The pitch and yaw of the cruise ship was noticeable during the night, but the air was clear and the sky partly cloudy in the morning. It was getting more challenging to walk in a straight line, which led to many giggles. Our excursion left at about 9, so we ate a quick breakfast to have time to get ready.

Startling sunshine! Brilliant green plants all around the bay; we were headed for an abandoned village.

We landed the Zodiacs on the beach and learned how to get out safely. Easier than we thought; these guides are helpful! Our heavy boots allowed us to walk into the water up to a foot deep. Walking up the cobblestones on the beach was a challenge, however.

We left our life jackets in a bin on the beach, and Clare grabbed some walking poles (small, medium or large). We explored the abandoned village and the plants that surrounded it.

After our wonderful excursion, we were relaxing in the lounge on Deck ten when whale sign was seen! The first was an entire tail of what was identified as a humpback. Then blow after blow of whales passing by.

• Alaska 2025