SPIRIT to ALASKA May 8 - 15 Review ... LOVED IT!!!

[LambKnuckles]

I think the idea that each train was 7/8 cars long... and now we had 13 cars... I worried that maybe the brakes would be overloaded... We were safe the whole way, so I had nothing to worry about!!!

[LambKnuckles]

 

Looking in one direction and then the other...

[LambKnuckles]

 

 

 

 

[teacher34]

I am sooo excited reading your review and looking at your pictures!! We sail on May 29 and I can't wait! We haven't even started packing yet, but reading everything you've written has given me some ideas! I really appreciate you taking the time to post this terrific review! It is not only really entertaining, but also very helpful. (My husband is hoping we won't see all the snow that you did, but I want to!)

[LambKnuckles]

I have to say.... this was only my 2nd cruise ever and the ONLY reason I was on this cruise is cuz I met Roy/Lambie/Karen on my 1st cruise. Roy and I are alot closer now and he invited me with everyone else's blessing. I am a HUGE fan of the Carribbean because I am a warm weather fan (Living in Tx). I never thought the "frozen tundra" of Alaska would be tolerable but surprisingly enough.... It is!!!! If you ever have the opportunity to cruise Alaska, I highly recommend it. I think Roy and I are planning to go back up in 2014.

 

Jenn (one of the roomies)

 

Roy made this cruise SO WONDERFUL!!! I'm so glad you could be there with us!!!

 

The Roy-cursions we had while we toured the Seattle areas were FANTASTIC!!! He was a GREAT HOST!!!

 

 

Do you think you packed well enough? I have a week to go before I pack, but...

 

I think I packed too much of some and not enough of others. I'd say, take jeans, knowing they will get wet on one or two days, so you'll need to let them dry and wear a different pair. Take a tshirt for each day. A couple long john tshirts or camisoles... I like the long john camisoles, more than the long sleeved ones. And three pull over fleeces or sweatshirts or hoodies. If you tend to be cold, take a parka, but a jacket with lining will work nicely too! You're a few weeks later and I don't think you'll have the COLD cold.

 

Do take rain gear. Waterproof shoes. and Sneakers and sandles. Take your bathing suit, too... but save the space of a cover up and use their bathrobe and towels. I use the long johns as PJs too. I dressed up for the two elegant evenings, but not formals or tuxes. For me it was black slacks and two nice tops.

 

 

Hello,

 

I'm interested to see what Lambie says.... I for one know that I seriously OVER packed! I was in the same room with her and could have probably learned a lesson or two. I had one large suitcase (barely made the weight for the flight up) and came back with a large, 49.8# suitcase and smaller 24# suitcase in addition. Well worth it to have options but when you fly to your port (with all the bag fees and weight restrictions), I need to learn to pack lighter. LOL

 

Jenn (one of the roomies)

 

 

I did it with one BIG suitcase that weighed 50 pounds EXACTLY... and one rolling carry on, that I checked in on the way home, since Southwest Air doesn't charge for two suitcases!

 

I had a BIG over the shoulder carry on and my computer shoulder strap case and a belt pack, also on the way home. I bought souvenirs and didn't have room or weight for the flight home in my check in bags!

 

I truly believe packing can be done in one BIG suitcase for all the clothes and the rolling carry on for incidentals and computer and souvenirs... But if you fly and can check two suitcases... Check two and have another carry on!

[LambKnuckles]

OMG. Keep it coming we are going in May 2013.:D

 

THANK YOU!!! It truly was FUN and I know you'll love your trip in 2013!!!

 

 

Skagway is an AWESOME place. I look forward to seeing your visit to the Red Onion, too! :D (You did go there I hope.....)

 

I just peeked into the Red Onion. I just sight seed.. sight sawed... Just peeked in! I wish I got photos... The weather was so cold and I was tired and I have no excuse except that there was just LOTS to see and LOTS to shop!!!

 

I have the rest of the after noon to still post for Skagway...

Beautiful pictures. Loved how the scenery changed as you climbed up the mountain and had more snow.

 

It really was wonderful and dramatic!!! The train was GREAT and I'm so glad I didn't miss it!!!

[LambKnuckles]

Lambie, Lambie, Lambie......reading your reviews is like reading a well plotted, researched and written novel! I love them all! Thank you for taking the time to do this, I feel like I'm in Alaska! Without the snow and burrrr.....cold. You never have to worry about using too many pictures..they are awesome!!

 

I hope one day, to be able to cruise with you! I don't think there would be a boring moment (not that there are anyway but you know what I mean, right?) and I have no doubt I would learn a wealth of information about so many things.

