It has finally arrived….Embarkation Day! All the waiting, planning and anticipation is almost over! Before you know it, you will be on board, sipping a tropical drink and waiting for sail away. Woohoo….vacation has begun!! Hold on though…you may be ready to get onboard, but the crew is busy preparing the ship and disembarking the prior passengers. If this is your first cruise, some things may surprise you. Cruises are different from land vacations and hotel stays. You have to go through the a pier-side check-in process, with special requirements. Check out What Cruise Documents Do You Need for the documents you need to board a ship. And remember, there are many passengers waiting to board a floating city at basically the same time. As with any other secured structure, you can’t walk right onto a ship. The best way to start your cruise is to arrive at the pier at your assigned check in time. Keep a level head and look forward to good times once your sailing gets underway. There are a few things you can do to help make embarkation day as easy as possible. Check that you have the necessary paperwork and documentation The cruise line will send reminders about what to expect at check-in, including health and safety procedures. It will outline which documents, IDs, QR codes or other electronic receipts you must have ready. Be sure to do as much as you can online prior to arriving at the pier. It is your responsibility to arrive with the proper documentation. Even though most cruise lines are providing online boarding passes, it might be a good idea to print and bring paper copies of documents as a backup to electronic documents. Or…take a screen shot of them on your phone. Again, visit the link in the section above for what the proper documents are that you need to board, such as passport, birth certificate etc. Arrive at the pier at your scheduled time. Since the restart of cruising post Covid, in an attempt to decrease crowding at the port, most cruise lines are assigning staggered times to arrive at the pier. If you arrive early, you may have to wait to enter the terminal. This may be outside in the hot sun, without access to water, seating or restrooms. It is best to arrive at the pier as close as possible to your scheduled time. No need to worry if you arrive after your scheduled time….you will be welcomed tin o start the check-in process. You will not be turned away. Word of warning though….everyone MUST be onboard 90 minutes prior to sail away. This is a maritime/port requirement, not the cruise line. Give your large luggage to the porters to be loaded onto the ship. When you arrive at the pier, porters will be waiting to take your large suitcases and load them onto the ship. Once they are on the ship, crew members will deliver them to your cabin. Be sure to attach your cruise line proved luggage tags. Don’t worry if you forget to print them or are not able to. The porters have some on hand. These tags inform the crew which cabin to deliver them to. I highly recommend using luggage tag holders like this to attach them to your bag. There are different sizes for each cruise line. Be sure to purchase the correct ones…these are for Celebrity/Royal Caribbean Keep your carry-on bag with you! Pack your medications, valuables, documents, passport and anything else you will need until your luggage arrives in your cabin. You may want to pack your bathing suit so that you don’t have to wait for your suitcases to arrive before you hit the pool! MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT/ID IS WITH YOU!!! Be prepared to go through security You will go through security after entering the cruise terminal. The process is similar to an airport. Your carry-on luggage will be screened and you will walk through a metal detector. You won’t have to take off your shoes but you do have to remove belts, bulky jewelry and clear your pockets. You don’t need to worry about liquid, as there is no size limitation. Keep your boarding pass available. You will need this to board the ship. Since many ships are now leaving your sea pass card at your cabin, you will need to scan the boarding pass document when first entering the ship. Do not try to sneak any banned items onto the ship All of your luggage will be scanned electronically. Many cruise lines allow passengers to bring a pre-determined amount of wine, soda and/or bottled water onboard at embarkation. Check your cruise lines FAQ for the amount allowed for your cruise. It is very rare that hard spirits or beer is allowed to be brought onboard. If found, it will either be removed from your luggage and held until disembarkation or destroyed. They know to look in hiding places, such as solid water bottles, mouthwash containers, etc. Be sure to carry allowed beverages onboard with you, not as checked luggage. Check with your cruise line for any corkage fee if opened in a bar, lounge or restaurant. Cruise lines have very specific rules for other banned items. These items include weapons, fireworks, flammable liquids, candles, clothing irons, steamers, kettles, incense and anything that produces a flame. This includes outlet extenders that have a cord. We use the one below to provide more outlets in the cabin. Royal Caribbean also bans martial arts gear, baby monitors and extension cords. Carnival bans handcuffs. You can read more about banned items here: What NOT to Bring Watch the safety video and check in to your muster station. In the past, everyone on a cruise ship was required to gather on embarkation day at their assigned muster station, listen to a safety briefing and be checked off a list. As a result of COVID-19, most cruise lines have moved to e-muster drills. You are required to watchContinueContinue reading “What to Know Before Your Cruise Embarkation”
