Grand Alaska and Panama

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ketchikan is known for being a rainy port. Of all the times we have been there, it was rare when it didn't rain there.

Yes, it was sad about the Amsterdam crew member.

How many days do you have between the ending of the Westerdam cruise and the beginning of the Symphony cruise -- 6? How are you getting to San Francisco?

[rafinmd]

Thank you Denise and Krazy Kruizers. I have a 5-day hiatus between ships.

 

 

Sunday: Overnight in Vancouver

Monday: Train to Portland for the night

 

Tuesday: Train to San Francisco

Wednesday-Thursday: Relax in San Francisco

Friday: Board the Symphony.

 

 

Even though my train to Portland is very early, it is not early enough to connect with the one to San Francisco. I've been to Seattle many times so I thought Portland would be a nice alternative.

 

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you Roy for the detailed plans.

Will this be your first time to overnight in Vancouver? Portland?

[rafinmd]

Thank you Roy for the detailed plans.

Will this be your first time to overnight in Vancouver? Portland?

Not the first for either but I have't been in Portland for about 17 years.

 

BTW, I did get the new style voyage log but have packed away my scanner so it likely won't get posted until I'm on the Symphony.

 

Roy

[erewhon]

Thanks for your reports and photos.

Very sad news about the Amsterdam crew member.

What a nuisance about your big bag.

 

Re On Deck for the Cause, which charity benefits?

[DeeniEncinitas]

Roy I love how you travel. Through you over the years reading your journeys and how you go from one ship to another and with planes and trains we have ventured the same way! Now mind you this will be a first for us doing a different ship from HAL a couple of days later for our TA to the Mediterranean. Every time we travel it is a new adventure and always planning for the next one like you!

We will go to our condo in Kaanapali next year in may for a month so no crusing till 2020. Our daughter took the state boards in Maui for dentistry and passed so in the future if she wants she could practice there! I did the same thing but practiced here.

Take care Roy

See you tomorrow if you post !

Denise 😊

[rafinmd]

Thank you Denise and erewhon. There are 5 charities, cancer groups in the US, Canada, the UK, Netherlands, and Australia. The only actual agency I know is the American Cancer Society in the US, We should be passing Lions Gate Bridge in about 45 minutes.

 

 

Day W7, Saturday, August 4, 2018, Inside Passage

 

The day got off to a pretty nasty start but got gradually better during the day. At 5AM or a bit later the outer decks were pretty much closed. The aft lido deck was not sealed off but everything was tied down with the exception of the smoker’s tables (they’re VERY heavy wood). I walked for about a half hour on the inside corridors.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/nastystart.jpg

 

When I finished walking it was a bit lighter but still no sign of the sun. There was finally a trace of the sun through the clouds (enough to cast a shadow) about 9:30.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/nosun04.jpg

 

There were a couple of activities in addition to packing. The EXC guides had a 10AM presentation on “Fire and Ice” on the Mainstage at 10.

 

We also had the Mariner Reception and lunch starting at 11. There were probably only about a dozen people at the medallion reception and no new medals were given out. The luncheon followed but only took up about 1/3 or less of the dining room lower level.

 

In his noon update Captain Smit advised we would pass Seymour Narrows about 11:20PM, the Lions Gate Bridge about 6,and docking at 7. The Sunday weather for Vancouver looks good. Things also calmed down, especially after we reached the north end ov Vancouver Island about 3. I did take one lap around the promenade deck and continued packing, a bit of fire department training and a few other things.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/vacisland.jpg

 

There were 5 of us at table 53 for the final dinner. I opted for the caesar salad, oven roasted chicken, and baked Alaska. The chefs were called out to the dining room but the introduction was brief.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/dishes04.jpg

 

The sun drew low in the sky over Vancouver Island behind us about 8:45.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/dusk0804.jpg

 

I set my checked bags out just after 9. They were 50 and 35 pounds. The only times I will need to handle all my stuff at once will be between here and the Symphony. When I arrive in New York Luggage Concierge will ship the big bag home.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/bagsleavingwestie.jpg

 

I did not attend the final variety show but did briefly visit the Billboard Online and the Lincoln Center Stage.

