Since 1959
Holland America ® Cruise Lines.
The Tim and Sherrie life.
Summery thoughts
Tonight we celebrate Skys’ birthday. She is with us on the cruise, enjoying her first family cruise. Our party dinner is being prepared. If we have any time left, we may take a walk into BC land for a few minutes and head back.
Something happened last night that gave me the chills as I stared. I was frozen, looking at what I was seeing; it sent a chill up my spine. I will say there have only been a few things that have given me that feeling; where it came from is likely pure fear at its deepest meaning. With that said, I cannot explain in any reference as scared as I was… I can’t compare this feeling I got, but I’m sure it has a very deep meaning. It was my first time I had ever seen a replication of a dream state. How a dream makes one feel, and then we wake, it seems we are snapped back into reality.
I woke at 3:15 am on the right side of the bed towards the balcony window. We have been underway for over two hours, and the ship sailed south into the open sea, where the swells began to take control. All night, the icy cold Pacific air was cutting across the side of the ship. I could hear it howling with occasional whistles, rolling, pitching, and swaying, heaving at times. All of these conditions were playing on me from the moment I woke up. Sherrie, next to me, said, “What time is it?” I flip my wrist and see 3:15 am, as I told her it was. Then it hit me; she spoke up, saying, “It sure is bright out there.” I stood and walked to the window. I believe she fell back asleep as I stood in amazement at a sight I had never seen before. As I type, it still chills my scary bone.
The light was glowing; how, why? I guess the sun was coming up or down; it was light, and the overcast sky was so thick with clouds that it all looked like a looming grayish-blue filling the sky, closing the gap between the sky and the ocean surface. With no sun, my brain said it was 3 am. Why was it not dark? I stood staring in pure awe. After the action, I reached up and jerked the curtain closed to make it go away. Then turned to my bed, walking quietly and calmly, and then I got in, covering my head. It was like a dream, but it was not.
After waking and giving it some conscious thought, I realized it had to have been a weather phenomenon; I just never happened to be in the right place at the right time until last night. Now I say to myself, can this dreaming get any more real?
The ship is currently floating down the narrow canal to Victoria. I don’t know if it is safe to say this, but there is some trepidation in me about not cruising again. I’m sure this was a fluke, heading out to Alaska; however, it has given me a real new look at taking a cruise.
From what I have researched, these persons are from Indonesia, almost every one of them. Most have families, saying they are deployed for eight months straight, and their hours are merciless on board the vessel.
What is the attraction to this life? Being abroad can take you to places you would never see without taking a boat ride. Such as seeing Dawes Glacier, this required the captain to sail up to the end of Stevans Passage, bumping into the glacier itself. From there, I began to stitch the pieces together. Once I saw it with my own eyes, it all made sense. My primary reason for visiting and seeing natural attractions is to better understand them.
Tomorrow is departure day from the ship. The ride from Ketchikan was pretty rough this morning. It is not till we get into the Strait that it calms.
Some opening thoughts about cruising, I have enjoyed the boat life. Life on board a ship has a few things that we take for granted in our land lives. As I tell you anything, let me be clear: the feelings are remarkable, especially for a new seaman. I have never been out in the ocean this far. I have not understood the entirety of life. I have immensely enjoyed this entire excursion.
As for tonight, we are approaching Victoria, where we may remain close to the ship. The disembark time is scheduled for 8 pm, with RTS (return to ship) by 11:30. All indications from NAV are that a full port call may require more planning, including time and resources. It appears that getting to the shopping and town is a bus shuttle ride, and it may be 10 miles. I’d rather not go far from the ship, having only a 2-hour window before mustering. As we sail slowly into Victoria, I see we are getting near civilization again. The passage banks are filled with homes, and I can occasionally see a car.
As the anticipation builds for our arrival in Victoria, my mind reflects on the sense of adventure and the mysteries yet to be unveiled. I realize that there’s an allure in being out on the open water, away from the confines of everyday life. Each wave that crashes against the hull seems to resonate with a pulse of freedom, a reminder of how vast and beautiful the world can be.
Exploring places like Victoria, with its beautiful gardens and rich history, feels like unearthing treasures from the depths of nature and culture. The thought of wandering the quaint streets and discovering hidden gems adds a thrill to our voyage. I understand now that each destination holds stories waiting to be told, all while the ship continues to navigate the serene waters.
As the dinner hour approaches, the exciting aroma of culinary delights wafting through the corridors teases the palate. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Skys’ birthday and reflect on the moments shared with family. In this transient world of the cruise ship, special occasions like this find a unique glow under the starlit sky. I look forward to the memories yet to unfold in this journey of exploration, bonding, and wonderment.
