Summit/Inside Passage July 1 (Part 2) Long

[Coadysmom]

Part 1 - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=206567

 

Day 2 – At sea

 

We awoke very early. The night before I had placed an order for hot tea to be delivered at 7:00..Right on the bell, there was a knock at the door and my tea was set up on the balcony for me to enjoy. From that point on, I ordered it for 6:00 am each morning. Anway, we took our time getting ready and joined our friends at the Waterfall Café for breakfast. A quick review of the offerings led me to the waffle bar and the omelete bar. I had heard about the wonderful waffles and they were very light and fluffy. My omelet was perfect. There was some brief language problems at the bread station when I asked for sourdough bread, but nothing that couldn’t be overcome with a little pointing.

 

 

 

Now on to the spa and my facial. A wonderful South African woman spent an hour pampering me with creams and lotions and treatments. I must have enjoyed it, as I fell fast asleep. I really can’t comment on much except that it was relaxing. There was no big sales pitch (I was prepared), only a recommendation for some booster (on which I passed).

 

 

 

I had to hurry so that I wouldn’t miss lunch. DH was waiting for me in the room when I got back and we hurried to the Waterfall Café. He went with the buffet line again. This time I tried the grill by the pool. I ordered a burger smothered with grilled onions and it was pretty good. There is still no place that can top my local marina for a good burger, but these burgers were better than most that you get. The fries were fresh and stayed hot. We went to the back of the Waterfall Café and sat outside, even though it was dreary. The scenery along the inside passage is simply stunning and we didn’t want to be inside. I did make note that blue jeans were quite acceptable during the day on ship, so no worries.

 

 

 

After spending some time on our balcony once again, it was time for my massage. I had purchased a massage for myself and my best friend. While our husbands napped, we were treated to a very deep luxurious set of massages. If you go for a massage in the Aquaspa on the Summit, be sure and ask for Mabel. She’s a wonder with those hands. During the massage, I heard an announcement over the speaker system for what seemed to be a medical emergency. Later we found out, there was indeed a passenger with problems that had to leave the cruise. Again, I am so relaxed at the end of this treatment, all I want is a nap. But it was getting late and the first formal night was upon us. While we were getting ready for dinner, a small pilot boat came up next to us and the passenger who had to leave the ship for medical reasons was transferred to the pilot boat and whisked away.

 

 

 

We had considered getting showered and dressed in the Aquaspa since there is so much room and large makeup mirrors, but went ahead and went back to our rooms. I had wondered down to the emporium to look through the shops and was mesmerized by a necklace and earring set that I saw to go with my formal gown. I had planned to wear a beautiful pearl and crystal choker that I had inherited from my mother, but had left it at home. While the new necklace was a different look, it was gorgeous and I was smitten when I saw it. Our goal was to be on time for dinner this evening. We might have made it except that I didn’t know that I would have to dress myself and then help my DH get into his tuxedo. A certain amount of uncertainty went along with dressing DH in a tuxedo. He had initially said that he would wear a dark suit. Then my girlfriends DH decided he was going to rent a tux aboard ship, so my DH decided that he had to wear a tux. And he wasn’t going to rent one, so we had ended up buying a tux and two different vests and ties for the cruise.

 

 

 

We missed it by a little, but made it before the doors closed. Once again, our wait staff was exuberant, delightful and more than willing to satisfy. I told our waiter Damir, that I was a plain eater and really didn’t like the salads offered. He asked if I would like a wedge of iceberg lettuce instead. It worked for me and I experimented with the dressings. Once again our tablemates were enjoyable. We had decided to revolve around the table each night, so that each person would get a view of the ocean as we dined. On this night, as with all subsequent nights, our bartender Milton had my diet coke waiting at my seat before I arrived. Everyone ordered something different and we were all pleased with out choices. Crème Brulee was one the dessert menu this night. I certainly took advantage of it. I subsequently asked for Crème Brulee on another night when it wasn’t served, and our asst maitre’d came to our table and said that he’d be glad to have the whole table served Crème Brulee on the next night that we were together.

