Today, Monday, we are in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and I finally have time and internet to put together an entry for our 1 week cruise. We boarded the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas last Sunday and we went immediately to the pool for the kids to go for a swim.
When we were able to get to our suite, we were pleased with the size of it and the large balcony.
We were also pleased with the Concierge Club that gave us access to evening snacks and wine.
Monday was a day at sea. A highlight was a tour of the bridge that was arranged by the Concierge. Unfortunately, the weather was not good and the tour was cut short as we approached the fog.
You may notice that our son, David, did not join us on the tour since he was not feeling well. The next morning we found out that he had Covid and would be isolated for the rest of the cruise. Kimberly and the kids were moved to another cabin.
We also were visited by a hawk on our balcony railing but I was not quick enough to get a photo until he flew to another balcony.
Tuesday we sailed to Sitka with nice views including the Edgecumbe volcano.
In Sitka, we walked to the Alaska Raptor Center. It was an interesting visit to see the raptors and learn about the rehabilitation work that they do.
Wednesday, we were supposed to sail into the Tracy Arm Fjord before a late afternoon stop in Juneau. We got up bright and early to enjoy the scenic sailing. Unfortunately again, the weather did not cooperate and we were unable to get into Tracy Arm.
So, we arrived early in Juneau. When docked, we saw the Oceania Regatta anchored in the bay. We wished we were there instead but more on the topic of Royal Caribbean later.
We had arranged for a driver for the day. Leaving the ship, we were able to wave to David on his balcony!
The first stop was the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery.
Next was an unplanned quick tour of Douglas Island (our driver asked us if it was okay if he picked up his wife to take her to work!) where we got views back to the cruise ships.
Then it was off to Mendenhall Glacier. It was shocking to see how much the glacier has receded since we were last there in 2011. The kids had fun climbing over the rocks.
After the tour, we walked around Juneau with a stop at the Alaskan Amber bar and shop. I had my first taste of Alaskan Amber about 25 years ago on our first visit to Alaska. That’s when I bought the Alaskan Amber cap that you can see in the photo. I had to buy a new cap which I’m sure that you will spot in later pics.
As usual, it was a lovely sail away.
Thursday was a sail to Hubbard Glacier. It was quite a sight though we were disappointed that we couldn’t get closer due to all of the ice.
Thursday evening we got good whale sightings including a breaching Orca but, again, I was not fast enough with the camera.
Friday was our last port of call, Ketchikan. We walked through the historic town.
We then attended the Lumberjack Show which was very entertaining. I didn’t get any photos as grand daughter Leila was using my phone to Snapshot the show to her dad.
We did get a good sunset for our last night in Alaska.
Saturday was a day at sea on our return to Vancouver. It was also David's birthday (and also his twin brother Matthew) which sadly, due to Covid isolation, we didn't get to celebrate with him, but we did get to deliver his birthday cake and sing to him.
Now for thoughts about Royal Caribbean. It was good to have the suite. It was spacious and provided us with some perks. We were able to use the Concierge Club including hors d'ouvres in the evening and free drinks. For breakfast, we had access to a quiet restaurant so we avoided the zoo at the buffet. Speaking of food, let’s just say that it barely met my very low expectations. In the buffet for lunch, I found that the best bet was the Indian food - at least it had some flavor. From our only other Royal Caribbean cruise many years ago I remember being excited to see a calamari salad on the buffet only to be disappointed to find a single solitary calamari ring in the bowl. They didn’t let me down this time. One day at lunch they had a stir fried noodles with shrimp dish. Looking at the big pan, I could see no shrimp. Another woman asked the cook if there were shrimp in there and he said of course there were. Finally, I spotted 2 shrimp in the back of the pan and told the woman she could have them. Deja vu all over again. Another day at breakfast I ordered a fruit plate and Linda ordered a yogurt parfait. Included on my fruit plate was one half of a blackberry. And the other half was in Linda's parfait! The food in the dining room was uninspiring. Presentation generally consisted of putting the food on the plate however. The topper was the night that they had lobster mac and cheese on the menu. Linda was all excited because that is one of her favorite dishes. When she ordered it, our lovely waitress Karen told her that there was no lobster in the dish, just lobster broth!! Enough said.
Speaking of the crew, we found them to be quite good. The wait staff in the dining room, our room attendant, and the concierge and bartender in the Club, were all very attentive and helpful.
As for the style of cruising, let’s just say that there is obviously no comparison to Oceania. The mob scenes at the restaurants and gangway and the kids running wild and free were pretty unbearable. While it was wonderful cruising with the family, I can’t imagine that we will ever cruise on Royal Caribbean again.
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