Great Alaskan Explorer Cruise
June 4 – 18, 2018
~~~Embarkation Day~~~
As the 6th room aft of the exit door on Main Deck 2, the location of my room on starboard side was ideal, giving me a view of all of the going and coming from the ship in port.
As a single passenger I had originally chosen a partially obstructed view stateroom 3304 (H) for DOUBLE the rate of $1599, or $3198, but when I received a mailer from HAL advertising a drop in rate to $1499, and not yet having made final payment, i called my travel agent who called HAL and got my rate reduced to $2718. (Incidentally this is 170% of $1599)
Then with only a couple of weeks before sailing, I received an upgrade offer from HAL for an ocean view stateroom, category DH, for $129 pp, or $258 for me. So I selected stateroom 2565 on Main Deck 2, and was quite happy with my choice.
My only activity at this port was to go to the Salty Dawg Saloon for a few beers. This is an institution for Homer, not to be missed because of its historic importance.
Ours was called The Taste of Kodiak, and consisted of a walking tour to 6 different establishments to sample their wares. My only complaint was the 2-mile walk into town to begin the tour - and 2-miles back to the ship!