To borrow a Charles Dickens’ line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Dickens's first paragraph in “A Tale of Two Cities” paints a very bleak picture. Although dissatisfaction and horror stories can be found among the numerous experiences, this will not be one of them.
Weather was almost perfect. Every port, no rain, clear, and moderate temperatures. A stark contrast to our experience last year where weather impacted everything we could not do.
Food, service, and the like onboard the ship. The service was excellent as we dined at the same table for most of the nights. Food can’t be perfect for everybody and if you are like us, we venture toward dishes we either have never tried or just sound delicious. But palettes are all different and as your taste varies so will your dining experience.
I will RAVE about the Crown Grill specialty dining. The food was above expectations. I had the filet mignon, medium cooked. On the side of your plate, they serve three types of salt, pink Himalayan, a smoky flavor, and a black salt. After trying a slice plain, and I feel they did not over season it for the very reason of the three salts, I would suggest taking a dab of each salt on every cut of the steak. I preferred the smoky. One of the best meals I’ve ever had.
What I did not like, but I believe the staff is trained in this, is the taking of plates and glasses the moment they feel you are done with it. Sometimes I like to savor the food just for a moment but I found someone will come up and offer to take my plate. Sometimes, I like the ice to melt just a little to get that cold water but I found my glass taken before that could happen. Same with wine, there is just a bit left but not noticeable to a server from far away, but here they come.
Our adventure started in Anchorage, Alaska. We flew in a couple of days early. In hindsight, we should have arrived even earlier so we could have done a trip up to Denali, either as a land package with Princess or by ourselves. Anchorage is not a big city compared to some of the lower 48 but offers outdoorsmen and fishermen plenty during the appropriate seasons.
Outside of Anchorage, we visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga point, and Portage Glacier. Our tour host was absolutely fabulous. Pictures that she took were freely shared with us. She was most informative and allowed us to marvel at all the beauty Alaska has to offer. Bald eagles were a bit hard to spot, doll sheep dotted the hills with mountain goats far higher up.
At the Wildlife Center animals from Bison to a three-legged porcupine on a diet can be viewed. This time of year, offspring can be spotted among adults. My favorite was the grizzly bears and one lone young black bear who was playing non-stop. Kobuck (sp) was found as a cub, unable to get out of a dumpster. In his enclosed area he plays with sticks or whatever he can find while rolling around on the ground all day.
The Wildlife Center takes in injured or orphaned animals. Some, due to age, become permanent residents, while others can be introduced back into the wild. Happy to support such an operation.
From Anchorage, we boarded a bus to Whittier. Whittier is the port for some cruise ships. Those in town live in a single apartment building with a population probably under 300. The Royal Princess ship looms large compared to the town but small against the backdrop of the Chugach mountain range.
Onboard the Royal things are very familiar to us, especially the layout. We sailed the Majestic last year to Alaska and the Majestic falls under the Royal class of ships. I feel the Majestic had more charm, not only in the staff attending to our needs but the ship had a bit more character.
Our sailing started out with viewing Hubbard Glacier and then on to Glacier Bay. Alaska offers more beauty than the eye can take in and perceive. This world offers a lot of scenic, eye-inspiring décor, most man-made but Alaska is carved and Mother Nature inspired under a dark blue clear sky. And speaking of the sky, the Alaska flag is composed of a dark blue field with eight gold stars. Seven of the stars form the Big Dipper with the eighth, the North Star, larger than the others. Even the flag exudes gorgeousness.
The first real port was Skagway. The town has an old west vibe minus the dirt streets, hitching posts, and gunfights at high noon. We walked the main street (synonym for the only street of note) briefly before being picked up for our AlaskaX ziplining tour.
We drove into the valley and around an inlet that featured seals admiring our passing as the tide came in. Upon arriving at base camp, AlaskaX offers more than just ziplining, but a mushing excursion with sled dogs, and some other things.
For ziplining. we were paired up with a foursome from South Carolina. The scenery is set along the side of a mountain with deep fir trees and deeper moss on the ground. Moss so soft it was once used for warmth. After the first short zip for training purposes, you could feel everybody relax and start to enjoy the experience.
From that point, the level of fun rose with each platform. Platforms are not very high and the length of the zip is not very far. Our guides were fun to be around and conscious of safety. Simply after a couple of lines, you can feel the simple pleasure of just letting loose. One of the best things we’ve done.
BTW, a 91-year-old did it the week before. You are never too old to enjoy what life has to offer.
Next was Juneau of which we had been before. The capital of Alaska is only accessible via air and sea. It was named the capital because it represents what most of the cities and towns are like, remote to an extent. Here we decided to partake in an Alaskan Salmon Bake. The salmon was by far the highlight of the meal but I was less impressed with everything else. A short hike up a trail from the picnic tables and the wood fire grills, a waterfall is featured. Back in town, we did a bit of shopping.
Our last two stops were Victoria and Vancouver, BC Canada. Both are extremely expensive to live in. Beautiful places, Victoria more so, but I can’t see how anyone could afford even rent. In Victoria, we visited the Butterfly Gardens before crossing the way to Butchart Gardens. Butterflies were cute and colorful. The Gardens at Butchart’s has its own story and I think that will be its own blog post for later.
In Vancouver, we disembarked from the ship and took a short tour before our flight back to the U.S. Our tour guides were very Canadian and knowledgeable in just about everything. From the history of the city, to the buildings, and the natural forest. We toured the Totem park, a fish hatchery, and a nature walk where we crossed a suspension bridge.
Another highlight of the cruise would have to be back in Skagway. That evening, some of the sled dog puppies were brought on board. You can hear them howl in their adolescent voices. I wished we had planned an excursion that involved the sled dogs.
If there was a “worse of times” for this trip, it would have to be the Covid testing and just the stress of it all. I won’t dwell on it now as it is over.
We are not planning to visit Alaska in the near future, as we are planning other bucket list trips. I hope your trips are wonderful and you have the best of times.
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