Thursday, April 14, 2011

Apps for the Cruise

I got this link in an email from Frommers who shared a list of cruise apps.
http://www.frommers.com/articles/7228.html

I'd add a good weather app to complete the Frommers' list. Someone
recommended Weatherbug. Here's a list of weather apps.

The same person likes the free Oanda currency converter app. 

There is a free app from Tourism Victoria if you have a Blackberry, iPhone, 
Android phone or iTouch at http://m.tourismvictoria.com/
"Specific features on the app include: activity ideas, interactive and GPS 

enabled maps, a calendar of events, and a direct Twitter link. Attractions, 
accommodations, transportation, outdoor activities, dining, shopping, theatre, 
arts and entertainment, tours, and various visitor services listing are all capable 
of direct connection from the app by phone, email, or website." Described in 
Douglas Magazine  http://www.douglasmagazine.com/

Lonely Planet updated their San Francisco travel guide app in February. 
At this time, it's free for the iPad, iPhone or iTouch. 
http://itunes.apple.com/app/lonely-p...317165182?mt=8
Reviews are mixed.

If you have an iPad,iPhone or iTouch, there's a travel guide app on 

the Inside Passage for $1.99 at iTunes . The author has been recommended
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alask...376939232?mt=8


The TripAdvisor app for the iPad 2, iPhone, and iPod Touch added a new
feature, introducing a touch of "augmented reality" via the devices' cameras.
Trip Advisor forums are available on Tapatalk, another app. 

Friday, April 8, 2011

Harry Having a Cappuccino

We'll be on the same ship in 2011 as we were in 2009. This is Harry
enjoying a cappuccino in the Terrace Restaurant on the back deck of
the Regatta in 2009. While the food and service were excellent in all
of the ship's restaurants, we often returned here. It's one of the most
relaxed restaurants on the ship.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Rock Vomit

In our province, there is potential for serious algae blooms in 2011. We're
not alone in having a problem that can affect wildlife in the area. Sitka,
Alaska, one of the ports we'll be visiting on our summer trip has a problem,
too. Have you ever heard of rock vomit?

MSNBC article on rock vomit
NOAA article on rock vomit
Sea squirts
.
.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Clothes For An Alaska Cruise

We are already thinking about the clothes we'll need to pack for a cruise to 
Alaska in August. We've decided to prepare for almost any possibility since 
we'll be traveling between North Latitude 60° (Hubbard Glacier) and North 
Latitude 37° (San Francisco).


Looking at the Travel Alaska site it appears that the average temperature in 
the Inside Passage in August is 62°F or 17°C, while in San Francisco in August
it's 67 °F or 20°C.  Our travel agent claims that every time she's been to Juneau 
it's been raining. That means we will be layering, including our outdoor 
clothing that provides warmth and dryness. At the same time, it is summer, 
so we'll pack a few light weight summer clothes.


Oceania's dress code is country club casual for the dining rooms. For a man, 
that means dressing like this, and for a woman, like this.


We will be having space issues so will try mix and match as much as possible.