 

My parting shot will be photographic. One of Holland America’s photo deals is a package of 5 photos with digital copies. You can select the photos during the cruise but you get the photos and the CD the last evening. I’ll post the photos over the next few days but the first one will be from the embarkation in Seward.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/embarkwestie.jpg

 

Roy

[Happily@Sea]

Roy,

 

On Mariner's lunch on Maasdam, the ceremony for the medals and the meal were all together. They seated us in the raised area of the MDR - a few late comers ended just outside the area. They gave out about 7-8 bronze medallions and when they asked for 4&5 Stars to stand - there were only a couple of dozen of us. No wonder I was the first person embarking after the wheelchair and the one Pinnacle/Neptune suite guests. [about #12 on board]

 

Good wishes for a fluid transition to the Symphony, that's always a crapshoot when considering ground transportation.

 

Carole

[kazu]

Great embarkation photo Roy :)

 

Hoping your repair work on your baggage wheel holds for you. Once you are on board Symphony, it might be worth asking if it can be repaired?

 

I was too late to suggest you do that on the Amsterdam, sorry.

 

The ship's usually have some talented "handymen" on board who may have the tools and ability to do it.

 

I had a broken wheel once and my cabin steward noticed it when he brought in my luggage (wouldn't roll right). He asked that I leave the bag out once it was unpacked and he would take it see if it could be repaired - and it was!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Not the first for either but I have't been in Portland for about 17 years.

 

BTW, I did get the new style voyage log but have packed away my scanner so it likely won't get posted until I'm on the Symphony.

 

Roy

 

 

We can wait until you post it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hope the repair work you did on the wheel works.

Once quite a few years ago, on the Zuiderdam with Captain Turner, there were only 4 of us at the Mariner awards ceremony -- we all already had our medals so he just talked a couple of minutes.

I recognize those heavy wooden chairs and tables -- they used to be up on Deck 10 -- Observation Deck -- where the new cabins were added.

Great embarkation photo!!

[DeeniEncinitas]

Good morning Roy,

Coffee in hand and enjoyed the pics which looked cold so early am, but glad you got some walking in. Jacqui is right maybe on the Symphony they can repair your wheel. Nice embarkation photo of you too😊

Denise 😊

[rafinmd]

Thank you all. Presently sitting in Tim Hortons sipping coffee until it's time for church. Bags in storage at the Ramada, the wheel has held at least this far, and this was probably the longest I'm responsible for it.

 

 

 

Roy

[erewhon]

Roy, thank you for your reply and your daily report.

 

During your time ashore, will you visit a doctor for a second opinion of the lump on your leg?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad the luggage wheel is holding up.

[rafinmd]

Thanks Krazy Kruizers and erewhon. Having the wheel was good while it lasted.

 

 

Day W8, Sunday, August 5, 2018, Disembark MS Westerdam, Vancouver

 

I’ll start off with another picture from the Westerdam, this one from Juneau. It wasn’t really warm enough to be out in just a t-shirt, but the photographers don’t hang around the dock all day so I went down just long enough for the picture.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/juneau-hal.jpg

 

Captain’s estimate was that we would pass under the Lions Gate bridge about 6, but we didn’t quite make that. When I went to the Lido for coffee at 5:30 and checked our position we were then about an hour from the bridge. It was a clear day and there was some nice morning color but we were heading directly towards the sun and I never saw the sunrise because of the wall at the front of the promenade deck.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/dawn0805.jpg

 

We went under the bridge about 6:30 and approached Canada Place about 6:50.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/lionsgate.jpg

 

Disembarkation was also somewhat slower than expected. My Gray 2 was estimated at 8:20 but the 8:10 people were not called until 8:45. When they were called I left my cabin and went down to the Ocean bar to wait.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/waiting.jpg

 

There were reports on the Crystal Forum of Cruise Critic that there were no porters at Canada Place. There were a few but not many. I made it through the line carrying 55 pounds on my back and pulling another 50 but I was pretty tired by the time I got to the end of the taxi line. The ride to the Ramada Hotel was very short but I hope I adequately compensated the driver with about a 150% tip. It was certainly worth that to me to be rid of my stuff.

