Alaskan Smiles

In going through the photos taken while on the Alaskan cruise, I found I had wonderful photos of the family --- all with smiles.  It warmed my heart to see them, despite the coolness of the ocean breeze.

Thought you would enjoy.



Photo video: Elaine Beaudoin

Dancing Girls

Kacey, Kate and Megan were captured several times during the cruise dancing their hearts out. They were often being lead by Anna Bass, the cruise director, but other times they didn't need any "instructor"!  This video represents only a few of those moments.



Video: Elane Beaudoin

Seattle and Environs

We only had a day and a half in Seattle, but we made the most of it enjoying the Seattle Center including the Space Needle, Monorail and the Chihuly Garden and Glass; the Public Market with all of its fresh produce, fish and flowers; the Future of Flight Museum and the Boeing Plant in Everett; and ending the day driving about 2,000 feet up Mt. Rainer.  All in the most beautiful weather imaginable.

Enjoy.



Photo-video: Elaine Beaudoin

South Sawyer Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord

One of the most beautiful parts of the Alaskan cruise was sailing through the Tracy Arm Fjord.


Photography: Elaine Beaudoin

Emily and Kacey Entertain

"I Will Survive" was belted out by Emily Heuck and Kacey Batke during their Alaskan cruise last month.




Video courtesy: Elaine Beaudoin

Kelly and Erin Entertain

Kelly and Erin entertain on the Rhapsody of the Seas........


Video: Elaine Beaudoin, July 19, 2012

Cruise Chocolate Dessert

At dinner one evening on the cruise, several of us ordered a "trio" of desserts.  The plate included three tiny dessert morsels including a small cheesecake offering, a petite savarin and a most delicious chocolate treat.  We asked Michael, our head waiter, if he could locate the recipe and, on a tiny slip of paper, he provided the following information:

1 pound chocolate
1 whole egg
1 pound butter
1 pound sugar

Cook in double boiler for 45 minutes.

It is basically a flourless cake, but the fat is ramped up a bit.  No wonder it was delicious -- at least in small portions.

Poem

Alaska 2012

Our trip to Alaska is coming to an end,

What a great time it has been to spend.

In Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria we have seen such great views,

Sailing on the Rhapsody of the Seas has been such a fun cruise.

Emily, Erin and Kelly enjoyed their time on their own,

and Kate just loved eating those ice cream cones.

Kacey impressed us with her stellar dance moves,

and Megan just loved being with her cousins the entire cruise.

To Cathy who would just not take off that hat,

and Cara who much preferred when the rough seas turned flat.

To Colleen who couldn't live without her daily prunes,

Jerry enjoyed the shows and bands playing all their tunes.

Dave enjoyed the peace and quiet on the ship,

and to see Kevin sing Karaoke was quite a trip.

It is to Uncle Ralph and Aunt Elaine who so graciously

invited us on this trip who we want to thank the most,

But it is to our angel Bob who no doubt has been smiling

watching us who at this time I wish to toast!

Colleen McIntyre Burke,

July 19, 2012

Photo courtesy: Colleen Burke

Photo Overview of Alaskan Cruise - Colleen

View Colleen's epic slide video of the Alaskan Cruise.  We understand she is now being referred to as Colleen Spielberg!  It is a wonderful look at a grand vacation. Enjoy.



Colleen Burke, July 2012

Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle

We had the opportunity to visit the recently opened Chihuly Garden and Glass museum in Seattle.  The color and shapes of the glass are amazing. Hope you enjoy.




Elaine Beaudoin, July 2012

Photo Overview from Alaskan Cruise - Elaine

Photos from the July 13-20 Inside Alaskan Passage Trip



Photos and video from Elaine Beaudoin, July 2012

White Pass Train, Skagway

I was just checking out what to bring on a cruise and I noticed this post in the "draft" section of the Alaskan blog.  I realized I never posted it last year, so I am now!

The White Pass Train trip out of Skagway, July 16, 2012

Leaving the "station" in Skagway

Heading up to the summit

Erin, Emily, Kelly and Kevin checking out the scenery

Kacey, Kate and Cara at the backside of the train

On the train crossing the Skagway River

View of the train as it winds around the mountains

First five photos, Elaine Beaudoin; sixth photo, Colleen Burke.

Weather Update - July 10

Most of the rain is out of the picture; extended forecasts looks pretty good.  Temperatures cooler in Juneau than forecasted 4 days ago, but warmer everywhere else.

The weather forecast, as of July 10, for the next 5 days is:

Seattle: Sunny lows 59, highs 84
Juneau: Cloudy, chance of showers, lows 43, highs 6
Skagway: Chance of showers, lows 43, highs 65
Victoria: Mostly sunny, lows 53, highs 80

Extended forecasts:

Seattle: Wednesday-Friday, July 11-13, mostly sunny, lows 59, highs 84 Yeah!
Juneau: Sunday, July 15, cloudy to partly sunny, low 48, high 61
Skagway: Monday, July 16, clouds and sun, low 52, high 64
Victoria: Thursday, June 19, clouds and sun, low 60, high 75

All-in-all, the weather is looking pretty good.  On the ocean, it will be cooler. 

Boarding the Ship

Cara said she had found a video on YouTube that showed what the Seattle port we will be leaving from looked like. Here is the video. It is a quick look at what we will see on Friday. Thanks Cara.



Source: YouTube - Rhapsody of the Seas Alaska Cruise - by akmountainclimber

Rhapsody of the Seas - Photos after renovation

Photos of the renovated Rhapsody of the Seas ship.

Source:  Inside Cruise - April 2012 with Neil Newton

Walking Tours of Victoria

They say Victoria is a walking city.  Here are two tours recommended by Frommer's"

Walking Tour 1: The Inner Harbour

2 hours, not including shopping, museum and pub breaks.

"Victoria was born on the Inner Harbour.  When the Hudson's Bay Company's west coast head of operations, James Douglas, happened across this sheltered inlet in 1843 while searching for a new corporate HQ, it was love at first sight."

Includes Victoria Visitor Centre, The Fairmont Empress, Thunderbird Park (Totem poles), Helmcken House, a pub stop and more.  The Inner Harbour.


Walking Tour 2: The Old Town and Chinatown

2 hours, not including shopping, sightseeing and eating stops

Walking north up Government St., you'll find a number of historic buildings including British Columbia's oldest brick structure.

