An Alaskan adventure we won't soon forget - cruise and land tour - June 25 - July 7

[jmele999]

Day 5 - Skagway - The South Klondike Highway.

 

After 73 miles we arrived at a final stop - Emerald Lake. The intense green color of the lake derives from light reflecting off white deposits of marl, a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate, at the bottom of the shallow waters.

 

 

 

 

 

This was our turn-around point. We left Skagway at 8:30 am and arrived at Emerald Lake at 11:45 am. We stopped several times along the way including spending one hour at the suspension bridge.

[FBegg]

Thank you for all the lovely photos and detailed account of your fabulous trip :)

So kind of you to provide this useful information. We were wondering what we were going to do while in Skagway, we were unsure about doing the train as we like doing things on our own.

 

After viewing your vacation pics and description, I just reserved a rental car in Skagway for our trip too! I plan to download Murray's Guide as well. Again, thanks:D

[jenseib]

Emerald Lake looks so beautiful!

[fishin' musician]

We did this cruise last year. Thanks for the deja-view! FWIW, coming south from Hubbard Glacier that would not have been Mt. McKinley, as it is out of sightline shortly after you hit the Seward Highway. I believe Mt. Fairweather is in that area.

[jmele999]

We did this cruise last year. Thanks for the deja-view! FWIW' date=' coming south from Hubbard Glacier that would not have been Mt. McKinley, as it is out of sightline shortly after you hit the Seward Highway. I believe Mt. Fairweather is in that area.[/quote']

 

Thanks for the feedback. I thought that It was Mt. Mckinley because of how far away the mountain was - I had to use a powerful lens (300 mm) to get those pictures.

[jmele999]

Thank you for all the lovely photos and detailed account of your fabulous trip :)

So kind of you to provide this useful information. We were wondering what we were going to do while in Skagway, we were unsure about doing the train as we like doing things on our own.

 

After viewing your vacation pics and description, I just reserved a rental car in Skagway for our trip too! I plan to download Murray's Guide as well. Again, thanks:D

 

Thanks. The drive in Skagway is a great trip.

 

A few tips about the trip.

 

1) Don't forget your passport.

2) Try to have lunch in Carcross so that you can experience the town.

3) You should plan for at least five hours for the trip.

4) Get out of your car as often as possible - Life is a journey and not a destination.

[languages1]

we are doing the train in skagway. wished i rented a car now.

[RNRcruisers]

Thanks for the wonderful review! We went on our first Alaskan cruise two years ago and are planning on going back next year. I'm saving this review for travel tips! On our last trip we went to Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier and it was fabulous. After reading this we will definitely be taking a few extra days to see Denali. Loving your pictures!

[beachmonkey]

I want to add to the chorus of thank you messages! Well written, great pictures, and tremendous detail. Alaska was my first cruise and I can't wait to take my husband.

 

THANK YOU!

- Robert

[jmele999]

we are doing the train in skagway. wished i rented a car now.

 

The train is another good option. The primary difference is that you get to see more if you drive yourself. Regardless, you are going to have a great time on your cruise.

[jmele999]

Thanks for the wonderful review! We went on our first Alaskan cruise two years ago and are planning on going back next year. I'm saving this review for travel tips! On our last trip we went to Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier and it was fabulous. After reading this we will definitely be taking a few extra days to see Denali. Loving your pictures!

 

Thanks for following along. Taking a few days to Denali sound like a great idea.

[jmele999]

I want to add to the chorus of thank you messages! Well written, great pictures, and tremendous detail. Alaska was my first cruise and I can't wait to take my husband.

 

THANK YOU!

- Robert

 

Thanks Robert,

 

I have actually read some of your reviews including the wedding video. They were great

 

Johan

[jmele999]

Day 5 - Driving back to Skagway.

 

On the way back, DP decided that he wanted to stop at Caribou Crossing to inquire about a dog sled demonstration. We also wanted to see if that was the same place were the in-laws and friends were going for their dog sled demonstration. Caribou Crossing is located a couples of miles north of Carcross (Km 108.6) and has an excellent wildlife museum. You can also go on a dog cart ride. Below are some pictures with pricing information. If you are not on a bus tour, you need to pay the regular admission price for each of the attractions.

 

 

 

And here are some pictures from the wildlife museum and the kennel.

 

 

 

[jmele999]

Day 5 - Caribou Crossing Dog Cart Ride and driving back to Skagway

 

Since we were already there, DP and I decided to do the 15-minute dog cart ride. The musher was friendly and shared a lot of information about the dogs. For the ride, we went through a forested trail. It was a great experience and I am glad that we got a chance to do it.

 

 

 

We left Caribou Crossing shortly before 1:00 pm and enjoyed a nice drive back to Skagway. We drove through downtown Carcross, but did not stop because we wanted to get back to Skagway to explore the town. Here are some pictures from our drive back.

 

 

 

 

 

Above is the William Moore Bridge (Mile 11.1) which is an asymmetrical suspension bridge. The bridge is only firmly anchored on one side because it is located on an active earthquake fault. In the event of an earthquake, the bridge can move without collapsing.

Edited July 22, 2015 by jmele999

[jmele999]

Day 5 - Back in Skagway

 

We were back in Skagway by 2:30 pm, returned the car, and went shopping for some souvenirs. Before getting back onboard, we decided to get some lunch at the Red Onion Saloon. All I can say is that it is a very interesting place. Make sure to visit the saloon when you go to Skagway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really enjoyed the smoked salmon dip and the pizza was ok.

[jmele999]

Day 5 - The other excursion in Skagway - Mushers Camp and Sled Dog Experience

 

As previously mentioned, the other six members of our group decided to do the Mushers Camp and Sled Dog Experience in Skagway instead of driving with us to the Yukon. Their excursion started at 12:30 pm and lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes ($159.99 per person).

