We made it. On board Mariner. Saw Ngaire and Ken at lunch. Beautiful sail out from Vancouver. I am writing my detailed blog over on CC but will check in here as well.

Life is good on EAGLE.

FOOD SO FAR TERRIFIC.

Last night Prime 7 . Crab cakes, seafood sampler platter and Dover sole.

Tonight it was Als birthday so we went all out on the food fest. Mussells, halibut chowder, halibut with crab shrimp topper, rack of lamb and a chocolate molten cake. Happy little piggies left the table.

Calm seas just a tiny bit of movement and the sun came out today. Always enjoy sailing with Davor, Daniela and Stan in Prime 7. Lots of friendly and familiar faces including Seth and Abraham

Tomorrow a tour with an Alaskan seafood feast with Kathy and Al. Rachel, Helen, Jerry and George are going fishing.

Our trivia team is Rachel, Helen, Dave, Kathy and Al and me. Ken and Al will take turns. Very tough today with 10 being the winning score. We just got 7 but we will get better.

I love Alaska - Great food and wildlife and sharing it with great travel companions such a treat.

We sucked at trivia today. Questions were incomprehensible. The first none of us understood, and I still don't understand. But I do know the heaviest internal organ in the body.

A very relaxing day at sea today. Despite our crushing trivia defeat ( who knew that the worlds largest producer of sugar beets is the Ukraine?) . I recovered with a pleasant facial and a few cocktails. Tomorrow is Ketchikan and we plan on lunch in town before a fishing in the wilderness excursion. Fingers crossed that the weather holds.
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Helen

Looks like a nice day in Ketchikan! Have a great time fishing and eating all that yummy seafood! Hoping trivia improves.

In Ketchikan. The day is glorious. Sun is shining and totally calm. I am looking out my window at the gorgeous little town. Love it when the ship docks right in a town.

Seafood feast on an island is my excursion today can't wait.

Great day. Bus to the boat then boat to the lodge on an island. It was an open boat and although the scenery was fabulous even on this sunny day it was cold.

Once ashore it was nice and warm. We took a walk through the forest on a wide boardwalk. This was really beautiful. So much moss with varying shades of green it was so pretty it did not look real. We saw a HUGE cedar tree they estimate to be 1000 years old. 38 feet around and 180 feet tall.

Then back to the lodge for a seafood feast. A huge bucket of Mussells, dungerness crab, shrimp, clams along with sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes. Finished off with warm from the oven chocolate chip cookies. Not one piece of seafood was left on our table.

We came second today in trivia. If we had Rachel with us we would have had the medical question and tied for first. Happy to take second.

Tonight our cocktail party and then dinner at Signstures

Supposed to be another lovely day tomorrow in Wrangel, we have never been there before so we are looking forward to it.

I did indeed know the answer to the medical question, but alas, was not there. George and I went hiking on our own in the am, which meant we spent half of the time trying to find the trail, and the other half hiking at double speed to catch up.

Then fishing with Helen and Jerry in the pm. Guess who caught the most fish--me, but had to throw one back. Helen caught the first fish which was fitting as she had only been fishing once before. George caught the largest. And then there is poor Jerry, with no fish. But we shared so he didn't starve.

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day out on the water. I feel bad for the poor fish we caught but have now fulfilled my fishing obligations to my husband and he can go on his own on all additional fishing excursions lol. It was a really nice day though.Today we are In Wrangell. It's still early but looks so far to be another nice sunny day. We are just going on a highlights tour and then plan to just walk around the town. Dinner in Prime 7 tonite!
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Helen

Ketchikan, Alaska:






Al and Ngaire.


Tongass Rain Forest.


Before we started eating.


And the after.


After our feast we watched the Humming Birds.




Spring time in Ketchikan.


Creek Street, a beautiful area.

Thanks for your seamail. It's all great, especially since I was just in Alaska 3 weeks ago. So glad you are having good weather.

I have never seen Ketchikan in total sunshine, it looks so different! And that seafood boil looks SO good!!! Great pics and seamail, for sure!

Another wonderful dinner Miso Sea Bass and rack of lamb. Our dinner at Signatures was also great. I really think the food is better than usual or I am simply enjoying it more.

Today Juneau we arrive about noon. We could not get into Tracey Arm too much ice still. Disappointing of course but again today sunny skies, calm conditions. Looked at the website passage weather and it looks good for calm seas all the way to May 29th and that is as far out as it goes, so things look good. One tiny patch of higher waves but we probably will not catch that as we hug the coast and it is great along the coast.

Orcas! This is my third trip to Alaska but the very first time we saw Orcas. Our excursion to Tracy Arm was not able to go because of the ice so we were diverted to Endicott Arm. On the way back we saw the cutest sea otter just floating along , we saw a haul out of dozens of sea lions and then the grand finale: a pod of about 10 orcas of all sizes. The boat captain decided to slow down and stay a bit to watch them which thrilled me to pieces. There were a few people who were upset because they had other excursions to catch but I think they made them in time anyway. We are going tonite on an evening whale watch so hoping to see more but either way a great day!
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Helen

Love all this seamail !!! The pictures are great. I'm so happy you were able to see the Orca's today Helen. WOW, I can feel the excitement all the way to SoCa. Glad to hear the weather Gods will be with you too.

