At Sea

We were further from land than I expected and as I had not prepared well for this trip I was scrabbling to fix the geography in my mind. Today was utterly grey and we saw land seldom but it was very relaxing. When we were on board NCL there seemed little to complain about until fanatical health restrictions were imposed in Alexandria. Now, only a short time into our Alaskan cruise, Holland America are ahead on points in all areas. The food is very good. Breakfast offered good quality items and the Indonesian buffet option at lunch was delicious. The spa was nicer and from there, between pages of Genghis Khan, I saw a whale. We are benefitting as expected from being on a slightly smaller ship and, extrapolating, this makes it less likely that we shall want to go on one of the new super-large variety unless the itinerary is truly enticing. The internet connection is (so far) superior and I have been able to enjoy it in the comfort of my cabin.

We have, not entirely by design, a relaxing itinerary. There is a lot of time at sea albeit sightseeing some of the time. I love being at sea even though I cannot swim and I do not get seasick. In fact the motion of the ship in reasonable conditions is a delightful way to get to sleep. In rougher waters to sleep is an ideal way to combat motion sickness. There are no morning rushes from the ship which, on cruises, lead to hectic breakfasts. Our excursions in Juneau and Skagway leave plenty of time for gentle walking in the towns. In Ketchikan – the wettest place on the west coast apparently, although Prince Rupert has a claim – we are completely independent.

I am looking forward immensely to arriving at Tracy Arm tomorrow where we may see glaciers calving or may simply see evidence of those which have retreated. At the mercy of both visibility and ice, we have no guarantees of anything.


We peered down from our balcony to see the Canadian pilot leave for the pilot cutter, a Vancouver registered vessel. It is a long way back to the BC capital and I suppose they join a southbound cruise on some sort of rotating pattern. Such existences as people lead you might never imagine until you travel.