Alaska Live, July 17th - 27th. Just the tip of the iceberg.

[DeltaOne]

Andrew, nice live from! I really enjoyed following along with your family.

 

If you don't mind I'd like to ask what brand of cameras and software you use at your property? You've posted screen shots in some of your live froms and I've not seen that software anywhere before.

 

A few months ago I installed two cameras here. We'd never had any problem, and this is a rural subdivision...but it was just something I wanted to do. We went with Ubiquiti cameras and built our own NVR (that way there are no monthly fees for cloud storage). All in all I'm happy with the Ubiquiti cameras and software, my only complaint would be too many false positives -- especially on bright sunny days when cloud and tree shadows are moving rapidly. And spider webs on the camera at night...those cause many false positives!

[A&L_Ont]

Andrew, nice live from! I really enjoyed following along with your family.

 

If you don't mind I'd like to ask what brand of cameras and software you use at your property? You've posted screen shots in some of your live froms and I've not seen that software anywhere before.

 

A few months ago I installed two cameras here. We'd never had any problem, and this is a rural subdivision...but it was just something I wanted to do. We went with Ubiquiti cameras and built our own NVR (that way there are no monthly fees for cloud storage). All in all I'm happy with the Ubiquiti cameras and software, my only complaint would be too many false positives -- especially on bright sunny days when cloud and tree shadows are moving rapidly. And spider webs on the camera at night...those cause many false positives!

 

 

 

Paul, I honestly don’t know the name of the recorder device, but this is a screen shot of the app that it is broadcast on. We live in the middle of no where, with police over 15 minutes away, if they are there. The cameras really provide a back up if something happens. Our neighbors have been the same for decades so they know to watch when we are away, and we reciprocate.

 

Our system has no charges etc, just the cost of the hardware to get it up and running.

 

 

We recently replaced all the cameras and went to 1 system as we had two previously. One for the garage and one for home. We have local guys who did the work when we renovated the house, and they replaced the old garage system. Camera technology has change a bunch in the last few years.

 

They run all day but only record motion, to which people can be picked up 300’ away. We have access to it through our home TV, iPads, and iPhones through wifi and cellular data.

 

The cameras look like this. I might add that we too get night time activity from bugs but they are attracted to the night vision glow. I think there really is no way to defeat that. Winter does stop them though, especially when they are dead. LOL.

 

 

Daytime view.

 

 

Night time. There is no light at night on that side of the house.

 

 

With this view you can see on the garage the glow of the night vision. There is no light there, but you can see why/how the bugs are attracted.

 

 

The cameras will pick up car activity on the road, or wild turkeys in the field.

 

[A&L_Ont]

We just finished our RC post cruise survey last night and this question was well worth sharing. You know, I was considering swimming with the ice but thought the better of it.

 

[John&LaLa]

We just finished our RC post cruise survey last night and this question was well worth sharing. You know, I was considering swimming with the ice but thought the better of it.

 

Was that the additional questions about the ports part. I never do those

 

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[DeltaOne]

Paul, I honestly don’t know the name of the recorder device, but this is a screen shot of the app that it is broadcast on. We live in the middle of no where, with police over 15 minutes away, if they are there. The cameras really provide a back up if something happens. Our neighbors have been the same for decades so they know to watch when we are away, and we reciprocate. Our system has no charges etc, just the cost of the hardware to get it up and running.

 

Thanks for the info! I found the brand, Hikvision. I'll read up on it.

 

Sounds very similar to our system. It records all day, but only creates short video segments when motion is detected. I've got a lot of videos of squirrels running across my deck. I can access the camera and recordings from anywhere using my iPhone, and iPad and/or a computer browser.

 

Again, thanks for the info.

[A&L_Ont]

We had one other small issue that we shared with guest services. Lisa discovered that Owen cashed in his 200 hard earned arcade tickets on a glowing mouth piece. I thought, eww who wants that in their mouth. Well it would be better than a raisin. I though even worse of it though when Lisa showed it to me.

 

The batteries that powered the light had corroded while in the display case. Owen had put it in his mouth without even noticing it. Another child, to which Owen had become friends with, had also got the same toy. Thankfully it was not corroded.

 

Lisa went to guest services to show them the toy which came from their display case and to ask for the arcade tickets to be refunded to Owen’s account. She also wanted to make sure they checked the rest in arcade, in case others had the same issue.

 

The lady at guest services immediately apologized, asked if Owen needed any help from Medical but thankfully he was fine, and also let Lisa know that they would inform the head of the Casino so that they could inspect the remaining gifts in the arcade for the same damage. Lisa was very happy with the outcome of the visit to guest services and the importance to which they treated the situation. Those were practically her exact words to me.

 

About an hour later, the phone rang in our cabin and it was a lady named Kay, from Guest Services. They called to follow up regarding our unfortunate experience, I wasn’t sure if it was about the mouth toy or hot water/pressure issue. Anyway, Kay surprised us with a proactive resolution. Totally not what we were expecting, nor was it anything we asked for. Really, we just wanted no other child to get a bad mouth toy. She apologized again and with that we said goodbye. So what did I get to do, I was made Honorary God Father of the Radiance. Check the photo when you sail on her, right by Guest Services. Watch out Super Mario, here comes the God Father. Well, that was an unexpected surprise.

