- Shernett Robinson photo
God was in a really good mood when he created this piece of paradise.
Shernett Robinson, Overseas Editor
ALASKA: I SWEAR when God made that little piece of paradise, He was in a very, very good mood.
The ice-blue water; the quaint fishing villages; the snow-capped mountains surrounded by breathtaking coastline. There is no doubt that Alaska is one of the most beautiful, untamed places on earth.
I was desperately in need of a vacation recently. I was beginning to think things could only get worse when I received an invitation to spend seven days and six nights on board the cruise ship Infinity touring the wilds of Alaska. I said to myself, there really is a God. I began immediately to make arrangements. The six weeks of anticipation that ensued were worth the wait.
Thanks to a thunderstorm in Miami, the most arduous part of this adventure was the journey from Jamaica to Vancouver, Canada, where I caught the ship. Of course, the two days of travelling took its toll and on reaching my cabin I was more that ready for some R&R. And the ship, Infinity delivered. A bottle of champagne on ice, two glasses, chocolate and my own personal letter of welcome greeted me (I was alone for this trip again... darn!) That service set the tone for the rest of my stay of six glorious days and seven nights aboard one of the most luxurious ships in the world.
Ports of call
The great thing about being on a cruise is that there are so many activities catering to every individual's needs. One had the choice of staying on board or exploring the three ports of call on this particular excursion.
The quaint cities (if they can be called that!) each with their own story to tell, beckon visitors to their shores, inviting them to enjoy their rich history and heritage and to take a little piece of them back. Cameras whirred, the credit cards and cash flashed and visitors immortalised this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Juneau
The first port of call on our trip was Juneau, Alaska's capital. Just the sound rolling off the lips conjures up images of exotic places where people live a totally different kind of existence. Like many, I was expecting to see a wigwam and polar bears and icy waters... Surprisingly, Juneau is a modern city with a population of approximately 30,000. Boasting summer temperatures in the upper 50s (degrees Fahrenheit) the city welcomed us with open arms. Coming from a tropical country, that was freezingly cold! But we braved the cold rain and were off to watch the whales.
Nestled deep within the northern reaches of the Inside Passage is Alaska's first truly American city. Founded 13 years after the purchase of Alaska, it was Juneau, and more importantly its gold, that captured the imagination of the American public. This city has a wealth of historical, cultural and natural points of interest that will capture the imagination of every visitor: the Capitol Building; St Nicholas Church, a unique octagonal construction which dates back to 1894; the house of Wiker-sham, one of the first houses built in Alaska under the US flag; even the cemetery where Joe Juneau and Dick Harris, Juneau's first citizens, were buried; and the Alaska State Museum.
Ketchican
Ketchican is called the first city because it is the first major Alaskan community you come in contact with on a journey north.
There are three claims to fame for this port of call:
Totem poles: Ketchican has more totem poles than any other place in the world.
Salmon: Both sport and commercial fishermen catch record numbers of salmon here.
Dolly's House: This is one of the few places where a brothel - Dolly's House, on Creek Street - has been turned into a museum. Like Juneau, Ketchican can be considered a modern day town, boasting some of the finest stores showcasing a wide array of jewellery, watches, china, crystal as well as local handicrafts and packaged seafood.
Skagway
Four blocks wide and 23 blocks long, today's Skagway is still a little more than a foothold in a gigantic wilderness. Although the population has dropped to around 1,000, the town still has plenty of life. The Sweet Tooth Cafe and the Red Onion are two favourite hot spots for visitors and locals alike. Many of the false-fronted building and plank sidewalks have been maintained through the years, preserving the rustic pioneer heritage of the town. Of course, the shopping is to die for...
So I braved the biting cold, dressed in many layers of cold and went a-exploring. The helicopter ride to the glacier is a must. It is here that nature at its best is showcased. The scene from above is impressive so is landing and walking on it. Not to mention cold. Brrrr! The Misty Fjord, one of the largest protected natural forests in the world is home to a number of animals.
Hubbard Glacier
Again, travelling by sea plane was hair raising, but the view from above was worth the fear of this little thing suspended in the air. And it was cold. One cannot over-emphasise the cold. But that is part of the charm what would Alaska be without the cold! Yes, I complain (good naturedly). After all, what is a Jamaican girl who has never seen snow doing in the cold desert? Sadly, we missed the mist as it was one of the clearer days of summer.
