2024 June 1-9 Cruising on NCL Encore to Alaska (9days)

Lunch at American Cafe Denver Airport    

 June 1, 2024, Saturday Day One- Flying Day United Airlines and Westin Hotel

Traveled to Huntsville and arrived early. 

Left the house at 3:30 A.M.

Only to discover our flight had changed. 

We traveled on United Airlines from Huntsville to Denver, Colorado, on Flight UA4640. 

At 8:20am arrived 11am

We ate lunch at Smash Burgers and spent $28.92.I ordered 3 pieces of chicken fingers fried and fries with water. 

We took several walking sidewalks from Gate 51 to Gate B11 Concourse B Group 3 

Now, we are waiting for the next flight 

On United Airlines flight 1257

We left Denver at 3:40 P.M. and arrived at 5:37 P.M.

On flight UA1257, Seattle WA

Seats 6 & 7 paid an extra $160

Arrived at Westin room 4060 top level

Several couples are staying at the Westin and are going to NCL and Holland American. 

We were picked up at the Airport, and a van full of people went to the Westin.

Checked in, went to our room 4060 & took a hot bath.  

The Westin has 40 floors, and we were in 4060, the top level.

We were both too tired to explore Seattle.

View of downtown Seattle, Washington

View of the Snow Covered Mountains from the Denver, CO Airport 

June 2, 2024, Sunday, Day Two, Boarded the Ship NCL ENCORE

Ate a honey and oats bar with cranberry juice for breakfast 

We are to meet our cruise director at 8:30

 we are now sitting in the lobby, listening to people talking 

Playing on my cellphone. 

We loaded onto the shuttle van and several others and rode to Pier 66 to be processed to board the NCL Encore ship.

We showed our boarding pass and passport to get processed to board the ship.

We were given our key cards and told to sit until 10 A.M. Everyone was allowed to enter the ship. Once inside, we did the mustering to inform us where to go in an emergency. 

Our rooms were not ready until almost 2 P.M.

We went to the AMERICAN Diner for lunch.

I ordered a fish sandwich with fries. 

Hubby ordered a hamburger with fries. 

We went to Cruise Next services for our bronze pins and a  Bank of America Card.

Hubby went to dinner reservations to order our two specialty dinners. 

We went to our room until it was time for dinner. 

When we arrived at our room, our luggage was not in the hallway, so I called the Westin Hotel to ensure they sent it to the ship.

She assured me our luggage would be there by 4:30P.M.

Our luggage was in front of our room when we returned from dinner.

That was a load off my shoulders. 

We ate dinner at Ocean Blue.

I ordered blazing shrimp, steamed asparagus, potatoes au gratin, and grilled salmon. 

For dessert, I ordered Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Hubby ordered Fisherman's Platter grilled, clam chowder, potato au gratin, and seasoned vegetable medley. 

Hubby ordered French Apple Tart a Mode with vanilla ice cream.

We watched a movie and went to bed.

The houses along the coast of Seattle 

June 3, 2024, Monday Day 3, Sea Day on NCL ENCORE

Today is Monday Sea Day

It was cloudy early this morning, but the clouds are clearing, and the sun is finally coming out.

We ate breakfast in the Garden Cafe. 

We arrived a little early, so we grabbed a glass of juice and found a seat near the window to see outside.

For breakfast, I ate French toast with peaches and bananas sliced very thin and topped with whipped cream.

We sat there for a few hours while I wrote in this journal. 

We walked through the gift shop area, but most of the stores were not open.

Found another window and stopped in the Atrium area

We are going to "This is Alaska," a Presentation in the

Encore Theater at 10 A.M.

After the theatre, we went to the Atrium area and watched some shows. 

We both ordered a nonalcoholic drink. 

Michelle sat beside us. She was from Seattle, and we talked about traveling. 

She said that they were going to Europe this fall. 

I told her we had two cruises under our belts this year; this cruise was number three, and we had two more cruises and two Bus trips planned this year.

She was still working, so she was limited to traveling.

She texted her husband, Dave, and he came to sit with us. 

We talked for a few minutes, and they left around 1 P.M.

We ordered a couple of cokes and went to our cabin. I ate half a Hershey candy bar and took a nap.

We will eat dinner at Cagney's restaurant at 7 P.M. tonight. 

I ordered a jumbo shrimp trio for dinner: grilled jumbo shrimp skewers served with baked potato and sautéed garlic mushrooms. 

For dessert, I ordered omg Carmel butterscotch cheesecake. 

We watched the Beatles Invasion show in the Encore Theatre. 

