RyG's Cruise Guide
Please Like Us On Facebook!
  • Home
  • Cruise Tips
  • Cruise Resources
    • Cruise Schedules
    • Carnival Drydock Schedule
    • Carnival Cruise Director Schedule
    • Carnival Dive In Movies Schedule
    • Galveston Cruises
    • General Cruise Blog
    • Cruise Ship Webcams
    • Just For Fun
  • Carnival Cruise Food
  • My Cruise Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact

Ketchikan, Alaska Highlights and Information

10/27/2013

 
Ketchikan, Alaska
    Are you cruising to Ketchikan, Alaska? Ketchikan is one of my favorite cruise ports and a cruise port that many cruise lines and ships dock at.   This blog post is going to share information about ways to plan your day in Ketchikan, Alaska, give some information about attractions that you can visit or things you can do, and some general tips for this port of call. 

Pre-Cruise:  Things to Do Before Your Cruise To Plan Your Day in Ketchikan, Alaska
    1.  Pack For Alaska  -   In many of my previous posts about Alaska I emphasized that the weather can be warm in Alaska and also cold.  Check the weather forecast every few days before you leave for your cruise to
see what the temperature is expected to be for the day.  Use different weather websites because some websites are probably more accurate than others.  If the temperature is going to be cold you will probably want clothes that will keep you warm.  However, you will also want to have some clothes you would wear in warm weather in case the temperature changes in the opposite direction.  Having the wrong type of clothes could result in
discomfort or you may have to buy a t-shirt or a jacket from one of the local shops.
    2.  Order A Visitor's Guide From the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau -    Before my Carnival Miracle 2013 cruise I ordered brochures from each Alaskan port of call that offers to mail brochures for free.   I ordered the Ketchikan Visitor's Guide and it was very informational.   This is the Ketchikan, Alaska, Visitor's Bureau's website: 
Click Here To Visit The Website -  opens in a new window 
    3.  Be Mindful of the Weather -   Check the weather multiple times before you cruise and have a plan for rain.  Make sure you know if your excursions are rain or shine, and refundable if it rains.   Hopefully the weather remains nice and remember that the weather forecasts are subject to change. 

    
Attractions:   Things For You To Consider Doing While Docked in Ketchikan, Alaska
Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
Creek Street
    Creek Street is a free tourist attraction that you can walk to.  Creek Street is sort of like a boardwalk that you can walk along and there are shops that you can browse.  Depending on the time of year that you visit Alaska will determine what you see.  During some times of the year you may see salmon moving in the water.  There are many great photo opportunities at Creek Street so make sure you bring your camera and some extra batteries.

Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
Salmon in Ketchikan, Alaska
Buildings at Creek Street
Married Man's Trial in Ketchikan, Alaska
Married Man's Trail
    Married Man's Trail is a walkway that is located close to Creek Street.  Basically Married Man's Trail is a walkway that goes up a slope through trees.  During my visit to Ketchikan I learned some history of the trail, but I am not going to get into the history on my website.  This trail is not for people who have difficulty walking because of the slope and an occasional tree root in the ground.

Married Mans Trial in Ketchikan, Alaska
On Trial Looking Towards Creek Street
Eagle Totem Pole in Ketchikan
Totem Poles in Ketchikan
    You will see many totem poles in different places in Ketchikan.  Many of the totem poles are on street corners and they make a thing to take a picture with!  There is also a Totem Heritage Museum, which charges an admission to enter.   Ketchikan has many totem poles for you to enjoy!

    Enjoy two more pictures of some totem poles below:



Three Totem Poles in Ketchikan, Alaska
Big Totem Pole in Ketchikan Alaska
Tips:  
Ketchikan Alaska Sign
1. Stop at one of the Visitor's Centers when you get off the cruise ship.  There are some brochures and the staff is very helpful in giving suggestions on things to do.
2.  Just like I mentioned in the Skagway tips section don't walk in the middle of a street.  There are sidewalks in most places for people to use.
3.   Use common sense while in port.
4.   Keep track of the time and know when you have to be back onboard the cruise ship.  Make sure you stay on ship's time!

The attractions on this page are not advertisements and are included because my family members or I have experienced these attractions.  This information is subject to change any time.  Please check out and do research yourself before making any decisions regarding excursions or attractions. 

Skagway, Alaska Highlights and Information

10/27/2013

 
Grand Princess Docked in Skagway
    Are you cruising to Skagway, Alaska?  Many cruise lines have ships that include Skagway as a part of their itinerary.  Are you wondering what to do while your ship is docked in Skagway? This blog post will cover some things for you to consider doing during your day in Skagway,  provide links for further research, and provide some general tips to remember while you are enjoying your day in Skagway, Alaska.  
    

