Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 63

Cruising Alaska’s Inner Passage with Princess Cruises #WeAreBack 2021

[image error] I absolutely loved being back onboard Princess Cruises! I sailed on the Majestic Princess to Alaska August 29, 2021. I sailed from Seattle to Alaska including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Glacier Bay. [image error] What did I do?

In JUNEAU August 31, 2021: I saw humpback whales on the way in to port. I went to lunch with Mickey Richardson from Icy Strait Port and then to Mendenhall Glacier with Dirk Younk, a naturalist, for some awesome photos!

After that I went on the Ship Shore Excursion: “Taku Glacier Helicopter Landing & Airboat Tour – A Discovery Exclusive.” I loved flying over the glacier by helicopter with Pilot Adam. It was my first time in an airboat and I did not realize we would get so close to the glacier. It was very beautiful and Brian was a great captain. He has ear protection for you to wear because the airboat is loud. My tour did not land on the glacier as there was a tour participant who had a slip and fall and we needed to return to base. I loved the parts of the tour that we were able to do. I would go again.

In Skagway, Alaska, I took the ship tour: Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting from Majestic Princess Sept 1, 2021. The scenery from the ferry ride from Skagway to Haines was beautiful. I loved floating in the raft. The guides do the rowing–you just enjoy the scenery and take photos of eagles. Chris and Tom were fantastic guides who knew everything about the area, eagles and Alaska. I loved this tour and they have waterproof boots for you to wear so your feet do not get wet. I would definitely go again. THANK YOU to Chris and Tom for a great day with the eagles and on the river. I took a similar tour 20 years ago when I worked onboard for Princess Cruises.

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Thank you to the entire team on the Majestic Princess for an amazing Alaska summer cruise in 2021. We sailed into Glacier Bay on Sept 2, 2021. It was quite foggy with liquid sunshine but at some moments it cleared up. The Park Rangers were on board to answer questions and explain about the glaciers we saw. The glaciers are giant and we could hear the pieces calving off! In the evening, I went to the Captain’s Circle Party hosted by Loyalty Ambassador, Tina, and Captain Tony Draper. I loved my cruise on the Majestic Princess!

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In Ketchikan, Alaska, I went on the Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk – An Animal Planet Exclusive at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary from from my cruise on the Majestic Princess on Sept 3, 2021 which I LOVED!! It was INCREDIBLE to be so close to so many bears! We saw 8 or 9 bears and a mother with cubs. The cubs were climbing up a tree. I loved every minute of watching these black bears catch salmon and walk in the river. I would definitely go again. 20 years ago when I worked onboard for Princess Cruises, I walked with bears with a naturalist. This was awesome to be almost next to them but be on the wooden platform above them.

[image error] MORE OF MY MAJESTIC PRINCESS EXPERIENCES–watch all my videos:

I had a balcony on this Medallion class ship with room enough to hula-hoop in my room. I loved the pools, hot tubs, sports court, the many restaurants and all the activities on board like fruit carving and ice carving. I walked around the deck and watched movies under the stars. I have separate videos of Sail Away, the dancing fountains and each of the ports as well as Where to EAT onboard! I spent 2 nights at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle before joining and have separate videos of those as well.

Thank you to Captain Tony Draper and the entire crew onboard for an incredible week in Alaska on the Majestic Princess! See all of my videos from Alaska sailing on Majestic Princess Summer 2021 https://bit.ly/AlaskaCruise21

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Top Luxury and Perfect Location at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle

I loved my stay at Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle in August 2021 before my cruise on the Majestic Princess. It is located in the heart of the city and walking distance to Pike Place Market, the Art Museum and other Seattle treasures!

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The hotel first opened in 1924 and during COVID, there was a $25 million dollar restoration project! The main lobby is fully renovated and the new Olympic bar is open! I loved the kinetic art installation above the Olympic Bar which was designed by Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV) to resemble the the original historic logo of the hotel which is a ship that you can still see on the lobby elevator doors. The art installation is made up of over 400 handmade pieces, including metal poles, wooden pieces and decorative items, and it has eight motorized wheels.

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There is a hidden bookcase in the main lobby which is not open yet but will be specially for spirit drinkers! I loved the all-day dining and they also have Afternoon Tea on the weekend.

The hotel’s original Italian terrazzo flooring from 1924 was lovingly restored on the staircase and staircase landings. The historic 300-pound crystal chandeliers which presided over decades of celebrations were moved crystal by crystal to the foyer of the Spanish Ballroom. 

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The original American oak carvings can be seen on the second floor above the lobby bar and you can also enjoy the history walk on the Mezzanine level which includes old photographs, newspaper articles, historical documents and artifacts such as the first guest registry and guest correspondence letters!

DID YOU KNOW about FAIRMONT OLYMPIC HOTEL

1. The land where Fairmont Olympic Hotel now stands was initially deeded by Arthur Denny in 1861, when it was the original site of the University of Washington.

2. After the University outgrew its original home and moved to its present location, a theater known as the Metropolitan Theater was built on a portion of the site and opened in 1911.

