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Old 06-29-2011, 09:07 PM
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Default Finally a Cruise to Alaska

About 15 days from now, we'll be off the coast of Alaska. The ship will stop at Juneau, Skagway and Victoria BC. I CAN"T WAIT!!! Since we're all on the same boat here on the forum, are there any gun shops in the cities we'll stop at? Any one else go on a cruise to Alaska? Any neat things to see? Larry
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Old 06-29-2011, 09:17 PM
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It is all neat up there. I didn't have time to look for gun stores. In Juneau, take the seaplane flight to Taku Lodge, if you have time. It is worth the money.

Enjoy your cruise.
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Old 06-29-2011, 09:34 PM
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I took the cruise several years ago and really enjoyed it. I think the train ride in Skagway is a must. We didn't take it and regret it after talking to friends. We also toured the ice glaciers and Ketchakan. The bar in Juneau was fun, walking distance from the boat dock. I think it is called The Red Dog Saloon.
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Old 06-29-2011, 10:52 PM
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Take a really good set of binoculars. 8x40s or 7x50s are about ideal. While the cruise ship gets real close to the shoreline, you will see animals, fish, whales and totem poles with the binocs. During the daytime sit on the East side of the ship for the best viewing except while along side Vancouver Island. There it is about 50/50. .......... Big Cholla
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Old 06-29-2011, 11:01 PM
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We took Hollandia Line to Alaska May 2004. Joan & I marrried in Sitka. Red Dog Saloon is a must see. Be sure to take good bino's. I used 8x30's but needed higher power ones. My video pics came out blurry because of the wind on deck. Did get a good shot of an Orca catching a seal off an ice flow. Food on board was excellent.
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Old 06-30-2011, 12:30 AM
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Gotta be the best cruise that I've ever been on... you're gonna love it !!!
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Old 06-30-2011, 12:50 AM
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Wife and I did the Alaska Cruise for our 25th. Best July vacation I've every had. Take a coat along.
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Old 06-30-2011, 10:43 AM
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Make it a water-prooof coat. Did anyone tell you the entire coastal area is "Rain Forrest"? Even though it may rain a little you will have a great time. A recommendation to stay away from the "recommended" stores in the various stops. They usually charge more than the others. One of the thing we did we enjoyed the most was a float plane trip out of Ketchican. Beautiful scenery, we landed on a lake inland, that was crystal clear and smooth as glass. Eagles in the trees.

Agree to take good binoculars and a good camera with a zoom lens and extra batteries. Opt for the early seating for dinner then attend the shows.

I hope you get to Victoria earlier in the day than we did (6PM). So much was already closed we just found a open air cafe by the seaside and enjoyed a glass of wine.
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Old 06-30-2011, 09:15 PM
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We've been to the gulf on a few cruises and on 2 to the New England area. The Alaska cruise is the one we always wanted to go on. Its more expensive to fly from Ohio to the west coast. There are some good ideas, especially the binoculars. Taking my walking shoes to use up some calories. One tour goes to a glacier and highlights of the city. Then we can walk to see points of interest. We'll have abt 10 hrs to spend in Seattle the day we return and we'll meet up with a SWCA member for lunch. Sold Tom a gun and would be nice to meet him and his wife. 15 days and counting. Larry
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Old 06-30-2011, 10:02 PM
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Just got back from Alaska the first week of June. Didn't do the cruise thing but did it a little different. Flew into Ketchikan and did a rented house for 3 days, Went salmon and halibut fishing for a day and a half. Caught a 29.7 lb King Got on the ferry system and went up the coast north to Skagway. Was dissapointed in Skagway. It was like Branson, Mo (25 jewelry shops at least) very touristy. The ferry system was decent but it really is the way Alaskans get up and down Alaska. You can drive cars onto it,camp on the deck and get up the coast. There is a bar, cafeteria and cabins available. Great scenery on the cruise up the inside passage. Many stops at small towns from an hour or two to four at Haines, St Petersburg, Juneau, Skagway and a couple more i've forgot. They only stop for people and cars to get on and off.

Pretty cool. EXPENSIVE. According to my Guide fishing on a cruise is a waste. Because of time limitations they take peple to the same place to fish, every day all day.
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Old 06-30-2011, 10:14 PM
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The wife and I went last June. Did the 11 day deal flying into Fairbanks and spending a couple days in Denali. That was the best of the trip. Saw everything except wolves. 9 hr glass top train ride to the coast. 55 degrees everyday, and not much cooler at night since its still day light. Rained or cloudy, foggy the whole time on the ship (7 days) except for about 20 mins.

IT was great. Best trip ever. No matter which town you go into, the shops are there and they are they same as the last town.


Charlie
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:40 AM
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We took a water/landcruise combo a few years ago (Royal Caribbean) and it was awesome - you will not regret it. We had great weather for most of the trip - just a little rain. If you can get to Denali, you will never forget it - the sky is different blue in Alaska! I took over 4000 pictures during the 12 days - we only bored friends & relatives with the best 400-500

Here's a few pics to whet your appetite:

Juneau:


Rowing to the Davidson glacier in Skagway:


Raptor rehab "class" in Sitka:


Mt. Mckinley (Denali) shot on way to Denali National Park:


Traveling (by train) toward Denali:


Finally, a few shots in Denali - it's difficult to capture how breathtaking the views are in person:




a dall sheep:
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:08 PM
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WOW, thanks for all the pics so far.Can't wait to see the beauty of Alaska. Larry
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Old 07-02-2011, 12:47 AM
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You're gonna love it! We went on NCL last August. I'm very happy we went. Alaska is stunning! Check out the hardware stores in the port towns you'll be seeing. They have some guns. I found it interesting that they sell ammo and guns for hunting. That's what people need and that's about all they carry. Serious business up there!
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