"Live" From Celebrity Millennium Alaska B2B 10&18 May 2018

[Joanjingles]

Dear Friends Joyce and Harry,

We've been reading each day while we pack for our cruise on the Summit. Sad news to hear that Capt. Kate is not on the Summit any longer.

So far your trip looks like THE BEST!! Great hotel, flights with no issues and you have a great attitude.

We will have to catch up on your cruise when we are back home on May 20th. Tomorrow morning we drive to NJ to see the old homesteads and have a lunch at our favorite from the 60's and then to Elizabeth to spend the night at the Embassy.

Have a wonderful time and we'll catch up on the 20th. Joan and Tom

[traveling1969]

Loving this review so far! No need to make excuses for your wine choice...I'm a white wine drinker and choose that whether it's fish or beef on the menu! Lately favouring Savs after our most recent trip to NZ but really any white that's not sweet is wonderful! Question for you, do you not get a footstool on the balcony being in CC? If I was to pay extra over a regular veranda that'd be the first thing I'd be looking forward to!

 

Enjoy your first day and keep up the great work!

Cathy

 

Nope, no footstool May be able to get one by request but haven't tried.

 

Dear Friends Joyce and Harry,

We've been reading each day while we pack for our cruise on the Summit. Sad news to hear that Capt. Kate is not on the Summit any longer.

So far your trip looks like THE BEST!! Great hotel, flights with no issues and you have a great attitude.

We will have to catch up on your cruise when we are back home on May 20th. Tomorrow morning we drive to NJ to see the old homesteads and have a lunch at our favorite from the 60's and then to Elizabeth to spend the night at the Embassy.

Have a wonderful time and we'll catch up on the 20th. Joan and Tom

 

Thanks for the good wishes. Hope you enjoy your cruise to Bermuda.

 

 

Had a great meal for dinner yesterday. Joyce had the prime rib and our waiter was able to fulfill her request for a cut that was RED, RED, RED!

 

Had some more of that wonderful Bordeaux. We may be in a serious rut as we are reluctant to try anything else; it was that good. I had the Spaghetti Bolognese and it was perfect. We both had the mushroom soup to start and agreed that it was excellent. Don't know where all these other folks are eating but we've been happy with every dish so far.

 

We ordered room service breakfast via door card last night but we were up so early, I called and cancelled it and we went to the dining room and enjoyed a scrumptious, hot breakfast with TWO double-double espressos each and mimosas as well. What a great way to start the day. We went to the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle and Joyce won one of the door prizes, a bottle of Barossa Shiraz; her first win in a kajillion drawings.

 

We went back to our cabin and don't you know it, there on our coffee table was the breakfast we had cancelled. Hate to see anything go to waste so we saved the juice, had a cup of still-hot coffee and made breakfast sandwiches for late night snacks tonight.

 

Today there was a promotion in the casino; get $100 in slot play from on-board-credits and get $110 in play. We played for over an hour and lost $9 so we're still up a peanut by our way of thinking.

 

Tonight is "Evening Chic" night, Celebrity's answer to formal night so Joyce is steaming our dudleys. She is the ironing queen and since they don't allow irons anymore, she brings her steamer. Don't tell anyone. Mum's the word.

 

Tomorrow is our first port, Ketchikan. Hoping to start seeing critters any time now. We did see a huge flock of murres crisscrossing the bow and one seal/sea lion in the distance. Hoping for some whales soon. That's all for now.

 

NEWS FLASH!!! Just poked my head out on the balcony and saw the first ORCA. It was swirling around and wreaking havoc with a school of fish. Joyce rushed out with the binocs and we could see it for about 3-4 minutes it's super flat and perfect for watching.

 

Harry

Edited May 12, 2018 by traveling1969

[mesamarie]

How’s the weather? Are you able to enjoy the balcony?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[traveling1969]

How’s the weather? Are you able to enjoy the balcony?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

It's been quite chilly on the balcony but it's been perfect for viewing scenery and wildlife. Glad we have it.

