From My Balcony

Wednesday, April, 2, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Reason number 8,028 to book a balcony stateroom: the early-morning view in Sitka, Alaska. It was 7 a.m., and my stateroom was immersed in darkness until I rose from my bed and stood in front of the curtains. I used both hands to draw them back for a view that [...]

In-Depth Alaska: Cruise + Tour = Cruisetour

Wednesday, March, 19, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Research shows that most people planning a trip to Alaska want to see two places: Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. You can get to Glacier Bay aboard a cruise ship and admire the national park's stunning scenery from the comfort of your balcony stateroom. But to get [...]

‘Awesome’ Alaska

Wednesday, February, 27, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

A Kid's View Of The Great Land: Seeing Alaska through the eyes of my 10-year-old son. "Dude! Alaska is soooooooo awesome!" These were the words uttered by my 10-year-old son on our first morning in that most majestic of American states, Alaska. We had sailed from Seattle two days [...]

Book ‘Em Danno

Wednesday, November, 14, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

When is the best time to book your cruise? The answer depends on where you're going. The only part of your cruise where you can't relax is in booking it. Planning on cruising Europe's rivers next summer? Sorry, you missed the boat. Space is tight, even in the off-season. You're somewhat better [...]

Fly By Denali

Wednesday, November, 7, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

The weather could not have been better during our September fly-by of Denali. We flew with Greg Lahaie, owner of Kantishna Air Taxi.Greg tells us: "Kantishna Air Taxi is the only air service in the Denali National Park area that guarantees passengers a good flight tour. We can guarantee this [...]

Choosing An Alaska Cruisetour

Wednesday, October, 31, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Selecting an Alaska cruisetour can be daunting for the uninitiated. With more that 50 cruisetours offered by the major players, how do you sift through the options to find an Alaska cruisetour that's right for you? To find out, we sat down with Paul Allen, vice president [...]

Fall Foliage in Denali

Tuesday, October, 23, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Susan Adams of Denali Foundation narrates as we look out over the fall foliage in Denali.

An Alaska Rail Adventure

Sunday, October, 21, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

We leave the depot in Denali for a seven-hour scenic journey to Anchorage.

Cruise West Guests Recount Wildlife Sightings in Denali

Monday, October, 15, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

From moose to porcupine to caribou to eagles, Cruise West guests saw lots of wildlife in Denali.

September In Denali

Sunday, October, 14, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Susan Adams of the Denali Foundation discusses September being a great time of year to see Denali.

Deep in Denali: Kantishna Road House

Saturday, October, 13, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

On a Cruise West "D Tour" we go deep into Denali, 90 miles from the National Park's Entrance and up close and personal to Denali itself. Want to get away while getting close? Take a look.

Howling With The Huskies

Thursday, October, 11, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

First woman to finish the Idatirod, Mary Shields leads our Cruise West group in howling to her huskies and hoping for a response.

Mary Shields Personal Tours

Wednesday, October, 10, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Mary loves to share the experience of the thing she loves most: her team of big waggly huskies. Our small group was able to get up close and personal with the dogs as Mary told us about the husky breed and about some of her training techniques.

Mary Shields, First Woman To Finish Iditarod

Tuesday, October, 9, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

From Fairbanks, it's only a five-mile drive to see Mary Shields - on a tour that carries her name. In 1973, Mary became the first woman to finish the 1,049-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race. She lives in a modern log cabin that she and her former husband built. There, she tends [...]

On The Train To Anchorage

Monday, October, 8, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Caution: Video may cause motion sickness! Although the train did not. The rails were mostly smooth but the slight movement made it hard to hold my camera steady. But if you want to get a taste of what rail travel in Alaska is all about, take a look. On a beautiful [...]

The Avid Cruiser On A Cruise West Cruisetour

Monday, October, 8, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

September, and Alaska is shimmering in gold. In fact, some say September is the best time of year for a cruise to the Last Frontier. For my "up-close-and-personal" encounter with Alaska, I signed on for Cruise West's 15-day Gold Rush Inside Passage Cruisetour. What's a cruisetour? It's a combination of a cruise [...]

Holland America Line Appeals To All Ages

Wednesday, August, 1, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Cruising Alaska with their grandmother, these two teens say that despite the reputation it once had, Holland America Line isn't just for "mature" travelers.

The USA’s Six Best Cruise Itineraries

Monday, December, 18, 2006

by Ralph Grizzle

Cruises make it possible to see much of the best of America -- from a ship. Traditionally, we Americans take to the highways when vacationing in our own country -- and with good reason: In such a large landmass, we find scenic beauty, historic sites and cultural diversity. But you also [...]

Alaska Awaits

Monday, December, 18, 2006

by Ralph Grizzle

Want to cruise Alaska? Get the best selection of dates and staterooms by booking early. Cruise ships sail from Alaska to balmy southerly climes in September, the month that marks the bookend of the cruise season in the Great Land. But with the end of the cruise season up north [...]

Alluring Alaska

Monday, December, 18, 2006

by Ralph Grizzle

Cruising America's 'Great Land' could just be one of your life's greatest journeys. It was for me. by Ralph Grizzle By sea, it is nearly 850 miles from Seattle to Ketchikan, at the southern tip of the Alaskan Panhandle. Nearly a decade ago, I endured the journey by ship, and I was [...]