Monday, July 7, 2025

THURSDAY JUNE 19 - HERE WE GO - ON OUR WAY TO VANCOUVER, BC

The 9:55 AM, AA flight #1719 from LAX to Vancouver was uneventful. We were excited about starting this trip in Canada with two nights at the Parker House in Vancouver. Conveniently located, we water taxied to Granville Island, had a delicious dinner and drinks at the Sandbar, bus/toured the city and Stanley Park, and had a wonderful breakfast at Maxine's. I must admit, Vancouver is a very very nice city and the exchange rate was a pleasant surprise.







SATURDAY JUNE 21- BOARDING THE CARIBBEAN PRINCESS


After checking out of our hotel, it was off to the port to board our first-ever cruise ship. We were not alone! 





SUNDAY JUNE 22 - FOGGY DAY AT SEA

Today was a day to check-out the ship. It's massive and easy to get lost on. Sue secured 7:30 reservations for our entire trip at the Islands Restaurant. Servers Ferdinand and Earnest were a great team and treated us royally each night. 






MONDAY JUNE 23 - KETCHIKAN - WE'RE CRUISING BABY!

Arrived 6 AM to overcast skies. Seven eagles feeding in the water. Explored on our own the shops and businesses. Lots of touristy souvenirs. Back on board for a 2 PM departure and to enjoy the pleasures of the "cruising life" and the breathtaking scenery.










TUESDAY JUNE 24 - NO ROADS IN OR OUT - JUNEAU - CAPITAL OF ALASKA

Big day planned today, whale watching then a tour of the Mendenhall Glacier topped off with a 9:30 "Whitney Houston" show after dinner. 








WEDNESDAY JUNE 25 - ARRIVED IN SKAGWAY

All aboard! Time for the White Pass & Yukon train ride. 







 

THURSDAY JUNE 26 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE

From our notes: "unbelievable scenery, glaciers, otters, seals, whales, birds, bears. Margery Glacier calved while we were eating lunch. early on deck, cold, sunshine 11 AM. beautiful day. Park Rangers on board. bow to Skywalk. 9:30 show after dinner" 






FRIDAY JUNE 27 - SCENIC CRUISE OF COLLEGE FJORD






SATURDAY JUNE 28 - WHITTIER & ANCHORAGE


Whittier was our final destination. A small sea port, about an hour from Anchorage, is where we picked up a bus/boat tour of the Portage Lake and Glacier. We would be dropped off mid-afternoon in Anchorage in time to meet up with Dick and Linnea for dinner. 








ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END - OUR FINAL DAY GETTING BACK


We departed Anchorage Sunday on Alaskan Airlines to Portland at 9:05 AM. There are no direct flights to LAX. After a 70 minute Portland layover we were off and arrived at 5:15 PM in LA. A quick shuttle got us to the Hilton to pick up our car. Tired and exhausted was an understatement. We were pooped. But we were on the final leg of a once-in-a-lifetime trip with unforgettable memories. Bravo Zulu!






A SECOND PLACE FINISH (BARELY)