11 night Alaska Cruise Tour (southbound)
4 night Land Tour & 7 night Cruise
Monday June 2, to Friday June 13, 2008
Highlights: First day we traveled on three different flights to Alaska and after landing at our final destination, Fairbanks airport, we transferred to our Hotel, Pike’s Water Lodge (one night stay). On the 2nd day, in the morning we took a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler and stopped to visit Athabascan Indian Village. In the afternoon we went to Denali (Two nights in McKinley Village Lodge, Denali). On the 3rd day we took an 8 hour Denali park tour on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. On the 4th day we departed for the city of Anchorage. (One night stay in Hotel Marriott). On the 5th day we boarded the Wilderness Express, the glass-domed train cars for a ride to Seward.
Next 7 days, took 7 day cruise to Vancouver stopping at Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and finally at Vancouver.
Monday June 2, 2008. It was very pleasant morning to travel, 62 F degree. From Newark, NJ, we flew Alaska Airlines (AS 011 737-800 - full capacity) at 7.40a.m, arrived in Seattle at 10.17a.m., departed Seattle (AS 095 737-900 full capacity) at 12noon and arrived in Anchorage at 2.30p.m., departed Anchorage (AS 051 737-400 full capacity) at 4.10p.m. and arrived at our final destination Fairbanks, Alaska, at 5.15p.m. (The temperature was unusually warm i.e. 75Fdegree).
At Fairbanks we were picked-up by our Celebrity group and checked-in to our hotel Pike’s Water Lodge at 7.p.m. for one night stay. Here we met our Tour Director Bryan, who discussed our next 5 day program. At 7.30 we had dinner at the Pike’s Lodge near the water.
The first night was a new experience for us because the real night never arrived. Even after midnight, in spite of closed curtaind, I kept waking-up and looking out side. It was a unique experience. Incidentally, in Fairbanks, the summer season has no darkness, they do not celebrate July 4th (in day light one cannot enjoy the firework). Instead, on June 21, which is the longest day of the year – day light stays for 23 hours, they have a nighttime baseball game starting at 10p.m. and finishing at 12midnight (without any artificial light) and then they celebrate a special day similar to July 4th.
Tuesday June 3, 2008. This morning was a little cloudy and 55 F Degree. We had breakfast at 7a.m., left at 7.45a.m. for the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler tour. On this ride we experienced a variety of things i.e. how the Alaskan husky dogs are trained for the race, how salmon fish are caught, how local native people live including our visit to an Athabascan Indian Village. It was very educational. Our tour completed at 1p.m.
About Fairbanks: Fairbanks is considered to be a stage era i.e. started the Gold mine rush, discovery of oil in late 40’s (during this time because of oil, more than 70,000 people moved in Fairbanks some of them making 6 figures salary), military build-up due to invasion by Japan and finally after 9/11, Fairbanks played an important roll to defend our country from North Korea and Russia. One more point about Fairbanks, the main source of electricity is coal because 8 months of the year all rivers are frozen and thus no chance for hydroelectric power.
After lunch we visited the city of Fairbanks including the Golden Heart Plaza and stopped at the most famous Alaska Pipeline. “The Pipeline People” center. Took many pictures. After this we headed toward Denali.
Upon arriving we checked-in our hotel McKinley Village Lodge for two nights stay. Fortunately we all got to stay in the brand new section of the lodge i.e. we were the first guests to stay in this portion of the lodge. Once again this lodge was located in one of the most beautiful locations under nature.
Wednesday June 4, 2008. Weather was cool but very pleasant, 40 F degree going up-to 57 F. Once again, breakfast at 6.30 and left our hotel at 7.45a.m. For 8 hours Tundra Wilderness Bus tour of Denali. On this tour we were provided a box lunch. . According to our tour guide Bryan, who is also a National Park’s employee and Denali expert, our time i.e. first week of June is the best time not only because it hardly rains in June but also the weather is very pleasant and it is a beginning of summer season, thus, during this time we will see every things including the glaciers in fullest form.
