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.

[Cruising Greek]

Thank you very much for the info! I am looking forward to next year on the Radiance!

 

Can you comment on the condition of the ship?

[FlyingPhotog]

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

 

Free?

[cruisenfever]

 

people.

 

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

 

Patrick.....is this for using your SeaPass or Credit Card in the casino??

[GMoney]

Patrick.....is this for using your SeaPass or Credit Card in the casino??

 

SeaPass...:(

[Sue L]

SeaPass...:(

 

 

Hey Patrick,

 

Can't believe you are back there again,lucky you. Sorry to hear about the 3%...means they will be getting less of my money as I usually take advantage of the previously free withdrawl, now I won't.

[luvtosee]

Thank you for your live updates. We are sailing Radiance in July to Alaska so I really appreciate your posts. A couple of questions please. Internet from the cafe or from your room? Was it slow?

 

Let us know when you are home and have time for a few more questions. I'd love to know the menu in the dining room. I've already been told that the formal nights are the two days at sea. You've been so helpful on these boards!:D

 

Have a great rest of your vacation!!!:) :D

[GMoney]

Thank you for your live updates. We are sailing Radiance in July to Alaska so I really appreciate your posts. A couple of questions please. Internet from the cafe or from your room? Was it slow?

 

Let us know when you are home and have time for a few more questions. I'd love to know the menu in the dining room. I've already been told that the formal nights are the two days at sea. You've been so helpful on these boards!:D

 

Have a great rest of your vacation!!!:) :D

 

Hi Nellie - I used wifi from the hotspots thruout the ship. I was very pleased with the speed actually.

 

Sorry, but I can't help with the DR menus. I went to Chops 2x and the WJ the rest of the time to maximize my time in port.

[GMoney]

Hey Patrick,

 

Can't believe you are back there again,lucky you. Sorry to hear about the 3%...means they will be getting less of my money as I usually take advantage of the previously free withdrawl, now I won't.

 

Hi Sue - I agree with you. I didn't take the cash either.

[MilliesMom]

Thank you for posting. We'll be on the Radiance in Sept and can't wait to see Hubbard Glacier. It will be a first for us (along with Sitka and Icy Strait).

[GMoney]

Thank you for posting. We'll be on the Radiance in Sept and can't wait to see Hubbard Glacier. It will be a first for us (along with Sitka and Icy Strait).

 

Sitka is a great port. I think you'll enjoy it.

[dsharple]

Thanks so much for your updates. Glad to hear your Mac works, but I couldn't figure out why they put Windows only in their Wifi info. Maybe they don't have anyone on board to support Macs.

 

I'm doing the land tour too, so I'd love to hear how that goes!!

[GMoney]

Glad the posts were helpful. Check the AK boards for land updates. :)

[Diva Onboard]

GMoney -

 

Thanks for your live updates. We are sailing Radiance in July. Hopefully, by then, we will be able to get a bit closer to Hubbard.

 

Can you tell me what days are your formal dinner nights? And, if you have early dinner seating, what time is early dinner?

 

Thanks again - we all appreciate your updates.

[GMoney]

GMoney -

 

Thanks for your live updates. We are sailing Radiance in July. Hopefully, by then, we will be able to get a bit closer to Hubbard.

 

Can you tell me what days are your formal dinner nights? And, if you have early dinner seating, what time is early dinner?

 

Thanks again - we all appreciate your updates.

 

Man, I was just on that cruise and my memory is already fading...:eek:

 

I know the first formal night was Day 2 (at sea). I'm pretty sure the second formal night was Day 5 (ISP). Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I'm pretty sure early dining started at 6pm. I ate mostly in the WJ. It was nice to not be tied to a schedule.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Diva Onboard]

GMoney - Thanks much for all your posts and answering my questions.