 

Harry

[traveling1969]

Another fabulous meal in the dining room. Joyce had the salmon tartare and the warm goat cheese thingee for appetizers: I had the warm goat cheese thingee and the escargot. The escargot was in Pernod butter and was better than any I have had on Princess or RCCL. We both had the shrimp scampi for our main. For dessert, we had the apple crumble ala mode. The goat cheese thingee was just the best. We said we should skip everything else and just order a few more of those. We may actually do that on the next leg. :-)

 

The warm goat cheese thingee.

 

It may not look like much but it was chuck full of goat cheese and scrumptious. It smelled so good and I was so hungry that I took a bite before I took the picture.

 

DSCF5652 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Escargot

 

DSCF5654 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Shrimp Scampi

 

DSCF5655 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Apple Crumble

 

DSCF5656 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

We are both beat. It was a full day so it's time to hit the hay. Ketchikan here we come!

 

Harry

[AidenL]

Nice review, thank you, I’m subscribing also.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[traveling1969]

We've arrived in Ketchikan. Guess what? It's NOT raining...yet. We're prepared though so it's off the ship and it's a race with Joyce to see who sets foot in Alaska first. Wish me luck!

 

Harry

[sandav]

We've arrived in Ketchikan. Guess what? It's NOT raining...yet. We're prepared though so it's off the ship and it's a race with Joyce to see who sets foot in Alaska first. Wish me luck!

 

Harry

 

Enjoy.

Sandra

[iamaqt2]

Hi Harry,

 

Thank you for the live updates. We're joining you on the 18th in Seward. Loving your posts and photos so far. From all the negative reviews lately, I was expecting a rusty garbage scow. The ship looks to be in great shape, and can't wait to board! Will be following along up until we fly out Friday!

 

Chandra

[traveling1969]

A perfect day in Ketchikan. The weather was nice; about 60 degrees and the sun even peeked out a time or two. We picked up a few kitschey souvenirs, enjoyed a self-guided stroll around town and dropped into a local tavern for an Alaskan Amber draft (or two). If you get to Ketchikan, be sure to stop at The Asylum, a true "locals" bar. Great atmosphere, eclectic clientele and cheap beer: $3.50 a pint for an assortment of drafts that did not disappoint.

 

This was the Alaska we were looking for. Saw a few giant starfish clinging to dock pylons, even more of them in the shallow waters and strolled down Creek Street among a plethora of shops selling Alaskan crafts and art works. Some of the carvings were very well rendered and most of them were by local artists. Stopped a true "locals" bar for a pint (or two) of Alaskan Amber beer and really enjoyed the meet and mingle with a few of the characters who anchor the prime barstools there. If you get to Ketchikan, Be sure to stop at The Asylum for some local color. Here's a few Ketchikan shots:

 

DSCF5672 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

DSCF5684 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

DSCF5684 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

DSCF5693 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

DSCF5692 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

DSCF5694 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Hope this came out. Computer has a mind of it's own.

 

Harry

Edited May 13, 2018 by traveling1969

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for the live blog. I know it is difficult and time consuming but appreciated by all that follow you.

[traveling1969]

We just pulled in to Sitka. The dock is quite a ways from town but there is a free shuttle. We're ordering some room service and we'll head out around 10. One of the perks with a Concierge Class stateroom is an enhanced room service menu. For breakfast that means just about anything available in the dining room: eggs any style, pastries, pancakes and French toast, assorted meats (Canadian bacon, sausage, ham bacon etc.), cereal, fruit etc.

 

Here are a few more shots from Ketchikan. It takes forever to upload even one picture so I sit at my laptop with a book in my hand while I wait for the electrons to get their act together. Thank you Stuart Woods for the diversion.

 

Brothel Babes

 

DSCF5675 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Creek Street

 

DSCF5674 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

No lions, no tigers...

 

DSCF5665 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Caribbean Curse followed us here.

 

DSCF5660 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

You don't need a stairmaster here!

 

DSCF5690 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

So long for now. Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there. It's the toughest, poorest paid job there is but you are rich with the love of those to whom you devote your lives.

