Alaska - Cruise Day 4 - Spending time with some goodtime girls in Skagway

Time to leave the scenic cruising days behind us and return to port stops where we can actually get off the ship and explore on land once again. Today is our first stop in the city of Skagway where we've booked a morning and an afternoon tour through Princess. But first, you know it wouldn't be a trip report by me without at least one sunrise/sunset picture.

Good morning those on the bridge guiding our sail in.

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Yes, yes, we're here!

Today, we were joined in port by Holland America's Noordam, the Crown Princess, and a blast from the past, my first cruise ship, the Celebrity Solstice.

Another one for the next Alaska tourism brochure:

And this is where I parked my helicopters:

Our morning tour had us visiting with some goodtime girls on a walking tour. The concept of the Ghosts and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour was part history of prostitution and part local ghost stories while we walked off breakfast. This tour currently retails for $49.95 and due to its context, the minimum age to book is 14 years old. The walk itself only covers half a mile and was always on paved road or sidewalk. All participants got to wear elastic frilly garters to show we were part of the group. I brought my garter home but just can't seem to find an outfit to wear it with. 

Here's Dad modeling his garter:

Our guide was certainly dressed the part of a saloon girl and explained that everyone of the girls had a name reminiscent of their profession. Her chosen name was Onya Johnson. 

With our small group, it was easy to keep up with our guide and hear her stories despite no microphone. Our first stop was the City of Skagway Museum and the uniquely shaped window above the entrance.

Onya pointed out several historical buildings in general as we walked by mixing it in with stories of local lore and hauntings of those who passed in tragedies. 

Skagway is a pretty easy town to just get off and wander around if you don't want to do a full tour. Here we were halfway through our tour and still within sight of the ship:

Can only imagine having to bring groceries up to that house on the mountain.

This decal hanging in the window was a signal to show that she was in.

Isn't it always the stone or brick chimney that's still standing after a great fire that spawns the ghost story of the former home owners who perished?

One of our last stops was to the AB building, affectionally known as the driftwood building. 

Our tour ended at the famous Red Onion Saloon. The Saloon is a popular spot for visitors wanting to partake in their famous duck fart shots. Onya led us past the crowd enjoying their drinks at the bar and up stairs to a small back room.

Here we took a breather at some tables to enjoy an included drink of champagne or in our preference, water. 

Once everyone was refreshed, we were escorted up the back stairs where the brothel had been back in the day and is now a museum.

They used this red light to signify that their was a session in progress. 

This hole was purposely made in the floor so that when the transaction was over, the girl could drop the payment down to the madam.

Despite meeting Onya at the start of the tour right off the ship, when it was over we were left to wander back on our own. We took our time and stopped at the White Pass Railway monument.

Skagway Centennial Statue

Next up - when a Luxury train ride leaves us feeling less than luxurious.