Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

Carnival Panorama 18-Day Transpacific Cruise Long Beach to Yokohama

Ketchikan -- Thursday, August 26, 2024

We finally arrived at our first port on this cruise, Ketchikan, after 3 days at sea. The captain announced yesterday that we would have rain and that Ketchikan suffered great lost because of the rain yesterday. Landslide and heavy rain caused one death and some other damages. Maybe we should not have high hopes for a good day in port. With a port visit in sight, we got up early as usual so we could have breakfast before getting off the ship at around 8:30. The buffet area started being busy early but we managed to get our share of food with a table.

So far, just a little cloudy but no rain.

As soon as the gangway was cleared, we were down there and outside. Went to the shuttle bus and was on with no lines, no wait. This bus was a nice, new double-decker, so it was quite comfortable. The most important part was there was no rain in sight! The sun was shining brightly and it did not look like it would rain any time soon.

Line to get off the ship.

Finally walking on land!

Inside Ward Cove terminal.

On this new bus.

Beautiful sight!

After a 15-minute ride on the bus, it dropped us off at the farthest end of the pier in a big lot and they would pick us up later at the same spot. We walked all the way to town and up to Creek Street. There were so many people there even though there were only two ships so far, with Grand Princess still on her way to the pier. I was hoping to see some salmon in the creek, but no such luck. There were a couple of seals there but only a few salmons swimming in the creek. We did not want to walk up Married Men Trail, just a leisurely walk along the boardwalk was good enough for us since this is our 11th time visiting Ketchikan. Then we walked up to the waterfront, sat and rest to use the wi-fi upstairs at the shopping mall before walking back to the shuttle stop. 

We were dropped off at the parking lot at the farthest pier in town.

Then walked our way to the center of town.

Always beautiful!

Familiar wood carving.

Grand Princess, we will be on her next year.

Zaandam, we were on her a few years ago.

The iconic sculpture.

I have heard about the Jellyfish Donut place where people were claiming a must-eat place in Ketchikan so we walked across the street to check it out. They have different kinds of interesting donuts, but the one that caught our eyes was the ‘Salmon Donut’. As I was wondering how it would taste, a girl who was eating one said it was really good, so I just had to try. We ordered two salmon donuts and it came out to $21 something. I was shocked and said, wow, that’s expensive! And Christian pointed at the sign and said, yeah, $10 each. Supposedly, they use local salmon and made fresh into a cream to spread on the warm donut. Very tasty and interesting indeed! I am glad at least we tried. Then we got back to the shuttle stop and boarded the bus back to the pier at around 12:00. This time, the bus was just a regular old school bus. The woman driver was telling us that the sales tax at Ward Cove is 2%, while the tax in town is 10%. It’s better to buy at Ward Cove. Not sure if it was true since we did not buy anything today.

Inside Jelly Fish Donuts.

The real deal! A $10 donut.

Back at Ward Cove. There are plenty of merchandise and vendors in there that's worth looking at.

And with interesting displays.

Back on the ship just in time for lunch. Lido was empty and we were able to get whatever table we wanted. I had a Big Patty from Guy’s Burger and it was really good. Of course, I also had other items from the buffet. After lunch, we came back and rest in the afternoon before dinner at around 6:30. Now that we have anytime dining, we just go whenever we want. The only problem is there is usually a wait of 20-30 minutes after checking in.

Gorgeous day in Ketchikan!

We had an easy and relaxing day in Ketchikan just walking around town. The perfect weather helped and we were in no rush doing anything in particular. One advice is to get back on the bus with plenty of time to avoid the crowds on the last couple of buses. Next port, Sitka!

For video of this day, please click here.

"By standing firm you will gain life." -- Luke 21:19

Sea Days Ship Tour, First Elegant Night, Meeting New Friends

Carnival Panorama 18-Day Transpacific Cruise Long Beach to Yokohama

Sea Days Before Ketchikan -- Thursday, August 23-25, 2024

After leaving Long Beach, we had 3 days at sea before reaching our first port of Ketchikan, Alaska. As always, we tried to familiarized ourselves to the ship so we know how to get around as we will be living on this ship for the many days ahead.

