Also Mostly Live from the NA 4th Sailing

[zgscl]

Monday morning

A very scenic ride into Juneau this morning. Such a beautiful place to wake up to and having the aft wrap is absolutely amazing. You can really see almost 270 degrees of unobstructed views. Can't wait for glacier bay tomorrow.

 

My mom decided to sleep in so I was all on my own for the Pinnacle. I did the bread pudding which was very good again. I also decided to "indulge" and try the lobster Benedict (purely for the enjoyment of others on cruise critic). It was a good Benedict but in my opinion not worth it. The hollandaise totally drowns out the lobster so you can't really taste it at all. If you are going to pay for lobster either try the surf & turf on the MDR menu or add it to the Pinnacle dinner. Also because of the sauce you can't really see the tiny bits of shell that are always there until you are chewing on them.

 

Also, an unwelcome reminder that this wonderful trip will be coming to an end all too soon we have been given the first glimpse at disembarkation information and port valet. Since we are local we will not be using port valet but it is good to see this is still offered as it makes the disembarkation/trip to the airport so much easier.

[zgscl]

Around 10  we went to the EXC:Ancestral Memories talk which was excellent. The EXC talks have really been a high point for us.

Some more scenery coming into Juneau. Really such a pretty area, I had forgotten how great the cruising is here. For lunch today there is the choice between the express luncheon in the dining room (Valerie our Cruise and Travel Director billed it as a "special fish and chips lunch to celebrate our arrival in Alaska" which is a stretch as it is the normal lunch menu with 2 items to choose from instead of the normal 8-10. I guess with the right attitude you can sell anything).

 

We opted for the much wider variety of choice in the Lido. A bit carb heavy Beecher's Mac & cheese and tortellini along with salmon and chicken, but I figure it will help me stay warm today. Besides if you eat while over water then the calories don't count...I am almost positive that is how it works 🙂

[zgscl]

In Juneau we did the "Luxury Whale Watching" excursion and it was absolutely worth every penny of the $359.95 price tag. We were out on the water for about three hours and saw at least 7 humpback whales, an eagle and a harbor seal as well as a salmon jumping out of the water. Absolutely breathtaking combined with spectacular scenery. The captain did a great job finding the whales and our deckhand/naturist/tour guide was really informative.

 

Hard to tell from the pictures, but when they blow out of their blowhole the water goes up at least 20 feet. They blow a few times and then dive down showing us their tails which are incredibly powerful. Just two kicks can propel this school bus sized creature down several hundred feet and they can also use it to break the back of an orca or killer whale which hunts on their calves.

 

The tour is limited to 8 people and they picked us up in a very comfortable Mercedes Sprinter Van. It is about a 20 minute drive to Auke bay (passing by a viewing area for the Mendenhall Glacier). After boarding they give you a snack of a charcuterie bowl that was really good. On the way back we made an unscheduled stop at a salmon ladder. 

 

I highly recommend this tour when you are in Juneau. The small yacht combined with a small group is perfect for whale watching. They can get close and everyone can see the whale really well unlike the 150+ passenger boats where you may be on the wrong side and by the time you run across the whale is gone.

[canadianbear]

43 minutes ago, zgscl said:

Yay! Glad it came through. I tried to take one inside the cabin but it did not work at all. Will try again when we are back out at sea and when there is something going on in the Lido. I sleep deeply so am now addicted to the aft wraps!

I loved our aft the one time I booked it but my husband unfortunately got sea sick & won’t do another one, sigh.  Mid ship for us 😒 

[zgscl]

2 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

I loved our aft the one time I booked it but my husband unfortunately got sea sick & won’t do another one, sigh.  Mid ship for us 😒 

Too bad! The mid ship ones are definitely more stable. So thankful we are not noise or motion sensitive.

[canadianbear]

Just now, zgscl said:

Too bad! The mid ship ones are definitely more stable. So thankful we are not noise or motion sensitive.

I sleep so well when on a ship with the rocking motion plus I use a CPAP so don’t hear much!!  I suppose my mistake in trying an aft was along the Pacific Coast where it can get rough and it did.  Oh well.  I’m happy he comes with me still, lol.  

[zgscl]

And now I am caught up 25 minutes before losing reliable internet!

 

Dinner tonight in the MDR. We started with the crab cocktail, french onion soup and caesar salad. All were good, however my great aunt if she were alive today would have said the french onion soup should have melted cheese all on top and dripping off the sides. She lived in France for years and was definitely spoiled when it comes to this dish!

 

We both had the flat iron steak which was alright. It is served as strips rather than an actual steak which I would have preferred. We also got a side of the polenta that comes with the veal. For desert they had a cookies and cream frozen yogurt which I had to try and was actually quite good if not a bit odd. We also tried the chocolate delight - extremely chocolaty and rich.

 

We were going to see the comedian tonight but we are both tired and didn't want to fight the crowds. Will enjoy a movie and go to bed early so that we can get up early tomorrow for Glacier Bay.

[zgscl]

4 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

I sleep so well when on a ship with the rocking motion plus I use a CPAP so don’t hear much!!  I suppose my mistake in trying an aft was along the Pacific Coast where it can get rough and it did.  Oh well.  I’m happy he comes with me still, lol.  

Should have started on a Canada New England!

 

I had to drag my mom kicking and screaming this time. A friend finally talked her into it about 3 weeks ago and we are having the best time. We both agree this is the best cruise we have ever done despite the more limited menus and covid restrictions. I am planning a Mexican Rivera in November that I will start working on convincing her to join me for when we get back.

[oakridger]

The seas look so calm there around Juneau today.  I love all the pictures and information @zgscl!!!  Thank you for the postings.

