Travelogue: A Memorable Cruise to Alaska

By John Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

27 August 2015: Travelling and tourism has been one of my favourite pastime since I retired few years ago. Even when i was in active service in Kuwait, i used to make it a point to visit different countries in Europe. After retirement, I developed an interest in those regions which are not visited commonly by conventional tourists. Few months back I had visited Morocco in  North West Africa.

Since long I had a great desire to visit Alaska, the icy state of US. I got this opportunity recently when I joined a group of 15 senior citizens from different states of India along with 45 nationals from different countries who met at Vancouver, port city in British Colombia, Canada from where we were taken by sea route to Alaska. Our tour had begun on 15 August 2015 organized by Veena World Travels.

Alaska is a U.S. state situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent. Bordering the state to the east is the Canadian territory of Yukon and the Canadian province of British Columbia, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia (specifically, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and Kamchatka Krai) further west across the Bering Strait. Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area, the 4th least populous and the least densely populated of the 50 United States. Approximately half of Alaska’s 735,132 residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska’s economy is dominated by the oil, natural gas, and fishing industries, resources which it has in abundance. Tourism is also a significant part of the economy.

Although it had been occupied for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, from the 18th century onward, European powers considered the territory of Alaska ripe for exploitation and trade. The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire on 30 March 1867, for 7.2 million U.S. dollars at approximately two cents per acre. The area went through several administrative changes before becoming organized as a territory on 11 May 1912. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on 3 January 1959.

We boarded th cruises ship   Celebrity Infinity which is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It is like a floating city. Soon after boarding the cruiser, my wife Regina and myself occupied cabin number 9003 on  deck number 9.

After everyone of our group aboard, the cruiser started sailing to her final destination Juneau, capital of Alaska. Once on board, it was time for us to indulge in some activities on board the cruise ship – shopping, swimming, Jacuzi, art gallery, casino, fortune play, live music, gymnasium, etc.  This kept all guests on the cruise busy all the time.

 

 

 

 

After two nights our first stop was at icy Strait Point Hoonah, a  village inhabited  by 565 people - a 100 years old historic salmon cannery and cultural site, forest and nature trail, Zip Rider, beach trail, historic museum and dock side dining with fresh Alaska crab. Hot fire grilled crab is famous among the visitors. We were on shore for around seven hours. Finally, we all boarded the cruiser on our way to Juneau, capital city of Alaska.

On our way to Juneau we were asked to come to our cabin and view the famous Hubbard glacier and taken closer to glacier the cruiser turning 360o to have a better view of the glacier. Weather was a bit cold at 10ocentigrade, but bright sun made it possible for all of us to have a better view of the glacier.

We came back to the ship for our lunch and then again all proceeded to see Alaska’s state capital which boasts of  jaw dropping natural splendour  for which the region is known plus historic sites and activities .

In the afternoon we proceeded to Mendenhall Glacier . The 15- mile wide river of  ice stretches over 12 miles from the ice field to Mendanhall lake. Large viewing platform affords outstanding view of the natural phenomenon. Also visited glacier flower garden and to see the scenic beauty of the surrounding  which is near to Alaska airport .

On our way we had a Marvellous view of the glacier as we get close to the Hubbard glacier, the highlight of any cruise through the Inside Passage . It is one of the most active glaciers in the area and a great place to experience the majesty of a glacier up close. Sheets of ice separate themselves from the ice field in a process known as “galloping” when the ice finally crashes into the sea. You can hear a loud cracking sound like cannon fire. Here the ship turned 360 degrees so that the passengers could get a full view of the glaciers.

 Earlier, Juneau was known Dzantkihenni ( base of the Flounder’s River) In 1880 Richards Harris and Joe Juneau successfully campaigned to  change the name . While fishing transportation and milling all played economic roles for the next 60 years, Juneau   was a gold town until 1944. Juneau mines produced nearly $150 million worth of gold. Vacationers have been travelling to Juneau since 1900. More the 100 years later it remains a world renowned tourist destination .

On our way back to Vancouver we  explored Ketchikan, a scenic fishing village with an intriguing history, strong native influence and artistic soul. Ketaikan is arguably the most captivating Alaskan port of call .

Celebrity Infinity cruise ship docked in downtown Ketchikan just steps  away from many of the town’s  attractions and stores. First we shot a great photo opposite the welcome arc to Ketchikan sign at the intersection of Main and Mission streets which was erected in the 1920. Also visited great Alaskan Lumber Jack Show (fine tree-cutting and carving). At this open air pavilion  world’s best lumberjacks head for competitions.  That is fun for all ages . After the shore exploration we were back to our cruiser and we proceeded  to Vancouver after seven  nights.

All our group members were happy. The weather was most favourable for us. We boarded Lufthansa airlines Boeing 747-400 via Frankfort to Mumbai. It was indeed a wonderful and memorable tour .