Glacier Bay
After leaving Skagway we experienced our earliest sunrise (4.09 am) and latest sunset (10.59 pm). That’s what happens when you come north 60 degrees.
Our next destination was Glacier Bay, which just happened to be bathed in sunshine (lucky us!). The ice in this Bay has been retreating for about 250 years. During the last ice age the whole Bay was covered in 3-4 thousand metres of ice!
The bay was still ice bound in some areas and we were unable to see one of the glaciers – but we saw plenty anyway. The scenery has to be experienced first hand – pictures simply cannot do justice to the majesty of the natural wonders that glaciers are. The Margerie Glacier (pictured) is one mile wide at its face and has the most amazing blue colour in parts. There was a constant crackling sound coming from the glacier, and we were lucky enough to witness a large chunk calving from the face and plunging into the Bay. We were also able to get fairly close to the Lamplugh Glacier and marvel at its massive presence. We heard the sounds of seals calling, but were too far away to see anything.
Ketchican
On Saturday we docked in Ketchican, which receives almost 3.5 metres of rain per year. So the weather was misty and wet. Even so we had a great boat ride through the channel and saw lots of American Bald Eagles – the most magnificent birds you can imagine. We could not get close enough to get good photos, but did manage to get very good video of one. We also saw a seal colony close up, which was an unexpected treat.
We have been so impressed with the ship and Norwegian Cruise Lines (as we were after our Hawaiian cruise) that we have put a deposit on our next cruise, which we have to take within 4 years. Try holding us back! The service has been great, and the food in all the restaurants exceptional. As for the entertainment, it has been first class. We have had shows of Broadway song and dance, sketch and improvisation comedy from The Second City troupe, and much more. So we think a Greek Islands cruise might be on in 2013.
After leaving Skagway we experienced our earliest sunrise (4.09 am) and latest sunset (10.59 pm). That’s what happens when you come north 60 degrees.
Our next destination was Glacier Bay, which just happened to be bathed in sunshine (lucky us!). The ice in this Bay has been retreating for about 250 years. During the last ice age the whole Bay was covered in 3-4 thousand metres of ice!
The bay was still ice bound in some areas and we were unable to see one of the glaciers – but we saw plenty anyway. The scenery has to be experienced first hand – pictures simply cannot do justice to the majesty of the natural wonders that glaciers are. The Margerie Glacier (pictured) is one mile wide at its face and has the most amazing blue colour in parts. There was a constant crackling sound coming from the glacier, and we were lucky enough to witness a large chunk calving from the face and plunging into the Bay. We were also able to get fairly close to the Lamplugh Glacier and marvel at its massive presence. We heard the sounds of seals calling, but were too far away to see anything.
Ketchican
On Saturday we docked in Ketchican, which receives almost 3.5 metres of rain per year. So the weather was misty and wet. Even so we had a great boat ride through the channel and saw lots of American Bald Eagles – the most magnificent birds you can imagine. We could not get close enough to get good photos, but did manage to get very good video of one. We also saw a seal colony close up, which was an unexpected treat.
We have been so impressed with the ship and Norwegian Cruise Lines (as we were after our Hawaiian cruise) that we have put a deposit on our next cruise, which we have to take within 4 years. Try holding us back! The service has been great, and the food in all the restaurants exceptional. As for the entertainment, it has been first class. We have had shows of Broadway song and dance, sketch and improvisation comedy from The Second City troupe, and much more. So we think a Greek Islands cruise might be on in 2013.
Sue and Phil - I'm glad you are really enjoying the cruise. remember to smile ... you are on candid (well, not so candid) camera ... yoU paid a lot for the smile!)
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