Pre-Cruise:  Things to Do Before Your Cruise To Plan For Your Day in Skagway
    1.  Pack For Alaska  -   In many of my previous posts about Alaska I emphasized that the weather can be warm in Alaska and also cold.  Check the weather forecast every few days before you leave for your cruise to see what the temperature is expected to be for the day.  Use different weather websites because some websites are probably more accurate than others.  If the temperature is going to be cold you will probably want clothes that will keep you warm.  However, you will also want to have some clothes you would wear in warm weather in case the temperature changes in the opposite direction.  Having the wrong type of clothes could result in discomfort or you may have to buy a t-shirt or a jacket from one of the local shops.
    2.  Weather -   I just mentioned above that you should check the weather for temperatures.  You also need to know the chance of rain for the day.  If there is a chance of rain you might want to have a backup plan or purchase refundable excursions.  Make sure you know the limitations on your excursions and what happens if there is rain. Check the weather constantly, use different websites to look up information, and be prepared for rain or shine!  My port days during my Carnival Miracle cruise had a large chance of rain and it ended up not raining at all at any of my ports of call! Hopefully you will be lucky and have a nice port day in Skagway! 
    3.  Order A Skagway Brochure From The Visitor's Bureau  -  Before I cruised I ordered a brochure from the Skagway Visitor's Bureau.  The brochure I received helped me better plan my day in Skagway.  For information on ordering the brochure please visit this website:  Click Here   The link will open in a new window.  The Visitor's Bureau website also has some other helpful information.  
    4.   See What Shore Excursions Your Cruise Line Offers -   If you are thinking about taking an excursion look at your cruise line's website to see what Skagway excursions they offer. 
Attractions:   Things To Consider Doing During Your Day in Skagway, Alaska
Train in Skagway
Ride Aboard The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
    
A popular shore excursion in Skagway is taking a train ride aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.  Many cruise lines offer shore excursions that include a ride one of this railroad's trains.  For more information about this attraction/excursion please visit the railroad company's website:  Click Here
    I  was not able to go on this excursion during my Carnival Miracle Alaska cruise in June 2013.  I heard that many passengers enjoyed this excursion and the scenery that they saw from the train.  Since my cruise I have used the railroad company's website to research their routes.  The pictures that I have below are from some of my family members who have been on this train ride excursion during their Coral Princess Alaska cruise. 
Here are some pictures:

Train on Side of Mountain in Skagway
Skagway Waterfall
Train
Downtown Skagway
Shop in the Local Shops
    Skagway, Alaska, contains many shops that are only a short walk from your cruise ship.  I am not going to mention any particular shops in the port because there are many.  You will find a variety of t-shirt shops and shops that contain things that say "Skagway" or "Alaska".  
Cautionary Tip Regarding Shopping:   Some items are identical across multiple shops!  Some stores will charge differently for the same item.  Be careful to make sure you are not paying more!

Rock Art in Skagway
Look At Rock Art AKA "Graffiti" 
    Besides walking around Skagway this is one of my favorite things to see in the town.  If you dock on the Railroad Dock in Skagway you will docked right next to this.  If you dock at the other dock you probably won't get to see this.  There are many drawings on the rocks that represent many of the ships and cruise lines that have docked in Skagway, Alaska.  All of the art on the rocks is different and it is neat to see how far back some of the years go .  If your camera has a zoom you can try to get some good pictures of the art on the rocks. 
Please note that when a train is in on the Railroad Dock your view of this will be limited.  For good pictures you might want to time  getting on or off the ship when a train is not in.   Here are some more pictures:

Lots of Rock Art in Skagway
More Rock Art
Lots and Lots of Rock art
Skagway, Alaska Tips:   Keep These Things in Mind During Your Day in Skagway
1.  Don't walk on the railroad tracks. 
2.  Don't walk in the middle of the street.  There are some cars and buses that need to use the road.
3.  As I mentioned earlier some shops will carry identical items.  The prices may not be identical.  Make sure you are not paying a higher price than another store.  Maybe look in many shops before buying any items.
4.  Have a tote bag to carry items in.  You might buy multiple items and need to put them in something to carry them around.
5.  Keep track of your ship's schedule and stay on ship's time.  Make sure you are onboard the ship before the designated "Be Back Onboard By" time.

Enjoy Skagway, Alaska!
Click To Go To RyG's Guide to Alaska [Still on This Website]

The attractions on this page are not advertisements and are included because my family members or I have experienced these attractions.  This information is subject to change any time.  Please check out and do research yourself before making any decisions regarding excursions or attractions. 

 Seattle, Washington: Pre or Post Cruise Attractions & Information

10/27/2013

 
Seattle Skyline
Seattle, Washington
Ideas For Pre & Post Cruise Attractions
This blog post covers attractions that you should consider trying before or after your cruise that starts or ends in Seattle, WA.