 

Harry

[MamasNomad]

Thank you for taking the time to post all your adventures in real time. We are considering an Alaskan cruise so we are reading with great interest.

[traveling1969]

Arrived in Sitka today to sunny skies. It was a bit chilly initially so we decided to wait till 10 or so to head in to town. The town is about 6 miles from the cruise ship berth and there is a free shuttle bus to take you in. Locals told us it's been raining for the past few days so we really lucked out.

 

There isn't much to do in town other than to eat or shop but we make it a practice not to do excursions on our first visit so we walked around a bit; did some shopping and looked for Ashmo's, a local food truck purported to have the best fish in town. We didn't have the address with us as we weren't really hungry and didn't plan on eating. Never did find it but some folks we talked to said it was good. Maybe next time.

 

Sitka is the one place that we won't be stooping at on the next leg so we have an excuse for another Alaska cruise. :-)

 

Here's a few shots.

 

The Russian Church.

 

DSCF5730 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Joyce and I downtown at the docks.

 

DSCF5725 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

An opportunistic raven looking for a handout.

 

DSCF5737 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Shopping.

 

DSCF5732 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

Some kelp attached to the rocks. We did see a few starfish but nothing spectacular.

 

DSCF5727 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

This cute little gift shop/museum smack in the middle of downtown had a for sale sign out front. If you ever had the urge, here's your opportunity. Nope. Didn't get the price but judging by comparables, it had to be at lest 1-2 million. take it away.

 

DSCF5729 by Harry Straight, on Flickr

 

We leave for Icy Strait Point at 6 so maybe we'll have a chance to spot some creatures tonight. We are definitely getting up early tomorrow because we sail straight through some prime whale areas on the way.

 

So long for now.

 

Harry

[travelingla]

I've been to AK several times and never tire of reading reports -- your live posts with many photos is the best! Thank you for being so diligent about posting - -we love it and appreciate you!

[canloan]

Hello Harry,

 

Thank so much for your posts so far. They are so helpful and we are enjoying following along with you.

 

We are joining you on the ship in Seward for the second portion of your b2b.

 

We just found out that the premium beverage package is increasing in price on May 15th. We had been planning to decide whether or not to upgrade to the premium package once we were on the ship. We intended first to see whether or not we could spend our OBC on a new iPad.

 

I know it is a lot to ask, but is there any way you could check and see for us whether or not there are any 9.7” iPads in stock with 128 gb of memory that are not pink in colour?

 

We know that even if there is stock for this iPad now, there may not be by the time we are able to purchase.

 

If you are able to check we would at least be able to decide whether or not to use some of our OBC to upgrade our beverage packages before the price increase on Tuesday.

 

Looking forward to meeting you both at the meet and greet.

 

Janet

[Clarea]

Enjoying the beautiful photos, thanks!

[Azulann]

I am so enjoying your pictures and posts.

The picture of the two of you would make a great Christams card.

Love the mountains in the background.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Arrived in Sitka today to sunny skies. It was a bit chilly initially so we decided to wait till 10 or so to head in to town. The town is about 6 miles from the cruise ship berth and there is a free shuttle bus to take you in. Locals told us it's been raining for the past few days so we really lucked out.

 

There isn't much to do in town other than to eat or shop but we make it a practice not to do excursions on our first visit so we walked around a bit; did some shopping and looked for Ashmo's, a local food truck purported to have the best fish in town. We didn't have the address with us as we weren't really hungry and didn't plan on eating. Never did find it but some folks we talked to said it was good. Maybe next time.

 

Sitka is the one place that we won't be stooping at on the next leg so we have an excuse for another Alaska cruise.

 

We leave for Icy Strait Point at 6 so maybe we'll have a chance to spot some creatures tonight. We are definitely getting up early tomorrow because we sail straight through some prime whale areas on the way.

 

So long for now.

 

Harry

 

Too bad you didn’t wander a bit farther. There’s a park with fabulous totem poles a bit more down the road.

[LindsayC]

Enjoying your review and nice photo's!

