You’ll never get me on a cruise. Unless it’s to ALASKA! Recap and New PTR Link! 2/1

[eandesmom]

Beautiful scenery pics, Cynthia! Whistler looks so nice!
So sorry about Evan's spill - and your coffee cup, too.

Sounds like your frustration with getting food and drink was similar to ours in Canada. I guess you have to figure out the system!

Whistler is gorgeous. Not exactly the same, lol, we didn't have a shortage of food or drink, just perhaps a shortage of people willing to sell it to us! It all worked out though.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

sometimes kids think the easiest and dont everthink things like us adults...


good thinking on his part to suggest just calling...it would have been really funny if you got on your phone and called while you were standing in the lobby looking at the lady who was answering hte phone...then walked up to claim your reservation.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Those pictures are AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful bike ride!

What a hassle at the border. I get it, but ugh.

 

[MEK]

Border hassel. Apparently its easy to get out of the USA, not so easy to get back. That does stink! Too personal. Too many explanations.

So let me get this straight - you went back to the same restaurant you had just been to with a newly secured reservation. Oh brother.

Obviously I will have to look at your pics later!

 

[Poolrat]

good thinking on his part to suggest just calling...it would have been really funny if you got on your phone and called while you were standing in the lobby looking at the lady who was answering hte phone...then walked up to claim your reservation.

I was thinking of asking them to borrow their phone to call in a reservation.

 

[eandesmom]

sometimes kids think the easiest and dont everthink things like us adults...

good thinking on his part to suggest just calling...it would have been really funny if you got on your phone and called while you were standing in the lobby looking at the lady who was answering hte phone...then walked up to claim your reservation.

We thought about that but didn't want to pay international roaming charges as they rack up FAST!

Those pictures are AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful bike ride!

What a hassle at the border. I get it, but ugh.

I get it too, it's just really a drag and makes you feel like a loser. I'd have expected it more going into Canada, not going home. It was a lovely ride.

Border hassel. Apparently its easy to get out of the USA, not so easy to get back. That does stink! Too personal. Too many explanations.

The kids looked at the guy like he was crazy, they were like...uh...all my life? (when asked about me).

So let me get this straight - you went back to the same restaurant you had just been to with a newly secured reservation. Oh brother.

Obviously I will have to look at your pics later!

Yep, exactly what we did. It was pretty darn funny.

I was thinking of asking them to borrow their phone to call in a reservation.

 

[jenjolt]

Ummmm...how in the world did I miss this LOL!!!!! Holy moly I'm really late!!! Going back to read up on your plans!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Thursday 8/25
Tracy Arm Day. I have Palo booked for brunch at 10:30. I’ve been looking to book brunch for what feels like forever and amazingly, it opened up 2 days ago.



Sunday 8/28.
Ketchikan.
Our no plans day. Still noodling on this one. Kind of fun to just not have a plan though.

A pre trip trip
Cheeserolling
Another one bites the dust​

Hi

We were on the July 5th cruise. We ate at Palo's for brunch at 10:30 on Tracy Arm day. Be sure to sit by the window. We saw about 5 whales. It was a lot of fun. Everytime someone in Polo's saw a whale they announced it and we would get up and take photo's. It was truly a magical brunch. LOL

We spent alot of time in secret deck 7 on Tracy Arm day. Great views from both sides of the ship.

Our tablemates, and many others loved the Ketchikan lumber jack show. I wish we would have booked it. We heard great reviews.

We had a great time!!!!

 

[MEK]

Great scenery - nothing like snow capped mountains in the background to add the final touch. So lucky. something I will never see over here!

 

[eandesmom]

Ummmm...how in the world did I miss this LOL!!!!! Holy moly I'm really late!!! Going back to read up on your plans!

I miss stuff all the time! Late to everything

you haven't really missed much at all. Glad you are here Jen!

Hi

We were on the July 5th cruise. We ate at Palo's for brunch at 10:30 on Tracy Arm day. Be sure to sit by the window. We saw about 5 whales. It was a lot of fun. Everytime someone in Polo's saw a whale they announced it and we would get up and take photo's. It was truly a magical brunch. LOL

We spent alot of time in secret deck 7 on Tracy Arm day. Great views from both sides of the ship.

Our tablemates, and many others loved the Ketchikan lumber jack show. I wish we would have booked it. We heard great reviews.

We had a great time!!!!

Hi and

Great advice on Palo! That's our exact ressie time, how cool!!! I had originally booked the lumberjack show but everyone was very "meh" about it and so I cancelled it. I know they'd like it but I didn't want to spend the money for that kind of reaction when we had the other ones set. I see you were on the President's week Wonder Cruise, I'd originally hoped to do that one, maybe some other year.

Great scenery - nothing like snow capped mountains in the background to add the final touch. So lucky. something I will never see over here!

That's why you have to come visit me!

