Thank you so much for the report! i was on deck 6 below you, and it's so much fun to relive it all. I will agree with you that the weather in Vancouver was so awesome. I spent 3 days there before the cruise, and it was a real surprise. The rain at the ports bothered me more than I thought it would, so I'm super grateful that I had some sunshine in Vancouver.
I saw a whale's tail right outside the porthole at French Quarter during that first sea day. This little girl said, look whales! I thought she was imagining them, but no, it was RIGHT THERE! We were so lucky.
I went to Haines in the pouring rain from Skagway, hoping to see bears at the river eating salmon. Finally, we saw mom and her cubs at the end! I think there might have been a riot if nothing happened after two hours in the rain!
Juneau was my favorite day, but probably the weather helped a lot! I saw the glacier and the salmon bake. It was so yummy! That Taku lodge looks amazing though, and if I went back, I think I would go there!
I had waterproof pants, rain jacket and backpack, so I didn't get too cold or wet. I just really didn't expect the grey weather to put such a damper on it all. I'm still glad I went; it is a beautiful area.
Jun