Crusin' to Alaska May 24th, 2011 (Lots of photos, menus, ship docs)

[E&Cmom]

I have a 7 and 4 year old and we didn't get them.

 

[Diannah]

I have a 7 and 4 year old and we didn't get them.

Odd. I have a 16 yo and we got them. They were usually on our fish when we got back from dinner....

 

[Dawncala]

Your photos are gorgeous!! What type of cameras do you have?

Thank you. I have an Olympus E-510 and most of the Tracy Arm and show photos were taken with it, but we also used our point-and-shoot for some. It's a Canon Powershot SD1100 IS and it's been remarkable reliable for many years now.

 

[Dawncala]

Your pictures are amazing. I am loving your report. I am jealous of the close up picture of the glacier and that you saw the mountain goats. I had to take my DDs to the Disney Friends Tea so we went inside early so we didn't get to see them.

We were also at the Adult Animation class. Great job on the Plutos.


ETA: We didn't get those booklets for port days. I only got the shopping guide. Was it a Castaway Club thing? We were first time cruisers.

Thank you. Wasn't it an awesome cruise?!

I don't know if we got the booklets because we are Castaway Club members or not. It was our second cruise, but it seems like the kind of thing they would give to any family with children.

After reading further postings it looks like there isn't much rhyme or reason regarding which cabins received them. Maybe some room hosts just didn't pass them out. (tsk, tsk Disney)

 

[LAWalz23]

Thank you. I have an Olympus E-510 and most of the Tracy Arm and show photos were taken with it, but we also used our point-and-shoot for some. It's a Canon Powershot SD1100 IS and it's been remarkable reliable for many years now.

I love my Canon powershot also but bought the Canon Rebel 3 for this trip. Hoping my pictures turn out as good as yours!

 

[Dawncala]

I woke mere minutes before the Wonder docked in Skagway (6:30ish) so I went out on the verandah to check things out. It’s amazing that they can dock something so big so smoothly. The sun was already out. It was going to be a beautiful day. I pulled open the curtains to let in the day and I received groans from my three sleeping family members. (No guilt here)

Since we were going to be in Skagway from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM we didn’t need to rush so I took my time getting dressed and went up on deck to take photos of the town from the bow of the ship. The ship was sooo quiet. You’d never know there were over 2000 passengers and over a thousand crew. All three pools were completely empty which I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. (And they were open… I checked)

Helicopter tours taking off nearby.

I felt like eating someplace different today so we went to breakfast in Parrot Cay. It has the same basic buffet items and omelet station as BBB and my kids don't care as long as there are donuts. (a special treat they get because we’re on vacation)

DH had pulled something in his neck the evening before so I had him schedule a massage at the spa. After breakfast he left for that and my son ran off to the Lab. DD and I went back to the cabin to prep our fish extender gifts.

We had a great group of FE people from our DIS meet group and we’d been getting lots of fun souvenirs all week. Some of the highlights included Wonder/Alaska themed magnets, Disney playing cards, a DVD case turned into a clever themed notepad holder, a cruise themed magnetic whiteboard and my personal favorite was the baggie of Toy Story hand sanitizer and a mini bottle of Vodka. (A sanitizing pack for inside and out. Cracked us all up.)

When DH got back from his massage DD went to see if DS wanted to go pass out the Fish Extender gifts with us. He was having fun with his friends so we went without him. We only had 21 (or 22) cabins to deliver so it didn’t take too long. We started on deck one and worked our way back up. (We have done a LOT of stairs this week)

Cute treasure chest attached to the Fish Extender.

The sun was still out and it was getting warm so we collected DS from the Lab, went back to the room to put on sunscreen, and DD and I changed into shorts and sandals. We had quick lunch at BBB at noon then it was down to deck 3 to disembark. There was a huge line of people waiting to get back on (probably for lunch), but no line to get off.

I think I should probably let everyone know that we didn’t take any excursions in any of the ports. Since this was a very last minute, unplanned vacation (kids sail free offer), and we’d just recently taken a Spring Break ski vacation. We vowed to keep it low budget, and more importantly, we didn’t want to feel rushed. (We live that every day at home) DH wanted the option to sleep in every day if he felt like it.

We figured if we really wanted to take a tour we’d decide that day, and it if was available, then it was meant to be. Nothing struck us as a “must do” adventure today. We were quite happy with our decision and had a great time at our own pace. Also, to keep the cost down, we ate all our meals on the ship, so unfortunately I can’t critique the town restaurants either.

