September 28th was a sea day, going from
Vancouver to Ketchikan - quiet day on the ship.
We did not bring formal clothes for the Gala nights
- instead, we went to the specially restaurants.
Tonight was a Gala night so we had dinner at Canaletto, located next to
the Lido. Dinner costs $15, but as a 4th
star Mariner, it was only $7.50. I had
antipasto and beef Carpaccio appetizers, sea bass with potato and spinach, and
for dessert, cannoli and gelato - a
delicious dinner. I also had two glasses
of red wine and lemoncello.
On Friday, the Ship docked at Ketchikan - we went on
a Holland America excursion at 8:45 - Ketchikan Cultural Discovery ($60). It was raining out, so if you need a warmer coat, there is a store located at the end of the dock - everything on sale, as this was the last cruise of the season.
First, we went to a city park, and then continued
walking on to the Heritage Totem Centre.
There was a very long introduction - there were two floors of totem
poles, including one being built, and they are made of red cedar.
Then back on the bus to Potlatch Park - again, right
in town. There were lots of old cars here, remodeled but not running. There was a clan house, which in the olden days, you
would enter through a little hatch, a smoke house and some cabins. The tour guide was interesting and knowledgeable
(Tip $5).
Back to the Ship by 1 o’clock, and then another quiet day. For dinner, we sat with two other cruisers in the main dining hall - I had chilled berry soup, halibut with rice and asparagus, raspberry tart, and a beer.
