2022 Vacation - Cruising Alaska

 This cruise was planned about two years ago.  We had some NextCruise deposit credits to use so we decided to do Alaska again.  The last time we cruised Alaska, it was on Regency Star in June 1995.  Boy, have there been a lot of changes in the industry and in the ports. 

Pre-cruise planning included getting tested for COVID, filing the ArriveCAN form, and making parking reservations.  Oh, and getting suitcases out of storage so we can start packing.

This cruise was with Norwegian Cruise Lines (our third cruise with them) aboard the Norwegian Sun for 9 days.  We bought a basic beverage package for each of us in advance as well as a dinner package (ended up being 3 dinners).

We could also book shore excursions in advance but decided to wait and see.

Some pictures are included in the narrative.  These include the professional photos as well as those taken by us or passersby.  Watch for #FlatMike – he likes to travel with us.

Tuesday, Aug 23, 2022 – Day 1

We finished packing our suitcases then loaded them up into the car. 

(yes, #FlatMike came with us).  Left the house a little bit after 9 am.  We stopped at the Tumwater Best Western so I can weigh-in at the WW meeting then we went to IHOP on Martin Way for breakfast.  Got to see my DAR sisters while they were having their breakfast social.  We left IHOP at 10:25 am to head for Seattle.  We arrived at the Seattle Cruise Park at 11:56 am – a great place to park your car while gone. It is a secured area, valet parking, and they then shuttle you to the pier.  We were scheduled to check-in at the cruise terminal at 12:30.  We arrived about 12:15 – made it through with no issues at all!  In fact, the lady that was checking our paperwork loved us as we had it all in order – the first ones for her!

As we boarded, we were handed our Freestyle Daily.  This newsletter provides the dining options, entertainment line-up, and the day’s activities aboard the ship.  Every night the next day’s issue is placed on our bed.

We ate lunch in the Garden Café (buffet style).  Then, we were allowed to go to our room at 1:30 to drop off our carryon bags.  We joined a ship tour at 2:20 (it started at 2) then relaxed in the Spinnaker’s Observation Lounge.  Went back to our room and unpacked the remaining bags.  We had dinner at the Garden Café (it was Prime Rib night).  This was during the Sail Away Celebration that was occurring poolside.  We went to the Welcome Aboard Show at 8 pm in the Stardust Theater, then watched “Majority Rules” Game Show in the Bliss Lounge.  My notes also indicate something about a raffle party, but I don’t remember it (no, I didn’t have any alcohol . . . just notes are not clear and it’s not listed in the Freestyle).  Went to bed at 11 pm (oh, had to set clocks back one hour for Alaska – the only clock we had was our phones).  My Fitbit recorded over 13,000 steps.

 

  

Wednesday, Aug 24, 2022 – Day 2

This is a sea day.  I thought my phone would adjust its time, but it didn’t.  So, I thought I was  up at 8 but it was actually 7am.  David had a rough night so I let him sleep while I wondered around the ship.  Ate breakfast at the Garden Café (omelets made to order!).  It was when I went to the morning trivia in the Bliss Lounge that I discovered the phone didn’t change times.  Oh well – it was great to watch the cardio dance class (did not participate).  Cruise Staff Tim is very energetic!  After the trivia, I went to the Stardust Theater to watch the “This is Alaska Presentation”.  Lots of ideas for shore excursions.  Had lunch at the Garden Café then went to the Latitudes Rewards Cocktail party at the Spinnaker Lounge.  Then we booked our shore excursions and dinner package dinners.  At 3:15, headed to the Stardust for Bingo! 
Love playing aboard the ship.  (Roll it, Carol!) Whenever  you see Carol from Day 3 on and you say the catch phrase, she will give you an extra ticket for the free cruise drawing.  We used the first of our dinner packages at Los Lobos, a Mexican cantina.  Food

was Fantastic!  Then we had our professional photos taken in the photo gallery – this was where we met Lais (assistant manager).  She was a kick!  Beautiful and full of humor.  We bought a
12-photo package from her that included 3 frames and a USB thumb drive at a great price (especially with our latitudes discount!).  Then we went back to the Bliss Lounge to see the ”Newlywed Not So Newly Wed” Game Show.  That was followed up by Rock-n-Roll music by the Infinity Band.  We retired for the evening around 9:30.  Had over 8,000 steps on the Fitbit.

