Whittier and Boarding the Ship

We were picked up by bus driver Mike at around 10 am. After a big delay, we left for Whittier where we will board our cruise ship the Nieuw Amsterdam. 

Mike again told dumb jokes as we set off. The scenery was spectacular, but we sighted no animals. We got in a huge queue to go through the one-way tunnel in Whittier. There were numerous cars, campers and busses waiting to enter the tunnel which is used for trains as well. The tunnel is 2.5 miles long, carved out of granite. It was very narrow and dark inside. Mike kept right on commentating which was a bit disconcerting. It seemed to go on forever. Finally we got to the light at the end of the tunnel. A large line of vehicles was already forming on that side to wait for the direction to change back the other way, generally about 1/2 hour. All bets are off, however, if a train needs the route.

We said goodbye to our tour director Jen and got in line to board. It was quite a process including a TSA type security screening. We went to our staterooms to reconnect with our luggage and watch a safety video. One of Julie’s bags was delivered to Sue and Nick, but we are right next door to each other so this was easily remedied. Although we were instructed to go immediately to our muster point to check in, there were no staff members present. We tried to find the crow’s nest bar, but were unable to reach it using the elevator we had chosen, so we ended up at the food court near the Lido pool. Rose was there with a bunch of our tour mates. We had beverages and a quick lunch. Some of us signed up for a wine tasting tomorrow. 

The boat sailed and we went to the art gallery where Mary won a raffle for $100 off a piece of art. We had another beverage then went to dinner. The food was excellent, but Nick wasn’t feeling well so he went off to the stateroom to rest. The rest of us visited the Rolling Stone bar where a tribute band was playing. We then had a nightcap on Julie and Mary’s balcony, said goodnight and were rocked to sleep by the gentle motion of the ship. Tomorrow we sail to the Hubbard Glacier.