04/27/11 DCL's WONDERful LA-VANCOUVER REPO ON THE WAY TO ALAKSA

[padalyn]

Steven - thank you for saying what I was thinking...I agree that the Cove area being restricted all the time is a very nice respit for those of us who don't travel with (or have) children. On the Dream the area is larger and higher! I am a single non-parent who loves to travel on Disney, but need the occosional quiet area

 

[njprincess]

This is not new, by a long shot. I forget when the Wonder was in dry dock last. DW and I normally sail on the Magic, but we were on a 4 day *practice* cruise on the Wonder (spring 2008) ... don't believe it was installed yet.

From my recollection, the enclosure was installed LONG before the Alaska rumors began to circulate
===========
Steven (of Steven & Donna)

Your recollection is not correct. The Outlook Cafe, which only exists on the Wonder (the only Disney ship sailing to Alaska), was built during the dry dock in Sept/Oct 2009. Disney announced the Alaska sailings on Sept. 11, 2009 but they had been working on the plans for some time. You might want to check this out: Disney Wonder Receives Magical Makeover http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/10/disney-wonder-receives-magical-makeover/

 

[ibouncetoo]

The young uns have had a chance to be in Cove Cafe during the back-2-back process. I don't know if that is where they will put our 100+ DISers plus others for our adventure. Let's just hope they do a better job in Vancouver than they did in LA after the Panama Canal. Those folks who stayed on for the 2 day cruise following were pretty much abandoned and only allowed back on the ship moments before regular boarding began.

.

 

[BobandLee]

The Roster
is now up to date. Hopefully.
I have added some cruisers & photos and corrected some errors.

If you have any additions or corrections you can e-mail them to dclalaskacruise@aol.com or pm me here on the Dis.

I apologize for not being more diligent with this.
Now that the holidays and the Dream cruise have sailed on, I hope I can keep up.

 

[sdlong329]

Steven - thank you for saying what I was thinking...I agree that the Cove area being restricted all the time is a very nice respit for those of us who don't travel with (or have) children. On the Dream the area is larger and higher! I am a single non-parent who loves to travel on Disney, but need the occosional quiet area

We spend time in Quiet Cove regardless of whether we boarded the ship with children. Granted, our son was 12, 14 and 21 on prevous DCL cruises ... so he was okay to have the run of the ship. Do you feel comfortable leaving your child within DCL kids programming? Many of our friends have done this, and spent time in Quiet Cove. When the kids get to a responsible age, many parents will let them have the run of the ship. We used to bring portable walkie talkies ... but that does not seem necessary anymore, since DCL has introduced the Wave Phones.
==========

The Outlook Cafe ... was built during the dry dock in Sept/Oct 2009. Disney announced the Alaska sailings on Sept. 11, 2009

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't think it was retrofitted when we were on the ship ... we normally follow the Magic, since we prefer the longer voyages.
==========

The young uns have had a chance to be in Cove Cafe during the back-2-back process. I don't know if that is where they will put our 100+ DISers plus others for our adventure. Let's just hope they do a better job in Vancouver than they did in LA after the Panama Canal. Those folks who stayed on for the 2 day cruise following were pretty much abandoned and only allowed back on the ship moments before regular boarding began.

Hi Jackie! The B2B *hold*does NOT sound promising! Hopefully, it was due to new personnel in LA ... but even that does not sound right, since DCL has sailed Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera before. We're still toying with whether to do a daytrip in Vancouver, versus staying on the ship.

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

 

[njprincess]

We spend time in Quiet Cove regardless of whether we boarded the ship with children. Granted, our son was 12, 14 and 21 on prevous DCL cruises ... so he was okay to have the run of the ship. Do you feel comfortable leaving your child within DCL kids programming? Many of our friends have done this, and spent time in Quiet Cove. When the kids get to a responsible age, many parents will let them have the run of the ship. We used to bring portable walkie talkies ... but that does not seem necessary anymore, since DCL has introduced the Wave Phones.

Could you please explain the Wave Phones? I saw a reference to them during online check in but have no idea what they are. Our last cruise was on the Magic last October and I don't believe we had them then.

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't think it was retrofitted when we were on the ship ... we normally follow the Magic, since we prefer the longer voyages.

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

We have mostly sailed on the Magic as well. We are only doing the Repo so this looks like a nice place to do a little reading on a sea day.

 

[sdlong329]

My *understanding* of the Wave phones is only based upon what I have read. Apparently, each stateroom will have two portable phones (and I believe one charger). Suites will have four phones and two chargers (?).

Think of them as a cordless phone, that works on the ship, as well as on Castaway Caye (though earlier reports indicated reception on CC was spotty). Phones are only able to call other DCL phones on your specific journey (you cannot call the Dream from the Wonder ... and you cannot call a landline).

The idea is that if your party breaks up, you can still keep in touch with each other through these phones. If your stateroom number is 5000 (example only), portable/cordless #1 will be #50001, while portable/cordless will be #50002 (you can still call the room direct at #5000). So, if you let the kids loose on the ship, you can still reach them to remind them to meet you for lunch or dinner. Also, if spouses get separated (on purpose, or by accident), one can call the other (when one spouse wants permission to buy artwork or jewelry ... or, when one spouse wants to know why the other is late for dinner).

If you are friends with someone in stateroom #7000, you can try to reach them in their stateroom (#7000). If there are not *home* ... Mom and Dad might have #7001 at the adult pool, while the kids might have #7002 in Buena Vista theatre.

It's the same concept on CC. You can call your stateroom from a portable/cordless (are you done napping yet?) ... you can call cordless to cordless (please bring me some food from Cookies BBQ, or parents at Serenity Bay can call the kids while at Pelican Point).