3. In 1921, further plans were initiated for a proposal to build a grand hotel that would wrap around the theater on three sides, encompassing an entire city block.

4. In 1922, plans for financing the hotel were formulated by a group of nearly 400 prominent citizens known as the “Community Hotel Corporation.” A bond drive was organized so that anyone could take part by investing in the venture. Public response to the proposal was tremendous, and Seattleites purchased $100 bonds and raised $2.7 million dollars for the hotel.

5. The Seattle Times held a contest with a $50 prize to whoever submitted the best name for the hotel, chosen by the board of the Community Hotel Corporation. 3,906 entries were submitted and one name, submitted in several variations, pleased the committee the most. They settled on The Olympic, for which 11 entries had been submitted and the first submitted won the prize.

6. The Olympic Hotel opened on December 6, 1924. Total cost of construction was $4,574,000. The original architect was George B. Post & Sons, New York.

7. Opened during the Roaring ‘20s, the grand hotel began its presidential history by hosting President Hoover during his term. Since then, nearly every president and most presidential candidates have checked into the hotel.

8. The Olympic Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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9. The hotel underwent a full restoration in the mid-1980s to bring the original guest room count of 756 down to 450 rooms with nearly half of the rooms as suites.

10. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts assumed management of the hotel on August 1, 2003.

11. A $25 million renovation in 2016 by Parker-Torres Design Inc. refreshed all guest rooms and corridors.

12. The current $25 million renovation features a fully transformed lobby anchored by a new lobby bar and updated event spaces. Later this year, the project will unveil a new culinary flagship and introduce an intimate spirit drinker’s enclave. Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV) created the interior vision and design for the hotel and worked in tandem with Parker-Torres Design Inc., who designed the meeting rooms.

Want to know —What to DO in Seattle? see my video for all the places I went on my guided tour with Mia.I loved my Alaskan cruise–Enjoy the videos with eagles, bears, glaciers on the Majestic Princess:

More articles:
What to DO in Seattle?

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Exploring Seattle: Altitude and Attitude: through History, Art and the Space Needle

[image error] Lisa and Mia in Seattle

I love to explore a city by foot. I feel like I understand a place better. I was thrilled when my friend, Mia, offered to guide me around her hometown and show me the sights. I hope you get to visit Seattle soon because there is so much to see and do.

At Seattle Center, we saw kids playing in the giant fountain in the middle of the park. It was a very sunny Saturday at the end of August and every one was happy to be enjoying the outdoors.

We bought tickets at the Space Needle for it as well as Chihuly Garden and Glass. It is cheaper to buy the combo ticket and the glass museum is Mia’s favorite!

We went to the Space Needle first. We stood in line to take the elevator up and up and up. There is no talking in the elevator for the 41 second ride which is a COVID precaution to minimize any particles spreading. The elevator gets fresh air from the outside which is very unusual for an elevator. There are far-UV-C lights inside the elevator which sanitize the air.

[image error] Space Needle observation deck. OHM!

The Space Needle officially opened to the public on April 21, 1962 for the Century 21 Exposition, a space age-themed world’s fair. It used to be that 1.3 million guests would visit the Space Needle per year, and nearly 60 million visitors have visited the tower since it opened in 1962. It is 605 feet tall and has 360-degree views from an indoor observation deck and open-air viewing area. We saw other people in the enclosed/indoor observation deck lie on the floor–I said–I want to do that too. I loved how the floor turned round and round! The views are spectacular!

If you or someone in your family is not sure about going to the viewing deck of the fourth tallest observation tower in the USA, you can test it out by watching the webcam: https://www.spaceneedle.com/webcam

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Chihuly Garden and Glass is an amazing indoor and outdoor museum of glass art creations. I really wanted to touch the art but you are not allowed to touch anything. I loved the art in the ceiling and the giant flowers and the enormous boat. It is all very unique and creative. It made me want to learn to blow glass and we did watch the glass blowing demonstrations outside. Mia took me to look at all the collections in the cafe. Next time, I want to go to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma!

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We took the monorail from Seattle Center to get back to my hotel, Fairmont Olympic! We could have walked but we were saving our steps for The “Beneath The Streets: After Hours Red Light District Tour” to learn about the underground city. We chose the adults only 18+ tour but during the day there is a family friendly version. The tour explores several sections of Seattle’s historic underground and discusses the history behind these passageways that were constructed in the 1890’s and then abandoned less than 20 years later. I was amazed to learn how the city evolved and to actually walk underground. I loved it!

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After the tour, we walked along the water at sunset. The ferris wheel looked beautiful all lit up.

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WHERE DID WE EAT?

We ate beignets for breakfast at the iconic Toulouse Petit, had afternoon tea at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and marvelous Mexican for dinner in Georgetown at Fonda La Cantina!

I look forward to visiting Seattle again. I loved my stay before my cruise to Alaska on the Majestic Princess.

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THAN K YOU MIA

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See all of my videos from Seattle and Alaska:

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Puerto Rico: Family Fun in the Sun

Thank you to TODAY.com for publishing my article, “Family Fun in the Sun: Puerto Rico!” [image error] Where can you take your family for Caribbean sunshine without leaving the United States? Puerto Rico!

