Today was another busy one starting with a hearty breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill at 8am. Greeted by Mehgan, the manager, we secured our table by the entrance. We hope to have it for the entire cruise as long as we are among the first to enter the restaurant. One of the first things we noticed was that the size of the round table was smaller, giving us more space from the "windows". This must have changed from last year's larger table. Two chairs had been removed as well. The food was as excellent as ever, and the service was wonderful. We still can get fresh squeezed orange juice, mimosas, and cappuccino, espresso, or Americano coffees - all complimentary. Works for us. Visited by Sommelia Jacques and one of the nicest assistant Maitre'ds made the morning even better.
Today the weather began with broken clouds and cool temperatures in the high 50's. Later in the afternoon, the skies turned cobalt blue, and the air was as fresh as could be. One of us took a promenade walk, while the other caught up on reporting yesterday's exploits. The prize for the morning stroll was spotting whale blows. Although in the distance, they continued throughout the rest of the day as we sailed north in the world's largest temperate rainforest - the Tongass. In the daily newsletter, we were advised to keep binoculars and cameras close for surprise visits from humpback whales and possibly eagles.
Sometime during the morning, a carpet dryer or two appeared in the hallway. Oh no......not again. There had been a leak somewhere, but not in our room. Pande told us that the leak was in the walls and it was considered small. Yeah, that's what they said on the Volendam this last world cruise, but that turned into a flood at one point. It is probably something to be expected on an older ship like this one and the Volendam.
We were bombarded with ads for sales and promotions in the shops, shore excursions, the spa, and the photo department. Some of the discounts on HAL's Alaskan clothing were as good as 50% off. The Alaska Shopping Show was held in the World Stage with coupons, maps, and a chance to win a $1000 shopping spree. Laundry packages were also available with wash & fold for $30 a bag, wash & press for $35 a bag, unlimited laundry for $70, or unlimited pressing for $35. It is really only good for 5 days of a 7 day cruise, since the final bag had to be turned in 48 hours before disembarkation. The complimentary laundry service is one perk we really appreciate.
While we are on the subject of sales, we got a flyer advertising the Have-It-All package for $75 per person per day. Before we left for the cruise, we had a promotion for $65 a day per person. Perhaps the price just went up recently? Since we do not consume 15 beverages at $12 or under a day, we have never purchased the package. We did have it once as a promotion and found it impossible to drink that much in the way of cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, or water. And speaking of wine, we were invited to a complimentary wine tasting at 2pm which was worth $35 per person. We seldom drink wine, so we missed it.
One of the promoted shore excursions was advertised for tomorrow called Endicott Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer for 6.5 hours for $320. Guests are dropped off to join a tour boat, then brought to Juneau where the ship docks around 1:30pm. Space was limited, so hurry up and sign up. We had a personal invite to visit the Effy shop, where in the past, we used considerable non-refundable money to purchase quality jewelry. We must be on their preferred customer list.
Our day consisted of organizing the room and stashing everything we had brought with us. Final jobs included ceiling-hanging magnets and some Command hooks. Everything found a place. When all was said and done, and the empty luggage stashed under the bed, one of us was surprised to be missing two large bottles of Tylenol. I know I packed it, but it was possibly put in the wrong suitcase to be shipped. It should have been in my hand-carry. We came to the conclusion that the Canadian customs must have spotted the bottles, which were not allowed to be shipped. We have no reason why, but they are banned on their list. In the upcoming ports, we should have the chance to shop for some more. As careful as we were, this one was a mistake. Live and learn......
Captain Willems came on at 12 noon with his update talk. Missing some of it by holding the door open in the room, we lost most of the details. We have gone over 600 nautical miles since leaving Vancouver and have another 400 plus to reach Tracy Arm. And the weather for Juneau reveals the warmest temperature of the whole season. Nice....no rain.
While trying out the new lounges on our veranda, we ordered a room service lunch of mini burger sliders and a plate of fries to share. Watermelon cubes were a good dessert.
The rest of the late afternoon we watched the numerous whale blows until it was time to get ready for dinner, which was "dressy". The Captain had a 15 minute welcome in the World Stage with bubbly sparkling wine. Dinner was most pleasant with a good menu and music from the Vivace Strings.....really classy. We ordered one Caesar salad, tomato bisque, and two shrimp cocktails. All good. Mains were one beef tenderloin and a rack of lamb. Cooked perfectly and served hot as requested. The show in the World Stage was a performance by the World Stage Cast with electrifying 70's music. One good thing was the reminder put our clocks back one hour this evening. The extra hour of sleep works for all of us, especially the crew.
Back in our room, we had a bear towel animal, two fancy Lindt chocolates, and a reminder to set the clocks back. So much for day # 2.
Bill & Mary Ann
