After yesterday’s glorious outing in Hubbard Glacier, the weather gods pay us back with a rainy, overcast day in Seward. It’s the end of the road for some cruisers as the first segment of our [url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/] Vancouver to Singpoare cruise ends. But, it’s just the beginning for another round of new guests. Alan and I look forward to catching up with our cruise friends, Jack and Sue, who are joining us for the Seward to Osaka portion of this adventure. Since Regent has not offered any excursions, I catch up on writing assignments while Alan walks the dock in the rain. [View Full Entry]

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It’s another early morning start today when [url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/] Mariner goes exploring in Hubbard Glacier. Although Alan arrives in the Observation Lounge before 7 a.m., the prime window seats have already been saved with passengers’ cameras and coats. When I join Alan, Mariner is just entering Disenchantment Bay. On a clear autumn day, the Elias and Fairweather Mountain Ranges poke their glistening white peaks into a deep blue sky. Hubbard Glaciers jagged ice glows in the morning sun. We’re in luck to be the only ship here. Mariner has no viewing competition as the captain pirouettes the ship round and round so [View Full Entry]

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Mariner passes by small, heavily forested islands as we approach through Sitka Sound this morning. Our destination? An Alaskan town where Russian influences mix with the Tlingit Indian culture in a scenic setting. While many passengers have chosen water or land adventures, Alan and I are taking a break from sponsored excursions. Sitka is just the place for a long walk on a beautiful, sunny day. After taking the tender to town, we walk past St. Michael’s Cathedral before browsing the gift shops. Continuing through the harbor area, Alan and I soon reach Sitka National Historical Park. Inside, Tlingit craftsmen demonstrate [View Full Entry]

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When Mariner docks in Skagway on a foggy morning, Alan and I wonder if we’ll be experiencing a repeat of our Juneau experience. But, the ticket says our Speedcat to Glacier Point excursion happens rain or shine. So off we go to paddle a canoe to the face of Davidson Glacier. As soon as we board the high-speed catamaran for the 1-hour ride to Glacier Point, it’s obvious that we’ve made the right decision. Our guide (whose name I forget to write down) is entertaining as well as knowledgeable. While the boat zips through the water, we watch for sea life [View Full Entry]

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Alan headed to the Observation Lounge at 7 this morning to make sure that we had ringside seats for [url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/] Mariner's cruise up Tracy Arm, one of Alaska’s scenic fjords. I met him about thirty minutes later for our coffee with a view. As the ship sailed beside the sheer granite cliffs of the narrow fjord, lecturer, Terry Breen, provided the commentary. But, environmental regulations applying to Tracy Arm meant that her remarks could not be broadcast on the outside decks of the ship. So, the only way to hear Terry was to be in the Observation Lounge. You can imagine [View Full Entry]

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Remember when we visited New Zealand and Alan wanted a jet boat? Now he’s added a seaplane to the list. It all started when we docked in Ketchikan on a misty, gray day. Holland America’s Westerdam ship passed by our balcony, and passed by our balcony, then passed by our balcony some more. What a huge ship. I peaked over the railing to see that our ship, Mariner, was wedged between the Westerdam on the left and a large RCL ship on the right. It was going to be a busy day in port. Colorful buildings spill down the hillside in [View Full Entry]

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Surprise! Alan and I are back on a ship again. This time, we're cruising on Regent Seven Seas Mariner [url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/] starting in Vancouver and ending in Singapore . In case you didn't count up the days, there are 52 of them (excluding crossing the International Date Line). Today, we're cruising the Inside Passage on our way to Alaskan ports. The sun is shining and we're pleasantly surprised that it's warm and sunny enough to enjoy breakfast on the back deck of La Veranda. As we sip coffee, heavily forested islands slip by. And, the sea is so smooth that it feels [View Full Entry]

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It's a cold day, shrouded in clouds as Mariner arrives in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Groups of unemployed men, lounging around the docks, add to the gloomy atmosphere. As our tour vehicle leaves the port, topless women from the Himba tribe, known for smearing red ochre on their bodies, spread their wares on the ground outside of the port gate. The only way to visit them is to walk through the dock area and out the gate, as our tour vehicles won't be stopping. We're headed out on the Treasures of the Namib Desert excursion. The vehicle drives through what there is [View Full Entry]

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Yesterday was shark day. Today, it's the penguins' turn and they prove to be better subjects. The group has loved Birkenhead so much that Ngaire, our travel agent, arranges for a late check-out plus lunch around the pool area. We're thrilled to spend a few extra hours in this beautiful location. The back patio overlooking the ocean has been calling Alan for a little early morning whale watching. This morning he makes it down for the spectacular scene. I catch up with him for breakfast and a cappuccino. Then we explore the property before lunch beside the pool with three tables [View Full Entry]

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Great white sharks. Who wouldn't mind adding them to their life list of wildlife sightings? The main reason Alan and I are here in Hermanus is to see them. Oh, and to stay at the wonderful Birkenhead House . We wake this morning to the sound of the ocean. Will it be too windy for our great white shark viewing adventure? After an omelet breakfast in the dining room, we sit on the back patio watching whales playing in the ocean. Steps from the property, a walking path meanders along the coast. It's tempting to stay here for the day to [View Full Entry]

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