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Post by Mike C on Jul 14, 2008 16:07:18 GMT -8
Anyone planning on taking any cruises this summer or in the near future?
I'll be on the Serenade of the Seas this August to Alaska.
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 14, 2008 16:43:32 GMT -8
Don't forget to pack your rain coat and do the train ride on the WP&YR at Skagway.
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Post by Ian on Jul 22, 2008 0:10:12 GMT -8
I was on the Serenade of the Seas back in 2004 and can say it is the nicest ship in the world. You will certainly enjoy this ship and its crew.
In august I will be sailing the Emerald Princess in Europe and intend to take many photos.
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Post by Mike C on Aug 15, 2008 17:38:16 GMT -8
I leave on my cruise tomorrow. Next Sunday I will be equipped with photos and a report... I expect to see several Northern boats such as the 'Wack and the NorAd, possibly the 'Rupert, and Alaskan ferries.
Cheers guys, I'm out...
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Aug 24, 2008 9:44:32 GMT -8
Well, I don't know if this counts as a cruise...
Tomorrow we're taking a six hour boat trip to Princess Louisa Inlet with a small tour company. No Captain's Gala, and the food will probably by pre-supplied by Subway. I believe the vessel is more along the lines of the Coastal Runner than the Mercury, although, hour for hour, it's probably more expensive.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 24, 2008 13:38:14 GMT -8
Well, I don't know if this counts as a cruise... Tomorrow we're taking a six hour boat trip to Princess Louisa Inlet with a small tour company. No Captain's Gala, and the food will probably by pre-supplied by Subway. I believe the vessel is more along the lines of the Coastal Runner than the Mercury, although, hour for hour, it's probably more expensive. I'm jealous. The closest that I've gotten to PL-inlet is from the Route-7 ferry (as a non-commercial customer ;D). I hope the clouds clear for part of the time so that you will get a good mix of west-coast weather. There's a good story of ecological-philanthropy in that area. Here's a link to that story: www.princesslouisa.bc.ca/mac.htmlHave a super day. I look forward to reading your comments on the trip and the area in general. Have a skookum(chuck) time.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Aug 25, 2008 5:06:12 GMT -8
That tour is stunning and one I would recommend taking at least once. It's funny that Neil made reference to the Coastal Runner in his post. When I did this tour, we were on a triple engine boat; about halfway up the inlet, the port engine blew a belt. After messing around with the belts for about ten minutes, the tour operator decided to continue the trip on two engines at a reduced speed. Pushing the remaining engines at a slightly higher RPM meant we only lost a few knots of speed. A hassle, but not a show stopper. This trip was also punctuated by a few moments of excitement traversing Malibu Rapids as an undereducated boat captain failed to yield passage to the downstream vessel and played a near catastrophic game of chicken with our tour boat. Some quick action on the part of our captain avoided a collision with both the boat and the rocks of the narrow passage. Given the make-up of our tour group, primarily ex-BCFC, navy, and various ships' crew, the vessel's name and registration were handily collected for the complaint filed.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Aug 28, 2008 16:00:32 GMT -8
Went on our little trip to Princess Louisa on Monday. Stunning scenery all the way up; even Jervis Inlet alone would have been a great day, but the destination was indeed the highlight. Almost primieval in some aspects of the scenery, as if a brontosaurus rearing up out of the forest canopy would be somehow appropriate. Sunshine Coast Tours Topline was an efficient, though very spartan vessel. Amenities consisted of seats, coffee, and a rather dodgy looking little head which I didn't have to make use of. Shouldn't have compared her to the Coastal Runner, though, as she had two props, and could blast from a dead stop to her cruising speed of 18 knots in no time, and turn on a dime. (Sorry, Peter.) The oddest aspect of the trip was the Malibu Club, which is located at the very entrance to Princess Louisa. It is a rather opulent 'camp', run by an American Christian organization called Young Life which, supposedly, is non-denominational. Many buildings, including gym, hall, huge eating room, residences and numerous others, a large pool carved out of the rock, golf course... on and on. Young Life is obviously very wealthy. On the far side of Jervis Inlet, across from the compound, they dammed a river on a large mountain property they own, built a hydro electric plant, and ran a large cable down hill and underneath the inlet to provide them with ample power. I asked who finances camp operations, and was told various corporate and private donors. Have not been able to get more info so far from internet sources. While