In the World With Peg Cole: Cruising to Alaska in August 2024

July and August, while temperatures swelter in Texas, it's a great time for a cruise to somewhere cool.

Our trip to Alaska started with a trip from Dallas to Seattle. Flying sure isn't what it used to be. Most passengers keep their window shade down during the flight, making the cabin dark and dreary. Electronic devices seem to be more fascinating than the view from 30,000 feet, but not for me.

We spent the night at the Westin in Downtown Seattle. The Uber trip to the hotel was eye-opening. I'd heard about the "housing challenges" but wasn't prepared for the number of unhoused people lurking in doorways, walking aimlessly about and hanging around the area. It was scary enough to make us stay inside at the hotel.

The next morning during the ride from the hotel to the pier I spotted someone on the sidewalk whose clothes were torn, exposing undergarments. He was gesturing wildly as he walked, as if under the influence.

We won't be staying downtown in Seattle in the future.

The news stand in front of the hotel

At the port, three cruise ships full of passengers were disembarking. The harbor employees did a great job offloading thousands of people at once.

Bonnie, a traffic control lady, made sure people went to the correct areas for ride shares or the waiting area to get onboard. We sat on benches near the action for over an hour as she cheerfully directed people to their proper places.

As we moved to the entrance of the embarkation building, she came over and gave me an unexpected hug. That was nice.

We also met a drug-sniffing security dog whose tail never stopped wagging.

In line behind us was a family with three teenage boys who were so well-mannered it was amazing. We ran into the Wilsons several times while we were on board, at meals and even shopping in Ketchikan.

Food on the ship was spectacular, particularly breakfast at The Catch by Rudi where we got to know another couple sitting next to us. We enjoyed eggs cooked to order with toast and a fruit plate for my hubby.

We ate at The Catch by Rudy for one of our specialty dinners and wow! The service was amazing, the food was more than plentiful and way too much for us to finish. My Dover sole was deboned at the table with expertise by our waiter, Virgilio, with a nice visit by the Maître d, Johannes who was incredibly personable and a lot of fun.

The ports of Juneau and Skagway were not easily accessible for us. Due to recent damage to the port, a tender boat ride was necessary to get ashore. With the brisk wind and splashing seas, we opted to stay on board, warm and dry. We did make if off the ship for one port, Ketchikan. With an average rainfall of 270 days per year, we were fortunate to enjoy a sunny day with mild temps in the high 60s.

Thankfully, our trip was a couple of weeks before the devastating landslide that damaged property and took lives. A sad outcome in a breathtakingly beautiful place.

Despite the fun, food and friends we enjoyed, a cold cruise would not be the top choice for our next adventure. We were raised in tropical climates and found the temps a bit too brisk for us.

Onward, to the Caribbean in October.