Breathtaking views and stunning scenery make Alaska an unforgettable cruising experience, combining the rugged charm of snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, and gold-rush towns with the luxury of a full-service vessel featuring an array of entertainment, leisure, and dining options. The MoMI proudly presents photos of a recent Alaska cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia to Whittier, Alaska from 1-8 August 2012.
First we take a virtual tour of the ship...
Island Princess deck plan, which conveniently folds up into the size of a credit card for easy pocket stowage. |
The reverse side of the deck plan. |
A pianist plays smooth jazz on the Atrium piano during boarding in Vancouver.
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The impressive, sculptural entrance to the Bordeaux Dining Room on Deck 5, behind the Atrium's glass elevators.
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The interior of the Provence Dining Room (Deck 6) between sittings.
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A six-person table in the Provence Dining Room between sittings. The large picture window looks out the starboard side of the ship, giving diners fantastic views of the waves rolling by.
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Crooners Bar on Deck 7. This venue features a live pianist during the evenings, usually singing Billy Joel hits, as well as large murals depicting the Rat Pack.
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The Library on Deck 8. |
The entrance to the two-story Universe Lounge, located aft on Decks 6 and 7.
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A view from the Deck 7 mezzanine level of the Universe Lounge. In addition to more seating, this level of the lounge includes a full production booth and theatre lighting systems.
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The entrance to the French-themed Princess Casino, located on Deck 6.
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A view inside the Princess Casino, which features table games and a wide variety of slot machines.
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Some of the slot machines in the Princess Casino. |
One of the entrances to the Wheelhouse Bar, located on Deck 7, forward of the Atrium.
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Featuring live entertainment in the evenings, the Wheelhouse Bar is perfect for a quiet drink or a good book while you watch the ocean pass by outside the large windows on the port side.
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A cozy corner in the Wheelhouse Bar, the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet moment while basking in the aura of the transatlantic passenger liners of the 1920s and 1930s.
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The entrance to Sabatini's, the other specialty restaurant aboard for those passengers wishing a more intimate, gourmet experience for an added fee. Sabatini's features Italian cuisine.
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A row of comfortable chairs in the Deck 6 promenade look out through large picture
windows onto the sea.
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Another view of a quiet, daytime Explorers Lounge on Deck 6. |
The entrance to the Princess Theatre, the largest live entertainment venue aboard Island Princess, located forward on Deck 7.
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A typical staircase aboard Island Princess. This one is located on Deck 5 aft. Unseen to the right is a bank of four elevators.
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Signage on Deck 5, also known as Plaza Deck. This deck is the second-lowest deck aboard Island Princess and the lowest deck with passenger accommodations.
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Looking aft down the port side passageway on Plaza Deck. None of the staterooms on this deck feature balconies, though most do have unobstructed ocean views through large windows.
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Another view of the Lotus Pool, with the glass roof seen at the top of the photo, a feature that permits swimming on even the coldest Alaskan days.
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Another view of the Lido Deck, as seen from Deck 15 above. The pool and three hot tubs are flanked by padded loungers.
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The Lido Bar, closed while embarking passengers in Vancouver in accordance with Canadian law. |
The Alaskan cruise market is booming today, and one often finds multiple large ships berthed alongside the piers in towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway on a daily basis. Here are some shots of the other cruise ships encountered during Island Princess's recent Alaska cruise, as well as two of the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries sighted...
Holland-America Line's M/V Volendam (1999; 60,906GT; 1,432 passengers), berthed at Canada Place cruise terminal in Vancouver, 1 August 2012.
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Norwegian Cruise Line's M/V Norwegian Pearl (2006; 93,530GT; 2,394 passengers), berthed at Ketchikan, Alaska on 3 August 2012.
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The Norwegian Pearl in the foreground and, in the background, Holland-America Line's M/V Oosterdam (2006; 82,000GT; 1,848 passengers) berthed at Ketchikan, 3 August 2012.
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Celebrity Cruises' M/V Celebrity Century (1995; 71,545GT; 1,808 passengers) entering the harbour at Ketchikan, 3 August 2012.
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Carnival Cruise Lines' M/V Carnival Spirit (2001; 85,900GT; 2,680 passengers), berthed at Juneau, Alaska on 4 August 2012.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruise's M/V Seven Seas Navigator (1999; 28,550GT; 490 passengers) entering Juneau Harbor, 4 August 2012.
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Alaska Marine Highway System ferry M/V Matanuska (1963; 5,658 tons; 499 passengers and 88 vehicles), 3 August 2012.
