twangster

I haven't forgotten about this blog, but Voom continues to be slow hampering my ability to upload photos. More soon.

Using standby I've never had to wait any more than until the next ride begins. Timing is everything but I've gone for several rides, just about every day it's been offered.

I recall having comedians on my Anthem sailing. Check out the Cruise Compass section of this site for validation of typical entertainment options: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=435

I was growing thirsty so I found a solution to the problem. At a local bar... That solved my thirst issue but with a growing hunger I needed to find some food. This was solved at the Sitka Hotel. Fish and Chips. Plus a local porter to wash it down. From here I set out to self explore Sitka on my own. It's a very nice town with a population of 8,900 making it the 5th largest town in Alaska. It's very easy to walk with numerous sign posts such as this one to help you find your way around. The airport is on an island accessed by this bridge. The site of Baranof castle that has long since been lost but this was also the site where the purchase of Alaska was concluded when America bought it from Russia. Finally back to the visitor's center downtown to queue up for the shuttle back to the ship. The line moved quickly with a number of buses ready and waiting to bring us to the ship. Sitka is only accessible by air or sea. The total road available is 14 miles.

The next phase of the guided walk moves to the area's history once being a Russian possession. We move to a boardwalk along the coast with the town growing closer. The interaction of the Tlingit and the Russian companies that were trading in fur was explained, as well as the role of America further down the coast. We spotted a juvenile Bald Eagle in a tree above us. Fishing is a large part of the local economy. Another visitor dropped in to listen to our guide. We walked through town to the Russian Cathedral. This was lost to a massive fire that consumed much of Sitka in 1966. It was rebuilt based on plans since it was on the historic register. Inside the cathedral is very ornate and beautiful. This was all saved from the fire by a human chain of towns people who saw the fire advancing and hand carried as much as they could including these doors to safety. At this point the guided walk was over and we were free to explore Sitka on our own. It was several hours and a lot of walking but very informative and I learned a lot about different economic, cultural and historical aspects as well as information about the flora and fauna of the area.

From here we began the nature walk portion of this excursion. We walked a short way down the road to the Sitka National Historic Park. Our group was broken into three with each getting a guide from the bus. As we walked the trail with her she explained the ecology of the area and the types of vegetation in the region. It's a beautiful park with well established trails. This river is close to the mouth of the ocean and late July would be loaded with Salmon returning to spawn. Our guide talks about the different kinds of Salmon and the different life cycles. Some new salmon immediately make their way to the ocean while others spend a year growing up in the river before heading to the ocean. This sign talks to the lifecycle of the Pink variety of salmon. The trails continue and our guide talks about the types of trees. This was the second oldest tree in the park that broke during a wind storm last year. The park contains a number of totem poles that were brought here in the early 1900's, provided by a number of native tribes in the region. This is a replication since the original poles are made of wood that weathers and breaks down over time. The trails continue and we make our way to the coast as we head towards downtown. Historically these poles are painted once at inception and from that point are not touched up. Here is a section of an older totem pole that has been removed from it's original pole to keep it from deteriorating. The forest service has a visitor's center located here. Each pole tells a story that belongs to the tribe that contributed the pole. Out of respect the story is not told by other's, only that tribe can tell the story.

Day 5 - Sitka My excursion was a visit to the local Raptor center and a nature walk. We boarded a bus with three guides who took turns speaking to various aspects of Sitka from it's history to the economics of the area. The Raptor center had it's own guides who were knowledgable about the birds and operations of the center. Our first stop was to an area where birds who will be reintroduced to the wild were kept while they recover from what ever reason brought them to be rehabilitated here. Their cage is very large and open to the outside with slats so that the birds feel the outside as much as possible. There are one-way glass that is camouflaged so the birds can't see us. It's heavily darkened glass and very difficult to take pictures through. The point is to minimize exposure to humans. Through that part of the center to the outside area there are birds that cannot be released for what ever reason. For example this Peregrine Falcon has a wing that can't be fixed. A number of owls are residents at the center. A Golden Eagle. A female Bald Eagle has built a nest. While she can't reproduce she still has breeding instincts such as nesting on eggs so the center slips in other eggs that allow her to perform her natural instincts. Two of the other Bald Eagle residents were still sleeping. For this reason you might want to time a visit here mid or late morning versus this first tour of the day.

