Oosterdam July 2, 2005

[krittykat]

First time cruiser - got a VB cabin (6030). Anyone have suggestions of must see/must do on the ship and on land? What about the teen program? What would you recommend for sightseeing tours - like wildlife and culture. Not into flying.

I have read the messages and can't wait for July. Alaska bound with hubby and our 13 year old daughter.

Krittykat

[RuthC]

What ports will you be stopping at? There are some great wildlife tours in Juneau and Sitka that I recall happily. Skagway is a real fun port. HAL has some kids/teens-only shore excursions that your daughter might want to check on.

Alaska excursions are expensive---HAL or privately booked. My first suggestion is that you budget well for this expense as Alaska is one of the most beautiful cruises you can take.

Second suggestion is that you also do some research on the ports of call board. There is a wealth of information there.

Come back with the list of ports and I'm sure we can give you things to think about.

[dakrewser]

Get lot's of sleep before you go. When we did this in July a couple of year's ago (see pics & diary here (http://vquill.com/gallery/Diary.html)), my wife would only sleep from sundown to sunup - about 4 hours a day!

[krittykat]

We will be stopping in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. (also Victoria but I have been there many times).
This is our big splurge. First time cruise and all. Daughter is excited and says she would be content to stay with us but if there are any kids her age, I think she will say goodbye and we won't see her until we disembark.
I am looking for any helpful suggestions, ideas, etc since this is all very new to me. I heard the Pinnacle Grill is a must. Can one make reservations ahead of time (prior to the cruise?):)

[Mrs B]

We will be on the July 2nd cruise as well with our sons ages 26 and 18. We were on the Oosterdam for New Years and had a very nice time. Both of our sons always enjoyed Club Hal so I'm sure your daughter will as well.

We just booked Captain Larry for Juneau and are busily looking at other excursions as well.

Pinnacle grill is great. First night is $10.00. You can book in advance by calling HAL. If your daughter likes soda, order the soda card through HAL. It is on their website on the gift order form. Much less expensive to order in advance as they do not add tax and gratuity.

Any other questions, let me know.

[RuthC]

O.K. I'm back. I was trying to answer last night when CC crashed. :mad:

Juneau---you can go out to Mendenhall Glacier, walk the trails, visit the exhibit. Check out the little streams---you might see salmon resting in some of the side pools.
Take the tram up Mt Roberts to catch the view and walk the trails. Wait until you get to Juneau before you decide to do this as if it's too cloudy/foggy/rainy you won't have any excursion $$$ tied up.
Visit the State Museum. It's a fairly short walk from the docks and is full of interesting exhibits.
You must stop in the Red Dog Saloon for a drink/bite to eat/catch the show. Bring a business card if you have one.

Sitka---I loved the HAL Wildlife quest. Saw every critter I could hope to see, including a pair of bald eagles.
The Bishop's House, St. Michael's Church, the New Archangel Dancers are all worth yor time.
Sheldon Jackson Musem is a good visit, and a nice stop before or after the Totem Park.

Ketchikan---walk along Creek Street and look down in the water. Do you see salmon?
Visit Dolly's House. The woman certainly did like pink.

Well, there's a start for you. I'm sure many others will have many more ideas for you. Most of all enjoy this very special part of America.

[barefootguy]

What to do on the O'dam... With you being in cabin 6xxx... Walk all the way forward to the bow on your deck, there's a door that goes out to a very "private" deck overlooking the ship's bow & all below. Enjoy it, as you will probably be the only guys out there. Stop by the link to my web site for pics from this neat little place... Door may be closed at night or during heavy seas.