I managed to get a good shot of the Zuiderdam while we were in port in Skagway.
At the musher's dog sled camp
Downtown Skagway
At the musher's dog sled camp Downtown SkagwayTuesday, October 13, 2009
Daily Program for Tuesday June 16 2009
The Zuiderdam docked in Skagway around 7am on Tuesday June 16.
It also was the beginning of Kerry being quite sick. The night before he was at the Lido restaurant and had chicken salad and got food poisoning. We later found out about 3 other persons who also ate the chicken salad that night and were quite ill from the food poisoning.
We had already prepaid to go to a musher's dog sled camp, about $115 each. So Kerry decided to press on and go to the camp even though he wasn't feeling well. At one point I had to ask the driver of the mini bus to pull over so Kerry could be sick. Assured all the passengers he wasn't contagious - it was something he ate. In fact one of the women on the bus said she also took the chicken salad, had one bite, and decided it didn't taste right and didn't finish it.
We arrived at the dog sled camp about 25 minutes after leaving the Zuiderdam and were taken to a vehicle that looked like a modified golf cart, seating about 6 passengers and a driver. Yes, this was on wheels. No snow, no sled. There were 16 dogs pulling the sled and away we went. It was raining lightly so it was kind of a muddy trail. At the half mile mark, halfway mark too, the driver changed off the dog team. We returned to the camp with the new team and were able to pat some of the dogs who'd pulled the sled. These aren't husky dogs, but rather several type of mixed breeds. The mushers try to breed for intelligence and speed. Many of the dogs have border collie in them, but also many other breeds. Then we met puppies who were about 8 weeks old and were able to cuddle them and take pictures.
We returned to the Zuiderdam and took Kerry to the infirmary. He was given medication for the gastro intestinal disorders - the staff refused to admit it was food poisoning - and was put on 24 hours isolation in our cabin just in case. I was not put on isolation and free to move about the ship and go back into Skagway.
There weren't too many programs on the ship that morning and afternoon due to being in dock all day and many passengers were disembarking to take advantage of activities.
Paul Blart Mall Cop was playing in the Screening Room and I went down at 4pm to watch the movie. But before that I wandered around Skagway. There isn't too much to Skagway. Its pretty much one street 4 blocks long lined with souvenir shops. Mostly selling the same things for the same prices. The same items can be found in the other ports of call. I took advantage of not having Kerry with me to get in some browsing and do a little shopping. I bought some salt water taffy for my father, some chocolate rocks for both my father and myself, a couple of pairs of Alaska socks, a stuffed polar bear for the grandson of a client, a stuffed husky for me, an ulu knife, and I got a free train whistle at one of the shops with a coupon I'd got on the ship.
That evening in the Vista Lounge I watched Showtime in concert with the singers and dancers of the Zuiderdam.
It also was the beginning of Kerry being quite sick. The night before he was at the Lido restaurant and had chicken salad and got food poisoning. We later found out about 3 other persons who also ate the chicken salad that night and were quite ill from the food poisoning.
We had already prepaid to go to a musher's dog sled camp, about $115 each. So Kerry decided to press on and go to the camp even though he wasn't feeling well. At one point I had to ask the driver of the mini bus to pull over so Kerry could be sick. Assured all the passengers he wasn't contagious - it was something he ate. In fact one of the women on the bus said she also took the chicken salad, had one bite, and decided it didn't taste right and didn't finish it.
We arrived at the dog sled camp about 25 minutes after leaving the Zuiderdam and were taken to a vehicle that looked like a modified golf cart, seating about 6 passengers and a driver. Yes, this was on wheels. No snow, no sled. There were 16 dogs pulling the sled and away we went. It was raining lightly so it was kind of a muddy trail. At the half mile mark, halfway mark too, the driver changed off the dog team. We returned to the camp with the new team and were able to pat some of the dogs who'd pulled the sled. These aren't husky dogs, but rather several type of mixed breeds. The mushers try to breed for intelligence and speed. Many of the dogs have border collie in them, but also many other breeds. Then we met puppies who were about 8 weeks old and were able to cuddle them and take pictures.
We returned to the Zuiderdam and took Kerry to the infirmary. He was given medication for the gastro intestinal disorders - the staff refused to admit it was food poisoning - and was put on 24 hours isolation in our cabin just in case. I was not put on isolation and free to move about the ship and go back into Skagway.
