2 hours ago, Grandma7 said:

I just went a week ago on Jayleen' Alaska. Absolutely fantastic! She also limits to 6 passengers. She learned from her father who had his own company when she was little and then started her own business  a few years ago. I have been on other whale watching tours in Juneau,but this was the best. You can tell she truly lives her job and was just as excited as us each time we saw a whale( and the were SO many!!!!)

I believe she is Steve’s from Humpback Adventures niece.  

We just returned from a cruise in Alaska and took a day excursion with Steve of Alaska Humpback Adventures. He is the owner and pilot and takes a maximum of six people out. It was an awesome experience, we saw so many orcas and humpbacks. He is the oldest pilot doing excursions and is so knowledgeable about whales. He has notebooks full of pictures and information he has collected. His boat is comfortable and gives everyone room to be on the outside seeing every whale and getting good pics. Currently he has a co captain with him from Hawaii (Kelsey) that study’s the humpbacks when they winter in Hawaii. I truly recommend this excursion for anyone interested in getting up close and seeing whales in Alaska.

Of these ports what excursions are recommended or better to just walk around? -

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia

St. John, New Brunswick

Portland, Maine

Boston, Massachusetts 

 
Thanks

1 hour ago, zestyzorra said:

 

Hi stunned,

 

I believe it's about a 24 minute walk from the cruise port to the downtown area.  I would walk, if possible... otherwise take a taxi.  (There are also bus routes but I haven't personally taken them.) 

 

The most scenic part of the Inner Harbor starts at the Empress Hotel.  From there, it is easy to walk along the water and into downtown.  There are numerous pubs with wonderful food and atmosphere (my favorite is the Bard & Banker, but Irish Times and Swan's Pub are great, too).  Roger's Chocolates on Government Street is also a classic place for sweets and souvenirs.  Red Fish Blue Fish is an amazing place on the water to grab fish & chips (it is super casual.  They are only open until 7pm right now, might be later if your cruise is in July or August).  

 

I'm assuming your time in port is 6pm - 10pm, so some of the shops might be closed.  No matter,  Victoria is such a pleasant and charming place!  Even if you just walk around and stop by a pub, you will enjoy it.  

We are actually in port from 8 pm to midnight (I should have clarified that when asking).

On 4/17/2022 at 12:57 PM, zestyzorra said:

For what it's worth, Victoria is stunning at night. They take great care to illuminate the buildings, especially the Empress hotel and government building along the Inner Harbor. I have been to Victoria many times and found it quite safe and enjoyable at night. 

zestyzorra - What suggestions do you have for a first timer going there only for 4 hours (3 1/2 to be back in time).

21 minutes ago, Parkerson said:

That’s just wrong.  😕

I love your sense of humor, and thank you for posting all the valuable information.  

44 minutes ago, glmacruise said:

If I had a compromised immune system I wouldn’t cruise.

WHAT?
 Are they to stay home forever because others don’t understand the world isn’t all about themselves!

2 hours ago, Got2Cruise said:

It’s on a nice block. And great that it is cancelable. 

Thanks it’s a relief to know location is good.  I will keep an eye out for other deals, but can live with the rate I was able to get.  

I booked the Millennium Premiere which I can cancel within 24 hrs of arrival or sooner if something better comes along. Location hopefully looked good for walking to a lot of attractions.

On 9/1/2021 at 5:07 PM, Got2Cruise said:

I would stay away from Times Square. What are your exact dates? And what do you want to do when in NYC?

Sept. 2 -6. Want to see the following: Statue of Liberty, possibly Ellis Island, Empire State Building, 911 Memorial, Central Park, Times Square, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Metropolitan Museum and Guggenheim Museum

Jim,

Thank you so very much for your postings these last few weeks.  My DH doesn’t follow on cc, but I would show him your pics and being an artist he too enjoyed what you shared.  Hopefully after you got to the airport your travels home went smoothly.  I’m even more excited for our November 7 sailing now.  Thanks again.

Judy

3 minutes ago, h20cruzer said:

Oh Jim this brought a tear to my eye that this magical journey  will be over when I wake up in the morning. Have loved every minute of this. Not sure what I am going to do now while waiting for my cruise Equinox Oct 29.

You and Lian are so handsome, you look like the James Bond twins. Have loved every picture and word. I am not the only one who has enjoyed this trip 85 pages and counting says alot about how people enjoy following you.

Enjoy your last day and prepare for your trip home.

Norma

Ditto!

Judy

6 minutes ago, larry_s_taco said:

It is so much fun to watch these.

 

Even more fun to participate.  
Judy

Nice!  Thanks for sharing pics - enjoy!
Judy

1 minute ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I have to say we are spending much more time in our room this cruise.   I'm thinking of trying out the spa on the patio this afternoon.   Get those binoculars out!    LOL

 

Have I missed the pics of your patio? Was wondering that last night.  
Enjoy your afternoon!
Judy

59 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Another thing we always do around mid-cruises is drop off a letter recognizing staff that has made our vacation special.    They send the compliment to each department head and they are usually recognized at morning staff meeting and given a gift card. 

 

We have already been thanked by many for our kind words.     They say personal recolonization is more valuable to their career advancement than a tip.   We give both.

This is excellent info to know, thinking back there were so many that made our cruises special that we tipped extra, but will definitely also write letters for extra recognition in future. Thanks for this knowledge.

Judy

Jim, 

I know it might be a tough question to find answers to, but I’m curious if those being quarantined went on excursions with the passengers being taken off ship for positive Covid tests. We sail Nov. 7 and I’m second guessing if booking cruise line excursions is not the safest move.

Judy

Is there drink service pool side?

Judy

Thank you for letting us cruise with you through your pictures and words it’s been interesting. Safe travels home.

Judy

Oops, don’t know why the bold large print, but if that helps I had to share. 
 

I’m loving this thread and reading along, have a fantastic cruise Jim.

Judy

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1 hour ago, goofysmom99 said:

You're psychic.  It's Gelato time!

So happy to hear this, take care and enjoy the rest of your vacation and also thank you for informing us what to expect if this would happen to us.

Judy

Goofysmom99 - I’m hoping your test and those of others in stateroom jail comes back negative and that you are able to find relief for your back pain.

Also, people who are "jailed" -- especially those who have a Premium Beverage Package or more -- should be allowed to order anything whatsoever to be delivered to their staterooms.

That is one of my questions - do they deliver drinks to your quarantined room if they request you to stay in there?

35 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

Terry, per their initial phone call, someone has tested positive that I was near.  

 

Nurse just came by at 7:45.  Wanted to see Vax card and passport.  Then the swab up the nose.  Results in about 2 hours.  Then another PCR test in 24 hrs.  

So hoping you test negative especially since you have done everything right.  Are you allowed to go onto your balcony if you have one while quarantining?