Woken up by the Captain's announcement this morning telling us that we were all fixed and on our way to Ketchikan (even though we were there when we actually had taken off). As usual, the announcement was told, then repeated - word for word..... Arriving 5 hours late due to late departure and all shore excursions had been cancelled - not a problem for us but some others would be mortified as today was going to be one of several peoples highlight trips. Bugger.... But as the captain said (twice) - safety is our paramount decision...... At sea for most of the day but in the inner passage now - tight bits everywhere, along with whales and porpoise. Interesting views, then a message that says that some of the excursions are back on - hmm, not ... read more

Shore day today - Haines and Skagway. Some have early trips booked, but we decide to just take our time. Get off the ship and see the ferry to Skagway so make enquiries, booked on the 1100 ferry to return at 1600. No spare seats so lucky to get on. Interesting trip about 40 mins with great sights of waterfalls, eagles and other bits of scenery. Come into Skagway and there are 4 cruise ships in port. Lots of people do the train trip up to whites pass. We decided to give that one a miss and just wander around the town. Main Street looks like it should be in an old time western movie set. Lots of gift shops as usual... The train used to run up the Main Street but now just stops at ... read more

First full day at sea. No real issues other than a rather hot room - easily fixed by lowering the temperature control. I noticed that there was a stretch class at 0700 so do the right thing and get up for that. Arrive early so do some bike work, then on to the rower for a warm up - need to wear off all that crispy bacon..... Miss the start of the stretch class and now no room so continue with some gym junkie stuff..... After half hour have had enough so leave and wander the ship. Find all sorts of areas and the other food places. Interesting time and lack of people to do a reccie.... Back to the room and have a shower - good pressure but not much room, the cat is safe. ... read more

Down to breakfast. What a difference a day makes. Plastic plates and cutlery, bacon that looked like it should be in a bag and called bacon chips, the only redeemer was the self made waffles. Into the bus for a tour of Anchorage. Look up and streets are closed for the ladies day run - lots of women running, walking and generally just enjoying the run. Off to the Ulu factory (a special Alaskan Indian knife that sort of looks like a pizza cutter). Oops, Lori takes a turn and what do you know - street closed for the run. Ever seen a 52 sweater bus do a 3 point turn to go back - not a bad effort. Ulu demonstration by young dude, usual gift shop, etc. and then we find out the young dude ... read more

This afternoon we are on a bus into the Denali national park Where hopefully we get to see the bears, moose and caribou in their natural habitat. 7 odd hours in a bus.... Quiet morning sleep in as we again had nothing planned for extras that morning. Breakfast while clothes washed and then dried. Off downtown to look at the shops. Walk down the hill good for the legs and lungs. Into the gift shops for stuff. Lots of gift shops with the same sort of stuff - all have polar fleece marked at 50% off - all pretty crappy as well. Souvenirs abound so we get bits and I notice a new real polar fleece so buy that as well. Get some food for the trip (they provide a box lunch which we were told ... read more