 

I arrived at the Ramada about 9:30. There were obviously no rooms yet but they stored my bags and invited me to the breakfast room. I opted instead for a stop at Tim Hortons for coffee and internet for about a half hour. I have what is becoming a church home in Vancouver, St. Andrews Wesley United, part of the United Church of Canada,

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/wesley.jpg

 

Lunch was mostly things I had with me. I went past Canada Place with the food court and found ice cream I liked. Ships are almost made to rust and the aft of the Westerdam was looking pretty rough when I was there. By the time she sailed she was fully healed.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/ramada.jpg

 

I still had some time before the Ramada’s 3PM checkin and stopped by the Vancouver Library. It’s a very nice place with excellent wifi. They do require registration (1-year card) but pulled up my record from my last visit in 2012.

 

I checked into the Ramada at 3, Sadly, when my bags were brought up, the wheel was missing. It may have come off in the taxi, on the street, or even in the taxi line in Canada Place but there was no sign of it. At least it got me through the long walk. All my other transfers with the bag should be short until I get the services of a porter in New York. (Boarding the train in Vancouver it was definitely more difficult to pull but not totally unmanageable)

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/rusty.jpg

 

I went back down to Canada Place at 4:30. The Westerdam was a bit late leaving but by five the lines were pulled in and the ship sailed off, this time without me.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/wdamadieu.jpg

 

I kept my evening fairly short to be ready to leave for the US quite early Monday.

 

I’ll take as a parting shot the chorus of one of the hymns we sang at St. Andrews Wesley. It holds a special place in both my heart and my home congregation, and summarizes how I feel a Christian should live:

 

“Here I am, Lord.

Is it I Lord

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.”

 

Roy

[Ashdale]

Thanks Krazy Kruizers and erewhon. Having the wheel was good while it lasted.

 

 

 

 

 

Day W8, Sunday, August 5, 2018, Disembark MS Westerdam, Vancouver

 

 

 

I’ll start off with another picture from the Westerdam, this one from Juneau. It wasn’t really warm enough to be out in just a t-shirt, but the photographers don’t hang around the dock all day so I went down just long enough for the picture.

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/juneau-hal.jpg

 

 

 

Captain’s estimate was that we would pass under the Lions Gate bridge about 6, but we didn’t quite make that. When I went to the Lido for coffee at 5:30 and checked our position we were then about an hour from the bridge. It was a clear day and there was some nice morning color but we were heading directly towards the sun and I never saw the sunrise because of the wall at the front of the promenade deck.

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/dawn0805.jpg

 

 

 

We went under the bridge about 6:30 and approached Canada Place about 6:50.

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/lionsgate.jpg

 

 

 

Disembarkation was also somewhat slower than expected. My Gray 2 was estimated at 8:20 but the 8:10 people were not called until 8:45. When they were called I left my cabin and went down to the Ocean bar to wait.

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/waiting.jpg

 

 

 

There were reports on the Crystal Forum of Cruise Critic that there were no porters at Canada Place. There were a few but not many. I made it through the line carrying 55 pounds on my back and pulling another 50 but I was pretty tired by the time I got to the end of the taxi line. The ride to the Ramada Hotel was very short but I hope I adequately compensated the driver with about a 150% tip. It was certainly worth that to me to be rid of my stuff.

 

 

 

I arrived at the Ramada about 9:30. There were obviously no rooms yet but they stored my bags and invited me to the breakfast room. I opted instead for a stop at Tim Hortons for coffee and internet for about a half hour. I have what is becoming a church home in Vancouver, St. Andrews Wesley United, part of the United Church of Canada,

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/wesley.jpg

 

 

 

Lunch was mostly things I had with me. I went past Canada Place with the food court and found ice cream I liked. Ships are almost made to rust and the aft of the Westerdam was looking pretty rough when I was there. By the time she sailed she was fully healed.

