The cruise continues then concludes

We had a very enjoyable morning in Skagway, where incidentally we found a Pandora outlet (guess what??) we then rejoined the ship in time for lunch. After we’d eaten we sat and relaxed on the lido deck. We had dinner, watched the entertainment then turned in. Whilst we were doing this the ship had left dock and was headed for Glacier Bay National Park.

Glacier Bay National Park is located in southwest Alaska west of Juneau, its a marine park with inlets, coves and hide away harbours. It’s also a land park with snow peaked mountains, spectacular glaciers and emerald green forests.

Wednesday 21st We awoke to discover park rangers had joined the ship and were giving a commentary on the ships PA system as we sailed up Glacier Bay. We sailed right up the bay to the John Hopkins inlet where we saw the John Hopkins Glacier. The views were just breathtaking and never before have we witnessed all the ice floating by. The ship did a slow but sure 360 degree turn facilitating some fantastic photo ops. We then sailed back south. Here we went to the theatre to hear about the work of the Park Rangers and the indigenous people. The evening was classed as dressy so the white tux and bling came out. We had a lovely meal then went to some wonderful dance entertainment, followed by a relaxing drink before turning in.

Thursday 21st no alarm today so we woke at 09:00 so went for a leisurely breakfast and witnessed the ship sailing along the inlet to Ketchikan. The town is set at the southern most entrance to Alaska’s famous inside passage, a network of waterways that snake through some of the most jaw dropping wilderness in the world. We arrived at 10:10. At 11:00 we went ashore into the town and wandered about this pretty little place. We bumped into a local cop and had a conversation and it transpired he was the Deputy Chief and he gave me PD coin. We continued wandering around for this was our last day on land in the USA. At lunchtime we rejoined the ship and went for a snack. We remained onboard overlooking the beautiful inlet. After dinner we witnessed “Seven Worlds-One Planet” a musical adaptation to BBC’s Earth programme. We chatted with some fellow Newmarket travellers, had a night cap and turned in. This evening we had to repay one of the hours we’d added on for we were now back in Vancouver time. We awoke an went for breakfast. After we’d eaten we sat and chatted with fellow passengers while we sailed along the Inside Passage  The Alaskan portion of the inside passage extends 500 miles from east to west. The area encompasses a 1,000 islands and thousands  of caves and bays. It really was a beautiful spectacle to withhold. Alas our cruise was coming to and end. We spent some time just sitting there taking in the beauty of the islands.  Alas we didn’t see any whales.

We arrived in Vancouver and after clearing customs waited for our Rep.