Week 941-942 - Cruising Alaska - 09-08-2024

Cruising Alaska - 50th Anniversary

Leaving the MotherShip with Dennis and Jean, we headed off on our next adventure. A cruise to Alaska has been in the works for five years. Our daughter Emily and Chad decided to take a cruise when their youngest reached age five. It coincided with our 50th wedding anniversary, so we joined them.

Our journey from Port Ludlow took us across the Hood Canal bridge on the way to Bainbridge Island.

From Bainbridge Island (the birthplace of pickleball) the ferry brought us to Seattle and we drove to cruise terminal Pier 91.

The Carnival Luminosa was waiting for us and 2,200 other friends to board.

Actually we didn't meet all of them. But our cruise group grew from four to fourteen.

Pete & Ellen, daughter Melissa & Mario, sister Donnalee, Kim, Ron & Courtney, daughter Emily, Chad and friends, Angie & Jason, Jaymes and Erin. We met up on the Lido Deck 9 as we shared excitement for the 7-day cruise to Alaska.

By 4 pm we were off, leaving Puget Sound heading toward Juneau, the capital of Alaska.

As everyone knows, eating is plentiful on a cruise. Fine dining was in the Vela Restaurant on the ships aft. Smiles abound as Jaymes, Chad, Emily, Jason, Angie and Erin await their first gourmet dinner.

A dedication for all armed forces branches, celebrated the services of these fine Americans.

The Limelight Lounge was mid-ship and central hub for those who enjoyed the high-price drinks. Not us, but no doubt a huge money maker for Carnival.

Scenery abounds on Alaska cruises. Much of the trip is far from shore, yet still beautiful. This view was on the way to the Tracy Arm Fjord where we get up close and personal with the landscapes.

Ellen got this sunrise as we motor towards Victoria, British Columbia.

Comedy abounds everyday on the ship. This is Kelly Terranova. We were treated to three other performers as they arrive and leave at ports.

Passengers could join in everyday for a variety of events. Lots of trivia contests, karaoke, towel folding, corn hole toss, fitness classes and more. Mario joining in with four strangers got picked for Family Feud They beat the other finalists and fell just a few points short of winning the $500.00 prize.

Food abounds any time of the day. The Lido decks had a dozen spots to get eggs cooked to order, Mexican food, BBQ, vegetarian, sandwiches, hamburgers and more.

The aft Lido deck aft has the Serenity Bar to eat right next to the Serenity pool and spas with awesome views.

Our son-in-laws Chad and Mario took to the stage to share their voices. Both did a great job to earn the applause of all.

Our first port of call was Juneau. We booked a tour to the Mendehall Glacier shown here. There was mist or light showers making it a beautiful but chilly day.

The second part of the tour was taking the Sky Tram up the mountain. From the top we are looking down at the Luminosa.

Arriving in Skagway, we toured the Highway 2 which takes you into British Columbia, Canada.

A beautiful day cruising the Tracy Arm Fjord.

A tour of Ketchikan.

Our final port was Victoria on Vancouver Island, B.C. There was an option to deboard at 8:00pm and board at 11:30pm. The pier was a 30 minute walk to downtown. We did not go for such as short time, so we stayed on board and ate!

We saw lots of Animals on the cruise.

Back to Seattle, on the ferry and home to Dennis and Jean. Big thanks to them for hosting us, knowing that the MotherShip was safe.

Enjoying a week long anniversary on a cruise with family was the best. Well, this five day 33rd celebration alone at Cape Giradeau Elks was pretty nice as well. 50 down, more to come.

Thank you for traveling with us, see you next week.

With love, Pete and Ellen

So how did you make it 50 years? We are friends!
And we humbly gave our lives to Jesus Christ and He did the rest.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13

Photos from Aug-Sep 2024