How I got lucky...

MS Fridtjof Nansen in Sitka, Alaska

I'd like to tell you a story. Are you sitting comfortably? Then i will begin...

Let me take you back to 2023. It is early September and I am on the expedition ship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen, to travel southbound from Nome, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. This particular cruise was chosen specifically because Nome was a 'bucket list' destination for me.

Unlike most cruise lines traveling to Alaska, Hurtigruten opted to bypass the typical tourist spots and added excitement with alternative destinations and excursions. They provided a variety of landing options, ranging from tenders and docks to locations accessible only by a small 12-person Zodiac boat or nature landings. I was far outside my comfort zone, and just the thought of disembarking onto a small rubber boat in the open ocean made me nervous. So, when our first excursion was canceled due to 10-foot waves crashing on St. Matthew Island, I breathed a sigh of relief loud enough to be heard all the way to the shoreline!

The next day at St Paul, luck wasn't on my side. Landing conditions were favorable, so I geared up in waterproofs, a life jacket, and muck boots, and headed to the disembarkation point. As the group before us exited the ship, we were informed there was one space left in the zodiac. Standing at the front of the queue with my husband, and with everyone behind us in pairs, I felt a strong urge to get on that zodiac. Missing it might mean backing out of the entire excursion. I confidently moved forward, leaving my husband alone to catch the next one. The only available seat was next to the zodiac driver, John, who would later be known, to me, by his nickname, Rusty. This moment marked a turning point in my life, although I didn't realize its significance at the time. I felt an incredible energy in that boat—a sense of safety and calm, like coming home. The zodiac ride was exhilarating and liberating. My apprehensions vanished, and I absolutely loved it.

Zodiac Boats used by Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises.

Fast forward a couple of days and I had planned on spending a little time reading in the Lounge, on Deck 10. I found a spot that seemed full of energy and settled in. A few moments later a voice behind me said, and I quote "I like your hair." I turned to say Thank you and there was, Rusty. We instantly started talking. It was as if we had always been friends, as if I'd known him my whole life. there was an instant, strong connection between us.

As the cruise headed south, we often found ourselves hanging out on deck 10, chatting, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. Rusty was hilarious and engaging, with tons of stories about his life and adventures working in Alaska for the past 50 years. He was a captain in his own right and lived on his boat when he wasn't working. During our talks, he mentioned that if I ever wanted to visit Alaska again, he'd be happy to show me around. It's one of those things people say, like, "If you're in the area, drop by, we'd love to see you!" or so i thought.

On the last day of the cruise, we said our goodbyes and exchanged contact info, promising to keep in touch. I told him I'd send him the link to the Cruise Highlights, which all passengers got but weren't available to the crew. I felt an unexpected sadness about leaving him.

In October 2023, I fired off the promised info to Rusty. Despite it being the middle of the night for him—oops, forgot about that pesky 8-hour time warp—he shot back a reply faster than a caffeinated squirrel.

Fast forward to 2025, after loads of friendship-building, chatting, and organizing, I'm packing my bags for Alaska to reunite with my incredible friend, Rusty. We're set to spend 10 weeks sailing around the Gulf of Alaska in his boat, Harmony.

And that, Dear Reader, is how I hit the jackpot.