 

 

 

Having enjoyed another fine dining experience, we stopped by the Rendezvous lounge for an after dinner drink and caught the dance band again, sounding just as wonderful as they had the night before. After a while, our friends went to the production show in the theatre, DH and I walked the ship and then decided to go upstairs to the Bar at the Edge of the Earth. I wasn’t too impressed with all the fabric draping, but the lounge beds made it very comfortable to watch the ocean. DH was getting very uptight in his tux but I had showed him in the dailies where it asked that the dining attire for the evening be worn in all public places during the evening, so he relented. None the less, I could tell he was getting more and more fed up with the tie, so I told him we’d go back to the room and change. I’d gotten him into a tux for a few hours. I figured I was ahead of the game. I will say that aver half of the men in the dining room wore dark suits. DH was very dashing but said that on the next cruise, he’d wear a suit and forego the tux.

 

 

 

We went back to the Bar at the Edge of the Earth for Karoake night. What fun! I never miss a chance for Karaoke. There were ongoing problems with the microphones, but the night was great nevertheless. “Karaoke Bob” became a hit with his rendition of ‘Family Traditions” by Hank Williams, complete with a beer in his hand. As midnight approached we retired to our room to await our first stop the next morning.

 

 

 

Day 3 – Ketchikan

 

The day started very early with my tea delivered at 6:00 and breakfast at 6:30. We had a shore excursion booked with Michelle and Island Wings to go flightseeing at 7:45. We were off the ship by 7:15 and worrying about whether or not we’d get off the ground. It was raining and the wind was blowing a lot. I had my rain gear, but it proved to be too much for the wind. I would have to get a jacket. I have a lot of jackets at home, but brought none. First clothing mistake. We met with Jarod from Island Wings at the appointed time and he informed us that it was too bad to fly at this point. He told us we might be able to get up at 9:45 and offered us the option meet him back at that time. Although we had another excursion scheduled at 10:45, we agreed to meet back to see if the weather would lift enough to fly. We went window shopping a while. Visited the Cultural Center in town. It was very informative and where we first learned that this part of Alaska is actually a temporal Rain Forest!

 

 

 

We walked back to meet with Island Wings again only to be notified that it still was too dangerous to fly, so we were told that we’d get our deposit back. We went off to our Ketchikan by Trolley excursion and enjoyed the horse drawn view of the town as well as the narration of the history of Ketchikan and the folklore associated wit the totem poles within the town. We stopped shortly at Creek Street but soon it was time to do some last minute shopping (for that jacket) and back to the ship. This was a short day at port. We had to be back onboard by 1:45 pm. I wished we had longer in Ketchikan. We did some shopping at Julie’s Jewelry in town. I always get a piece of Swarovski crystal on each vacation. So we stopped by and she had very good prices so I purchased a large eagle and had it shipped home.

 

 

 

That afternoon, we had a late lunch and then I went to the Aqua Spa and DH retired to the room. I lounged in the T-Pool and then worked my way through each of the steam rooms.

 

Soon it was time for dinner again. This was informal night, so we dressed down a little. Still felt good to have a skirt and heels on though. We live in the country on a lake and the most I ever do is put on a clean pair of blue jeans to drive 20 miles to the nearest store (Walmart) for groceries. Any chance to get dressed feels good. DH has on his dockers and a sports jacket and looks great. We are on time for dinner this evening. I live to be pampered by Damir and Piotr and Milton at the dinner table. I believe that we had tenderloin with a wonderful Bernaise sauce on this night. Although overdone, my tenderloin was still melt in your mouth tender.

 

 

 

After dinner and our customary after dinner drinks in the Rendezvous Lounge, our friends go to see the ventriloquist and we spend a few bucks at the casino and then retire early.

