Monday 22nd

Today was our first port of call, we woke early as we where not sure if the alarm would go off and what we saw was a beautiful view of the surrounding area coming into Ketchikan, a few clouds but they soon cleared.

Ketchikan’s history dates back to 1883, when a man named Snow built a salmon saltery. By 1900, with a population of 800, the town was officially incorporated. Ketchikan is located on the western coast of Revillagigedo Island, near the southern most boundary of Alaska, it is the first port of call for northbound cruise ships and state ferry’s.

Grand Princess followed us in and docked, we anchored off shore as three other cruise ships arrived and docked not long after we arrived, two going south and the other going north. The only way to get to Ketchikan is by sea or air, it has a domestic airport and sea planes, we saw at least 14 and most provided joy flights throughout the day. We where ferried ashore in one of the ships tenders which carried 92 people at a time.

We walked to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show where we where entertained for 1 ½ hours with axe throwing, block chopping, cross cut sawing, chainsaw cutting, log rolling and speed  climbing.

It was then onto a bus for a trip out to Totem Bight State park, set amidst the peaceful forest, the park is home to 14 totem poles, each telling their own story, and a replica of a 19th century clan house, offering a look into the Tlingit and Haida Native Alaskan cultures.

The tour finished in the obligiory gift shop that also had a museum.

It was back to the ship by 1.30pm as we where setting sail for Juneau.

We where told we could see whales as we headed north, we where lucky enough to see a couple in the distance from our balcony and one up closer when we went down for cocktails before dinner.

We had dinner tonight at the crab shack which was a seafood extravaganza of Alaskan King crab, Snow crab, prawns, mussels, lobster and pippies,, there was also an entrée of clam chowder, needless to say we are full.

The weather was so calm as we headed north, with spectacular scenery. Overnight we will continue north bound and sail through the Fredrick sound, and from there we will transit Stephen passage and sail north through the Gastineau Channel into Juneau.