Day 5 - Sitka I was up early hoping for a sunrise but it was overcast with low cloud cover. Sitka is the only Southeast Alaskan Coastal town that is on the Pacific ocean, most are located along the inside passage. At this point we were still in the Pacific before approaching the Sitka area. For the Pacific these were very calm seas. To reach Sitka we have to sail through a series of small islands that were shrouded in fog. The despite the cloud cover it was quite beautiful to sail through them. Finally we approached the pier we would use today. This area is actually 7 miles from the downtown area. There is no pier near downtown, ships that go there have to tender. In our case free shuttle buses operated all day long to carry guests to town and back. Since I was booked on a Royal excursion we met in the theater where we were given a numbered sticker based on our excursion. Excursions were then called by number to be escorted off when transportation for that excursion was ready. Key guests were also offered priority debarkation for self exploring.

The bow is a crew only area. It's not unusual for off duty crew to use the bow at various times but particularly at notable times like arriving in port or at a glacier. Deck 13 above the bridge is the lower level of the solarium. There are two bridge wings that are open from 6am to 6pm. There is a 0.8L kettle in my cabin.

Surprisingly I'm not visiting Two70° as much as I have on other cruises. So much going on with great views outside but we'll see what happens when we visit the glaciers.

I book scuba diving excursions solo. You can choose whatever excursion you want. If a partner is required, they will match you with one or the excursion leader will partner with you. Don't sweat it, book it. Photo packages? I never buy one. They are not required or mandatory. I would find an excursion that you want and just book it. It's your money.

With Hawaii cruises you really have to look at the itineraries and pay attention to port times. For Royal these can vary quite a bit from ship to ship and year to year. It can be great way to see the islands. I've visited on a fly in basis and while it's relatively easy to fly between islands, there is something to be said for unpacking your things once and not having to deal with airports multiple times, if you find the right cruise itinerary. The nice thing about Hawaii is that it is part of the US. It's easy to rent a car, cell phones work, GPS on phones can be used to navigate, etc. You don't have to book ship excursions as long as you don't mind doing the research and planning your own day like you would have to when you fly in. Some ports are tender ports so a ship excursion can be a great way to ensure your spot on a tender boat. The Pacific ocean can be rough sometimes and gentle sometimes. It is a cooler ocean on this route compared to the Caribbean but for me that is a good thing.

Day Four - Icy Strait Point After a bite for lunch I headed back shore side for my second excursion Spasski Valley Wildlife and Bear Search. After a 45 minute bus ride we were given a safety briefing. This included the request to whisper so as not to startle the bears which could lead to an attack. Living in Colorado and hiking in bear territory this was confusing advice. I have always been told to make noise when hiking so as NOT to startle bears. Some hikers wear cow bells so they are announced. Hmmm. By now it was raining and I was glad I had my rain coat. That's Alaska weather. The excursion takes place along a boardwalk like wooden walkway with three viewing platforms along a river. To reach the river you cross a meadow on the boardwalk. Our first viewing platform. Nice views down the river. Some participants thought a rock in the river was bear but soon realized it was just a rock We paused at each platform waiting for a sign off a bear. At the next platform we waited some more. At the third viewing platform we waited some more. Finally a bear appeared behind us in the woods. It was a very nice but weathered carving of a bear out of a stump. On the walk out we saw evidence of a bear. Apparently bears don't like the rain so they retreat into the woods. Meanwhile 45 minutes later, back at ISP... I decided I wanted a bear. I mean a beer. What better place but by the fire at the Duck Point Bar. Back on board I noticed the North Star was running so I jumped in the standby line. After dinner it was time to leave. Off we slipped towards the Pacific to reach our next stop. Despite the bear bust, it was a very enjoyable day at ISP, one of my favorite Alaskan ports. For my other stops at ISP on previous cruises: Radiance ISP 2018 Millenium ISP 2017

