wolfie11

These places are all located along the dock on the walk to the Swiftwater Cafe. There are no customs or immigration to clear in Whittier. You can get on and off the ship all day. I also really like the shorter boat tour offered to Blackstone Bay. There’s a small museum in Begich Tower, which is where 95% of the residents live and a dive bar in the old hotel. In the old days they used to let the crew off at around 2am to go party at the bar, but I don’t think they do that anymore.

Expensive. Stops for coffee, ice cream, home made fudge, local gifts, and a really cool hardware, marine supply, and souvenir store.

No idea. Probably late 2024?

Love Whittier! I have been on the 26 Glacier cruise many times. I’ve also spent a lot of time in Seward, and done most of the tours as well as spending quite a bit of time in both places on private and research boats. I much prefer Whittier. It’s great on a turnaround day. I can do laundry, wander through town, eat at the Swiftwater Cafe, go for a hike, or just sit somewhere and enjoy the day.

You can usually purchase the transfer on board from shore excursions.

Ray Troll retired. He’s still doing art and tee shirts but the shop is closed.

Icy Strait Point or Sitka have the best halibut fishing.

It’s weather dependent. On clear, warm days it’s nice. On cold, rainy days you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.

I’m a marine biologist. I worked on a similar project and knew where the data was. 😁

My favorite cruise line is coming to my favorite state! Can’t wait to watch the glaciers go by from my red hammock.

E107 is a male and was branded as a pup in 2007 at the Chiswell Islands, which are near Seward. He’s 17 years old, which makes him a senior citizen in male sea lion years.

I know Pete. He’s an excellent naturalist and has great lectures!

Don’t forget the local Doughboy for dessert.

Yes, although I think it was a bit spotty.

There’s no guarantee they’re ever going to be able to fix the road, although they say 2026. I’m going this May and taking the shuttle in as far as I can.

Way too many sea days. Other cruise lines on that route are offering stops in Reunion, Madagascar, Durban, Gambia, or Casablanca.

67? Depends on whether you were turning around at Stony Overlook or at Eielson.

The shuttle runs continuously. $3 per ride or $5 for the day. Halibut and chips at Skagway Brewing is great!

Highly recommend using your smartphone to pay. I’ve travelled literally around the world in the last few years and it is accepted almost everywhere. Very secure. You never have to get out or hand over your credit card.

68 ships this year vs 50 last year

Oh, I’d never stay at Pan Pacific at those prices. I got a room at the Holiday Inn Express at the airport for under $200.

No, one is not better than the other. However, the weather and snow conditions may be better on one versus the other.

Early October is not a terrible time to visit Alaska. As mentioned, many shops and shore excursions might not be open. The odds for bad weather increase quite a bit starting in mid-September, but if you are used to UK weather you should be ok. Bear in mind though that’s it’s not just the weather on land, it’s the hurricane-force winds and 10 meter seas you have to contend with.

Those are the only rooms available on that date.

Nice price. Pricing is dynamic and changes all the time.