Canadian kids are not banned from the camp, per se, this is an American organization, and the vast majority of their campers are from the U.S. A woman on our tour wondered how Americans would react if a Canadian religious organization built a huge resort compound at the very entrance to one of America's natural treasures, and reserved it for their own use. Good question. But we're so accommodating in this country, aren't we? Anyhow.... I also wondered, travelling up Jervis Inlet, how George Vancouver could have ever thought that maybe this was the inland route he was looking for. Jervis is mostly sheer mountain sides plunging into the water; there are few landing spots along its entire length. Could George not have figured out that this was essentially a flooded valley in a mountain range, that would inevitably peter out? I could certainly understand how he could find the area desolate, from an explorer/colonizer's point of view, with the few oppportunities for landing, let alone settlement. To a tourist, though, it is truly spectacular. The humble Topline....but it sure kicked up the inlet. Approaching the entrance to Princess Louisa, Malibu Camp in view. Calmer waters in PLI Chatterbox Falls in the distance, and the park wharf. Perpetually very misty at the falls; a lot of the trees were coated in moss as thick as arctic parkas.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 28, 2008 16:31:21 GMT -8
Young Life is an international thing. I had friends in Nanaimo high school who attended that group, and the summer camp at Malibu. From reading the YoungLife Canada website, they are now mentioning a different "new" camp for Canadian kids to attend. So I'm guessing that sometime in the past couple of years, YL-Canada's main summer-camp focus shifted from Malibu to this new thing (I think in Ontario). So, just recently, the Malibu camp has become more USA-camper focused. The organization seems to emphasize fun & fellowship, instead of just religious dogma (but they do "present the gospel-message" to the kids; but they don't pressure or ram it down their throats.....for those who are interested in reading about that kind of issue on this here ferry forum - if not, just close your eyes and move-on to another post.... ;D). It's NOT an American dominated group in the prejudiced sense of the word. The organization likely has American roots, but it now exists in different countries, including Canada, and each country's Young-Life is separately run. This is NOT something typical of the movie "Jesus Camp". Here's a quote from the Young Life Canada website: Here's the website for the Malibu Camp: sites.younglife.org/camps/MalibuClub/default.aspxGiven the entire Princess Louisa Inlet connection with all of "Cascadia" (see the society link that I posted a few days ago in this thread), it's not surprising that the Malibu camp in that same inlet also has an international appeal, and would attract many youthful campers from the American Pacific North-West. Canadians are there at the camp too......not just Americans. However, from reading both the Canadian & USA websites for Young-Life, it appears that the Canadian groups are more focused on a different Canadian camp. So this means that the Malibu location is likely used mostly by American YL groups. Again, it's part of the legacy from the Cascadian boating fraternity in the Princess Louisa area... So, the Young Life group itself did not develop this "resort". And yes, Americans in Young Life did the 1950's purchase of it. But trust me, there is a Canadian presence in this organization that's actually very grass-roots and community-driven in every world-wide community that it has a presence in.
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Post by Northern Exploration on Aug 28, 2008 17:10:12 GMT -8
I have heard of Young Life out here but don't know much about them. I will find out who but there are "camps" here that lease facilities in Florida, California and Arizona areas I believe. So while they don't own the facilities they move in enmass for the Spring Break periods. So I assume that people down there may feel the same as the woman on the tour.
There are two similar "camps" that immediately come to mind here that are very similar. They are quasi religious and nondenominational. One is very much a horse orientated facility with other sports activities in winter and summer called Teen Ranch. Various other groups I believe use their facilities as well. The other is Muskoka Woods, a very high quality sports camp. There are gymnasts, water sports, and all sorts of activities that kids can get involved with. They hire top notch sports figures and trainers. The relgious component is there but not front and centre. Both fit a big need that there is even among nonchurch people for a safe place you can send your kids that also teach and emphasize high morals. A counter point to the drugs and gang cultures that are so pervasive.
The pics of the Inlet are very nice. The one time I was there it was foggy, raining steady and visibility was very poor. Love to do it again but being able to see this time.