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/ramada.jpg

 

 

 

I still had some time before the Ramada’s 3PM checkin and stopped by the Vancouver Library. It’s a very nice place with excellent wifi. They do require registration (1-year card) but pulled up my record from my last visit in 2012.

 

 

 

I checked into the Ramada at 3, Sadly, when my bags were brought up, the wheel was missing. It may have come off in the taxi, on the street, or even in the taxi line in Canada Place but there was no sign of it. At least it got me through the long walk. All my other transfers with the bag should be short until I get the services of a porter in New York. (Boarding the train in Vancouver it was definitely more difficult to pull but not totally unmanageable)

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/rusty.jpg

 

 

 

I went back down to Canada Place at 4:30. The Westerdam was a bit late leaving but by five the lines were pulled in and the ship sailed off, this time without me.

 

 

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/wdamadieu.jpg

 

 

 

I kept my evening fairly short to be ready to leave for the US quite early Monday.

 

 

 

I’ll take as a parting shot the chorus of one of the hymns we sang at St. Andrews Wesley. It holds a special place in both my heart and my home congregation, and summarizes how I feel a Christian should live:

 

 

 

“Here I am, Lord.

 

Is it I Lord

 

I have heard you calling in the night.

 

I will go Lord, if you lead me.

 

I will hold your people in my heart.”

 

 

 

Roy

 

 

 

Know just what you mean, Roy - it’s a very moving hymn. Safe travels.

Daphne. (Scotland)URL]h[/url]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[kazu]

Oh darn on losing the wheel Roy :(. that's not going to make things easy for you. So sorry to hear it.

 

A friend told me that the carts had been removed from Canada Place (a stupid move IMO). It sounds like that is the case with how you describe schlepping your luggage?

 

that's a real shame if it is the case. And, if it is, there should be more porters.

 

Love that hymn too.

 

thanks for the great pics. Love the Juneau one and so sorry about your luggage.

[oaktreerb]

I’ve enjoyed your reports of your Alaska and Yukon adventure. These are places I am very familiar with and you seem to give me new information almost every day! I’ll be looking for the new ferry being built as we sail into Ketchikan in a couple of weeks. The Alaska ferry system is in need of updating. We sailed Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on BC Ferries a couple of years ago. The BC Ferry was like a cruise ship, the dining was excellent and it even had cabins! I haven’t been aboard an Alaska Ferry but from what I have read they are pretty rustic and need work!

 

I hope your leg is getting better. Cruising is so much easier than land/bus tours but I love Dawson City and all the history of that area.

 

The adventure continues....

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry to hear that the wheel didn't last.

Love the pictures.

Have a safe train ride.

[DeeniEncinitas]

Great picture of you Roy👍 I didn’t think that was Roger with you LOL!

Oh the exhaustion with those bags Roy! We know how that is and so many others as well. Having a missing roller wheel on your luggage do you think of buying a bag while at the Ramada to continue on with your journey?

As always thank you for the sunrise pics that your took.

Take care Roy! Relax get some rest and enjoy that great adventure ahead! It will be nice on the train in Portland.

Denise 😊

[rafinmd]

Thank you Ashdale, Jacqui, Krazy Kruizers, oaktreerb, and Denise. I will complete the trip with this bag. Actually, I have a new one at home that's never been used. I like this one better but everything has it's time.

 

 

Day Amtrak1, Monday, August 6, 2018, Vancouver to Portland

 

Continuing with photos from the Westerdam I liked the one from Haines as there was some of the dock in the photo as well.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/haines-hal.jpg

 

Despite not sleeping terribly well I was ready to get up at 4AM. I did a bit of reshuffling of my bags, adding about 3 pounds to the big backpack and lightening the little one by about 4 pounds. The small bag should have pretty much exactly the essentials I need before arrival in San Francisco. I was in the lobby at 4:45 and the pre-ordered taxi pulled up right at 5AM.

 

I was probably earlier at the station than I should have been, but better to be a little early than too late. At 5:15 there were about 20 people queued up in the general line but. There was nobody in the priority line but security confirmed it was a valid line (for Business, GE, and NEXUS). By the time US Immigration came on duty at 5:30 there were probably 60 people in the general line and about 10 in mine.