Includes The Fairmont Empress, Windsor Hotel building (oldest brick structure), Fort Victoria (constructed in 1843), an art gallery and cafe, Bastion Square, museums, Chinatown and St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Cathedral among others.  The Old Town & Chinatown

Weather Forecasts

The weather forecast, as of July 7, for the next 5 days is:

Seattle: Sunny low 57, high 84, sunny over the next five days
Juneau: Cloudy with light rain, low 42, high 68 over the next five days
Skagway: Rain, low 44, high 62, sun coming out on July 11
Victoria: Mostly sunny, low 51, high 78, starting to cloud up on July 11

Extended forecasts:

Seattle: Wednesday-Friday, July 11-13, mostly sunny, lows 56, highs 83
Juneau: Sunday, July 15, sunny, low 57, high 74
Skagway: Monday, July 16, periods of rain, low 50, high 68
Victoria: Thursday, June 19, mostly sunny, low 53, high 73

All-in-all, the weather is looking pretty good.  On the ocean, it will be cooler.  Will check again closer to departure.

Departure Day Carry-on

When we check in at the dock in Seattle, the porters will take our luggage and then bring it to our stateroom most likely sometime after we set sail.

Royal Caribbean suggests the following for your carry-on:

For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout clothes, and any medications you may need. This will allow you to begin enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to wait for your bags to arrive at your stateroom. 

I usually don't worry about a change of clothes, as the first night is casual in the dining room.  However, I do try to have available my toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup and other personal items I may wish to use to freshen up before dinner.  And, of course, I have my camera at the ready!

Also, I usually have a book or magazine available to kill time until the luggage arrives and I can get settled in the room.

Think about what you would like to have available to you for the afternoon we board the ship and pack it in your carry-on.  Spending the night at the hotel before our cruise makes this an easier task than if you were coming directly from the airport.

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 Of note, in checking the Royal Caribbean website, it reads:

   We regret that luggage tag mailers are no longer available because the number of requested mailers has exceeded our permissible limits. You may secure your luggage tags from our porters once you arrive at the pier.

Glad we ordered ours!  One less item to worry about on cruise day.

Our Time in Seattle

We are starting to plan how we will be spending our time in Seattle.  The Royal Caribbean website offers these suggestions:

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is often characterized by its laid-back attitude and rainy climate, but this thriving metropolis also offers one-of-a-kind architecture, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and a unique urban sophistication.

The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
A trip to Seattle isn't complete without visiting Pike Place Market. Here, you can browse the stalls of local merchants and artists, take in a street performance, or watch fishmongers play catch with the catch of the day.

Other Fun Things to Do
Take in the view from the Space Needle, a 650-foot structure left over from the 1962 World's Fair. Glimpse the future of aviation technology at the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour. See the latest breakthroughs in in-flight entertainment and design your very own aircraft using high-tech aviation software. Travel a few short minutes to the Boeing factory where you'll go behind the massive hanger doors to witness the inner workings of the world's largest airplanes.

Shopping Around
If you're looking for an upscale shopping mall with character, head downtown to Westlake Park. To uncover an antique treasure, you'll want to go to the Pioneer Square Antique Mall, where more than 60 dealers have their collections on sale. Or, for more traditional crafts and specialty stores, Pike Place Market is the place to be.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor
Thanks to the fish-abundant waters, Seattle offers fabulous seafood restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual eating. There's also a great selection of brew pubs, and of course, coffee shops. With lattes and cappuccinos on just about every street corner, Seattle's easygoing attitude seems to be fueled by caffeine.

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line brochure


In addition, Uncle Ralph and I plan to visit the Dale Chihuly Museum.

Exhibition Hall

Dale Chihuly's fanciful glass sculptures have been on display at more than 500 exhibitions worldwide during his career. Now a permanent exhibition call Chihuly Garden and Glass has opened at the Seattle Center near the Space Needle.  The exhibition features an exhibition hall with eight galleries, a glass house featuring one of his largest suspended works, and a garden that sprouts red and blue glass reeds.  
Tickets cost $19 for adults and $12 for children 4 to 12.  
305 Harrison Street, Seattle
Visit chihulygardenandglass.com


Source: Chicago Tribune, a couple of weeks ago!


Also, we might take in the Tacoma Auto Museum.  There was an article about it in the Chicago Tribune by Paul Duchene.

1906 Cadillac

 Fifteen years of hard work came down to the wire in Tacoma, Wash. on June 2, as 3,000 people and 500 cars assembled outside LeMay America's Car Museum for opening ceremonies.  Before the day was out, an estimated 10,000 auto enthusiasts had visited the museum.

The new building looks like Ridley Scott crashed a spaceship beside the Tacoma Dome.  The gleaming, corrugated aluminum worm is a symbol of the hard-scrabble port city's revival.  The museum's four levels are accessed by sloping galleries at the side, like the interior of a parking garage, which makes changing exhibits relatively easy.  Walls are covered with images and stories about cars, designers and drivers.

2702 E. D St., Tacoma, Wash
Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 pm. daily
Admission: Adult, $14; senior/student/military, $12; youth (ages 5-12) $8 
Info: lemaymuseum.org or 253-779-8490


Source: Chicago Tribune, June, 30, 2012, Rides Section

 

Bob's Birthday

Today, June 14, is Bob Watson's birthday.  He would have been 75 years old!  I'm sure he is smiling down at us watching all the planning going on for the Alaskan cruise.  I know it would make him very happy.

Thank you Bob!

You Can Now Check-in for the Cruise

I have just "Checked in" for our cruise.  It took me about 45 minutes to fill out all the forms, collecting numbers from passports, credit cards, etc.  I also ordered luggage tags, which I would suggest you also do, so there is no question regarding which ship/stateroom the items belong.  It said it takes about a week to receive the luggage tags.

If you haven't already, I'd suggest you log on to your account on Royal Caribbean in the next couple of days and take care of the check in process so you don't have to think about it as the date gets closer!  

Note, there are special directions for registering minors traveling under a separate reservation number, this will affect Kelly, Emily and Erin.  I have reproduced the direction below:


Completing Online Check-In for all the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier and must be completed 3 days prior to your sail date. When you arrive at the pier with everyone in your party, you'll just need your SetSail Pass, identification documents and credit card used to establish onboard expense accounts for each guest to board and begin your adventure.