About Denali. Unlike other national parks of US, including the Yellowstone National Park, Denali Park has only one road to go in-out of the park. Denali Park is 6million Sq. miles compare to the Yellowstone 2 million. Denali or Mount McKinley as many call it is the tallest mountain on the North American continent. The south peak is 20,320 feet high; the north peak has an elevation of 19,470 feet. The mountain was named in 1896 for William McKinley of Ohio. Of the 20 highest mountains in the United States, 17 are in Alaska and the top two are the north and south peaks of Denali.
During our 63 miles tour in Denali park we were lucky to see the following wild creatures; Grizzly Bears, Moose, Caribou, white Sheep, “Rock Rabbit” or Collared Pika, Ground Squirrel, Marmot (bugger than ground squirrel), Fox, golden Eagle, Owl -mother and babies, Snowshoe Hare (one kind of rabbit) and finally the State bird Willow Ptarmigan.
Upon returning to our hotel we had local wine and beer and at 7p.m. had dinner at the local restaurant. After dinner we took a shuttle bus for downtown Denali and did some site seeing and souvenir shopping.
Thursday June 5, 2008. Another beautiful morning started with 49 F Degree and going up-to 58. This morning put our bags out at 8a.m. and after breakfast we left the hotel by bus at 9.30a.m. heading south toward Anchorage. The name of this highway was Park Highway. This highway is built in the wildest and deepest valley in Alaska – on both sides’ mountains are covered with snow and river flowing next to them and the snow-covered mountains and their reflection in the river was the most beautiful site we have ever seen.
At 11.15a.m. We stopped for a box lunch at Alaska Veteran Memorial park. Left at 12 noon to continue our journey south to Anchorage. In the bus we played “Moon Migration Game” (It is a game where the entire group in our bus is divided into two teams. Each person, (individually from both team) draws a picture of Moose, one part/one person at a time. The best drawing/picture wins). Around 2p.m. we made anther stop at the most famous ice-cream place. We all tested moose ice-cream mixed with other flavors. We also passed a fasted growing town in Alaska called Massella. We also passed Elmenda Air force base (one of the three largest air force bases in US), where our new F-22 Rafters are being tested and fortunately we did see few being tested, (by August 2008, they suppose to complete 20 planes). Incidentally, Alaska has the highest number of people with pilot licenses, 1 in 65.
Arrived in Anchorage around 3.15p.m. and were dropped-off for site seeing and souvenir shopping in the town. At 5p.m. we were picked-up for check-in to our hotel Marriott. (For one night stay) Back to town for dinner and returned to hotel at 10p.m.
About Anchorage. Population 260,290, this is equal to one half of the state’s total population. It is the state’s only truly large city, where some uniquely wild aspects to this city. A thousand or so moose live within the city limits plus wolves and bear are often seen around the edges of town. Business people, prospectors, fishermen and ladies in the high heels all share the many great diversions this great city offers.
Friday June 6, 2008: This morning was again a most beautiful and comfortable morning (42F when we started our day and expected to go to 58F). Put Bags out at 5.45a.m. and left in our bus for a short ride at 6a.m. for our most beautiful Wilderness Express Train ride toward Seaward. While traveling, we had a formal breakfast in the train with a cappuccino, while we gazed out at cascading waterfalls and glaciers before traveling through Moose Pass. Later we had a very special drink called Moose Drink, like Irish coffee. It was spectacular ride with a glass-domed train car and we took many pictures.
Before we were taken to our cruise, we made a 1.1/2 hours stop at the Alaska Seal Life Center in Seaward. This is a non-profit organization conducting research on wild sea world creators, resulted from the Exxon Valdez oil spilled.