Next, we are,
Sailing to Victoria, BC – arrival 8 pm
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Sailing from Sitka to Ketchikan did not take all night. We woke today, and the ship was stopped, looking out our stateroom window. I saw the outskirts of the little town, and a boat was docked.
At seven am, the porter knocks on the door and delivers our breakfast, coffee, juice, eggs, potatoes, and what a wonderful way to begin a day. Today, our port of call was Ketchikan.
To The Gangway,
Making our way to the lower decks with a scan of our ID, we were free for the morning. My first look at Ketchikan, it all seemed so unique, with shops, stops, food, and drinks as the ship sat in the background at the dock.
I learned from a local vendor with a goods business that the shops around the boat dock were basically ship stores, extending to the Berths. He informed me that all those dockside stores are owned by the boats. As we walked, we came across a long set of steps up the mountain. After ascending, we found another set of stores and shops. This was referred to as the Original Ketchikan before the ship’s stores were established.
The old and new Ketchikan gave us a morning to explore. By 12 pm, the town itself is clustered near the docks, and our ship requested all aboard.
This town is not located on the rugged Pacific coast but is packed in the Strait Islands, making the weather a little tamer for sailing.
Today I woke on the Pacific Ocean, the ship is listing and pitching today from the unstable Pacific weather. The destination today will be Victoria, BC; this will be the first night’s port of call.
Our ship sailed through the night, if that is what it is called. I woke at 3 am, sitting up in bed, gazing out the window. Hey, it is 3 am, shouldn’t it be dark? I have never seen how strange the ocean is, completely lit with a gray and blue, just a sight I’ve never seen before. The ocean is creepy, to say the very least.
At three am on the Pacific, as the ship negotiated the swells, I noticed the sky was not dark but blue. The water did not look real; it was under a blue haze, so I logged in the ship’s bow camera, and it was just as blue. Our ship is rocking today. It is a day sail to Victoria; we will spend the evening there. From there, we care due to disembark in a day or so.
We have met so many wonderful souls during our ship ride. I did not know how much fun this would be until we tried it. This vacation to Alaska taught me more about climbing, travel, and patience than all our past vacations. This one took the cake topper.
Sitka, Alaska
I’m sitting in our state room this afternoon, and earlier I heard the captain announce some details about the NAV. Today we have been parked in Sitka, Alaska. Our bodies are a bit weak from all the traveling, but the scenery and the experience are rejuvenating.
The visit here in Sitka has been very different than Juneau. This port brought some surprises, one of which I did not care for. When we docked, another giant cruise ship parked next to us, blocking the view with its rusty, iron hull, which was an unfortunate sight. Despite this, we spent the day exploring the lay of the land, walking through the quaint streets, and absorbing the unique culture of this charming town. The further north in Alaska one goes, the denser and more isolated it becomes, evident not only in the wilderness but also in the sheer size of the snow-capped mountains that tower in the view.
We left the port at 4 pm, and the entire experience refreshed my mental outlook for the rest of the voyage. As we set sail, the golden light of the evening sun cast beautiful reflections on the water, providing a picturesque backdrop to our journey. The air was crisp and invigorating, a stark contrast to the stuffiness of the ship’s interior. It was a moment to savor, as we watched the shoreline recede and the open sea welcome us.
Being attentive to the captain’s messages and announcements, he not only informed us about the voyage but also conveyed important navigational updates. After the port of Ketchikan, he decided to move up the port-of-call muster to RTS. With a sense of expectation, he advised us that the weather is going to be a challenge, so he wanted to leave early to ensure we would arrive at Victoria, our next port of call, on time. The voyage tonight includes a sail south through the open sea, where we will spend the night. The seas tonight are reported to be rough, with high swells; this adds an element of thrill, especially as we navigate through passages known for their breathtaking views, which are breathtakingly visible only in photographs and the ship’s-eye view.
More news came from our captain, who proudly announced that, during this port call, the ship was inspected from bow to stern by the US CDC. He shared his excitement and gratitude, saying, “Thank you, crew,” and celebrated our ship passing its inspection with a perfect score of 100 percent. This news only elevated the spirits on board, creating a sense of community and shared pride among the guests and crew alike.
The food has been outstanding and well above average, making dining an extraordinary experience. Service and taste truly make the difference here. The main dining halls are located on decks 2 and 3, where the ambiance is warm and inviting, making every meal a pleasure to enjoy. From the plating to the flavors, each dish feels curated, and you can sense the attention to detail.
