6 bottles. We had three bottles of wine and one of rum. They will take it if the recognize it and give it back to you when you leave the ship. I had taped a luggage tag to the rum That way it would not hold up the line if they took it. There was no problem though. From reading Cruise Critic it seems they don't get excited about a small amount. On this cruise they allowed beer to be carried on. I don't know if it going to be a change in policy or was just on this ship.
Delray