libtrek

Another vote for Gastineau. We did the scientific one (through NCL) and was one of the best ever. Smaller boat, close to the water. Saw many whales, some the guide knew by name. They also pulled up a crab pot and we got up close and personal with sea life.

On my last two cruises, Bliss 2/23 and Jewell 6/23, there were no “feminine hygiene bags” available. I asked Stewart for them. So for us “ladies of the 80s”, who now need supplies in case we sneeze or laugh too hard, it’s a dilemma. Do you try to use the wrapper the product comes in or a wad of toilet paper? Not a flushing problem but certainly a hygienic one. Sigh.

We took the train in June. Bought the tickets as an excursion from NCL so got the $50 credit. It was quite a rush to get off the ship and onto the train. They do serve food on the train so we had a nice breakfast while enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way to Anchorage. The cost was not bad for a tourist town. We were given special tags for our luggage the night before we got off the boat. They transported the luggage to Anchorage, we went into a large convention center and picked it up. If you have a late flight out of Anchorage, I believe you can arrange to have your luggage stored while you tour the town. Mary

Those last sky pictures. Frameable. Kids AND books? I am whipping into a chorus of Alleluia in my head. 🎶

Yes it did but they had to move out, replace most floors, the furnace, and more. The paperwork alone …… Had a first neuro appointment today and she’s changing all of his meds. She confirmed the dementia but is concerned about his one droopy eye. Did your dad ever get an MRI? How did he react if so? Mary

Oddly enough, a dear friend (we did library school together) was in Florida for a month, in winter, Their pipe burst, home watcher screwed up and didn’t catch it. They had $200000+ damage. BTW, smart move to call in help. I just had to replace sink/counters and contemplated doing demo myself - briefly. Good luck on the interview. Mary

I am the eternal optimist, half full kind of person. I can’t help but think thank goodness you turned off the water at the source before you left on your trip (I don’t think many people do that). You would have come home to fallen ceilings, a huge water bill, and worse. You’ll make it through this annoyance with your wonderful sense of humor. Besides, you’re a librarian, you could look up how to fix it yourself. LOL

I too felt duped by my spa experience two cruises ago. I did bite on the product upsell, but to be fair I actually wanted the item. But when I was presented with the bill, she pointed at the tip line. I said something like, isn’t the tip included? She hurriedly said, oh no, that’s for the company, not me. I only get what you fill in. I was so relaxed by the massage I just filled in the tip. After thinking about it later, I realized what she’d done. I didn’t make a fuss but I avoided the spa on our June cruise.

Speaking of libraries, we found a pair of granny panties in the middle of the children's area. Paper towel, scoop em up, into the garbage can.

We travel from Detroit. Flew direct to Seattle. Took a nice bus to Vancouver. Coming home ended in Seward. Took beautiful train ride to Anchorage, flew home from there. I agree going/returning to Seattle is easier. Next year we are doing a B2B on Jewel. Haven’t decided which way to do it yet.

Just my opinion. I’ve done Bliss, Encore, Jewel, plus other lines to Alaska. I prefer the N S routes to/from Seward-Vancouver. Why? Less open ocean, traverse the inland passage, longer times in port, more glaciers, and no Victoria port. I know Jewel is smaller with less bells and whistles, but we enjoy it.

I don’t know why but I feel like both you and Mandy are my new travel buddies. I really like sassy people who are also kind. Getting my snacks ready to follow along on your Iceland adventure. Mary

LOL. Librarians never get over proofreading tendencies. Even after 15 years of retirement, I still spot errors on my library’s Web and newsletters. I do not tell them about it, Use self-restraint, LOL. So, which ship is going to be your Alaska favorite, the Jewell or Spirit? Mary

OK. You wanted someone who has been on both the Epic and Bliss. We did Epic once and did not care for the room layout with the sink practically at the foot of the bed. We also found the interior navigation difficult. We had someone in our party with a wheelchair and spent a lot of time trying to find elevators to get to places like the casino. We have been on the Bliss three times. It is a large ship so be prepared to walk. We do like the observation lounge but I’m not sure you would use it as much in a warm weather climate. The Bliss spends a lot of deck space on race cars, slides, and laser tag. If you are not going to partake of those events you won’t be using that part of the ship. We did like the district brewhouse, particularly sitting outside. I think the restaurants are all similar. I do know that Bliss does not have Onda which is way better than LaCucina. It does have Ocean Blue, I loved their halibut. I did find Bliss crowded and now that we just did Jewell I might be leaning to the older, smaller ships.

I am thinking Jewel B2B next June. I know you do NSN since you live in Vancouver. Considering I have my own grouchy, forgetting kind of guy, what’s your thinking on which way for us??? Mary

Librarian shenanigans, I love it! Folks tend to believe those old stereotypes, but just about every librarian I know is wild and crazy. I see Dad did wear his hat, good job. I am for sure booking that whale watching for Juneau next trip. Mar (ian the librarian).

Crossing fingers for you too. That would be the ultimate cherry on top for me. Thinking of the Jewell for 2024, prices seem high. Probably will wait until April or so to book.

We had club balcony on Jewel in June. Mid ship, near elevator. It was wonderful location and no noise complaints. My only comment is lack of counter space in bathroom. Shower is very nice. Don’t be dumb like me. There is a narrow door next to closet that opened for safe and additional drawers. I literally realized this as we were leaving. LOL

That was us. After this last Alaska trip, I have reformed. Trying to push two suitcases, with a backpack on, carryon over one of the gigantic suitcase handle and trying to monitor hubs, who was walking ssllooww with his cane. Never more!!!

I found on the Jewel it had way too much sauce and was a bit tough. For the same up charge I would rather add a lobster tail to my meal.

I agree the letter is not very clear … or helpful. I don’t hold much hope for the smaller portions. That has become an issue with hubs too. Think I might stick to appetizers for him. Sounds like your dad doesn’t wander off but it is always on my mind. I think I might try getting the kid ID bracelet for him, not sure if he would get mad. I’ve been thinking if we would be better with Seattle-Seattle trip. Do you think the bigger ships would be more confusing for our grumpy guys?

Not sure. I have been giving it lots of thought. I would book late, just before we would leave. A lot depends on how he does in the next months and as long as he doesn’t get violent or start to wander. I would do direct flights, stay close to the port, pack light. In the meantime, I try to enjoy every day.

Sunny day, got very close, not much calving but it was worth the price.

First two weeks in May. I don’t know, 2 librarians and two grumpy old men? That could be quite the voyage, LOL. Rocks on our June trip? With his cane, we skipped backpacks on shore so he could only fit rocks in his pockets. I have to say his pants were hanging low a few times. Also had to convince him that he couldn’t steal the guide’s rocks on the Hubbard Glacier boat trip.

Oh yes, your dad and my hubs are definitely brothers from another mother. Wishing you a most relaxing and joyful cruise. May there be no extra pillows. Did you hear from guest accessibility yet? I’ll be curious how they help. I would like to plan another Jewell for 2024 but it is far too soon. May watch for a last minute deal. ML