Mumsy and friends live from the NA -Alaska

[Krazy Kruizers]

Loving all the reports.

[Mumsysailor]

I need not have been concerned about the dress for this evening. Most people did indeed make an effort to varying degrees.

 

We had a very pleasant evening meal in the Main Dining Room followed by a nice liqueur in a souvenir glass. (Pic. to follow).

 

We decided to go to the show tonight as one of the ship's dancer's, who had conducted our muster drill, told us she was part of a trapeze act in this show. I must say I was impressed and it seems HAL may have upped their game on the resident entertainment based on this performance. We then spent another enjoyable hour or so laughing and singing in the Piano Bar before retiring to our room.

 

The ocean is still a bit rock and roll but not too cold.

 

The clocks go back one hour this evening.

 

 

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[Mumsysailor]

 

 

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[Vict0riann]

 

 

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Looks like different souvenir glasses, but still the old logo!

[Scrapnana]

Enjoyed having a hosted table at dinner last night. The head of housekeeping joined the six of us and it was nice talking to him. The white wine was also very good!

 

This morning our Cruise Critic team won at trivia and I now have two of the highly coveted (ha! Ha!) Alaska pins.

 

We docked early (scheduled for 1 pm) and people are already getting off (12:30 local time).

[qsuzi]

Thanks for the update and information.

[Mumsysailor]

I was woken up this morning by an announcement in the corridor for a "Bright Star" at our room number! There was a lot of commotion outside for the best part of an hour and, because we didn't want to intrude, we didn't open the door. It seems our neighbour has been taken to the medical centre but I don't know what the problem is only that a stretcher, bleeping machines and adrenalin were involved. I hope and pray our neighbour will make a full recovery.

 

In the meantime, I opened our curtains and got a wonderful display of whales in the distance for a while. The sea is very calm and we are moving slowly through the islands. I believe we have a very brief stop to drop off people for the Tracey Arm excursion.

 

Trivia was at 10.30am and our team won!! Woo Hoo!! I now have a coveted Alaska destination pin.

 

The scenery around us is stunning. We passed small icebergs and some more wildlife and it seems we're likely to arrive at Juneau a little early.

 

After a spot of lunch in the MDR we went ashore, taking a local bus to the Mendenhall Glacier. Our driver, also local science teacher and one time park ranger, gave a very interesting commentary along the way. He told us about the life cycle of the whales, their breeding habits and that the waters along here will be full to bursting with Salmon come June and for the rest of the season. He was very knowledgable and interesting. We went to the Visitor's Centre, a free resource open to all, and there we watched a superb film about the glacier and local area amongst other things.

 

On our return to downtown Juneau we did a little souvenir shopping before heading back to the ship. We were very pleased to see MS Westerdam had docked while we were away. The Celebrity Solstice is also here today.

 

Back on the NA the crew were conducting a major Crew Safety Drill, shutting of emergency doors and lowering all of the starboard side life boats. There was only minor inconvenience to passengers as some had to take the long way round to get to their rooms and many of the guest services were temporarily suspended. I'm sure no-one minded as these drills are vital to ensure our safety.

 

After a brief rest in our room we will get ourselves ready for dinner at the Pinnacle Grill with friends this evening.

 

 

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[innlady1]

Have a wonderful dinner, mumsy. Say hello to the gang for me! Sounds like you had a great day. It's always disturbing to hear the "bright star" announcement. :-(

[SherriM]

Thanks for the postings. AND you taught me something new today - I had not heard of the Bright Star Announcement. Interesting. Similar to Code Blue in a hospital, sounds like. :(

 

Where do the wine tastings take place?? Something we hope to partake of, when we travel in the fall.

[erewhon]

Thank you for the updates.

[Mumsysailor]

For Sapper1 - the long awaited food porn.

 

 

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[Mumsysailor]

 

 

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[1of4]

I missed a whole day with not getting on the computer yesterday (Monday) :o.

 

Inquiring minds want to know.....was that steak eaten in its entirety?

 

Sounds like a good day all around. From Lizzy and Sapper drinking and running; a trivia win and beautiful scenery and a port stop to boot!!

 

Miss you all.

