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