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M/V Malaspina (1963; 5,641 tons; 500 passengers and 88 vehicles), berthed at Skagway, Alaska on 5 August 2012.
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Itinerary
Princess Cruises runs both northbound and southbound Alaskan cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska during the summer months. This particular cruise was the "Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound)" option, departing Vancouver on 1 August.
The three port calls during this cruise were in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, all located in the southeastern part of the state, in that finger of US territory sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and northern British Columbia.
Day 1: Vancouver, B.C. (embarkation), 1 August 2012
Island Princess transits under Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge. |
Meal Diary
Lunch in the Horizon Court buffet: Roast beef, chicken wings, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, roll, walnut brownie, iced tea.
Dinner in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Appetiser of spring rolls with peanut hoisin sauce, followed by cream of porcini mushroom soup. Main course of Hawaiian luau pork with apricot drippings. Princess Love Boat Special for dessert, consisting of chocolate mousse with cream and strawberry coulis.
Day 2: At Sea, 2 August 2012
Looking over a vast expanse of ocean from the forward observation deck on Deck 11 while underway.
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Sunset over the coastal islands of northern British Columbia, a fine end to a beautiful day at sea.
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A full moon over a gentle sea.
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Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Blueberry pancakes with ham and hashbrowns, cup of tea.
Lunch at The Bar & Grill: Bratwurst on a bun with mustard and French fries, with iced tea.
Dinner at the Bayou Cafe: Chicken and chorizo jambalaya appetiser, followed by mixed greed salad with bacon, tomato, avocado, and dandelion. Main course of thick-cut New York striploin steak served with roasted potatoes, fried green tomatoes, succotash, rice, and coleslaw. Chocolate pecan fudge cake with vanilla bean sauce for dessert.
Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska, 3 August 2012
Ketchikan, known as "Alaska's First City" on account of it traditionally being the first stop for prospectors and settlers heading north, is now a thriving tourist destination, featuring numerous jewelry and souvenir shops, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre, and the historic buildings of Creek Street, which once housed the town's brothels from the gold rush era of the 19th century to the outlaw of prostitution in the 1950s. Ketchikan is also known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," with many fishing charters available in town.
Approaching the pier at Ketchikan, 3 August 2012. |
Sandwiched between the mountains and the sea on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan is home to numerous floatplane charter companies and quaint homes perched overlooking the harbour.
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A portion of the waterfront boardwalk that conveys cruise passengers from the pier to the downtown shopping and attractions.
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The large sign welcoming visitors to "Alaska's 1st City" and the "Salmon Capital of the World."
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Another view of Ketchikan Creek, which sees thousands of salmon return every year to spawn.
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Two DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes berthed at a charter company in Ketchikan harbour.
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Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Horizon Court buffet: Eggs Florentine, scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, roll, bacon, and sliced peaches.
Lunch in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Greek salad appetise, entree of fried fillet of sole with lemon and parsley and mushrooms served with roasted potatoes. Dessert of Dutch double chocolate cake with fresh cream.
Afternoon Tea in the Bordeaux Dining Room, 3:45pm: Finger sandwiches, cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, pots of Lipton black tea.
Dinner in the Horizon Court buffet: Roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad with ranch dressing, slice of pork scallopini with Marsala reduction, dinner rolls. Dessert of chocolate brownie, slice of chocolate brandy cake, and scoop of tiramisu.
Day 4: Juneau, Alaska, 4 August 2012
Juneau has been Alaska's capital since 1906, and is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, with the majority of its 31,000+ residents working in government. The city occupies a narrow strip of land between the Gastineau Channel and steep mountains rising to between 3,500 and 4,000 feet. Juneau is notable for its lack of road access to the outside world, being accessible only by ship or aircraft. The picturesque Mendenhall Glacier is located a short drive out of town, fed by the massive, 1,500 square mile Juneau Icefield, and tour boats offer whale watching tours in the nearby Lynn Canal, a natural inlet plunging to depths of 2,000 feet and a favourite summer feeding location for humpback whales.
A view of downtown Juneau, Alaska as seen from Island Princess during her approach to the pier.
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A vintage fishing vessel alongside a dock in Juneau. |
A view of South Franklin Street in Juneau, lined with seasonal tourist businesses, most selling souvenirs and gold & diamond jewelry.
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A gondola makes the 3,819 foot ascent to the top of Mount Roberts. The ride lasts six minutes and each gondola can carry up to 60 passengers.
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A stunning birdseye view of the City of Juneau and its surrounding mountains during the ascent up Mount Roberts.
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The Island Princess recedes below as the gondola continues its ascent.
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A view of Juneau harbour from the top of Mount Roberts, nearly 4,000 feet above sea level.