Checked in for our cruise at 2p.m. and said good-bye to our Tour Director Bryan and our Driver Tiffany. On-board the ship, all passengers had general dinner at 6.p.m. and at 8p.m. it was a time for the Emergency and Lifeboat Drill.
Saturday June 7, 2008: After a rainy night we woke-up with a beautiful weather. Today’s biggest event was to observe one of the largest glaciers called Hubbard Glacier. Stretching over 90 miles from the core of the 12 million acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to the head of Yakutat Bay, the mighty Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s largest and most unpredictable. Our captain took our ship to the closest point he could (around a small Island) through a thin layers of ice. In addition to the spectacular glacier we saw many, in different sizes, icebergs.
This entire glacier observation lasted around 5 hours and around 6p.m. we headed for our next destination. Tonight was one of our two formal nights. We got ready for it and went for dinner at 8.15p.m. At 11p.m. went to see the “spectacle of Broadway” show. This group of Celebrity singers and dancers were one of the best groups we have ever seen in any cruises.
Sunday June 8, 2008: Another sunny and beautiful morning in Juneau, Alaska. At 9.
a.m. we took our excursion tour called Juneau Deluxe Highlights, which took us to three different places; First, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery where we learned how a hatchery enhances stocks of wild Alaskan salmon. Second, the most famous Mendenhall Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Alaska that is accessible by road. Over 200 feet high, nearly three miles wide, and 12 miles long. It is one of the most spectacular sights in Alaska. And the third, Glacier Garden. At these botanical gardens of beauty and imagination unfolds. We were guided through the flower garden, complete with a cascading stream which took us for a detailed view of the lush rainforest. Total tour took us 4hours and 15 minutes.
Facts about Juneau: Population 31,000. Founded 13 years after the purchase of Alaska, it was Juneau, and more importantly its gold, that captured the imagination of the American public. The majority of the American population doubted the wisdom of the Alaska purchase. Most considered it a vast worthless frozen waste land, but in 1880 two drunken pioneers, Dick Harris and Joe Juneau, reluctantly carried home the gold that was to start a long series of gold rushes in this corner of the globe and establish Alaska’s worth in America’s eyes. Eventually Juneau became Alaska’s capital, located on Gastintains Channel, part of the Pacific Ocean.
At 7.p.m. enjoyed the Magic Show by the magic cat himself, Bob Brizendine. 8.30p.m. dinner (special curried chicken).
Monday June 9, 2008: Our ship docked in Skagway at 7a.m. Weather was cloudy but the sun came out little later. Had a late breakfast and at 11a.m. left the ship for a White Pass Railway & Historic City Highlights tour. We boarded on the 1890’s style parlor car and retraced the original route up to the Yukon’s White Pass Summit. This world famous narrow gage White Pass and Yukon Route railroad is an unforgettable ride along the eastern side of the White Passas we retrace the steps of early gold seekers. This iron trail was built over 100 years ago through some of the North’s most rugged terrain. Upon arriving in Fraser, British Columbia, Canada (because of this crossing we needed passport for this ride) we ended our train journey and boarded a motor coach for a narrated tour back to Skagway. Total tour time was 4hours and 30 minutes.
About Skagway. Population 1,000. Four blocks wide and 23 blocks long, today’s Skagway is still more than a foothold in a gigantic wilderness, but over the last century it has become much more peaceful and civilized. Basically Skagway located near Haines on the inlet of the Pacific Ocean, 90 miles north of Juneau, is a historic gold rush town. In the 1890s prospectors left Skagway for the Klondike gold fields, hiking over the Chilkoot Pass to Lake Bennett.
Upon returning to our ship, at 7p.m. we enjoyed the fantastic the Celebrity singers and Dancers performing “I Love the Nightlife”. After 8.30p.m. Dinner we walked around the photo gallery.
