Kirk Greenfield and 24 guests from the Mid-Ohio Valley continue their 12 day trip to Alaska.
By Kirk Greenfield
Published: Jul. 6, 2024 at 12:07 AM EDT|Updated: 20 hours ago
KETCHIKAN, B.C. (WTAP)-- This is the third day of the Holiday Vacations trip to Alaska with Kirk Greenfield and 24 guests from the MOV. Kirk is blogging his impression and experiences in a semi-stream of consciousness for us:
Well today has been our first full day aboard the Koningsdam and fully at sea, all day and night long. We won’t be stopping at Ketchikan until the boat returns down the inland waterway later this week, after our MOV group have departed. However, we are planning on arriving in Juneau tomorrow afternoon and many have purchased excursions that range from whale watching to hiking, an aerial tramway to the top of the glacier, a boat trip on the Tracy Arm Fjord to the base of the glacier, and more. Of course, there is always shopping at the many stores along the small town’s few streets. (But amazingly, Juneau is the state capital, even though Anchorage is much larger.)
Some slept in today while others got up early to witness the ship thread through the narrow passage of the inland waterway at 4 a.m. One of our guests pointed out that it was cold, but the sun was rising, and then suddenly, the fog closed in, and you couldn’t see anything... but the ship’s radar and sonar certainly could!
The slight rocking of the ship woke me at 9:30 a.m.... more of a shuddering, but the subtle rocking was observed at various times during the day. There are dozens of activities aboard ship, from swimming and hot tubbing, to dance lessons, spa treatments, art auctions, trivia contests, shopping and more. It is not unusual to see families of all ages traveling together, some with matching t-shirts celebrating a 60th birthday, or similar theme. The guests aboard this cruise are international with all races and faiths represented.
On this particular line, food is included and is available all day long from various cafes, vendor or stations, and the buffet breakfast lasts most of the morning. Separate co*cktails or drinks cost extra, as well as exotic cuts of meat for the dinner hour. But by careful choices, you need not spend anything more (like $3 cans of pop, or other specialty items.} We have eaten twice in the main dining room so far and enjoyed excellent main courses. The service is excellent and the meal is an enjoyable pace. During tonight’s meal, one of our guests exclaimed “WHALE”, as she was facing the glass windows of the stern. We immediate stood and rushed to the windows, following her pointing arm, and sure enough, she had seen some sort of breaking of the waves including a “blow”, which is a sure sign of some aquatic mammal. As we continued to steam away from it, it breached several more times and receded toward the horizon. Many more tables saw our commotion and also craned their necks to see the sight. It was an unexpected thrill for us all. (Some have professional whale watching excursions planned for tomorrow!)
After dinner, various shows are held in the cafes, bars, or main stage area. Tonight, live dancers perform in the World Stage, with its marvelous 360 degree screens, lighting and special effects. The interaction between the six dancer and the special effects is flawless, and we rewarded them with applause and some stood. Also held for others were trivia contests, board games, ping pong tournament, and a public showing of Dinsey’s “Bears”. [This nature documentary about the first year of a brown bear’s life cycle has won many awards and is a heartwarming tale of two new cubs and their mother breaking hibernation and forging for food. It’s worth watching the 75 minute film as it has many themes of survival, ecology, the web of life and real life drama mixed with an at-times humorous narration of the two cubs learning the role in nature. The Wonderful World of Disney used to share such family nature films in the 1960s and beyond.]
As we are about to cross into yet another time zone, we have to set our clocks back when we turn in, but our phones and tablets will automatically reset for us. Analog and digital watches must be reset. I learned while changing my digital watch flying across the country, that my battery was weak. Unfortunately, I don’t have jeweler’s watch tools to replace the battery, so my watch has been retired to my suitcase when it suddenly went blank. I think I may have also tripped a stop watch function while pressing buttons, but who knows. It’s somewhat of a relief not to have a watch on my wrist, but makes me more dependent on my phone, like my kids.
Speaking of which, there are several internet plans on board for various levels of data usage and broadband, as well as increases for multiple devices. They certainly know that we are a digital society now, and can’t be without our social media, news feeds, and instant communication. The price tiering is a bit steep, but what are you going to do if you MUST be in contact, such as I am. I have been pestered with pop up ads from Verison on my phone, ever since we crossed into Canada, offering temporary international minutes and more. They won’t let you ignore signing up, though if you examine your carrier’s coverage before leaving home, you can sometimes find that you’re already covered internationally, despite the pop-up ads from the cell tower at the border. Tip for the traveler: Check your plan before you leave home!