Looking Up at the Space Needle
Space Needle
    
If you are looking at the Seattle skyline you will most likely notice the Space Needle.  Visitors can pay to go up to the top of the Space Needle and look around at Seattle and the general area.  This is something that you should consider doing during your visit to Seattle and you will probably get some good pictures on a clear day!  
    Bring a camera!  You never know what kind of pictures you may get of the view! 
    Tip:  If the weather is predicted to be not clear don't do the Space Needle because your view will not be as nice.  Save your visit to the Space Needle for a later time during your vacation when the weather is nicer. 

    For more information about the attraction, ticket prices, and information please visit the Space Needle's Website:
http://www.spaceneedle.com/  - will open in new window

Look Down At Seattle
Space Needle
Underground Seattle Tour
Underground Seattle Tour
    Underground Seattle Tour is a great way to see some of the historic part of Seattle, but underground.  If you are looking for something interesting and historic at the same time this tour is for you.   For more information please visit the tour's website:
http://www.undergroundtour.com/  

    For some more photos:

   

Underground Seattle Building
Underground Seattle Building and Windows

Flying Into Seattle?

If you are going to be landing at SEA-TAC you might get to see some mountains as you approach the airport on your trip.  What you see will depend on the side of the plane that you sit on.   Here are some pictures that I want to share that I took as the plane started to prepare for descent:
Looking Below From Airplane
A Mountain As we Approach Seattle
Last Updated:    10/27/2013

Go To Our Alaska Information Center

Please note that all attractions listed on this page are not advertisements and are included because either I have experienced that attraction or some family members have experienced the attraction.  Information included about each attraction is subject to change at any time and may not be updated here quickly.  Please alert me of any changes regarding any attractions.   These attractions do not represent all attractions to do.  Any links on this page may take you away from my website and I am not responsible for any content that you get from those links.
 Please take some time and research the attractions on your own before making a decision.

Cruise Ship Themed Christmas Tree  2013

10/23/2013

 
Cruise Ship Themed Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas!
And Happy Holidays!

    You're probably looking at this right now and think that I am crazy.   This is the only Christmas decoration in my house that has come out of the attic and this Christmas tree is in an upstairs corner of my house that nobody will see.   Also this is NOT my main Christmas tree.  
    Today I got an idea to try a cruise ship themed tree.  I just wanted to test this idea out so I got out my secondary tree from the attic, put the tree together, and used some of my cruise pictures to make some ornaments.  The will probably remain up for a while longer, but towards Thanksgiving will get changed into a "real" Christmas tree!
    
    This is not an official Christmas or Holiday greeting from RyG's Cruise Guide. 
   
Bottom of Cruise Themed Christmas Tree
Top of Cruise Themed Christmas Tree
    You can create a Christmas tree that relates to any cruise line or anything cruise related. With my tree I used pictures that I took of ships that I have been on or seen in ports.  All of my decorations were made out of paper and string.  You will see, based on the pictures, cut outs of cruise ships, funnels, and towel animals. We got the Christmas tree a few years ago at 90% off and the Christmas lights  half price.  Get creative and create your own cruise themed Christmas tree! 


Feel free to share some Christmas & Holiday cheer early this year with your family and friends!
Simply use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or email to share this!  Enjoy!

Alaska Scenic Cruise Days - Tips & Suggestions

10/20/2013

 
Tracy Arm Fjord - Front of the Ship
    If your Alaska cruise vacation has a scenic cruise day in the itinerary you are lucky!  To me a scenic cruise day in a fjord or bay in Alaska is better than a regular sea day or port of call.
    Many cruise lines that sail Alaska have at least one scenic cruise day in the itinerary, but not all do.  Cruise lines have choices about what scenic cruise path they decide to take so not all cruise lines and ships use the same scenic route.  Before booking your Alaska cruise research your itinerary's scenic cruise day, if your itinerary has a scenic cruise day.  
    The goal of this blog post is to give you some tips and suggestions for your scenic cruise day. 

1.  Do Some Research Before You Cruise
    Before you cruise you should take some time to research the cruise's itinerary.  This includes researching your scenic cruise days.  Look for reviews of the particular place that you will be cruising through and try to look for information about what you might see during your cruise through a scenic cruise spot.  Doing your research can help you know what to look for and what to expect. 

