Allison & David's Honeymoon Adventure/ Carnival Miracle's Maiden Alaska Voyage

[ucfalli]

Day 12: Glacier Bay, Alaska Continued

 

Go away clouds!

 

 

So we decided to head out to the main decks .... rainy and cold

 

Our first glacier!... Lamplugh Glacier

 

Even with the nasty weather..amazing to see the glaciers

 

Of course the photographers were going around and taking photos

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 12: Glacier Bay, Alaska Continued

 

 

Since our cabin was located on the starboard side ® and were approaching on the port side (L), we decided to wait out on the upper decks to catch our first glimpse of the Margerie Glacier. That's when you noticed how many people were on the boat. It then got even more crowded since there was a lot of staff also out there wanting to see the glaciers. Then the rain started coming at an angle right at us (while we were under a covered area). I got very cold and decided that I was going to head back to our balcony.

 

What a world a difference! Out on our balcony it felt much warmer and were completely sheltered from the rain. This is where our balcony was worth its weight in gold. David followed a little after me. He wanted to go to the very front of the boat. I said I'll see you later ;-)

 

After dealing with all the chaos on the main decks, the Margerie glacier was right outside our balcony!

 

 

Big icebergs

 

Two glaciers. Margerie on the left and Grand Pacific on the right

 

 

He came back with hot chocolate :-)

 

 

Margerie glacier calved approx each 15min, sometimes more often. You heard it before you saw it. Heard a loud cracking thunder and then a huge piece of ice hitting the water. Loved it!

 

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 12: Glacier Bay, Alaska Continued

 

The boat seemed to shift from one side to the other to allow both sides to view the glaciers. We had good views from our balcony on the starboard side. We were pretty far from the glaciers. I don't know if later in the season the boats are able to get closer. There were a lot of big icebergs in the water. I felt that the captain was being very cautious of them (we appreciated that).

 

Lots of birds

 

Got out the hello kitty ear muffs. You can also see how it is with the out pocket of cabins next to us. Was never a problem since we were towards the middle. I wouldn't want to be the cabin next to them though.

 

Margerie Glacier close up

 

[GA Sharon]

Hey Allison: Were you using a telescopic lens on your camera? If so, what "size?" I hope you have more pictures to post. These are all so very beautiful and they help me plow through the days until September 7 th when my cruise begins! Thanks, again for the pictures! Sharon

[GA Sharon]

I know you stated the following: "We used mainly a Canon T4i for photos. Also used a Canon Powershot SD1100, Kodak easyshare sport, and my iphone 5."

 

Can you tell the difference in the picture quality or did each camera do just about the same? Can you tell I am trying to decide on the purchase of a camera? Thanks again!

[ucfalli]

I know you stated the following: "We used mainly a Canon T4i for photos. Also used a Canon Powershot SD1100, Kodak easyshare sport, and my iphone 5."

 

Can you tell the difference in the picture quality or did each camera do just about the same? Can you tell I am trying to decide on the purchase of a camera? Thanks again!

 

 

Almost all the photos posted are with my Canon T4i. The Kodak easyshare pictures you will see coming up when we are in Ketchikan snorkeling. We used that camera for underwater. I thought it took good photos for being such an inexpensive camera. Half the cost easily of the other brands for waterproof cameras.

 

The T4i is going to take better pictures then our point and shoot, the Powershot. I was very happy with the photos we took with the T4i. Just have to practice a lot to make sure you are comfortable with the controls of a dSLR.

 

I had 2 lens. Mainly using my 18-135mm lens and the 55-250mm lens for close ups of the glacier/mountains. Didn't give me enough telephoto as you will see coming up when we leave glacier bay. There were a ton of seals and I couldn't get a good shot of them.... to far. :(

[ucfalli]

Day 12: Glacier Bay, Alaska Continued

 

See better here how far the Glacier was from our balcony. This is not zoomed in:

 

The splash in the middle is from the calving. Hard to get a good shot, since by time you hear the glacier, the ice was already hitting the water.

 

This photo is taken with the zoom lens

 

Grand Pacific Glacier, appears dirty cause all of the debris the glacier picks up

 

We then headed out of Glacier Bay.

 

[GA Sharon]

Almost all the photos posted are with my Canon T4i. The Kodak easyshare pictures you will see coming up when we are in Ketchikan snorkeling. We used that camera for underwater. I thought it took good photos for being such an inexpensive camera. Half the cost easily of the other brands for waterproof cameras.

 

The T4i is going to take better pictures then our point and shoot, the Powershot. I was very happy with the photos we took with the T4i. Just have to practice a lot to make sure you are comfortable with the controls of a dSLR.