Except for gathering for our evening meal together, we haven’t been seeing too much of our MOV guests and others while on this cruise. Everyone can go their own way and sleep in, or spend time as they like, but you occasionally pass someone in the halls, on the deck or at a lecture. We will come together when we disembark on Tuesday in Skagway and board the inclined White Pass Railway (site of the famous photo of the 1949ers Gold Rush where a long line of bundled figures are climbing the snow and ice up to the pass. You’ll know the photo when you see it.)
I should also mention that our 24 MOV guests have been joined by a family of six from Chicago, and another group of ten that have swelled our ranks to 44...a full load for this trip! I had not realized that until we came together at Seattle. By the end of the trip, all will be friends and have shared some great memories on this trip.
Tomorrow: Juneau excursions. But it’s time for bed now. More later on.
VANCOUVER, B.C. (WTAP)-- This is the second day of the Holiday Vacations trip to Alaska with Kirk Greenfield and 24 guests from the MOV.
After a good night’s sleep, we woke at 6:30 a.m. local time in the Seattle Doubletree Hotel for a quick breakfast. I took a few minutes to run up to the 9th floor of the tower where a sunlit view of Mount Rainier was possible, and recorded a short 40 second stand-up in front of the window that faced the mountain to our SE. This time, the video was good and the audio was clear, and despite the bags under my eyes from the long day yesterday, I felt much better about sending it home for use in the news, as it might fit on a slow Saturday.
We boarded the motor coach and proceeded through Seattle, joining I-5 to the north. Quickly, we learned how to call out sights and attractions so that everyone on the bus could immediately spot them. Based on a clock face, the Space Needle (for example) might be dead ahead at 12 o’clock, or the T-Mobile Park stadium might be to our left at 9 o’clock. Very quickly, we got the hang of it, and people were spotting float planes, sculptures, buildings, Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, a wolf along the expressway, and other interesting sights as our tour director began to explain the process of crossing the Canadian border and customs ahead. (This skill in spotting will become very handy later in Alaska when watching for wildlife in Denali National Park!)
After almost an hour on the road, we approached the Canadian border. We were all very surprised at the long, long line of cars backed up, waiting to cross into Canada. Fortunately, our motor coach and 12 wheelers were permitted to pass in the right-most lane, and leap frog all the way up to the customs office, where only one was ahead of us. The driver went inside for a briefing and to clarify what besides a customs declaration form and our passports might be needed. We were relieved when we learned that was all they would ask of us, besides a visual inspection of the inside, underside and luggage compartments of the bus. (Holiday Vacations and this bus line are known quantities and so the routine is familiar to both sides!) We offloaded and walked into the building, advancing by couples to the customs agent. Most only had the most rudimentary of questions asked of us... how long we were staying in Canada, where we were from, and if West Virginia was that state where a coach had been fired! Only one of us spoke up and asked for a rubber stamp in the back of her passport. He obliged and after changing the date, stamped a back page for her. After the brief search of our motor coach, we boarded once again and were on our way.
Technically, we were Canada only up to Vancouver, and then boarded the Koningsdam which has a U.S. registry, and is technically U.S. territory once more. After a lengthy walk through a massive customs building, we walked the gangplank and boarded our home for the next three days, the Koningsdam which is owned by Holland-America Lines. We had printed our boarding pass at home in advance and so knew that our state room was 7005 in the corner suite on the seventh deck. Our picture was snapped and our documents were inspected, and we carried our carry-ons to the crowded elevators (!) and then walked the length of the ship to our door.
To our surprise, the room was already occupied, despite my holding a confirmed reservation in my hand. We were tired from our long walk with baggage, I sought out two stewards who entered the room and confirmed it was already occupied by another gentlemen. They examined my boarding pass and confirmed the room number, and then consulted their smart phone. They indicated despite my holding the printed boarding pass in my hand, there was no record in the system of me. They indicated we would have to go back down to deck 3 and the Guest Services office.
At this point, I began to worry, because our checked baggage both had boarding tags that had room 7005 printed out. I knew they were going to be delivered to that same room. Weary from the walk, we found our way to guest services and got in the long line. There were MANY smartly suited employees processing guests and trying to resolve issues for the multi-national guests. Before long, we were at the head of the line, and they confirmed what we had already knew. We were not booked into room 7005. Instead, we had been “upgraded” to room 6070, and had to find where that was. After a long trudge, we found the right door, with the personalized credit card door keys awaiting, and we let ourselves into the room.
In all, only two of our couples had their rooms changed on them...but the other couple had been told at the gangplank of the change and went immediately to their new room. So it goes. )
I’ve dwelt on this far more than I should, and it will fade into just one more surprising twist in a long line of trips that we have enjoyed. It’s funny... it’s the exceptions and hurdles that pop up on every trip that we remember most clearly and stand out fondly in our memories. I don’t mean to mis-characterize the trip or the ship. It is beautiful, large and luxurious.