I read you are staying in a concierge cabin with a connecting door. We will be sailing the Millennium in November also in a concierge cabin with a connecting door and I am a little worried about this connecting door. I read some reviews saying you can hear your neighbours a little too well through the door. Could you share your experience?

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Lindsay

[Northern Aurora]

Arrived in Sitka today to sunny skies. ......

 

There isn't much to do in town other than to eat or shop

........

 

 

Harry

 

Too bad you didn’t wander a bit farther. There’s a park with fabulous totem poles a bit more down the road.

 

I suspect Linda (aka Happy Cruiser) found that statement that there "isn't much to do in town other than to eat or shop" as curious as I did. Sitka was the place where the ceremony transferring Russian America to the United States. It is not the largest Tlingit community in the state, but the Tlingit presence is very visible. It is also one of the few cruise ports which doesn't have a Diamonds International.

 

What is described as a church in Harry's photos is actually St. Michaels's Russian Orthodox Cathedral; the original cathedral burned in the mid-1960s but a great number of priceless icons were saved and the cathedral is generally open on days when a cruise ship visits. Well worth a visit.

 

The Russian Bishops House is essentially across the street from where I suspect the Millennium shuttle dropped off folks from the private dock north of town

. It is operated by the NPS and is well worth a visit both downstairs and a tour of the upstairs. Incredible example of Russian building techniques in Alaska.

 

The park mentioned by Linda is frequently called "Totem Pole Park," but the official name is the Sitka National Historical Park. Not only does it have an incredible collection of totems and a lovely visitors center, it is located on the grounds of the 1804 battle between the Tlingits and Russians. If you know anything about the history of that battle it is just amazing to be walking on the grounds. I don't believe in ghosts, but every time I walk though there I believe I can feel the presence of the Tlingit people that died during that battle.

 

On the walk to the SNHP you walk by the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which is part of the Alaska State Museum. A wonderful collection.

 

For those interested in critters there is also the Alaska Raptor Center and the Fortress of the Bear.

 

And I know that it is fun to be cute, but when I saw the photo of the gallery gallery in post 4 I had to pause for a second. That building will be associated forever in my mind with the amazing Tlingit weaver Teri Rofkar. Teri died several years ago, and while I knew that she was dealing with cancer, I was simply stunned when it happened. The Smithsonian has a piece of her work, as does the main Alaska State Museum in Juneau. I believe that SeaAlaska also has several pieces. In addition a number of other awards she had received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. I am sorry to see that the Sitka Rose Gallery is for sale, but suppose it shouldn't be a surprise.

[traveling1969]

Hello Harry,

 

Thank so much for your posts so far. They are so helpful and we are enjoying following along with you.

 

We are joining you on the ship in Seward for the second portion of your b2b.

 

We just found out that the premium beverage package is increasing in price on May 15th. We had been planning to decide whether or not to upgrade to the premium package once we were on the ship. We intended first to see whether or not we could spend our OBC on a new iPad.

 

I know it is a lot to ask, but is there any way you could check and see for us whether or not there are any 9.7” iPads in stock with 128 gb of memory that are not pink in colour?

 

We know that even if there is stock for this iPad now, there may not be by the time we are able to purchase.

 

If you are able to check we would at least be able to decide whether or not to use some of our OBC to upgrade our beverage packages before the price increase on Tuesday.

 

Looking forward to meeting you both at the meet and greet.

 

Janet

Not tech savvy and haven't been in a shop yet. Don't know that I'll be able to help. I'll ask if I get the chance.

 

Enjoying your review and nice photo's!

I read you are staying in a concierge cabin with a connecting door. We will be sailing the Millennium in November also in a concierge cabin with a connecting door and I am a little worried about this connecting door. I read some reviews saying you can hear your neighbours a little too well through the door. Could you share your experience?