Check in everyone in your reservation or fill out forms for one or two guests now and come back to do the others later. Any way you choose to do it is fine with us. Please note that the information requested on these pages must be identical to the information as it appears on the identification documentation. Discrepancies may result in delayed or denied embarkation.

In order to complete the Online Check-In process you will need the following information:
• Proof of Citizenship Information and appropriate photo identification for each guest in your reservation
• Credit Card information in order to establish an onboard charge account
• Crown & Anchor Membership Number (if you are a member)

If you are the parent or guardian of a minor who is traveling with you under a different reservation number, you will need to do the following:
• Under the minor's reservation number, complete Step 1 Guest Information, save it and exit.
• Then under the parent/guardian's reservation number in the Cruise Ticket Contract section, you can associate the minor's reservation by clicking on "Add and accept all of the conditions stated above for minors in another reservation." Enter the minor's name and reservation number. This will enable you to accept the terms and conditions of the Cruise Ticket Contract on the minor's behalf.

You will need to complete all steps in the Online Check-In process in order to access and print the SetSail Pass.

If you require assistance with the Online Check-In process or your SetSail Pass, please call (800) 398-9819 or click here for our Contact Us information.

Canadian Currency/Tipping

I thought this was an interesting article about using US Currency in Canada.

Victoria is a touristy-friendly city and is very close to the USA. Because American tourists make up the majority of the tourists in Victoria, I feel that this is a valuable point to mention. While you can pay for things initially with US dollars, you will always be given your change back in Canadian dollars/coins.

Right now because the exchange rate is so close, a lot of businesses are taking US dollars at par. As a result, you lose more money by paying with US dollars than if you were to use your credit card, debit card, or Canadian cash. This is because the US dollar is a foreign currency in Canada and it is not considered legal tender.

American tourists are the only people that use American dollars in Canada, for example. Businesses that accept US dollars do so as a courtesy, not because it's mandatory. It is certainly not law to accept foreign currency. Also worth knowing is that American coins are taken at par in Canada (they're the same denominations - pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, although we also have a dollar and 2 dollar coin in Canada). So while $1.00 dollar bill US should theoretically purchase $1.06 Canadian, four US quarters will only ever be $1.00 Canadian, regardless of the exchange rate.

The easiest way to obtain Canadian dollars is to simply withdraw money from a bank machine. This goes for all international visitors. Your bank does the exchange rate automatically and will then give you Canadian dollars. Bank machines generally dispense $20 bills, and sometimes $10, $50, or $100 denominations.

Even if you don't intend to spend with cash, it's handy having some Canadian coins and dollars because things like parking meters, bus fare boxes, vending machines, and automated ticket machines will only accept Canadian coins/dollars in their slots. And please, refrain from calling US dollars "real dollars" or "real money" and Canadian dollars "funny money" or "monopoly money" because it's a sign of disrespect and arrogance, whether intended or not.

Elaine's comment: If you have some Canadian coins in your piggy bank, pull them out, they might be useful when we are in Victoria.  Our plan is to use our credit card for most everything, so at this point, we don't plan on bringing Canadian dollars with us.

Source:  http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Canada/Province_of_British_Columbia/Victoria-903124/Local_Customs-Victoria-CurrencyTipping-BR-1.html#ixzz1tSa7FuR8

About Victoria, BC

Since we are going to have the day in Victoria, I thought I'd do a little more looking at what might be of interest.  I found an interesting site on Victoria call the Virtual Tourist.   It is basically a travel guide written by those who have been there.  They suggest some interesting spots to stop for lunch and talk about the neighborhoods on Victoria.  I have put up several other posts on Victoria, so if you are interested in getting a few ideas for when we are there, collectively, I think most of the city has been covered with these posts.  To see them all, click on 'Victoria" under Labels in the right hand column.

Canada's Victoria - A Very British City

How timely -- an article in Sunday's Tribune on Victoria.   The 26 acres of plantings at Government House with a traditional Edwardian garden as well as a Victorian rose garden, all linked by a series of paths, sounds like a nice place to visit, AND the gardens offer free admission.

 

The 'England' up north 
Canada's Victoria a very British city
April 24, 2012
By Jay Jones, Special to Tribune Newspapers
VICTORIA, British Columbia

— The flags of the United Kingdom and British Columbia flapped in the breeze atop Government House, Britain's official outpost in this westernmost Canadian province, as the Honourable Steven Point sat down to write birthday greetings to his boss, Queen Elizabeth II.

"Long live The Queen!" Point, the province's lieutenant governor, exclaimed as he concluded his message. Indeed, Elizabeth II's 86th birthday is a time for celebration in this most English of Canadian cities.

 "When I first moved to Victoria, I couldn't believe I was still in Canada," observed Jerymy Brownridge, director of operations at Government House. "If you look in the phone book, it's almost all British names."

In this year when Britain hosts the Summer Olympics and boasts pomp and parties to celebrate the queen's 60 years on the throne, there is no need to head to crowded and pricey London to soak up the atmosphere. Victoria is a smaller, less crowded and less expensive alternative. Still, it offers many of the delights of the homeland, including regal gardens and the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic.

Afternoon tea, a sort of fourth meal that was once the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, is both relished and cherished in British Columbia's capital. The tradition has been celebrated at the Fairmont Empress, the chateau-style hotel that towers over Victoria's Inner Harbour, for more than a century.

For 42 of those years, it's been Marlene Watson serving afternoon tea at the Empress. "Our sandwiches are a pork pate, a cucumber, curry chicken with mango, egg salad in a croissant, and smoked salmon and cream cheese," she told her guests. "The middle tier is our scones with strawberry jam and Empress cream. (On top are) a raspberry cheesecake, Earl Grey shortbread, marzipan Battenberg cake and mint Verona chocolate truffles."

Catering to a tourist crowd, the hotel has no formal dress code. Still, it offers some etiquette advice. When stirring your tea, be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup. If the tea is hot, leave the cup on the table to cool. Do not blow on the tea.

As for the food, be sure to take small, delicate bites. This will ensure you can still participate in the conversation without always having a full mouth. Taking small bites is easier said than done when the finger foods are so inviting. At the White Heather Tea Room in the oh-so-British neighborhood of Oak Bay, there is a more festive attitude to afternoon tea, where a spread called The Big Muckle is served.