After some rest and a shower, we explored the ship and found the swimming pools, hot tubs, bars, grills and entertainment lounges. We returned to our room and dressed for dinner, a “Gala Night” which is the only time when guests are asked to not dress in jeans, shorts, tank tops or overly casual attire for dinner. Polo shirts, slacks and dark colors are suitable in the main dining room, and jackets and ties are not necessary.
The food was excellent, with Fliet Minion and Lobster Tails being just one popular choice among the many options. All food (and other charges, for that matter) are processed to an account tied to your room key card. In addition to the $50 deposit that the card carries, a credit card account must be attached...so that accumulating charges are all guaranteed by a valid charge card. It makes sense, but it’s almost too easy to charge that extra, that drink, that purchase or other expense against your room without thinking about it. I suppose that many people on this cruise are not worried about the expense, but it’s something that fiscally responsible Kirk needs to keep an eye on. We can enjoy our selves but within my budget.
As dinner ends, we note that our ship is starting to move away from the dock, some two and a half hours after scheduled departure. The captain had come on the loudspeakers and explained the delay. Something about a medical emergency and that the patient had been removed and transported by ambulance for care. Not all of us caught what was said, but I am reassured that the ship and company were prepared for such an emergency and delayed departure to assist, rather than just leaving and distressing the family of the patient. That shows quality of service to me. The time we were delayed will be made up overnight as we steam up the inland waterway toward Juneau in two days time. These things happen.
After dinner, we decide to check out the music being played in the “Billboard on Board” lounge (Top 40 songs from the 80s being played live on dual pianos) and then the “Rolling Stone lounge” (harder edge rock band just across the open corridor) for the next half hour. Alternating the performances in adjacent lounges is a nice way to turn over your customers, and also provide continuing live music.
We decided to take in a live presentation on the history of Holland-America Lines in the main “World Theater”. I was surprised to see it was a combination of live lecture and multimedia slide show, complete with video interview clips and other special effects. The story covers 150 years of the steamship line, and concentrates on their achievements, humanity and continued success that has lead to today’s cruise line. It’s a story that is woven around world wars, economic turndowns, pandemics, and service to the public. It’s VERY well done, and I’m better informed because of it. As the lights come up, I discover the person next to me has fallen asleep, and realize it is now 9pm Pacific Time, but midnight back home. No wonder some have turned in.
I take another two hours to compose this blog entry, reflecting on the busy day we have had. Despite any bumps in the road, we are on-board on a luxury cruise ship headed up the inland waterway and all is well. Our tour director has guided us well, and for the next three days, we’ll explore the ship and the many ports of call along the inland waterway. If I can figure out how to access the internet from my stateroom, I’ll be posting updates daily and also recording video clips of stand-up reports on our activities. I hope you’ll be along for them.
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Kirk Greenfield and 24 guests from the Mid-Ohio Valley began their 12 days trip to Alaska on Friday, July 5th.
Starting with a 4 AM wake up, Kirk and company gathered at The Baymont Inn to board a motor coach for the three hour ride to Pittsburgh airport. We ran on schedule and all went well, meeting our tour director Sherry. A short hop to Chicago for a connecting flight gave some a chance for shut eye, and then a four hour flight to Seattle was next. This plane was also full. Eventually, the Rocky Mountains came into view, and we were thrilled to see snowcapped mountain ridges sail by. The largest mountain by far was Mount Rainier, which can be seen most anywhere from Seattle, including our hotel for the night.
Some chose to go right to bed, while others decided to find a bit to eat either in the hotel restaurant or across the street as a variety of smaller eateries, including Subway, the 13 Coins Steakhouse, the Hawaiian Hibachi and more.
I have always said that the first day is the hardest, in part because of working the evening shift, and then having to turn around and drive to the pick-up point before dawn. The good news is that our Holiday Vacations Tour Director is very experienced and has it all under control. In addition to our 24 MOV travelers, there are six more coming from Chicago and a family of ten who will also be with us, for a total of 42 on this trip.
We are all excited to start our three day cruise with Holland America on the inland waterway tomorrow, Saturday and visit Canadian and Alaskan ports of call all the way up to Skagway. But more on that later. It’s time for some much needed shut-eye.
*(One small sad point: We were disappointed to discover that our favorite T-Rex skeleton “Sue” at the Pittsburgh airport is not visible while reconstruction work is going on. It’s a favorite landmark that we had been hoping to snap pictures of and shoot a video for the folks back home. Perhaps another day of upon or return.)
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