Tracy Arm Cruising

Day Three aboard the Oosterdam
Today Oosterdam cruise through Tracy Arm which was very scenic.  Unfortunately, my laptop had a complete hard drive failure, so I must resort to writing my blog from the Internet Cafe on Deck 10 forward.  I don't have much to post today because most of the day revolved around resting.  This Cruise Journalist gig can sometimes be tiring believe it or not.  The gentle movement of the ship doesn't help (that's a good thing by the way).  Why in the world would anyone come to Alaska?  The amazing scenery and the local culture which is rich. It's amazing that this whole world of glaciers and majestic mountains, and vast waterways are right in our backyard here in America.  I truly think an Alaska cruise is not for older people and their parents, Alaska has so much to offer families with kids and couples.  Also, for those who love the great outdoors, nature, wildlife, there's so much to offer. 

Day Four Juneau
Today we were in Juneau, and I went on a fascinating excursion to see the wales and an incredible glacier.  This is my second visit to Alaska by ship and the first time on a wale-watching adventure.  If you're a photographer...wow, what a great opportunity to take amazing photos of the wales.  As I am typing this someone just shouted "There's a Wale"!  Everyone in the Crows nest lounge ran to the port side of the ship to see the wale...funny!  I think I can feel the ship list a bit as people scramble to see the wale.  Anyways, back to my blog.  We took a small 50 foot boat out to a popular site where the humpback wales are known to swim around, and we were not dissappointed.  There were at least five wales spouting off and flipping their giant tale in the air as they dive.  Their blowhole shoots water into the air at the rate of about 300 miles an hour, kind of like when a person sneezes, it's the same thing with wales as they exhale.  Sorry I can't share any photos at the moment, but because of my laptop crash, I'll have to wait till I get home to post the numerous photos, I've taken in the last few days.  After our boat ride to see the wales, we went to Mendenhall Glacier and a nature walk where we did see a small bear.  It's really amazing to see people on these tours go so wild over seeing a wild animal. 

I post more about life onboard the Oosterdam later.  The food by the way has been glorious!

Akaska Cruise Oosterdam Day One

Day One - Arrival Day August 12^th Boarding the Oosterdam in Seattle

My flight got into Seattle at 8:30am so I took a cab to the pier to meet with a preresentive from the Port of Seattle for an interview.  It was a pleasure to speak with Jean Cox, she was very knowledgeable about the port and all the  things this particular port has to offer. After my meeting with Jean, I took a cab to the Undergroud tour.  Parts of Seattle burned and so many areas were built over the top of old Seattle.  So you can still see some of the old street, storefronts, and walkways under the city.  I’ve always wanted to see this tour, but haven’t had a chance. 

Boarding the Oosterdam was very quick.  I immediately went to my stateroom 5185 all the way at the back of the ship, to unpack. I hung up my shirts and put away my clothes, then kicked back a while in my room before it was time for boat drill at 3:30pm.  At 7pm we had a special party in the crows nest for the media people that are onboard.  It was good to meet some colleagues and meet a few new people.  I passed on dinner this evening because it was just too late after my early flight this morning.

Day TWO- at sea aboard the Oosterdam, August 13^th. 

Today we are at sea all day and the Oosterdam is plowing along like she’s on a mission.  I think we’re moving about 20 knots.  I wandered into the Vista Dining room for a late lunch.  I had a delicious chicken curry salad, a cheese seafood soup, and tilapia, everything was presented to perfection and tasted great!  Today was a very lazi day for me.  I didn’t do much other than walk around the ship. I took a nap.  I participated in a board room meeting about the daily programs.  Someone from corporate was onboard conducting this survey with only a handful of passengers.  I just stumbled into this one.  It was fun to offer my two cents as to the presentation of the daily programs.  The seas are a bit choppy today, and Oosterdam is showing off her ability to keep her momentum going.   Tonight is formal night so I need to put on the suit and tie.  This really sucks traveling alone, and hey it’s only the first full day.  I hope to skyp with Terri in a little bit.  Tomorrow we’re cruising all day again, through Tracy Arm, so there will be things to see.