 

~Nancy

[12cruise2]

Thank you, thank you for all the pictures, detailed info and the sounds of the sea.  We really appreciate your kindness and willingness to spend the time to give us a taste of Alaska!  We can't wait until we're on board.

By chance, have you been on the promenade deck--do they have the lounge chairs (with cushions!) around available to use; we love sitting there watching things.  Thank you for any info.

Edited August 17, 2021 by 12cruise2
added words

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Great photographs!!

[TiogaCruiser]

9 hours ago, zgscl said:

I have not yet tried to post a video so not sure if this will work, but this is the noise you can hear when underway.

Thanks for posting this. I was at sea for a few moments 😁

[dmcfad2]

Yours is the best reporting I have seen so far. Love all the pictures and details. I feel like I’m right there with you. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[scubacruiserx2]

11 hours ago, zgscl said:

I have not yet tried to post a video so not sure if this will work, but this is the noise you can hear when underway.

IMG_0558.MOV 13.56 MB · 0 downloads

 

Thank you once again for sharing you and your mom's cruise to Alaska and your Neptune Suite and experiences . Your photos and writing style and mostly live photos are first class . We tried to watch the video unsuccessfully on our Windows desk top and Mac Pro laptop but it did work on my wife's ipad mini . We have been hooked on Neptune Suite's ( Especially the aft ) suite trying the NS for the first time since our only cruise to Alaska back in May of 2017 . We really enjoy breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill ( Free Mimosas which they also used to deliver as breakfast room service) and have been very fortunate to have window seats there . We usually go early early every morning as part of our routine . The only time that we went without a NS was for our anniversary in March of 2019 when none were available on a Pinnacle ship the Nieuw Statendam . We didn't care much at all for the interior Club Orange cafe where they served dinner and breakfast . They didn't serve breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill and it's million dollar view is wasted . We loved hearing this Captain's soothing voice and announcements at breakfast both in Iceland and Antarctica and once my wife spotted a couple of Orcas just outside of our window while at breakfast . 🙂 😊

 

 

 

Edited August 17, 2021 by scubacruiserx2

[SilvertoGold]

This is outstanding reporting, zgscl: great photos and the most informative and interesting commentary!  Thank you for taking the time and turning out a HAL lifeline for all of us stuck at home :) I had a list of questions, but you have amazingly answered all of them in your great posts.  Brilliant! Enjoy your day!!

[madera1]

I am enjoying your reports including the wonderful photos! We have liked staying in corner aft suites on several cruises including our Alaska trip in 2016.

[PSR]

I am also enjoying your posts and pictures! I have a question that you may have posted on, but I missed: are there usb ports by the beds in your cabin? We were on one HAL ship that had them, but not all do (at least the older ones). Thanks.

[Florida_gal_50]

I'm enjoying your live thread so much.

[farawaygal]

Thanks so much for the CPAP pics; that really helps.

[Cruizer Bill]

Thanks for your reports!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thank you so much @zgscl for your great review and pictures. Both my husband and I are surprised at some of the differences from our first week July 24th cruise. The biggest thing my husband loved seeing was the Prime Rib in the Lido the first day you had, that looked amazing. In comparison our cruise was more of a shake down cruise and I suspect a lot of the provisions had not been added to the ship as of yet. Good example was the first night appetizer with the large shrimp you had. There was only very tiny shrimp in the mix in the one I ordered lol

I did notice several commented that their cruise card was punched for a landyard, I can tell you that neither mine nor my husbands was punched. Don't know if we were missed or it is random. We actually have never had a cruise card punched on any cruise. I wonder if they do that if they know you gamble in the casino?? Just a thought....

I totally agree with you about the aft suites/staterooms. We absolutely love them. While car or bus motion bothers me I am a happy cruiser in the aft and that motion just rocks me to sleep. That last week in July was the best sleep I had in 17 months. 

It looks like things are going great for you, just 18 more days till we return this time will enjoy Neptune life.

Thanks for bringing us along on your cruise!!

[Boytjie]

13 hours ago, 12cruise2 said:

By chance, have you been on the promenade deck--do they have the lounge chairs (with cushions!) around available to use; we love sitting there watching things.  Thank you for any info.

They are indeed still there with blankets available to keep you warm. 

[rkacruiser]

17 hours ago, zgscl said:

We both had the flat iron steak which was alright. It is served as strips rather than an actual steak which I would have preferred.

 

Your presentation of that steak is a bit odd, I think.

 

18 hours ago, zgscl said:

I also decided to "indulge" and try the lobster Benedict (purely for the enjoyment of others on cruise critic). It was a good Benedict but in my opinion not worth it. The hollandaise totally drowns out the lobster so you can't really taste it at all.

 

Request no sauce might be a solution to the taste issue.  When will the "McDonald's type of Hash Browns" become a thing of the past?  Never was a "Signature of Excellence" or whatever the "slogan of the day" might have been that was/is appropriate for a HAL breakfast.  

 

Enjoying your report and photos.  Thank you.  

[zgscl]

16 hours ago, 12cruise2 said:

Thank you, thank you for all the pictures, detailed info and the sounds of the sea.  We really appreciate your kindness and willingness to spend the time to give us a taste of Alaska!  We can't wait until we're on board.

By chance, have you been on the promenade deck--do they have the lounge chairs (with cushions!) around available to use; we love sitting there watching things.  Thank you for any info.

I believe there were not any lounge chairs on the promenade deck but I will double check next time I am on deck 3.

[zgscl]

10 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Thanks for posting this. I was at sea for a few moments 😁

Wonderful relaxing sound isn't it!