Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Day 3
As would become the habit I tip toed out of the cabin whilst the rest slept in. The transformation of the scenery was dramatic as we steamed up the fjord to the Juneau, state capital of Alaska. Snow covered peaks lined the narrow waterway and within an hour at least 5 pods of Humpbacks had been sighted. The ship berthed at 1300 and we joined our first cruise tour which was a bus trip out to Mendenhall Glacier National Park. The glacier was only about 12 km out of town and was a spectacular sight complete with mini-icebergs in the lake. We stopped at a “rainforest garden” complete with golf buggy ride. A bit of “wally world” operation although the ride was rewarded with a spectacular view of the town.
On return to Juneau we hopped on the Mt Roberts Tramway (really a cable car) and were transported to a winter wonderland high above the cruise ships. Liam was less than impressed with being hit by his first snowball the shock overcoming him until he finally figured out that he could fire back. We went for a walk through the snow and the reaction of Isabel was especially beautiful. A tremendous day and Alaska and great introduction to Alaska.
Day 1-2 – Arrival Vancouver/Embarkation and Inland Passage
A late night arrival in Vancouver, around midnight, ensured a big sleep in leaving little time to do much more than wander around Robson Street. A short taxi ride brought us to Canada place and we quickly passed through US customs and the embarkation procedure before finding ourselves on board the MV Mercury. The cabin to most may appear somewhat small but after a lifetime in submarines it was pure luxury and unlimited showering!!
The ship departed Vancouver at 1700 and we steamed Northwards through the Inland Passage. For the first evening Liam and Isabel joined us at the main seating which was a big test having to sit through a formal meal. Having survived without any major embarrassment the kids went to the “fun factory”. Fortunately there were very few other children on board so they were well entertained and would want to do no more than spend morning, afternoon and evening back aft at the kids club.
The first full day was pleasant enough with the weather just sublime, sunny and warm with flat seas. Apparently Alaska only gets 55 days of sunshine each year and we used nine of them. The ship obviously had a myriad of bars, entertainment areas and the casino and we certainly explored on the first evening. An opening show in the theater proved useful for catching up on some sleep.