I'm loving the reports as well! Keep them coming!

We were with Helen and Jerry on the am excursion. The orcas were really special. I was really disappointed that we didn't make Tracy Arm, but the orcas made up for it.

George and I took another very strenuous hike in the afternoon on our own, then met up with Ngaire and Ken off the ship at an amazingly good restaurant in Juneau called "Salt". So good! Fresh perfectly prepared salmon and halibut, yummy salad, Brussels sprouts that even Ngaire liked, fresh baked sour dough bread with herb butter. If you ever go to Juneau, this is the place to eat.

Weather still good for Alaska. The sun went away in Juneau but it was not raining, not cold and very calm.

We did the whale watch and we went a long way out to see Orcas. Our sighting was not as good as Helen's and Rachel's as they had their orcas right at their boat. We had Orcas but we were pretty far away a different experience. We also saw some humpbacks and some flutes but not our most successful whale watching tour but it was still fun. Nice boat we had a big area with three seats facing each so six seats for three of us. I even indulged in some donuts not normally my thing.

George and Rachel introduced us to a friend of theirs that works with Clay at dinner. He is going to be on Frolic so it was nice to meet him ahead of time. The restaurant was only about three blocks from the pier so very convenient. We had a nice time.

Today we are in Skagway. Overcast and similar weather to Juneau. If it is not raining in Alaska it is a good day.

After our terrific orca spotting yesterday Jerry and I went to have a drink in the Horozon lounge before our evening whale watch where we ran into Dave who was the only representative from Ngaires trivia team there. So I sat down with him and We WON! Hah! It helped of course that no one else knew that Christian Loubouton makes the shoes with the red soles.
Our whale watch was a bust. No whales to be seen. Oh well.
Today we are in Skagway. We did the White Pass railway which was very nice. The scenery is beautiful. We had an afternoon tour booked but decided to just relax onboard after a short walk around the town. Dinner with Ngaire and Ken tonite.
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Helen

congrats on the win...you two are a couple of smarties !

In Seward today. Happy to not be getting off. George, Jerry and Al are out salmon fishing. They had to get up very early.

Took a tour to a glacier and sea life center today. The glacier was a long trek but a perfect temperature with the sun shining so that was nice.

Then onto the seal life center that was surprisingly good. Well laid out and interesting exhibits we really enjoyed visiting and spent about an hour there. They had a bird area with ducks , puffins and some other birds. The king eider duck was stunningly beautiful . Ken will post some pictures.

Another embarrassing event for me. I visited the restroom and could not get the bolt to move so I could not get out. There was about a 12" space at the bottom of the door. So I got on the floor and crawled out under the door. Only people in the bathroom were two little kids who I think I scared to death. Not sure they spoke English as I spoke to them and they just ran out as fast as they could.

We told the guide we would be leaving the tour early and she told us there was a shuttle back to the ship. This is a free service that locals and cruise guests can use. It had a stop right outside the sea life center. The shuttle was a school bus with a very "colorful driver". We had expected to be dropped somewhere close to the ship and then walk from there. But the shuttle went right up to the entrance to board the ship.

All in all a very nice day in Seward. New guests onboard and we sail tonight headed for Hubbard Glacier tomorrow. This is the best weather I have had on an Alaskan cruise and looks like the good luck will continue.

KLT Cocktail Party & Wrangell, Alaska:


Ken, Daniela, Davor, & Ngaire.


Daniela picks a possible winner of a free cruise.


Docked in Wrangell, Alaska.






Tlingit Meeting House.




A church on Church Street.

Juneau & Skagway, Alaska:


Our boat ride to see the whales in Juneau.


Humpback Whales.


Skagway, Alaska.


The locals in Skagway are very friendly.

Seward, Alaska:


A walk to the Exit Glacier.






Canary Rockfish at the Seward Sea Life Center.


Salmon anyone.


Horned Puffins.


Tufted Puffin.






King Eider Duck.

Thanks Ken. I love Alaska but I especially love the birds. Beautiful.

Beautiful pictures Ken! Your trip sounds so fabulous.

Ngaire, I was ROFL reading about your bathroom mishap....that is so funny!!! I can just picture you on the floor crawling out. Similar happened to me in Italy 40 years ago at some hodunk train station and an old Italian maintenance guy had to remove the entire door to let me out.

Jerry and George and Al caught the limit of salmon and other fish. George had it shipped home. I think the 56 pounds of salmon fillets should just about feed us all if we show up on the Gibbs' doorstep . Maybe Tulsa style Ho Down?
Still no big whales for me but Rachel and I were watching some Orcas on our excursion and they swam right under the boat under our feet. So very cool! Also saw a mountain goat and lots and lots of puffins. Today we are heading for the Hubbard Glacier on another beautiful sunshine-y day.
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Helen

You all are welcome in Tulsa anytime. Helen just won at bingo.

