September 2023 - Scenic Knitting Cruise of Alaska – Highlights

The group of 33 knitters, hosted by Carla Scott cruised to Alaska from Seattle, participating in workshops with Michele Lee Bernstein and Ana Campos.

Seattle

Most of the knitters arrived a day early and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Ivar’s Acres of Clams, getting to know one another. The following day there was just enough time to do some sightseeing before heading to the cruise ship pier and boarding The Holland America Eurodam.

Onboard ship Carla and Kathy Bunbury met the group and provided everyone with their bags, needles, workshop instructions and a variety of straw hats for the ladies to decorate.

The following morning the knitters were divided into two groups to attend workshops. Michele Lee Bernstein taught a Brioche class while Ana Campos introduced the group to Portuguese knitting.

Juneau

Some of the ladies took an exclusive city tour and visited Mendenhall Glacier Park, hiking to the waterfall, and then ending at a local yarn store. Others took private tours, including whale watching and dog sledding.

Icy Strait Point

Sailing through Glacier Bay National Park everyone had awe-inspiring views of the glaciers, fjords, inlets, rivers, streams, and wildlife. The Eurodam was the first cruise ship able to sail right up to the John Hopkins Glacier. The baby seals, whose births had prevented previous cruise visits were seen swimming and lounging on the ice floes.
Later that afternoon, the group enjoyed the Krazy Knitting Afternoon Tea, giving some of the members an opportunity to celebrate Michele Lee Bernstein’s birthday and to showcase their knitting projects and straw hats that they had decorated with yarn and other accessories.
That evening, Icy Strait Point gave the group an opportunity to step back into history and see where Alaska’s money came from. The ladies had an opportunity to hike to the cannery and museum and to take a gondola ride through the treetops.

Sitka

The day spent in Sitka, the historic mid-1700s capital of Russian America, provided something for everyone. Visits to the onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, wildlife and whale watching tours and a stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical Park to watch a presentation of Russian dancing.

Ketchikan

The rustic charm of Ketchikan provided lots of opportunities to shop for yarn and souvenirs. Many in the group took an exclusive tour of the Potlatch Totem Park, & Wildlife tour with stops at two yarn stores.

Victoria

The following morning the group participated in the second round of Brioche and Portuguese knitting workshops as we sailed towards Victoria, British Columbia.

Arriving in Victoria at night provided a unique opportunity to visit the vast Butchart Gardens and see vibrant blooms lit up at every turn. A few ladies chose to enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel, while others toured the picturesque city.

Then before we knew it, the ship was back in Seattle and it was time for everyone to say farewell. ​