We ordered a couple of cokes and took them to our room/cabin.

We saw several sleepy children and a few adults on the elevator. 

Ready for tomorrow's adventures.

June 4, 2024, Tuesday Day 4, Tuesday Juneau, Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest.  

Up early, I saw a range of snow-capped mountains as we cruised by from our balcony room.

Late breakfast of French toast with banana slices, whipped cream, strawberry syrup, and Cranberry juice in Garden Cafe 

8:02 A.M.

We went back to my room, and Hubby slept until noon. 

At lunchtime, we went to Garden Cafe, but it was overflowing with people and nowhere to sit, so we went to American Cafe.

It was also hectic, but we got in line, and the line moved fast.

We sat with a couple from California, and one of the women was a first-time cruiser.

Hubby ordered a salad, chicken pot pie, and carrot cake.

I ordered BBQ sliders with fries and bread pudding. 

We sat in the Atrium room until it was time to depart for our excursion. 

We took bus 101, and our driver was Jerrod. He told colorful stories about our journey to and from the ship.

We took a boat to see the humpback whales, and we also saw a game of orcas. NCL Encore shore Excursion Ticket Juneau 6/4/2024 Whale watching and Wildlife. The meeting point was on the pier ashore in the parking lot at 16:45 P.M. 

After the Whale watching, we took the Whale back to the ship. 

We loaded onto the ship and went back to our room. 

I took a hot shower, and we took the elevator to level 16 to the Garden Gate food bar, where I got Indian food.

Several Indians stood in line, and the lady behind me asked, "Do you like Indian food?" I said I didn't know but was going to try it.

She explained each item that I put on my plate.

I was all perfect

Came back to our room and went to bed at 11 P.M.

Whale Watching Juneau, Alaska

June 5, 2024, Day 5 Wednesdays 

Skagway, Alaska White Pass Bennett Lake, and Yukon Adventure 

NCL Encore Shore Excursion Skagway 6/5/24 SGY06612 WHITE PASS, BENNETT LAKE. AND YUKON ADVENTURE. Meeting point on pier ashore at 7:15 A.M. tickets 4024428/4024429  & 31.

We had breakfast at the Local Bar and Grill.

I ordered a veggie omelet with English muffins and cream cheese. 

Hubby ordered oatmeal, bacon, and eggs. 

Loaded onto the bus to take us to the train. 

Michael is our bus driver. He took us to the train station, a short ride on Bus number 138.

Everyone loaded into the Train car # 358, and we headed up White Pass. Our train conductor told us about the different sites along the way. 

We met a couple from Australia. One was going outside to take pictures, and he had some good shots. 

There were several Indian people on the train. They were together 

One of them asked me where I was from, and He said he was from Tallahassee, Florida. 

Everyone had to complete paperwork before crossing the border and entering British Columbia, Canada.

We stopped at customs, and they boarded the train, ensuring everyone had their passports.

They gave their okay, and we continued our journey up the mountain. 

We stopped at Bennett Lake train station and museum.

Everyone got off, some went to the museum, and several walked along the passageway up the mountains to the Gold Rush area, but I stopped at St. Andrew's Chapel.

There were several markers that I stopped to take pictures.

St. Andrews Church, Welcome/Bienvenue, Chilkoot Trail, the Land: Spring, The Land Autumn, The Land: Winter, Traditions, Heritage, Trade & Travel Commerce & Voyages, The packing business, Gold Rush, Changes & Connections, Names on the land, A Precious Place, BENNETT, Me'n Cho` Bennett lake, and  End of Trail.  

Another lady and I walked to Bennett Lake and took several pictures. 

By this time, it was time to board the train, and we continued up the mountain, Passing Belle River, which is 2 miles wide and 25 miles long, set below the glacier mountain. 

We stopped in Carcross, located on the Klondike Hwy south of Whitehorse. The city was initially named Caribou Crossing by the miners who had reached this junction point of Tagish and Bennett Lane en route to the Klondike gold fields of Dawson. 

Took several pictures of historical markers: The Dutchess (Little Engine), Carcross, Caribou Hotel Historical site, White Pass & Yukon Route, "the Golden Spike," White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, and The Matthew Watson Store. 

There were several markers at the S.S. Tutshi Memorial: S.S. Tutshi, Restoration of the "SS Tutshi," "To the land where beauty does abide," "Tutshi" Mechanics, The Crew of the "SS Tutshi, adapting to Changing Times, Nen/Haa and/the land, Tagish Shaan'ax Deiyi, SS Tutshi Memorial, A Matter of Safety, Safe Harbor, WP & YR and Carcross, Freighting on the Southern Lakes, Boats of the Southern Lakes and Mechanical Equipment.  

