Live, Terry/Ohio, Silver Muse: Alaska, Canada/Rockies, Pix’s

[TLCOhio]

These boards encourage us to “write a review”!  Here goes, again, in live, blogging style. Later, you can see links to our various previous cruise blogs and picture postings. Three live/blogs are now over 223,000 views.  Visuals make a big, interesting difference, sharing the beauty and drama from these wonderful and varied regions of the world.

 

Tell us what you like, ask any questions, offer specific suggestions, etc. Don't be shy!! Love the interactive nature of live/blogs, getting feed-back and comments as we travel, etc.  Or, helping answer questions about this ship, these scenic locations, etc.   

 

This cruise is mainly about seeing Alaska for the first time.  PLUS, while traveling in this part of North America, we have the opportunity to gain our first experiences in Calgary, Banff and Jasper National Parks, experience two days on the famed Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure through the western Rockies and then have three days in the cosmopolitan coastal star of Vancouver.

 

Below is a map/graphic layout that I prepared on my MacBook Pro laptop to illustrate our overall schedule and timing.  This is our sixth cruise with Silversea. Many more details to share, but we will start out a quick mix of different visuals.  Don’t most smart people like “eye candy”??

 

We are now sailing through the Inside Passage on the way "North to Alaska".  A little before 5 pm yesterday, we did our scenic  sail-away from Vancouver with perfect weather.  See photo "evidence" below as to the sights and weather conditions.  We arrive Saturday, July 27 in Ketchikan, Alaska.  Today's weather is projected to be great.  

 

From our first afternoon and evening on the Silver Muse, we have been very impressed.  We have a basic balcony suite and love the size, features, places to unpack our stuff, electronics, etc., etc., associated with this design and lay-out.   More on those details later.  Also, the pictures below have uploaded in reasonable fashion.   It is ship's Internet, but things technically are working fair well.   For the picture uploading, I was helped as I "down-size" them in preparing to post.  All going well as I sit in the Tor's Observation Library.  Wonderful views from here and so quiet and comfortable for such writing early in the am.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio.

 

Here is a graphic that I prepared on my laptop showing our overall schedule and where we will be traveling during our first exploring of Alaska.  Our first third of this "adventure" was excellent through western Canada.  Will have more details and visuals as "photo evidence" from those scenic areas later.:

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Here are some visual samples as the ship was doing its sail-away in hyper scenic Vancouver.  Plus, some examples of the sights around in this active and fun Vancouver harbor.  This includes sailing under the Lions Gate Bridge, seeing their famed Stanley Park, plus English Bay,  and the North Shore Mountains, etc., etc.  We loved watching the various planes taking off and landing in this harbor from the La Terrazza vantage point where we had an enjoyable lunch right after boarding the ship at 12:15 pm.  Customs and check-in was easy and quick.  Our bags were efficiently in our room by 2 pm.  In the third picture, you can see some of the pool action as we were doing our sail-away with the significant Vancouver skyline showing in the background.:

 

 

 

For lunch, here are just a couple of quick initial samples from the La Terrazza area.  Like this improved and more roomy lay-out/design for this area.  But, I have been warned that it can be noise-challenges during breakfast and lunch.   The first picture shows the friendly and helpful staff.  Second is just a small sample of the many dessert options.  Most important, we loved sitting out on that open deck area and to be experiencing the perfect sunny and mid 70'sF weather of Vancouver on this glorious day!!:

 

 

Evening dinner was totally spectacular!!  Why?  During the sail-away around the pool area, I ran into the ship's Executive Chef and asked if it might be possible to have scallops during one of our upcoming dinners.  YES! was his quick response.   He said just let them know a day ahead for any special dining requests.  That was his suggestion and offering.  He said even tonight might be possible to request such scallops with lemon butter sauce.  We saw this tall Executive Chef, who hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the entrance to Atlantide and he remembered my question/interest in having scallops.  He told the staff to do a special preparation of that dining speciality for this evening.  See the winning results below.  Were they wonderful?  Totally tasty and so perfectly prepared!!  Our waiter for the evening was Henry and he was wonderful, along with all fo the items and aspects of the evening.  We were very impressed by the menu and the wide range of options, etc.:

[TLCOhio]