I felt very comfortable taking a domestic flight where I could still use my cell phone plan and American dollars but bask in island vibes. When I worked on cruise ships many years ago, I used to sail out of San Juan and was able to explore the 500 year old forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal. Walking in old San Juan feels like your history books have come to life!

[image error] Castillo de San Cristóbal by Lisa Niver [image error] When I went back this summer, I found brand new adventures to explore.

At the recently opened, Distrito T-Mobile, I went zip-lining at TOROVERDE Urban Park past the Sheraton Hotel, Aloft Hotel and landed at the Convention Center! There are several different zip-lines to try including the Sky Bull, with three zip-lines from 150 to 400 feet long and starts 90 feet high from the main tower and the Blazing Bull, with two zip-lines at 900 and 650 feet long. After climbing the stairs up and up, I glided from 120 feet high in a “Superman” position! If someone in your family has always wanted to be a superhero, this is a great adventure!

Inside, they have rock climbing at Pico del Toro. You do not have to have any previous experience and they have different levels of difficulty for every type of adventurer. You can also climb in the rafters—on the Bull Maze: which is the biggest string maze in America! Do you want to feel like you are an American Ninja Warrior? Test your physical prowess with the 40 obstacles.

Does your family love the movies?

I love to beat the afternoon heat with a great film. I went to Screen X at Caribbean Cinemas VIP in Distrito T-Mobile. They have laser projectors and a complete surround sound system so you will be fully immersed in your movie. I have seen 3D, 4D and 3D with 4D which I love, but Screen X felt very immersive with the 270 degree panoramic view and visuals on the sides of the walls. It felt like I was inside the film in a new way that I do not feel with other projections. While I do really enjoy a movie in 4D, at Screen X they have amazing luxury recliners with fantastic footrests and cup holders which feel like first class airline seats. Of course, you can reserve your seat in advance.

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When I travel I love to learn about the local economy, Frutos del Guacabo is teaching farming and changing the food system of Puerto Rico! Efrén Robles and his family work with 200 chefs and restaurants providing food from 50 farmers. They work as a hub for distribution and teach techniques like hydroponic farming so that more people can grow food. In Puerto Rico, 80 to 90% of food is imported.

Frutos del Guacabo is a family business that began in 2010 as a small farm for the development of hydroponic products, now they also focus on the sustainability of products and processes. Their innovation includes the production and development of edible flowers, micro-sprouts, breeding-handling of animals especially goats to make cheese, and its certification as an agro-tourism farm so they can give tours and share their educational mission.

At Frutos del Guacabo, culinary agriculture is promoted through a “Farm to Table” experience. Chefs, waiters, diners, and students exchange their knowledge and experiences to continue developing the gastronomy of the island. On your tour, you can see their goats, rabbits and horses as well as taste the edible flowers, micro-greens and the goat cheese among many other tasty treats. We had a lovely lunch and tour. I highly recommend you visit and milk a goat like I did!

When I am traveling, I love to find a local beach. We visited Playa Mar Chiquita in Puerto Rico after our tour at Frutos del Guacabo and on our way to the Bacardi Factory for our Mixology Tour. It was a beautiful beach and I would love to go back!

I wish you a ¡Buen viaje! (a good trip). See you in Puerto Rico!

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Two-Time Finalist: Niver’s News: Sept 2021

Sept News 2021 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:Thank you to the Southern California Journalism Awards! I am honored to be a finalist for technology reporting as well as book criticism. The awards ceremony is Oct 16, so please cross your fingers that I win as a present for my birthday (Oct 18!). See all of my nominations and wins, at this link: https://lisaniver.com/awards/ [image error] Happy New Year! It is now 5782 in the Jewish calendar. Thank you to Phil and Tamar Koosed for their leadership for THE BIG FILL. Get involved to save Syrian children: Donate here [image error] Thank you to TODAY.com for publishing my article: “Family Fun in the Sun: Puerto Rico.” I loved my trip there this summer! [image error]

Learn more about my trip to PUERTO RICO with these four articles and watch my adventures by video here!

Welcome Distrito T-MobileWhere to STAY and Where to EATWhat to DO: Zip-line, Movies and Live EntertainmentPuerto Rico: Our Perfect Day Out at Frutos del Guacabo, the Beach and Bacardi Mixology Class!Thank you to Jen Billock and Your Tango for including me in the article, ““10 Most Helpful Divorce Books — Recommended By Actual Divorced Women” or read just my section at this link. [image error] Thank you Shout Out LA for interviewing me! I am honored to be included in your series. [image error]  My newest videos are from my ALASKA CRUISE on the Majestic Princess. I sailed Aug 29, 2021 out of Seattle:WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over 1.37 million views on YouTube! (Exact count: 1,374,265 views)

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 3,200 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE

Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow  on Twitter at @LisaNiver, Instagram @LisaNiver and on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com.

My fortune cookies said: “If you wish to see the best in others, show the best in yourself.”“Happiness isn’t an outside job, it’s an inside job!” [image error] Lisa Niver at Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska on Aug 31, 2021 from the Majestic Princess

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