This June 21-28, 2014 we took our calligraphy pens and brushes onto Holland America’s msWesterdam and journeyed to Alaska’s inner passageway. What a treat to enjoy our artistic endeavors in the lap of luxury! Holly taught Flourished Italic while Gary Lord taught Decorative Painting on Glass. Students combined the two skills in their final projects. Come take a peek – I’ll share a few pictures with you! Get on my email list if you would like to join me on a future cruise adventure!
Marilyn Dietrich, Maria Medeles and Holly Monroe about to board msWesterdam
Thursday, before our Saturday sail away, we met at a downtown Seattle hotel and enjoyed some time getting to know each other. There were 22 total in our group this year! Friends, Debbie and Ray Story (top right in photo) surprised me at the hotel, I had no idea they were coming. All the way from Tennessee! Others were from CO, OH, IN, TX, and CA.
Gathering at hotel in Seattle
Thursday evening, we ate at The Purple, Seattle. Friday, many went on the 3 hour tour of the city, while others went off on their own.
Waterfall park in downtown Seattle. Peggy Whalen (travel agent), Holly Monroe (instructor), Maria Medeles, Debbie Story
Chihuly’s Glass and Gardens
Friday evening, we gathered at Salty’s and enjoyed the view of the harbor and mountains.
Browns, Judys and Marianne Lord at Salty’s
Ray Story enjoying a lobster at Salty’s, Seattle
Holly at Pike Street Market….original Starbucks after a power walk through town.
Saturday morning, we boarded the ship for our week long adventure!
Flowers on msWesterdam
Our calligraphy/decorative painting class was a serious 20 hour focus. Weather this week was a little cloudy and chilly, was a perfect excuse to be creative! The classroom, lined with windows allowed us to view the Alaskan landscapes as we worked. Here is Gary Lord showing Marilyn a painting technique.
One half of the classroom! The windows in the room gave us a perfect view of the scenery.
Holland America provided us a beautiful classroom for the week. All of our supplies could be left there nightly. Daily, they provided us with coffee, tea and cookies. There was a Chocolate Beverage bar out the back door! Those of us who signed up early for the cruise had a $50 per day credit for beverages of any type! We were well hydrated!
As promised, everyone was able to enjoy all of the towns and excursions as the ship docked. Our first town was Juneau, Alaska where many went whale watching and hiked to the Mendenhall Glacier.
Totem Pole trail in Sitka
Here we are on the ship’s deck checking out Glacier Bay….
This was out of the Lido window as we overlooked the Ketchikan skyline. Can you see the sea plane landing? Such a beautiful sunny day….
And then there was an evening in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Took a water taxi over to the main part of town! Such fun….
So many amenities on the ship…from fine dining every evening
…to formal nights and amazing entertainment….from Dancing with the Stars, music (Recycled Percussion) and comedy
I have so many pictures, it was hard to decide which to share. Ask me to see others! I’ll close with our fabulous group of travelers on a formal night. (Missing are Abbey and Wayne Hutchison – they did not jump ship! 🙂