 

Below is a brief description of the Mushers Camp and Sled Dog Experience>

 

Discover the thrill of riding a sled pulled by a team of Alaskan Huskies, cuddle up with the adorable puppies and learn about Alaska’s state sport! Visit this authentic summer training camp for professional mushers and their sled dogs, many of which have competed in the world renowned Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through downtown Skagway and along stunning coastline to a musher’s camp in Dyea Valley. Hop into a multi-purpose 4 wheel drive vehicle for an adventurous ride into the rainforest and up the mountain to the dog teams.

 

Prepare for take-off! Get in your wheeled summertime sled for a thrilling ride as 16 Alaskan Huskies pull your sled down a zigzagging mile long trail through the rainforest! After your ride meet and take pictures with your dog team. Sit back and relax to learn more about the dogs care, races and equipment. Cuddle up with some cute husky pups and watch them hard at play in their special playground. A crackling fire, complimentary drinks and a unique gift shop round out your visit.

 

Here are some of the pictures from their excursion

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jmele999]

Day 5 - The other excursion in Skagway - Mushers Camp and Sled Dog Experience

 

 

 

 

According to them the excursion was great. One of the highlights of the cruise. However, on the way back to ship they met another friend (see below).

 

 

 

 

Believe when I say that they are still talking about the brown bear.

[jmele999]

Day 5 - Goodbye Skagway.

 

The in-laws and friends made it back onboard before 4:00 pm and they were very concerned that we were not going to make it back on time. Here they are when they saw us around 4:15 pm getting ready to board the ship. By the way, all aboard time was at 4:30.

 

 

After cleaning up, we all met up for our usual 5:30 pm happy hour at the windjammer bar, followed by dinner at seven seas. Nothing great or unusual to report about dinner.

 

The show tonight was the Flashback 4. They are a dynamic group of lead singers performing hits from the Drifters, Billy Joel and Frankie Valli and the four seasons. We all really enjoyed this show and most of us were singing along while DP was telling me to keep it down. After the show, we attended the Dance Like A Norwegian show (same principle as dancing with the stars). The show was very funny. As usual we ended up at the casino before going to bed at midnight.

 

Thanks Skagway for a great day.

 

[jmele999]

Day 6 - Ketchikan

 

Happy 4th of July

 

 

 

 

[tinawhitecar]

Waiving hello to you Johan- we sailed on the same sailing on the Jewel/Jan 2014.

John and I still talk about your fantastic suite on that sailing. We spent a cold windy day in Costa Maya at the beach! :)

 

We also sailed to Alaska in May on the Pearl. Had a great time. Your pictures are fantastic! Thank you for sharing your trip!

[jmele999]

Waiving hello to you Johan- we sailed on the same sailing on the Jewel/Jan 2014.

John and I still talk about your fantastic suite on that sailing. We spent a cold windy day in Costa Maya at the beach! :)

 

We also sailed to Alaska in May on the Pearl. Had a great time. Your pictures are fantastic! Thank you for sharing your trip!

 

Of course I remember you guys. I recognized the screen name. Thanks for stopping by to check out the review.

 

What was your favorite part of the Alaska cruise?

 

Give our best to John.

 

Johan

[jmele999]

Day 6 - Ketchikan

 

So today I managed to sleep in a little bit later than usual and woke up around 7:00 am. It was a beautiful and warm day.

 

 

Since we were not due to arrive in Ketchikan until 1:00 pm, we enjoyed a long breakfast at the Great Outdoor. We really liked the great outdoors (Deck 12, aft) for breakfast because it is less crowded than the buffet and you get to enjoy beautiful views, like the one below, from the aft of the ship.

 

 

That morning we also received our laundry that we had sent on Thursday morning. If you are Platinum member you get a free bag of laundry per week. Below is a picture of the size of the laundry bag and how your clean garments are returned to you. If you are not a Platinum Latitudes member, the price of laundry is $20 - $25 per bag depending on whether or not they have a special that day.

 

 

Since it was July 4th, the cruise director staff put together a series of events and games to commemorate Independence Day. Around 10:30 am, hundreds of guests gathered around the three-level atrium to sign patriotic songs. The atrium was nicely decorated and lots of people wore patriotic outfits. It was a very nice event.

 

 

 

[jmele999]

Day 6 - Ketchikan

 

 

Cookies anyone?

 

 

At 11:00 am we met up with the cruise consultant, George, for the behind-the-scenes tour. Since we have previously attended a behind-the-scenes tour, we asked George if the in-laws can go instead of us, but he said that we could also go because there were only 10 people doing the tour. George went on vacation after our cruise, and Holly is now the cruise consultant aboard the Sun.

 

 

As part of the behind-the-scenes tour, we first visited the theater where we had a chance to talk to two of the cast members. Did you know that cast members cannot lose or gain more than 5 pounds during the contract? This is to ensure that their customs fit properly. In order to maintain their weight, they have to work out a minimum of five hours per week.

 

 

We next visited the laundry facilities. Below is a picture of the laundry machines and the machine they use to dry, and fold sheets.

 

 

[jmele999]

Day 6 - Behind-the-scenes tour

 

 

Our next stop on the tour was the galley serving the two main restaurants onboard the ship. One of the things that always surprises me is how clean they manage to keep the kitchens considering how many people they serve.

 

 

 

 

 

Frozen salmon.

 

[jmele999]

Day 6 - Behind-the-scenes tour

 

 

Making soup.

 

 

Regardless of how busy they are, the crew is always happy to say hello and offer a smile.

 

 

 

Not surprisingly there is a lot of trash that has to be removed from the ship after every cruise. Recycling is a big part of the daily operation onboard.