The ship was practically parked IN Skagway so it was a short walk to the town. For those taking the White Pass Railroad tour, the train was right there next to the ship. A couple of quick photos in front of the Wonder and we were off to explore. There was only one other cruise ship in port, a Carnival one, so the town was not crowded at all.

The White Pass train on the left.

The town was cute with colorful buildings and wooden sidewalks.

We learned a bit about the history of Skagway and the trains were cool, especially the snow plow one.

To be continued in part 2

 

[Dawncala]

As far as shopping in Skagway goes, if you like jewelry you’ll be in heaven. There is a jewelry store roughly every 10 feet. Some of it was quite gorgeous, and we wandered in and out of several stores, but I’m not a big jewelry girl so I don’t know if the prices were good deals or not.

There were also plenty of souvenir shops with art, t-shirts, and stuffed animals. Perry had some fun and my son bought a husky hand puppet as his Alaska souvenir.

Hey, where’s Perry?

Sarah Palin is pretty big here. There are life-size cut outs and souvenirs all over, and even a whole Sarah Palin store.

A view of the Wonder from the other end of the main street.

Looks like the bow art is getting a little work done.

We got back on the ship at 3:30, grabbed a snack from Goofy’s Galley, and watched the crew perform drills with the port side lifeboats. We asked at the Guest Services desk about the drill and we learned that they perform them on every cruise, and they try to alternate between running the port and starboard lifeboats. It is required practice for the crew and to keep the lifeboats in good running condition.

At 4:30 I ran down to get us good seats for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (in 3D) in the Walt Disney Theater. We were all so excited to get to see it on the ship. (The 3D glasses left a red mark on the bridge of my nose though that lasted all through dinner.)

Perry didn't have the same problem.

We were a little disappointed that they weren’t showing POTC:OST on pirate dress-up night, but we were told it was because of the length of the movie. Because of port hours this was the way the timing worked best for the most passengers to be able to attend. We all enjoyed the movie, although personally I missed Orlando and Keira. I hope they bring them back for Pirates 5.

It is a really long movie (and make sure you sit to the end as there is a little bit more) so we just had time to change before heading to dinner. DH and I had reservations in Palo tonight, but first we dropped off DD and DS in Animator’s Palate. They were told they could go to BBB, order room service or go to regular dining (AP) and they chose the dining room. We figured it was good to give them an opportunity to show off their responsibility and we heard that they were golden.

DH and I had the buffet brunch in Palo on our previous cruise so this was our first dinner. Our server, Toni, from Croatia, was stellar. The food was sensational and you can’t beat the view of the sunset and snowcapped mountains. We had an excellent window table and we thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine and the view.

We texted occasionally with the kids to make sure all was well. I was slightly disappointed to be in Palo when we learned that they were having the new Alaskan Menu tonight with the king crab legs. DD said they were excellent. I’m glad we went to Palo though. The best dessert on the whole cruise is Palo’s chocolate soufflé.

OMG. I could eat it at every meal. Our only real sadness tonight was realizing that this was the half-way point of the cruise.

Side note for the restaurants: Never ask which appetizer/salad/entree/dessert is best or they'll just bring you all of them.

After dinner DD texted that DS went to the Lab and she was heading back to the room. DH and I leisurely finished dessert and slowly made our way back to the room. (We were too stuffed to go any other way but slowly) A towel bunny greeted us tonight.

DS came running in and asked if he could meet friends at the pool. We said yes to 30 minutes and he ran off. With the pools heated to between 87 and 89 degrees we have to set a time limit or he’d live in there. We watched something on TV (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time I think) until he got back. Lights out 11:45.

 

[verygfy]

Our official check in time was 12:30 – 1:00 and we were right in our zone. We spotted the Castaway Club check-in desk and made our way to the queue. There was no one in line and a cast member removed a rope barrier for us so we didn’t have to wind our way around. “Yeah! Fast pass!”

I still don't understand this whole check in time, hopefully by the time we get on our cruise I will figure this thing out!! Love those Fast Passes

Love Phineas & Ferb, can't wait to see everywhere Perry went on his adventure!!


Then we wandered around to see the view of Vancouver B.C. from the deck.

Looks like such a beautiful city!!

While we chatted we had an opportunity to try out the new Wave Phones. It’s a whole new world now that our kids are 12 and 10 and they are responsible enough to go exploring on their own. (And I mean, how far can they go right?) We relaxed and they texted their location. When we were ready to go we just called them.

How did you like these??

 

[verygfy]

Drew tugs my begging son back onto the stage.

OMG, this is hilarious.. You so should have won with these antics!!