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Post by Mike C on Aug 28, 2008 20:46:27 GMT -8
I guess I'll make my report from last week... DAY 1: VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIAAfter we had finished loading up our car, we drove it over to my uncle's place where we unloaded and trasfered our luggage to a Excursion stretch limo picked us up at drove us to Ballentyne Pier. We managed to get through immigration alright and boarded the vessel. I had never been on a cruise before, and this beats the $h*t out of any ferry. After getting some lunch from the all-you-can eat free buffet, we wandered outside and went for a swim at the pool as we watched the SeaBuses cross the harbour on a sunny afternoon. Shortly afterward, we had the joyous experience of the Lifeboat Drill: Everyone gathers on Deck 5 in heavy lifejackets for a boring 30 minutes while the crew pretends to look like they know what their doing. In the evening we ate a spectacular meal at the dining room, the best one of the whole trip. Later on, we went to the "Welcome Aboard" show, which was a total waste of my time. It was hosted by our cruise director Dennis, who is a great guy but in the wrong trade DAY 2, AT SEAOn Day 2, I was hoping to wake up to the spectacular scenery of the Discovery Coast Passage and the Queen of Chilliwack. I was deeply mistaken, as I woke up, went to the buffet, looked out the window and all I saw were 4-foot waves and fog. The ships horn, comparable to that of a Spirit sounded every few minutes. Dinner attire on Day 2 was formal, and I looked like a total geek with my nerdy glasses and tie. I didn't bother to go to the show, as I was still trying to recover from the last one. DAY 3, ICY POINT STRAIT, ALASKAI had never heard of this place before, and was eager to be on one of the first cruise ships to dock at it. Just like every morning, I woke up and walked to the buffet, and was greeted by the AMHS ferry LeConte. Of course I didn't have my camera, so I raced from Deck 11 to Deck 7 to our room to grab it, and got it just in time. To get into the town we had to tender (use smaller boats to ferry us to/from the dock). The actual town was called Hoonah, which consisted of a bar called "The Office", who gave us a ruler that said "CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE" Dinner that night was casual and was less than fantastic, but the service was great. That night's show consisted of the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers which sounded like hell so I gave it a miss. DAY 4, HUBBARD GLACIER, ALASKARain and cold greeted us at the Hubbard Glacier. It was really neat for the first 5 minutes, then you kind of say "oh, well this is really exciting" and you go in. It was also on this day that I started going to the gym and working out, which was an epic environment to work out in: a 180-degree view of the glacier and people all around you. It was cool and wierd. Day 4's dinner was "Smart-casual" which didn't mean anything to me, so I just showed up in a golf shirt and dress-pants, and people looked at me as if I were 'round the bend or something. DAY 5, SKAGWAY, ALASKADay 5's trip into Skagway was boring, nothing really exciting in that town. Just the Red Onion Salloon, that was kind of interesting. But we also went on the WP&YR by reccomendation of Jim, and it was spectacular. Beautiful views and adventurous scenery mixed with any rail-fan's dream. It was great Dinner was mediocre, again, but Day 5's show was the guy who sang the theme to Happy Days. I can't remember his name, something-Orewell. He was OK, not great, just OK. His encore went on forever... DAY 6, JUNEAU, ALASKAToday's weather sucked. Period, end of story. It was cold, soggy, and socked-in. The streets were crowded and narrow. The highlight of that day was going up the tramway to see the native video. For those wanting to go to Juneau, let me save you the trouble: All there is is Bars, Novelty-T-Shirt stores and Jewelry stores. There, I just saved you $3 for the bus and 4 hours of aimless wandering. Dinner was formal, and again, I looked like a geek. Tonight's show was a magician... his lack of magic skills were compensated by his comedy. DAY 7, AT SEAThis is it, the final day of the cruise. There were waves up to 7 feet high and a storm that pounded us pretty hard. My hair was straightened for the dinner, and the show consisted of a comedian in the evening. Overall, a great cruise, and the good weather lasted us through to Skagway. It was fantastic
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Aug 28, 2008 21:25:42 GMT -8
New Flyer: thanks for that interesting account of your trip. I like photos as much as the next person, but I appreciate a written account as well; makes a nice change from our usual visual record emphasis.
