Category: Alaska

Back to Alaska part seven

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Arriving in Juneau
Sea plane taking off
Skunk Cabbage
Glacier Gardens Rainforest
The views
One of many waterfalls
These parasols adorn the ceiling of the greenhouse
There’s a great gift shop here as well

Our second port was Juneau where we took a tour of Glacier Gardens Rainforest and the Whale Park.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest, a local gem established in 1998. Nestled within the heart of the Tongass National Forest is a floral sanctuary boasting a vibrant Alaska botanical garden. Aboard a covered tram we took a guided journey into the ancient splendor of Thunder Mountain’s old-growth rainforest at an elevation of 580 feet above sea level, overlooking Juneau.

Overstreet (Whale) Park, photographing the life-sized breaching whale statue and fountain, named Tahku, and the stunning views of the Gastineau Channel.

Whale Park

Back to Alaska part five

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Our first stop was Ketchikan, Alaska where we took a Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise. We saw a lot of eagles and these are some of my favorite photos from the day.

It started off cool but by the time we returned to the ship I was barefoot on my sunny balcony sipping prosecco!

Can you spot the eagle?
Can you spot the eagle?
Discovery Princess our home
Life is good

Back to Alaska part four

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This cruise I booked a full suite which came with so many perks – including a Concierge Lounge. It was literally across the hall from my suite. Over two weeks I was there every day at least three times as they change out incredible food offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner bites of deliciousness.

Every Happy Hour my sister, brother-in-law and I would have drinks and enjoy the ambience, often including live music, before heading off to dinner. We played games there many afternoons, often as the only guests in the lounge.

The staff was exceptional, accommodating and fun. I already miss them.

The Suite life was sweet indeed.

Yes – it’s a Grand Piano
Prosecco for me
3 x a day – set up the most enticing snacks
Twice on the cruise after embarkation sweet guests get a complementary platter of canapés
Some days I made a little breakfast plate to eat in my room looking at the ocean

Ketchikan Alaska – Saxman Native Village

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Our last excursion on the Alaskan cruise was in Ketchikan. We took a city tour by trolley featuring the Saxman Native Village which boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles. There are 32 of them scattered throughout the village. Our guide started with a presentation in a building where they are actively carving 2 new totem poles. She shared lots of interesting facts about the design of a totem pole and the significance of where to place each face, animal or bird to tell a story.