 

I had 2 lens. Mainly using my 18-135mm lens and the 55-250mm lens for close ups of the glacier/mountains. Didn't give me enough telephoto as you will see coming up when we leave glacier bay. There were a ton of seals and I couldn't get a good shot of them.... to far. :(

 

Thanks so much for the information, Allison. I am a "seasoned" lady but have never had a camera so I am struggling with what to purchase. Your answer helps so much. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Sharon

[Italy52]

Allison, were you wearing wind pants and a 3 in 1 jacket? Or, just multiple layers?

[ucfalli]

Day 12: Glacier Bay, Alaska Continued

There was a ranger talk when we headed back out of glacier bay on whales, but we decided to instead talk a quick nap and enjoy the scenery. David awoke me when they announced on the TV that we were in the wildlife viewing area. Unfortunately too overcast to see any animals on the coast, but we did lots of activity in the water. Mostly seals & birds. We believe we saw some dolphins (could of just been more seals) and we saw a couple of puffins.

 

Peculiar line of ice

 

 

My favorite animal sighting....two puffins just hanging out in the water!!

 

Lots of seals in the water....unfortunately my zoom was just not enough

 

 

Dinner time:

 

 

Tonight was a big band show featuring Ned Rifken. Once again the band was front and center. We enjoyed the show. We turned in early tonight since we were getting up early for Ketchikan.

 

Supper yummy from the taste bar:

 

 

Night night

 

[ucfalli]

Thanks so much for the information, Allison. I am a "seasoned" lady but have never had a camera so I am struggling with what to purchase. Your answer helps so much. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Sharon

 

Need to figure out what type of photos you are looking to take: a pick up and use (point and shoot) or a you in control dSLR. All about preference and ultimately cost.

 

Make sure to check out whatever models you are interested in the store before you buy (if you are buying online). See what it takes to operate and as always lots of research

[ucfalli]

Allison, were you wearing wind pants and a 3 in 1 jacket? Or, just multiple layers?

 

I am wearing Free Country's snowden ski pants. They are weatherproof and lightweight (although insulating, so they kept me warm).

 

Yep and I am wearing a 3 in 1 jacket. I had on both layers on and a fleece underneath. In Ketchikan (coming up), I took off the outer jacket and I am just wearing the inner layer.

 

We were very well prepared. We both had on hiking boots most of the trip. Our feet stayed warm and dry. The boots were water proof, but we used mink oil on them for extra protection.

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska

May 5th, 2013

 

Woke up and checked the forecast on my phone, it said 0% chance of rain and had a happy sun next to it. YES! Of course I wouldn't believe it till I saw it. Checked outside, it was a little overcast but it was clearing up very quickly.

 

On our way in:

 

 

We decided to give up on the MDR and just went up to lido. We have always been MDR breakfast people. This is the first cruise we have every ate in the lido for breakfast. I found the service to be slower then normal and the staff to be a bit grumpy (I guess I would be also that early).

 

We wanted to not be worried about time this morning. We had to meet for our excursion at 9am and would not have much time in the town on our own. Our plan was to get off the boat as early as possible and do some quick sightseeing.

 

We tried the omelet for the first time in the lido. Wasn't great. Wasn't bad, but was kinda bland tasting.

 

 

Still some clouds, but clearing up!

For some reason there was a hold up with disembarkation. A HUGE line formed for getting off the boat. A lot excursions were to met at 8:30am and there were a lot of people nervous. The line snaked all the way beck to the phantom lounge from the atrium! We got on the line at the casino. The line started moving at around 8:30am and moved quickly.

 

On a side note: This was the only port in which we were inundated with people selling excursions. I really didn't like it. They could be a bit aggressive and we just wanted to be left alone.

 

So in case we didn't have time later, I was on a mission to get some quick photos of the welcome to Ketchikan sign. Mission a success!

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

 

So our morning tour was with Wild Wolf Tours. We actually ended up being the only two to sign up so we had a private tour! The owner Tracy, took us in a nice van to the Tongass forest. We literally went to where the road ends. Along the way she gave us a lot of information about Ketchikan. We enjoyed hearing about local life. You could tell that Tracy (a native) loved her hometown.

 

It was warmer today, getting into the low 60s. We just wore our inner jackets (from part of our 3 in 1 jackets). There just was a strong wind right by the ship and only there.

 

We took an easy hike for approx an hour. Along the way Tracy explained the local vegetation and took lots of photos of the two of us (without us even asking!). The hardest part of the hike was going up a semi steep staircase.

 

Our first stop was Lunch Creek

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

Skunk Cabbage

 

 

This is the stairs we went up:

 

 

 

Love this photo

 

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

Green, green, and more green!