 

Well OK, that’s a little far fetched. Now read the following sentence with a serious undertone, like Lisa’s voice when talking to me. We have had a few small issues with 25 cruises on RC, but that stuff that rolls off our backs. It is part of travel, on land or sea. If you expect perfection, it won’t happen but if you are realistic things can be as close to perfect as possible.

 

Having lost a daughter, my dad, and a father in-law as good as my dad my perspective on life has changed. There is so much more in life to stress about and we don’t dwell on things. Well, except for the tailgating human donkey on the drive home. Royal has always been good to us, from when we were just lowly gold cruisers to our now 1 point away from the halfway to Pinnacle. That is a new Tier level, right? Can I give up the God Father for half of a Pinnacle Status? Watch out Royal, you better close the program soon, cause we are coming back.

[A&L_Ont]

Lucy has become bored with this long drawn out review conclusion, so now it’s time for the wrap up. Either that, or maybe she has a hangover.

 

 

 

We had a group discussion last night at home to the score we would give this cruise. After some deliberation and discussion we have given it a 9 out of 10. That discussion also brought about the points discussed above. As Grandma said, it just keeps getting better every day. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.

 

I am going to share a little something with you all. After our daughter Allie passed away we would find dimes at the most suitable moments… we took it to be a sign that she was “with us”.

 

My father in-law Art passed away almost two years ago and the dimes have also become an occurrence for Sharon. He always said he wanted to return to Alaska before he passed. The evening that we got in the shuttle bus to go on the helicopter excursion we found a dime sitting right on the floor in the centre of the isle. They were both right there us with spirit.

 

[A&L_Ont]

We will return to Alaska again one day. However, we would book a car and do our own land excursion and jump on the ship for a southbound cruise.

 

Now for the question that many have asked, when is your next cruise. Check my signature below, because our next muster is posted. Get ready Harmony, we board October 20th, 2018.

 

Thanks for joining our family for another cruise. If you have ever thought about Alaska my advice is go and do it. We have been 3 times and no matter the weather it has left us breathless.

 

Hopefully you have enjoyed more than just the tip, of Alaska.

 

[BonnieJB]

Bless you Andrew for taking the time to write these reviews. They enrich the lives of those of us who are looking forward to their own Alaska cruise vacation and those who for one reason or another will never be able to have that privilege. Our Alaska vacation begins in 9 days. As a side note, we also have experienced visits from departed loved ones while on cruises. They are there with you for sure!

Edited August 3, 2018 by BonnieJB

[reallyitsmema]

Thanks for sharing your review and your family with us.

[Wivian]

 

Hey, what’s that bear doing in the middle?

 

 

 

Don’t know what it’s doing, and haven’t read the whole story yet, but have anyone else noticed the funny buisness on the wood? [emoji3]

[pattiea]

Andrew, have not posted throughout your trip...however I have read and enjoyed your

posts...one of the best I have ever read...and have been reading for quite awhile.

Our very first cruise was an inside passage Alaskan cruise.....terrible weather...one 1/2 day of sunshine...rest of the time time, fog & rain...oh, this was in July supposedly the best week

to go....well, it hasnt stopped us...next Alaskan coming up shortly on my favorite ship Expolorer and like you and Lisa we just keep stepping up the ladder.

Will def look for your future cruises, thank you for the great review!

-Pattie

[bettyboop16]

Lucy has become bored with this long drawn out review conclusion, so now it’s time for the wrap up. Either that, or maybe she has a hangover.

 

 

 

We had a group discussion last night at home to the score we would give this cruise. After some deliberation and discussion we have given it a 9 out of 10. That discussion also brought about the points discussed above. As Grandma said, it just keeps getting better every day. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.

 

I am going to share a little something with you all. After our daughter Allie passed away we would find dimes at the most suitable moments… we took it to be a sign that she was “with us”.

 

My father in-law Art passed away almost two years ago and the dimes have also become an occurrence for Sharon. He always said he wanted to return to Alaska before he passed. The evening that we got in the shuttle bus to go on the helicopter excursion we found a dime sitting right on the floor in the centre of the isle. They were both right there us with spirit.

 

 

Lucy is a very pretty kitty! :) Where does she stay/sleep during the winter?

[Ocean Boy]

Thanks for posting about the dimes. I get it. It is amazing how life's perspectives change over time.....

[kittymamma]

I LOVE LUCY !!! She is a lucky kitty to have found her way to your home and into your heart.

[VPIcruiser]

Andrew, I loved your review, as always. A few years ago, we were shocked that our kids loved the Jewel as much as Allure and Freedom, but that was before our oldest discovered the flow rider. Two years ago, the kids (then 11, 9, and 6) loved our Alaska inside passage cruise on Explorer. There is something magical Alaska. Thank you for reminding me of why we need to think about another cruise there. And maybe a land tour, on our own. .

[JamesEM]

Enjoyed your reports and photos, looking forward to your next review.

[A&L_Ont]

Thanks for sharing your review and your family with us.