Our past cruising?: We have done twelve different cruises. First was June, 2006, on the 204-passenger Seabourn Spirit, Athens to Istanbul, enjoying Greek islands and Turkish coast. Late July, 2008, was on the 940-passenger Crystal Symphony, Dover/UK to Stockholm, for the Baltics and Russia, including both St. Petersburg and Moscow. July, 2010, was on the 296-passenger Silversea Silver Cloud from Copenhagen for Norway’s dramatic coast, being above the Arctic Circle to the top of Europe, etc.  June, 2011, was from Barcelona for Italy and Croatian Coast, on this same 2850-passenger Celebrity Solstice that we enjoyed for two weeks from Sydney to Auckland in early 2014. In 2015, we escaped the cold winter with 26-days doing a return to the Silver Cloud for two back-to-back cruises going a thousand miles up the Amazon River and visiting ten different Caribbean Islands.  Early 2016 was South Africa, including ten days on the Silver Cloud, plus Botswana and Cape Town.  In March 2017, we did 15 days on the 2200-passenger Island Princess through the Panama Canal from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco.  For June, 2017, it was Lisbon/Portugal during eleven days on the Silversea Silver Spirit to Rouen/France with added pre- and post-time for land options in those two great and historic countries.  Earlier last year, it was our first for a river cruise and doing Southeast Asia with Avalon on a ship holding only 33 passengers sailing the Mekong River, plus many other stops before and after this sailing.  In late fall 2018, it was a 20-day, Oceania Athens to Dubai sailing that gave us our firsts for Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Middle East. 

 

All seven cruise lines are different and generally very good, etc.  What’s best? The honest answer is . . . “It depends!!!”.   Ports, schedules, timing, food, entertainment and prices can and do vary.  Personally, the biggest plus with smaller ships is being able to better connect with fellow passengers and the staff.  Plus, avoiding the “crowded hustle” that can happen at times on some larger ships. Our personal priority is driven by THE ITINERARY! We are not “float on a boat” types.  Nothing wrong with doing that.  We just like to see and explore different and interesting areas of this unique and changing world!!

 

Our early 2020 plan?  Next winter, for our first time, we are planning for the South Pacific, etc.  It would be an Oceania cruise, 18-days, Auckland to Papeete/Tahiti.  This would include islands such as Bora Bora, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, etc. And before starting this cruise, we would do a week exploring more on New Zealand’s North Island.  After that, maybe in early 2021, our priority might be as first-timers visiting the Galápagos.  Sound interesting? 

 

Don't be shy with any and all questions about the Silver Muse, these ports and stops, etc.  Look forward to learning more from those who have visited here and/or hearing information needs. 

 

THANKS! Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio.

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Here is a more detailed graphic showing the ports and routes for the Silver Muse's upcoming seven-day sailing.:

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Calgary: Nice blend of old and new architecture, clean and nice city, had a wonderful personal tour and incredible dinner at the home of local couple (Carol and Mark), etc.::

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Here is a sampling from at Banff National Park early at the start of our adventure, enjoying dinner at the classic Banff Springs Hotel, lots of mountain drama, rainbow thanks to scattered rain, etc.  You can see our view from looking out through our window table.  The Bouillabaisse is shown below.  Very good!  Like seafood.  Also shown is the Vermillon Room kitchen, an interior room at this historic hotel, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below are some more details from our pre-cruise travels in western Canada.  We had always wanted to visit both Banff and Jasper National Parks.  Everyone has loved these areas and we understand why!!  Loved the scenic drama from these mountains and wonderful valleys, etc., etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 223,411 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

At Lake Louise, here is the breath-taking view of these blue waters, plus the dramatic mountains, the snow in the distance, etc.  Then we had “Afternoon Tea” with excellent views of the scenic action.  Very international crowd here at famed Lake Louise as we also dodged some rain and cloudy conditions.:

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At nearby Moraine Lake, the crowds were much less and the views very dramatic as we walked around this fascinating body of water.  One couple is shown with their set up for having a wonderful viewing location while a nice wild flower is also shown below.  No wildlife, however, so far, at this point in our travels.:

 

 

 

Back at Banff, here was the dinner view of a dramatic mountain in this park receiving a nice sunshine treatment.  Had wild boar from nearby Calgary as my evening meal.:

 

[TLCOhio]