[crazidude1400]

Part 1 - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=206567

 

Day 2 – At sea

 

We awoke very early. The night before I had placed an order for hot tea to be delivered at 7:00..Right on the bell, there was a knock at the door and my tea was set up on the balcony for me to enjoy. From that point on, I ordered it for 6:00 am each morning. Anway, we took our time getting ready and joined our friends at the Waterfall Café for breakfast. A quick review of the offerings led me to the waffle bar and the omelete bar. I had heard about the wonderful waffles and they were very light and fluffy. My omelet was perfect. There was some brief language problems at the bread station when I asked for sourdough bread, but nothing that couldn’t be overcome with a little pointing.

 

 

 

Now on to the spa and my facial. A wonderful South African woman spent an hour pampering me with creams and lotions and treatments. I must have enjoyed it, as I fell fast asleep. I really can’t comment on much except that it was relaxing. There was no big sales pitch (I was prepared), only a recommendation for some booster (on which I passed).

 

 

 

I had to hurry so that I wouldn’t miss lunch. DH was waiting for me in the room when I got back and we hurried to the Waterfall Café. He went with the buffet line again. This time I tried the grill by the pool. I ordered a burger smothered with grilled onions and it was pretty good. There is still no place that can top my local marina for a good burger, but these burgers were better than most that you get. The fries were fresh and stayed hot. We went to the back of the Waterfall Café and sat outside, even though it was dreary. The scenery along the inside passage is simply stunning and we didn’t want to be inside. I did make note that blue jeans were quite acceptable during the day on ship, so no worries.

 

 

 

After spending some time on our balcony once again, it was time for my massage. I had purchased a massage for myself and my best friend. While our husbands napped, we were treated to a very deep luxurious set of massages. If you go for a massage in the Aquaspa on the Summit, be sure and ask for Mabel. She’s a wonder with those hands. During the massage, I heard an announcement over the speaker system for what seemed to be a medical emergency. Later we found out, there was indeed a passenger with problems that had to leave the cruise. Again, I am so relaxed at the end of this treatment, all I want is a nap. But it was getting late and the first formal night was upon us. While we were getting ready for dinner, a small pilot boat came up next to us and the passenger who had to leave the ship for medical reasons was transferred to the pilot boat and whisked away.

 

 

 

We had considered getting showered and dressed in the Aquaspa since there is so much room and large makeup mirrors, but went ahead and went back to our rooms. I had wondered down to the emporium to look through the shops and was mesmerized by a necklace and earring set that I saw to go with my formal gown. I had planned to wear a beautiful pearl and crystal choker that I had inherited from my mother, but had left it at home. While the new necklace was a different look, it was gorgeous and I was smitten when I saw it. Our goal was to be on time for dinner this evening. We might have made it except that I didn’t know that I would have to dress myself and then help my DH get into his tuxedo. A certain amount of uncertainty went along with dressing DH in a tuxedo. He had initially said that he would wear a dark suit. Then my girlfriends DH decided he was going to rent a tux aboard ship, so my DH decided that he had to wear a tux. And he wasn’t going to rent one, so we had ended up buying a tux and two different vests and ties for the cruise.

 

 

 

We missed it by a little, but made it before the doors closed. Once again, our wait staff was exuberant, delightful and more than willing to satisfy. I told our waiter Damir, that I was a plain eater and really didn’t like the salads offered. He asked if I would like a wedge of iceberg lettuce instead. It worked for me and I experimented with the dressings. Once again our tablemates were enjoyable. We had decided to revolve around the table each night, so that each person would get a view of the ocean as we dined. On this night, as with all subsequent nights, our bartender Milton had my diet coke waiting at my seat before I arrived. Everyone ordered something different and we were all pleased with out choices. Crème Brulee was one the dessert menu this night. I certainly took advantage of it. I subsequently asked for Crème Brulee on another night when it wasn’t served, and our asst maitre’d came to our table and said that he’d be glad to have the whole table served Crème Brulee on the next night that we were together.