There weren't too many programs on the ship that morning and afternoon due to being in dock all day and many passengers were disembarking to take advantage of activities.
Paul Blart Mall Cop was playing in the Screening Room and I went down at 4pm to watch the movie. But before that I wandered around Skagway. There isn't too much to Skagway. Its pretty much one street 4 blocks long lined with souvenir shops. Mostly selling the same things for the same prices. The same items can be found in the other ports of call. I took advantage of not having Kerry with me to get in some browsing and do a little shopping. I bought some salt water taffy for my father, some chocolate rocks for both my father and myself, a couple of pairs of Alaska socks, a stuffed polar bear for the grandson of a client, a stuffed husky for me, an ulu knife, and I got a free train whistle at one of the shops with a coupon I'd got on the ship.
That evening in the Vista Lounge I watched Showtime in concert with the singers and dancers of the Zuiderdam.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Photos of Tracy Arm, Mendenhall Glacier, and Juneau, Alaska
The main street in Juneau, Alaska.
At the Mendenhall Glacier. About a fifteen minute drive from Juneau, Alaska via an old school bus.
The main cruise ship dock in Juneau. The Zuiderdam is about one mile away. Shuttle buses for a $3 fee are available to get downtown.
Some icebergs in Tracy Arm.
The bow of the Zuiderdam is opened so passengers can go out and get a good look at cruising Tracy Arm. It is raining. Nobody stays out here very long.
Daily Program for Monday June 15 2009
Day 3 of the cruise was fairly action packed: cruising Tracy Arm and Juneau.
From 7am to 10am scenic cruising of Tracy Arm was on the agenda. For early risers from 5am to 7am cruising through Frederick Sound and Stephens Passage there might be an opportunity to watch for whales. Unfortunately our preference is to be sleeping at that time! Having lived on the west coast all our lives and spent many hours on boats plus whale watching on Hawaii, our past experience with whales is usually a splash as the whale is going back under.
Other items on the morning program are fitness classes, digital photography workshop, culinary class, casino clinic, bridge and card playing, trivia challenge, explorations speaker Glaciers 101 - a talk about Glacier Bay.
Not so many things on the afternoon program because the Zuiderdam docks in Juneau at 2pm and most passengers are expected to disembark.
We got off at Juneau but the Holland America dock is some distance from the main dock near Juneau's main street. About one mile. Perhaps a nice walk on a sunny day, but miserable in the rain. Choosing to stay dry as long as possible we paid $3 (or was it $4) for the shuttle bus into town. Like I said a quick drive. Princess Cruise ship was right there at the main terminal. Once we got to the bus drop off there were several booths selling local tours. We chose the Mendenhall Glacier. A little deceptive at $7 each way. Well once you're there you've got to get back somehow unless you call a taxi. So $14 round trip times 2 of us = $28. Mendenhall Glacier is incredible and definitely a must see for anyone on a cruise ship. And relatively one of the more inexpensive things to do in Juneau. We didn't spend much time at the glacier, the rain dampened our enthusiasm. Cold and wet is not a fun day. And yes, we were both wearing rain coats. Must pack rain gear for Alaskan cruises. There is a tram ride, costs around $30 that is at the main cruise ship dock and goes up the hill. Seeing as how it was overcast and raining, not a good choice because nothing could be seen at the top of the tram so we skipped it.
Mostly all there is to do in Juneau is wander up and down the main street stepping in and out of the gift stores. Don't worry if you don't buy something and regret it once you get back on the ship. You will see the exact same items being sold at the gift stores in Skagway and Ketchikan for the same prices.
Just a footnote to be careful about what tours you book and pay for in advance. The helicopter tours and some other float plane flights were cancelled due to the weather. Also the sled dogs get cancelled if the weather is bad as do many other tours. And often, the weather is bad in Juneau.
Save money by going back to the cruise ship for dinner instead of eating at a Juneau restaurant. The formal dinner in the Vista Dining Room is smart casual dress code. We decide to do the very casual thing and eat dinner in the Lido Restaurants instead. Klondike Gold Rush Dinner is the theme on the Lido Deck. Still had a very nice dinner including seafood chowder in a sourdough bowl while docked in Juneau and a table at a window seat to boot.