 

Yes, we have the connecting door. Haven't heard a thing from either adjoining cabin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Din din tonight was Italian themed. Might be the first dining misstep so far this cruise. The caprese salad was only so so. Very little balsamic and the tomatoes were firm and not flavorful. The pasta fagioli tasted more like tomato soup with just a few beans and pasta pieces. We had the rigatonis in cream sauce with peas and prosciutto but it was very bland. One exception was the tiramisu which was outstanding. All-in-all just a B-/C+ effort. However we just drank more wine and everything was fine with us. :-) Captain came on the P. A. to tell us that he was delaying our sail away for an hour. Seems there is some heavy weather in store. Since we don't have far to go, we will leave late and limp along to give everyone a chance to dine and see the shows then around 11PM we will be heading toward the open seas with 20+ feet seas and 40-50 mph winds in the offing. We expect to be rockin and rollin all night. Thank goodness for bonine. Looking forward to Icy Strait Point tomorrow as there should be more whales in the approaches. Till then it's nighty night for us.

 

Harry

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Lindsay

Edited May 14, 2018 by traveling1969

[iamaqt2]

I suspect Linda (aka Happy Cruiser) found that statement that there "isn't much to do in town other than to eat or shop" as curious as I did. Sitka was the place where the ceremony transferring Russian America to the United States. It is not the largest Tlingit community in the state, but the Tlingit presence is very visible. It is also one of the few cruise ports which doesn't have a Diamonds International.

 

What is described as a church in Harry's photos is actually St. Michaels's Russian Orthodox Cathedral; the original cathedral burned in the mid-1960s but a great number of priceless icons were saved and the cathedral is generally open on days when a cruise ship visits. Well worth a visit.

 

The Russian Bishops House is essentially across the street from where I suspect the Millennium shuttle dropped off folks from the private dock north of town

. It is operated by the NPS and is well worth a visit both downstairs and a tour of the upstairs. Incredible example of Russian building techniques in Alaska.

 

The park mentioned by Linda is frequently called "Totem Pole Park," but the official name is the Sitka National Historical Park. Not only does it have an incredible collection of totems and a lovely visitors center, it is located on the grounds of the 1804 battle between the Tlingits and Russians. If you know anything about the history of that battle it is just amazing to be walking on the grounds. I don't believe in ghosts, but every time I walk though there I believe I can feel the presence of the Tlingit people that died during that battle.

 

On the walk to the SNHP you walk by the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which is part of the Alaska State Museum. A wonderful collection.

 

For those interested in critters there is also the Alaska Raptor Center and the Fortress of the Bear.

 

And I know that it is fun to be cute, but when I saw the photo of the gallery gallery in post 4 I had to pause for a second. That building will be associated forever in my mind with the amazing Tlingit weaver Teri Rofkar. Teri died several years ago, and while I knew that she was dealing with cancer, I was simply stunned when it happened. The Smithsonian has a piece of her work, as does the main Alaska State Museum in Juneau. I believe that SeaAlaska also has several pieces. In addition a number of other awards she had received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. I am sorry to see that the Sitka Rose Gallery is for sale, but suppose it shouldn't be a surprise.

 

I'm terribly sorry I missed out on the gallery. The last time we were there we walked and did the Totem Forest. We also visited the Raptor Center, and on our walk back came across the most incredible thing ever! At least to a PNW resident with a reasonably healthy salmon run.

We got to see the tanks of a resident raising salmon fry to keep the salmon fisheries going. Apparently, these fisheries are funded privately, and the residents hope to reap the rewards if their salmon return strong. But one tank keeper told me a story about a whale who'd figured out the tank releases, and would sit in the marina just waiting for a free meal.

And the little marina museum was amazing with touch tanks to check out the local marine life..

I didn't even know there was a town, because our whole port stop was taken up by those activities. We also declared dandelions to be the state flower in Sitka lol.

[james'mommy]

Could you keep an eye out on the Dalies and see if they offer champagne afternoon tea in the MDR? Will be doing Northbound next month. Thanks.

[canloan]

"Not tech savvy and haven't been in a shop yet. Don't know that I'll be able to help. I'll ask if I get the chance."

Hi Harry:

Thank you for your response. No worries if this is not information you can easily obtain. With doing this live post I thought you might be spending time in the ILounge computer/Internet room which is where the Apple products are sold.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Janet.