Darn! Our final port day wasn't at all like yesterday in Juneau but was, instead, typical. Southeast. Alaska. Weather.
We gathered our rain jackets (and me my headband and gloves) and left the ship, heading for another visit to the Discovery Center. You may recall that we had to cut our last visit there short, as G had a floatplane trip scheduled. We were happy to see (given the threatening weather) that the Island Princess was docked at Berth 3 this week, instead of Berth 4. However, the prized Berth 1 was occupied by the Norwegian Jewel and Berth 2 by the Holland America Volendam, and two other Princess ships, the Sapphire Princess and the Sea Princess were in Berth 4 and at anchor, respectively.
Five ships in port, and the three Princess ships got the three worst positions. Hmmmmm....
However, we were happy because our improved berth this week put us that much closer to the action in the center of the waterfront. But with FIVE ships in port, this town was packed. It's so sad to see what Ketchikan has allowed to happen to itself. It's basically become the St. Thomas of the north. Jewelry stores are as prevalent as salmon here.
But it does offer numerous excursion opportunities, and its proximity to Misty Fjords National Monument alone makes it a worthwhile cruise stop. And the Tongass National Forest Discovery Center near the cruise ship docks is an excellent educational opportunity for those wanting to do something on their own.
Photos 1 and 2: the morning started out sunny...but that all changed by the time we arrived in Ketchikan.
Photo 3: the Volendam arriving; the Sea Princess at anchor (poor them!)
Photo 4: the Norwegian Jewel (aren't they the ugliest ships?)
Photo 5: 31 more ship days in Ketchikan this season. And then all the summer employees can return home.