Gosh the wildlife seems plentiful up there this year! The bird pictures are great .....56 pounds of Salmon!!! What a great trip you all are having

Fishing is Good in Seward, Alaska:


Al, Jerry, & George.


Nice Catch!!

Wow! What a great haul!

Was this a Regent excursion or one you booked on your own?

Where to start kind of behind on posting. Going to keep posting and submitting as I go to be sure I do not lose the post.

The fishing trip was privately organized. Six on the boat and another perfect day in Seward.

Gold, platinum and titanium events. Been just outstanding and different.

The first one was a cooking competition between the girls and the guys. The head chef and Jeff the concierge and Daniela, F&B and Margaret the cruise director. It was very well done a lot of banter between the two sides. We all got to taste the dishes, beef Tartare and lobster risotto.

The second event was at the Hubbard Glacier. We have been on the front deck of the ship before where guests cannot go to see the glacier. Usually they serve hot chocolate. This time it was a full food and beverage event. They had spiced hot wine, tons of different liqueurs and alcohol to put in coffee or hot chocolate topped off with whipped cream. Food was a apple and cinnamon strudel, bread pudding both with whipped cream or cream anglaise. Then a chocolate fountain with fruit and other goodies for dipping. Plus Grand Marnier Crepes. All this beautifully laid out complete with ice sculptures, cocktail tables and chairs as well. The sun was shining, no wind really did not even need a coat. Mountains all around just absolutely perfect.

The whole scenario got to me and I I had not eaten a dessert at all on the trip but I had a taste (should admit to a full order of each dessert) of everything, plus a spiced wine and Irish coffee.

Seward. For those on the back to back Seward turned out to be a great port. We loved our excursion but should have done the boat trip. Fabulous lunch included of Prime Rib and fresh salmon that everyone said was terrific. They got very close to a pod of Orcas. The big male headed straight for the boat and went right under the boat. They saw ,ou rain goats and tons of puffins. Sounded outstanding.

We are now in Hoonah and again sunshine, no wind and blue sky. The weather has been incredible. It makes such a difference. Yesterday from Seward to Hubbard Glacier it was like glass early in the morning. Never had it this good and according to the website www.passage weather.com it will remain this way for the entire trip. This website just shows wind and waves so not sure about the sun every day but the seas are very calm.

Going on an eating tour. Lesson on cooking fish and then we get to eat what was cooked. Last time I was here the people that did this loved it.

We have had so much fresh salmon and halibut on board. The chef said he is going to try to get WHITE SALMON in Sitka. I have never heard of white salmon so hope he gets it so I can taste it.

Last night I had Halibut chowder, then the fresh halibut with shrimp and crab hollandaise sauce and a side of lobster. Topped that off with a little rack of lamb.

I love Alaska, great food, wildlife and scenery. Couple that with good weather and good company as I always sat "life is good"

Sounds like fantastic Gold, Platinum, and Titanium events; much better than last time we were in Alaska!

Looking forward to reports from these new ports!!!

Hoonah what a spectacular day.

We were in Hoonah a couple of years ago. It has really changed. They built a new dock with a walkway to the shore, a bunch of new building, new restaurants and shops, new tours. A very high zip line, four wheel vehicle trips plus a whole lot more.

ThE WEATHER WAS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY.

This port has stunning scenery but in brilliant sunshine impossible to describe. We stopped to get a little bite and soak up the views and saw a humpback whale in full breach very close to shore.

We did cooking and tasting tour it was great. Super chef and story teller, and we finished watching her fillet a halibut and we cooked the halibut and some snapper ourselves on a giant grill very yummy.

With the new facilities provided this is going to be a port not to be missed.

Agree with Ngaire re Hoonah. We have never been here before and it is beautiful. Early this morning right after we docked I had just come back in from my balcony when I heard a blow and turned around just in time to see a really big orca pass right by the ship.
We went on a bear watch and alas did not see any bears but still a very nice walk in the forest. Our guide explained that Hoonah and the cruise ship facilities are owned by native Americans. There is a canoe project going on in town wherein they are carving canoes with the intent to take themselves in those canoes to Juneau for a celebratory gathering if the various local clans.

After our return from that, while Jerry went zip lining, I sat on the dock in the bright sunshine and had a local red ale while watching the whales come through. A very nice day. Tomorrow is Sitka.
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Helen

Your cruise is sounding fantastic in EVERY way !! You're seeing so much that we've never seen....sounds like a future escorted Alaska cruise, with your itinerary will be a must (I hope I hope).

Marcie I have always liked Alaska and enjoy doing it every two or three years. The scenery, fresh food and wild life hits all my wish lists. We were discussing that today and Kathy said we should call it Salmon. I seldom try to come up with names but this one hit me right away. Scenic Alaska, luxurious meals, overwhelming nature. What Alaska is all about.

Maybe 2018 or 2019. All depends on what else is offered and where people's interest lies.

TRIVIA. We have placed every day but the first day. Yesterday we got a perfect score 15. Today we got second without Rachel and Helen. More than holding our own.