My days usually started by a morning walk on deck 4 and 5 without having to go outside. Weather changed from warm and sunny in Southern California to gloomy, cold, and windy right after the second day forward. Many people also take advantage of the indoor space and had their exercise early in the morning. It was definitely quiet in the morning, but I was surprised that people were already enjoying their gambling in the casino. 

Havana Bar, Deck 5

Havana Bar

Pixel Gallery

Alchemy Bar, Deck 5

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant, Deck 5

Atrium with the LED light.

Liquid Lounge, the theater, on deck 4 and 5 forward.

Liquid Lounge

I believe they had chairs so they can make it into a multi-functional space.

Atrium Bar

Cherry on Top, the Candy Shop

Carnival usually serves a Sea Day Brunch on sea days, but on this cruise there are so many sea days that they only had the brunch on some sea days, not all. They have an expansive brunch menu and we like to go when it is available. 

Parfait

Steak and Egg

Voyage Burger

Skillet Cake

Ever changing LED light.

Water was calm and smooth throughout this journey. Not a single day of rocking and rolling.

They only make up the cabin once every day but a towel animal always greeted us when we returned to the stateroom. A nice touch!

Our cabin was on the port side, so we ended up with a sunset everyday until we got to Japan.

Absolutely beautiful!

First elegant night at the Captain's Welcome Party at the Atrium.

Andy, the cruise director.

Captain and his officers.

Escargot

Emeril featured appetizer-tuna sashimi (they had another name for it but I forgot what it was.)

Cream of Mushroom soup, yummy!

Filet and short ribs

Another Emeril featured dish, BBQ salmon.

No-sugar mousse

We usually had our lunch at the buffet which did not have many varieties. But they had other choices like pizzeria, Guy's Burgers, Blue Iguana (tacos and burritos), as alternatives. One problem with the buffet was the lack of tables for all the people who wanted to dine in there. Many people stationed there all day long and had their table games there. It was very difficult to find seats at busy hours.

Another beautiful sunset.

I won't try to recall what these dishes are. This looks like a crab cake.

I think this was chicken.

fish

Oh, the chefs on this ship made the best no-sugar desserts that I have ever had. The cakes were moist and creamy just the way I like them.

Hubby always had his fruit plate at the end.

Another corner of Havana Bar.

Limelight Lounge, another venue for shows and lectures. Always crowded and many times had a long line waiting to get in.

Heroes Lounge, the sports bar.

Carnival does this well. They have this special place to honor the military personnel.

Generally, this is a busy place, but I took this picture early in the morning, around 6:00.

Pig and Anchor BBQ

Complimentary lunch on sea days but extra cost for dinner.

Indoor seating

They also have an onboard brewery.

Ocean Plaza and Bar

We really liked the location of our cabin. Near the aft elevator bank, easy walk to the dining room on deck 3 and 4.

On sea days, there was a group devotion lead by Dan, a retired minister. We attended the first two meetings but were asked to start a Chinese Bible Study group by other Chinese Christians and we ended up with a dozen of people during this cruise who came to the fellowship.

Striploin steak, on the everyday menu.

This was the best leg of lamb that I had.

A fish dish.

We were surprised by a couple of subscribers who came and introduced themselves to us as we were having lunch at the buffet. Mr. and Mrs. Ying...

and Ms. Hsu. It was so encouraging for their support.

The Chinese Bible Study Group which did not have a fixed location. We had to change places a couple of times but we were all there!

We were especially touched by Mr. and Mrs. Ying, who are non-believers, came to the Bible Study on every sea day.

This was the best thing that happened on this cruise. Meeting fellow Christians to pray and fellowship together. 

For video of these sea days, please click here.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."   -- 2 Timothy 2:15