Our first cruise was aboard the Diamond Princess which took us to see the glaciers in Alaska as well as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway for our 40th anniversary.
Larry and his wife, Loretta, aboard Diamond Princess in Alaska in 2009.
When planning our trip my wife, Loretta, informed me that we had to sign up for the zip-line land excursion in Ketchikan. She said that riding a zip-line through the trees was on her “bucket list” and the decision was not negotiable.
We were both 60 years old at the time and while I really didn’t want THAT excursion, I could not let her go alone. We signed up.
The cruise exceeded our expectations but in the back of my mind I was dreading docking in Ketchikan where I was sure I was to meet my doom.
Finally the day arrived and we were on our way up the mountain in a rugged vehicle that was needed to make the climb. Luckily, the weather that day was absolutely perfect! The sun was out, the sky was blue and we were very comfortable in short sleeves.
A group of us were assembled in a building where the zip-line crew prepared us for our harrowing ride back down the mountain hanging by a spider web of steel. We put on our harnesses and listened quite intently as our very youthful mentors explained exactly what to do and what NOT to do. I could feel the anxiety rising in my chest.
My wife was beginning to feel uneasy as well, but was determined to go on.
An adventurous participant zip lines through the Tongass National Forest just outside of Ketchikan.
She had a plan, however. We would hold back and be the very last couple to step onto the platform to have our gear attached to the zip-line. That way we could watch the others go first and perhaps learn just a bit more of how to do this death-defying stunt.
It is said that “the last shall be first” and that is exactly what happened! As my wife was the last to get in line she discovered to her shock that she was positioned to be first to go down the zip-line. We were very surprised when we stepped out onto the first platform at just how high we were above the ground.
There was a series of seven ziplines to get us down the mountain. The first one was exhilarating as we sped down the line toward the connecting platform where one of our guides awaited to slow us down and made sure we stopped safely. Each ride after that was more relaxed as we felt confidence in the gear and our guides. We could then take in the awesome beauty around us as we sailed through the tops of the trees. I’m sure it was the next best thing to flying!
What a thrill! What an experience! We would do it again! Don’t miss it!
Eager participants get ready to zip line through the forest on various platforms.
Normally I do not learn article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite great post.
Hi,
I’d love to do the zipline but 1) I’m afraid of heights & 2) I get motion sick, do you think I would survive? I did do a helicopter ride in Maui and loved it and was very proud of myself.
I’m quite pleased with the infomratoin in this one. TY!
I am planning our 2012 land and sea cruise and feel overwhelmed. I am looking at May or September. Which is the better month to go. Is there alot of rain in May? I hear such confilicting stories and I want it all to be right. I am so excited about the trip. Plan to do the southern route from Anchorage to Vancouver.
Please help with some advice and input.
By reading on down this list you may notice the dates that these people had their experience to be able to know the best months to go. It appears to me that August would be the best of all months so based on your restrictions of may or sept. that September would be the best for weather outside. I just started my research to decide who what where and when my wife and I will go.
My husband and I will go on a Princess Cruisetour in AK in the week of 8/24/11. We will board a bus at the Seattle airport on the 24th. My question is: is it better to wait later to catch the bus, say around 1 PM, or get there prior to the earliest time? I’ve heard that we would get to the Island quicker by waiting until the crowd lessens. Comments? Ideas?
Would love to hear comments about the AK cruisetour in August regarding clothing, best place for free WiFi.
Soooo looking forward to this: this is on my Bucket List. Thanks so much.
My husband and I (60 and 61) will be taking our first Alaskan cruise on the Sapphire Princess in Sept , 2011. We have never been to this area before and would love to hear from anyone who can give us ideas of excursions. How much of it is touristy and where do you see/hear/talk to locals and eat at a local place? Any info for resturants, etc, is much appreciated. Thanks.
My husband and I (63, 54) sailed on the Sapphire Princess last August. We loved it so much that we are going back in 2012! We splurged on a couple of excursions, most notably, the salmon bake at Taku Glacier Lodge outside of Juneau. It was our first time flying in a float plane. You fly over many glaciers and the scenery is breathtaking. The food at the lodge was unbelieveable! We visited Totem Bight in Ketchikan. Saxman Village not only has totem poles but you can see a carver at work and I think there are other cultural events as well. Don’t assume that you will see wildlife (whales, eagles, etc.) while on the ship. We saw one whale! I highly recommend that you book an excursion to see wildlife. Fellow passengers were not disappointed and said they saw a wide variety. We went ziplining in Ketchikan and it was fun.Next time, I would like to try kayaking. The train ride in Skagway is not to be missed. We also booked all of our excursions weeks (months?) before our cruise so there was no standing in line at the excursions desk. Our tickets were delivered to us in our cabin on the first night. To us, the most touristy stuff was the push to buy diamonds. There are jewelry stores everywhere! Just don’t overbook excursions so you don’t have time to stroll through the towns. This is such a beautiful area to explore! Enjoy!
