Live (fingers crossed) Alaska May 26 on Orion.

[Pushka]

I’m posting mainly pictures. 

 

Departure last night at 9.30 pm from Vancouver. Stunning weather and sunset. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by Pushka

[CCWineLover]

Beautiful, Pushka!  We look forward to living your cruise through your pictures.  Looks like great weather for you as well.  Despite the issues with boarding, it still is a cruise we are looking at taking some day.

[Peregrina651]

Please give info about any Viking tours that you take. Folks really want to hear about that stuff.

 

Any other CC members sailing with you?? Maybe they will join in and post their comments as well.

Edited May 27, 2019 by Peregrina651

[Pushka]

Yes, there are a few CC members cruising and we are having a CC meet and greet on Ketchikan Day (tomorrow) at 6pm. I think 25 people signed up. And we have organised a 6 person small boat trip in ISP through CC. 

 

Tomorrow we don’t get into Ketchikan until 10am and will be doing the Alaskan Fisherman excursion through Viking at 1pm then we set sail basically as soon as we tender back. 

 

Captains reception is at 9pm tonight. There is also a special seafood buffet tonight. Lobster Thermidor is on the menu for next Monday night  - Valdez. We are also doing Vikings Kayak into Valdez that day. 

[Pushka]

Today was Inside Passage and clear weather the whole day. Internet is currently pretty good. Food is excellent. Has been a little crowded today for lunch and breakfast but need to work out busiest times and avoid. 

 

Weather supposed to be fine and clear at least until Juneau. We have found it a little warm inside the main areas but breezy and cold outside but a windbreaker is enough. It’s hot in the covered pool area. 

 

Im off to a Sitka lecture. There wasn’t one for Ketchikan although we couldn’t  board until 6.30pm. 

 

I’m posting from the iPad so can’t resize. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by Pushka

[Peregrina651]

2 hours ago, Pushka said:

I’m posting from the iPad so can’t resize. 

 

I don't know iPad very well but in the compose window/pane/box, try tapping on the image to get this to pop up over your image. :

 

 

If you can actually make the box appear, then all you have to do is to change the width and hit update.  When "Keep original aspect ratio" is checked, it figures the height for you (perfect for math wizards like me 😉).

 

Edited May 28, 2019 by Peregrina651

[Krisval]

So looking forward to your comments and recommendations. We are on this one June 5, 2020, so have time, but I’m rather obsessive I keeping track of reviews and advice. Certainly realize excursions might and other elements might change ( have been on 3 ocean cruises and  not much has changed) . Thank you!

[Pushka]

15 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

I don't know iPad very well but in the compose window/pane/box, try tapping on the image to get this to pop up over your image. :

 

 

If you can actually make the box appear, then all you have to do is to change the width and hit update.  When "Keep original aspect ratio" is checked, it figures the height for you (perfect for math wizards like me 😉).

 

 

I’ll try but given I’m using ship wifi it’s taking a while just to get the photos loaded. I’ll see what happens. 

[Pushka]

Yesterday was Inland passage and some beautiful scenery. We slowed right down through Bella Bella which passed by an Indigenous settlement.  As you can see we have been blessed with perfect sunny weather. 

 

 

(I can’t get the option to resize)

 

 

 

 

This morning just now. Coming in to Ketchikan. No rain forecast! It’s sunny!

 

 

 

 

[Peregrina651]

3 hours ago, Pushka said:

(I can’t get the option to resize)

 

☹️

 

But as to the pictures themselves, 🤩🤩🤩. Simply gorgeous! Keep them coming, please.

[Heidi13]

Great photos, hoping to see lots more. Bringing back great memories.

[Pushka]

Yesterday we did the ship excursion to A day in the life of the King Crab Fisherman. Fun exercise. Getting off the boat for tender was not so fun. Poor communications again had us waiting in a line after the port clearance notice had been given for over 75 minutes. No comms as to when a tender would be available. We think they were only operating one which was ridiculous. They were handing out tender tickets then ignoring them. People missed their private shore excursion bookings. Viking aren’t really giving people the Viking experience this cruise, as we have been told by experienced Viking cruisers and we are starting to feel that we are just Guinea pigs but paying full price. 

 

Anyway the excursion was a lot of fun. Just a taster. So many bald eagles. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2019 by Pushka

[Pushka]

The show itself was really well done and a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pushka]

The show itself was really well done and a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pushka]

Today was Sitka and a really sunny and gorgeous day. No tender  thank god but there was a delay again in getting us off the boat. 

 

We used Gallant Adventures for a private sea excursion to see wildlife, which we did in abundance.

 

First up, the otters. They are so cute. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the puffins. 

 

[Frenchberet]

Beautiful weather!  Love your photos! ❤️  What camera are you using to capture these great pics?

[Pushka]

1 hour ago, Frenchberet said:

Beautiful weather!  Love your photos! ❤️  What camera are you using to capture these great pics?

I’m using a Panasonic LUMIX and husband is using a Canon EOS. 

 

Whales. They came so close. They are humpbacks. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2019 by Pushka

[Heidi13]

Thanks again, great photos

[Peregrina651]

1 hour ago, Pushka said:

I’m using a Panasonic LUMIX and husband is using a Canon EOS. 

 

Which LUMIX?? Although the designations might not match up with those sold in the US.

 

You are making me want to do another Alaska cruise.

[JER/MPR]

8 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Which LUMIX?? Although the designations might not match up with those sold in the US.

 

You are making me want to do another Alaska cruise. 

Me too! 

Great memories of a wonderful cruise.  

[Hunding]

Pushka

 

Sensational photographs!  Thank you so much for sharing.

[JenRonn1104]

Awesome photos!  Those otters are so cute.  I can't stop looking at their adorable faces.

[Homosassa]

In a it's a small world situation, I just realize a friend from down the street and around the corner  (in Homosassa, FL)is on this cruise with you.

 

 

[czst17]

Pushka thank you so much for doing this.  We will be on Orion in Alaska starting June 20 for the land portion and then the cruise but we are going from Seward to Vancouver.  Pictures are great.  I have a Lumix too and really love it.

 

Kathie

[Pushka]

19 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Which LUMIX?? Although the designations might not match up with those sold in the US.

 

You are making me want to do another Alaska cruise.

 

Mine is a TZ70. I think a google search will show the US version. 

 

Today, helicopter ride to Medenhall Glacier and the dog mushing camp. Used Temsco Helicopters and booked direct through them to make sure we get this excursion as we are only in a DV. 

 

Another hot and sunny day. And so bright!  I have better pictures on the phone so will post those later.