Live Review Eurodam Alaska April 29 - May 6 2023 Seattle Roundtrip

[Haljo1935]

Wasn't able to start this Sat, but will catch up quickly.
Opening the 2023 AK season for HAL – and celebrating their 76th season in AK, not to mention 150 years of sailing!! Before boarding, after check-in, we were part of a small group that got to watch a ribbon cutting ceremony where the captain presented a donation check to the local CoC. There was a marching band as well as Miss AK and Miss WA (2nd pic), who welcomed us onto the ship. Beautiful blue sky to enjoy the excitement. 
Boarding was a snap - our flight was almost 30 minutes early and I was not looking forward to sitting 4.5 hours at the cruise terminal waiting for our group to be called. We didn't have to - we did have to wait a bit while all debarking passengers got off before we were allowed to even enter the cruise terminal. That wait was longer than the wait inside!!
Went through check in very quickly  - only showed boarding pass & passport twice.
Our cabin wasn't ready but we were allowed to drop our carry-on in it then head to lunch. 
We had finished Mariners Lunch in MDR and taken a picture from our balcony before our 1:20 boarding time!! Yay - we're starting off well.
Beautiful weather, clear blue sky for waiting outside the terminal. We were too close to get the entire ship, but the blue sky is visible  🙂
Balcony is too big to get in a single shot (I know - high class problem 🙂 ) but the view from it is stunning (3rd picture).
Today (Sun) has been very foggy, so no pictures; sun is now starting to poke out, so maybe later.
First stop is tomorrow - Juneau - where I hope to get nice pictures from atop Mt Roberts.
After a foggy, rolling (no rocking) day yesterday, today is starting off very nice - cloudy but no rain. About 5 hours from Juneau; the beautiful AK scenery is abundant.  I love how the fog sits low so you see the water below and mountain peaks above.
Had whales spouting last night during dinner - no pictures (I don't take my phone to dinner) but very lovely - it was dinner and a show at the Canaletto. Food was awesome and portions beyond generous. This was our first time at Canaletto – we’ll be back. Tiramisu is absolutely best I’ve ever had; served in a clear glass cup to appreciate how pretty it is. 
•    Entering Stephens Passage 815am
•    Beginning approach toward Juneau – starting to see buildings along the Beach 1030am

•    Arriving Juneau 1.5-2 hours ahead of schedule due to medical emergency.

•    Walked to drug store then to The Hangar for late lunch.

Edited May 3, 2023 by Haljo1935
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[Haljo1935]

Today we cruised Glacier Bay National Park. Two park rangers came on board to answer questions and explain what we were seeing and going to see.

Drizzly most of the day, but not a downpour- it's May in AK 😊 Although we have a lovely balcony, I chose to enjoy Glacier Bay from Explorations Central to stay dry - and get hot pea soup!! 

Saw several otters playing in the icy waters near the glaciers; no glacial calving.

Alaska Geographic set up in Explorations Central near the Rangers. There were shirts, pins, books and other Glacier Bay specific items for purchase including a USB drive with hundreds of photos; many have a portion of proceeds supporting wildlife efforts. A national parks passport stamp was available for those who collect them.

Rangers left the ship at 3:30 - off to Hoonah (Icy Strait Point).

[Haljo1935]

A couple short hours after we left Glacier Bay, we arrived in Hoonah (Icy Strait Point). This is a local owned port, not the usual cruiseline port w/diamond stores; it is small with the fishing history literally everywhere. 

We didn't take the gondola up, but I'm sure the views are amazing. It was late (6pm) when we got in with pretty heavy cloud cover and light rain, so didn't think we'd be able to see much. Instead, we walked to the cannery and on to the Cookhouse for an awesome dinner of local, fresh food. Husband said the halibut was best he ever had. The fries are cooked in separate oil than the fish so even those with seafood allergies can enjoy them. That has been an issue this trip as all the other restaurants we've been to use a "communal" fryer.

A small pod of whales with babies has been hanging out in front of the Cookhouse so we had a nice show (unfortunately no pictures - couldn't get camera out fast enough & didn't leave it out due to the rain). There were people walking along the beach looking for seaglass who got a very close view. Worth the rain to see the whales - I'll do it every time!!

We didn't go into town and didn't even ask about a shuttle, so I don't know if that's even an option if you choose to pass on ship excursions. There are no local tour operators at the pier, so you do have to plan ahead if you want to do something not through the ship.

The former Company Store has quite a lot of shops with many local artisans wares for purchase along with shirts, etc. You can easily spend a couple hours just looking at the old canning equipment, watching the films, and reading the plaques. So there's likely something for everyone. 

There are a couple of houses along the walkway past the cannery facing the beach. They all have "private residence " signs posted - what a unique place to live!! There is also a cemetery just after the last house. 

