Almost Tracy Arm

Tracy Arm Day  Well Almost 

All previous Disney cruises this year have not made it into Tracy Arm due to ice conditions. I learned yesterday we will not know if we will make it in until we get there. So we will see how this day unfolds. 

We woke to a few low clouds and some sun, temperatures as cool as expected. Spent a good portion of the morning on Deck 10 in a very strong wind and very cool temps. While up there we saw Whales, Dolphins and a small pod of Orcas. 

The ice was blocking the entrance to Tracy Arm so the ship was diverted to Endicott Arm where one finds the Dawes Glacier. We had opted to do an excursion where we were transferred to a smaller boat to cruise the fjord and get closer to the glacier.  While sailing to the glacier we observed a couple of Bald Eagle, seals and sea lions on the brash ice. Getting close to the glacier was a plus as we saw several large chunks  falling from the face of the glacier. I thought this was worth the money and next year we may get into Tracy Arm and will probably do the same excursion. 

Back on the boat, we made our way to deck 7 aft and enjoyed a sailing away from the glacier.

We cleaned up and went to a fantastic dinner at Palo. 

An amazing day with some amazing scenery. 

NORTH TO ALASKA

Heading North Sea Day 

I was up at 0500 and found us un the Queen Charlotte Straight doing about 19 knots on the grey overcast misty day with a temp I would say in the lower 50’s 

I walked the top deck scanning the shoreline for critters and only observed some low flying Greebs in the distance. 

Letting Lynn Sleep as I enjoy the quiet of the early morning hours of the ship. 

We are heading North at about 22 knots and the wind is rather brisk. I was ready for breakfast and held my typical court and my prescribed location. During breakfast we did see a Menke. 

We then made our way to the DVC Meeting  yes a sales pitch but that is the nature of the beast. 

I ducked out of the DVC meeting to attend the Naturalist Program. The Naturalist is a retired National Park Service Naturalist and is doing a very good job. His desire to share and spark interest is a highlight for me. 

The return cruiser meet and greet is at 11:30 and we have Palo Brunch at 12:00. 

Yes there was a time I thought cruising would not be for me as I thought I would  be bored. Was I ever wrong. 

 Brunch at Palo, the upscale restaurant was excellent. Also a fellow cruiser arranged for a private reception for those who were part of a group of folks on Facebook.

We then spent a good deal of time on the decks looking for birdlife only to observe a few different gulls. The scenery was great and this we did enjoy as the skies had cleared for the afternoon. Soon it was time to get ready for dinner. 

Dinner was at Animators Pallet and I had a Pumpkin Stroganoff , our served did not recommend but I very much enjoyed the offering. 

A lap about the deck and then to bed.  

Sail Away Day,

Sail Away Day:

I was up at 0430 and out the door heading to the port to see the ship arrive. We arrived nice and early and waited and waited. Finally at about 6:45 we saw the Wonder come around the river bend. 

Lots of photos were taken and we made our way back to Tim Hortons for coffee and a muffin. We then finished packing up and then walked down to the port.  We handed over our bags and cleared Customs, security, and then finally checked in, where we received our lanyards and room keys. We proceeded to the waiting area where we waited till we were allowed to board. 

After boarding, we went to Parrot Cay for lunch and many a shrimp were consumed.  After lunch we went for a walkabout, first stopping at Guest Services to place some gift cards on account, sadly, the system was down and we were asked to return later. As an FYI, should a person have pre booked shore excursions one needs to get your gift cards on before 5:00 the first day. This is because your credit card will be charged for those excursions at that time. 

We got to the room at about 1:30, signed up for the 50mb of free internet and unpacked our carry on bags. 

At 3:00 we met several folks from this cruises Face Book page. It was fun to put a face with the names. 

Back to our room in hopes our bags had made it, but not the case, and it is time for the safety drill. As we were leaving for the safety drill our bags arrived. So after the safety drill we unpacked and got our stateroom organized. 

We next made our way to Deck 10 to sail away from Vancouver. The skies were starting to fill with thin cirrus clouds as we made our way out towards Vancouver Island. We sailed north at about 6 knots with Vancouver Island on the port side of the ship. 

We returned to the stateroom and did some more organization and cleaned up for dinner. While waiting for dinner we were welcomed back by several ships officers. 

We had a nice dinner at Tritons, Lynn had the duck and I had the lobster pasta. After a nice dinner and conversation with our table mates, we did a lap of the ship. There was a nice sunset and the seas are calm and a nice refreshing breeze was blowing. 

Time for bed as we have lots going on tomorrow.