Cruising Dog Mama

Alaska Cruise Tour September 2023 Glass Domed Train from Denali to Whittier and Majestic Princess

It was an early start, the train left around 8 and we did not get to the port until after 6, so a 10 hour train ride. It was long, but picturesque. There was not much other than the scenery and to eat and drink. We each had a reindeer breakfast burrito and cinnamon roll for breakfast. The other side of the train saw a bear. I saw a moose, of course it had been killed and was riding in the back of a pick up truck. It rained most of the time. I had reindeer chili and cake for lunch. They checked everyone in for the cruise on thr train, which was a good thing, since they had long lines, just to get into the building.

It was over 90 minutes to get on the ship and to our room. We had a 7:30 dinner reservation in one of the main dining rooms, which we did not make. This was our first medallion cruise. I was able to watch the safety video in the room, but it would not recognize my husband, he had to do it a few times on his phone. We checked in at our muster station and went to dinner. It was not a problem that we missed the reservation. Dinner was good and then I went back to the room and ordered a martini for when I was unpacking through Ocean Now. There was an issue and they made my order twice, so I had two.

Alaska Cruise Tour September 2023 Denali Park

Early morning walk and then to get some coffee. Afterwards we had breakfast at King Salmon, My crab omelette was good. I had to work for a few hours before I left for Denali Park.

I took the lodge bus to Denali park, I walked around and spent some time at the Visitors Center. They had a bus that drove to the sled dog kennels. The rangers discussed the history of the dogs, we got to see all of the dogs and the dogs gave a presentation of their skills.

We had drinks at the pizza place and then had dinner at Fannie Q’s, which also had some live music.

Alaska Cruise Tour September 2023 Mt. McKinley to Denali

Soggy morning walk to get some coffee. One thermostat said it was under 40. All they had for breakfast was the buffet, afterwards it cleared and we were treated to some great views of Denali. We spent more time walking around and saw the naturalist presentation regarding moose. We had lunch before leaving for Denali.

It was an about a 2 hour drive to Denali. We were able to check in but our luggage didn’t arrive for several hours. We walked around for a while, my husband did an ATV tour and I did the Dog Gone It tour where we were able to play with the puppies and then saw presentations regarding the huskies and the Iditarod. It was a very enjoyable three hours. My husband and I met up later and had some pizza as that was the only place open at 10, when we each finished our excursions.

Alaska CruiseTour September 2023 Tampa to Anchorage and Anchorage to Mt. McKinley Lodge

So, all vacations start with my dogs looking pathetic even though they love their dog sitters. Somehow I missed getting a picture of Archie. We were off for a 16 hour plus day of travel and covering 4 time zones. I go off Keto on vacation and always get Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte if we were traveling during the season as in real life, I would never spend that kind of money on Starbucks.

So breakfast of Champions with PSL and chocolate croissant. In Dallas we had a couple of hours for a layover so we had lunch at a TGI Fridays, fried food and cotton candy cosmo for the win, which was a good thing as they did not serve food on the 7 hour flight from Dallas to Anchorage.

We made it to the hotel, Captain Cook which was a decent hotel. We had dinner, as it as after 9. The food wasn’t very good and was not cheap either. This kind of seemed like a theme for the land tour. But you don’t go to Alaska just to eat.

The next morning I was going to do a workout in the gym, but I couldn’t find the entrance. So I walked around downtown Anchorage, unfortunately this Florida girl was only wearing leggings and a tshirt. We had breakfast at the hotel which was good. My husband had the reindeer sausage with his eggs and toast and I had chicken and waffles. We left and made our way to Mt. McKinley Lodge. The bus ride was a little over 3 hours.

We arrived at Mt. McKinley lodge. We had lunch at Base Camp, checked out our room, walked around. We eventually did the hike to the Treehouse, one of their main attractions. We saw a movie about the Northern lights in the Hudson theater and had a late dinner at the Base Camp.

Carnival Mardi Gras Day 7 Sea Day 3. October 2022. Oh no! It’s almost over!

Starting the day with balcony time, then off to the SeaDay brunch for a Peach Bellini Lobster Benedict, Croissant and Chocolate Cake. Afterwards time for the spa.

Had sushi for lunch, then time on the Lido deck and French fries, then time for afternoon cupcake and coffee before getting a massage.

After I got ready for dinner, met my husband at Bar Della Rosa, and had pre-dinner Bellini then we had a great dinner at Rudi’s. Fried Calamari, Lobster Bisque, Stuffed Lobster, Key Lime Pie and Banana Pie, and Chocolate Martini. Then saw part of the World Works Here, before lining up for the Piano Bar and spending time there before late night pizza and BBQ snacks.

Carnival Mardi Gras Day 6, 2nd Sea Day October 2022

Had to do a little work in the morning, but had a great view. Time for coffee and then we went o Emeril’s for breakfast. Had specialty juice, beignets, French toast and shrimp and grits. Afterwards spent some time in the spa.

Next up was time on the Lido deck, Guy’s burger and some drinks at the Fortune Teller and then enjoyed the Backyard Bash at Guy’s BBQ.

We went to the comedy show, had BBQ for dinner and listened to the Band in the BBQ place for a while.

Carnival Mardi Gras Day 5 Mahogany Bay October 2022

Due to leaving for an excursion, I went to get a breakfast burrito from Blue Iguana and there was a towel animal invasion on the soggy lido deck.

I went to Mayan Princess, an all inclusive resort. I enjoyed the pool and did not bother with the beach. I really enjoyed the pool, there were very few of us, the pool was huge and had fountains all around.

Back on Board time for afternoon coffee, and snack, drinks in Alchemy. We had dinner at Chibang and had both Mexican and Chinese food and then played Deal or No Deal.

Carnival Mardi Gras Day 4 Costa Maya October 2022

Welcome to Costa Maya! When we go to Costa Maya, we always go to Maya Chan, but first breakfast from Big Chicken and morning coffee on the balcony.

We did the long walk at the port and was in our way to the bumpy ride. I had to bring my laptop and work for a few hours. The owner asked me about it, but I told him it was a great scenery and I would be able to enjoy the day afterwards.

Back on the ship, time for fries, dessert and afternoon coffee. I spent a while in the Serenity area. We had dinner at Guys BBQ and listened to the band for awhile.

Carnival Mardi Gras Day 3 Cozumel October 2022

I started off with some time on the treadmill with the great view. Then breakfast at Emeril’s, coffee, beignets and croissant sandwich with sweet potato fries.

We always go to Mr. Sanchos when we are in Cozumel. We get the romance package, which is the all inclusive, with the day bed and a 30 minute massage for each of us. The swim up bar is one of my favorites as well. One of the things I like about Mr. Sanchos is you order food off the menu instead of a buffet. The coconut shrimp is something we always get.

Back on the ship it was time for afternoon coffee, then drinks at Alchemy then we had dinner at the steakhouse and ended the night at the Havana music area.

Carnival Mardi Gras October 2022 Day 1 Embarkation

Did a workout at the hotel and the pool area was so peaceful. We had breakfast in Orlando and drove to the port and was on the ship fairly quickly. The first drink of the cruise was in the Center Stage area. We then checked out our Havana Cabana room, the Havana area and having lunch at Big Chicken.

Time to explore the ship and spend some time at Fortune Teller. Saw Rock Revolution, saw the sunset, had dinner, spent time at the piano bar and ended with late night pizza.