Last Day at Sea

May 17, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

We weren’t sure what to expect from a cruise. But this has been lovely. Good stops along the way . Good shore experiences. Great hospitality on board and of course the scenery.

Today is another quiet on board day. I didn’t think I’d like whole days at sea but there is as much or as little to do you want.

We met our friends Patty and Tom for the Alaskan brunch. Really lovely relaxing by the big windows looking as you cruise along. The mimosas were good as well.

Then a 5 km walk around the deck. It’s getting cooler as we move north. So a hat and gloves were helpful. Because I had time I went to the gym to keep my exercise program going. It’s great looking out at the front of the boat while doing leg curls!

We went to the information session with Ian the British man with lots of information for us on a variety of topics. Today it was the Iditarod race. In its 54th year it is a race for huskies, and their musher on a sled for around 1,000 miles. Each day is around 100 miles. 160km !

It is gruelling ! The dogs look adorable. They are well trained and strong. They do wear little booties to protect their paws.

It starts in Anchorage on the first Saturday in March then progresses west. There are two routes – alternating each year.

The gorgeous huskies and Ian being enthusiastic

We met some of the dogs a few days ago on their holiday.

Now decision time. Calligraphy lesson? Cards, Coffee in Crows Nest? Reading in the lounge. Always something to do.

They had a carnival on the pool deck. Complete with carnival games line hoops la, knock em downs etc. with fairy floss , popcorn, fancy cocktails and lots of uniformed ship staff it looked fun.

Later we started the evening with a chat session with Sergio the guitarist and Kelly the pianist. She’s from Perth and went to WAPA the musical university there. It was a good chat session about their life as a musician on board. we have a bit of an insight to that. We have two nieces who have worked on board as musicians. Bertie married the ships engineer so is still cruising the world when not in Italy when her girls are at school.

Our last session at the piano bar. The trivia today was songs from Movies. We sat with Patty and Tom and had a good score. Tom was a surprise! He knew lots and my love of movies came in handy. Though I often can’t ’name the song’ I can usually sing it though.

Last dinner in the dining room was fun. They brought out the chef and all the behind the scenes restaurant staff and with waiters paraded around the restaurant while everyone cheered and waved serviettes in the air.

The final show was called Timeless and all the cast sang and danced with infectious energy.

They finished with Time to Say Goodbye the Andre Boccelli song. It was appropriate to finish with as we made our way to our Cabin to pack. We have to have our bag outside the door at 11pm. Tomorrow all the groups have a disembarking time. We’re not until 12.10 so later than some…. Some left at 7.30!

Unfortunately it’s rainy and windy out. We’re heading to Alyeska resort which is primarily a ski resort with cable cars, thermal pool, walking trails etc. it should be good if the rain goes.

Others are heading to a variation of our 7 night program. Patty and Tom left at 8.30 and go to Anchorage before Denali. They leave Denali National Park on the day we arrive.

Farewell to this part of the trip.

Keep following for the land part.

Friday at Sea.

May 16, 2026May 17, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

The weather is beautiful. We went to the Margerie Glacier and the boat did a 360 so we could view it well. The sun was out.

Today is another sea day. And it’s amazing how quickly the day will pass.

We did our exercises then went for breakfast to the Lido. Thats the food hall with different offerings- all behind glass and served by the staff.

It’s great for people watching that’s for sure. Some people pile their plates high others take little offerings. It’s on the same level as the outdoor area around the pool. So you can carry your plate outdoors. Or go to the burger – hot dog stall outdoors.

There’s lots of options. We certainly haven’t overdone it. For breakfast I’ve tried the poached eggs with mushrooms and spinach. Or with salmon. Steve’s enjoying the eggs Benny. Or sometimes just Greek yoghurt and fruit.

The coffee is just ok. You can have filtered coffee. Or barista coffee. I’m looking forward to good coffee back home.

