Canada Rockies and Cruise

It was awesome to have a final catch up with Kerry and Alistair before our cruise departure. Our ship, Holland America - Koningsdam was majestically sitting at the berth at Canada place. This was our first cruise and we were not sure what to expect. It has been spectacular in every sense- the staff on board have been exceptional and there is nothing we can fault. Our very comfortable room has a small balcony on the 5th floor (of twelve) with great views. Our cruise was to depart Vancouver late afternoon and then cruise up the inside passage to Alaska stopping at a few ports. The dining choices were exceptional and food available 24 hours with choices you can only imagine. There was a wildlife guide on board giving informative talks and spotting advice. Activities were set out on a card delivered to our room the night before - each day with choices of activities, shows, games, talks, spa treatments and so much more. The first full day was a day spent cruising the Inside Passage - the perfect opportunity to explore our new home for the next week. From the pool deck on the 9th floor, to pickleball, walking track, playing shuffleboard, having a drink in the Crows nest, relaxing in the many lounges, many different performances areas to listen or watch a show of sorts. Our 2nd day was arrival into Juneau port (Alaska’s capital), population 32000. Before we arrived we were picked up by a small boat directly from our ship for an excursion to Endicott Arm which is a 30-mile fjord in Alaska's Tongass National Forest that leads to the Dawes Glacier - a 600-foot-tall, mile-wide tidewater glacier. The glacier regularly calves, or breaks off chunks of ice that fall into the water with a thunderous roar which we were lucky enough to witness. We were surrounded by these ice chunks - some are used as chill out places for the Harbour seals. The many waterfalls and cascades were a wonder to see. We even saw a few humpback whales. We were returned to our ship before heading into Juneau to explore (we docked downtown so just a short walk to central Juneau). Mostly curio shops and jewelry stores of various sizes, many holding end of season sales. The only way to get to Juneau is by water or air, due to it being surrounded by an ice field. During the winter the cruise ships do not visit Alaska.
Day 3 we arrived in Skagway in the morning so we ventured out after breakfast. Skagway was the largest city in Alaska at the peak of the gold rush but the frenzy only lasted long enough to have a rail line built to help those wanting to get to the gold fields over the White pass. We did this pass by train with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and cascades. It would have been a very treacherous, cold trip in its day. Day 4 was an exceptional day of cruising Glacier Bay. National Park Rangers arrived by boat and got onto our ship mid-sea. They spent the day with us teaching and showing us about the surrounding area. We were able to admire many of the tidewater glaciers surrounded by ice chunks in the water. We loved watching the many sea otters playing in the water. Marguerite glacier being the most spectacular - as it meets the ocean- has an incredible 20 story high face and moves at about 1 metre a day.
Day 5 we arrived at Ketchikan which is the Salmon capital of the world and the town has a decent sized population as a result. It is located within the Tongass National Forest, over 17 million acres of Temperate Rain Forest (as opposed to tropical rain forests). They have up to 300 rainy days a year so it will be no surprise to hear that on our Kayak expedition we got thoroughly soaked! We were taken by inflatable rubber duck to an isolated beach for our Kayak to commence and then gently paddled through pristine waters surrounded by the forest and beaches with knowledgeable guides. We saw bald eagles (and their massive nest), Ravens and sea birds, deer and seals. We were very lucky as the rain had slowed to intermittent light rain / drizzle and clear after a morning of heavy rain.
After the kayak we were bussed back to town where we wondered through the town and had a warm cup of tea and seafood chowder. Creek street was worth a visit - houses raised on stilts above the river teaming with Salmon!
Due to the steep cliffs close to shore there are limited roads but they built houses there anyway and have a staircase (with street names) they have to walk up to get to and from their home.
Day 6 was spent cruising the inside passage to return to Vancouver the following morning - a good day to try and process the many wonders we have witnessed in the last week. The entry into Vancouver, cruising past Vancouver island was truly spectacular - we spied a few whales although at a distance.Read more