We stayed one night in Calgary, then two nights in Banff.  Our trip from Banff to Jasper was a little rainy and cloudy in traveling this route.  We then came back to do the Columbia Icefields when the weather was better.  See the results below. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,666 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Between Banff and Jasper, we visited the Icefields and walked on a glacier.  Amazing experience!!  Took a huge vehicle to get up there and across the glacier.  Such a wide range of nationalities there from all over the world.  Took a chance to show off our USA flag there as if we were exploring the moon??!!:

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Nearby to the glacier was this Skywalk that hung 900' above the huge valley.  Second is one of the amazing waterfalls we experienced roaring with massive power and scenic character.:

 

 

Did we see any wildlife?  Yes!!  Here was a bear enjoying some tasty berries near the roadside along our route to Jasper.  Earlier we had seen a mother bear and her cub crossing the roadway.  Fun and cute!!  Don't worry, I was not too close.  Just used my long camera lens to get unclose for this visual.:

[silkismom]

Those scallops look fantastic, just nicely seared. I've been to AK on 4 cruises & 3 in RV,, but always looking for more experiences.

[TLCOhio]

Later, I will give more details as to the Rocky Mountaineer rail experience.  BUT, a few visuals and details below should verify that we super enjoyed that two-day trip from Jasper to Vancouver.  Wonderful staff, food, sights, people, etc., etc., etc.  This rail trip is not cheap, but everything was super well organized and effectively delivered.  

 

Our good luck?  We had totally perfect and absolutely beautiful weather for these two days.  We did not see much wildlife, but maybe we will achieve that goal in Alaska. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 248,076 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

From riding the Rocky Mountaineer rail for two full days with super first-class food, sights and experiences through the Rocky Mountains, here are just three samples.  The third picture is of Mount Robson, Canada's tallest peak in the Rockies.  It is 9,760 feet to its summit.  We had great weather on this rail trip.  As an example, this mountain can only be seen clearly total about twelve days a year.  Fortunately, we hit one of those magic visibility days!!:

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Here is only a tiny sampling for the many exciting options and sights in Vancouver with its mountains, coastal views, great food and excellent Canadian hospitality.  This includes visiting charming and fun Granville Island, plus Stanley Park, Gastown, etc.  Do any of these Vancouver visuals bring back memories?  Like the strange look of this one new building across from Granville Island that uniquely curves up at this higher floors?: 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

4 minutes ago, silkismom said:

Those scallops look fantastic, just nicely seared. I've been to AK on 4 cruises & 3 in RV,, but always looking for more experiences.

 

YES, those scallops were perfectly prepared.  And, so super tasty!!  It was a great way to start this cruise.  With silkismom's experience in Alaska, please feel free to share any special tips for these four ports we will be visiting.  Keep it coming.  Love to learn more about where we will be exploring. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 84,411 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[Stumblefoot]

Have a great time on the Muse Terry!  Look forward to following your adventure.

[JohnGinPBG]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

All going well as I sit in the Tor's Observation Library.  Wonderful views from here and so quiet and comfortable for such writing early in the am.  

 

 

Sounds delightful, Terry! I think Tor's is a very under-appreciated space, especially on sea days. We visited there several times on our last cruise and were alone each time. You can't get a better view. 

[TLCOhio]

27 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

Have a great time on the Muse Terry!  Look forward to following your adventure.

 

Appreciate this nice follow-up and the kind wishes from the very experienced Stumblefoot.   Below are some more visuals from Vancouver's sail-away yesterday.  Plus, some more "proof" as to what we enjoyed at dinner last evening Atlantide.  Etc., etc.!!  Much more to share.  Fortunately it is a sea-day, allow some relaxing time before we get very busy in the various ports of Alaska. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 64,267 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

During our sail-away from Vancouver's uniquely-designed cruise ship terminal and convention center, here is the view, plus other sights during this departure.  Love the "sail-styled roof" here??!!  At this location during our time in Vancouver, we did the "Fly over Canada" program that is a combination of huge screen film, plus thrill ride.  It was fun and well worth seeing/doing!!  In this picture, you can also see the round "Lookout" observation area at the top left that we visited during our three days in Vancouver.  Nice views of this large city from there.  Second is part of the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore areas as we were departing this harbor.  Like the perfect blue skies Third is a view of the Silversea name on the ship with the bright sun lighting up the letters and logo.  Fourth is my wife Penny, left, with Chris from Philadelphia on the top deck during the sail-away. Chris and her husband, Mark, were on the Silver Cloud Amazon River sailing with us in the winter of 2015 and it is good to hook up with them again.:

