prestodiner

Yes, I will also look forward to a further review/report. We're on the Westerdam next month!

In Sitka, we walked from where we were tendered in to the Raptor Center. It's a beautiful walk through a wooded area. The Center was quite interesting. We also enjoyed the history of the Russian Bishop's House. With its Russian heritage, there were a couple of shops selling Russian items that were different than most of the tourist souvenir shops you encounter.

Although I had a hooded jacket, I didn't take a hat. I wanted to just sit on the warm balcony, but it was windy and I didn't need the jacket. I ended up buying a tacky blinged-up Alaska baseball cap in the ship's store. It worked, but you can be sure I'll try to find a more stylish option before my next cruise!

When we were in Sitka in 2009 and 2012, we tendered in. We walked to the raptor center which is not terribly far from the docks. It's a nice walk through the forest. We were there late in August so the salmon were in the streams, dying in droves. You could easily see the eggs. I would recommend lunch at an out of the way cafe, The Larkspur, but according to online sources it may have closed down. You will enjoy the Russian shops and there was also a nice quilt/fabric/needlework shop. The tour of the Russian Bishop's House is good if you are a history geek. We enjoyed that also.

We are seriously considering the October 2018 New England/Canada HAL departing from NYC. Wondering what types of shore excursions previous cruisers liked/disliked. Not into Anne of Green Gables, which I see in lots of reviews, but I'm sure there is so much more. Any ideas for sightseeing or dining?