Tonight in the Vista Lounge the Zuiderdam presents a magician, or as James Cielen prefers to call himself, an illusionist. He put on a very good show. Loved the tricks. Then a quick exit to catch another speech with Ron about Alaska's Early Explorers & Wildlife.
Whew! I am beat and head for bed around 10pm, about the same time the Zuiderdam departs Juneau. Kerry decides to go to the Screening Room on Deck 3 and catch a movie - The International has been playing throughout the day. When its over he heads up to the Lido Restaurant for a midnight snack that proves to be his undoing. More on that on another blog!
From 7am to 10am scenic cruising of Tracy Arm was on the agenda. For early risers from 5am to 7am cruising through Frederick Sound and Stephens Passage there might be an opportunity to watch for whales. Unfortunately our preference is to be sleeping at that time! Having lived on the west coast all our lives and spent many hours on boats plus whale watching on Hawaii, our past experience with whales is usually a splash as the whale is going back under.
Other items on the morning program are fitness classes, digital photography workshop, culinary class, casino clinic, bridge and card playing, trivia challenge, explorations speaker Glaciers 101 - a talk about Glacier Bay.
Not so many things on the afternoon program because the Zuiderdam docks in Juneau at 2pm and most passengers are expected to disembark.
We got off at Juneau but the Holland America dock is some distance from the main dock near Juneau's main street. About one mile. Perhaps a nice walk on a sunny day, but miserable in the rain. Choosing to stay dry as long as possible we paid $3 (or was it $4) for the shuttle bus into town. Like I said a quick drive. Princess Cruise ship was right there at the main terminal. Once we got to the bus drop off there were several booths selling local tours. We chose the Mendenhall Glacier. A little deceptive at $7 each way. Well once you're there you've got to get back somehow unless you call a taxi. So $14 round trip times 2 of us = $28. Mendenhall Glacier is incredible and definitely a must see for anyone on a cruise ship. And relatively one of the more inexpensive things to do in Juneau. We didn't spend much time at the glacier, the rain dampened our enthusiasm. Cold and wet is not a fun day. And yes, we were both wearing rain coats. Must pack rain gear for Alaskan cruises. There is a tram ride, costs around $30 that is at the main cruise ship dock and goes up the hill. Seeing as how it was overcast and raining, not a good choice because nothing could be seen at the top of the tram so we skipped it.
Mostly all there is to do in Juneau is wander up and down the main street stepping in and out of the gift stores. Don't worry if you don't buy something and regret it once you get back on the ship. You will see the exact same items being sold at the gift stores in Skagway and Ketchikan for the same prices.
Just a footnote to be careful about what tours you book and pay for in advance. The helicopter tours and some other float plane flights were cancelled due to the weather. Also the sled dogs get cancelled if the weather is bad as do many other tours. And often, the weather is bad in Juneau.
Save money by going back to the cruise ship for dinner instead of eating at a Juneau restaurant. The formal dinner in the Vista Dining Room is smart casual dress code. We decide to do the very casual thing and eat dinner in the Lido Restaurants instead. Klondike Gold Rush Dinner is the theme on the Lido Deck. Still had a very nice dinner including seafood chowder in a sourdough bowl while docked in Juneau and a table at a window seat to boot.
Tonight in the Vista Lounge the Zuiderdam presents a magician, or as James Cielen prefers to call himself, an illusionist. He put on a very good show. Loved the tricks. Then a quick exit to catch another speech with Ron about Alaska's Early Explorers & Wildlife.
Whew! I am beat and head for bed around 10pm, about the same time the Zuiderdam departs Juneau. Kerry decides to go to the Screening Room on Deck 3 and catch a movie - The International has been playing throughout the day. When its over he heads up to the Lido Restaurant for a midnight snack that proves to be his undoing. More on that on another blog!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Photos taken on first day at sea on Alaska cruise
Kerry having breakfast at the Lido Deck restaurant.
A lighthouse on a rock near an island off British Columbia's coast.
Salmon bake on the Lido Deck, aft swimming pool area.
Kerry enjoying a coffee on Lido Deck, aft swimming pool area while enjoying the scenery on the Inside Passage off British Columbia coast.
