September 4, 2016 — in the Pacific Ocean
Yes; you read that correctly. I’m currently cruising on Celebrity MILLENNIUM heading out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to our first port of call in Alaska. The port is called Dutch Harbor, home of the TV show The Deadliest Catch, and it’s on the island of Unalaska — look it up; that’s it name!
It’s not surprising that the weather is “not ideal” for cruising as the weather has been cool and damp. We left Vancouver two days ago on the 2nd, and we are having four straight Sea Days before we get Dutch Harbor. We are holding steady on a 285 degree heading; I thought we would head more northerly, but in looking at a chart, Unalaska is almost due West from Vancouver! Dutch Harbor is a small port with a few museums, and I hope to walk around and visit all of them (there are no organized ship tours).
I gave my first talk yesterday and it was on “Journaling Your Trip.” I received many suggestions (no surprise) on how other travelers do their organizing of their trip information. Some of the suggestions were excellent, such as adding sketches into your journal (even if you’re not an artist). I liked that idea. This afternoon I begin my “Music of the Masters” series of talks with an overview of classical music and an introduction to the five masters I’ll present later in the cruise. Speaking of music, the evening entertainment has been excellent. We had a great pianist last night; the night before was a brief introduction of a vocalist and a magician — I watched closely and I still don’t understand how the cut rope becomes whole again! Perhaps that’s why they call it magic!
For those not fond of Formal Nights — they’re gone! We now have what’s called Evening Chic — tuxes and ties are no longer required for the men. Let’s see how it turns out. I brought my ties, so I’ll probably wear one.
There’s not much to talk about on Sea Days; I’ll be back after we’ve been to Dutch Harbor on the 7th.
Happy Travels!
Stuart
Stuart Gustafson is America’s International Travel Expert® who speaks on cruise ships, writes novels, sends out a monthly newsletter (almost every month!), and loves everything about travel. Visit his website at www.stuartgustafson.com. You can also connect with him and other travelers on his International Travel Expert page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/International-Travel-Expert-147321228683651/
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