[sapper1]

Thanks for the postings. AND you taught me something new today - I had not heard of the Bright Star Announcement. Interesting. Similar to Code Blue in a hospital, sounds like. :(

 

Where do the wine tastings take place?? Something we hope to partake of, when we travel in the fall.

 

The wine tasting that Lizzie and I attended was held on the upper level of the main dining room.

[sapper1]

I missed a whole day with not getting on the computer yesterday (Monday) :o.

 

Inquiring minds want to know.....was that steak eaten in its entirety?

 

Sounds like a good day all around. From Lizzy and Sapper drinking and running; a trivia win and beautiful scenery and a port stop to boot!!

 

Miss you all.

 

There were gasps all around when the 36 ounce steak was delivered! It was eaten in its entirety by Lizzie, Mumsy and their husbands. There was even a special heavy duty knife provided to those who partook. They reported that it was delicious.

 

My husband and I had our usual filet mignon and endured belittling remarks about our puny little steaks and inferior knives. :):)

 

Our delightful waiter, Clifford, who we all knew from last spring on the Westerdam, said that he has actually seen the large steak devoured by a single person.

[Vict0riann]

Did Clifford carve up the giant steak, or was it left to the participants to do it?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the updates.

Hope that Bright Star person is all right.

No way could I ever hope to a 35 ounce steak.

[innlady1]

There were gasps all around when the 36 ounce steak was delivered! It was eaten in its entirety by Lizzie, Mumsy and their husbands. There was even a special heavy duty knife provided to those who partook. They reported that it was delicious.

 

My husband and I had our usual filet mignon and endured belittling remarks about our puny little steaks and inferior knives. :):)

 

Our delightful waiter, Clifford, who we all knew from last spring on the Westerdam, said that he has actually seen the large steak devoured by a single person.

 

Somewhere on here, a while ago, I read about someone who asked for a "doggie bag" and took the left overs back to their stateroom. Couldn't figure that out since there's no shortage of food on a cruise ship...and the stateroom coolers are just that...coolers...not refrigerators.

 

Better to share with friends :D

 

I usually have the filet, too, sapper1...or the lamb chops. I'm getting hungry!

[gigianne]

It was great that you shared that gigantic steak. Sapper1, her DH and I could have easily shared a 7 oz filet. Thanks for posting the food porn - I know a lot of us were waiting for a picture of that steak!

[SherriM]

Sorry I missed something...WHERE is that giant steak offered? And what cut is it?? CRAZY! But bet it was a fun dinner!

 

And thanks about the Wine Tasting info. Didn't realize that they are held in the MDR. Will definitely keep a watch out when we travel in September. Something we would love to participate in!

 

CHEERS! :)

[Mumsysailor]

Monday 9th May

 

I'm really not into this 'food porn' thing but just had to share the pictures from last night.

 

Our dinner at the Pinnacle Grill was certainly an experience. We were waited at table by our old friend Clifford who had cared for us so well on previous cruise adventures. It was wonderful to catch up with him and to be reminded of his humour and attention to detail.

 

I began with Lobster Bisque and Clifford created a beautiful flower design as he served it.

 

Four of our six decided to share the 36oz President's Cut Steak which was absolutely delicious. Presented to us raw for our inspection before being cooked to our preference. We were supplied with heavy duty steak knives and the PG Manager carved the steak for us. Clifford also delivered to our table four large plates of king crab legs to create a surf and turf dinner for us.

 

I finished with a Chocolate Lava Dish which was superb.

 

After dinner we made our way to the Queens lounge to listen to the Karaoke. At one point we were in tears of laughter as DH sang along to 'My Way' when the performer lost His Way. As with any Karaoke, there was a mixture of good and bad but it was a very entertaining evening full of lots of fun and laughter throughout.

 

I shall retrieve our pictures from our visit to the Glacier from my camera and upload a selection in due course.

 

******************

 

Tuesday 10th May - Skagway

 

We had already docked at Railroad Dock by the time we opened our curtains this morning. Our starboard balcony was facing the lush green side of the mountain. A little later, on closer inspection, we could read the many graffiti on the rocks, painted there by many a ships crew over the years. It is a very pleasant sunny day. DH and I walked in to town passed the hoards of people lining up for excursions. There are four ships here today and it's very busy.