Stretching over 90 miles from the core of the 12-million acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to the Yukurat Bay, the mighty Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska's most unpredictable. On Tuesday, we travelled through this giant ice-scape. And what an experience! Braving the biting cold we all cluttered on deck to see the phenomenon. The breathtaking scenery left us speechless. One could only look in awe, again overwhelmed by nature at its best. The thunderous roar of the ice breaking away and landing into the waters below is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The waters around the Hubbard Glacier are home to more than just icebergs. Many sea mammals, birds and fish live and play among the islands of ice.
The Infinity can be described as a five-star all inclusive hotel on water. On board you are privy to all the comforts and pampering you would receive in such a hotel. The hotel management comprises Captain Antonis Manaras; chief engineer Vangelis Salliaris; hotel manager Andreas Dermatis; staff captain Anastastios N. Lekkas and cruise director Rich Spath.
The Infinity which made its maiden voyage has an occupancy capacity of 2050 guests and 950 crew. Stretching 965 feet and measuring approxi-mately 91,00 tonnes, this beauty made its maiden voyage in March 2001.
The Celebrity Cruise line has a history of providing quality service. In fact, in the last year, it was voted the top-rated premium cruise line in the elite Conde Nast Traveller's Readers Choice Awards; capturing four of the top eight slots in the same publication's "World's Best Ships" ratings and receiving the highest possible ratings of six stars from Stern's Guide. The line was also recognised by readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine
Life on board
The 2:1 ratio of guest-to-staff is well served as on board you are pampered, catered to and made to feel the only important person in the world. From stateroom service to dining room service, the service is second to none. The crew has been trained to anticipate your every need. In fact, hotel manager Andreas Dermatis is quick to point out that the crew is constantly undergoing training exercise. It is therefore not surprising that many of their guests are repeaters. This five star cruise line has distinguished itself as a leader in premium cruise market with excellent dining options (the specialty restaurant is a must) a large number of staterooms with an excellent view of the sea and has a package tailor-made for every one from the physically challenged to the exercise fanatic, and all others in between.
A typical day on board begins with an invitation to exercise. You may jog, swim, go yoga or lift weights. An array of choices from continental to traditional awaits. There is no rush and you may sleep in and get a late breakfast between 10 and noon. Then there is the library Word for the bookworm and daily quizzes. Lazing by the pool all day and a dip in the spa are tempting options. Daily auctions are a regular feature and very popular among guests. So too is the movie hour popular movies are shown daily.
The ship comes alive at nights with a varied night life package. In the evenings we are entertained in the Celebrity Theatre with live entertain-ment, courtesy of the Celebrity Singers and Dancers. Guest acts included comedians and singers. Theme nights are really popular: from the '50s and '60s through to hip hop to disco. The casino is usually very crowded and is a popular spot for many, especially the more mature crowd. There are many give-aways and trivia questions and lots to win.
There is no way you can be on board and not visit the spa. The Infinity has expanded the boundaries of spa service, offering not only the world's largest spa facilities at sea, but also the world's only floating spa operated by Elewmis Ltd, a specialist in spa consultancy. The Sensory Heaven concept appeals to all the senses, within soothing, aesthetically pleasing environments, featuring carefully selected colours, textures and styles. Guests may choose from a menu of services which include advice on proper usage of equipment to personal training, lifestyle consultation, hair conditioning therapies, colouring and restyling, manicure and pedicure.
Dressing up
There are two designated dressing up (formal) nights at sea where you are expected to put on your fineries and dine in fine style. In the restaurant you are pampered and catered to and waited upon. It was a pleasure to meet Jamaican Ansel who is proud to admit he calls "Mamma every Sunday" and who treated me like a true Jamaican. In the dining room there is a warmth that transcends dinner and you felt like you are among friends. Dinner (late seating) may last anywhere between two and four hours.
Time stood still on board. There were no clock, no wake up call, no patter of little feet or no dinners to make. It was a week of totally taking care of me and I enjoyed every moment, guiltlessly! Too soon the days were gone it really flies when you are having fun and reality raised its ugly head.
Added treat
Reluctantly, we return to the real world. But we must have one last Hurrah before we go and a special treat awaits us upon disembarking. The city of Vancouver maintains the ambience which was created on board and we are tourists all over again. We tour the city wide-eyed that industry and nature can live harmoniously and find their place. The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park is an added treat. Thanks, team leader Karen Negron. The spectacular beauty of this wilderness location has made it a world renowned attraction which spans 450 feet and rises 230 feet above Capilano River.
So a tired, happy group of Caribbean journalists boarded the bus which took us back to Seattle, Washington, and to the reality of our lives. But, we will always remember that for one week we were celebrities onboard the Celebrity Cruise Line.