I bought a chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cone, One large scoop.

Loaded the bus and headed back to Skagway. 

On our two-hour ride back down the mountain to our ship, our bus driver, Michel, told stories about Skagway's history. 

We stopped at the Frazier site overlooking Bennett River 

to take pictures. Took pictures of a couple of markers: Fraser, Welcome to Canada, the Yukon, and Fraser.

Our next stop was at the Welcome to Alaska sign for pictures. 

The bus stopped in Skagway's downtown area, and we got off with several others to walk around. 

We walked around the Mascots Saloon Museum and The Corrington's Alaskan Ivory LTD Museum of Alaska History.

We stopped at the  De Soles store, where I bought 4 bottles of nail polish. 

I also took pictures in Skagway of several markers:

Asaayix' Kudziteey Haa Le`elk'u Ha's Aani`, Skagway and White Pass, White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Plowing Ahead, Events leading to the Shipwreck, SS Princess Sophia Memorial Skagway Centennial Statue 1897, In commemoration of inspector Charles Constantine and Staff Sergeant Charles Brown Northwest Mounted Police, and The Dead are speaking.

We returned to the ship, showered, and dressed in the Manhattan room for dinner.

I ordered cod with a baked potato and a Caesar salad.

For dessert, canolas. 

Hubby ordered Caesar salad and shrimp pasta, and for dessert, he ordered carrot cake.

After dinner, we came back to our room.

Bennett Lake, British Columbia, Canada 

Fraser White Pass and Bennett Lake Yukon Territory, Canada 

Welcome to Alaska 

The Duchess Carcross British Columbia 

June 6, 2024, Day 6, Thursday Glacier Bay

For breakfast, I ate French toast with cranberry juice at Garden Cafe.

Wrote in my journal. 

Went to guest service to turn in our declaration card to enter Victoria, BC, Canada 

I booked an excursion for Saturday at the Butchart Gardens Evening & Victoria Highlights Ticket VICO 0311 6/8/24. We will meet at 20:00 on the pier AshORE in the parking lot. The tickets are 4066300/4066301 and 299.

Came back to the room to see the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, where the ship made a complete circle so everyone could view the Glaciers.

Ate lunch at Garden Cafe. 

I ate German Food, red cabbage, and bratwurst, then we went to our room/cabin. 

I put on my jacket and stood outside on our balcony, where I saw many sea lions and birds and took many photos. 

Hubby took a nap.

We ate dinner in the Manhattan room.

I ordered cod fish with cream potatoes and bruschetta toast with tomato and goat cheese, and for dessert, I ate apple crumb cake.

Went to the Atrium area to watch a couple of game shows.

Went to our room and to bed.

Glazier Bay 

Glacier Bay

June 7, 2024, Day 7 Friday Ketchikan,  Alaska

Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast 

Breakfast Local Bar & Grill.

Ate French toast with sausage and cranberry juice.

NCL Encore Shore Excursion Ticket Ketchikan 6/7/24 KTNO 1011 WILDERNESS EXPLORATION & CRAB FEAST.

MEET at the end of the pier in the Terminal meeting time 7:00 A.M. ticket No. 4029338/4029339 and 41. 

We walked to the pier and loaded onto Bus 203, taking us to a crab fest with Driver Regan. 

We arrived at the boat dock. 

We loaded onto the boat at 8 A.M.

After descending down 79 steps and a ramp, we took a boat ride and saw a pair of bald eagles and a fishery.

History of the fishery: 

The locals were losing money because the fishery was catching all the salmon and selling a large quantity of them cheaper than they could, so a war broke out between them.

The fishery was using large nets to catch the salmon

The locals began stealing the salmon from the fishing and selling them back to them.

The fishery thought the eagles were stealing them and started killing them.

They finally figured out the locals were stealing them.

I held a dungaree female crab while on the boat ride.

We returned to the lodge and were served all the crab legs we could eat. 

We were shown the correct way to open crab legs. 

For dessert, we were served cheesecake topped with blueberries.

I bought a pair of pajamas from Crabby at the gift shop in the morning.

On our return bus ride, Our driver told several Native American folk stories. 

One about an Indian princess and a whale.

Told one about the sun that was stolen from the sky.

Another story about a man (named Cots) falling in love with a she-bear and marrying her. 

They became a family with three sons. 

The man returns to the man's village, but Mama Bear tells her husband he cannot see or speak to his ex-wife.

He is in the village for a week and does not see his ex.

He meets her on his way back to the cave on his last day. 

