RV Squid: We Go Cruising

Aug 10, 2024

We Go Cruising

May 19 - 26, 2024

As we researched how to get to Glacier Bay National Park, which is accessible by boat or plane only, we noted that the cost was quickly adding up. So we decided to do something entirely different. We took a week long cruise on NCL Encore. We parked our coach at JBLM's Holiday Park. That way our coach could be hooked up to electric and be in a secure location. From JBLM, it was an hour drive to Seattle's port and the parking garage, where we left our Jeep for the week.

Our cruise itinerary included Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Victoria. Thus, when we drive into Alaska, we won't have to make the side trips toward the Inside Passage areas.

In Juneau, we took the GoldbeltTram to the top of Mount Rogers. One of the steeper inclines, the view from the top is wonderful, especially on a clear day.

In Skagway, we took the White Pass and Yukon Railway to White Pass Summit. Whew, those Klondike gold rushers faced incredible challenges in the quest for gold.

While the ship does not dock anywhere in Glacier Bay, park rangers come aboard the ship and provide commentary as the ship passes through the bay. The park rangers bring some store items with them too. I was able to get my national park passport stamp. Yeah! The ship seemed quieter that day as most everyone contemplated the spectacular scenery.

In Ketchikan, we took the excursion to Totem Bight State Historical Park. The tour felt a bit rushed, but we enjoyed the commentary on totem poles.

Onboard the ship, Harold took the Behind the Scenes Tour. It takes a lot to run a floating hotel for a week. We also took a turn on the Ocean Loops water tube. Harold did great! I got stuck both times! I did pay to ride the go-karts just so I could say I rode go-karts at sea.

It was a great week. Who knows, we may cruise again someday.