Relaxing on a deck chair on Lido Deck 9, aft swimming pool area while cruising through the Inside Passage.
The Canadian pilots leaving the Zuiderdam near Prince Rupert.
There is a world map with the Zuiderdam's location and route pinpointed by lights. The monitor shows the captain's log, the navigator's log, and other information regarding the Zuiderdam.
A lighthouse on a rock near an island off British Columbia's coast.
A little chilly on the Observation Deck. Fortunately the Zuiderdam provides blankets and I can bundle up on a deck chair with a good book.
Salmon bake on the Lido Deck, aft swimming pool area.
Kerry enjoying a coffee on Lido Deck, aft swimming pool area while enjoying the scenery on the Inside Passage off British Columbia coast.
Relaxing on a deck chair on Lido Deck 9, aft swimming pool area while cruising through the Inside Passage.
The Canadian pilots leaving the Zuiderdam near Prince Rupert.
There is a world map with the Zuiderdam's location and route pinpointed by lights. The monitor shows the captain's log, the navigator's log, and other information regarding the Zuiderdam.
Photos taken around Holland America's Zuiderdam
The Lido Deck 9 pool, aft.
Having a mid-afternoon snack at the Terrace Grill while waiting to leave Vancouver. The Terrace Grill is located at the mid-ship swimming pool on Lido Deck 9. Serves burgers, fries, and Mexican food.
Mid-ship swimming pool on Lido Deck 9
The mid-ship swimming pool on Lido Deck 9 has a retractable roof. Depends on the weather how far, if any, that the crew open the roof. Photo taken fron Deck 10 looking down.
Wandering around the Observation Deck 10
Seahorse sculpture in atrium between Lower and Upper Promenade Decks (2 and 3)
Having a mid-afternoon snack at the Terrace Grill while waiting to leave Vancouver. The Terrace Grill is located at the mid-ship swimming pool on Lido Deck 9. Serves burgers, fries, and Mexican food.
Mid-ship swimming pool on Lido Deck 9
The mid-ship swimming pool on Lido Deck 9 has a retractable roof. Depends on the weather how far, if any, that the crew open the roof. Photo taken fron Deck 10 looking down.
Wandering around the Observation Deck 10
The spa is located in the fitness centre, bow of Lido Deck 9. It costs about USD $150 for the week if one wants to use this hot tub. However the hot tubs by the swimming pools are free.
Some of the lovely art work around the ship.
Seahorse sculpture in atrium between Lower and Upper Promenade Decks (2 and 3)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Captain's Gala Dinner
Sunday June 14 2009 was the first formal dinner on the Zuiderdam called the Captain's Gala Dinner. I've copied down the choices available to eat. Sorry, I forgot to dessert menu.
Appetizers:
Summer Fruit Salad with Sambuca
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Captain's Anitpasto Plate
Glacier Bay Seafood Cake
Soups and Salad:
Russian-American Borscht
Gold Rush Soup
Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho
Baby Spinach and Button Mushrooms
Entrees:
Rigatoni with Roasted Garlic
Quail with Apricot Bread Stuffing
Land and Sea (filet mignon with prawns)
Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb
Silk snapper with Fennel and Tomato
Seasame Steak Salad
Indian Jalfrezi
Available Daily:
Grilled Salmon with Ginger- Cilantro Pesto
French Onion Soup
Casear Salad
Grilled Breast of Chicken
Broiled New York Strip Steak
Baked Potato, White Rice, Steamed Vegetable
Appetizers:
Summer Fruit Salad with Sambuca
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Captain's Anitpasto Plate
Glacier Bay Seafood Cake
Soups and Salad:
Russian-American Borscht
Gold Rush Soup
Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho
Baby Spinach and Button Mushrooms
Entrees:
Rigatoni with Roasted Garlic
Quail with Apricot Bread Stuffing
Land and Sea (filet mignon with prawns)
Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb
Silk snapper with Fennel and Tomato
Seasame Steak Salad
Indian Jalfrezi
Available Daily:
Grilled Salmon with Ginger- Cilantro Pesto
French Onion Soup
Casear Salad
Grilled Breast of Chicken
Broiled New York Strip Steak
Baked Potato, White Rice, Steamed Vegetable
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)