Day Four - Icy Strait Point My day starts with an excursion booked through Royal Caribbean called Glacier Bay Flightseeing. Originally $399 but offered on sale for $319. The meeting point was inside the first building at the end of the pier where many excursions depart from. It's very well organized with large displays that matched the number printed on my ticket. We boarded a bus for the 10-15 minute ride to the Hoonah airport. Our chariot to Glacier Bay on this occasion. The right seat or copilot's seat was offered so I jumped at the chance. On the taxi out to prepare for take off our pilot spotted a couple of deer. Soon we were airborne with a great view of the town and local marina. Not long after I spotted Icy Strait Point with the profile of a familiar ship in the distance. Hard to miss North Star. Our pilot made the turn and we headed off towards Glacier Bay. Everyone gets a window seat! Alaska is quite beautiful. As we flew North and the peaks increased in altitude so did the amount of snow. In the distance I could make out the ice fields that feed the glaciers. We were in the mountains now at an elevation of around 7,000 feet. The ice fields are massive. It's hard to appreciate the scale but it's basically a sea of snow. What's amazing about this excursion is not only to see some glaciers, but to fly above and behind them, to see the ice fields that feed the many glaciers in this area. Climbing still we head towards some of the highest peaks in this region. You can see how the snow has deformed from it's own weight pushing down slope beginning the multi-decade process of moving towards the face of a glacier. Flying in close proximity to the peaks and seeing this with your own eyes is incredible. Pictures don't do this justice. Again you can see the snow where it has advanced downslope from it's own weight, like a land slide, compressing the layers below it into glacier ice and squeezing oxygen out in the process. At this point we are flying above a valley of snow and ice with peaks on both sides. In the distance another valley of glacial ice is approaching from the opposite direction. Flying beside these rock peaks is an incredible experience. They are so beautiful and experiencing them up close like this will stay with me when I see a peak way off in the distance. More evidence of motion in the sea of snow and ice below us. We are literally flying around these peaks, not above them. As we descend along with the valley of glacial ice below us we begin to see signs of melting with pools of turquoise blue water on the surface. Turning around one more peak... We are presented a magnificent view of the John Hopkins Glacier as seen from the glacier. You can clearly see the moraine or dirt trails on top of the glacier. With a banking turn so both sides can see the glacier below us you somewhat appreciate how wide this glacier is but it's hard to fathom the scale of all this. At this point more peaks are right beside us. Then we turn to follow the channel of water, the John Hopkins Inlet. Turning the corner the scale of this all suddenly becomes clear when a tiny ship appears. Originally looking small next to the rising sides of the valley (and the highest peaks are well behind us) I realize it's the Norwegian Bliss. The Bliss is pretty much the same size as Ovation being slightly smaller than Ovation by a narrow margin. In other words it's a pretty massive cruise ship, the largest to visit Alaska until Ovation arrived on this cruise, yet it seems so small in the vastness of the space. Seeing something familiar, a large cruise ship, set the scale for what we had just seen and it blew my mind just how big all of it really was. Continuing our flight down Glacier Bay I spot another glacier. The Lamplugh Glacier, something the folks on the Bliss will reach soon after our flyover. Next is Reid Inlet and Reid Glacier. We continue to fly South back toward the entrance of Glacier Bay park and with the peaks of the mountain range behind the snow capped peaks of these smaller mountains give way to lush green vegetation below the snow line at lower elevations. It's all still very breathtaking and I could have taken many more pictures. A suspended frozen lake in a bowl on the side of this mountain. Our pilot does a fantastic job bringing us safely back towards Hoonah. In the distance to the South I spot the North Star. Not that North Star... Ovation's North Star and Icy Strait Point. Our pilot spots a whale excursion boat so we bank overhead in time to see a whale surfacing near the excursion boat. No pictures of that one, had to see it live. With the lush green land near Hoonah below us we gently land from where we had departed. Back in our van and heading to Icy Strait Point my mind raced to process all that I had seen. Our driver dropped us off near the entrance to Icy Strait Point by the old cannery. I chose to walk back to the ship along the shore. Here is this excursion compressed into a 7 minute video made from clips I took in between taking photographs. At the 3 minute mark is the John Hopkins glacier and around the 5 minute mark you can see Ovation at Icy Strait Point. It's hard to put into words everything that I experienced on this excursion. At $319 it was the most expensive excursion on this trip but I have to say it was well worth it. I've heard naturalists and others countless times talking about "The Ice Fields" but now I've seen them first hand. I can visualize the process of snow falling, compressing, hundreds of feet deep turning into glacial ice, having oxygen squeezed out and turning blue then slowly creeping it's way down a slope to the eventually find itself on the face of a glacier where we get to watch it calve countless years later. Pretty awesome experience and I look forward to seeing Glacier Bay by ship now that Royal can begin sailing there in future years. When I do all this will come flooding back to me having seen this same area from high above it and from the opposite perspective.

