Alaska2019cruiser

If you love to stroll then Boston is for you! You can hit the Freedom Trail which will weave you past lots of great sites (both historical and just so Bostonian). My suggestion is to start at the Boston Public Gardens/Commons . -Take a ride on the Swan Boats in Boston Common (inexpensive at $4 and no reservations needed) Take a Ride | Swan Boats -Walk around the public gardens and commons -Then start walking the freedom trail at Boston Common: Start the Freedom Trail (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) *While certain historical sites on the trail have higher visitation fees if you want to go in, such as Paul Revere house/Old North Church, the NPS has a free app for the walking tour part so you don't need to spend $ to get the history. -Stop in the North End (Salem and Hanover streets) and enjoy this unique area. So interesting, lots of great cheaper eats (like the original Pizzeria Regina) pastries/coffee at Modern Pastry. Lots to see and smell! You'll get lots of steps in, get a real feel for Boston, and not break the bank.

What do you typically like to do? We live near Boston so after 50 years, have done a lot! Happy to help!

Thank you; that’s great for amenities! does anyone have tips on how to get to beaches? I’ve read a few places no public transportation. Are taxis ample at cruise port? Do they have limits on how far? Looks like most beaches are 25 minutes each way. Maybe a car rental would make more sense if they are at cruise port? Love advice on getting around to beaches? Thank you!

Oh, I didn’t realize. 😢 We’re doing the Zaandam this year b/c it reminded me of the Amsterdam. we’ve done a couple of mega cruises; none of us liked it! The smaller ships are a treasure.

I just booked two more cruises (Canada & Europe) and am using these boards. It then occurred to me I never went back after we cruised Alaska to help anyone out with what we did for excursions! So consider this a pay it forward post! We traveled with our two sons (at the time age 16 & 11) and my in-laws (70's) We sailed on the HAL Amsterdam (Neptune Suites) which we ALL LOVED that ship! But that is a different post. For excursions: Started in Seattle: Woke up early and hit the public market, saw flying fish, gumwall. Lots of fun! Ketchikan - We did a private Salmon fishing trip for the 6 of us (1K total). It was beautiful to be on the water but since both my husband, kids, and father in law love to fish they weren't into having the pole handed to them after the fish was hooked. I myself was very grateful as holy moly it's hard to reel a salmon in! We (not really) caught a lot. We had it frozen and shipped to us. I guess it was our fish that we got but who really knows. It was so awesome to have a souvenir once we were home of that trip. It was pricey, sort of worth it for the fishing, but the views were great! Lots of eagles! Then when we had the van drop us off at the top of the crooked lane and walked and popped into shops. Got some canned salmon (awesome!) and hats. Then got back on cruise ship. Really cute town! Skagway- Grizzly Zipling Tours- WE LOVED THIS!!! Our personal fav! (my in laws did not do this; they did the train which they said was long and a bit scary at times) For us, ziplining was by far our favorite. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! You get views, views, views, a meadow filled with wildflowers, waterfalls, and light adventure! It wasn't that scary and I hate heights and any activity that asks my weight! Juneau - Mendehall Glacier- It was cool, very nice attraction. Not a huge wow! this is Alaska; more of a wow national park visitor center. Sad how much it has melted. We learned a lot. We then stopped in Red Dog Saloon (a MUST!) Such great laughs! Then had king Crab Legs right on the dock in a restaurant which were enormous!!!! Victoria - Such a brief spot, we just walked around. So pretty and really wish we were there longer. Back to Seatlle- We did the space needle, a tour, ate gooey duck. If anyone has questions, just ask!

👋 Hello, everyone Has anyone done a beach day in the PEI Port? If so what beach? How did you get there? Amenities? Swimming? Last would be suggestions for best place to get some PEI Mussels & Oysters after? Really appreciate your guidance! I’ve done lots of research but getting there seems to be a bit complex as well as amenities like restrooms/showers/etc? Traveling with two teen boys & we’re an ocean family so be fun to swim in the PEI waters!