For the first time since we began cruising, we're taking cruises in two consecutive years. We have always wanted to cruise to Alaska and did so in May of 2004. We were on the cruise following the ill fated one where the Diamond Princess hit the pier in Victoria the night before we were supposed to board. Due to all sorts of problems [we didn't get to board the ship till 6:30 p.m., the ship didn't leave Seattle until 1:04 a.m. -- it was supposed to leave at 4:00 p.m.] we missed two ports (Juneau and Victoria) and didn't get to cruise all the way into Tracy Arm (too much ice). Soo, while mom's still able to get around pretty well [after all, she's almost 90!] we decided to try Alaska again.

Hopefully, this time we'll get to see everything. While we were talking about booking, prices, etc. Cruise Critic came up with a group cruise with terrific prices. Since we've enjoyed the group cruises we've taken in the past (this will be our third) I booked us on October 4, 2004. On the same day I booked our airfare (United) and hotel (Red Lion Hotel Seattle South) to make sure everything was a go. Cruise Critic later got a good price at a different hotel so I canceled the Red Lion and booked at the Seattle Comfort Suites for less money (more to spend on the cruise). The group prices were really good so we were able to book a mini-suite with a balcony like we had in '04 for less than we paid the first time. Since there are only two of us it's going to be nice and roomy. Our AC cabin is D224 (Dolphin deck 7). The last time we were in E712 near the stern of the ship. This cabin is near the bow of the ship and we don't get seasick so there shouldn't be a problem PLUS there usually isn't too much movement in the Inside Passage. This is the first time we've been so far forward so it'll be interesting to see if there is a lot of movement. Here we go!!

Friday, June 3. 2005 -- Seattle, WA -- Our flight is scheduled to leave Milwaukee at 9:00 a.m. which means we must be at the airport between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. for the security check-in. That's a lot better than a 6:30 a.m. flight which would mean we'd have to be at the airport at 4:30 a.m. UGH! Keep your fingers crossed that our flight takes off on time!! Here comes Limousine Services to deliver us to the airport (15 minutes early!) Read more