Lunch is usually a -made up on the spot, salad. You just name everything you want and it’s put together in a lovely bowl. Suits me. Steve has a baguette or a burger. Usually with a beer for him and tea for me!

There’s an app where you can search all the available entertainment for the day. Ranging from information talks to gym sessions, to prayer sessions! Art auctions, pickle ball, jigsaws, cards, to games ( I played mahjong) to watercolour painting.

This is what I chose this morning. I got there early but all the seats were taken. But saw two ladies I now know. Roxie from mahjong and Patty who we’ve spent time with as couples.

Patty made a space for me and we tried our hand at painting jellyfish. 🪼

I’m a bit rusty. But it was fun

From there we made our way to the Park Ranger session. There was one for kids. And one for everyone else.

There aren’t many kids on this cruise so I was able to call into that and get a few park ranger badges. Leo our grandson wants to be a park ranger. He has the hat, T-shirt and vest from Yellowstone National Park and is very keen to become one when he grows up. It’s so lovely to see how dedicated he is. He wants to volunteer at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary near where he lives. He’s 6! So has a few years to wait until they take juniors to help in the holidays.

We went to the adult session and it was so interesting to hear about the glaciers in the Glacier National Park. I must say the US has magnificent parks that they look after so very well. Our ranger explained the criteria for becoming a National Park and it’s quite rigorous.

I did a few laps of deck 3. It’s a mile around. So about 1.65 km. I got my steps up doing 5km, visited the library to change my book and found a quiet area to read. Steve and I like the Crows Nest. Right at the front of the boat with big picture windows. It is hard to get a front row seat !

Notice the person at the bar with the striped top. She is always there in that spot. Doesn’t matter when you get to this area. She’s there drinking beer – out of a can. Never takes a glass. oh my. She might explode soon. Good for her. I’m sure she’s relaxing well.

There is also lots of games – you name it. It’s here. So there are a lot of people playing cards, Scrabble and some I don’t know. It seems Bridge is not as popular anymore. No Bridge being played anywhere. But mahjong is very popular.

If our friends the Wilsons were here we’d be playing cards! Five Crowns.

While I’m sitting here writing this there is a calligraphy class going on next door in the art area.

Another round of the deck for me before a retreat to our cabin.

We are meeting Tom and Patty for a drink and to play Music Trivia. We’re been to a few sessions and tonight it is ……. The Beatles. I’m a bit of a tragic when it comes to the Beatles. So along we went.

We did very well. Got them all and the pianist Kelly from Perth Australia was impressed with how many got a perfect score. Well, we are the right demographic!

The tie breaking question was not a ‘name that song’ it was ……. Who was the youngest Beatle and how old was he when they disbanded. Di you know ? I’ll leave the answer to the end.

From the music we went to dinner. This time at Canaletto. The Italian restaurant. It was lovely. We scored a table by the window. And it doesn’t get dark here until around 9 so the views were great. Including seeing a whale.

We were going to the magician. A show at the World Stage. But we were late and decided on another two laps of deck 3!

Answer yo the question……

George Harrison was 25. Who got it right?

White Pass Rail. Into the Yukon

May 16, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

An early start today. We have an 8 hr tour. It’s all so well organised with a message directing us to gather in the dining room.

We met up with Patty and Tom and a new couple from near Jarvis Bay in Australia.

We then had a tender take us from the boat to the shore with a short walk to our bus. The reason for the tender was there had been a rock slide last week quite near where the ship is anchored and they don’t want rocks falling on us. So it’s a bit of a performance to put us in tenders and drop us further along the dock.

Our chatty driver River is our guide today. He settled us in and explained the day. We are to bus up to Whitecross with a stop at Carcross for coffee and a look around the little shops and businesses. No jewellery shops.

The scenery as we left Skagway was beautiful though low cloud made it hard to see the mountains.

The driver continued his banter and we all relaxed into the trip and chatted to those around us. Patty and Tom were in front and we chatted away to them.