 

 

 

Having enjoyed another fine dining experience, we stopped by the Rendezvous lounge for an after dinner drink and caught the dance band again, sounding just as wonderful as they had the night before. After a while, our friends went to the production show in the theatre, DH and I walked the ship and then decided to go upstairs to the Bar at the Edge of the Earth. I wasn’t too impressed with all the fabric draping, but the lounge beds made it very comfortable to watch the ocean. DH was getting very uptight in his tux but I had showed him in the dailies where it asked that the dining attire for the evening be worn in all public places during the evening, so he relented. None the less, I could tell he was getting more and more fed up with the tie, so I told him we’d go back to the room and change. I’d gotten him into a tux for a few hours. I figured I was ahead of the game. I will say that aver half of the men in the dining room wore dark suits. DH was very dashing but said that on the next cruise, he’d wear a suit and forego the tux.

 

 

 

We went back to the Bar at the Edge of the Earth for Karoake night. What fun! I never miss a chance for Karaoke. There were ongoing problems with the microphones, but the night was great nevertheless. “Karaoke Bob” became a hit with his rendition of ‘Family Traditions” by Hank Williams, complete with a beer in his hand. As midnight approached we retired to our room to await our first stop the next morning.

 

 

 

Day 3 – Ketchikan

 

The day started very early with my tea delivered at 6:00 and breakfast at 6:30. We had a shore excursion booked with Michelle and Island Wings to go flightseeing at 7:45. We were off the ship by 7:15 and worrying about whether or not we’d get off the ground. It was raining and the wind was blowing a lot. I had my rain gear, but it proved to be too much for the wind. I would have to get a jacket. I have a lot of jackets at home, but brought none. First clothing mistake. We met with Jarod from Island Wings at the appointed time and he informed us that it was too bad to fly at this point. He told us we might be able to get up at 9:45 and offered us the option meet him back at that time. Although we had another excursion scheduled at 10:45, we agreed to meet back to see if the weather would lift enough to fly. We went window shopping a while. Visited the Cultural Center in town. It was very informative and where we first learned that this part of Alaska is actually a temporal Rain Forest!

 

 

 

We walked back to meet with Island Wings again only to be notified that it still was too dangerous to fly, so we were told that we’d get our deposit back. We went off to our Ketchikan by Trolley excursion and enjoyed the horse drawn view of the town as well as the narration of the history of Ketchikan and the folklore associated wit the totem poles within the town. We stopped shortly at Creek Street but soon it was time to do some last minute shopping (for that jacket) and back to the ship. This was a short day at port. We had to be back onboard by 1:45 pm. I wished we had longer in Ketchikan. We did some shopping at Julie’s Jewelry in town. I always get a piece of Swarovski crystal on each vacation. So we stopped by and she had very good prices so I purchased a large eagle and had it shipped home.

 

 

 

That afternoon, we had a late lunch and then I went to the Aqua Spa and DH retired to the room. I lounged in the T-Pool and then worked my way through each of the steam rooms.

 

Soon it was time for dinner again. This was informal night, so we dressed down a little. Still felt good to have a skirt and heels on though. We live in the country on a lake and the most I ever do is put on a clean pair of blue jeans to drive 20 miles to the nearest store (Walmart) for groceries. Any chance to get dressed feels good. DH has on his dockers and a sports jacket and looks great. We are on time for dinner this evening. I live to be pampered by Damir and Piotr and Milton at the dinner table. I believe that we had tenderloin with a wonderful Bernaise sauce on this night. Although overdone, my tenderloin was still melt in your mouth tender.

 

 

 

After dinner and our customary after dinner drinks in the Rendezvous Lounge, our friends go to see the ventriloquist and we spend a few bucks at the casino and then retire early.

 

EXCELLENT! Keep it coming! :-)

[judyfssw]

Thanks Peg for the great review. We leave tomorrow for our southbound trip on the Summit.