Flugel Horn/NE: So as not to get us too diverted, I'll make a reply on Young Life in the 'sky/blue' thread...
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Post by Ian on Sept 4, 2008 20:10:23 GMT -8
What was Icy Point like. When I was on Serenade of the Seas back in 2004 we stopped in Ketchikan and not Icy Point. Ketchikan was really touristy but also sort of like Steveston.
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Post by Mike C on Sept 5, 2008 21:31:00 GMT -8
Icy Point Strait was expensive and touristy, but quiet and bareable.... we had to tender though which was a pain.
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Post by Mike C on Nov 26, 2008 17:27:43 GMT -8
Well, it sounds like I'll be off to Mexico on the Mariner of the Seas next March...
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Post by Mike C on Mar 12, 2009 20:47:20 GMT -8
Well guys, I depart on Saturday on the Mariner of the Seas to the Mexican Riviera, out of Long Beach.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Mar 12, 2009 20:52:49 GMT -8
Well guys, I depart on Saturday on the Mariner of the Seas to the Mexican Riviera, out of Long Beach. Have fun, Mikey..! I did that trip on the Carnival Pride three years ago out of Long Beach. It was an amazing trip.
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rt1commuter
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Post by rt1commuter on Mar 13, 2009 1:11:46 GMT -8
The Skagway area is one of my favorite places. Next time you guys are up that way (perhaps an AMH trip?) make plans to hike the Chilkoot Trail... it's a life changing experience, particularly if you're a history buff.
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Post by Mike C on Mar 19, 2009 13:24:20 GMT -8
Greetings from Peurto Vallarta! It´s hot here, and I´ve got a few sunburns, but the cruise is going fantastic.
Peace out!
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 5, 2009 9:02:31 GMT -8
Me and Lisa are thinking of doing an Alaska Cruise at the end of May as it seems to be cheaper in May. We are looking at a Vancouver roundtrip on the Norwegian Sun. How was your Alaska cruise Mikey??
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Post by Ian on Apr 7, 2009 19:35:55 GMT -8
If you are thinking about doing a roundtrip Alaska, I strongly recommend taking the Serenade of the Seas. She is one of the most beautiful and largest ships sailing in Vancouver. I have also heard the Celebrity Ships are quite nice although I have not been on one.
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Post by Mike C on Apr 7, 2009 19:49:56 GMT -8
If you are thinking about doing a roundtrip Alaska, I strongly recommend taking the Serenade of the Seas. She is one of the most beautiful and largest ships sailing in Vancouver. I have also heard the Celebrity Ships are quite nice although I have not been on one. I did my cruise on board the Serenade of the Seas, and it was... nothing short of awesome. I'm not a fan of Mexico, so if you're interested in an adventure like me Karl, you'll love Alaska. Great shots of AMHS, spectacular scenery and the WP&YR in Skagway is a must-do at least once. There's a lot to do there, and all of the adventures offered get fantastic reviews. I loved Alaska, and I think you would too, on any cruise line.
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 18, 2009 22:09:39 GMT -8
We are going on the Norwegian Sun the end of next month for a roundtrip cruise out of Vancouver to Alaska! I am really looking forward to it as it will be my second cruise and my g/fs first cruise!!
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on May 30, 2009 21:47:33 GMT -8
We are leaving on our Alaska cruise tommorrow! Looks like we will have some good weather! I will have lots of photos when I get back!
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Koastal Karl
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Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 7, 2009 20:09:02 GMT -8
We ended our week long Alaska cruise with the Noon sailing on the New West from Tsawwassen today. We had awesome weather the whole way up and back with sunny blue skies and warm tempatures. Couldent of picked a better week for a cruise. We arrived in Vancouver about 6:50am this morning. We were passing Campbell River around midnight too bad I was alseep in the wee hours of the morning I might of seen the Wack if she was passing.
All in all awesome cruise! NCL is AWESOME!!!
I will upload photos to Facebook in the next few days. I have over 600 photos including some shots of the Nor Ex behind the Veendam, Alaska State Ferries, Ketchikan Airport ferries and lots more!!
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