Day Three - Sunset After some heavier cloud cover it was nice to see it break up a little and we almost saw a sunset. We were at this point approaching the entrance to the Alaskan Inside passage. There is another ship ahead of us crossing our bow in the distance. Some heavier clouds in the distance stole the sun from our sunset but helped to produce some dramatic late evening skies. With that it was bedtime in anticipation for tomorrow. Day Four - Icy Strait Point Progress so far... Weather was continuing to improve and for the first time we were treated to a nice sunrise here at 4:55am. There was some low cloud cover that filled some inlets and areas of the inside passage that the sun had not had a chance to burn off yet. Technically the sunrise was earlier but with the hills and mountains it was hidden from us until now. The effect of the sun and the low cloud cover was mesmerizing to watch. At this 5 o'clock hour is when they wash the outer decks down which is how the glass is always so clean. This includes washing any sea mist off the North Star. The sunrise was quite breathtaking this morning. In the water there was frequently seals and small porpoises playing in the water (or feeding). It was quite interesting to watch once my room service breakfast arrived. A coffee on my balcony watching the marine life of the Inside Passage. As the sun rose higher the beauty of the Inside Passage began to unfold. Finally in the distance I could make out the floating pier of Icy Strait Point. The cloud cover is common at this morning hour but it looked promising for a great day. We began our turn to dock starboard side in. Finally we were at our first port of call and the first time a ship this large had ever visited ISP.

@ScooterScott22 - I tend not to do M&Ms. Another Alaska Enrichment talk on day three in Two70° at 1:30pm was well attended. This one focused on the Geography of Alaska. Temperatures were in the mid-50s and sunny. Some folks were in t-shirts and shorts. Flowrider was going. Voom is becoming very slow. We've switched to the old satellite platform that was designed for ships half this size. With 4000+ guests it's excruciating at times. Dinner tonight in Jamie's was very good and courtesy of my travel agent. I was in a corner with poor lighting for photography so I couldn't get good food pictures. I'm spending a lot time outdoors looking for photo opportunities and with the very slow Voom I'm going to switch from live blogging to semi-live or a few days delayed and will fill in the missing photos when I can give them the respect they warrant. As we move into the port intensive phase of the cruise I'm going to focus on the cruise and less on the blog, at least for now. Back soon...

Minor differences. Somehow I enjoyed Pixels better.

The Case of the Disappearing and Reappearing Stacks In order to pass under the bridge in Vancouver they lowered the exhaust stacks at the top of the ship's funnels. This along with timing the transit to occur at low tide provided the necessary safety margin to sail under the bridge. May 13 - Vancouver harbor: May 15 - At sea.

I was up early on account of still being on my home time zone two hours different. At 4:30am it was getting light out so I was hoping for a sunrise. Temperature was 39° F according to the itinerary channel. Finally blue sky above us! To the East the sun was trying to rise but cloud cover obscured it and the mountain range that I know runs along the coast here. If you look closely you sort of see mountains along the water's edge. To clear under the bridge in Vancouver with the largest margin possible they lowered the stacks. The gray area with the piping is an assembly that lowers as a unit. It appears it rides on those chrome support columns or they might be the hydraulic rams that lift and lower it. The indoor pool area was a nice place to warm up. It's pretty massive and should work great for families on these sea days in Alaska.

Day Three - Sea Day Here is the breakfast door tag I've been using to order a continental breakfast each morning. Time slots are 6am - 11am in 30 minute windows.

Before I forget, time change at the end of day two, we are now on Alaska time, four hours off eastern time.

The Music Hall has permanent sound and lighting equipment.

Will try. I've yet to see a DJ on the pool deck, no outdoor parties.

I use cameras that capture in the RAW format. This allows for a lot of options to "fix" pictures later in software. For indoor or dark shows I tend to use around 1/80th or for skating shows 1/250th shutter speed to avoid motion blur and I let the auto-ISO of the camera go crazy high, then I apply noise reduction later in software to remove the noise that is typical with high ISO photos. The Pixel shots were captured with a Sony RX100M6. It's not inexpensive but small, discrete and it shoots in RAW just like my bigger mirrorless camera does. It's a very capable little camera.

After the show there was an Elvis impersonator in the main theater but that isn't my genre so I skipped it. The cloud cover remained but i saw a sliver of a sunset on the horizon forward. I left my cabin to see what I could capture of this so called "sunset" from the Solarium. The bridge wings were closed so I had to settle for a shot through the glass with a reflection in it. Out of the Solarium and back into the indoor pool area where there are windows that slide open. By this time most guests had settled in for the night so I used the opportunity to take some pictures around the ship. Here are some: The VIA: The lobby art is in motion. It's a series of paddle like blades that swing back in forth. Finally the Esplanade without hordes of people. This next piece of art is from artist Celilia Lueza called "Epiphany II": Izumi: Wonderland: Some folks may not have sailed this class or a ship with similar decor so here is a typical elevator lobby : With that it was bed time.