Thursday, August 25, 2022 – Day 3

Oh dear, we slept through our alarm.  Up at 8am, showered & dressed.  Going to breakfast at 9.  Bingo is at 10am. Darn . . . not enough sales so the game is cancelled.  We got extra playing cards and raffle tickets for the next game rather than have our monies refunded.  This afternoon is Sitka.  Ate lunch on board between 11:30 and noon.  Took photos of us arriving in Sitka.  We took a shuttle from the ship to downtown.  Walked around, took a few photos then headed back to the ship (3:15).  Oops, forgot to include #FlatMike in the photos!  Remembered at the last minute before getting back on-board ship to include #FlatMike. Spent time outside on board – relaxing, taking photos.  Had dinner at about 6:30 at Four Seasons (complimentary dining room)  Very delicious.  Then went to Bliss Lounge to catch the end of a singing game (Sing if you Know it Game Show) then went to our room.  Watched the ship leave port.  Fitbit showed approximately 10,000 steps.

       

Friday, August 26, 2022 – Day 4

Got up at about 8:30.  We have arrived at Icy Point Strait – not much here.  Took some pictures.  Head up to Garden Café for breakfast. (somehow, we missed the photo spot – it was supposed to be at the Garden Café but must have been at the poolside entrance).  Spent the morning relaxing on board.  Ate lunch at noon then went ashore at about 1 pm.  Took the

gondola car from Wilderness Landing to the shopping area (Hoonah Cannery). Walked around and did some shopping.  Got caught in a rain shower.  Then returned to the ship.  Spent time reading in various places.  Going to have dinner at the Garden Café.  After dinner, we were in the Bliss Lounge to listen to the Infinity Band do rock hits then we went to the Spinnaker (Heartbeat Trio doing Latin hits).  Watched the ship leave the port.  Almost 9,000 steps on Fitbit.

     

Saturday, August 27, 2022 – Day 5 (basically a Sea Day)

Glacier Passage sailing this morning.  Up at 8 – David at 8:45.  Misty, wet day.  No Bingo scheduled.  Will have breakfast at Garden Café.  Will try to get photos this morning – missed them yesterday.  Got photos taken 3 times today.  Took lots of photos of Glacier Bay.  Lunch at Garden Café.  Then did some more walking around. Marcy had a conversation with the Assistant Manager of Guest Services about the cruise.  She let slip that we were going to be celebrating our anniversary later in the week.  Going to go relax and read for a while.  We had dinner at Cagney’s then
we took in a musical review of Rock N Roll in the Stardust (called Rock  you Tonight).  Then retired for the night.  Almost 7,000 steps on Fitbit.

     

 

Sunday, August 28, 2022 – Day 6

Skagway today.  Up at about 8 am – had breakfast at Garden Café – wondered on deck to  take some photos.  Going to town this morning to do some shopping.  Have a tour scheduled for this afternoon.  Ate lunch on board then relaxed for awhile before going ashore for our streetcar excursion.  It was great!  Our tour guide was

fantastic, very entertaining.  A rare treat – we got to see a red fox when outside of town (at a viewpoint looking over the town).  Also, saw some sea otters playing in the water around our ship.  Going to have dinner at Four Seasons tonight then see the game show “Battle of the Sexes”.  Went back to room at 8:45.  Today we had chocolate covered strawberries delivered to our room (complimentary from Guest Services).  Delicious.  Oh, over 10,000 steps today on the Fitbit.  Tomorrow is an early start if we want photo shot.              

Monday, August 29, 2022 – Day 7

We arrived in Juneau this morning.  Only going to be here until noon.  I got up about 8 – took a shower.  We’ll go up to the Garden Café for breakfast then catch a tender to shore to do some browsing.  Oh my, it’s pouring . . . we got soaked due to the rain.  Went back to the ship and ate lunch at the Great Outdoor Café.  Spent the afternoon relaxing, reading, and watching various games.  Decided to have dinner at Four Seasons (it has the same menu as Seven Seas – just don’t have to dress up!).  After dinner, we went up to the Spinnaker Lounge to listen to some music.  Then went back to our room for the night at 8:45.  Almost 8,000 steps on the Fitbit.

