Yet when the summer becomes unbearable, most of us opt for a place much cooler than Manila. We could take a trip to Baguio, Tagaytay, the US, Canada or even Europe.
But my family wanted to really chill it out this summer so we opted for a trip to Alaska, the land of Eskimos, igloos and ice, ice, ice.
Our relatives from the US and Canada took time off to get together for a reunion in Alaska. We spent a week in Canada, and it was there that we boarded the Regal Princess for a cruise to Alaska.
One of the first things I discovered on the ship was that beautiful architecture is not necessarily built only on the ground. The ship, which was the nicest one that I had ever laid my eyes on, was a floating piece of architecture. The Paris’ Pompidou Center designer, Renzo Piano, envisioned a dolphin which evolves into the sleek and rounded lines of a radical ship. It seemed to me that this Regal Princess was similarly designed.
The ship was spacious and had a 24-hour international food court, over 180 state rooms, two swimming pools and four whirlpool spas. The decks were made of imported teak. Added to this, there was a resto for pizza and calzone lovers on deck.
If there were Las Vegas lovers on board they would not have been disappointed as there was a casino which featured games a highroller would have enjoyed. I should not forget to mention the state-of-the-art theater and international showroom where we were able to watch delightful circus acts and comedy shows.
Whale watching was another way people on the ship passed the time away. Others preferred checking out the island for bears.
Eating one’s fill was not a problem because if a workout was needed after a heavy meal, that could be done at the gym and sauna. The best part was that there were gym instructors on board to help out the fitness freak.
Viewing Alaska from the deck was fascinating. But admiring the ship with its pieces of art from paintings to sculptures, interesting fountain pieces to classical statues – made the trip truly an adventure for the senses. The shoppers among us were just as happy as a series of duty free shops lined the seventh deck.
But Alaska has wonderful sights to behold. After all, Alaska is not just ice, there are beautiful trees and snow-covered mountains which are breathtaking. Naturally, we did not stay on the boat during the whole trip. Our first stop was Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Here, flower pots hung on lamp posts and colorful banners were draped on store fronts. The place was a charming blend of the past and present. It used to be a mining town, which has been converted into a modern city with a touch of country living. The city’s cosmopolitan style is obvious in its sophisticated shops, contemporary museums, office buildings and restaurants.
Skagway, which is also known as the Historic Shrine, was our next stop. The famous White Pass and Youkon Route train busily travels around Skagway for touring and transport. The city boasts boardwalks and false-fronted buildings that have been fully restored to their rowdy 1890s charm. Horse-drawn wagons and buggies transport tourists around town, 19th-century style. A medley of stores also greets you while walking along the streets of Skagway.
One of the most interesting spots in Alaska is the Glacier Bay. Here, we witnessed slabs of ice hundreds of feet high crack off the face of a glacier and crash with a sound like thunder into an ice-blue bay. This was when I realized and experienced the true Alaska, what I usually see on the Disney Channel, come to life. This only proves that ice can be an art in itself while giving life to the whole scenery, which I thought was a tranquil place until the glaciers slowly retreat.
A taste of the past, that’s what Sitka, another Alaskan city, gives its visitors. It’s most famous landmark is the beautifully domed St. Michael’s Cathedral which has been converted into a museum. The Russian Orthodox church now holds some of the most treasured Russian icons in the United States, including paintings, vestments and jeweled wedding gowns which are more than a hundred years old.
A Russian castle is also located here at Castle Hill, which offers one of the most awesome views of Sitka. It was from there that we spotted bald eagles and the beautiful islands encompassing Sitka. It was another magnificent place.
Along this route we stopped to do some whale watching. This was yet another great experience for us because it was so unlike the shows at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park. After all, these were whales in their natural habitats. We also spotted bears and mountain goats while animal watching from the ship’s deck.
Tree-covered islands, snow-topped mountains, crashing glaciers, soaring bald eagles and whales executing their high jumps were indeed sights to behold.
The best part was that not only was I fortunate to travel with my whole family, I was also able to meet a lot of people from different places in the world.
From its wonderfully embellished interiors, rich decorative furniture and fixtures to the enjoyable activities and unending supply of food that left me with a feeling of not wanting to leave the comforts of the ship – it was truly a love boat for grand-class cruising.