We left Cancross and continued on to our lunch stop which is in Canada – and included a village. They had two museums and a great display of wild animals which had been recreated through taxidermy. Quite frightening!

The museum dedicated to the Mounties was very good and the history of the gold mining in Dawsons Creek was fascinating. Towns grew up from nothing and thousands came seeking their fortunes. Most of course didn’t make much at all.

One of the huskie dogs here for a summer holiday.

The huskies are moved here for the summer for training.

The scenery is as spectacular as it is harsh.

Looks like a tropical paradise. The silt produces the beautiful blue.

The highlight of the day was returning to Skagway by train. The Whitecross railway. It descends 3,000 ft in 7 miles. Quite a ride! It took about 90 minutes.

But before that we spied a bear near the road as the bus was taking us to Fraser to get the train. he was strolling along…….

The scenery was gorgeous. I was trying imagine building that railway back in 1897 taking nearly 3 years to complete.

Rounding a bend I saw the front of our train!

We arrived back in Skagway, population 400, and strolled the streets. We walked carefully as if you fall and break something there is no doctor in town! Just a vet.

The building and all the sidewalks are timber.

Back on board after a very cool walk back to get the tender.

Then it was orange party night on the ship.

There was a party on the World Stage which we went to after our dinner at Morimoto. It’s one of the speciality restaurants onboard. It was so tasty. Asian fusion.

A late night as tomorrow is a sea day. So a sleep in.

Day 2 : all at Sea

May 12, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Today was a ‘sea day’ so we slept in and had breakfast delivered to our room.

We did our exercises and then had our yoghurt, fruit, tea and a croissant for Steve.

Then the gym! It’s a popular place. I was into my routine when I thought……. Beware the germs ! 🦠 I looked around but people were dutifully wiping down the machine after use. I only wanted 4 machines so wiped before and after use!

We came out of the inner passage this morning so there is a little more movement in the ship. It made me hold onto the walking machine. I wouldn’t look good flat out on the floor.

It’s interesting to see the ‘types’ in the gym. There’s the serious wirey ladies ‘going for it’. There’s younger runner. The overweight middle age man trying hard ( good for him) and me! Not sure where I fit.

A quick turn a round and off to a cooking demo. Led by a host who carved up the dance floor last night in the Rolling Stone bar. There were so many people there I couldn’t find a seat. I stayed awhile then decided I know how to cook salmon.

I did a lap of the deck to get my steps up then went up the room to meet Steve who had been to an information talk about the ports we’ll be visiting.

We went to the Lido deck just one floor above us – very handy on a cruise to be ‘close’ to the action without the noise.

We had lunch with a great couple from Long island NY . Patty and Tom. They were great company and like Donna and Seth from yesterday are doing the land package.

We’re meeting them tonight for a drink at the piano bar.

Following lunch Steve went to a talk on the port we are visiting and I went to Mahjong. Those who know me , know I play this game. We have a very loose way of playing. Kind of Chinese Australian. We don’t score we play games from a book and we have our own rules.

Today I met Roxie from Nth Carolina and she was funny ! Judy from NY who was so patient but obviously a very good player – by the rules type and Jane from Canberra Aus. Who really wanted to stick with Aussie type of play!

We had a few games. It was fun & full of laughter and Roxie and Judy were so patient with us!

We met back in our room for a cuppa and a rest before heading to the piano bar.

A lovely girl from Perth Aus was the pianist playing hits before the trivia – 50 and 70’s music! It was so much fun. We didn’t disgrace ourselves but didn’t win!

It lead to chatting to a big group of friends from Australia. From Innisfail north Queensland.

What a fun group. There are 6 couples celebrating several birthdays but really celebrating friendship. It reminded me of our Sri Lanka group of friends.

We walked to dinner with them and they went off to their big table with promises to catch up ! They are also doing the land part after the cruise.

