I finally got the chance to visit St. Thomas…this has been on my bucket list for some time. Be sure to watch our video at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL_h2burcSo St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean and is known for beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Founded by the Danish in the 1600s, it is a busy cruise ship port. The British occupied the islands without a shot being fired. The British occupation lasted until April 1802 when the British returned the islands to Denmark-Norway. In December 1807, a British fleet again captured St Thomas and held onto it until November 1815, when Britain returned the islands to Denmark. In 1916, Denmark sold St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John to the United States and the island’s inhabitants were granted United States citizenship in 1927. We arrived on the Celebrity Equinox on March 27th in Charlotte Amalie. There are two docks for cruise ships at this port….Little Krum Bay and West Indian Company dock. We were at the one farthest from town…Little Krum Bay. It was a warm, humid day, which is to be expected….it is the Caribbean after all! Just beyond security, there were shops setting up for the day….one was a popcorn stand. These iguanas were making a beeline for them….guess they love popcorn too! They also love the rocks near the water….be careful while walking though….they can really run! Since we had not been to this island before, we took the shuttle into town. I think it was $3/person and they made us a deal, since we were a party of three. After climbing the 99 steps and visiting Blackbeard”s Castle, we happened upon Government House, a neoclassical, gracious three story white building with beautifully intricate ironwork along the balconies. Built between 1865 and 1867, it is a perfect example of the grandeur of official buildings during Danish colonial time. The guards allowed us access to the main lobby, which has display boards of the islands’ governors including Danish, Naval and Civilian; two small paintings by renowned Impressionist artist, Camille Pissarro; and three murals by Italian-American artist Peppino Margravite. My husband was very excited to learn that Camille Pissarro was born in Charolette Amalie, so off we set to find his home. It is now an art gallery, but worth a short visit. This is the hallway leading to the stairs. After our explorations, we were hot and tired, so headed back to the ship for a quick lunch, then off to the beach for some snorkeling. We decided to stay close to the ship. We grabbed a taxi for the short trip to Emerald Beach. This beach is right by the airport and we were treated to lots of planes taking off. The water was warm and wonderful. Near the rocks, we found lots of fish. We swam for about an hour or so, then went back to the ship to get ready for sail away. We had a wonderful visit to St. Thomas!
Author Archives: zest4travel
Grand Floridian, Walt Disney World
We spent four nights at the Grand Floridian in March. I have always wanted to stay in this wonderful hotel, and thanks to my cast member daughter, we finally had the opportunity! Our first video has been posted too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T82WnE9sQKk Be sure to watch! We stayed in Sugar Loaf, which is the concierge building. The rooms were very nice. I was not able to get pictures of our room. 🙁 The concierge room was actually an area in the main lobby….they had food offerings available throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages were also available….all we had to do to was ask! The interior of the main building is beautiful. In the evenings, there is live jazz music on the balcony overlooking the first floor and during the day, there is live piano music. And if you look closely, you will find several wonderful mosaics on the floor….next time you go, see if you can find them! This hotel has two pools. The larger of the two has a hot tub, but does not have a life guard. The other pool has a fun kids water area with a large hat that dumps water. And a VERY fun slide! We really enjoyed our stay in this beautiful Disney property and hope to return someday.