"Muckle" is an old English word meaning "large amount," and that's no exaggeration. The selection of tasty treats includes a "krispie" with cream cheese and apple, a savory mini-quiche and a plethora of pastries.

In Victoria, "tea" definitely doesn't refer to the Orange Pekoe found in supermarkets. The White Heather offers 24 varieties, and servers are happy to let customers try the hand-blended concoctions.

But for a real education in tea, head to Silk Road, a tea emporium in Victoria's Chinatown, the oldest Chinese community in Canada. Tea connoisseur Daniela Cubelic has been offering her bounties of some of the world's freshest teas for 20 years, and there isn't a supermarket variety anywhere in sight.

She explained that by the time tea reaches grocery shelves, it's often 3 to 5 years old. In contrast, her blends, with exotic names such as Gate of Longevity and Moonstone Temple, were picked only weeks before making their way to her shop.

Cubelic offers regular tea tastings to introduce guests to her offerings from around the world. "It's almost like buying Persian carpets. If it's your first trip to Turkey and someone is trying to sell you carpets and you don't know a lot about it, it's very easy to get confused and not really know what you're buying," she said. "It takes a great many years to develop the skills to purchase tea well and to understand it."

In Britain, "tea time" is synonymous not with afternoon tea but with dinner. The staple fish-and-chips dish is traditional and trendy at restaurants throughout Victoria. Red Fish Blue Fish serves up takeout, without the traditional newspaper, from its waterside location inside a former shipping container. A more upscale variety is featured at Spinnaker's, the country's oldest brew pub. "Sustainability" is the watchword in the kitchen here; 95 percent of the produce is locally grown.

Walking off a big meal is a popular pastime. Victoria abounds with trails as well as the array of gardens that have earned it the moniker "City of Gardens." The Butchart Gardens are world-renowned, but visitors also can enjoy 26 acres of plantings at Government House, from a traditional Edwardian garden to a Victorian rose garden, all linked by a series of paths. The gardens offer free admission.


Don't, however, expect to get an invitation to step inside for a dander through the mansion's 112 rooms. Even the locals only occasionally get a peek, because the place is pretty much under wraps unless royalty is in town. Elizabeth II has visited several times, most recently in 2002, and her son Prince Charles spent three nights there in 2009.

"We're kind of like the official provincial guesthouse," Brownridge said. That means that while in Victoria, the emperor and empress of Japan were welcomed as overnight guests. Sir Elton John, however, was turned down — oh so politely, of course.

Source: Sunday Chicago Tribune,  April 29, 2012, Travel Section, Section 5, page 1

75 Days Until Embarkation

Just wanted everyone to know that the last payment has been made on our cruise, so everything is a go!

If you find some sources of interesting information regarding the places we will be, let me know and I'll post them on the blog for everyone.

Our trip will be here before we know it!

Seattle Space Needle

Here is an article on the Seattle Space Needle turning 50!

Thanks, Colleen, for sharing this site.

Best for History and Culture

In an article in the AAA magazine this month, it rates the Skagway White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad as the Best for History and Culture of the land excursions available during the Inside Passage trip.

It reads:
From 1897 to 1899, Skagway boomed with prospectors trekking to the Klondike gold fields.  Today, historic buildings, including rehabilitated storefronts painted in Victorian rainbow hues, line the town's wooden boardwalks.

Ranger-led walking tours of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical park explore the Skagway founding family's 1887 frontier cabin and exhibits of 1890s life. The Skagway Museum reveals tales of the town's infamous bully and con man, "Soapy" Smith.

Skagway's must-do treat is a ride on the 19th-century White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, climbing 2,865 feet above sea level.  Sit inside vintage cars or stand on outside platforms as the train slices through glistening snowfields before crossing dizzying trestle bridges and isolated mountain passes. The narrow-gauge train once transported miners from Skagway to Bennett. Visitors can learn more about them in the tiny but intriguing Trail of '98 Museum.

Source:  AAALiving, March/April 2012, pg. 29.

Pack Light - Even for a Cruise

In Sunday's Chicago Tribune, Rick Steves has an article on packing for a cruise.  Given it appeared on March 11, Seedy's birthday, could she be giving us some guidance?

 
When I put my luggage into a taxi at the start of my first-ever cruise trip, it was a shock. I'd never packed so much before: deck wear, nicer evening wear, and rugged travel clothing to use on land. I'd even brought four pairs of shoes ... if you count my flip-flops.
 
But compared to my fellow passengers, I was still packing light. Pulling my wheeled carry-on bag to my stateroom, I had to dodge huge bags that jammed the hallways like a chorus line of beached whales.

Many cruisers eventually learn to keep their luggage to a minimum. Cruise-ship cabins are cramped, and large suitcases consume precious living space. Plus, you'll still need to get to the airport, on and off the plane, and between the airport and the cruise port. The lighter your luggage is, the easier your transitions will be.

Consider packing just one carry-on-size bag (9-by-22-by-14 inches) and sharing an extra bag with your travel partner. I know -- realistically, you'll be tempted to bring more. But cruising with limited luggage can be done without adversely impacting your trip; I've done it, and was happy I did. Pack one bag each, as if traveling alone, then share the third bag for bulky cruise extras (such as formal wear). If traveling before or after the cruise, you can store that third, nonessential bag at a friendly hotel or in a train-station luggage locker.

Here's another reason to favor carry-on bags: If the airline loses your checked luggage and doesn't get it to your embarkation port by the time your ship sets sail, the checked bags are unlikely to catch up to you. If you booked air travel through the cruise line, the company will do what it can. But if you arranged your own flights, the airline decides whether and how to help you -- and rarely will it fly your bags to your next port of call. If you only checked the third, shared bag, no matter what gets lost, you'll still have your essentials.

Baggage restrictions provide a built-in incentive for packing light. Some cruise lines limit you to two bags up to 50 pounds apiece; others don't enforce limits (or request only that you bring "a reasonable amount" of luggage). But all airlines have restrictions on the number, size, and weight of both checked and carry-on bags. These days, you'll most likely pay for each piece of luggage you check -- and if your bag is overweight, you'll pay even more.

You don't need to pack for the worst-case situation. Pack for the best weather and simply buy yourself out of any cold snaps. Risk shivering for a day (or layer a sweater under your rain jacket) rather than pack a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without -- not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out. The shops on your cruise ship (or on shore) are sure to have any personal items you forgot.