We met up with Patty and Tom and shared a few stories before heading to the comedian show. Which was great fun.

There isn’t the ‘big musicals’ like on the Princess or Celebrity cruises but it doesn’t bother us. We’re enjoying dipping in and out of the shows.

Tomorrow is a port day. Ketchikan. We’re going to a lumberjack show – a bit like the Ekka in Brisbane probably.

We’ll wander the town and leave again at around 2.30.

I’m relaxing into this cruise!!! And NO I didn’t go anywhere near the 15 drinks I’m allowed! Neither did Steve. We decided we’re too old.

Cruise Begins

May 11, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 11 Comments

Our hotel in Vancouver was great. Just 2 blocks from the waterfront which meant we could walk our bags down this morning to check in on the ship.

I also loved the hotel room. Or suite. It had a sitting room. Was super quiet. Comfortable bed, good bathroom, temperature just right and room for stretches in the morning!

Arriving at the cruise terminal at Canada Place was straightforward. Lots of staff were lined up along the walkways offering smiles and help. First up luggage drop. Then to check in and onto immigration. No problem – well for a heart stopping moment I was taken from the counter into a room. I thought ‘oh no’ is something wrong with my esta form ? We sat down and waited and the officer click – clacked on the keyboard then announced all ready to go. Meanwhile they didn’t finger print Steve?

We were on board having coffee at 12 after arriving at 11. I had fun covertly looking at our fellow travellers. I wonder we will pal up with? Lots were travelling with friends , we didn’t spy any children and the age group is varied.

Lunch was from the Lido restaurant where it’s a kind of buffet but all screened off so no one touches food or utensils. It’s all plated and served. A good idea after Covid! We took it out to the pool deck.

I had a good Cobb salad – no alcohol just yet! Others were getting stuck into it. We have the ‘have it all ‘ package’ which includes 15 drinks a day. I’m sure that won’t get used!!!! I’ll report back later!!!

Our cabin or stateroom is a good size. Lots of storage and a good sized balcony. We’ll be very happy here for a week.

I had to explore, so off we went. First to the muster station which is mandatory. They check up. The announcement was made….. “You must do it! If you haven’t ………you know who you are and we know who you are. We’ll have to call your name out!” 🤪

Our own personal tour of the ship followed our check in. The fitness centre is good. The restaurants look good. It’s a much smaller and less showy ship to the previous cruise we did back about 7 years ago in the Princess Royal. Which despite its size I just loved. Perhaps being with Steve’s sister and the family made it special. This could be quiet by comparison.

I took a book from the library, was offered a medi spa treatment that would have me looking 50!!! As if! Looked at the pool and hydro pool but not sure I’ll want to plunge. Checked out the bars, the casino – not for us, the art room and the deck for walking.

All unpacked now , we are heading to deck 9 for the sail away at 4pm. I’ll report back in …….

Later……..We ordered a drink from the bar and ended up sharing a table and lots of chat with Seth and Donna from California. A lovely fun couple on their honeymoon! Donna’s husband died a few years ago and she met Seth who had been an old school friend of her husbands. So romantic. They both worked at Disneyland- at different times. Donna was in costume for quite awhile! It was great chatting to them we’ll catch up later.

After freshening up which meant off with the fleece and on with the scarf and we were ready for a drink in the piano bar.

Our dinner in the special Pinnacle restaurant wasn’t until 8. So late for us. it’s an extra charge – but we hit it as part of our ’package’.

Our waiter was lovely if a little hard to understand. An accent that was hard to work out. Unfortunately, the cast for food was ridiculous. We were still waiting for mains an hour later and were on our own in one section of the restaurant. when it came Steve’s rib eye was so rare it was mooing!

The manager realising a problem came over to apologise and has arranged champagne for us at the main restaurant tomorrow.

It was late but I needed a walk so was heading for the deck when we head music from the Rolling Stones bar. In we went and I danced. I clicked up another 1,000 steps!