Living the Dream in Retirement
This is the last installment of Back to Alaska. I’m including photos taken from my balcony suite as the views were so stunning to witness. The sea is ever-changing, reflecting clouds, mountains, sunrises and sunsets. It’s surreal and mystical.
In short, it was a trip I’ll never forget!
Another glorious day at sea was the viewing of the College Fjords and Hubbard Glacier. I love how the water creates a mirror image reflection.
On the cruise ship Discovery Princess, you can count on delicious salads, starters, entrees and yes, the desserts. And some days a light breakfast of almond croissants fresh from the oven or my Brie croissant sandwich with arugula, orange marmalade and toasted walnuts. Chef’s kiss!
Our at-sea day of viewing Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was one of my favorites. Starting with hot chocolate and cookies delivered to my suite, I prepared myself for the most spectacular 180° views as the ship slowly rotated a full 360° over the course of several hours. To sit on my balcony and bear witness to this magnificent place is hard to describe. The mirror-like reflections in the sea made for stunning photos.
Our next stop was Skagway and we took one of their most popular excursions, the Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion
You board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass – a 2,865-foot elevation.
Traveling in vintage passenger coaches you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. We enjoyed viewing mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. The railroad cars are each heated with a potbelly stove and we were comfortable.
When people ask me why I love cruises?
Why is a balcony so important?
This represents the ocean on May 11th and 12th. The ocean is the attraction with ever changing views that take my breath away.
I’m mesmerized……
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!
My two week Alaskan cruise embarked from Vancouver, a city I’ve never been to. After a long day of flying across multiple time zones, I had a fabulous meal then crashed out. I wanted to show up for my first day on the Discovery Princess well rested.
And just like that we sailed away at sunset, the first of many sunsets……
I recently traveled back to Alaska to celebrate my birthday and my sister and her husband‘s wedding anniversary.
I was celebrated with a group singing “Happy Birthday” in our concierge lounge, then on the elevator and again in the dining room after dinner. There were cards in my room from staff members and chocolate covered strawberries delivered as a gift from my cruise specialist.
The towel art was such a fun surprise and remained with me for the duration of the cruise. I felt very loved and this trip will remain a cherished memory of my 70th birthday.
Stay tuned for part two…..
For a foodie, cruise food is always a treat and this trip was no exception. From hearty breakfasts to salads, appetizers and dinners, the offerings were beautifully plated and delicious while the desserts were decadent and (almost) too pretty to eat.