 Most cruisers will want two to three changes of clothes each day: comfortable, casual clothes for sightseeing in port; more formal evening wear for dinners on the ship; and sportswear, whether it's a swimsuit for basking by the pool or athletic gear for hitting the gym or running track. But that doesn't mean you have to bring along 21 separate outfits for a seven-day cruise. Think versatile. Some port wear can double as evening wear. Two pairs of slacks can be worn on alternating nights, indefinitely. As you choose clothes for your trip, a good rule of thumb is: If you're not going to wear an item more than three times, don't pack it.

During the day, the dress code is casual. People wear shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits with cover-ups, flip-flops, or whatever they're most comfortable in. But in the evenings, a stricter dress code emerges. On most nights, dinner is usually "smart casual" in the main dining room and at some (or all) specialty restaurants. For men, slacks and a button-down or polo shirt is the norm; most women wear dresses, or pants or skirts with a nice top. Lightweight accessories like a tie or scarf add class to an outfit.

First-time cruisers may worry about "formal nights." While most cruises do have a few formal nights with a dress code, they're optional. You can always eat somewhere other than the fancy dining room.

Remember, packing light isn't just about the trip over and back -- it's about your traveling lifestyle. You're not on a Vogue photo shoot. With only one bag, you're ready for any travel adventure.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2012, Section 5, page 2

Safety and Security

Given the Italian Cruise ship disaster last month, here is what Royal Caribbean has to say about security and safety:

At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority and fundamental to our operations. Our marine safety record over our 42-year history clearly illustrates our commitment to the safety of the millions of guests and crew that sail on our ships. The measures we take in the interest of safety are many, with our ships often exceeding what is required by regulatory authorities - these are all part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in every aspect of our business.

At the beginning of every cruise, all guests and crew must complete a drill known as the "muster" drill, to ensure they are familiar with what to do and where to go in the unlikely event of an emergency. To further ensure they are aware of their specific muster location, we identify it on each of guest’s card keys. The location also is prominently noted on the back of every stateroom door. In addition to the muster drill for our guests, our officers and crew conduct weekly, monthly and annual drills on every ship, and complete extensive training, certification and scenarios in preparation for the very unlikely event of an emergency, including training on ship evacuation procedures.

All of our ships have sufficient lifesaving craft to accommodate every guest and crew member onboard, as well as additional capacity in reserve. All of our ships are designed and operated in compliance with the strict requirements of the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency that sets global standards for the safety and operation of cruise ships, codified in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. Safety-related regulations are rigorous – and we often go above and beyond what is required; for example, carrying backup mechanical, navigational and safety provisions.

In addition, our vessels, regardless of where they sail in the world, comply with the U.S. Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) requirements, including railing heights, access control, closed circuit TV, medical preparedness, crime allegation reporting and crew training. Our own requirements generally exceed those specified within the CVSSA. We work closely with regulatory authorities to improve safety laws, and regularly participate in discussions and studies to inform legislators of current practices and offer our perspective on regulations and standards to assure safety.

Flag State authorities and other maritime safety regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, from each country our ships visit also regularly inspect our ships. Their examinations focus on life-saving equipment and safety and environmental protection items and these officials have the authority to prevent our ships from sailing if we fail to adhere to regulations. In addition to these inspections, ongoing system of internal as well as external (independent) marine expert audits also helps us remain vigilant, safely operate our ships and maintain effective systems.

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Q: What is a 'muster drill'?

A: A muster drill is a mandatory exercise with the objective to familiarize all guests and crew with the location (muster station) where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency. During this drill, additional safety information (i.e., how to don a life jacket) is presented.

Checking in Online, at the Pier and Boarding

Assuming we all check in on line, we probably should plan on being at the pier no later than 2:00 p.m. for a 4:00 p.m. sail.  For purposes of planning, I'd suggest we consider being at the pier by 1:00 p.m.


Q:  Why should I use Online Check-In?

A:  Completing the Online Check-In process for all the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier and needs to be completed 3 days prior to your saildate.

Royal Caribbean International requires guests to be checked in no later than 60 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time*. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail. This supports government regulations in some ports that require cruise lines to submit a departure manifest 60 minutes prior to sailing. Guests are requested to complete Online Check-In no later than 3 days prior to the cruise in order to expedite the pier check-in process.

*Some sailings may require an earlier check-in time. Please refer to your Guest Vacation Documents for specific information.

Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass. It indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass.

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Q:  What should I do at the pier if I have already checked in online?

A:  Guests who have completed Online Check-In will have an area designated for their documentation validation. By checking in online, you will expedite your boarding process and will be able to start enjoying your cruise vacation much faster.

Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass. It indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass.

When you reach the pier on your day of departure, look for the SetSail Pass signs. You will need to present:

	SetSail Pass
	Identification Documents (proof of Citizenship) for each guest
	Credit Card used for your Onboard Expense Account
	Onboard Expense Account Information (i.e your credit card and the reservation information that is authorized to charge against the account)

Note: If you successfully complete Online Check-In and receive a SetSail Pass, you will NOT be required to complete any of the forms contained within your Guest Vacation Documents relating to check-in.

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Q:  When can I board the ship?

A;  The boarding time for your ship and sailing date is specified in your Guest Vacation Documents.  Please do not plan on arriving at the pier prior to the specified time as the ship will not be ready to board guests.

Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in no later than 3 days prior to their cruise. If you do not complete Online Check-in 3 days prior, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail.

Gratuities and the Onboard Account

Some more answers to questions some of us have had. These questions and answers reflect what we will find on the Rhapsody.

Slightly contrary to the Beaudoin's experience on two previous cruises, Royal Caribbean states that "Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest."

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Q:  What are the gratuity guidelines for cruises?