Pros and Cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Dawes Glacier: Pros and Cons of Each Cruise Experience This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Many people have questions about the differences between the three glacier experiences available on an Alaska cruise, so I thought I’d put together a quick list of the pros and cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, and Dawes Glacier. Hubbard Glacier Pros: Hubbard Glacier is a massive, advancing glacier reached by sailing through the beautiful Disenchantment Bay. At an incredible 76 miles long and approximately 1,200 feet deep, it is the largest tidewater glacier in North America.One of the biggest advantages of visiting Hubbard Glacier is the opportunity to witness dramatic glacier calving—the spectacular sight and sound of huge chunks of ice breaking away from the face of the glacier. Because Hubbard is actively advancing, calving activity can be especially impressive.The area is also rich in wildlife, both on land and in the water. It is common to spot seals lounging on ice floes, along with other Alaska wildlife. A naturalist onboard will provide information about the glacier, surrounding area, and wildlife, making the experience even more interesting. Hubbard Glacier Cons: There is only one active glacier at this location. There is another glacier off to the side, but it is not advancing and does not calve, so Hubbard Glacier is really the main attraction.Another potential downside is that Hubbard Glacier can be difficult to reach during certain times of the Alaska cruise season. Earlier and later in the season, sea ice can make it challenging for ships to get close to the glacier. Depending on ice conditions, a ship may have difficulty entering Disenchantment Bay or may not be able to cruise as close to the face of Hubbard Glacier as planned.So, while Hubbard can offer an incredible glacier experience, the viewing conditions can be somewhat unpredictable depending on the time of year and the amount of ice in the bay. Glacier Bay Pros: Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a completely different glacier-viewing experience than Hubbard Glacier. Instead of focusing on one glacier, you’ll have the opportunity to see several glaciers throughout the day.On a typical cruise through Glacier Bay, you’ll see Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, and Lamplugh Glacier, with the majority of your time spent near Margerie and Grand Pacific, which sit next to each other. Margerie is the larger and more active of the two, making it a favorite for watching and listening for calving.Grand Pacific Glacier is quite different. Much of the glacier is covered with rock debris from landslides and medial moraines, which extend across a large portion of the glacier’s face. It may not have the bright blue appearance you might expect from an Alaska glacier, but the geology makes it fascinating to see.If ice conditions allow, the captain may also venture into Johns Hopkins Inlet, giving you a chance to see Johns Hopkins Glacier. I’ve only experienced this once, and the glacier was quite a distance away, but it was still an incredible sight.Another major advantage of Glacier Bay is the National Park Service ranger narration. Because Glacier Bay is a national park, cruise ships are required to have a park ranger onboard while traveling through the park. The rangers provide commentary over the ship’s loudspeakers, pointing out glaciers, wildlife, geology, and the ecology of the area as you sail.And the wildlife sightings can be just as exciting as the glaciers! We’ve watched bears walking along the beach and even saw a moose swimming across the bay while we were near Margerie Glacier.One fun fact we learned from a park ranger: the same bear can be called a coastal brown bear when it is on the coastline and a grizzly bear when it is in the mountains. Same bear—different name depending on where it lives!For me, the combination of multiple glaciers, wildlife, scenery, and the National Park Service narration makes Glacier Bay a very unique Alaska cruise experience. Glacier Bay Cons: While Glacier Bay offers an incredible variety of scenery and glaciers, there are a few things to keep in mind.Many of the glaciers in Glacier Bay are retreating, although not all of them. Johns Hopkins Glacier, for example, is actually advancing at a rate of approximately 10 to 15 feet per day. However, because it can be difficult for cruise ships to get close to the face of Johns Hopkins Glacier, you likely won’t have the opportunity to witness calving there.Margerie Glacier is another example. It is considered relatively stable, meaning it is neither significantly advancing nor retreating. Because of this, it is not as active as some other glaciers, and the calving can be less dramatic. Instead of huge chunks of ice crashing into the water, you may see what looks more like ice waterfalls cascading down the face of the glacier.Another consideration is the weather. Glacier Bay can be cold, wet, and foggy during the Alaska cruise season. The area has a cool, wet coastal temperate rainforest climate, with summer temperatures generally ranging from around 50°F to 60°F.So, if you’re hoping for a warm, sunny day with spectacular glacier calving, Glacier Bay can be a bit unpredictable. But honestly, the weather is part of the Alaska experience—and the scenery is pretty spectacular even when it’s cold and rainy! UPDATE: Due to ongoing safety risks following a 2025 landslide, cruise lines have removed sailings into Tracy Arm from many itineraries and have instead switched to the nearby Endicott Arm Fjord.IfContinueContinue reading “Pros and Cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord”
Hubbard Glacier
