Alaska Inside Passage

A few years ago, we took the family on an Alaska Cruise.  We had such a great time we decided to do it again.  This time we sailed out of Vancouver B.C. and took an Inside Passage Cruise with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay (just cruised) and Ketchikan.  Over all it was a great time and a trip that everyone should take.  We had outstanding weather the entire trip with just one rainy day in Skagway.  It was even sunny in Ketchikan!!!  We have used Holland America for our trips to Alaska and have enjoyed the slower pace and smaller ships.

A few thoughts on the trip.  We drove to Vancouver and was able to enjoy the city the night before. Marilyn's sister was able to get us a room at the Marriott right next to our port of departure and was really nice.  The only issue I had was I didn't expect the $200+ (taxes and fees!) parking fee for the port of Vancouver  (it was free in Seattle) I'm not sure a bus ride there would have been any cheaper though with a family of five.

The cruise departed in the early afternoon with the customary  formal dinner.  There is a new option to dine with no "set" time or "set" table.  The bad side is, if you show up at the "peak" time you could be waiting a while.  In the end, we opted to make nightly reservations.  It was very convenient and allowed us to be flexible from night to night.  The first night, we transited through the Seymour Narrows. The Seymour Narrows can have currents in the excess of 15 knots during tidal changes.  Most ships will time their passage during slack tide, which happened to be around 3am . I had in my mind to set an alarm and get up for the transit, but it didn't happen.....

Ding, Ding...  Dinner!

During our first day at sea, we passed through the Queen Charlotte Sound and into the Grenville Channel.  We found a really nice spot at the front of the ship (The Crows Nest).  It had a great view and nice chairs for lounging.  We found ourselves hanging out in the "Crows Nest" on a regular basis to take in the sights, read and relax.

Our Spot!  The Crows Nest

The Grenville Channel which lies between Pitt Island and the mainland of British Columbia. Only about 800 yards wide at its narrowest point, The hills around the Grenville Channel rise to 3,500 feet from sea level and the channel is 1,600 feet deep in some places. The area is characterized by dramatic scenery along the entire route with thick forests, cascading waterfalls and granite cliffs. Fishing boats, sea birds, seals, migrating whales, eagles and bears can be seen along the way.

Passing through the Grenville Channel

Early morning of day three found us in the Stephens Passage on the way to Juneau.  Most of the morning was spent topside taking in the scenery and watching for wildlife.  Humpback Whales have been plentiful on this trip and the crew of the MS Volendam have been very active in calling out wildlife sitings and points of interest.  Our arrival into Juneau was met with an escort by the US Coast Guard.  It was interesting to watch them shadow any boat passed our ship.  The small Coast Guard vessel would rush forward and put itself between the Volendam and any passing craft.

Our Coast Guard escort.

On our previous trip to Juneau, I decided to transport our family to the Mendenhall Glacier via public transportation to save a few bucks.......  We ended up spending a lot of time waiting for our bus and walking a few miles in the rain (a heavy rain!).  The walk and wait was not as bad as the fact we were completely soaked by the heavy rain (even with rain gear) and everyone was cold by the time we made it to the Glacier.  On this trip we were looking for a better way  to the Glacier and we found a pretty decent deal on shore with local companies. (Cruise excursions just to the Glacier were over $100 a head).  You can get a ride (round trip) at the dock for $15-$17 per person to the Mendenhall Glacier.   While shopping for our ride, we were able to work a deal to go whale watching along with the trip to the Mendenhall Glacier.  The decision to go whale watching ended up being the highlight of the cruise.  We were treated to about an hour of watching Humpbacks "bubble feed". What an awesome experience.  The tour guides told us that they get to see this about four or five times a season.  The smell (we did get some "mist in our face" from a plume), sounds and visual experience were incredible!  More feeding pictures can be found on my flikr account.

Humpbacks "bubble feeding" near Juneau Alaska

Note the Herring scattering to get out of the way.

Wow!

This one swam right under our boat and surfaced on the other side.

and gave us a wave goodbye!

The Mendenhall Glacier was great, but we were still so amped up from our whale watching experience, that it felt like we just got off the bus, took a picture and said "lets go"........   The one thing that did stick out was how far the Glacier has receded since our last visit!  Still an incredible sight, but it is changing fast.

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska

We spent day four in Skagway, the gateway to the Yukon Territory during the gold rush in the late 1800's.  We took a train ride up to the Canadian border on the White Pass Railroad.  A train ride is a must if you have never been to Skagway.

Ready to go.......  White Pass Railroad.  Skagway, AK

MS Volendam next to our ride up the pass.  Skagway, Alaska

The lower portion of our 20 mile trek.

Climbing into the Clouds

Spectacular views and terrain.  Skagway, AK

Shopping in Skagway.  A well known family fact......  Don't Poke the Bear!

Red Onion Saloon... a famous Brothel. Yes, it is leaning to the left!  Skagway, AK.

Facade made out of driftwood.  Skagway, AK

Snow removal at its best!  I need one of these.

White Pass Logo.  I bought a replica for home.

Enjoying dinner on the Volendam.  Skagway, AK

Day five was set for cruising in Glacier Bay National Park.  We were blessed with a beautiful day to compliment the beauty of Glacier Bay.  To me, the day in Glacier Bay is the main reason to come to Alaska on a cruise (outside of seeing the whales!)  We were able to get close up views of the Margerie, Reid, Lamplugh and Grand Pacific Glaciers.  The Margerie Glacier is by far my favorite. 

Reid Glacier

Reid Glacier

Lamplugh Glacier

Lamplugh Glacier

Johns Hopkins Inlet

The crew in front of Lamplugh Glacier

Johns Hopkins Inlet

Raegan, Madison and Kennedy in front of the Johns Hopkins Inlet

Mt. Orville 10,495ft

Enjoying the view.

Suntan anyone?

Lots of Eagles!

It was actually a lot warmer than you would think!

Kennedy cruising Glacier Bay

Margerie Glacier on the left

Madison and the Margerie Glacier

Margerie Glacier with Mt Salisbury 12,000ft

Margerie Glacier

A little calving.....

Margerie Glacier

Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers

Family portrait on the Tarr Inlet

Sow and her two cubs...  I have to imagine that Sow is large!

Kennedy earning her Polar Bear Award!

Polar Bears......

Leaving Glacier Bay

Whales were abundant at the entrance of Glacier Bay.

Marilyn and Kennedy hanging out at our favorite spot.

The Crows Nest looking forward!  Nice view!!!

Our last port of call was Ketchikan, Alaska.  This is pretty much a "shop till you drop stop"....  Usually a "rainy" place, we were treated to a nice sunny day....  Lots of shopping and a good time had by all.

Girls can do no wrong......  Ketchikan, AK

Shopping fun on the river, Ketchikan AK

MS Volendam stands tall in Ketchikan

Nice Sunny day..........

Our ride....  Ketchikan, AK

I'm out!  Ketchikan, AK

Captains Breakfast on our last day at sea.

Last day at sea in the Queen Charlotte Strait

Dinner together.

A quick stop at Paine Field in Everett, Washington.  Hoping to see the new 787 in action.

Instead we were treated to the "Dream Lifter" taking off for a destination unknown!  The Dream Lifter is used to ferry 787 pieces to Paine Field where final assembly takes place.

Great trip, Great memories!!!