2.   Where do you plan on watching the scenery?
    If you have a balcony stateroom or a stateroom with a window view you might watch the view from your stateroom.  If don't have a balcony or a stateroom that has a window you might want to consider going to the outside decks to watch the scenery.  
    If you are going to watch from your stateroom or balcony keep in mind (depending on your stateroom's location) you may only get to see one side of the scenery.  Some cruise ships will turn 360 degrees at glaciers and some other highpoints of the trip during the scenic cruise days.  However, not all cruise ships will do this. If your cruise ship does not do this you may miss the other side's scenery.  Some cruise ships will sail into the scenic area and will turn around at the end or a certain point to leave, which allows the other side to see what they missed earlier.  
    Many people choose to watch the scenery and view go by from the outside decks of the cruise ship, even if they have a balcony.  Choosing a place on the outside decks is important to many and some people will guard a spot hours before the ship arrives to the entrance of the scenic cruising spot.  I recommend choosing a spot on the outside decks a day in advance and then arriving early to get the spot you want.  I also recommend choosing a spot at the front because you will get a better view of both sides instead of one.  Finally,  keep in mind that if you leave your spot on the outside deck your spot may not be waiting for you when you come back.  I noticed on my Carnival Miracle Alaska cruise in Tracy Arm Fjord that people would quickly take a spot the second a person moved.  Use the restroom before going to the outside decks to view the scenery.  

3.  Dress Right For The Outdoors
    If you are planning on watching the scenery on the outside decks or from your balcony this is for you!  Make sure you dress comfortably so you don't have to miss scenery to change in your stateroom. The temperature in Alaska is not always cold, so make sure you are also prepared for warm weather. 

4.   Be On the Lookout For Wildlife
    You may be able to spot some wildlife from the ship.  On my Alaska cruise I saw many different birds from the ship in Tracy Arm Fjord.  Bring a pair of binoculars if you are interested in looking for wildlife from the ship. 

5.   Be Quiet, Don't Talk Loud!
    Being quiet on your balcony or on the outside decks is appreciated by most.  Some people on my Alaska cruise were annoyed when people were loud because they wanted to enjoy the scenery in its natural state.  On your balcony keep in mind that the people on the balcony next to yours can hear your voice and what you are saying.  Remember that some people have paid a large amount of money for the cruise and airfare to see Alaska and this may be their only time to enjoy Alaska.  Please don't spoil the experience for them.

Check out more Alaska cruise tips and suggestions here. 

Cruise Ship Mini-Golf

10/18/2013

 
Mini Golf Course
    Many cruise ships have a mini-golf course that is located on an outside deck.  The design of the mini-golf course will vary by cruise ship because there a variety of mini-golf courses to choose from.  On sea days and some port days mini-golf is a popular activity for both kids and adults!  
    In order to keep the game fun there are some tips that you should consider when you are going to play mini-golf.  Keep in mind that all mini golf courses are set up differently and may have different rules or guidelines that passengers are asked to follow. 


1.  Don't Knock The Ball Overboard
    Some people hit their golf ball too hard and the ball will fly off the ship and into the water.  Unfortunately, the golf ball is gone and there is no way to get it back. If you had to check out the golf club and ball you will probably be told to pay for the lost golf ball.  Make sure you only swing to get your ball into the golf hole, not across the ship. 

2.  Did you check out your club and ball?  Make Sure You Return Them! 
    Some cruise lines and ships require you to check out your golf club and ball.  The attendant may give you a time of usage or tell you to have the club and ball back by a certain time.  If you don't have your equipment returned by a certain time you may be charged a fee for the equipment.  Make sure you know the guidelines for checking out golf equipment and don't forget to return the golf equipment.

3.   Golf Etiquette 
    Start with Hole 1 and work your way from #2 thru the end. Do not skip around because you may lose track of the hole you are on and/or cut in front of others.  Make sure you do not cut in front of others.  Wait until a person is done using the hole before you start swinging and hitting your ball.  Also, make sure you don't swing your golf club and hit another person.

4.  Wind
    Often cruise ships have their mini golf course located on the top of the ship - outside.  When the ship is moving sometimes wind is heavy on the top of the cruise ship.  Your golf ball may roll because of the wind and not stay in its correct position.  I have seen wind roll a golf ball up a small incline.  The best time to play mini golf is when the ship is docked and when there is little to no wind.

    RyG's Cruise Guide
    Blog 

    Like Us On Facebook
    For new and featured blog posts and articles please like us on Facebook! 

    Click Here For Our Profile

    Just Posted:
    Carnival Breeze 5 Day 2022
    Click Here To View

    Quick Links:

    Carnival Dry-Docks
    Carnival Cruise Food
    My Cruise Reviews
    Galveston Cruise Guide

    Archives:

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

Home        About Us        Contact Us        Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

www.embarkandaway.com     Thank you for visiting RyG's Cruise Guide!
RyG's Cruise Guide is not affiliated with any cruise line or travel organization. Any information is subject to change at any time given that the cruise industry is always changing. Due to the Covid pandemic, crew staffing shortages, and supply chain issues information could change without updates being made here. I always recommend checking with your cruise line for the latest information related to onboard amenities and Covid protocols. 

Connect With Us!