I love how DH took this so it looks like I'm wearing Mouse ears.

This is a cute picture!

We have great main aisle seats so Sorcerer Mickey was right in front of us.

I never saw Sorcerer Mickey on our cruise, I am hoping to score a shot of him on our cruise

 

[verygfy]

I wanted to thank you for the suggestion about the plastic bin. It held quite a few of my FE gifts on the way there and was a great thing carry back the gifts we received. It kept many of the items from getting wrinkled or squished.

So it worked, how great is that!! I thought it was a neat tip so I am glad it worked!!

 

[verygfy]

At 2:00 DH and I went to the Vista Spa for our spa reservation. We pre-booked the Exotic Rasul. It was our first time in the spa we found it very tranquil in there. (as it should be) After filling out paperwork they got us some hot tea, showed us to the changing rooms and gave us robes. Then they showed us to our private Rasul room and explained what all the scrubs and lotions did. The way this spa treatment works is you and your SI (significant other) get to apply the body scrubs and lotions on each other and then hang out in your private steam room together. There is also a shower in there with shampoo, conditioner and soap. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed our “couple only” time.

I am very disappointed that they are not having this service on the Fantasy.

Now it was time to get ready for formal night. DD straightened her hair while DH and I got dressed and coaxed DS, who lives in shorts and tees, into his formal attire. He kept insisting that the tie was strangling him even though his collar was so large he could stick his whole hand down it. (My kids can be very dramatic) After we were all done primping I took some photos of the kids on the verandah. The sun had come out in the afternoon and it had turned into a really pleasant day. (but windy because we were moving)

DD’s 1st pair of high heels in her favorite color.

This photo totally shows off DS’s quirky personality.

My DS is the same exact way, face and all!!!

I love the shoes, how did she do walking around the ship in them?

At 6:00 we left for the Golden Mickeys. DH and I saw it on our 1st cruise, but DD and DS had not. My DD loved it, but DS was not as entertained. He likes live sporting events, but not theater so much. I enjoyed it, which is all that matters. ;-) I took many photos (non-flash) and sang along with all the songs.

I wish my kids were young enough to do this. So cute.

Continued in part 2...

Do you remember what your camera settings were on? DD just had her Pre-K graduation and I tried to take the shots without the flash and they came out all grainy and just not that great...

I thought this was just too cute!!

I love the formal photo the ship photographer took of DH and I, but I hate that it’s in the dining room with a table of dishes behind us.

They should really crop those pics before they print them out.

I should have brought a bowtie for Perry for formal night.

 

[iloverags2]

Just found your trip report, and I am loving it! Have been wanting to do an Alaskan cruise forever, and so glad DCL now does the itinerary. Not sure when it will happen as I do not fly, and literally live in the very opposite part of the country (Florida!). It will be a long drive to Seattle/Vancouver! (I took a train ride from Miami to Sacramento once...best trip evah!)

Looking forward to hearing more about your cruise!

 

[E&Cmom]

The best dessert on the whole cruise is Palo’s chocolate soufflé.

I have been craving the chocolate soufflé since we got back. I just said to DH yesterday who a week ago we were at Palo's eating that amazing soufflé. I think i need for find the recipe and then learn to make a soufflé.

It definitely was an amazing cruise.

 

[Dawncala]

I still don't understand this whole check in time, hopefully by the time we get on our cruise I will figure this thing out!! Love those Fast Passes

If I had to guess I'd say that being asked to schedule check-in times is to let Disney know rougly when to expect the most (or least) guests and can schedule the most efficiant number of cast members. (Could be another reason though)

Looks like such a beautiful city!!

It is. Very pretty and very clean.

 

[Dawncala]

I have a 7 and 4 year old and we didn't get them.

They gave us two each night. I'd be happy to send you one of each for your scrapbook (or whatever). Just "Private Message" me your address and I'll mail them to you.

 

[Dawncala]

The Wave phones were a nice addition.

Here is what I wrote in a previous post.

The Wave phones were mostly great. It took a little time getting used to how to use them and we did have one issue. DS had sign-out priviledges at the Lab as long as he called us before he left there. We found out one day, when he couldn't reach us, that the two Wave phones have slightly different numbers (our room 8000 had 80001 & 80002) and if they called 8000 from the lab it dialed the room and 80001. Well, DD had 80001 that day so we didn't get the call. From then on we were careful to take the 80001 phone and give DD 80002.

 

[Dawncala]

I love the shoes, how did she do walking around the ship in them?[/COLOR]

She did OK for the first 15 minutes. Then she agreed that I was right and she should have picked a shorter heel. She ended up taking them off for most of the shuffleboard game.