When he returns to the cave, Mama Bear asks if he spoke or saw his ex, and he says no.

Mama Bear became angry. 

Her sons do not recognize their father and kill him.

The mama bear is so distraught that she bands her sons. 

The older one moves north and becomes a polar bear. 

The middle one moves south, and he becomes a grizzly bear.

The younger one is shy, stays in Ketchikan, and becomes the gentle black bear.

We stopped at the warehouse/gift shop before boarding the ship. 

They also have a small museum about the history of the East Alaska logging unit, which we walked through and saw several totem poles.

We took the shuttle back to the ship.

At 3:30 P.M., we watch "The Cruising Tips and Trips Presentation." 

We bought 4 more next credit. 

Ate dinner at Garden Cafe. 

I tried several different items but couldn't find anything I wanted. 

I came back to my room, watched a movie, and slept. 

Holding a crab

Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast

June 8, 2023, Saturday Day 8,

Butchart Gardens Evening and Victoria Highlights 

It's going to be a beautiful day watching the sun come up. 

We ate breakfast at 6:09 A.M. in the Garden Cafe. 

I ate bacon, scrambled eggs, and French toast. 

We went to the Atrium for several hours. We watched a cooking show (cake) and played several games.

We ate lunch at 11:46 A.M. 

I ate a chicken salad sandwich with chips, cheese chunks, and slaw.

For dessert, I ate a custard. 

We watched the Beatles Invasion at 1:30 P.M.

Watch a goodbye show to all the crew and go to our room.

For dinner, I ate a slice of pizza and a couple pieces of fish. 

And for dessert, I ate a cherry crumble cake.

We are going to Butchart Botanical Gardens & Victoria highlights at 8 P.M.

We took a two-decker bus to Butchart Gardens.

Our guide was Emmalee, who told us about Victoria's history and its founder.

She told some of the history of the Butchart family, who founded the gardens. 

When we arrived at the gardens, it was getting dark and complex to see, even with all the lighting. 

We rode the carousel and took several pictures of flowers and markers.

The Butchart Gardens, The Quarry Walls, The Sunken Garden Lake, Rose Fountain Lookout, Sit-on, Totem Poles Seeds & Fireworks Fields, Concert Lawn Private Garden, The Butchart Boar, Garden, and the History Rose Garden. From 8:30 to 11:30 P.M., we rode through Chinatown and saw several sites in Victoria.

We rode back to the ship and went to bed.

End of another long day.

The Butchart Botanical Gardens Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 

June 9, 2023, Sunday Day 9, Travel Home Alaska Airlines 

We watched the ship Dock in Seattle as the sun was coming up. What a beautiful site, Seattle, with the sun in the background. 

Dressed and packed, we took the elevator up to 16 to Garden Cafe for breakfast. 

I ate French toast and bacon with juice.

We took our bags to the Atrium area to wait for our color to be called. 

Red for those taking an early flight. 

We took the shuttle to the Airport. 

There were thousands of people waiting in line to go through customs. 

It took us 2 1/2 hours to walk through roped-off areas. 

We had to climb a flight of stairs, and a young gentleman asked if I needed help, which I said yes to.

He carried my bags up the stairs. 

I couldn't have made it.

There are still some polite and helpful people in the world. 

We went through customs, but because our tickets didn't have a gate number, we stopped to ask for help.

The young attendant said we had to take the escalator down to the subway, take the subway, and then take Subway N.

We finally reached our destination. 

By this time, I was burning up, for I had worn a sweatshirt, so I bought myself a sleeved shirt, a Three Musketeer bar, and a Coke bottle.

A short time later, we boarded Alaska Airport Flight 410

Seats 21 A & B, and I took a nap.

We had two snacks: pretzels, cookies, coke, and cranberry juice

Arrived at Chicago O'Hare Airport. 

There was a gate change to flight AA3399 gate L22 from O'Hare to Huntsville departure at 8:23 P.M. out of gate L22 terminal 3. 

It was a very long walk. 

It was thundering and lightning as we entered the Huntsville area. 

The pilot said we were in for a bumpy ride, and he was not kidding.

It was terrifying. 

The plane finally landed, and we disembarked it and waited for our luggage. 

Our luggage was stored below because the plane was small and short of overhead storage at no extra cost. I wish I had known that before dragging my luggage all over the Airport. 

Walked to the car. It began to rain as we started our journey Home 

We stopped at Taco Bell in Athens. 

I ordered 2 chicken tacos.

Got one for lunch tomorrow. 

Sunrise in Seattle, Washington 

It was after midnight when we arrived Home.