Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Interview with Captain Henk Keijer of Holland America Line

 “Ladies and Gentlemen,” booms the voice over the PA system. “This is Captain Henk Keijer.”

Typically passengers don’t meet the captain of the ship unless they attend a ’cocktails with the captain’ party toward the end of the cruise.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Keijer mid-week on our seven day Alaskan Explorer cruise as a guest of Holland America Line.

When I heard his voice broadcasting through the Ms Westerdam cruise ship with an important message, I was not alarmed, but I knew something was up.

The September wind was blowing and the swells were picking up size as we were leaving Juneau, Alaska. Captain Keijer had decided to by-pass Sitka, our next port of call. Instead, he would guide our cruise ship up the protected and scenic Tracy Arm and was sharing the change of plans with the passengers.

Captain Keijer has spend 17 and one half years with Holland America Line and clearly enjoys his job. Originally from Holland, Keijer has traveled extensively and knew that he wanted to sail ships early on in his life. When he’s not piloting the Ms Westerdam, his days are spent in Seattle. His schedule is typically three months on and three months off the ship.

Margerie Glacier in Alaska as seen from Holland America Line MS Westerdam

 While I was interviewing Captain Keijer, the Margarie Glacier was calving in the background. I asked him if calving, or breaking off of the glacier, was a result of global warming.

“Calving is prefectly natural for glaciers,” explained Keijer. “It means that it is flowing, growing and advancing. If they stop calving, then there is a problem. That’s a bad sign,” concluded Keijer.

What are your favorite things to do in Alaska?

 I was a guest of Holland America Line. Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Related Posts:

Best Things to See and Do in Anchorage, Alaska

Best Things to See and Do in Fairbanks

Best Things to See and Do in Ketchican

Best Things to See and Do in Juneau

2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race

Post by Nancy D. Brown

Nancy D. Brown at the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska

 My favorite tips and locations for visitors to Juneau, Alaska. 

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the Mendenhall Glacier.

When I crave Juneau cuisine, I turn to Tracy’s King Crab Shack for her king crab.

To escape work I drive out to the Shrine of St. Therese for meditation and awesome scenery.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the beach at the end of False Outer Point trail.

Ride the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska

 If you come to Juneau, get your picture taken at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Twisted Fish Alaskan Grill, get the coconut salmon appetizer.

Juneau is my one stop shop for glaciers, whale watching and wilderness adventure. I went with Dolphin Jet Boat Tours and had a fine trip. In fact, the company guarantees you’ll see whales or you’ll receive $100 back.

When I want something other than seafood, I go to Chan’s Thai Kitchen.

For a huge splurge, I go to the Gold Room at the Westmark Baranof Hotel.

Photo ops in Juneau include Photo Point at the Mendenhall glacier, the bronze bear on Main Street and the Mt. Roberts Tram.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Main Street or across the Douglas Bridge to the Breeze Inn parking lot.

The most random thing about Juneau is the Alaska Folk Festival.

In Juneau, an active day outdoors involves walking or hiking the East Glacier Trail.

Go Bear Watching in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau’s best museum is Alaska State Museum followed closely by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

For a night of dancing, go to the Viking Lounge.

McDonald’s is the spot for late night dining.

To find out what’s going on at night or on weekends, read the Juneau Empire.

In the spring you should attend Juneau Jazz and Classics.

In the summer you should attend Gold Rush Days and the July 4th Celebrations.

 In the fall you should go deer hunting.

In the winter you should go to Eaglecrest Ski Area.

A hidden gem in Juneau is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Silverbow Bakery or Heritage Coffee Cafe.

Just outside of Juneau you can visit Taku Glacier and have lunch at the Taku Glacier Lodge.

The best way to see Juneau is to walk the historic downtown streets, ride the Mt. Roberts Tram or go flight seeing. (But don’t go in September, as you are more apt to have fog, as was the case for my trip.)

Fish Ladder at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, Juneau, Alaska

 If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Gold Creek Salmon Bake and roasting marshmallows. I also enjoyed visiting the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and looking at the fish ladder.

What are your favorite things to do in Juneau, Alaska?

Photos by Nancy D. Brown. Thank you to Elizabeth Arnett of the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau. For on the ground support during your visit, follow the Juneau Visitors Center on Twitter.

Related Posts:

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Best Things to See and Do in Anchorage, Alaska

Best Things to See and Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

Best Things to See and Do in Ketchican, Alaska