Do you remember what your camera settings were on? DD just had her Pre-K graduation and I tried to take the shots without the flash and they came out all grainy and just not that great...

Probably Sports or Children. (something specifically for fast motion) I also physically hold the flash down. I haven't been able to figure out how to cancel the flash on those settings since they are programmed in. Only about 1 in three photos turns out OK and not too blurry. I just take tons of photos. Also, we were sitting pretty close so I had a good amount of light.

 

[mgibson301]

I have been craving the chocolate soufflé since we got back. I just said to DH yesterday who a week ago we were at Palo's eating that amazing soufflé. I think i need for find the recipe and then learn to make a soufflé.

It definitely was an amazing cruise.

Loving your trip report! Thanks so much for posting!! I printed off the Palo recipe for chocolate souffle from the DCL website. Just sign in under your castaway number and check out downloads they have. The coconut drink from Castaway Cay is on there too. Let me know if you try it. It doesn't look too terribly hard.

 

[verygfy]

The view is pretty distracting though.

Breathtaking!!

DH's on the left, mine on the right.

On our cruise the one thing I kept trying to get to was the animation, I can never do it at HS and really wanted to give it a try on the ship. Unfortunately the schedules never allowed me the chance, so this Christmas DH bought me the learn to draw kit and I have been working on it any chance that I get. Ya, my Pluto NEVER looks like that Great job

How cute, love how they are just hanging out in the middle of nowhere like that!!

These pictures make me want to book an Alaska cruise just to see this, AMAZING..

I love Eskimo Minnie, how adorable!!

Now this is a picture you would never get at DL or WDW!!

 

[Dawncala]

I woke up at 6:00 again as we were getting ready to dock in Juneau. The ship docked smoothly around 7:00. The day was grey and foggy, but I was hoping it would burn off later in the day. This is a panoramic of the view from our verandah.

DH showed no signs of life so I took the kids to breakfast at BBB around 8:00. There was a huge crow hanging out on the railing squawking at everyone. The cast members tried to shoo him away several times, but he kept coming back. We ate then brought breakfast back for DH. DS went to the Lab.

DD and I wanted to go to the Wonder’s gift shops and Shutters, but we found them both closed and not scheduled to open until after the ship left port. Don’t forget to consult your Navigator like I did. All the times are clearly listed and it would have saved us 4 decks worth of stairs if I’d read it.

We received some more fun Fish Extender gifts. On the right is the cool DVD case notepad I mentioned in an earlier post and the Mickey tote was not only cute, but incredibly useful.

We were only going to be in Juneau from 7:45 to 4:30 so we picked up DH from the room and DS from the Lab and went ashore around 10:30. We left from deck 1 today. We were in port with the Carnival ship again and they had the dock closer to town so Disney provided shuttle busses. They were constantly coming and going and we didn’t have to wait more than a couple of minutes. If we wanted to walk into town from the dock we could have, but we chose the shuttle. The shuttle drivers were all very nice and chatted with everyone about Juneau and what not to miss. It was only a couple of minutes ride to town.

A view of the Wonder from the shuttle drop location.

They dropped us off right at the Mt Roberts Tramway in front of a series of tour booths.

There were tour buses constantly coming and going and the prices seemed pretty reasonable. We didn’t take any of them though. We were hoping to take the Mt. Roberts Tramway. (You can pre-book it through Disney, but it was suggested not to book it until you get to port and see the weather.) It was still very foggy and our shuttle driver said if you can’t see the top of the tram, don’t bother because there won’t be a view.

Tram and the foggy hillside.

We began walking through the historic district and in and out of all the many souvenir shops.

Disney gave us a booklet of coupons as we disembarked and we used one to get a free color changing Alaska tote. To get it we purchased the kids color changing t-shirts & special nail polish at Del Sol. (It’s pretty cool)

We walked the handful of blocks that make up the main town and took photos of the kids with all the large stuffed animals and totem poles in front of the shops. DH was excited to see the Alaska Brewing company. (a favorite brew) We wandered in the store which has a small museum, but we were not there in time to catch the tour and DH didn’t want to wait for the next one. (He’d taken brewery tours before.)

During our walk we spotted a pair of bald eagles perched on the library building,

numerous crows (they are huge here),

and I found a hidden Mickey in a planting grate.

Perry also played his usual games.

Hey, where’s Perry?

We found a couple of items that made us laugh; a sign and a t-shirt.

It misted off and on all day, but overall it was a great morning in port.


To be continued in Day 5 - Part 2