LIVE from RADIANCE at HUBBARD GLACIER

[GMoney]

I thought another “live” post might be helpful for those of you curious about Radiance’s first Hubbard Glacier visit of the season. Our morning visit to the glacier was on yet another bright and sunny Alaska morning. The local natives began their informative talk about 7am. There was some fog still burning off as we entered Disenchantment Bay; however, we soon passed through it to reveal the glacier all of the floating ice. There was much more ice in the water compared to our visits last August & September (to be expected). Visibility was excellent.

 

However, we did not get very close to the glacier at all. I’m not good at estimating distances, but I would guess that we were at least a mile away – probably a bit more. We could not see any detail in the face of the glacier, or see or hear any calving. All in all, it was a nice experience, but a bit disappointing. Most, however, didn’t know what they were missing and seemed pleased. We also did not linger long at Hubbard – maybe an hour of close-up time total. A bear was sighted on shore as we sailed away, causing a stir.

Other Alaska notes…

 

➢ The weather has been stellar all week.

 

➢ In Skagway, I disembarked early to climb to Upper Dewey lake. I estimate I covered about 2.75 of the 3 miles before snow forced me to turn back. The trail was a stream in some places, obscured by snow in others. There were times when I would take a step and then sink waist deep into snow. Other times, I could hear water running under the snow.

 

➢ Plan B was activated. We were able to rent a car last minute from Avis, so we drove to Emerald Lake. The drive was well worth it.

 

➢ Yesterday in ISP we went whale watching with Capt Floyd and FISHES. We did both his morning and afternoon tours. The whale watching was incredible. Also saw some bears. Whale watching is a must-do in ISP in my opinion, and FISHES is the way to go.

 

➢ Tomorrow is the end of the cruise, but I am very excited to move to on the land portion. Hopefully we will luck out the a few nice days of weather in Seward before moving on to Denali.

 

Other RCI notes…

 

➢ Captain Claus tore his Achilles tendon and left the ship in Skagway. He was taken to Juneau for treatment, and returned yesterday to ISP by float plane. The staff captain took over during this time.

 

➢ Capt Bill Wright is also aboard, reportedly as a brand quality inspector from Miami. He was set to leave but stayed on given Capt Claus’ injury.

 

➢ Kirk Detweiler’s parents on also on board. They are very, very nice people.

 

➢ There is a 3% charge on cash requests made in the casino.

 

> I have been able to use wifi on my Mac using Firefox.

[J&GM]

thanks we are leaving next week fir the same cruise looking forward to it. have a great time on your land portion.:)

[lovetocruise99]

Please give us more details on F.I.S.H.E.S whale watch in ISP when you get a chance. We're going with them in a couple of weeks.

[GMoney]

Please give us more details on F.I.S.H.E.S whale watch in ISP when you get a chance. We're going with them in a couple of weeks.

 

I will definitely post more details when I return on 6/9. Just know that you have made a great choice. Floyd and Marjorie are very nice people with lots of local experience and knowledge. Pt Adolphus is great for whale watching; you really can't go wrong. There were times when we were surrounded by 10 - 15 humpbacks.

[dreamcruiser216]

Thanks, GMoney !!!

 

We sail on Radiance next Friday. :D

[Coral]

Switching subjects a little bit - RCCL's brand new ships have TONS of Macs on them. They are running the large touch screens, the room service menus, the television and something else (shore excursions I think).

 

I went to MacWorld in January and one of the features was on RCCL is using Macs to power so much on the new ships. I can't remember which ships they are starting with..... When you get back - I can show you were the presentation is if you are interested.

 

Glad you are having fun on your cruise. Hopefully the good weather will continue.

[paylady]

Patrick:

 

I hope you are enjoying the land portion of your vacation and the mosquitos aren't biting.

 

Wow, two excursions with Floyd sounds like a great idea. I never thought to do that. We'll be on the 11am excursion next week and I can't wait.

 

You mentioned there was a surcharge for cash in the casino. Do you happen to know if they apply a surcharge when you charge casino chips to the Sea Pass card at the gaming tables?

[GMoney]

Patrick:

 

I hope you are enjoying the land portion of your vacation and the mosquitos aren't biting.

 

Wow, two excursions with Floyd sounds like a great idea. I never thought to do that. We'll be on the 11am excursion next week and I can't wait.

 

You mentioned there was a surcharge for cash in the casino. Do you happen to know if they apply a surcharge when you charge casino chips to the Sea Pass card at the gaming tables?

 

Hi Marla - SO far so goof on land (but I'm only in Seward so far lol)...

 

You'll have a great time with Floyd. Be sure to have charged camera batteries, plenty of picture space and good binoculars!

 

Not sure about the casino question; sorry.

 

Have a great cruise!

[cascole]

Wow, sounds like a wonderful trip. I have a question for you on Skagway, You mentioned snow on your hike to Dewey Lake... does that mean there might also be snow on the tral to Laughton? I have no idea how the 'lay of the land' is in that area... but your comments certainly had me wondering about my upcomming hike!

 

Safe travels!

[GMoney]

Wow, sounds like a wonderful trip. I have a question for you on Skagway, You mentioned snow on your hike to Dewey Lake... does that mean there might also be snow on the tral to Laughton? I have no idea how the 'lay of the land' is in that area... but your comments certainly had me wondering about my upcomming hike!

 

Safe travels!

 

Hi - I don't know, and I wondered the same thing. They are in the same general vicinity, but not really the same local area. However, I have to believe there's a very good chance of it.

 

It will really depend on elevation. Upper Dewey's elevation gain is 3000ft. I'd guess I encountered snow at 1500?

 

You might also benefit from some melting, depending on when you are going in June.

 

Sorry I can't help more. Enjoy your trip.

[cascole]

Thanks, good to know to plan for it just in case! (Googled it & looks like the cabin on the trail is at 2000ft) We'll be in Skagway on June 10, in exactly 1 week. :D

[GMoney]

Thanks, good to know to plan for it just in case! (Googled it & looks like the cabin on the trail is at 2000ft) We'll be in Skagway on June 10, in exactly 1 week. :D

 

Have a great time; I will be interested to hear how it goes!