 

 

Me walking with Tracy

 

 

 

Look..we even came across a baby polar bear!! Seems like everyone in Alaska has furry dogs. Wouldn't last one summer in FL ;-)

 

 

Once back to the van, Tracy has water bottles for us and home made salmon spread with crackers for us. Was very yummy. She also has some local "popcorn" seaweed for us to try. We then proceeded to Totem Bight State Park.

 

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

Tracy took us around the park. She explained the different meanings on the totem poles and told any stories behind them.

 

 

Was a really big slug!

 

 

 

 

Inside the traditional clan house:

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

Outside of the clan house

 

 

The park sits right along the Pacific Ocean

 

 

Tracy was able to drop us off right by Creek Street before we headed back onto the ship

 

Didn't realize that Creek Street would be this close to the boat. Good for us, since we were limited on time. Weather was clear and beautiful by the port.

 

 

 

 

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

Pretty darn touristy, but charming to see nonetheless

 

Would love to see it when the salmon are running

 

 

 

We then headed back onto the boat for lunch after some quick souvenir shopping. We ate a light lunch of sandwich's from the deli. We got changed into our swimsuits and ready for our next excursion ...snorkeling! Yep that's right we went snorkeling in Alaska. This was the only excursion we booked through Carnival, due the return time close to the all aboard time. Before heading off the boat, we took some photos of the surrounding mountains and of Ketchikan.

 

 

There were float planes taking off... perfect day for a float plane!

 

 

[Italy52]

I am wearing Free Country's snowden ski pants. They are weatherproof and lightweight (although insulating, so they kept me warm).

 

Yep and I am wearing a 3 in 1 jacket. I had on both layers on and a fleece underneath. In Ketchikan (coming up), I took off the outer jacket and I am just wearing the inner layer.

 

We were very well prepared. We both had on hiking boots most of the trip. Our feet stayed warm and dry. The boots were water proof, but we used mink oil on them for extra protection.

 

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I just found this thread.

Absolutely wonderful -- beautiful pictures.

What a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon.

(We have used AlreadyThereTownCar for years and love them.)

[scoobydrewby]

We are booked with Wild Wolf tours in July. So glad to see someone give a good review with fantastic photos. Makes us even more excited. Thanks!

[ucfalli]

Day 13: Ketchikan, Alaska Continued

 

 

 

 

So we decided to do snorkeling (David was hesitant at first). The excursion was with Snorkel Alaska, booked through Carnival. We met right on the pier and were taken via a bus to the shop. There were only two other couples who booked this excursion. So there was 6 of us total. Once at the shop, we were given wet suits and then the fun part began....putting them on! This is the hardest part of all. It is very snug to get on. Takes a lot of shimming and jumping to get in. We were also given a head covering, booties, mask, and fins. The only part exposed of your skin is around your mouth. Was a short bus ride down to the snorkeling area.

 

We had 4 people as our guides. They were all amazing and helped with putting on all the equipment. The scenery around was gorgeous. I am so glad I had a waterproof camera (Kodak Sport). Waterproof cameras are frustrating, my last one broke on our last cruise. So this was the replacement. This new camera was at least half the cost then the others out there and took good photos. Was happy with the structure to keep water out of the SD card slot. The only thing I didn't like was that it took batteries.

 

 

[travelingmamma]

Really enjoying your post, you have gave us lots of details and pictures. We leave in 13 days for the Alaska cruise on the Miracle and I am very excited. I think I read about a covered pool. I have 2 teenagers that are wondering about this. Was it heated? Also, using the gym equipment is free, but what about the spa tub and shower you mentioned? AND last question, where did David always get his hot chocolate? lol Can't wait to see the remainder of the trip!

[ucfalli]

Really enjoying your post, you have gave us lots of details and pictures. We leave in 13 days for the Alaska cruise on the Miracle and I am very excited. I think I read about a covered pool. I have 2 teenagers that are wondering about this. Was it heated? Also, using the gym equipment is free, but what about the spa tub and shower you mentioned? AND last question, where did David always get his hot chocolate? lol Can't wait to see the remainder of the trip!

 

 

Hot chocolate is up on the lido at all the drink stations, right by the coffee and hot water for tea. Just grab a mug and fill up.

 

I don't know if Carnival heats their pools (on every Caribbean cruise the pool usually feels very cold too me.) But the pool in the covered area is warmer then you would think because it's like a greenhouse in there. All that glass warms up the space. It's a nice spot to go outside and not be freezing. There were never more then 1 person in the pool on the cruise. On our last day that covered pool for some reason was closed and the outside pool was open (there were a few brave people in there).

 

Most people frequent the hot tubs.

 

The spa tub is free. It's located between the gym and spa (you can see it from the gym). There towels right there. The showers (rain shower head and jets) in the spa are free to use as well as the sauna. They are both located in the locker rooms.