luvteaching

Just got off the Westerdam on Sunday and one blue bag was in the suitcase!

Good Evening Dailyites, FIrst of all a great thank you to @kazu Jacqui for posting for me while we were on the Westerdam cruise. It was totally frustrating as I couldn't log in to Cruise Critic and I'd not had that problem before. As you may remember we had azipod issues and ended up not getting too close at all to Hubbard Glacier, arriving about 2 hours late to Sitka and then missed both Ketchikan and Victoria. We were given $100.00 each in nonrefundable onboard credit. DH and I were fine with everything. We were cruising and enjoying ourselves. Others were not happy and I heard that the Ask the Captain event got quite raucous with unhappy folks. I'm glad I wasn't there! It would have been nice if the $100.00 each was refundable but that's the way it goes. We got off the ship in Seattle at 9:20 AM, our bags were the only ones in the "pink" area so easy to identify (and they were all there), got a porter and, for the first time, there were long lines to clear customs. It took about 10 minutes or so. Got DH's scooter and walker returned to the Scootaround kiosk, got a wheelchair person to take him to the passenger pick-up area, and I rode the shuttle to the car park (at the Armory - great people). I was back to pick him up and we were on the road at 10:30 AM, took one quick stretch break on the way home and we were in the driveway at 12:01. I still have one suitcase to unpack but it's full of clean clothes so I can do that tomorrow. It was a good trip, even with the missed ports, and we'd get back on the Westerdam in a heartbeat. We didn't venture far, I didn't walk the promenade deck (for the first time ever) and we absolutely loved the quartet at the Lincoln Center Stage! Karen

DH and I just disembarked the Westerdam and had a lovely cruise. We weren't at Meet the Captain but were told by several that it turned into an ugly mess. Personally I was on a cruise ship and on vacation so I was fine. I appreciated the $100.00 in onboard credit (it would have been even nicer if it had been refundable but I found plenty to spend it on). We didn't get as close to Hubbard Glacier as we have in the past and we got into Sitka a couple of hours late and the on-board time was the same. They told us that morning that HAL was flying in some experts for the azipod. We were told later that we'd leave at 6:00 and we pulled out right about that time. Yes we missed Ketchikan. In Victoria we stayed at anchorage and did not dock. They sent in staff with the customs forms and other paperwork by tender. We left Victoria just after 9:00 PM and made it to Seattle by early morning. We were told that the earlier we got there the earlier they could get the azipod worked on. I felt Captain Smit was very open and aboveboard with us and did a great job of keeping us updated. If you look at my signature you can see that this wasn't our first cruise and we were happy just to be on a ship and on vacation.

Good evening, I heartily endorse the "Sweet Potato Pie..." book. I've not seen the movie. Another book I really enjoyed set in this area is The Girl from the Channel Isands by Jenny Lecoat. We're getting ready to sail on the Westerdam on Sunday. Due to DH's medical issues I've worked hard not to get excited but we have negative Covid tests (waiting on Verifly to ok them) and the suitcases are out. Since this is cruise #21 to Alaska packing is fairly quick and easy. We upgraded to SS 8068 and pictures will be taken and submitted. Those riding on the glass elevator can see our deck but we are looking forward to the location. The weather in Alaska is rain for the week but we'll be fine. Karen

Looking forward to this report Lisa. You and @dobiemom Marcia have a great time! Karen

MIssed the sail in. A number of years ago we arrived in Juneau on July 4th and I remember all the sirens and we could see some of the parade from the ship! That was fun. Karen PS: It's 10 degrees warmer in Juneau than on my front porch!

THanks for the wishes @dobiemom. After all DH's issues since December I'm not allowing myself to get excited until about Thursday! He's all set and has told me if I want to stay home he'll go by himself! How he plans to do that since he doesn't drive, doesn't pack, etc. I have no idea. I have to like his spunk. Enjoy your trip! Karen