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The Mendenhall Glacier located a short drive outside of town. The glacier continues to recede, having retreated 1.75 miles since 1958 and over 2.5 miles since 1500.
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The Shelter Island Lighthouse, now a bed and breakfast with stunning views of the Lynn Canal.
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A whale watching boat is dwarfed by the vast expanse of water and mountains of the Lynn Canal.
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Sealions sun themselves on the beach of a small island.
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A glacier seen from the whale watching boat in the Lynn Canal.
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A humpback whale surfaces next to the tour boat. Guides emphasise that the best way to spot the whales is to look for the tell-tale puff of spray exhaled when they surface.
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Another humpback surfaces briefly next to small boats in the Lynn Canal.
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Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Lumberjack breakfast of fast fry steak served with two sunny-side up eggs, hashbrowns, and sauteed mushrooms, and a cup of tea.
Lunch in the Horizon Court buffet: Pork loin roast, roasted potatoes with bell peppers, cauliflower au gratin, and a dinner roll. Chocolate cupcake for dessert.
Dinner in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Soup course of corn and sweet potato chowder, followed by Caesar salad. Entree of cured, smoked pork loin with gravy, served with roasted potatoes and sauerkraut. Creme brule and tea for dessert.
Late-night snack in the Horizon Court buffet: Slice of pie and two cookies.
Day 5: Skagway, Alaska, 5 August 2012
Skagway's origins lie in the Klondike goldrush of the late 1890s, with the town seeing thousands of American prospectors arriving on steamboats to make the 500-mile trek to the Klondike goldfields in the Yukon via the White Pass through the Coast Mountains. By the spring of 1898, Skagway's population had reached 8,000 and saloons, stores, and offices soon sprouted along its muddy streets. By June 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest city but also rife with criminality, liquor, and prostitution. A narrow gauge railway to convey prospectors through the White Pass was built between 1898 and 1900 though, by the time this White Pass and Yukon Route railroad was completed, the goldrush was waning. Today, Skagway has around 100 preserved goldrush-era wooden buildings and a population of more than 900, which doubles during the summer in response to the nearly one million tourists that visit every year, most from the numerous cruise ships that call at the town's wharf.
The welcome sign seen by visitors as they make the walk or drive into town from the cruise ship wharf, located approximately 1/4 mile from the centre of town.
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One of the White Pass & Yukon Route tourist excursion trains alongside Island Princess to embark passengers.
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Many of Skagway's buildings feature false fronts characteristic of frontier towns in the late 1800s.
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Another view up Broadway. Note the wooden boardwalks that add to the frontier charm of Skagway.
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A rotary snowplow built in 1899 and restored in 1995. It was used to clear snow from the railroad's tracks in 2011.
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A view inside the WP&YR traincar Nakina River, one of over 80 passenger carriages now operated by the popular tourist excursion railway.
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A torrent of white water passes underneath as the train crosses a trestle bridge over a river en route to the White Pass summit.
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A view of the lush scenery racing by, as seen from the exterior platform of the carriage.
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A view of one of the wooden trestles over which WP&YR trains travel en route to the summit of the White Pass.
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A view of the train as it rounds a bend on the journey back to Skagway.
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The souvenir booklet distributed aboard the White Pass &Yukon Route scenic railway. |
Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Pancakes, bacon, hashbrowns, hot tea, orange juice, and chocolate croissant.
Lunch in the Horizon Court buffet: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, salad, and dinner roll. Orange shortcake and coffee puff pastry for dessert. Complimentary lemonade served.
Afternoon snack at the Princess Pizzaria, Lido Deck: Slice of pepperoni pizza, iced tea.
Dinner in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Chef's special dinner menu tonight. Appetiser of double-baked goat cheese souffle, followed by cream of wild mushroom soup. Entree trio of lamb chop, veal breast, and chicken kebab, served with brochette potatoes and garlic spinach. Dessert was "Menage a Trois" of three small cake-type sweets, served with hot tea and small cookies.
Late-night snack in the Horizon Court buffet: Chocolate cookie.
Day 6: Glacier Bay, Alaska, 6 August 2012
Proclaimed a US National Monument on 25 February 1925 and later enlarged and renamed Glacier Bay National Park on 2 December 1980, this 3,283,000 acre park features soaring mountains, spectacular glaciers, and pristine water of a greenish-blue colour indicative of silt-laden glacial runoff. The body of water known as Glacier Bay covers 1,375 square miles of glaciers and comprises 27% of the area of Glacier Bay National Park, though the area was covered by a single large glacier of solid ice until the early 18th century. Whilst a popular destination for scenic cruising, the US National Park Service imposes restrictions on the number of vessels that may enter Glacier Bay, limiting daily access to two cruise ships, three tour boats, six charter vessels, and 25 private vessels. Notable sights seen on this cruise through Glacier Bay included the Lamplugh, Margerie, and Grand Pacific glaciers.