  

 

Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Day 8

We arrived in Ketchikan – docked early.  Actually, we docked at Ward Cove which is about 7 miles outside of downtown.  Going to be a short day in port.  We won’t have time to shop as our excursion gets back when we  have to be aboard.  We were up at 8am for breakfast.  Met our shore excursion tour guide at 9:45.  The tour was fantastic – a sunny day (yes, sunshine!).  Quick tour of downtown then on to the Totem Pole park then back to the ship at noon.  Ate lunch about 12:40.  Spent the afternoon reading and playing Bingo (I won $117!).  We also listed to music and game shows.  Had dinner at Four Seasons again.  Did some more reading while David was napping.  I’m going to bed early while David went to the movies to see the original Top Gun.  Set clocks ahead 1 hour.  Just over 6,000 steps on the FitBit.  This was the night for the famous “White Party” except now they call it Glow Party. Didn’t attend as it was at the same time as the movie.

Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – Day 9

Happy Anniversary!  Woke up a little after 8 and no David.  Oh well, I’ll head on up for breakfast. We won’t be at our port of call until this evening.  Lots of things to do today.  I think David went to the Military & Veterans social in the Spinnaker.  I went to the Bliss Lounge for the virtual tours and the Senior Officers Q&A.  I didn’t note where we ate lunch but will assume it was at the Garden Café.  After lunch, it was time to get ready for the final Bingo.  David came up to me while I was purchasing my cards and said “You have to come to our room.  You need to see it before I mess it up.”  So, off I went.  Guess what!  Our room was decorated by the crew – a “Happy Anniversary” banner across the mirrors at the head of our bed

and silver wedding bells hanging over the door to the balcony.  Oh, and swans made with towels!  I took lots of photos then showed it to Mel at the Bingo desk.  (note – she gave me some extra raffle tickets due to our anniversary).  After Bingo, went back to our room to pack our suitcases for the morning.  Then we got ready for our last dinner – La Cocina, an Italian meal.  It was delicious (didn’t tell them it was our anniversary).   Oh, I was lucky in Bingo again – I won $2 on the pull tabs.  When the ship docked in port, we were getting ready to line-up to disembark for our shore excursion.  Ran into Mel again and double-checked with her as to where we needed to be and she led us to the Atrium Café & Bar.  Had us sit up at the bar and indicated she would come and get us when it was time.  Well, when the “all clear” was given, she came and put us in line (basically, she gave us cuts!).  Off we went for the Horse Drawn Trolley tour.  It was a little cool (they  had blankets for us to cover our legs) but it didn’t rain.  When we got back, did a little bit of shopping in the gift shop before getting back on board the ship.  We picked out our pre-paid photos (a total of 12) for pick-up in the morning.

Thursday, September 1, 2022 – Disembarkation

Well, we had to get up early to eat breakfast.  We took our hand-carry luggage with us.  We had decided to switch from the yellow tags (Latitudes rewards members) to purple tags for a later time slot.  We should have stayed with the yellow.  Oh well.  The process was quick and smooth.  As we left the ship, we went through the security face recognition for the final time – from there we retrieved our other luggage (and asked for a porter).  She took us on outside (no bag checks) for us to meet our shuttle back to the car Cruise Park.  What fun that was – I called and they indicated they were on their way.  When they arrived, other people got on before us.  Luckily, there was room for us.  When we arrived at the Cruise Park, our car was waiting for us.  We put our luggage in it, started it up, and pulled out.  As we were almost at the freeway, David realized we didn’t collect his keys.  Called the place up and ended up losing the call due to the tunnels.  So, when we got home, I sent an email to them.  They said they would mail the keys to us.  Well, the next day when we went to drive the car to breakfast & grocery store, guess what we found – yep, the keys.  They were hidden underneath the hood of the car by the wiper blades.  Lucky!

 

We had a great time on the trip and look forward to our next cruise – New England & Canada next September out of New York.