Preparation for Cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park–
Our cruise didn’t go out of the harbor in Seward, Alaska until 9:00am so we were not rushed. Woke this morning at our boondock site on Resurrection River and watched eagles soaring over the river and fishing while we ate our breakfast. It is quite overcast today but no wind so the water should be calm. Wore warm layers as we knew it would be very cold out on the water. Took extra drinks and snacks in our backpacks along with cameras and binoculars. Knew the cruise provided lunch and a continental breakfast but Jerry needs diabetic friendly snacks so we brought them.
I admit to being nervous about a nine hour cruise on the open ocean. Have been on boats before and have suffered some motion sickness so I was worried. Took my Dramamine one hour before we left the dock even though the water was like glass. Once I’m motion sick I certainly can’t keep medication down so taking it if I got sick would not work.
We were hard pressed to leave Resurrection River and our eagles but were excited about the cruise.
Right near the cruise company’s parking area is a large eagles nest with a couple of chicks in it. We saw the parent eagles come back and forth to the nest while waiting for the shuttle to the harbor.
Our Cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours–
We boarded the boat about 8:45 and at 9:00am they demonstrated how to use the life preservers. If this boat sank, doubt anyone could last more than a few minutes in the low 40 degree water. The coffee was free and hot and a danish pastry was nice. Soon after clearing the harbor we saw five whales using the “bubble netting” technique for fishing. They blow bubbles making a circle of them and, since the fish are afraid to swim through the bubbles, it is as if the fish were in a net. Then the whales just scoop up the fish in their huge mouths. As the day progressed we saw many sea otters, some dolphin, various birds, seals, many whales and at the halfway point of the day we watched a glacier calve as pieces of it fell into the water. It was a wonderful day. The crew were friendly and competent, the boat was clean, the boat was large enough that 69 passengers did not make it difficult to see the sights, and the captain was knowledgeable and gave a running commentary of what there was to see. Lunch was good and there was plenty of it.
The sea was so calm even the captain and crew exclaimed about it. We were able to stop in the water to watch something without being tossed about by choppy seas or wave action. I would credit the Dramamine for preventing motion sickness but the truth is the sea was “dead calm” and I might not have even needed the Dramamine.
This was money well spent! Our guess/choice to go on the cruise that went the furthest out to sea and to the Northwestern Glacier was a good one. Also, asking for the weather and sea prediction and basing our embark date on the weather and state of the sea worked out well. Overcast weather was fine just as long as there was no wind or choppy seas. With our senior discount it cost us $352.82. Their web site is http://www.KenaiFjordsCruises.com. it you are interested. This was a good, long day!
