Wide Open Spaces - Alaska 2009

After several days on land in Alaska, we boarded the Diamond Princess for a 7 day cruise to Vancouver with stops in College Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and thru the Inside Passage. Check in was a breeze and we were on-board in about 15 minutes.

We had a mini-suite with a covered balcony, which came in handy on several rainy occasions. The room was perfect for us, but would have been crowded with 4. We loved the larger bathroom too! The staff and crew were very professional and friendly. Unfortunately, we did not attend many activities on the ship because we were either on our balcony looking at the beautiful scenery or exhausted. We only dressed for dinner one night otherwise we ate at the buffet. Once Kay and Mom discovered room service, they would order cocktails for the balcony..... :) We also became very spoiled to the morning coffee service.

We especially enjoyed the on-board naturalist. Whenever the ship sailed through a scenic or known wildlife area, she would broadcast information about the area. We had a port side cabin by the back set of elevators. So, whenever she spotted something on the starboard side, I would run down the stairs (just 1 level) and out the doors to the promenade deck. It was fun!

One morning, I decide to go for a stroll around the promenade deck. I had just walked out and passed an elderly gentleman. He said something to me but because of the wind, I could not understand him. Well.... He starts pointing very excited. A humpback whale rolls right in front of us! Both of us reach for our cameras, but it is long gone. I later ran into him and his wife. Had to confirm for him that we saw a whale that close! :)

We also met several people from the roll call on the Cruise Critic website. Enjoyed a lunch with some of them on the second day. Also met up with several on the excursions, in port, or shipboard. I have even emailed some of them swapping excursion pictures. It was fun meeting everyone!!!

Our Cabin