Our Alaska Crusie : April 2015

Day 1, June 1st,Mon, At Sea

Sheena and Tim:

Stateroom: B252
Category: IB (Interior)
Deck: Baja Deck Plan

Alison and Veronica

Stateroom: B617
Category: IB (Interior)
Deck: Baja Deck Plan

Baja Deck:

Check out the different decks
http://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=NP
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WQhxWKmk7WI

Day 2, June 2nd, Tue, At Sea

These were taken from a cruise last year so it it will change somewhat.

Day 4, Jun 4th, Thur, Juneau, AK 1:00pm 10:00pm

Hike: West Glacier Trail.
A half-day or long day hike to a viewpoint above Mendenhall Glacier. The West Glacier hike follows the west side of Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall Glacier, mainly through brushy woods of alder and cottonwood, to several viewpoints above the valley. Last is best in this case: From the final overlook above the glacier, you get to look into the hall of the mountain king.

Here's some pretty cool photos:
http://www.panamintcity.com/alaska/westglacier.html

Jun 5, Fri, Skagway, AK 6:30am 8:30pm

Here's some photos of a hike.
Lower Deweys Lake

Day 6, Sat, Jun 6, Glacier Bay National Park, AK (Cruising) 6:00am 3:00pm

We have to wake up early and it's cold, but worth it. Probably won't see a big one this early in the season, but here's a look at the Glacier.

Day 7, Sun, Ketchikan, 8:00am 6:00pm

Open. Trying to book a tour and get a discount.
Update: Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour
Experience the Misty Fjords on this exhilarating 65-minute small-group tour on a floatplane.

The Misty Fjords National Monument is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska, and only by air will you be able to fully appreciate the dramatic beauty of land, slowly crafted by the hands of nature over tens of thousands of years. The spectacular seaplane features large windows for exceptional views, and individual headsets allowing you to enjoy the lively narrative and inspirational music, specially selected as an accompaniment to the stunning sights unfolding before you.

Set aside as a fully protected wilderness area in 1978, Misty Fjords National Monument encompasses more than two million acres. Discover on this once-in-a-lifetime flight, breathtaking 1000-foot cascading waterfalls, glistening lakes and low-hanging mists on your flight from the Tongass Narrows over the volcanic Revillagigedo Island to Misty Fjords. Then marvel at the sheer walls of granite plunging over 3,000 feet into the fjords and the lush forests of spruce, hemlock and cedar clinging to snowcapped peaks, set in this land of incredible natural beauty and rugged grandeur.

Day 8, Mon, At Sea

Day 9, Tues, Victoria, BC, 7:00am - 2:00pm

Here we have two options:
Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. Due to time constraint we probably can't see both. The gardens are about a 1/2 hour drive and opens at 9am. I suggest we try and get there at 9am and then may have time to see the castle.

The Butchart Gardens is a group of floral display gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, located near Victoria on Vancouver Island. The gardens receive close to a million visitors each year. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada due to their international renown.

Craigdarroch Castle:
The castle is a Victorian era, Scottish Baronial mansion considered by many as an architectural wonder.

Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria, British Columbia, CanadaThe castle was completed around the year of 1889.

In 1979 the castle became a popular tourist attraction and museum receiving over 150,000+ visitors a year. The attraction is open to the public and individuals are encouraged to enjoy self guided tours at their own leisure exploring the mansion and grounds.

There are over 30 rooms located throughout the 4 stories of the castle covering over 20,000+ square feet. There are many bedrooms to visit and other rooms to discover including a billiard hall, library, drawing room, dance hall and tower.

Throughout the castle are numerous historical artifacts. Some of the historical highlights include a Sir John A. MacDonald engraving, Schafer painting, Parian Ware statue, Garden Entrance Chinese Vase, Steinway Baby Grand Piano, paintings, thimble collection, James Dunsmuir’s Seal and a Bust of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Video