I absolutely LOVE Hubbard Glacier. It was named after Gardiner Hubbard, the first president of the National Geographic Society. This tidewater glacier may be a bit of sleeping giant. Off the coast of Yakutat—200 miles NW of Juneau—Hubbard is gigantic. It is more than six miles wide where it meets Disenchanment Bay. Before it reaches the sea, Hubbard is joined by the Valerie Glacier to the west, which, through forward surges of its own ice, has contributed to the advance of the ice flow that experts believe will eventually dam the Russell Fjord from Disenchantment Bay waters. On a clear day, you can also see Mount Walsh, with an elevation of 11,000 ft. The Hubbard Glacier ice margin has continued to advance for over a century. In May 1986, the Hubbard Glacier surged forward, blocking the outlet of Russell Fjord and creating “Russell Lake.” All that summer, the new lake filled with runoff; its water level rose 82 ft, and the decrease in salinity threatened its sea life. Around midnight on October 8, the dam began to give way. In the next 24 hours, an estimated 1.3 cu mi of water gushed through the gap, and the fjord was reconnected to the ocean at its previous level. This was the second largest glacial lake outburst flood in recorded history, and had the equivalent flow of about 35 Niagara Falls. In spring 2002, the glacier again approached Bert Point. It pushed a terminal moraine ahead of its face and closed the opening again in July. On August 14, the terminal moraine was washed away after rains had raised the water level behind the dam it formed to 59 ft above sea level. My first visit to Hubbard Glacier was only 4 years later, in July of 2006. The naturalist onboard was very excited that the opening to Russell Fjord was still open. The fjord could become dammed again, and perhaps permanently. If this happens, the fjord could overflow its southern banks and drain through the Situk River instead. For now, the glacier isn’t surging, but it is advancing. It takes about 400 years for ice to traverse the length of the glacier, meaning that the ice at the foot of the glacier is about 400 years old. The glacier routinely calves off icebergs the size of a ten-story building, but usually about 3-4 stories high. Where the glacier meets the bay, most of the ice is below the waterline, and newly calved icebergs can shoot up quite dramatically. The journey to the glacier is also wonderful. At the mouth of the fjord, it is very common to see a lot of wildlife…whales, dolphins, seals. And seals love to hang out on the ice floes. Keep an eye on the cliffs also….there is a chance of seeing Dall sheep. Be sure to bring warm clothing…jacket, hat, gloves for the sail in. It will be chilly!
Bergen and Geiranger Norway
The final two stops of our cruise were in Norway….Bergen and Geiranger. Geiranger is a small tourist village in the western part of Norway. It lies in Stranda at the head of the Geirgangerfjorden. Home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, the Geirangerfjord area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site sine 2005. The Seven Sisters waterfall is located just west of Geiranger. Since we were there in July, the falls were not flowing very heavily…still…they were amazing. I can only imagine what they must look like in the spring! The entire fjord was lined with waterfalls. I have a weak spot for them, so took lots of pictures! This is third biggest cruise ship port in Norway and receives 140 to 180 ships during the four-month tourist season, which runs from May to early September. A floating dock has been installed to help cruise passengers get ashore quicker. These photos were taken from the dock. Geiranger is a very walkable town. There is a river that flows down the mountain, straight through town. They have built a walkway with stairs right next to the river. The climb is steep, but the views are incredible. After our day in Geiranger, we sailed to Bergen. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. We docked in the industrial port area and had to take a bus to the city center, where we purchased the Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus. It is a great way to see the city and get the lay of the land! We drove past some really cool buildings, which have been preserved and now have new roles. The city of Bergen was traditionally thought to have been founded by King Olay Kyrre, son of Harald Hardrade in 1070 AD, four years after the Viking Age ended with the Battle of Hastings. Modern research has, however, discovered that a trading settlement was established already during the 1020s or 1030s. In the middle of the 14th century, North German merchants who had already been present in substantial numbers since the 13th century, founded one of the four Kontore of the Hanseatic League at Bryggen in Bergen. The buildings of that time period still remain on the docks in Bergen, a great place to walk and discover some of the history of Bergen. There are other old building still standing, such as this church we came across. The designs of the cobblestone streets were also intriguing. Bergen has a wonderful outdoor seafood market….Torget Fish Market. We were able to purchase several types of sausages…whale, elk and reindeer. There are several stalls selling these items, plus salmon caviar and a product called Kaviar. (The merchants are happy to give you a free sample!) Kaviar is a paste consisting mainly of lightly smoked cod roe that has a salty/sweet/fishy taste and a lurid pink/orange colour. Kaviar can be eaten at anytime, although it is typically consumed for breakfast or lunch on slices of knekkebrød (crisp bread), with perhaps some slices of boiled egg. Most people never spread kaviar with a knife; they just squeeze it straight from the tube and make satisfying arcs of pink goodness on pieces of crisp bread. Norway is a fascinating country. We have been to Oslo in the past, but never this side of the country. Next on the bucket list is to make it above the Arctic Circle in June, for the Summer Solstice. I hope you get a chance to explore Norway and discover all it has to offer.