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry I’ve been a bit MIA since I started this. It’s been nutty between work, life and….getting ready for the cruise! Not to mention getting ready for back to school as well. I’ve been trying to combine the two when it comes to shopping for the E’s and am finally seeing the end in sight. So far I have…

1. Ordered and received my FE. I LOVE it!

2. Organized all my FE gift items. I have not yet, however, put them together. I will not post pictures since I have some cruise mates on this TR!

3. Ordered and received pillowcases for the boys. These are fun idea. You get custom pillowcases and then drop them off at both were was incorrect. I’d ordered a blue pillowcase for Eric with blue text, and a white one for Evan with red. Both showed up blue with red text. The blue pillowcase really won’t work with Evan’s room. I could live with the red text on Erics (though he’d vastly prefer blue, just not worth it) but I hated the idea of Evan not using his as it didn’t match his room (for those of you know Evan, that was a very likely scenario!) Since I spent good money on them, though I hated to complain, I did bring it to her attention. The crafter I used sent me a replacement for Evan, corrected one, for free. She didn’t want the other one back.

Is it wrong if I get both signed now that Evan has 2? There are bunks in Eric's room and Evan gets the top one at times. It’s basically his bed and the blue one would be uber cute in there. Right now I’m thinking of getting all 3 signed though I learned today there might be limits of 2 per stateroom (though 1 per person seems a bit more “fair”). Plus I actually like the blue versions better as the characters pop more (white on white, not so much). Of course we could just take them around and get them signed but dropping them off and getting them back would make it much more of a surprise as the kids don’t know about them yet. I did opt for the large design instead of it just on the end and I’m happy with it. The blue pillowcases are very light and my lighting sucks so sorry they are kind of crummy pics!

4. Designed, ordered and received pirate T’s for the boys. They are bit old to dress up and I’ve heard participation is a bit marginal on the Alaska Cruise for pirate night. We have bandanas, one earring and a knife and…these (which are also a surprise). I was hoping to at least find a cheapo necklace for me but no luck on that yet, though I’ve not looked all that hard.

I confess. I did not make magnets. This may sound silly but I think Jeff needs to see other doors decorated first and buy into it otherwise he will really think I’ve lost it (though he liked the idea have, by default, a white board to put up there to leave each other messages which will be cool. I didn’t buy it but oddly enough my MIL bought K a bunch of locker decorations for her birthday, basically making a statement we think as she was really annoyed that K wouldn’t provide any details on what she wanted for her birthday (including sizes) and instead just gave her a store list. K doesn’t have lockers at school so they are pretty useless.

5. I’ve purchased for the trip (and school) new fleeces and shoes for the kids. New dress shirts as they outgrew then ones I bought last year for my sisters wedding. Some new jeans and shirts for the kids, which will be for back to school as well. I did decide that Evan could just wear cool new black tennis shoes for formal night, no sense in buying yet another pair of dress shoes to be worn only once. Somehow this school shopping ended up with the realization that Eric needed a major closet purge. 3 bags of too short clothes later….he amazing still has plenty of stuff other than shirts. As a result I think he has 3 new ones for the trip. New backpacks too which begrudgingly I am letting them bring and hope I don’t regret it. Still waiting on Evan's jeans but the rest are here.

6. I got new binoculars, which I am really really pleased with, they just arrived yesterday!

7. Bid on a few new pins for each of the boys and Jeff, also a surprise. I figure the boys will get theirs at lunch on day 1, along with a card that lets them know how much $$ the souvenir gods have decided to bestow on them for the trip. I'm still waiting on one but the rest are here.

8. I picked up Dramamine and seabands…hopefully we don’t need them but better safe than sorry.

9. Prepaid tips and prepaid for all our excursions with OBC's ahead of time so I don't have to think about a huge bill onboard.

10. Created my packing list. Which is obnoxiously large, even for me. In my defense the weather could range from 50-70, rain or not, which does present a challenge. At present it kind of looks like this. I feel like I am packing for a month. However, since we are driving up, it does allow me to overpack…probably not a good thing. I’ve actually been shopping for some of the warmer items all spring and summer and even wish I had one more light zip up jacket and long sleeve top that I really liked, to bring. Yes, I can do laundry on the ship I’d prefer not to. I really do keep trying to cut it down but when trying to dress for everything from daytime on the ship, active excursions in port to dressing for dinner….it’s crazy!

