From our Daily Program Newsletter: “The city of Ketchikan stretches along the southwestern shore of Revillagigedo Island for several miles, facing Tongass Narrows. With 14,000 inhabitants, this fourth largest community in the 49th state is known as “Alaska’s First City” because it is the first town travelers reach when ferrying north. Ketchikan was established in 1887 when a salmon cannery was built at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek. Today, fishermen and loggers still contribute to a colorful atmosphere in the cafes and bars around the waterfront. Situated at the conjunction of three cultures - Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshan, the community proudly features the Totem Heritage Cultural Center, the Totem Bight State Park and the Saxman Totem Park. Ketchikan is also the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, the settlements on Prince of WalesIsland, and Metlakatla on Annette Island, the only Alaskan Native American reservation. Tourists will also want to see Creek Street Historic District, formerly known as “The Line,” Alaska’s most notorious red-light district from 1902 to 1954. This zigzagging boardwalk on pilings above Ketchikan Creek supported at least 30 “sporting houses” in its heyday. Today, the old houses are being spruced up and converted into small shops and businesses. Dolly’s House, where colorful Madam Dolly Copeland Arthur lived from 1919 to 1970, is now a period museum.”

Today we had our shortest day at port. We had originally planned to take a floatplane tour of the Magnificent Misty Fjords, but we didn’t think Abby would take to the flight well, so we cancelled it and spent the day walking through downtown, visiting all the colorful and charming shops.

Of most significant note is the stop at Treasures of Alaska, a jeweler selling Mark Henry Alexandrites. Paul bought me an exquisite Alexandrite pendant with the most amazing color change.

We learned of Alexandrites during our Caribbean Cruise. It first caught Paul’s attention because it is the original June birthstone, which people are not typically aware of. June’s birthstone is generally considered to be the pearl because Alexandrites are so rare!! As I have never been particularly fond of pearls, I was ecstatic to learn more about the Alexandrite stone and Paul and I have been entranced by this gem ever since. Known as “an emerald by day and ruby by night” due to its color change in natural light vs incandescent light.

We had to return to the ship before 12:30 PM and was underway for Victoria by 1:30. I attended the “Art of Towel Folding” presentation by a few of our room stewards. Every night, our turn-down service included a towel animal (stingray, swan, peacock, lobster, and puppy dog) on our bed. Abby has loved the different animals we got every night. Our room steward, Yudi, was one of the demonstrators. I ended up purchasing the Art of Towel Folding book so that I may recreate some of these adorable creations when I get the inclination!

Later in the afternoon, Paul and I indulged in a Couple’s Massage at the Greenhouse Spa while the Narges’ watched Abby. A very relaxing experience, though not quite as sweet as the one we had before.

Dinner was formal dress, so we donned our suits and evening dresses. The Vista Dining Room was even more formal than normal, with linen covered chairs and 12-piece silverware table settings. Food ordered at our table consisted of a starter (escargots and shrimp cocktails), appetizer (chilled tart cherry soup), main entree (6 oz. filet mignon and lobster tail with jasmine risotto rice and vegetables), and dessert (poire flambee, chocolate heaven, mango mouse, baked Alaska). Most of us were saving room for the Dessert Extravaganza from 10PM to 11:30PM tonight, featuring Dutch chocolate.....Yummmm!

Ketchikan photos can be found on Fotki.