Exploring Lerwick: A Journey Through Shetland’s History
Lerwick is Shetland’s only town, with a population of about 7,500 – although about half of the islands’ 22,000 people live within 10 miles of the burgh. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Founded as an unofficial marketplace to service 17th century Dutch herring fleets, Lerwick took a long time to grow. Because of its illegal status (and alleged immorality!) the straggling hamlet around the shore of Ler Wick (‘muddy bay’) was demolished by order of the Scalloway court in 1615 and 1625. The Dutch burnt the fort in 1673 and the French set fire to Lerwick in 1702. Most of the sandstone buildings on the waterfront date from the 18th century, although a few, such as 10 Commercial Street, are older. The narrow main street still follows the old shoreline but modern harbour works have been built out in front of shops and warehouses that once stood in the sea. Perched on a hillside overlooking the harbour, the town’s lanes retain their charm – and their shelter from the prevailing south-westerly gales. After picking up our prearranged rental car, we hit the road. First stop…Scalloway Castle. The castle was uilt by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney, in 1600. It was in use for only a very short time and the castle fell into disrepair after his execution in 1615. The castle ruins still stand impressively by Scalloway harbour. The village of Scalloway is on the west coast of the island, a short drive from Lerwick. We wandered around the village, stopping into the local grocery store. Oh…how I wanted to have cooking facilities! The butcher was making some wonderful smelling sausages, but he did not have the ability to cook anything. Instead, we bought another packet of crisps and ate them on the road! Off we go to find Sumburgh Lighthouse, Jarlshof and puffins! Here the Atlantic meets the North Sea and the unique action of tides and wind promote a wealth of wildlife of which seabirds and seals, and occasionally whales and dolphins, are first to catch the eye. The seabird colony is among the most accessible in Britain and is an RSPB Reserve. From mid-April to early-August Puffins are, arguably, its top attraction, often sitting just a few metres away on the grassy cliff tops. These puffins were just beyond a low rock wall. There were hundreds hopping around the rocks and flying all around us. A short drive away, we found Jarlshof. The earliest remains on the site are late Neolithic houses, followed by Bronze Age houses, two of which have underground passages attached, known as souterrains. These may have served as cold stores. A third souterrain curls beneath the hearth of one of the buildings and might have been for keeping grain dry. Smithing also took place in one of these. A broch was built in the Iron Age: today half of it has been eroded into the sea. The broch was subsequently modified and when it went out of use, at least four wheelhouses were built, partly using stone from the higher levels of the broch. One of these wheelhouses is almost complete and has corbelled cells surviving which demonstrate skilled drystone work. Jarlshof boasts an impressive Norse settlement possibly originating in the 9th century. The earliest longhouse was in use for several generations, being modified and lengthened over time. The settlement expanded with the construction of further longhouses, barns and byres, but by the 13th century this had been replaced by a Medieval farmstead, comprising a farmhouse, barn and corn-drier. Next to the site, is a paddock holding Shetland ponies. Shetland Ponies are hardy and strong, in part because the breed developed in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Isles. In appearance, Shetlands have small heads, sometimes with dished faces, widely spaced eyes and small and alert ears. The original breed has a short, muscular neck; a compact, stocky body; short, strong legs; and a shorter-than-normal cannon bone in relation to its size. A short broad back and deep girth are universal characteristics, as is a springy stride. Shetlands have long thick manes and tails and dense double winter coats to withstand harsh weather. Soon it is time to reboard the ship and head to Norway. While waiting for the tender boat, we shared some original Scottish fish and chips. Absolute perfection! Final Thoughts: If you are looking for tours to do on your own, check out Viator and GetYourGuide. Wondering what to pack for your visit to Lerwick? Be sure to check out the Ultimate Guide to Packing for a British Isles Cruise for a comprehensive list. Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Day Two
Today we decided to explore Reykjavik on foot. We took the bus from the ship, since we wanted to save our feet for the town! The tourist information center at Aðalstræti 2 is a good starting point. Aðalstræti is the oldest street in Reykjavík, and the point from which all street numbers begin: the higher the number, the farther from Aðalstræti. Ingólfur Arnarson, traditionally regarded as Iceland’s first permanent settler, is thought to have settled here around 870 — though Reykjavík didn’t have a proper street until the 18th century. For most of its history, Reykjavík was just one of many hereditary coastal estates. In 1613, the Danish monarch, who had imposed an oppressive trade monopoly on its Iceland colony, purchased the settlement under threat of force. Reykjavík then grew into a kind of shanty town for seasonal labor assisting Danish merchants, mostly associated with the fishing trade. The oldest house in Reykjavík, from 1764, is at Aðalstræti 10. Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world. If you would like to read more about Reykjavik, please visit, http://www.frommers.com/destinations/reykjavik/760190#sthash.HeeQj1dT.dpbs#ixzz3S6qjyZsp Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. It was designed by the late Guðjón Samuel in 1937, who was often inspired in his endeavours by the fascinating shapes and forms created when lava cools into basalt rock.Construction of the church began in 1945 and ended in 1986, with the tower completed long before the rest of the building. The crypt beneath the choir was consecrated in 1948, the steeple and wings completed in 1974 and the nave consecrated in 1986. The church features, most notably, a gargantuan pipe organ designed and constructed by the German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn. Standing tall at an impressive 15m and weighing a remarkable 25 tons, this mechanical action organ is driven by four manuals and a pedal, 102 ranks, 72 stops and 5275 pipes, all designed to reproduce powerful notes capable of filling the huge and holy space with a range of tones – from the dulcet to the dramatic. Its construction was completed in December 1992 and has since been utilized in a variety of recordings, including some by Christopher Herrick. Standing directly in front of the church, and predating it by 15 years, is a fine statue of Leifur Eiriksson (c. 970 – c. 1020) – the first European to discover America. Records suggest that Leifur landed on the shores of the new world in the year 1,000 A.D., that’s 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The statue, which was designed by Alexander Stirling Calder was a gift from the United States in honour of the 1930 Alþingi Millennial Festival, commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of the establishment of Iceland’s parliament at Þingvellir in 930 AD. (http://www.visitreykjavik.is/hallgrimskirkja-church) After all that walking, we were hungry. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a small chain of popular hot dog stands located in the city. The flagship stand has been in continuous operation since 1937 and sits across from the Harpa Concert Hall, which is where our bus stopped. Pylsur is often called “The Icelandic National Food.” The original stand also appeared in the first season of Anthony Bourdain’s travel program No Reservations. In August of 2006, the British newspaper The Guardian, also selected Bæjarins beztu as the best hot dog stand in Europe. A hot dog costs 380 Kronas (as of July of 2014) and ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remoulade, a mayonnaise-based sauce that contains sweet relish, are all available as condiments. Hot dogs are often ordered with “the works” (i.e., all the condiments). The hot dog itself is boiled and served on an unremarkable bun. These hot dogs are made in Iceland and are of average size; everyone in Reykjavik seems to know of the central hot-dog stand. I’m not much of a lover of hot dogs, but I’m glad I tried one! Right across the street was another stand that we absolutely had to try….lobster soup! It is located near the water, at a place called Saegreifinn, or Sea Baron, a sort of fish shack owned by a retired fisherman named Kjartan Halldorsson. The soup was made with fresh lobster caught in the local waters and served with fresh cream. It was hot and creamy and the perfect ending to our day in Reykjavik. Follow my travels on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/travelswithmickey/ and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqQeVrLSGSKfAHi2aJfTuPg If you love cruising, planning cruises, talking about cruises and helping other cruisers…..join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/6024668980942660 Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland…a whole country to explore and only two days. Day 1…. We rented a car and set out to explore for as long as we could. We wanted to make it to the famous waterfall Gullfoss, but got sidetracked at Þingvellir National Park. So glad we did! Little did we know, Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological importance and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment. The continental drift between the North American and Eurasian Plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the largest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. This also causes the often measurable earthquakes in the area. Parliament, or Althing, was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. It was Iceland’s supreme legislative and judicial authority from its establishment in 930 and remained for the duration of the Commonwealth, until 1271. Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area, and became a World Heritage Site in 2004. We did get to see some wonderful waterfalls. They have done a great job preserving this area. And there is a very nice, informative visitor center. Just as it started to rain, we had to head back. Why? We had a reservation to ride Islandic ponies!! Laxnes Horse Farm was founded in 1968 and remains family run to this day. I booked our ride before we left the US athttp://www.laxnes.is . You have to contact them directly, since they do not use the tourist websites popular in Iceland. By doing this, they are able to keep their prices family friendly. They offer short rides, day rides or longer trail rides that last for several days We entered the barn and were greeted by family members. They helped us find riding gear, including hats, gloves and boots. Then we were divided into groups and were led to the corral, where the ponies waited. For more than a thousand years, from the settlement of the country in the late 9th century to the early 20th century, the small but amazingly strong Icelandic horse has played a vital role in Icelandic history. Dubbed “The most useful servant”, many Icelanders credit the horse for the survival of the Icelandic people. The settlers brought with them horses from Norway and the British Isles, strong and muscular they served their masters in war and peace. In recorded Icelandic history, which spans over 900 years, no horses have been imported to Iceland. In the 11th century, import was made illegal, so the present day horse is very similar to what they were 900 years ago. This isolation has preserved certain traits lost to other European horses. Among these are the five gaits the horse is famous for. They are the sweetest and gentlest horses I have ever ridden. We were very happy to have those waterproof suits on….it started to rain and it was pretty muddy! After the ride, we were offered homemade bread, cakes and coffee. Such a wonderful time. I can’t wait to go back! That evening, since we stayed in Reykjavik overnight, we went back into town after dinner onboard the ship. It is a very easy town to walk around in. We eventually ended up at the Hilton, primarily to use the free wifi! Then back to the ship. The picture below was taken at 11pm! Our second day in Reykjavik is posted here. Day Two Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
After a lovely, relaxing day at sea, we arrived in Torshavn, Faroe Island. Disembarkation was scheduled for 10am, but due to bad weather, we were delayed for a short time. Once we received the all clear, we boarded a tender and made the short trip to the island. The Faroe Islands is an archipelago and autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark and is situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately halfway between Norway and Iceland, and about 200 mi north-north-west of mainland Scotland. Torshavn is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands. It is located in the southern part on the east coast of Stremoy. The name of the town means Thor’s Harbor and is likely named after the god of thunder and lightening in Norse mythology. The Vikings established their parliament on the Tinganes Peninsula in 850 CE and has remained the capital ever since. Tinganes, the old part of town, it is still made up of small wooden houses covered with turf roofs. The oldest one dates back 500 years. We did not have any excursions planned, so we decided to walk through town and have an adventure. We found a lovely streaming running through the middle of town and saw amazing sculptures. We ended up on the far side of the town. The view was incredible. After exploring a grocery store, we decided to walk back into town and see what else we could discover. I tried to purchase some packaged goods, but my credit card would not work. Rats! We wandered back through town to the harbor on the other side of Tinganes. We found a small cafe/pub on the waterfront. Frank had a local beer and I had a cider. Yep…that’s my phone. They had free wifi, so we were able to check in at home. Love wifi! This harbor is where the local fisherman are. We saw a table filled with the largest mussels I have ever seen. Horse mussels are buried or partly buried in gravel. They are most frequently found at subtidal depths from 10 to 25 meters, but there are registrations from 150 meters depth. They are often aggregated in large groups. We did not buy any, as we could not cook them. But boy…did I want to try some! Torshavn Cathedral is the second oldest received church of the Faroe Islands, on Tinganes in the old town of Torshavn. It is painted white and roofed with slate, and was established in 1788. The cathedral church lies in the north of the peninsula Tinganes and is one of the main attractions of the town. Like most churches of the country, it belongs to the Evangelical-Luthern national church of the Faroe Islands. Since 1990, it has been the seat of the bishop of the Faroes and is therefore known as a cathedral. The interior was stunning, with boats suspended from the ceiling in honor of the sailors lost at sea. We were lucky to be there on a Saturday and witnessed a parade of weddings. Apparently, summer weddings are very popular in the cathedral. The wedding party wore traditional Faroses costumes that are handed down through the generations. All too soon, it was time to return to the ship and continue our journey. As we sailed past the island, I was reminded of the Scottish Highlands. Off to Iceland! Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Exploring Ketchikan: Top Activities for Your Alaskan Adventure