WE JUST RETURNED FROM ALASKA IN JUNEAU TOOK THE WHALEWATCHING,MENDENHALL GLAZIER AND SALAMON BAKE WAS AWESOME. IN SKAGWAY TOOK THE TRAIN RIDE IT WAS GREAT!! KETCHIKAN ON OUR OWN TOOK TRAM TO AREAL NICE LODGE NO OTHER TOURS DONE HAVE FUN! DDG
currently planning an august cruise to alaska which will include ketchikan.If you want a more extensive zip line experience,visit northern new england ski resorts at New Hampshire white mountains-they have year round zip lines that can take from 1-6 hours and include rappelling,rope bridges,etc.Just returned from cabo san lucas mexico where my wife,my 12 year old son and myself experienced the Wild Canyon Swing SLing which has to be seen to be believed.Take a cable car out to a gondola 300 feet above a canyon with wild horses underneath,put on a body harness get into a sitting position and proceed to drop 100 miles an hour straight down then fly forward & back another 75 feet before being winched back up to the platform.My wife & I have bungeed (also avialable at Wild canyon along with zip lines) and skydived and we were more nervous prior to this than either experience!
I had the same exact experience in Ketchikan in May of 09! I was 61 and looking for a new fun experience. I would love to do it again. I built a small version in the woods behind my home for my grandchildren and they love it.
Can not wait! Alaska cruise 2011 Sapphire Sept. 11. Zip Line is on my “bucket list” too!! Hope to see you all there!
My family will be on the Diamond Princess this August/September for the Alaskan cruisetour. I am not sure I am up to ziplining (fear of heights and speed), but I’d love to know what other travelers suggest doing in the ports. I like the dog sled ride idea! Once in a lifetime….
Hi Debi, I am also taking the Diamond Princess family cruise/tour leaving Fairbanks on the 22nd of Aug. and sailing on the 27th. I am taking my grandson who is 9. I have been on many Alaska cruise/tours. Here are some suggestions. You can see the sleddogs in Denali Park on a free afternoon – for free. You will also see sleddogs in Wasilla at the Iditarod HQ and can take a quick ride with them. If you have children with you, there is an animal park excursion in Haines – from Skagway. Adults love the train out of Skagway, but kids may be bored. In Juneau, you must see Mendenhall Glacier. I have signed up for a whale-watching cruise combined with the Glacier. Back in town, you can take the Mt. Roberts Tramway or just walk around town. See the Statehouse, Governor’s Mansion and Russian Church. In Ketchikan, take the family to Saxman Village – see how totem poles are carved. Back in town, don’t miss the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – not very expensive, but a lot of fun for all. Also, make time to walk to Creek Street – In late August, there should still be salmon spawning. You can email me if you have any other questions.
I am wondering if there is time to golf in Denali after taking the tour that is part of the trip package. Any help would be great.
Hi Anne,
The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a 10 hour tour. It is scheduled to start at 7:30am and end at 5:30pm. To discuss your tour options please call us at 1-800-Princess or please speak with the tour representatives at the Denali Lodge.
I’m so glad I found this blog. So enjoyed reading your report! My hubby and I are also planning our first cruise and it’s to Alaska on the Golden with the very same ports! We are also celebrating our 40th anniversary and my 60th birthday. We have alot in common. I must admit I was too afraid to try the zipline and we’re doing the float plane in Ketchikan instead. I should have read your review sooner. Maybe next time I’ll be brave! Thanks for sharing.
Happy Birthday Marilyn -I also am in the 1951 club, first time cruiser and turn 60 in Glacier Bay( 9/5) -Thinking about a nice Ultimate Balcony dinner on the Coral Princess – Anyone heard anything about that experience? How do I order? Also, I am looking for an example of the daily on board paper. I have no idea what to expect and that IS Adventurous for me LOL. I admire you stepping outside the box and doing the float plane. Land first for me -then Cruise on Sept 3. Whoo Hoo- Can not wait!!!
That is awesome!! GREAT MEMORY!! I got to zipline in Puerto Vallarta a few years ago and thought it was great! Haven’t been to Alaska yet… hoping 2012…. will definitely check out the ziplining!!
If I can zip line – ANYONE can..I am a frumpy pudgy conservative who wanted to step out of the bubble a little bit…never have I been prouder.
Jeannette debaca is looking forward to taking her lennox high school mates & family on golden princess sep17,2011 for 7 nights. let see how young we are on that ziplining threw ketchikan forest.
Oops! I neglected to say that my wife’s name is Loretta!
Thank you Princess Cruises!
Hi Larry – we added Loretta’s name to the story! Thanks again for sharing your great experience!
Thanks for sharing your story with us Larry! How awesome to fly through the beauty of Alaska!
So glad you gathered the courage to have the experience of a lifetime!
Good for you both!!! If an excursion is there to be taken, it really doesn’t matter how old you are – just go for it!! When we went on the Alaskan cruise, we both went on a helicopter for the first time and took the dog sled ride on a glacier – we won’t have the opportunity to do that anywhere else!! I also went snorkelling in Ketchikan – I think that we should make the most of these opportunities if we are lucky enough to be in the position to do so. My husband and I are both 65 and hope to be taking up these opportunities for some time yet!! Our next cruise is in the Western Caribbean and we hope to be doing both scuba and snorkelling in every port of call!!