 

 

Your are most welcome. We are happy to bring you an all along.

 

Lucy is a very pretty kitty! :) Where does she stay/sleep during the winter?

 

 

In the winter she gets a barn with a bed of soft wood shavings. She also has a heated water bowl with fresh water for the cold months. She might also sleep in the coverall that is loaded with bales. In the summer she will sleep where ever, barn, pool box, on top of a hale bale in the field. She has been awoken at 1am from a top of a bale when we are collecting bales for wrapping.

 

Don’t know what it’s doing, and haven’t read the whole story yet, but have anyone else noticed the funny buisness on the wood? [emoji3]

 

 

I think the bear is running away in embarrassment. :)

 

Andrew, have not posted throughout your trip...however I have read and enjoyed your

 

posts...one of the best I have ever read...and have been reading for quite awhile.

 

 

 

Our very first cruise was an inside passage Alaskan cruise.....terrible weather...one 1/2 day of sunshine...rest of the time time, fog & rain...oh, this was in July supposedly the best week

 

to go....well, it hasnt stopped us...next Alaskan coming up shortly on my favorite ship Expolorer and like you and Lisa we just keep stepping up the ladder.

 

 

 

Will def look for your future cruises, thank you for the great review!

 

 

 

-Pattie

 

 

I hope you have a blast on Explorer, as well as your return to Alaska.

 

Thanks for posting about the dimes. I get it. It is amazing how life's perspectives change over time.....

 

 

I agree OB. They certainly do.

 

I LOVE LUCY !!! She is a lucky kitty to have found her way to your home and into your heart.

 

 

Just don’t wiggle your toes near her while sitting outside. They quickly become prey.

 

Enjoyed your reports and photos, looking forward to your next review.

 

 

I can’t wait for our next adventure as well.

 

Andrew, I loved your review, as always. A few years ago, we were shocked that our kids loved the Jewel as much as Allure and Freedom, but that was before our oldest discovered the flow rider. Two years ago, the kids (then 11, 9, and 6) loved our Alaska inside passage cruise on Explorer. There is something magical Alaska. Thank you for reminding me of why we need to think about another cruise there. And maybe a land tour, on our own. .

 

 

The flow rider can change all. That being said it was a wonderful treat sailing on Radiance. You have views of the ocean/water all over the ship, unlike the Oasis Class. Our cabin was on deck 10 and there were do cabins above that deck. When we return to Harmony we are on deck 17. When you think about that, there is big difference between the two.

[sellwingri]

Lucy is my cat’s name as well. She celebrates her 17th birthday this month but still acts like a kitten!

 

I absolutely loved your review. We’re doing inside passage on Explorer in a couple of weeks but a few of the ports are the same. This will be my 3rd Alaskan Cruise (I did the southbound from Seward several years ago) and never get tired of the absolute beauty.

[A&L_Ont]

We have just remembered a couple items we forgot to mention.

 

Lisa found the bed to be hard, me not so much. Owen and Sharon found the pull out to be comfortable.

 

The elevators have great water or interior views, but they are tight. They are to hold twenty people but when the elevator opening is two people wide, it makes it awkward for entrance and exit, especially when the individual is at the back of the elevator.

 

As for the ship being crowded, to us it was no different than the Oasis Class. After muster, meals and shows the elevators were busy. Besides that the ship wasn’t what I would call crowded.

[jimbri]

Thank you so much for a wonderful review!

[Lionesss]

I am going to share a little something with you all. After our daughter Allie passed away we would find dimes at the most suitable moments… we took it to be a sign that she was “with us”.

 

My father in-law Art passed away almost two years ago and the dimes have also become an occurrence for Sharon. He always said he wanted to return to Alaska before he passed. The evening that we got in the shuttle bus to go on the helicopter excursion we found a dime sitting right on the floor in the centre of the isle. They were both right there us with spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are truly blessed.

And like you we too have had signs after my mom passed away.

 

In the United States years ago on one dollar bills they allocated some as SILVER CERTIFICATES.

My mom loved the blue stamp. She collected them and I have over 70 of them to this day.

In the 1990's if you cashed them in to coin collectors, you got about 0.75 cents on the dollar, and people did.

My mom did not.

 

I took 3 weeks off work to be with my mom as she passed away.

 

When I went back to work and went to the cafeteria to buy a yogurt I gave the cashier a $5 bill I got my change and 4 one dollar bills back............................

 

The top bill was a silver certificate...............

Maybe the significance is that we all use money,now debit cards.......................................

 

 

Just Saying.

 

 

 

You are blessed.

 

 

Take care

[A&L_Ont]

Thank you so much for a wonderful review!

 

You are welcome.

 

The top bill was a silver certificate...............

Maybe the significance is that we all use money, now debit cards

 

Lioness you are correct. With the use of credit and debit over cash, it sure makes me feel like it is a sign.

[dani negreanu]

Andrew,

Thank you again for a very humorous and entertaining review.

As an avid reader, I feel I already "know" Lucy, Owen, Lisa, you & Sharon.

Your Allie is always in my mind.

[loug1601]

Your review was terrific...thank you so much for putting so much of your vacation time into helping others plan their perfect Alaska vacation!