A:  Our suggested gratuity guidelines take in account our crew members that work hard to provide and maintain the highest level of service while sailing the high seas. Whether working behind the scenes or serving your evening meal, our staff and crew make sure you enjoy every moment spent onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind. For new bookings that set sail on or after July 1, 2011, the suggested gratuities are:

Waiter:	$3.75 USD	a day per guest
Assistant Waiter:	$2.15 USD	a day per guest
Head Waiter:	$.75 USD	a day per guest
Stateroom Attendant/ Other Housekeeping Services:	$5.00 USD	a day per guest
Suite Attendant/ Other Housekeeping Services:	$7.25 USD	a day per guest

Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest. These guidelines serve as suggestions to help guest express their gratitude for the outstanding service they experience on their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages. Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to any purchases in the bar, dining room, spa services and salon services. Notice to guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

	Pre-paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.
	Added to your onboard SeaPass account.
	Paid in cash at the end of the cruise

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Q:	What is an Onboard Expense Account? How does it work?
A:	An Onboard Expense Account is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services. The account may be set-up with either a credit card or as a cash account.  You may establish a master account and add guests from your stateroom or another stateroom as authorized purchasers on your account. For each purchase made onboard the ship you will receive a receipt at the point of sale.  A final statement will be delivered to your stateroom on the last night of your cruise vacation for your review. Guests that set up an account with a credit card should verify the statement.  If all purchases are correct, they will automatically be billed to the credit card. Guests on a cash account will need to settle their statement onboard prior to disembarking.  The ship will provide you with specific details.

Water, Alcohol and Specialty Restaurants

There have been a couple of questions about amenities on our ship the Rhapsody.  Here is what I have been able to find out.

Q:  Is the water on the ship safe to drink?

A:  Yes. All drinking water is either distilled from seawater or loaded onboard while the ship is in port. Royal Caribbean adheres to Vessel Sanitation Program standards published by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). The USPHS conducts inspections of the ship, both during its construction and throughout the year, to ensure compliance.

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Q:	Can I bring liquor or non-alcoholic beverages (from home or from a port) onboard?
A:	Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from Shops On Board will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing.  Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. Please Note: All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids.

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Although all these restaurants are NOT on the Rhapsody, it gives an idea of what specialty restaurants cost and probably reflects pricing on some of the "Coming Soon" restaurants.


Q:  How much does Chops Grille, Portofino, Mystery Dinner Theater and the Portofino Wine Dinner Series cost?

• A:  Chops Grille has a cover charge of $30 USD per person which includes a complete four-course meal. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soft drinks are offered at current menu prices.

• Portofino has a cover charge of $20 USD per person which includes a complete four-course meal. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soft drinks are offered at current menu prices.

• The Portofino Wine Dinner Series is a cost of $54.50 USD per person, inclusive of dinner, gratuity, wine and water with dinner and specialty coffees. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soft drinks are offered at current menu prices.

• Mystery Dinner Theater is a cost of $49.50 USD per person, inclusive of dinner, gratuity, champagne & hors d'oeuvre reception upon arrival, wine and water with dinner and specialty coffees. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soft drinks are offered at current menu prices.    

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Renovated Rhapsody Cruise Ship

The Royal Caribbean Cruise webpage is now listing the upgrades/renovations to our ship.  Thanks Kelly for pointing this out.  The webpage states these will be completed in Spring, 2012 so we should have some nice new features on the ship.

You can view the list of upgrades by clicking here and then scroll down the page.

Some highlights include:

Rest and Relaxation:

• Vitality^SM Spa with extensive treatment menu
• State-of-the-art Fitness Center, with classes ranging from aerobics to kickboxing to yoga
• 2 pools including the Solarium, an adults only retreat
• 6 whirlpools
• COMING SOON
    Stateroom amenities such as flat screen televisions, new bathrooms and completely remodeled interiors, including new linens and furniture
• COMING SOON
    iPads in every stateroom that will allow guests to access the daily Cruise Compass of events and activities; personal daily itineraries, including shore excursions; monitor their onboard account; order room service; view restaurant menus; access the Internet; and watch movies
• COMING SOON
    Poolside, outdoor movie screen
• COMING SOON
    Concierge Club and Diamond Lounge*

*Concierge Club reserved for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor Society members, and select suite guests. Diamond Lounge available for Diamond and above tier level members.

Action and Adventure:

• Rock-climbing wall
• Upper-deck jogging track
• Video game arcade

Dining Options:

Main Dining Room with complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner

• More complimentary options including the Windjammer Café, Solarium Café, and room service*
• Frozen treats at Ben & Jerry's® Ice Cream*
• Café Latté-tudes, serving Seattle's Best Coffee®*
• COMING SOON
    A la carte menu at the new Viking Crown Lounge featuring bite-sized portions of classic dishes
• COMING SOON
    Complimentary Park Café
• COMING SOON
    Chef's Table intimate dining experience
• COMING SOON
    Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse
• COMING SOON
    Izumi Asian-fusion cuisine, featuring a la carte sushi selections

*Late night service charge applies to room service orders between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Additional charges apply for specialty dining venues. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are charged separately and are offered at current bar menu prices.  Elaine's Note: The dinner options that don't say "complimentary," usually have a small fixed price attached, often $10.00 per person.  I'll see if I can find out more about them.


Kids and Family:

• Complimentary Adventure Ocean® Youth Program
• Royal Babies® and Royal Tots® programming featuring specially designed Fisher Price activities
• Expanded teen-only hangout areas
• Family-friendly activities including games, contests, enrichment classes and lectures
• COMING SOON
    Royal Babies & Tots^SM Nursery

Entertainment:

Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater

• 6,276 square foot Vegas-style Casino Royale® with 162 slots and 11 tables
• 8 bars and lounges that never have a cover, including Shall We Dance Lounge and the Champagne Bar
• Duty-free Shops Onboard featuring name brand jewelry, perfumes, apparel and more
• COMING SOON
    R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic furnishing and signature cocktails created by a savvy and personable mixologist

We should be able to find something to keep us occupied on the ship!!!!

Dinner seating on Rhapsody - 6:00 p.m.

I have received confirmation that we are now all scheduled for the 6:00 p.m. early dinner seating each evening.  The travel agent said she asked for two tables, next to one another, each seating eight. 

This will be nice so we can gather each evening to share the adventures of the day. 

Only 129 days until departure!

Mendelhall Glacier, Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest - JU40

Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest - JU40

Embark on a scenic cruise into Alaskan wilderness that guarantees you will see wildlife, including whales! Travel by deluxe catamaran served by a knowledgeable naturalist and attentive crew. This is a great opportunity to view and learn about whales, sea lions, porpoise, seals, bald eagles and other species of wildlife. Before or after the cruise you'll travel by narrated motorcoach tour to view the Mendenhall Glacier. Ready to reserve this excursion?