Passengers view the glaciers on the chilly forward observation platform on Deck 11.
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More passengers crowd the
starboard side of Deck 7 to view the glaciers.
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The entrance to a large ice cave at the base of the Lamplugh Glacier. The dark, stained appearance of the Lamplugh Glacier is due to the presence of gravel and earth alongside the ice.
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Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Horizon Court buffet: Bacon, scrambled Spanish-style eggs, sauteed potatoes and mushrooms, chocolate croissant, and slice of hazelnut stollen.
Mid-morning snack on the Lido Deck: Bowl of hot beef bouillon (ocean liner tradition).
Lunch in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Appetiser green salad with walnuts and entree of blue cheese burger with potato wedges and onion rings. Dessert of peach cobbler with toasted oat topping.
Afternoon snack in the Horizon Court buffet: Hot tea and cookies.
Formal dinner in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Appetiser of asparagus spears with Italian bacon and tomato with Hollandaise sauce, followed by roasted tomato cream soup with croutons. Entree of red wine-braised beef short ribs served with mashed potatoes. Baked Alaska and hot tea for dessert.
Day 7: College Fjord, Alaska, 7 August 2012
Located in Alaska's Prince William Sound, College Fjord contains five tidewater glaciers, five large valley glaciers, and dozens of small glaciers, making it a popular cruise ship destination. College Fjord derives its name from the fact that its glaciers are named after elite Eastern US universities, named upon their discovery by the Harriman Expedition in 1899. The glaciers on the northwest side of the fjord are named after women's colleges (e.g. Barnard, Wellesley, Vassar, Bryn Mawr), while those on the southeast side are named after men's colleges (e.g. Amherst, Yale, Dartmouth, Harvard). College Fjord was the epicentre of the most powerful earthquake in US history, the 27 March 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. The four-minute long earthquake killed 143 people, and caused massive tsunamis, landslides, and property damage across much of south-central Alaska.
Snow-covered mountains tower over College Fjord in the distance.
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The glassy-still water of College Fjord reflects the mountains and glaciers which overlook it.
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A close-up of a glacier clinging to the side of a mountain in College Fjord.
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College Fjord littered with small chunks of ice from glacier calving.
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A tidewater glacier spills down from the mountains into the sea.
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A glacier meltwater stream cascades down the lush mountainside and into the waters of College Fjord.
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The view from Deck 15 on Island Princess as the final day of the cruise nears an end.
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Mountains glide by as Island Princess threads her way out of College Fjord en route to Whittier.
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Sunset over the stunning, snow-capped mountains and calm waters of College Fjord provides a fitting end to a wonderful Alaskan cruise. |
Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Blueberry danish, ham and cheese omlette with hashbrowns, glass of cranberry juice, cup of hot tea.
Lunch in the Horizon Court buffet: Thin-sliced beef brisket, scoop of beef goulash, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli with cheese sauce, and pumpernickel dinner roll. Dessert of chocolate cream and apricot puff pastries. Complimentary glass of lemonade also served.
Special "Landfall Dinner" in the Bordeaux Dining Room: Philadelphia pepperpot soup, followed by Caesar salad. Entree of roast tom turkey with fruit stuffing, cornbread, potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner roll. Dessert of chocolate souffle and hot tea.
Day 8: Whittier, Alaska (disembarkation), 8 August 2012Following Island Princess's arrival at the port of Whittier in the early morning of 8 August, passengers were directed to muster at their appointed time and location for disembarkation between 0600 and 1000. While some passengers boarded Princess Cruises trains to take them to lodges for the inland component of their vacations, others boarded motorcoaches for the two-hour drive to Anchorage for their flights home. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport proved surprisingly large and modern, hosting numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and even an observation deck housing displays of native art and sweeping views of the airport runways and tarmac. A major cargo hub for trans-Pacific flights, a constant stream of 747 freighters can be seen landing and taking off from the airport's runways.
The exterior of the South Terminal arrivals level at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
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The South Terminal main atrium at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
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An Alaskan Airlines 737 at the gate. Anchorage is the airline's third-largest hub after Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon.
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A Korean Air Cargo 747-400 lands on Runway 7L at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
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Meal Diary
Breakfast in the Bordeaux Dining Room: French toast, chocolate croissant, and glass of cranberry juice.