 

Thank you again for your wonderful review!! :D I cannot wait to read the remaining chapters! ;)

 

THANKS!!! I'm blushing... :o I hope we cruise together someday, too. I love to see things through other's eyes, too!!!

 

I know what you mean about never boring!!! I know there is so MUCH I didn't do on this cruise and in these ports... but that's why it's fun to go back!!

 

I promise I'll get this done, little by little!!!

I am sooo excited reading your review and looking at your pictures!! We sail on May 29 and I can't wait! We haven't even started packing yet, but reading everything you've written has given me some ideas! I really appreciate you taking the time to post this terrific review! It is not only really entertaining, but also very helpful. (My husband is hoping we won't see all the snow that you did, but I want to!)

 

I'm hoping your hubby is right!!! And I think the snow will be gone, unless of course you take the train... It may still be in the mountains!!!

 

But the early season costs less because of the weather and it's before school is out for most. It's the "budget" time to cruise... and that helped!!!

 

I'm glad you've found some helpful ideas!!! I can't wait to hear how you loved your cruise!!!

[navybaby1113]

Gorgeous pictures! I can't wait to see more!

[LambKnuckles]

Once the train returned us to the ship... We stood in the WIND, back to the wind, and slowing reboard the ship. Brrrrrrrrr... BRRRRRRRR...

 

 

 

 

SOUP!!! I NEEDED SOUP!!! I found the best Cream of Potato and Leek soup... I would have named it Cream of Butter soup with some potatoes and leek flavoring... BOY, it was HOT, delicious, and RICH!!!

 

 

After some lunch and donning the rain parka... I left to head into town for shopping and touring. It rained off and on, heavy and light. The wind didn't give up much, but being able to go in and out of stores, it wasn't too bad! There is a $5 bus that will take you back and forth to town, but the walk isn't too bad.

 

 

Here's how far it is... I'm still on board taking this shot...

 

 

 

 

I walked and the first store I saw, the Skagway Mining Company, I entered!!! ...and proceeded to "de-robe" down to my fleece and tshirt. I tied my jacket around my waist, rolled up the rain parka, and shopped. Had I known it -- these would be the best souvenir prices, but I window shopped.

 

 

... then headed on into more of the town, and turned right onto the main street.

 

 

The Red Onion... a bar with a brothel upstairs!!

 

 

 

 

 

There is more to the town too!!!

 

 

 



 

 

[LambKnuckles]

 

 

 

 

I found a hardware store that had some souvenirs and bought an Ulu pocket knife for my DD... and some other things... Went on to more stores. There is one, a BOGO store that had lots of Sarah Palin items -- Buy One Get One Free. There is a delicious Fudge Store!!! YUMMMM YUMMMM!!! And a post office to send the things back home, so you don't have overage in weight for flying. The Priority Post prices are US prices... about $15 for a midsized package; but the freight prices were lower, but took about two to three weeks...

 

 

 

 

Every store would tell us that it should be in the 60s, for May... But this weather was unseasonably cold! I don't think the rain was out of season -- but the cold was!

 

 

Souvenirs are from Canada, Alaska, and Russia... But mostly Alaska. Be sure to look, because, like everywhere, many items are made in China...

 

 

Coming back to the ship, about a 9 - 15 minute walk... INTO the wind, and BRISK and BRRRRRRRRRRRRR...

 

 

[Crusin Karen]

OMG...you are SO BRAVE. I keep thinking of that book I read to my boys when they were little: The Little Engine That Could. I think your attitude is just awesome. As much as I want to see Alaska, after looking at that excursion I am thinking of the white sand and turqoise water and umbrella drinks in the Caribbean! :eek::confused: This is such a treat to read! Thank you for sharing all this with us!

[billsrobb]

THANK YOU!!! It truly was FUN and I know you'll love your trip in 2013!!!

 

 

 

 

I just peeked into the Red Onion. I just sight seed.. sight sawed... Just peeked in! I wish I got photos... The weather was so cold and I was tired and I have no excuse except that there was just LOTS to see and LOTS to shop!!!

 

I have the rest of the after noon to still post for Skagway...

 

 

It really was wonderful and dramatic!!! The train was GREAT and I'm so glad I didn't miss it!!!

 

A good friend of mine business card is on the wall at the Red Onion.

[LambKnuckles]

We don't sail from Skagway till 9:00PM... but it was just too cold and wet to stay ashore that long... I was back on board just before dinner.

 

Then, saw a Family Friendly Comedy Show at Punchliners... and the Game of Love. Kelli and Kevin, from our facebook group were chosen as the 25 year couple... They had just celebrate and renewed their marriage while the ship did its 360 in front of the glacier in Tracy Arm...

 

All the couples received their bottle of champagne... and a congratulations... and the show was a hoot!!

