Ryndam 9/18-25, 2005

[BaBaG]

Just booked our first Alaskan cruise on the Ryndam, 9/18-25, 2005. Any others booked on this same cruise? If so, would love to hear from you.

Since this our first Alaskan cruise, we're looking for suggestions of "must see" and "just skip it!" Ports are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

Thanks for input! This will be our 11th cruise -- all Caribbean until now.

Barbara and Frank

[RuthC]

Well, the "must see" is easy---everything in Alaska is a must see! It's the type of place that can't be absorbed in only one visit; you'll come home wanting to go back again and again.

What do you like to do? In Juneau you can go out to Mendenahll Glacier, walk the trails, see the exhibits. There is a very, very good museum a fairly short walk from the ship. Take the Mt Roberts tram (on a clear day) to walk the trails and catch the view. Stop in the Red Dog Saloon for a drink, maybe a bite to eat, to catch the show and the atmosphere.

Skagway is one of my favorite towns---except for all the ships and tourists it looks like the Gold Rush days. Walk around the town or take the old-time cars around. Go look at the front of the Arctic Brotherhood Lodge. Take the White Pass and Yukon Railroad up to the top; you can return the same way or by bus. There is a Park Service outpost with lots of exhibits and a very good film.

In Ketchikan you can take a walk along Creek Street. Do stop in to Dolly's house. ;) The woman certainly did like pink.

There is a wealth of information in the Alaska ports of call forum on this board. Head on over and just start reading for a while.
And if you have time I suggest you (re-)read Mitchner's Alaska before you go.

[dakrewser]

Since this our first Alaskan cruise, we're looking for suggestions of "must see" and "just skip it!" Ports are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

Take a look at our pictures and commentary from two previous Alaska cruises here (http://vquill.com/gallery/Diary.html)and here (http://vquill.com/gallery/alaska&bc.html).

We'll be back in Alaska 9/3-15 (on the Infinity out of San Francisco), but the pix from that trip will be too late to do you much good! :)

[BaBaG]

DAKrewser --Thanks so much! Your diaries and pics are spectacular. I THOUGHT I was excited earlier today but now I'm REALLY excited. I've printed out everything so DH and I can remember and take advantage.

Thanks!
Barbara and Frank

[BaBaG]

Thanks, Ruth C! You've given us direction and LOTS of good advice/suggestions. Haven't checked out the Alaska ports section yet. So much to read and think about! I've never read Mitchner's Alaska but I'll be checking it out this weekend.

We were already pchy'd -- and now we're giddy! Guess we'll spend the next 9 months reading and making notes of places/things to see. Thanks for giving us such a great start.

Happy Sailing!
Barbara and Frank