The Last Frontier (Part 1)

Craig and I have a deal worked out where we alternate taking a trip with his mom ever year(ish). Last summer, Craig and Julia went to Hawaii with his mom, and a couple years before that, I had gone to Hawaii with her, as well. This year it was my turn again, and though the original plan was to bring Savanna along, it didn't end up working out because by the time we got the trip planned, school had already started. (She'll get a turn next time, though, I promise.) Since it is so darn hot here this time of year, we decided to do a colder climate this time to get a break from the heat. Alaska came to mind as we explored our options, and we finally settled on doing a week-long cruise that took us from Seattle, along the southeast Alaskan coast, with a final stop in Canada on our way back to Seattle.

It was cold. It was very cold. (We certainly got the break we were looking for.)

The first day (Saturday) was mostly consumed with getting to the airport at a ridiculously early hour, flying to Seattle, getting to the cruise ship and standing in lots of long lines to get ourselves and our luggage checked in. We had a little bit of time to kill in Seattle, but since we were lugging giant suitcases around like we were on a mission transfer, we decided to just get right on the ship and not see any of the sights. (Luckily for me, I got to see lots of cool stuff when I was in Seattle in July, otherwise, I probably would have been disappointed.) We didn't leave port until the afternoon so all there was to do that day was eat a yummy lunch and take a nap until the lifeboat drill. (Yes, there was lots and lots of napping on this trip. And also reading. It was divine.)

After that, we were still pretty exhausted from traveling and pulling suitcases around, so we called it a day and went to bed early like responsible (and very tired) adults.

The hour of booty early sure makes for some lovely sunrises

I have one word: MASSIVE

killing a few minutes before checking in

Beautiful Seattle

I have one word: teeny

The room was small but it was perfect for our needs. Napping, reading, and 

watching television on our at-sea days were all accomplished very comfortably.

Cruise ships are not for the claustrophobic, I'll tell you that much.

Stay tuned for Ketchikan, our first port!