 

After browsing in a number of shops and buying a little souvenir, we stopped for coffee at the Sweet Tooth Cafe before heading back to the ship. We didn't take the White Pass Railroad because we have been here before and did that and a walking tour last time we visited. It was nice to just wander at our leisure and enjoy the fresh air.

 

About mid afternoon we spent a very pleasant hour or so out by the Lido Pool enjoying the warm sunshine. It was great to be able to look out aft to see the Celebrity Solstice in great detail and share a greeting with one or two of their passengers and crew. I just love the camaraderie amongst fellow cruisers this way.

 

There has been no internet connection whilst we have been in port due to our proximity to the mountains. I quite understand the situation. We seem to forget how privileged we are to have hassle free connections at home with high speeds and consistent service.

 

Sitting here at the Ocean Bar at almost 6pm with a cocktail we're enjoying music from The Band, a very pleasant quartet: piano, guitar, bass and drums. It appears that a number of people are still arriving back from their visits ashore. Sailaway is at 8.30pm and we'll already be seated at dinner by then so no Sailaway party for us tonight. We'll make up for it in other ways I'm sure.

 

 

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[Lizzie68]

Yesterday was Juneau and we went out to Mendenhall Glacier with an excellent guide who gave a great narration all the way there and back, so we learned lots even though we have been here before. Saw many bald eagles which we are lucky enough to see at home too but these seemed bigger somehow. There were many juvenile eagles too. Right now they are patiently waiting for the salmon to arrive which our guide said would be early to mid June.

 

Dinner with friends at the PG last night and a fun time with Clifford our favourite server. 4 of us shared the president’s Cut 36 ounce steak which lived up to the hype by Clifford and Stephen, the PG manager. Along with it came 4 platters of crab legs – oh my! We thought of asking for a doggie bag LOL but refrained. It was a great evening with lots of laughter.

 

We have just docked at Skagway but having been here several times before we have not booked any excursions so will just wander into town and do some shopping.

 

I am quite liking this ship and everything is working properly including the a/c and plumbing. So far. We have only seen our room steward once since we boarded, but he is quick to service the cabin when we leave.

 

There are lots of young children onboard and even at the 10pm show, it is quite odd to see a row of strollers in the theatre instead of wheelchairs and rollators! Because of how busy it is we are avoiding eating in the lido – DH cannot handle crowded areas especially as he is unsteady on his feet and we don’t want to add to the chaos by bringing the wheelchair, so we go to the MDR for lunch, usually with Mumsy and Sapper and the husbands.

 

DH has said he doesn’t want to do another 7 day cruise so I haven’t broken it to him yet that that is exactly what we have added to our repositioning next year.

 

So no Internet all day. The librarian says it’s because we are up against a mountain, but we get a message that the technicians are working on the problem. Whatever.

 

Warm and sunny in Skagway. Made full use of the loungers on the aft lido this afternoon. Life is good.

[Copper10-8]

Thanks for the postings. AND you taught me something new today - I had not heard of the Bright Star Announcement. Interesting. Similar to Code Blue in a hospital, sounds like. :(

 

Where do the wine tastings take place?? Something we hope to partake of, when we travel in the fall.

 

A "Bright Star" P/A announcement (medical emergency) is never a good thing but they do, at times, have positive outcomes. Along the same line, just a heads up that the "Bright Star" announcement is on the way out with HAL (it already is on AMDM) and will be replaced with the "Medical Response" P/A announcement which is what Princess uses. (Princess is taking over HAL medical supervision and staff scheduling)

[Mumsysailor]

Some pictures from yesterday - Juneau.

Wildlife!

Icebergs.

Our guide.

One of the many Bald Eagles.

Mendenhall Glacier.

MS Westerdam.

 

 

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[Mumsysailor]

A view from Skagway.

 

This evening brought us another Trivia win and our coveted Alaska pins were of much better quality this time.

The one on the right is thin aluminium and the one on the left the heavier metal.

 

A late dinner followed by a brief visit to a game show called The Majority Rules but it was almost over by the time we got there. We took a quick browse at the shops onboard before retiring for an early night ready for Glacier Bay tomorrow. The view when we reached our room was stunning - a beautiful crescent moon over the snowy peaks.

 

 

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