Cruising to Alaska in August 2024

Glacier on the Inside Passage of Glacier Bay

August, with temperatures sweltering in Texas, it's a great time for a cruise to someplace cool.

Our trip to Alaska started with a flight from Dallas to Seattle. The flight would have been better if my window shade had worked. Sadly, flying isn't what it used to be. Most passengers keep their window shade down during the entire flight, making it dark and dreary in the cabin. Are electronic devices more fascinating than the view from 30,000 feet? Not for me.

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

But we were pleased to arrive safely at the port where 3 cruise ships were disembarking. The entire process to offload and embark thousands of people would rival the best days of theme park guest management. One particular lady, Bonnie, made sure people didn't hang out in the wrong areas or wait for ride shares where passengers were waiting to get onboard. We watched her in action for over an hour. At the end of our wait, she came over and gave me an unexpected hug. That was nice. We also met a drug-sniffing dog whose tail never stopped wagging. Behind us in line was a family of 5 with 3 teenage boys who were so well-mannered it was refreshing to see. We ran into the Wilsons several times on board, at meals and even shopping in Ketchikan.

Food onboard was spectacular, particularly breakfast at The Catch by Rudi where we met another couple and enjoyed talking over French toast, eggs and a fruit plate for my hubby. We ate there for a specialty dinner also, 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.

Cruise Ship Fun

There were a number of reasons I refused to go on a cruise. That was, until last October when I found out about a themed cruise with one of my favorite TV show actors. Now that we're back from our first voyage to Cabo San Lucas, it's certain we'll be taking another one.

There was never a dull moment during our 6 day, 5 night trip. We walked the decks from one end of the ship to the other. Whenever we could, we took the stairs to burn off calories from the delicious meals in the Horizon Court, The Crown Grill - an upscale steakhouse and the Botticelli Dining Room. We visited the casino, Club Fusion for a frozen Margarita, dropped by the International Cafe to try some dreamy chocolate mousse, watched line dancing on the Lido Deck, and Zumba exercise classes at the pool. At the port, we boarded the tender ship to Cabo where we shopped for souvenirs in the quaint Mexican village.

The star of the Investigation Discovery TV Series, Homicide Hunter, Joe Kenda was featured at a number of events where he patiently greeted fans and signed autographs for his book, I Will Find You. For the Kenda Cruiser group, there were question and answer sessions with prizes, an off-shore lunch excursion in Cabo, and other activities aboard the ship.

Another Kenda Cruise is planned for next October from NY to Halifax Canada. Search #KendaCruise and Jim Seeley of VIP Tours Cruises and events on Facebook for details.

Beyond the celebrity events there were fun things to do like watch the theater production, Magic To Do, a delightful live musical. Grease and The Incredibles 2 movies were playing on the big screen under the stars. With all the food and exercise, we found ourselves too exhausted to stay up late enough to attend the disco party and costume party events.

To remain safe from illness, observe safe health standards such as disinfecting often touched objects like door handles, TV remotes, room telephones and bathroom shelves. Doing this provides an excellent chance of remaining healthy while cruising. Packets of disposable wipes and are highly recommended for frequent use as you travel about the ship. Or seek out the Purell dispensers when visiting at the buffet.

The food was amazing, the soft motion of the ship en route was calming, the entertainment and the joy of having cell phones off provided a much-needed break from workplace stress.

We truly came back refreshed and new again. We're already signed up for a future trip! Bon Voyage.