So, ever think/dream of a cruise to Alaska? We have! I can clearly recall, thinking as a child it would be the ULTIMATE - something you dream BIG about. In fact, I can remember a childhood game, filling out a chart with 'Number of Children', 'Husbands Name' and 'Dream Vacation/Honeymoon..... EVERY TIME - mine was a cruise to Alaska. Hey, maybe THOSE THINGS WORK!!! This part came true for me!! Dick and I thought - yea, SOMEDAY, maybe we can cruise to Alaska.....
About 6 months ago, David and Janet Hawkins - college friends of Dick - called and said, "You know, we've been thinking about a cruise to Alaska and would LOVE if you joined us!" How can you say no to that? Dave's sister and brother-in-law have been twice and highly recommended the Celebrity Cruise Line. We searched online and found a 7 day, departing Vancouver on July 9 and returning the 16. THAT would work!
Yea, we felt we were JUST getting back from the East Coast trip with Taylor, and that in itself would be ENOUGH of a vacation. I'd never been on a cruise before, but was hoping it was as relaxing and glorious as people told me it was. Dick had been on three other cruises so he had more knowledge and he kept saying, "All I know is that it'll be great when someone else is doing the driving and taking care of all of the details!"
Making the reservation is weird because EVERYTHING is through the website - it made me a little nervous. I would often call and speak to an agent to double check status on certain items. We were told, because this is an "Inside Passage" cruise to Alaska, ANY cabin level would be fine since there shouldn't be much open water and swaying of the ship. We decided to take the 2nd level, outside cabin with a nice porthole window. Then came the excursions!! Sooo many to choose from and pretty pricey!!! Yes, this is a trip of a lifetime and you just have to pull the trigger and DO THEM. But, at the same time, we really wanted this trip to be a LOW KEY 7 days! We signed up for two excursions - 1) a Bike, Glacier view and Brewery visit and 2) a 3 mile hike up and river rafting down.
On Thursday, June 8 Dave and Janet drove up from Porterville. We set our alarm for 2:15 a.m. so we were ready when the Super Shuttle bus arrived at 3:00 a.m. Our flight out of SF was 6:00 a.m.! Ugghh....when making the flight arrangements, the cruise line did not want to take any chances on flight delays so better to be early than to be late!! We were all excited anyway and ready to start this party!
DAY 1
In our cabin, looking out over Vancouver, B.C and the Cruise Ship Terminal!
Departing Day has arrived!!
Our mini oasis! (mirrors on the left wall)
Large window! Vanity on the left and couch on the right.
Had to pay extra for the man in the room! He was worth it! ;-)
This little guy sat here and got a free ride for quite awhile as we made our departure.
First night Happy Hour!! Loved this spot at the back of the ship, sipping wine,
enjoying the Pupu's and watching the wilderness.
Dick found the Pupus!! Oh MY! It is 5:30 p.m., our dinner sitting wasn't until 8:30 p.m.
Just a little something to hold us over! hahaha
Every detail in food preparation!
Lots of Kodak moments!
Good-bye crazy world! We are entering our bubble for the week!
Then, at dinner time! Oh my!! Where is my Etiquette book?
Oh yea, 'outside in' or wait was that 'inside out?' LOL!
And it is just the beginning of many happy days ahead! I look back at these photos now....each and every one of them have a story! Definitely a once in a lifetime kind of vacation. If you every thought, perhaps one day.... DO IT! Do not hesitate!!! I remember thinking, "Is this really happening? Am I really on a beautiful cruise ship with my husband? Seriously, 'So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I've must have done something good!" There were many moments in the weak to come when I was overwhelmed with emotion - thankfulness, love, appreciation, respect, goodness, companionship and in complete awe of our surroundings and living in each moment. I also thank God for giving us loving and caring friends to enjoy it all with! I especially thank Him for this opportunity.... to be removed from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives and settle into the goodness of His glory and truly profound beauty!
Stay tuned, there is more to come!
3 comments:
we are reading this with much interest, since this is what we are hoping to do next year!! Love it and it's great that you were able to do this.
Glad you are enjoying it - so far Mom. It is DEFINITELY something you should do! Hope to add more to it in the next few days!
I still want to see a book. haha
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