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From dinner last night in Atlantide, here are a couple more of the visuals/evidence, including for dessert, etc., that we enjoyed in this classy, quiet and super nice dining venue.:

 

 

For those interested in the soaps, etc., offered on this ship in your bath areas, here are two of the major brands as examples.  No reason to be "dirty" with these nice items available.:

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, JohnGinPBG said:

 

Sounds delightful, Terry! I think Tor's is a very under-appreciated space, especially on sea days. We visited there several times on our last cruise and were alone each time. You can't get a better view. 

 

Agree with above that Tor's is somewhat under-appreciated.  BUT, keeping it semi-secret can be good as that makes it nicer as an escape point.  Less people its location and view then that makes it better for us.  Right?  After doing breakfast this morning, agree that La Terrazza can be fairly fill of noise in the morning.    Assume it will be the same way at lunch.  Ceiling is low and the room has many, many hard surfaces.  Too cool to eat outside this morning.  

 

At 3 pm, there will be a presentation on Alaska by our ship's guest speaker.  He is Dr. Edward J. Larson.  He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, near where I grew up the Buckeye state.  He is an American historian and legal scholar. He is currently a professor of history and law at Pepperdine University. He was formerly a professor of  history and law at the University of Georgia. He graduated from Williams College, gained his law degree from Harvard and his Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  Dr.  Larson has lectured and written on topics in the history of science, religion, law and voyages of scientific exploration.  He received the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for History for his book “Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion.”  The book argues that Inherit the Wind (both the play and the movie) misrepresented the actual Scopes Trial. Unlike in that play and movie, in which reason and tolerance triumph over religiously motivated, unsophisticated anti-evolutionists, Larson's book portrays the trial as an opening salvo in an enduring twentieth-century cultural war involving powerful national forces in science, religion, law and politics. He concludes these issues endure because of the American struggle between individual liberty and majoritarian democracy.  He cast it in the timeless debate over science and religion. He had practiced law in Seattle and served as counsel for the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC., before becoming a professor.  His 2015 book, The Return of George Washington: Uniting the States, 1783-1789, was a New York Times Bestseller.  He has also written: An Empire of Ice: Scott Shackleton; A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America's First Presidential Campaign; God and Science on the Galapagos Islands.  I communicated with Dr. Larson before the cruise and we plan on having dinner later in this cruise.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 48,442 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

[cece50]

Happy Sailing Terry....look forward to following along.  We will be taking our first SS cruise in early December aboard The Muse, Sydney to Auckland, so it will be fun to travel along with you on, what seems, a magnificent ship.  We had occasion to visit Vancouver & it is truly a gem......I think my husband had salmon three times a day. In addition, since we have only two cruises under our belt (SB), Alaska is definitely on our radar.  By the way, your thoughts on an overland tour to Queensland?......we are thinking about it, & I recall that you may have indeed done such tour. When you have time....love to hear your thoughts.  Again, Happy Sailing with Fair Skies, Calm Seas & Happy People.

[TLCOhio]

50 minutes ago, cece50 said:

Happy Sailing Terry....look forward to following along.  We will be taking our first SS cruise in early December aboard The Muse, Sydney to Auckland, so it will be fun to travel along with you on, what seems, a magnificent ship.  We had occasion to visit Vancouver & it is truly a gem. In addition, since we have only two cruises under our belt (SB), Alaska is definitely on our radar.  By the way, your thoughts on an overland tour to Queensland?......we are thinking about it, & I recall that you may have indeed done such tour.  Again, Happy Sailing with Fair Skies, Calm Seas & Happy People.