• (3) Camisoles
• (2) Capri’s
• (4) dresses
• (3) Fleece - could I get by with 1, probably but I’d be so sick of it I might burn it after the trip. LOL (4 )Short Sleeve Tee
• (3) Long Sleeve Tee – one is more of a running/windshirt which is great in the cold
• (6) Tops. May drop one.
• (5) Scarves - this includes a couple of pashminas for dinner
• (6) Sweater- cardigans for layering/wraps for dinner. May drop 1.
• (4) Jeans- seems excessive but there are dressy/heels versions and tennis shoe versions and an allowance for things to get wet and dirty. Might drop one but I can’t decide which one.
• (9) Shoe- given that I took 9 in May, this seems less excessive in comparison, given that I’m packing for hiking, the gym, formal, casual and more. It’s still obnoxious I know. I’m counting my ugg slippers as shoes since it will be cold on the verandah and I hate wearing shoes in the room lol
• (1) Skirt- I may scrap this
• (5) Jacket- seems like a lot but it’s 1 parka, 1 shell, 1 rain jacket, 1 hoodie and 1 vest
• (1) Shorts - Optimistic I know but on the total off chance we do get a 70 day, I’ll be mad if I don’t have them
• (4)Work – also probably optimistic
• (1) Swim - This may never see the light of day!
• (1-2) Leisure…aka yoga pants. I won’t work out in these but for hanging in the room on our verandah. I’m not big on leaving the house in them but if it’s cold enough I suppose it could happen.
• (2) Pants. Both of these are active type pants for hiking or on the deck on Tracy Arm day (one pair is lined and water resistant).

For those of you who’ve been…what am I missing?

And then the usual other personal stuff. I am also bringing….

1. Via. We don’t trust the coffee and would prefer not to pay espresso bar prices on a daily basis.
2. Baileys. It will be cold, bailey’s and coffee on our verandah sounds heavenly
3. Rum. No surprise there to most of you I am sure
4. Wine and Beer.
5. Pop up Hamper, over the door organizer.

We figure since you can bring it on, why not! It will save us a ton of $$. Not to say we won’t have the occasional whatever and actually pay for it but this allows maximum verandah enjoyment, a glass of wine while dressing for dinner, etc. We won’t take it into dinner (and pay a corkage fee) but it just seems to be the way to go.

What’s left to do? Pick up the bailey’s, a new lint brush, do a final load of laundry and pack. Possibly exchange one of the boys dress shirts. They have ties from my sisters wedding last year but the new shirts came with ties and they like one more than the other so may try another store to see if I can get them both the same tie and avoid a fight. I should also get them some more dress socks, between the 2 of them, they have 3 pairs I think. I should probably wash the pillowcases. I may get fabric pens, if not, need to pack the sharpies. And of course…get the FE’s together. We do have a car ride to finish them up if needed. I also need to transfer our Disney reward dollars but can't do that till the 18th when it cycles.

Part of the reason I’ve been so busy and MIA is I’ve been lucky enough to go on a couple of hikes, two weekends in a row! Both were new to me, easy local day hikes. One with my best friend, which supposedly should have a lovely view but in the mist and drizzle, this is all we got at the ledge.

The next was a nicer day, up to a lake and permanent snow field (fun prep for Alaska). We are seriously considering a hike in Ketchikan if the weather gods are kind. There is a great 7 mile one but it only makes sense if it’s clear. We shall see.

 

[MEK]

That's some heavenly awesome scenery. Again, I am coveting your west coast location. The only thing that makes my location better is the two hour flight to Disney.

Your FE and your pillow cases are adorable! The FE is just precious. It looks like a Christmas decoration. Love it!

 

[MEK]

That's why you have to come visit me!

Yup - You're right! I need to go there. Maybe after Nick graduates will go out west for a summer vacation. I really need to see it!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow - I have to admit I'm a bit overwhelmed by your packing list!

You will certainly be prepared for the wide range of temps & everything from the gym to a fancy dinner!

 

[Shanny145]

What great hiking pictures!!!!! Love your FE!

 

[glennbo123]

Beautiful pictures Cynthia! What a great place to hike.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Your hikes look great, Cynthia - beautiful scenery! Okay, a couple of packing tips since you asked - (you know I love to give my opinion!)

1. Bring an air freshener, I forgot to mention this in my TR, but sometimes there are toilet smells in the cabins, and an Airwick helps alot! (we had a problem this last time, and didn't get one until our 2nd day in SF)

2. I know it's going to be chilly, but you are used to chilly. I think I would cut out a few of the sweaters and the parka (just layers are fine - I know it's snow up there on the glacier, but it is melting, so layers are fine when you are moving around and the sun is shining) - Bring a hat though. I mean you said the temps would be 50-70 - that is pretty warm, really.

3. I love shoes, and I love a pair of stylin' shoes with everything, but if you want room for souvies, I would see if a few of your shoes can do "double duty." The lines are so long in customs, etc. it does get cumbersome with so much stuff and so much weight.


That's all - I love the pillowcases!!! Go ahead and see if they will sign all 3, what can it hurt?

Oh, and I love the FE too! Who made it for you?

 

[KatMark]

What beautiful scenery, Cynthia. Your list for the cruise looks great. Love the pillowcases.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update Cynthia !!I went on one cruise and well remember the packing nightmare !!The dress clothes and the daytime clothes , just all seemed so much to remember !!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, what beautiful scenery! Looks like you are all set and ready to go. I wish I could get that prepared for any trip. Love your fish extender. It is too cute.