Tuesday June 10, 2008. Our ship arrived in the Icy Strait Point at 7a.m. and weather was cold (40Fdgree). After healthy breakfast, 9a.m. we took tender to go to the private island to take the 10a.m. Forest & Nature Tram tour (2 hours tour). This covered wheeled tram travel through an old growth forest (where many plants and animals that inhabit these rainforests and their importance in maintaing the delicate balance of healthy temperate rainforest) and along the shores of Icy Strait. Here we saw dolphin in water and Eagle nest with Eagle flying in and out (took pictures).
In addition, this exclusive “private island” experience allows only a single ship to visit Icy Strait Point’s scenic and pristine wilderness at a time. Returned to ship at 2p.m. At 7p.m. attended the Hilarious comedy show of Jeff Nease. Dinner at 8.30 and at 10.45p.m. enjoyed the newlywed, not so newly wed game show, hosted by our cruise director James.
Wednesday June 11, 2008. Woke-up with one of the most beautiful mornings in Ketchikan, Alaska. Arrived at the port at 9a.m. and after breakfast we went out for shopping. All stores were right outside at the dock. At 10.45a.m. We joined the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This was a real treat, where Southeast Alaska’s rich logging history comes to life in this display of woodsmen skills. The world’s best lumberjacks go head to head in more than a dozen exciting events such as chopping, sawing, relay races, axe throwing, log rolling and the 50 foot speed climb.
After lunch, came back to the dock and walked around the shopping areas. At 3p.m. took the Ketchikan Duck Tour. This unique amphibious vehicle took us through the streets of Ketchikan and literally into the harbor, where we saw local fishing canneries, seaplane docks and Ketchikan’s waterfront community.
About Ketchikan. Population 14,500. Ketchikan considered the salmon capital of the world and is a unique place of beauty built along a steep hillside. With boardwalks and buildings on pilings, this friendly town hums with activity. Cool summers, cold winters and 13.5 feet of rain each year encourage visitors to bring an umbrella. Basically, Ketchikan is a small town, its long main street skirts a waterfront built on pilings over the sea. Short side streets and steep wooden stairways lead to residential areas on the bluff above. A few blocks from Ketchikan’s downtown cruise ships dock is Creek Street – famous or infamous as a former red-light district whose houses, some restored, follow a curving plank road built over Ketchikan Creek. Ketchikan is also noted for the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Several sites are dedicated to these interesting important Indian art forms.
Got back to ship around 5.30p.m. and at 8.30p.m. We had dinner and at 10.45p.m. Attended the third and final show by the Celebrity Singers and Dancers in “Classique: A Musical Odyssey”. During this time i.e. at 6p.m. we had already left for our 1000 miles Inside Passage journey to our final destination, Vancouver, Canada.
Thursday June 12, 2008. Today was the first day we woke-up with rain. Fortunately we do not have to make any stop so it was o.k. After late breakfast, at 10.45a.m., we attended the disembarkation and farewell show hosted by our cruise Director James Calhoun. Besides sharing stories from previous cruises, he introduced Millennium staff.
Friday June 13, 2008. We arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at around 7a.m. and Weather was sunny and clear. Our bags were color coded and numbered night before and accordingly we were transferred to the airport on time for our 11.15a.m. Air Canada flight to Newark New Jersey via Toronto. We arrived at Newark on time at 10.p.m.
About the Millennium. Ship was built in June 2000, occupancy 2038, tonnage 91,000, length 965 feet, cruising speed 24 knots. Great service, all types of cabins are very comfortable especially the Deluxe Ocean View with Veranda. Plenty of closet space and comfortable shower space. Metropolitan restaurant is very comfortable and food/service was superb. Photo Gallery was beautiful with great collection. Good gym and the entire fitness center is well designed.
Overall the ship is great, service is great and I recommend celebrity to every one.
One final observation; Alaska and its national parks are such a wonder of nature, everything is untouched/natural and it is time that we, the so called “superior, intelligent creature”, should learn how to preserve this natural beauty all the time at any costs.
C/P/Alaska 6/2 to 6/13-2008
