My first trip to Alaska was everything I envisioned and more. Between the scenery, the food and the exciting shore excursions I had a fantastic time. On June 23rd Susan and I escorted a group on the Holland America Volendam, with ports of call in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and we also cruised through Glacier Bay. The staff onboard the ship was amazing, they always greeted us by name and always remembered my favorite drink with dinner. The park ranger onboard was very informative as we cruised through Glacier Bay, directing our attention to what we really needed to look at and look for. We had the pleasure of doing a private shore excursion with 89 Ensemble passengers who turned out to be great travel companions. My favorite part of the trip besides the spa on the cruise was the Dog Sledding and Musher's camp that we visited in Juneau. Meeting some of the dogs and learning the training they go through to compete in the Iditarod was unbelievable, but nothing can beat holding a 12 day old puppy that did not want to leave my arms.