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Cruise Disembarkation Tips: Smooth Sailings for Your Farewell
No one likes to think about it, but it’s going to happen….you have to leave the ship. Disembarkation (or debark) is something cruisers don’t want to think about. It’s a lot more fun to think about things like planning excursions and booking future cruises and NOT think about getting off the ship. But all good things must come to an end and it’s best to be prepared! What to expect Cruise lines are fairly similar in their disembarkation procedures. The last morning of your cruise, you will have to disembark and leave what has become your very comfortable home away from home and all your new friends, passengers and crew alike. Traditional Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation There are two types of disembarkation….regular and self, commonly called self-assist or walk-off. The process is basically the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your luggage off the ship. You must be able to walk your own bags off the ship and through the terminal. If you choose to walk off your bags, make sure they are easy to maneuver and don’t over pack. It’s best to not have a lot of luggage to carry off. What are the Benefits of Self-Disembarkation You can be in the first group to get off the ship. If you need to leave the cruise port to catch an early flight, or have a long drive ahead, this can be a great option. You do not need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise. The only wait will be for the ship to be cleared by port authorities. What are the Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation You will not receive any help with your luggage. You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full. You need to be up very early. Debark will begin as soon as the ship is cleared. This could be as early as 7am. This is only a good option if everyone is able to handle their own luggage. If you need help or have a lot of luggage, this isn’t the best option. Remember, it’s called self-assist for a reason. We have done both and there is no right or wrong way. The choice is yours and you can decide what works best for you once onboard. When time can you expect to leave the ship? There’s no set time when debark will begin and this will vary by cruise port and by things that are beyond the control of the ship and crew. The scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will NOT be the time that you can leave the ship. This is the time the ship is expected to arrive in port. The ship will still need to be cleared by customs of the country you have arrived in and given permission for passengers to debark. Usually this is a fairly quick process, but sometimes it can take longer…maybe several hours. As a general rule, most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am. An announcement will be made once the ship is cleared and passengers can disembark. Wait for your luggage tag number to be called though. Otherwise, you will be waiting in the terminal for your luggage to arrive. Avoid booking an early flight home You will need time to leave the ship, get your luggage, clear customs and then time to reach the airport. Some ports, like Fort Lauderdale, as close. …a quick 15 taxi ride. Most are not! There will be taxis waiting outside the terminal but there may be a line for them. Most cruise lines recommend not booking flights before noon. And if you are taking an International flight, you may need more time at the airport. Be sure to factor in wait times at the airport to drop off luggage and clear security. TSA pre-check can be very helpful! Remember, even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. I was on a ship that was late into port due to mechanical issues and many people missed their flights. Ships have also been late arriving due to weather, such as storms or fog. Galveston and Tampa are well known for fog problems. If a morning flight is best for you, consider spending the night at a hotel and fly out the following morning. Why add stress to the end of your wonderful vacation? Disembarkation instructions Your cabin steward will leave printed instructions, along with luggage tags. This will include instructions on what to do with your luggage, as well as some basic customs information. Also included will be a timetable for when luggage numbers will be called the following morning. Luggage tags and debarkation times You will receive luggage tags that are numbered according to when you wish to disembark. If this time does not work for you, you can ask your steward for new luggage tags or go to guest relations. They will be happy to change them and is probably faster and easier than asking your cabin steward. Debarking thousands of passengers within a few hours is quite a process. Cruise lines keep things organized by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times. As noted above, this timetable will be left in your cabin along with your luggage tags. What do I do with my luggage? (Of course, this only applies to regular disembarkation. If you are doing self-assist/walk off, keep you luggage in your cabin.) On the last night of your cruise, place your luggage outside your cabin door. Generally, bags must be outside by 10pm. The actual time for your sailing will be noted on the instructions. The ship’s crew will be working hard that night placing the luggage in a holding area, so that it can be moved off the ship quickly the next morning. DO NOT miss the deadline! RememberContinueContinue reading “Cruise Disembarkation Tips: Smooth Sailings for Your Farewell”
