Alaska Cruise Day 3: Ketchikan - A Soggy Excursion

Totem in Ketchikan, Alaska
see all photos »

Today started very early, we went outside to watch the ship dock in Ketchikan before heading to the buffet for breakfast. Unfortunately it was pouring outside and from the look of the sky it was not going to let up anytime soon.

Even though it was mid-May it was still pretty cold in Alaska with snow on the ground in some places. After breakfast we took pictures around the dock area and walked into a few of the shops before we were picked up for our first shore excursion.

As we left the musical we could hear hysterical laughter coming from the Explorer's Lounge Bar

Tongass National Forest
see all photos »

On each trip I go on I make it a point to buy art and jewelry and photo frames from local artists that is representative of the place itself. In Ireland I got a beautiful Celtic Cross made of Connemara Marble while in the Connemara area. Here I found a great selection of native-made Totem Poles. Ketchikan is where I found the most extensive selection. You have to be careful in some of the tourist stores and look at the bottom of the totem pole to find the "where its manufactured" sticker. I saw alot of Korea and Taiwan made totem poles.

Reindeer
see all photos »

I got two totem poles while I was there. I am a whitewater river guide and I found two native legend totem poles that tell stories of rivers rising so I bought both of them. They are beautiful pieces but you will pay more for the authentic native made totem poles. Mine are both from the Alaska Black Diamond Ward Cove.

Our first shore excursion for the day was a Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Walk through Tongass National Forest. The young and very exuberant guides showed us several types of trees native to the area, berries, bear markings on the trees and taught us alot about Tongass National forest. The tour also included a look at a bald eagle, an owl, reindeer and a local native american artist who was carving a totem pole. It was all very interesting and informative but unfortunately the consistent rain and the chill in the air put a damper on things. After out tour we were treated to hot chocolate and cookies in the visitor's center and everyone was given a piece of Alaska Red Cedar to take with them. I never normally drink hot drinks but I was sufficiently cold enough to drink the hot chocolate.

Eagle in Tongass National Forest
see all photos »

We shopped in the gift shop and bought some souvenirs. I got some magnets and candy for the ladies at work and I also bought a pair of thick wool socks with wolves on them since my feet were soaked and freezing! A little while later our bus returned to take us to the pier.

Next we went on a Horse-Drawn Trolley Car ride through Ketchikan. We had very friendly guides and they even had a cute Husky on the trolley that made me miss my dog. The ride went all over Ketchikan and recounts the city's history, points out the various totem poles in the area and shows visitor's Dolly's House, a local bordello. The trip was a nice way to see Ketchikan but unfortunately the rain and cold was killing everyone.

Horse-drawn carriage
see all photos »

When we returned to the pier we were greeted by a huge line of people waiting to get back onto our cruise ship! Everyone has to pass through ship security and shopping bags are inspected so it can take a long time to get on the ship. In the freezing rain and cold this is not a fun process. If you want the whole thing to go faster have your ID and room key out to present to security so you can get back on the ship as fast as you can.

We made a beeline to our room to get our wet clothes off and get a warm shower. There was an ice carving demonstration being held at the pool which was closest to our state room so we decided to go to that since it was still early afternoon. There were two artists with chain-saws and each made a great sculpture in only a few minutes. They were both very talented and the sculptures were used as centerpieces in the dinner buffet later that day.

Our cruise ship, the Diamond Princess
see all photos »

We went and got some pizza at the ships pizza shop before going to the lecture by Naturalist David Haddock. His talk was about Whales and other sea life in the area that may be visible from the ship.

Later we went to eat dinner at Savoy's, which is another of the ships specialty restaurants which requires dressing up. The cuisine was Spanish and Portuguese. The meal was very good.

Next we went to see a musical show in the ship's theatre called "I Got the Music". The actors, dancers and singers were great. It was similar to a small Broadway production.

As we left the musical we could hear hysterical laughter coming from the Explorer's Lounge Bar so we walked over and there was a great comic named Cary Long in the middle of a set. He was hysterical! We stayed and watched the rest of his show.

We returned to our room for the night and watched the ship's tv channel to get more information on our next port.

Things Learned on Day 3 of my Cruise:

1. If you are buying totem poles in Alaska and want authentic art take a look at the bottom of the piece for where it was made.

2. If you are having nasty weather where while in port expect a long line to get back onto your cruise ship. It takes a long time for everyone to pass through ship security. If you want the process to go quicker have an ID and your room key out when you get to the front of the line.

3. If you opt to eat while at port you're really paying twice for meals since your meals are included on the ship. If you want to save money eat breakfast onboard before going to excursions and try to eat dinner on the ship as well.

4. Check out the free entertainment onboard your ship like demonstrations, comics and theatre shows. Its a good way to pass time while your at sea.