Experience Alaska’s premier attractions – glaciers and wildlife – from two very different vantage points: by land and by sea. A narrated motorcoach ride takes you to view and photograph the famous Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor Center you’ll have the opportunity to talk with Forest Service interpreters, and, through interactive exhibits, learn about the awesome force of glacial ice.

Back aboard the motorcoach you’ll take a scenic route through the Mendenhall Valley. At Auke Bay you’ll board a waterjet-powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced captain guides you through the island-studded waters of Stephen’s Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more.

The operators of this tour guarantee you will see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund per person as you disembark the tour vessel. The vessel is restroom equipped, and binoculars and souvenir route maps are provided along with complimentary snacks and beverages. To fully enjoy this excursion, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket – and don’t forget your camera!

Guests should be able to comfortably walk at least 250 yards unassisted on inclined pathways to fully enjoy attractions at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Five hours and 15 minutes; suggested tour time 11:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Pricing: $170.00 adults; $97.00 children

This looks like a really fun trip and will let us see some wildlife and glaciers up close. 

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise line site

White Pass Scenic Railway - SK01

Shore Excursions  - White Pass Scenic Railway - SK01

Not just another train ride! Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass. Against all odds, this iron trail was built through some of the North's most ruggedly beautiful terrain and more than 110 years later, is still in operation. Ride in a comfortable vintage rail car to the White Pass Summit through two tunnels, over sky high trestles, and remote valleys. Pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration point and Dead Horse Gulch as your guide announces points of interest and tells the tale of the Klondike Gold Rush and building of the railway. Reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet, a seat exchange will occur, allowing everyone to experience the excellent views during this round trip rail journey. This narrow gauge railroad is an International historic Civil Engineering Landmark, sharing the honor with the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Panama Canal. Experience this unique railroad that symbolizes accomplishment in the adventure of pioneering - triumph over challenge.

3 hours, 15 minutes
Pricing: $120.00 adults; $60.00 children

Time: 12:40 - 3:55 p.m.

One of the land excursions we plan to take on our Alaskan Cruise.  It has gotten very good reviews from others who have taken it.

View short video

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise website

Exercising on a Cruise Ship

Exercising on a cruise ship may seem like a foreign idea but it’s really easier to do than much other forms of travel because most every cruise ship will have a gym on-board and many have workout sessions planned. Here’s how to keep up your exercise program while on a cruise ship vacation.

Utilize the gym. Most of the time the gyms are at no extra charge so you can use their state of the art equipment such as treadmills, weights and more. The other good thing about working out on board is the view. Most of the gyms have large windows where you can see the ocean, sea or gulf so you won’t even think about the fact that you are exerting yourself.

If you don’t want to go to the gym the ships are so large that you can walk around and sight see while getting your workout accomplished. The upper decks usually have a large area to walk around but if you find inclement weather then you can walk around the massive ship indoors and check out all there is to do. You might even find something you want to do later just by walking around and checking things out.

Last but no least, many ships have workout routines and classes that you can join. Some of these may have a small entry fee while others just require you to show up at a certain time. Inquire at the purser’s desk to see if there are any fitness classes available but most of the time you can find out about these from your ship itinerary.

It really isn’t that hard to keep up with your fitness routine while on a ship cruising along the ocean. In fact, it can be easier because not only do you have a spectacular view, you always have the opportunity to look at everything on the ship and see all of the things to do. Plus, you’re never far from refreshments, a comfortable chair or a restroom.

Source: http://istahc.org/exercising-on-a-cruise-ship.html

Cruise Ship Dining -- A Beginner's Guide

I thought this was a good overview of cruise ship dining.  There isn't anything earth-shaking, but it will go over the different types of dining opportunities available on ships in general.

At present, we still have "anytime" dining on our Alaskan Cruise.  I haven't heard anything from the travel agent as to the first seating availability.

Cruise Ship Dining - A Beginner's Guide.

Cruise Casinos - Gambling at Sea

A little history about gambling on the water and many pointers about cruise ship gambling.  A little background never hurts the odds!!

• History
• Rules of the Games 
• Black Jack 
• Roulette
• Poker
• Craps
• Slots

If you plan to gamble, it is probably a good idea to be familiar with the rules and odds.  The luck of the Irish may not be sufficient!

Spa Anyone?

If you want to know what the inside of the Royal Caribbean Spa looks like, here is a short video.

Take Time to See the Sights

Advice from Alaska Cruise Tours Online:

If you spend only one night at a land location, you will find yourself rushed through the various sights, and will feel as though you didn't get an adequate chance to explore. Don't overbook your shore tours. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore on your own, do some shopping, or just relax.

Taking too many excursions in a port will likely leave you feeling as though you missed something. Tours often take longer than scheduled, so allow at least 1-1/2 hours between excursions. Book your shore excursions early. Some cruise lines allow you to book your shore excursions some time before your cruise begins. Take advantage of this to avoid long lines and disappointments.

It is especially important to do so with excursions that have strictly limited participation, such as those that involve flight-seeing. Seek out tours not promoted by the cruise line. You are not limited in your choices of excursions to just those offered by your cruise line. Often, you can find something that will be much more to your liking than the standard options. Get on the web and do your own research.

Land Tours

There are many land tours which are not connected with a specific cruise line.  And, often the price is lower than what you might get if you book through the cruise line.  However, the tours need to be compared as they do not all cover the same itinerary.  Some individual land tours that sound interesting have been listed on this blog.  But, there are many more. 

Be sure to take a look at some of these tour groups and tour sites for ideas: 

Shore Excursions Group

Alaska org - Juneau
Alaska org - Skagway
Alaskan Tours - Juneau
Alaskan Tours - Skagway
Day Tours in Victoria

Glacier Discovery

Helicopter Glacier Discovery 

Leave all traces of civilization behind and experience the infinite beauty of Alaska's remote glaciers.

Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls, surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular river of ice known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you encounter.

Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily to ensure that you receive the best that the area has to offer. Once you have reached your destination, you will be given the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature's greatest marvels. Enjoy the walking tour of a lifetime as our experienced glacier guides answer all of your questions and show you examples of the awesome forces of nature at work.

Tour includes approximately 40 minutes in the aircraft and 40 minutes on the glacier. Times will vary due to weather and glacier conditions. Space is limited.