Bonaire Beaches, Salt Pans, and Distillery: Unforgettable Caribbean Experience
Bonaire is one of three islands that make up the catchy nickname: the ABC islands. This colorful Netherlands Antilles archipelago lies 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is comfortably outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4W6ZVTjA6s Bonaire is laid-back by design. Large chain hotels have been kept out and eco-preservation has been enforced since the 1970’s, making this some of the best dive and snorkeling sites in the world. The island’s relaxed and slow pace helps maintain the island’s chief attributes…its national park and pristine wilderness, both above and below the surface. This is the place for adventure sports: diving, caving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, wind surfing, and cliff jumping, to name just a few. Bonaire continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism. The culture contains layers of Amerindian, Spanish, African, Dutch and British influences. You will hear traces of these languages (plus some French and Portuguese) during any conversation in Papiamento, the creole language spoken. Try using a few key phrases: por fabor, danki, and bon dia—all of which mean exactly what you think they do! Renting a golf cart is a popular activity. This is a fun and easy way to explore the island at your own pace. Be sure to reserve early….they sell out quickly! https://www.bonairecruisers.com Photo courtsey of Bonaire Cruisers Visit the donkey sanctuary, take a trip to the salt flats, view the flamingos or just hit the beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for the donkeys…they were brought to Bonaire by the Spanish in the 17th century for transportation. When modern vehicles (like pushcarts) became available , donkeys were no longer needed and were left to their own fate. Since 1993 injured, sick and orphaned donkeys have been cared for in a shelter, called the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. Volunteers take care over 400 donkeys in an enclosed area. The shelter is open to visitors and is located south of the airport on the Kaya Ir.R. Statius van Eps. https://www.donkeysanctuary.org/?lang=en Reduce your speed when you approach a donkey. They may cross the street unexpectedly. The south end of the island is host to the famous salt flats & mounts. As you drive along south road, you will notice the different colors of the water, turning into an intense pink color. Cargill has been operating here since 1997 and produces some of the purest salts in the world. Depending on the grade of salt, it is used for water softeners, the chemical industry or food production. You can learn more about the Bonaire salt on a tour, either through your ship or booked independently The Salt pyramids of Bonaire can be seen when arriving either by sea or by air, each one is roughly 50-feet high and contains approximately 10,000 metric tons of 99.6% pure salt. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one of only four areas in the world where Flamingos breed. Pekelmeer means “salt lake” in Dutch. The pools appear pink against the white salt flats because of an abundance of tiny rosy brine shrimp that live in the water. This is also how the birds get their pink color…eating the shrimp! The Sanctuary is located on the vast salt pans at the southern end of the island and is home to over ten thousand flamingos. Tourists are not allowed in the sanctuary, but the birds can be watched with binoculars from the road or nearby Pink Beach. Please take care to not frighten them….once they fly away, they will never return. https://www.tourismbonaire.com/sightseeing/pekelmeer-flamingo-sanctuary Bonaire has over 22 beaches. On Bonaire and its sister island Klein Bonaire, the sands of some beaches are soft and blindingly white, while others are coarser and darker due to the high content of crushed shells and coral. Beach condition is intrinsically tied to the health of those reefs. You can help by taking your plastics and trash back with you, leaving the shells where they lie (they might be a home for hermit crabs) and wearing eco-friendly sunscreen. Every little bit helps to keep the sands clean for future generations to enjoy. Be sure to pick up a Bonaire Island Map to find many sandy beaches and coves to explore and enjoy. Watch for the bright yellow stone markers painted with the site name along the coastal roads. They make it easy to find a great beach for sun bathing, strolling or snorkeling and diving. Did you know that Bonaire has a distillery? The Cadushy Distillery was founded on March 7th, 2009 by the Gietman family and grew from a small start-up to a thriving company. They created something you would have never imagined…..excellent liqueur made out of cactus! Cadushy of Bonaire liqueur is based on the traditions of Bonaire. Lime has been used as a thirst satisfier for centuries and cactus has been an ingredient in the traditional kitchen. Be sure to stop and try some. https://www.cadushy.com Enjoy your visit to Bonaire…..an island unlike any other in the Caribbean. And if you didn’t watch the video already….please watch it! 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.
Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!
You’ve booked your cruise, hotels, plane reservations….now what? First step is probably think about what to pack! A good packing list essential. Cruising is a travel experience where you want to be prepared with everything you need in advance. I’ve learned it’s easier to bring it from home than trying to find it in port. I have found these cruise accessories and travel gadgets to be really useful for space-saving and more! Below, I share some of the most useful things to bring on a cruise….from items that help with packing for a cruise to genius items that will organize your cruise cabin space. I will also include a few items you may not have thought of bringing, but really should be on in your suitcase! There’s a possibility you already have some of these things at home. You might be wondering if you need all the items on this list. You can pick and choose what you think you will need and use. Just remember, the items below are some of the most popular and well reviewed cruise essentials sold on Amazon. Many of these items are things that I bring and use on my own cruises. So let’s get started! This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon Prime Free Trial Amazon Prime comes with many benefits, including faster, free delivery, movies and TV shows (Prime TV) and even borrowing Kindle books. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, you can sign up with a 30 day free trial. PASSPORT! and other important travel documents Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a travel wallet to be very useful. This is another option….travel wallet RFID blocking card Thieves are everywhere. Simply place your credit/debit cards or any other RFID-enabled contactless Smart Cards near a RFID Blocking Card and you’re safe and ready to go. Suitcase with spinner wheels I have a weakness for new luggage, lol. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels. This makes it so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark….especially if you do self-disembarkation. Plus….who wants to drag a heavy bag around ship terminals or airports! My favorite brands currently are London Fog and TravelPro. Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to add something colorful and unique so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal. Carry on luggage I have been using an airline approved size carry on bag for several year now. There is plenty of room for extra shoes, a change of clothes, medicine, jewelry, electronics….all the things I don’t want to check with baggage handlers AND this one fits under the seat! If you need more storage, I love this tote bag from Lo & Sons. There is a zipper section on the bottom for shoes or items that might leak. Trying to minimize the amount of luggage you are taking? This convertible garment bag holds a TON of items and protects your nicer clothes from wrinkles. Comes in other colors and patters also. Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders Protect your luggage with reusable holders. Nothing worse than having your luggage go missing! Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again. After having tags accidentally torn off one time and our bags go missing, I purchased some. I will never cruise without them again! Below are Amazon links for several cruise lines. Celebrity MSC Carnival Norwegian Cruises Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Holland America Packing cubes I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family. I’ve recently started using compression packing cubes. Our last trip, my bag only weighed 38 pounds but was packed full because the clothing was bulky. These cubes decrease the bulk and give you more room. Luggage Locks Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. These luggage locks are designed to keep thieves out but still allow TSA to check bags when they’re going through security. And because the TSA can’t take their key out without relocking, you can be assured your luggage will stay locked . Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port. Pop Socket Card Wallet No need to carry a bag onboard! This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your seapass card along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected. Travel Binoculars Most cruise ships provide binoculars in your cabin but they aren’t very good. We like to bring a small, travel size pair. Travel Umbrella Most ships provide umbrellas but they tend to be large and difficult to carry. We always pack a compact umbrella, no matter where we are traveling. Ireland is famous for the occasional downpour. Hanging Toiletry Bag I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! This hanging bag comes in lotsContinueContinue reading “Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!”
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.
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”
Packing for Alaska…What To Bring
Planning an Alaska cruise? After more than 10 years cruising Alaska, here’s exactly what to pack for changing weather, glacier viewing, rainy port days, and comfortable onboard travel, including the must-have clothing, shoes, cabin essentials, and cruise accessories that actually make a difference.