Icy Strait is non smoking, so if you smoke, it's a bit of a walk - plan accordingly. The entire area is clean, very well maintained, with no shortage of restroom facilities. The locals are proud to welcome you into their "home" - it's a refreshing change from the commercialized ports. 

After dinner, we headed back to the ship, ready for dry, warm clothes. We left about 15 minutes early (9:45 pm), so I guess everyone decided to come in out of the rain, lol. Tomorrow is an early morning in Sitka.

[Haljo1935]

Here's the dedication plaque for the statue at the end of the pier (visible in picture in my previous post) - there's a nice viewing platform around it.

[oakridger]

It sounds like you are enjoying Alaska so far even with the rainy weather.  Travelers do learn to go with the flow, as you are!  

 

~Nancy

[Haljo1935]

Ship is sold out, but other than waiting for elevator returning from Port, it doesn't feel full. The lines have been short at the Lido, chairs available in the Thermal Suite, and no delays with room service. Even in Juneau where there was another large ship (Norwegian Bliss) we just didn't feel crowded as we have experienced before. Line at Guest Services; however, is crazy ridiculous long...and slow...

There has been a lot of movement (rolling) on the ship; although, the water looks fairly smooth. Not sure what's up with that, but I do hear passengers talking about it and you can certainly see it in the hydro pool as we all bob and slosh about like clothes in a washing machine 😀 

Food has been good, portions huge. Only issue we've had was today DH pork in the Lido was cold.

[Haljo1935]

Welcome to Sitka! 

Sun is mostly shining, currently 41 w/forecasted high of 46. Ship just got clearance for passengers to go ashore. All Board is 3:30.

The welcome center is completely new since we were here last; it looks very nice.

There is a free shuttle running to/from Downtown throughout the day (approx 15 min ride), so if you didn't book an excursion, you will have no issue getting into town. 

We didn't book an excursion and will be exploring on our own. On previous visits, we have gone to Fortress of the Bears, the rapture center and a local brewery and really enjoyed them all. Fortress of the Bears was under expansion during our last visit, so it should be really nice.

More to come after we get into town.

Plan was to have breakfast in MDR, but plans changed and off to the Lido we went. Lines were very short - probably because many passengers have already gotten off the ship. Although there is a pizza place in town we really like, the plan is to not eat again until dinner - it will be early today (5pm) so DH can enjoy the seafood boil. That is booked ahead, $35pp, but they will let you order by the person rather than the entire group so non-seafood eaters can get their dinner from the buffet but sit together. He hasn't done the seafood boil before and has high hopes!

Will post pictures when we have a stronger connection.

First picture was earlier this morning as we were just coming into Sitka Sound. It is so peaceful here - sunrise was lovely. 

[BuddyBee]

Thank you for your travel log and all the pictures.  We sailed this itinerary last year on the Eurodam and will be doing so again this year.  Its fun to read your report and remember our last cruise and look forward to the next.  I have a question for you.  Have you sailed on the Eurodam before?  I understand it was in a short drydock this year and am curious if there are any noticeable changes.

[Haljo1935]

4 minutes ago, BuddyBee said:

Thank you for your travel log and all the pictures.  We sailed this itinerary last year on the Eurodam and will be doing so again this year.  Its fun to read your report and remember our last cruise and look forward to the next.  I have a question for you.  Have you sailed on the Eurodam before?  I understand it was in a short drydock this year and am curious if there are any noticeable changes.

We have previously sailed Eurodam to AK Sept 2018 & Sept 2019 and also to Caribbean Jan 2022. Honestly can't remember much specifically about her from those voyages, but I will say DH commented that the outside is looking a tad rough for a ship that just came out of drydock. There are paint scrapes, visible rust (?) on balcony, and several cracked windows in the Lido. Inside carpet in our cabin (SS6056) is a little frayed along the wall and there are screw holes where the old small 12" TV was removed above the fridge. With that said, overall she isn't really looking aged, just not fresh. But I think the biggest change was the installation of the library - it is very nice. Not sure what else was done, but that is noticeable.

We're really enjoying the trip - first cruise of the season has been nice. The earliest we've been is a May 5 sailing. Here's wishing you a fabulous voyage!!

[Haljo1935]

Back on board after a pleasant stroll around downtown Sitka. Resisted the urge to get popcorn from the church - it always smells so good - but did give in to the cappuccino. Weather cooperated nicely, just clouds and an occasional breeze; light drizzle just started as we were boarding.

Announcement has been made about us leaving on time, which should be in about 15 minutes, then we're off toward Ketchikan.

As always, the town was very clean (LOVE that people use the abundant trash cans) and the locals extremely welcoming.