 

Pulling my one wheel bag from the taxi to the counter with customs forms wasn’t bad. From there it was mostly standing, which doesn’t work well with 55 pounds on my back. I ended up pulling one bag and carrying the heavy one with just the lightest one on my back. It was tough going but only for a little under 100 feet. The baggage cart was waiting just past the immigration counter.

 

While I was on board almost an hour before the train left, The Bistro opened pretty quickly and I had my first cup of decent coffee before 6. Business Class is assigned seating with 2 on one side and one on the other. I had a single seat on the oceanview side.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/business.jpg

 

For about the first 45 minutes we exactly retraced the route I took in on the Canadian, turning South after we crossed the Fraser River.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/fraser.jpg

 

We had a second customs stop at the border, my first time in the lower 48 since July 11.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/lower48.jpg

 

Our first passenger stop was Bellingham, an intermodal terminal where I boarded the MV Kennicott on the way to Alaska and the Northwest Passage cruise.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/multimodal.jpg

 

We were early in Seattle and I had time for a walk around the block as well as a look at the train itself.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/cascades.jpg

 

After Seattle we continued to follow Puget sound past Tacoma, then went overland to Kelso on the Columbia, following it until Vancouver (Washington).

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/columbia.jpg

 

From Vancouver we crossed the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and were soon at Portland’s Union Station, about a half hour late.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/willamette.jpg

 

In Vancouver they would only check my bags to Portland. When we arrived I checked the baggage room about storage options and they said “we’ll check it to California. I carried it from the baggage claim to the baggage check desk, a whole 20 feet, and don’t need to think about it again until Wednesday. I also discovered that Portland has a “Metropolitan Lounge”, a place for sleeping car passengers where I can relax from my hotel checkout until the Coast Starlight arrives.

 

With only 15 pounds to carry the half mile walk to the Hampton Inn was a breeze, I’m glad the big bags are checked because it’s a long walk over heavy carpets from the Hampton elevator to my room.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/hanpton.jpg

 

Portland’s Pearl District is a bit of an Eclectic space, former warehouses now heavily gentrified. There were a few familiar businesses; I took a little walk to Safeway (apples and milk) and Wells Fargo (ATM). Dinner was a little place called “Little Big Burger”. The burger was a thick quarter pound pattie on a small bun. I didn’t do a lot more at night, getting pretty drowsy after my 4AM start.

 

My parting shot is coming from the evening and now morning news. While I can hope it holds off for a couple more days, the west coast needs some rain to help control wildfires. 2PM Tuesday to 8AM Wednesday (while I’m on the train) would be a great start.

 

Roy

[Happily@Sea]

It's nice they do customs/immigration before getting on the train, I'll have to remember that Portland has a lounge - Seattle doesn't.

[rafinmd]

It's nice they do customs/immigration before getting on the train, I'll have to remember that Portland has a lounge - Seattle doesn't.

It is kind of disappointing that Seattle doesn't have it, even after just going through a renovation. I still think I would prefer Seattle most times; for the Empire Builder having a dining car out of Seattle trumps having a lounge in Portland. One thing that sounds nice: I haven't tested it but walked by the station this morning. There's no wifi in most of the station but I'm told they do have it in the Metropolitan Lounge.

 

Hotel checkout time is noon and I expect the Amsterdam to arrive in Juneau around 1, so I'll probably give the Metropolitan Lounge wifi a real test today.

 

 

Going through immigration before boarding the train FAR beats having to take everything into a building like I did in Niagara Falls. I'm stumped though why they have to stop us again at the border. I would think if they do it right in Vancouver, that be enough.

 

Roy

[kazu]

What great pics of your lovely scenery on the train Roy.

 

that is strange about doing Customs &/Immigration a second time. I am sure there is some "method" to their madness for it.

 

The fires in California and Canada are truly horrnedous.

 

We all need rain and cooler weather. Alas, I see none in our forecast I hope the wildfire areas get some and those hard working firefighters get some relief with the help of Mother Nature (yn)

 

So grateful for the fire fighting help from Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.