 

Great follow-up and question about Queenstown.  YES!!  We did the overnight ship excursion to explore the interior of New Zealand's scenic and amazing South Island.  We loved it!!  During the at Australia-NZ trip in 2014, we were with another cruise line, Celebrity.  That two-day tour was not cheap, but it provided some wonderful sights, insights and opportunities in this "Crazy Capital" of New Zealand.  You can check on page 23, post #571, of my live/blog to see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings, including about that Queenstown trip and at other key stops.  That posting can be found at: 
www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

So far, we are very impressed with the Silver Muse.  As always, there can be little "details" such as the noise and high heat level in the busy La Terrazza this am that need improvement.  Or, in taking a shower in our room this am, the hot/cold controls are not exactly consistent or perfect.  But, the bath towel was big (five and a half feet in length) and good, especially for being on a cruise ship or at a hotel.

 

Below are some added pictures to prove that the Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure from Jasper to Vancouver was great and worth it.  

 

Keep up asking any and all questions.  Love the interaction and feed-back.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 46,417 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here are a few more visuals from the Rocky Mountaineer rail excursion prior to our cruise.  You will see great scenery, plus the service and food were excellent.  We choose "Gold Leaf" and that gave us better views and a separate dining area.  Plus, having an open observation area allow better, closer views of the action without curved glass distortions.:

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With the Rocky Mountaineer rail service from Jasper to Banff, here is an example of the separate dining area for enjoying breakfast and lunch during this trip with the Gold Leaf service.  Second is one of the tasty treats during our first lunch, pork tenderloin.  Wonderful!!   Third was a dessert example.  Also very enjoyable   As good as it looks!!  Plus, wine, other beverages and great fellow passengers was included making for a fun, exciting and enjoyable adventure during these two days.:

 

 

 

This visual gives an example of the open observation car that allows seeing more and getting better visuals as the train traveled through these western Canada areas.  The second pix shows the top observation/seating area that had roomy reclining space, plus spectacular sights as we traveled during these two days on the Rocky Mountaineer.  The hosts gave frequent updates and background as to our sights, including this interesting rail bridge shown at the bottom.  Building this railroad through these areas was very challenging and a major engineering accomplishment.:

 

 

[liptastic]

Terry wonderful photos and commentary as always in your live blog. Looking forward to following along.

We had our 4th Alaska cruise this May, (Regent). It was excellent as have the previous cruises been, but weather was the best ever.

We have not been able to manage the time for the Rocky Mountaineer pre or post cruise due to work commitments , but it is on the plans for future.  Keen also to look into Silversea Muse. 

Thanks,

Jean.

 

 

 

 

[JohnGinPBG]

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Agree with above that Tor's is somewhat under-appreciated.  BUT, keeping it semi-secret can be good as that makes it nicer as an escape point.  Less people its location and view then that makes it better for us.  Right? 

 

Good point. I'll revise my comment and instead quote Yogi Berra. "Nobody goes there anymore...It's too crowded."

[QueSeraSera]

Fantastic pictures TLCOhio!  We will be following your voyage by computer, & then following in your footsteps on the Muse early September, for our first cruise.  Hope your cruise continues to go well!

[TLCOhio]

4 hours ago, liptastic said:

Terry wonderful photos and commentary as always in your live blog. Looking forward to following along.  We had our 4th Alaska cruise this May, (Regent). It was excellent as have the previous cruises been, but weather was the best ever.  We have not been able to manage the time for the Rocky Mountaineer pre or post cruise due to work commitments , but it is on the plans for future.  Keen also to look into Silversea Muse.  Thanks,   Jean.

 

Appreciate these nice comments and follow-up from liptastic in the UK.  Yes, give the Silver Muse consideration.  Very nice ship and lay-out.  Many options available without needing to sail on too large of a ship with thousands and thousands of people.  Have a few Muse visuals below.  Glad to hear that QueSeraSera from Virginia is following along.  Let me know any Muse questions that would be helpful for you to know before your early September journey on this elegant ship.  

 

Heard this afternoon a very good presentation by Dr. Edward Larson, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning author.  Today's focus about the history and character of Alaska was titled: 
"Era of Fish, Fur and Gold".  This segment focused on the period of the Russian, why Peter the Great desired this region and going up to 1900 for this historic background.  More recent, much of Alaska has been more about oil and tourism. Dr. Larson shared that much of Alaska in town such as Sitka and Ketchikan have not changed that much since times of the late 1800's.   More about the interesting Alaska history later.  
 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 46,186 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

Here is a visual of Dr. Lawson giving his first ship lecture about Alaska's early history of "Fish, Fur and Gold".:

