TRIP TO ALASKA
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BY PREMA SANTHANAM
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It was a great opportunity to travel the distance in the luxurious Celebrity cruise. I want to share with you my wonderful experience. We left SFO by United Airlines on 19th Sept, reached Vancouver at 10:30 PM. The guide took us to Executive hotels and Resorts . We were 52 and were accommodated in their rooms. Next day morning the British Columbia cruise took us to the Vancouver Island via Georgia straits. After 90 minutes ferry drive we reached the world famous Butchart Gardens, planted over 100 years ago and the garden has blossomed into a wonderful display of 5000 kinds of flowers. We enjoyed the scenic drive with vistas of the Juan de Fuca straits, the Olympic mountains, Landmark Fairmont express hotel, Parliament building ,Beacon hill park, and the world’s longest freeway, 8,ooo miles, the starting point mile ‘0’ plague can be seen. Besides cable cars, there were few improvised cycle rickshaws. Next day began the half a day tour of Victoria the capital city. We visited the Thunder bird park, Authentic Totem poles, displaying the unique carving styles of first nation’s people around British Columbia and the steam clock in Gas town. Both the days we had lunch at Taj India, and the Gateway of India restaurants. The food was delicious.
We went to Canada port to take the luxurious Cruise to start the 7days cheerful voyage in the sea .At the entrance we were given a warm welcome by the crew members with wine glasses. We reached our cabins. There was a lot of demand for ocean view cabins .Our attendant Arun from Goa was very helpful. There were huge elevators to take you to all the levels up to 11. On Monday afternoon at 3-30 pm as the ship moved closer, the majesty and grandeur of the Habbard glacier was awe inspiring . It was the magical moment we were waiting for. It was a mountain of ice in the midst of ocean. The cameras began to click. It was a freezing cold weather . We were watching from the level 11. Few people watched from the open deck despite the weather to get a better view. In the night the captain of the ship introduced the crew members and the chief chefs in the celebrity theatre. They were from Germany, Ireland, Sweden and all over the world. Two were from India, one of whom from Chennai. That night the captain hosted the dinner. It was attended by all in their best dresses, the Americans dazzling in their party outfits.
I must mention that the food served for the dinner and lunch was exceptionally good. At our request, the vegetarian dishes consisted of poories, channa. Chapathies, Kurma, dosa sambar and even papad by rotation. There were ice creams and deserts. Even soups were served without garlic and onion. There were few birthday parties. The buffet breakfast was in level 11. It was a huge hall, either side big glass windows with the ocean view. The buffet breakfast starts from 7-30 am onwards. There were varieties of bread, burgers, breadsticks, omelets, scrambled eggs and varieties of freshly cut fruits including honey soaked prunes. All drinks were there including decaffeinated coffee. Room service can also be ordered free of cost. In the afternoon we can have all varieties of pizzas, cookies and pastries.
On Tuesday we reached Juneau, named after Joe Juneau where they discovered gold. It is the capital of Alaska , area is 3,108 sq miles, population is only 30,000 people depending mainly on tourism, and fishing. Main catch is salmon fish. From the observatory we saw the Mendenhall glacier which is 200 ft high and 1 mile wide. We also witnessed the 30 minutes documentary depicting the fragmentation of the glacier iceberg with a thud.

On Thursday we were taken to Ketchikan port by motor boat, since there were already two ships anchored. We went round the town by double decker bus. There were few coaches each driven by four horses and a wolf dog sitting docile by the side of the driver. In the gift shops few Russian dolls and curios were available. The next two days the ship was heading towards SFO.

On Friday and Saturday we stayed in the cruise which is a mini city by itself .There were entertainments such as casino, bingo, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, movie theater Ball room dance. Even the elderly people were dancing to the music, as Americans enjoy wining and dancing. There were library, gym, and beauty parlor. Lectures were conducted on skin care, waist reduction etc. There were demonstrations of snow carving such as bear, eagle, dolphin etc and vegetable carving e.g. bunny rabbit, human figures flower basket, house etc. All these were displayed in the last day Farewell dinner party. In the evening we saw Broadway shows , music, dancing comedy and magic shows They were enchanting The ballet dancers performed with elegance and perfection despite the rocking of the ship on the wavy ocean. Equally funny to watch these shows with a slight swing in our seats.

At the restaurant after dinner, the farewell party is incredible. The lights went off for a second Then the waiters and their assistants appeared with the famous Alaskan baked ice-cream, each with a candle in the middle, marching, singing and waving as they passed by us and went down the stairs. It was a memorable display. The buffet dinner was a delight to watch, the galaxy of lights and the innumerable dishes.

In the morning we could watch the Golden gate bridge lights through the glass windows in the restaurant while taking our breakfast. At 8-30 we reached the pier 38 at SFO We were exhausted but after an exhilarating experience. The trip to Alaska is a must and is well worth a second time IF you have money to spare and health to care.
( Writer is a deep thinker and very much interested in touring)
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