The ultimate day of our 7-night Alaska cruise is a sea day, and it was supposed to incorporate a go to to Hubbard Glacier.
Sadly the day didn’t prove how we had hoped, however that does not imply it wasn’t with out a number of enjoyable moments!
I purposely wakened early this morning to prepare for in the present day’s scenic cruising round Hubbard Glacier, one of many predominant highlights of this cruise itinerary. Many Alaska cruise itineraries not solely embody full days in port, however visits to glaciers from the ocean.
Passengers don’t disembark the ship on scenic cruising days. As a substitute, the ship does a full 360 diploma rotation close to the glacier, permitting company to take pleasure in beautiful views of the surroundings regardless of the place on the ship they’re positioned.
After I stepped exterior round 7:30AM, nevertheless, the climate was regarding. Visibility was extraordinarily low and winds had been excessive. As a result of approaching a glacier requires cautious navigation round slim passages and icebergs, it is vital to have steady climate earlier than making the strategy.
My scenic glacier day to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier was affected by dangerous climate final yr, and we may solely see the glacier from very far-off earlier than turning round. Remembering this, I used to be skeptical we might efficiently be capable to strategy Hubbard Glacier given the climate circumstances.
Positive sufficient, the captain got here on the loudspeaker to announce that we might, sadly, not be capable to make it to Hubbard Glacier.
With that, Radiance of the Seas circled and began the journey towards Seward via the Gulf of Alaska.
Afternoon in excessive seas
Whereas I used to be in fact upset we might not be capable to witness the fantastic thing about Hubbard Glacier, security is of upmost significance, particularly when navigating treacherous passages in Alaska.Â
I spent the remainder of the morning making an attempt to get some work accomplished on the Viking Crown Lounge, however as we entered the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, issues took a flip for the more severe!
After 12 cruises, I’ve by no means felt seasick till in the present day. Even when cruising via the uneven waters of the Bay of Biscay in Spain or via excessive winds on my Alaska cruise final yr, I’ve at all times felt okay.
At the moment, nevertheless, I felt horrible all through the afternoon! After a visit to the Windjammer for lunch, I noticed I used to be not feeling effectively in any respect once I could not end my plate.
Reeham, who additionally felt sick, and I sought refuge in our cabin the place we hoped mendacity down in mattress and taking a nap would assist.
Movement illness remedy and consuming a inexperienced apple did assist slightly bit, however anytime I obtained off the bed I felt nauseous.
For the needs of this weblog being extra fascinating than me sleeping in my cabin, although, I did handle to attend one occasion this afternoon: Captain’s Nook!Â
Captain’s Nook is a Q&A session with the ship’s captain the place you possibly can ask him/her any questions you may have in regards to the ship, itinerary, day by day life onboard, ship navigation, and many others.
I discovered it actually fascinating and I used to be capable of be taught extra in regards to the ship’s stabilizers, what it is like within the bridge, how a lot gas is used on a cruise ship, and extra. I positively plan to attend extra of those on future cruises.
Following Captain’s Nook, I went again to my cabin to sleep off my movement illness.
After one other hour or two making an attempt to really feel higher, I figured it was value a attempt to see how I felt in one other space of the ship. Our cabin is positioned far ahead, so it is susceptible to extra movement.
After I went upstairs to the Diamond Lounge, which is positioned extra mid-ship, I felt a lot better. Phew! That positively was not enjoyable and I am grateful I do not normally really feel seasick on cruises.
After a snack and ginger ale within the Diamond Lounge, I took a stroll across the higher pool deck. The ship was arising and down, and I used to be shocked by how a lot movement I felt, because the climate did not appear too dangerous exterior.Â
I additionally made a short cease to the on line casino, the place I put my $6 free play cash to the take a look at. Sadly I did not win in the present day and was out and in inside 5 minutes!
Night onboard
I went again to the Diamond Lounge to calm down for some time earlier than making a pit cease within the Viking Crown Lounge. I have been spending time within the lounge (referred to as Starquest on Radiance of the Seas) each evening, and I’ve made buddies with two of the bartenders, Ari and Manuel.
I had nice timing as a result of once I walked into the lounge, Manuel was doing a cocktail demonstration! I loved a fruity sangria whereas chatting with the 2 of them for an hour or so.
I’ve had a good time this week assembly and connecting with so many crew members! I’ve loved speaking with Dionata, the Diamond Concierge, Manuel and Ari, and my stateroom attendant all through the week.
Particular shout out to my stateroom attendant, Vevir from the Philippines, for being a Royal Caribbean Weblog reader! He is been engaged on Royal Caribbean ships all around the world for years, from Japan to New Zealand, the Caribbean, and Alaska!
Following the Viking Crown Lounge was a late dinner within the Predominant Eating Room. Reeham and I’ve nearly missed the eating room each evening as a result of we have been so busy chatting and we stored shedding monitor of time.
The Predominant Eating Room was actually nice as traditional, and the service for late-night seating was actually fast!
The remainder of the night was spent packing (boo!) as a result of tomorrow is unfortunately disembarkation day!
Tomorrow we disembark the ship in Seward, Alaska and take a bus to Anchorage. I want I had extra time to spend a number of days in Alaska’s inside earlier than flying house, however there’s at all times subsequent time!
Thanks for following alongside this week on my Radiance of the Seas cruise! It was a improbable week total and I am at all times completely happy when cruising to such an attractive place. I’ve discovered that my favourite cruise itineraries are these the place I can see mountain surroundings exterior the ship day-after-day.
Keep tuned for a full evaluation of my cruise to Alaska subsequent week AND a full ship tour of Radiance of the Seas on the Royal Caribbean Weblog YouTube channel!