 

After the game... my nightly rueben and tonight, a hot cocoa and sitting on the Serenity Deck, just watching Alaska go by!!!

 

On our way to Juneau!!!

 

 

[ksat]

Lambie,

Loving the review. We did this cruise the last part of August last year. We took the bus into Canada and the trail down and went to Liarsville for a Salmon bake. Re living our cruise through your review and loving the pictures.

[Crusin Karen]

Sounds like a relaxing night for you~ pictures of the town remind me of the show Northern Exposure which I loved. Where's the moose? :confused:

[silvercrikhix]

 

I love the blue tints in the snow drifts in this pic, and the faraway looking bridge.

Nice shot!

Soooo enjoying this review!

Edited May 26, 2012 by silvercrikhix

[CanWeGoYet?]

I'm loving your review too! Even though I loved my excursion with Dyea Dave I have to say your train ride looks amazing. Now I wish I had done both. We saw a lot of snow as well, but your shots from the train are amazing. I can see why a train got stuck.

 

I remember that cold wind when walking back to the ship in skagway. Brrrr!

 

We did some shopping in skagway as well. A tip to everyone, make sure to take the coupon book with you that is left in your cabin. I was so deluged with paper stuff everyday (and eager to get out on the excursions) I forgot to bring it with me. Hardly looked through it. Only when I was wanting to buy stuff like an Ulu did I recall seeing I could have got the better one for quite a bit cheaper - I remembered then but didn't want to run back to the ship for it.

 

This was my first cruise to Alaska too, and I'm glad I went early season. Not only for the savings but because as far as I'm concerned, if you are going to alaska you might as well see snow.

[TheCalicoCat]

I found the best Cream of Potato and Leek soup... I would have named it Cream of Butter soup with some potatoes and leek flavoring... BOY, it was HOT, delicious, and RICH!!!

[/img][/center]

 

I find most cruise food to be too rich.:o

Edited May 26, 2012 by TheCalicoCat

[LambKnuckles]

While the night was dark... the ship sailed on to Juneau! The drizzle and rain followed.

 

 

 

 



 



 

Deciding on the rain parka... all is well!! My debate was, do I need my rain pants?? ... I decided against them and actually never wore them... I could have saved room. (But I could have used them today!) I was greateful for my weatherproof on the leather loafers. My toes stayed dry... but just not warm enough...

We're only in port til 2:30... and so much to do... Mendenhall Glacier... From the overlook

 

 



 



 

 

[LambKnuckles]

The Tram...

 

But the clouds start before the top of the tram... I don't think there will be a view...

 

The ship... The Chopstick line... it ALWAYS has some good soup!!! ...and I'm COLD and in need of soup!

 

Now, shopping... And shopping is right off the ship... that's where it starts!! There's a whole town of shopping and discovering.

 

 

[LambKnuckles]

...and that town... NOT FAR at all!!!

 



 



 

Look who's here...

 

 

I walked into a jewelery store... the man said, free, something free for the guests off the SPIRIT... and I got a small crystal stone in a plastic bag. "Oh, it's your birthday, you've taken a cruise for your birthday?" Why did I open my mouth??? "That means Emerald is your birthstone. Let me show you this." ...and they showed me a beautiful necklace and bracelet... the price started at $13 thousand for all... they came down to $6450 immediately... then $5750, then $5175, then an even $5000. "Oh, your birthday was on the 7th, OK, $4700. We want a 7 in it. Then they settled on $4000, tax included. And, remember, you don't have to declare or list this. You bought it in the US of A!"

 

I managed to say no and leave. I'd had a bottle of water, a cup of hot coffee, and they gave me a Mother's Day gift or a silvertone bangle, too.

 

Back on the ship, standing on the balcony, we watched the "dock runners"... well, wanderers. No one seemed in a hurry to board.

 

[CanWeGoYet?]

Once again, love your photos! Chopsticks was my go to place for lunch too.

 

Did you try the sushi at the little sushi station (not on lido, on one of the lower decks)?

[ksat]

Lambie, it rained on us in Juneau in August and that was probably the coldest day for us but we still had fun shopping.

[LambKnuckles]

Just watching the scenes go by and relaxing brought us to dinner time. Then, after dinner and dessert...

 

 

It was time for Karaoke fun, in Club Cool. This is one bar where smoking is allowed... I had avoided this bar, but tonight, it was time to see and hear some Karaoke.

 

 



 



 

 

[coastalkate]

I have a whale watching photo safari booked for Juneau on the 23rd of June...I'll be one sad soggy camper if that's our most cold/wet day. I was sort of "counting" on Ketchikan for that! ;) Oh, well. It's a vacation either way I suppose.

Edited May 26, 2012 by coastalkate
wrong date