Ketchikan is often called the rainfall capital of the United States, so it’s smart to be prepared. That said, in more than 10 visits there, we’ve only had rain once! Ironically, we’ve experienced much more rain in Juneau and Skagway—go figure! Ketchikan has no shortage of things to do. You can dive into Alaskan Native culture, explore its incredible natural scenery, wander historic Creek Street, visit totem parks, take scenic boat tours, go hiking, or catch the always-entertaining Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. This is a great place to simply wander and explore at your own pace. Depending on where your ship docks, the main tourist area is either just a short walk away or right outside the ship. If you’re tendering in, you’ll be dropped off directly at the main dock area. If you haven’t pre-booked an excursion, don’t worry—there are plenty of kiosks available offering a variety of tours and activity options right on site. A popular destination for day trippers is Creek Street. This is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port. When walking in Ketchikan, be sure to follow the crossing guard’s directions. The roads are busy with tour busses and the guards are there to keep you safe. From the 1920’s to the 1950’s, Creek Street is where fishermen, miners, and some more genteel characters, found entertainment and feminine companionship. You can visit Dolly’s House Museum ($5 admission fee), which is locally owned and operated by a life long Ketchikan resident who takes great pride in being able to offer this unique and historic video narrated tour that looks back into Ketchikan’s infamous past. Creek Street is also well known for the annual salmon run that happens each summer. During peak season, the creek becomes so full of fish it almost looks like you could walk across it! You may also spot a resident seal near the bridge who has become quite the local character—often seen hanging around and trying to steal a fisherman’s catch when it gets the chance. From the end of Creek Street, you can continue your walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Inside, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the commercial, cultural, and recreational importance of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. The center also features a comfortable theater that screens short films about Ketchikan and the Tongass National Forest, offering a great way to learn more about the region and its incredible natural surroundings. Did you know you can take a distillery tour in Ketchikan? Unchartered Alaska Distillery (Station One Distillery) is located right on Main Street and offers a unique experience inside a historic former fire station. On this 2-hour tour, you’ll get a fascinating overview of the building’s history along with an introduction to the distilling process behind their locally crafted spirits. You’ll also enjoy tastings of their house spirits, followed by a hands-on class where you can blend your own custom infusion using provided botanicals, herbs, and spices. To top it off, you’ll design your own custom label for your creation—giving you a one-of-a-kind bottle to take home and share with friends and family. Be sure to plan accordingly for this immersive and interactive experience. Bawden Street Brewing Co. is currently the only active microbrewery in Ketchikan, offering a fun stop for craft beer lovers. They’re known for their creative lineup of offbeat ales, saisons, and sours, giving visitors a chance to try something a little different from the usual brewery fare. You’ll find them just a few blocks from the pier at 325 Bawden Street, making it an easy walk if you’re exploring the downtown area during your visit. We finally visited the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show—and it was such a fun experience! Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show runs several times a day, and you can hear the laughter and cheering from the crowd well before you even step inside. It’s also very reasonably priced, and we were able to book it through the cruise line using onboard credit, which made it even more convenient. I highly recommend this family-friendly excursion if you’re in Ketchikan—it was an absolute hoot from start to finish! Is spotting bears at the top of your list? Then get ready for the ultimate Alaska wildlife adventure in Ketchikan! From the incredible salmon ladder to unforgettable bear sightings at Herring Cove, this is one destination that delivers nonstop nature. You can also explore Rotary Beach, where you might catch glimpses of whales offshore and discover fascinating marine life in the intertidal zones. There is the chance you will see bears in town. We have stumbled on them several times. Please keep your distance from them. They are wild animals and could attack if they feel threatened. Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, including some of the oldest still in existence. While the very oldest are preserved in climate-controlled environments and a few remain in private collections, many can still be seen throughout the town. You can explore a significant number at the Totem Heritage Center, or visit one of the nearby totem parks to see these remarkable works of art up close and learn more about their cultural significance. The Misty Fjords are one of the most popular excursions in the region. Misty Fjords National Monument can be experienced in two unforgettable ways—by boat or by air. Personally, nothing beats seeing it from a floatplane. There’s something incredibly “Alaska” about lifting off the water and soaring over it all. This is the Alaska you imagine before you ever arrive: icy blue lakes, dramatic waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and deep glacial valleys stretching as far as you can see. No matter where you point your camera, it feels like you’ve landed inside a postcard. Have you ever watched Deadliest Catch? The Deadliest Catch tour gives you a glimpse into Alaska’s intense crab fishing industry—but you canContinueContinue reading “Exploring Ketchikan: Top Activities for Your Alaskan Adventure”