BEAR THRILLS
Nigel Thompson packs his superlatives for an epic Alaskan wildlife and glaciers cruise
Previous bear-watching trips to Alaska and British Columbia had been unbearable. Along the lines of “there were loads here yesterday” and finding fresh evidence that bears do indeed do what they are reputed to do in the woods – but no actual bear.
Peak bareness of bears was revealed in a text from a friend too jetlagged to go on a bear-spotting forest bike ride in Whistler, saying they were ambling round the hotel grounds practically posing for photos.
Obviously us bear-seeking cyclists remained a bear-free zone.
So it was with more hope than expectation that I joined Princess
Cruises’ new 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess in Seattle for a seven-night sailing to Alaska...
Day 1 Medallion man
Princess prides itself on its Oceanmedallion technology, a 10p-sized disc that acts as your ID for getting on and off the ship, a keyless entry for your cabin and a payment system – with app support via the ship wi-fi.
Does it work? Much better than I expected. The security aspect is a doddle and I loved the way it recognises you as you approach your cabin and unlocks the door – handy if, for example, you are carrying food or drinks.
Fully Medallioned up and raring to go, I was on board with luggage delivered to my cabin in an hour, introduced to friendly steward Reyjiel – all the crew were superb – and safety briefing completed.
So time for an aperitif at the Salty Dog Gastropub and dinner at the Italian fine dining Sabatini’s (extra fee $25). Jetlag did not prevent me from devouring prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin and a decadent chocolate dessert.
Day 2 Seas the moment
Mooching about a cruise ship on a sea day is my specialist subject and I explored the 145,000 gross tonnage Discovery extensively, booking time in the Enclave thermal suite and a spa treatment, sorting more restaurant reservations and