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The Silver Muse has a more updated "style/vibe" with its interior designs, colors, etc. There is much use of the lighter "bleached oak" look seen in many areas of the ship.  Below are just a couple of examples.  Second is a visual from the Dolce Vita bar/lounge area with piano music offered in the early evening.:

 

 

The Arts Cafe is a new feature/offering compared to what is on many of the older Silversea ships.  It is open most of the day with light snacks, beverages, etc.  Seems very popular.  The art is clearly more "hip" and contemporary.  Not a boring or bland area with the colors and styles used!!:

 

 

 

[nowornever]

Thank you Terry.  I really, really appreciate your commentary & photos.  Who is your cruise director?  Will he/she be there in Sept for the last one?  Let us know if they have fresh Alaska seafood.....  Hopefully you'll have wonderfully fresh salmon/crab/halibut, etc.  Nothing better in my very humble opinion.  Keep those photos coming & enjoy every minute !

[worldtraveller99]

Thank you so much for doing this Terry - we are on the exact same cruise next year. I wasn't aiming to reach the ship until 3.45 pm, so we could see as much of Vancouver as possible that day - don't mind having lunch in the city centre - but when do you think we need to make sure we reach the ship by? This is our first ever cruise. Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[jimbri]

Wonderful photos.  Thank you!

[worldtraveller99]

PS You also had said you may be able to post the Silversea daily newsletter? for the day at sea? Thank you so much if that is possible. Also are you able once it gets cold, to have a meal outside - La Terrazza, The Grill or Spaccanapoli - ie are there good heaters to do this? Thank you again.

[spinnaker2]

Terry

Have fun!!!

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, as always your photos are fantastic

[TLCOhio]

11 hours ago, nowornever said:

Thank you Terry.  I really, really appreciate your commentary & photos.  Who is your cruise director?  Will he/she be there in Sept for the last one?  Let us know if they have fresh Alaska seafood.....  Hopefully you'll have wonderfully fresh salmon/crab/halibut, etc.  Nothing better in my very humble opinion.  Keep those photos coming & enjoy every minute !

 

Many great and wonderful questions, comments, etc.  Keep 'em coming!!  We are now approaching the docking location in Ketchikan.  Now, in the words of that famous singer from New Jersey, we are "Back in the USA!!".  We are officially in the 49th state, ALASKA.  We are in port today from 7 am to only 2 pm.  I will respond later today, hopefully, with more info, background and specific answers to these questions, etc.   Yes, have been having lots of fresh seafood from these Alaska and Canada waters.  Dined last night at La Terrazza and it was super wonderful.  Really excellent.  I have the daily programs, but I do not have a scanning machine here.  Might have to post those later after returning to Central Ohio.  

 

KETCHIKAN:  Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and home to a notable number of Native Alaskan totem poles, Ketchikan is famous for its steep–as–San Francisco streets and a lush island setting. About 13,500 people live here in a town that grew up around sawmills and salmon canneries. In the summer, cruise ships crowd the shoreline, as floatplanes depart for Misty Fiords National Monument.  In the last decade Ketchikan's rowdy, blue-collar heritage of logging and fishing has shifted to the rise of cruise-ship tourism. Visitors can still sample the rugged and colorful frontier history and spirit that once permeated this rough-edged cannery town.  This included a red-light district that was busy during the Gold Rush.  Today, its arts community is very active.  Ketchikan is at the foot of 3,000-foot Deer Mountain. Prior to the arrival of miners and fishermen in 1885, the Tlingit used the site at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek as a summer fishing camp. Gold discoveries just before the turn of the 20th century brought more immigrants.  Valuable timber and commercial fishing resources spurred new industries. Favorite downtown stops include the Spruce Mill Development shops and Creek Street. A bit farther away you will find the Totem Heritage Center, plus Totem Bight State Historical Park to the north and Saxman Totem Park to the south.  These locations comprise the world's largest collection of standing Native American totem poles. Regarding salmon, there are five different types, including sockeye, king, silver, chump and pink.  Ketchikan's name supposedly comes from the native term "Katch Kanna", which roughly translates: "spread wings of a thundering eagle."

 

Much more to come!!  We are just getting to heart of our cruise exploring.

 

THANKS! Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio.

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 46,136 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[spinnaker2]

Yikes Terry, is the cobbler in La Dolce Vita???