It may be the strangest way to get to a cruise ship ever. I am glad someone else arranged the transport, because we have to head to Whittier Alaska, a city where all the residents live under one roof. And the only way you can enter town is by boat or through a timed tunnel.

A bus picks us up at the hotel to transport us to Whittier.. It will be about about a one hour drive if the tunnel traffic cooperates. We are driving around the Turnagain Arm. The last time I was in Alaska this was a leisurely drive under clear skies. I enjoyed the trip around the beautiful bay. We took every scenic turn out and hiked nearby glacier trails.

Today we are doing a mad dash in wind and rain. The tide is out and the mud flats are barely visible in the foggy grey conditions. The driver offers us a chance to dash out and take a photo, but only a few of us are crazy enough to take him up on it. We come back soaked.

The bus waits in queue to enter the Whittier tunnel. Originally constructed in 1941–1943 as a military railroad-only supply tunnel during World War II, it was converted and re-opened in 2000 to accommodate alternating vehicle and train traffic. We essentially drive 2.5 miles on railroad tracks with timed entry to prevent accidents. It is the only way to the port. I couldn’t live in a town that only has one way in and one residential building.

Despite its odd location, Whittier is an easy cruise port to navigate once you get here. Embarkation goes smoothly and within a short time after arrival at the terminal, we are on board.

Entering the ship is just like coming home after a long absence. While we have never been on board the Westerdam, we spent over a month sailing around South America on the Oosterdam. The two ships are largely identical. Everything is laid out the same. It feels comfortable.

Better still, our room is immediately ready for occupancy. It feels so good to unpack after ten days on the road. I don’t like living out of a suitcase. And the stateroom is large with plenty of cabinet space. We can spread out and have room to spare.

The ship will wait on guests who are arriving by train, so we will be in port until nightfall. I know just what to do to fill the time. First, I visit my favorite location… the library. I select a novel I want to read. I also pick up the daily crossword puzzle. Next I find my swimsuit and make good use of the hot tub while I am still the only one around to enjoy it. Everyone else is still touring the ship, but we don’t need to. I could walk it in my sleep. Instead, I will have the hot tub and lounge chairs on the Lido deck to myself.

We decide to get a small bite to eat at the buffet. It is my least favorite part of a cruise. It is usually crowded and people can be quite rude, cutting in line and pushing for a table. I much prefer the civilized dining room experience. We will go there later this evening and have a three course meal complete with white linens and impeccable service.

At four o’clock and seven o’clock there is trivia. You can usually find us there if we are onboard. Today is no exception. We actually win a round now and again. Today’s prize is a wooden tulip. It is super cute and going home with me.

After dinner, we always try to see a show. The main stage entertainment crew on this ship appear to be young Irish singers and they are fantastic. I am looking forward to hearing more. Unfortunately the dance band is the opposite. I love to finish the evening with a little dancing, but this band doesn’t seem to realize they were scheduled in the venue because people like to dance. The music is ridiculously loud and is full of screaming guitar solos and songs no one could dance to. We leave and so do most of the guests. Unfortunate.

Since dancing is not an option we stop by the piano bar where the nicest Canadian kid is doing his best. What he lacks in skill, he makes up for in sincerity. The Dam Band (their actually name) is playing in the Ocean Bar. We linger for a little while to soak in some smooth jazz.

It has been a long day. We walk the upper deck in the twilight of the midnight sun. It is good to be back on board a Holland ship. I will head to my cabin and when I wake up, we will be somewhere new. It is the magic of cruise life and a HAL cruise experience is magical indeed.