On deck 9, known as LIDO, there’s a variety of freshly made foods, some cooked to order. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, sushi, or decadent desserts, nothing here is a ‘bad show’. I was particularly impressed by how efficiently they served their guests. The tables were meticulously cleaned by porters who were constantly on duty, preparing for the next guest. The outrageous amounts of food, representing all cuisines, are made available all day long, making it easy to indulge.
On this deck, the ship also features a fitness and health spa, a swimming pool, and several hot tubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Additionally, there are game rooms, a well-stocked library, shopping venues, art shows, and a variety of music events. Last night, Sherrie and I chose to spend our evening on the ship’s stage, enjoying live music until late. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter and the sounds of string instruments that accompanied the vocal performances.
Earlier, we visited the entertainment lounge from last night, where they were featuring a hilarious comedy show that had the audience roaring with laughter. The evening was filled with a range of entertainment options, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Dining, entertainment, and activities come together to fill an evening and more, creating a seamless experience that is not just enjoyable but also fun.
By the time we figure out the ship’s layout and decide where we want to go next, it will likely be time to disembark. The Holland America Noordam is enormous, with so many levels and amenities that it feels like a floating city. Each day brings new discoveries, and I look forward to exploring even more. This cruise has turned out to be an enriching journey, blending relaxation with adventure in the heart of Alaska’s stunning wilderness.
Our voyage is not over by morning, our sail will send us to BC.
More to come…
Juneau, Alaska
We sailed into Juneau, Alaska, by noon just as scheduled. The ship tied up at the dock, then we disembarked. Disembarking was swift for many people. The Holland Crew did well in keeping their guests happy. Whatever the season opened this week, and we were the first ship to arrive, making their day joyous.
We enjoyed every moment of it as we toured with M&M Tours to see the Mendenhall Glacier. This was a very wonderful experience seeing how glaciers form and function. a great day, to say the least; weather-permitting, a day to remember: sunny and in the 60’s, no rain.
During our visit to Juneau, there are many interesting places to see. Lots of unique gifts for unusual items. We had coffee at one of the local vendors.
Early this morning, I was enjoying a cold coffee on the patio, looking out at the calm ocean, when I spotted a whale, and I took my eyes to my field glasses. We called sister Patti for Skys ‘ enjoyment as well.
They did their excursion today; they went to spot whales on a private charter. Reports that they have seen a few whales; however, their prime viewing was from a distance. They enjoyed their day immensely.
Ship life is a unique experience, and I have been tossed around over the past few weeks. We left the house for the RV, then moved to the ship, taking us to places we could not reach by RV. This has been an incredible journey. more to write about the journey after we left the rig in long-term parking. more ahead…
Today I woke early, looked out the window, and saw that the ship was not moving. Our plan for the day is to be at sea all day, moving southwest toward Sitka. As the ship sails through these ice-carved channels, the beauty they radiate is unmatched by anything I have ever seen so far in America. Never has a land given off such incredible beauty. I just can’t keep from staring into the rock’s sheer vertical walls, stunning to say the very least. The way the sunlight dances on the icy blue surface adds an ethereal glow that leaves me in awe.
Now we are underway again, moving at 9 knots. Last night, after we all reboarded the ship from an excellent dinner in the dining room, the aroma of fresh seafood still lingering in the air, we walked back to our stateroom. At that moment, we noticed the ship was already sailing again, leaving Juneau behind. The gentle sway of the ship rocked us into a peaceful slumber, and we sailed all through the night, swept away by the mesmerizing sounds of the sea. We stopped this morning for an hour or so, which felt like a brief interlude in this grand adventure, then were underway again. It’s remarkable how today’s sailing in these beautiful waters can easily turn a sad day into a happy one, infusing me with a sense of joy that’s difficult to put into words.
Ship life is a way of life I am not accustomed to. Every day at three p.m., the ship offers Tea in the main dining on the third deck, making a social event with others. The ship offers many options to enjoy your time on board, from leisurely reading on the deck to engaging in lively conversations with fellow travelers. I find myself wandering around, taking in every corner of this floating haven. The lounges provide a cozy atmosphere for watching the changing seascape, while the activity schedule keeps everyone entertained with classes, games, and excursions. Each day feels like a new opportunity for discovery.
As we sail further, I can’t help but think about all the stories that these waters must hold. The way the waves lap against the hull creates a soundtrack that echoes my thoughts, bringing a sense of serenity that’s hard to find anywhere else. I look forward to the adventures that await us, not just in Sitka but also in the moments shared aboard this magnificent ship.
