Yesterday afternoon in Ketchikan, I went for a jog/hike on the Rainbird trail and then back through town (by a Safeway which is 3/4th of a mile from the ship), with a stop in the Bawden Street Brewery. Being from Colorado and a home brewer, I have to say their beer was fair at best but the spot is nice. At 345, the captain released the lines, hit reverse, spun us very quickly and we were on our way to Tracy Arm and Juneau. As we left, we discovered the Amsterdam's informal bridge observation area which I'll provide a video on how to get there later.
This morning we woke to mostly cloudy skies as we entered Tracy Arm but the lighting was perfect for some very ethereal photos of the fjord. I'll let the pictures so the talking. We made it pretty far in but not quite to the glacier view spot because a Princess ship was further in and needed room to turn around.
We've just docked in Juneau and will be heading out for a hike up Mt Roberts and a free more brewery visits.
More Amsterdam/Alaska Tips
- The women's restroom on deck 5 aft, starboard side is quite impressive. I've not been in it, however, the reactions by women walking in are entertaining and range from "holy s…" to "that's the nicest bathroom I've seen in a while"
- Regardless of which glacier or fjord you see, they are all one-way routes meaning you get just as good of a view when leaving. Avoid the crowds and wind and watch from the aft outer decks as you sail out.
- Some of the best views on the Amsterdam are from the Lido "bump out" edges which are booth tables that seat 8.