Ooh - we're moving!! So we're 15 min ahead of schedule.

Will post pictures shortly...

[Haljo1935]

Here's pictures DH took of the smoking area near The Cookhouse in Icy Strait Point and kayakers in front of our ship that we saw as we were headed back down the path from The Cookhouse.

Where the kayaks are is not far from where we saw the whales, so we had a very good "parking spot."

[Haljo1935]

As we're leaving the Sitka port heading back into Sitka Sound, CD came on reminding passengers that completing the Canadian customs declaration form is not optional and must be done by everyone on the ship for us to get clearance into Victoria. Violators are subject to fines or even more harsh action and potentially delaying (or even denying) entry.

So, everyone on every cruise, please kindly submit the customs forms where/when you're asked. Thank you!

[TriumphGuy]

Thank you so much for this vlog. We board Eurodam on Saturday, first time to Alaska, first time on HAL (former Princess cruisers) 
Very informative and timely post!

[Haljo1935]

49 minutes ago, BuddyBee said:

Thank you for your travel log and all the pictures.  We sailed this itinerary last year on the Eurodam and will be doing so again this year.  Its fun to read your report and remember our last cruise and look forward to the next.  I have a question for you.  Have you sailed on the Eurodam before?  I understand it was in a short drydock this year and am curious if there are any noticeable changes.

Update - found this re Eurodam's recent drydock - the casino was to have been revamped. Not spending any time in there, I couldn't tell you if it was significant or not, but happy to go take a peek at it if you'd like.

[Haljo1935]

15 minutes ago, TriumphGuy said:

Thank you so much for this vlog. We board Eurodam on Saturday, first time to Alaska, first time on HAL (former Princess cruisers) 
Very informative and timely post!

Awesome - welcome to HAL and to AK!! We were also Princess cruisers then rec'd a random email w/AK itineraries on HAL; we booked one and have been hooked since. That was May 2018 - we have thoroughly enjoyed all of them except last May when we did a land cruise. I'll spare you the horror story, but know that we'll be sticking to the cruises even though we blamed the disasters (of which there were many) on Covid.

[BuddyBee]

Thanks for the info. We don't spend nuch time in the casino either, so no need for you to "take a peek". There's so much else to see and do.

[Haljo1935]

We're in the Lido for DH seafood boil. Have a great view of Mt Edgecumbe,  volcano about 15 miles west of Sitka.

We've had about 5 or 6 whales spouting, so we have a great  location.

Tables are wrapped in lobster printed Butcher paper and there are plenty of bibs coming out!! No lemonade tonight - only iced tea or cranberry juice.

[BuddyBee]

1 hour ago, Haljo1935 said:

We have previously sailed Eurodam to AK Sept 2018 & Sept 2019 and also to Caribbean Jan 2022. Honestly can't remember much specifically about her from those voyages, but I will say DH commented that the outside is looking a tad rough for a ship that just came out of drydock. There are paint scrapes, visible rust (?) on balcony, and several cracked windows in the Lido. Inside carpet in our cabin (SS6056) is a little frayed along the wall and there are screw holes where the old small 12" TV was removed above the fridge. With that said, overall she isn't really looking aged, just not fresh. But I think the biggest change was the installation of the library - it is very nice. Not sure what else was done, but that is noticeable.

We're really enjoying the trip - first cruise of the season has been nice. The earliest we've been is a May 5 sailing. Here's wishing you a fabulous voyage!!

Very glad to hear they have installed a library.  There was one when we first sailed with HAL in 2019 and were sad to see that there was not one when we sailed in 2022.  It was our favorite spot on the ship.

[Haljo1935]

Ivar's clam chowder is up first, followed by a steaming pot of Dungeness crab legs, clams, mussels, shrimp, Alaskan salmon, corn 🌽 on the cob, red skin potatoes, drawn butter, lemon and mini baguette.

I don't eat seafood, so I'm waiting for the buffet to open.

Edited May 4, 2023 by Haljo1935
Typo

[Haljo1935]

Lid of the steamer pot becomes the vessel for the "spent shells" lol.

[Haljo1935]

Progress has been made on the steamer pot, as there is now more in the lid than the pot. The pot is mostly crab and soup.

Triple berry crisp a la mode will finish it off. That I will eat, lol, we had it at the Mariners Lunch and it was awesome!!

[Haljo1935]

Time for the good stuff- berry crumble!!

[oakridger]

Mmmm now I'm craving crab and clams!  I'm enjoying your report.  I love Sitka!

 

 

~Nancy

[Haljo1935]

Warm goodness...

[TriumphGuy]

UMMM-UMM, sign me up! I remember Princess had something similar, The Crab Shack. can't wait!