Cost: $321.00 per person

Source: Shore Excursions Group

Skagway and White Pass Land Tour

Skagway City and White Pass Summit 

The highlight of your Alaskan experience will begin with a guided mini-coach tour of Skagway’s Historic District. Your guide will explain why Skagway was known as the toughest town on earth during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-99. You will visit historic points of interest such as the Klondike Gold Rush Cemetery (AKA Skagway's Boot Hill), where you will learn of the gunfight between Frank Reid and Soapy Smith, the most famous shootout since the OK Corral.

A stop will also be made at the Scenic Skagway Overlook where your guide will take your picture with the town below, the mountains in the background, and your cruise ship in the harbor.

As you journey up the scenic Klondike Highway you will parallel to the historic White Pass Trail much of the way to the 3,292 foot summit. Along this glacier carved valley are glaciers, thundering waterfalls, majestic mountain vistas and pristine wilderness. Once at the summit, you will descend into the daunting Tormented Valley in British Columbia, Canada. It is this area which inspired the classic authors Robert Service and Jack London. The Tormented Valley is an eco-tone; here two separate ecosystems transform to become the other. After visiting this area of 300 - 400 year old trees known as “Krummholz,” many of which are no taller than chest-high, you will return to Skagway.

During your tour various photo stops will be made to help you maximize your Alaskan experience. Please Note: This tour will be crossing the Canadian border and then back across the US border. As of June 1, 2009 all U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 16 and older traveling between the U.S. and Canada by land, will be required to present a valid passport (or government authorized "enhanced" drivers license.) We recommend you bring a photo I.D. as well. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 15 years old or younger may travel with a certified birth certificate. People of all other citizenships are required to have a photo I.D., a passport, and visa (If required). All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Cost: $52.00 per person, tour not available on Sunday.

Source: Cruise Excursions Group

Juneau Land Tour

Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Juneau is one of the most unique state Capitals in the entire United States. Although Juneau isn’t an island, it is land locked and you can only get to it by air or sea. Your tour begins in the historical downtown district. You will drive through downtown where you will see the streets lined with gift shops, jewelry shops, king crab shacks and local fish restaurants. The tour will take you right by the Governor’s Mansion, Alaska State Capitol and world famous Red Dog Saloon.
 
Departing the downtown area, you will make your way north to the valley area and the Mendenhall Glacier. Along the way you will see boat harbors full of Alaskan fishing boats, boathouses and the Mendenhall Wetland Refuge. On clear days you can see the majestic Chilkat Mountains in the distance.

Once you arrive at the National Park, you will have some time to walk around the Visitor Center, which has an elevated view of the glacier. The Visitor’s Center hosts exhibits as well as a short film about the Juneau Ice Fields. Admission to the visitor center is included in the price of the tour.

For those guests feeling more adventurous, there are several short hiking paths and walking trails around the lake area including Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier face. At the appointed time, meet your guide for the trip back to town.

The tour comes to an end with a stop at famous Douglas Island, a historic mining community, for photo opportunities and panoramic views across the ocean to downtown Juneau. You will then arrive back to the main cruise ship terminal.

Tour cost: Adults: $39.00; Children 2-12: $31.00

Source: Shore Excursions Group

Victoria Bus Tour

Victoria Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus

Discover the sights of Victoria on an open-air bus or classic turn of the century trolley bus. The 90-minute sightseeing tour with on-board commentary gives you a quick way to see the main attractions of this beautiful city. Even better --you can hop on and off the buses at any of the 22 stops giving you the opportunity to see the sights at your own pace! Victoria proves a gentle blend of colonial England and up-to-date Western Canada. 

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. Named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and the Dominion of Canada, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, with British settlement beginning in 1841. The city has retained a large number of its historic buildings, in particular its two most famous landmarks, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings (home of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia) and the Empress hotel. The city's Chinatown is the second oldest in North America after San Francisco's. 

Whether you want to visit the major attractions, spend time shopping, or visit one of the many fine restaurants – this is the tour for you! During peak season one of the buses will be at each stop within 20 minutes so you can move quickly to your next destination.

Price: $30.00 per person NOTE: I THINK THIS TOUR BUS IS NOW OUT OF BUSINESS.

Source: Shore Excursions Group

Photographing Your Cruise

The key to taking photographs on a cruise is that you have to be prepared to work in a lot of different lighting situations: on deck in very bright sunlight, indoors by dim available light, and in both good and bad weather. One of the nice things about shooting digital on a cruise is that most cruise ships have a computer lab or cyber café where you can download and print your images and email them home (via satellite connection) or burn them on to a CD.

One of the blessings of cruising is that you can bring a ton of gear and it's as near as your cabin. If you are a DSLR shooter, bring a pair of zooms (a wide-angle-to-normal and a telephoto zoom) and an accessory flash. If you're making an inland passage or are cruising in an island group like the Bahamas, you'll have many opportunities to photograph scenery from on deck. Coming into port is an especially exciting time, but it happens quickly and often at dawn, so be up early and bring everything you need.

Work from the upper decks and use a wide lens to include the bow or side of the ship for scale and perspective. On breezy days there will be a windward (windy) and leeward (calm) side to the ship; if the scenery is equally nice, shoot from the latter. Most ships publish a daily calendar that is slipped under your door each night by seagoing elves; it lists the next day's events and helps you plan your day's shooting. On a ship, you don't have to worry about not being included in pictures; the ship's photographers will capture your group's every waking moment and post the photos for sale each evening.

Source: Fodors

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Elaine's suggestions:

1. Have at least 8GB of card storage (at 10 megapixels, it will hold nearly 2000 photos)

2. Bring two rechargeable batteries or a handful of disposable ones.

3. Don't forget the battery charger, if you use rechargeable batteries.

4. Although the article above speaks about being able to download photos at a cyber cafe, the computer use charges on ships are horrendous, so don't plan on using the services of the ship.

5. If you have a video camera, considering adding it to your equipment.  Again, bring storage media, battery charger, etc.

6. Have some sort of carrying case which protects your equipment but is not bulky.

7. If you use an SLR camera, bring your telephoto and wide angle lenses.

8. Take many many photos and delete the ones that aren't so good as you go.

9. If you have an iPad or other small laptop, you can use it to download your photos daily, making a second copy just in case your photo card gets corrupted or your camera falls overboard!!!

10. If you don't use your camera much, practice with your camera before the trip so you can quickly snap that photo; get the best photo in bright sun or low light; use the close up and distance settings;  generally understand all the settings of the camera.