Apparently, there is an information card at, or near the phones, which explains how to use the phones. keep in mind, if you are using your CORDED phone in the stateroom, you must first dial *7* (I think), prior to dialing a specific room number or portable number.

Years ago, we used to bring those little portable walkie talkies with various channels. It wasn't long before DCL started to provide these onboard as a rental. Apparently, these phones are now available (initially released on the Dream), and are free of charge. I am not sure if DCL still offers the walkie talkie rentals. However, if the system works as I have described, I see no reason why most parties will need / want to bring walkie talkies.

***I do not know if the phones are water resistant or water proof.
***If anyone has first hand experience, please feel free to make corrections or amendments.

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

 

[padalyn]

My *understanding* of the Wave phones is only based upon what I have read. Apparently, each stateroom will have two portable phones (and I believe one charger). Suites will have four phones and two chargers (?).

Think of them as a cordless phone, that works on the ship, as well as on Castaway Caye (though earlier reports indicated reception on CC was spotty). Phones are only able to call other DCL phones on your specific journey (you cannot call the Dream from the Wonder ... and you cannot call a landline).

The idea is that if your party breaks up, you can still keep in touch with each other through these phones. If your stateroom number is 5000 (example only), portable/cordless #1 will be #50001, while portable/cordless will be #50002 (you can still call the room direct at #5000). So, if you let the kids loose on the ship, you can still reach them to remind them to meet you for lunch or dinner. Also, if spouses get separated (on purpose, or by accident), one can call the other (when one spouse wants permission to buy artwork or jewelry ... or, when one spouse wants to know why the other is late for dinner).

If you are friends with someone in stateroom #7000, you can try to reach them in their stateroom (#7000). If there are not *home* ... Mom and Dad might have #7001 at the adult pool, while the kids might have #7002 in Buena Vista theatre.

It's the same concept on CC. You can call your stateroom from a portable/cordless (are you done napping yet?) ... you can call cordless to cordless (please bring me some food from Cookies BBQ, or parents at Serenity Bay can call the kids while at Pelican Point).

Apparently, there is an information card at, or near the phones, which explains how to use the phones. keep in mind, if you are using your CORDED phone in the stateroom, you must first dial *7* (I think), prior to dialing a specific room number or portable number.

Years ago, we used to bring those little portable walkie talkies with various channels. It wasn't long before DCL started to provide these onboard as a rental. Apparently, these phones are now available (initially released on the Dream), and are free of charge. I am not sure if DCL still offers the walkie talkie rentals. However, if the system works as I have described, I see no reason why most parties will need / want to bring walkie talkies.

***I do not know if the phones are water resistant or water proof.
***If anyone has first hand experience, please feel free to make corrections or amendments.

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

First hand experience here....

Most of the information above is correct. I have a little to add.

regular state rooms do have 2 Wave phones and 1 charger - both times I have used them one was dead when I got on board. They take about 3 hours to charge.

You can text with them from wave phone to wave phone

No AUDIBLE ringers enabled...yes the phones have them...they have been disabled in the programming as have a lot of other features.

you can call ANY house/ship extension and can receive calls from them as well.

Your stateroom phone forwards to phone #1 if you set it up that way on the Dream - NOT on the Magic. Not sure about the Wonder. On the Dream - the stateroom phones have many issues - the system is still not working correctly

The vibrate ring is VERY hard to feel. I missed a lot of calls until I realized that I had to keep the instrument in my back pocket - no but dialing worries tho..it locks automatically in about 5 minutes.

They are NOT waterproof, drop resistant or case protected in any way.

Many issues with connection initally - however - Castaway Cay works just fine - on the beach, at the tower, Serenity Bay...all worked fine last week. Not so much over New Years (they are still working on it I am sure).

They are NOT able to engage more than the two phones per stateroom (not sure about Concierge or Suites - everyone I know that were in those rooms never used them!) Many people asked at Guest Services about using a thrid or fourth phone...were all denied, told (I overheard this one) that the system is set up for two per stateroom only and extras can not be added.

If the phone has issues - go to guest services. They have extras to switch out the malfunctioning phone with.

******BE CAREFUL******
there is a 200.00 charge PER INSTRUMENT if lost or stolen.

Hopefully that helps a bit.

Cayla

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

^^ That's interesting- originally I thought they said you could rent, at a fee, more phones? Now they won't do that? Probably because I've read they have a lot disappearing. LOL

and it stated when I filled out the charging stuff online check in that it's $250 for the phones if lost or stolen.

You are thinking the same thing I was thinking. This will be the perfect spot when we are cruising through Tracy Arm! See you there!

I was thinking the same thing- but also thinking how many OTHERS were thinking the same thing and how crowded it will be in there. I imagine at times there won't be any seating available. LOL

And, for a day like Tracy Arm, you won't be able to see from inside the Cove or Outlook anyway as people will be lining the rails. But it will be a good spot to warm up and rest.

A good indoor spot for viewing would be a table at the large windows in Diversions. Just a few availble but open to families during the day. (Let's all agree, no one who has a verandah is allowed to take up those )

.

I agree. If you have a verandah.... don't be hogging up the spaces us inside people need. LOL Or just invite me to your verandah. Whicheverrrrr. LOL

 

[seaulater]

Your recollection is not correct. The Outlook Cafe, which only exists on the Wonder (the only Disney ship sailing to Alaska), was built during the dry dock in Sept/Oct 2009. Disney announced the Alaska sailings on Sept. 11, 2009 but they had been working on the plans for some time. You might want to check this out: Disney Wonder Receives Magical Makeover http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/10/disney-wonder-receives-magical-makeover/

When we were on the Wonder for Jamie's 18th birthday on April 15, 2010, we went up and checked out the Outlook Bar. It is very nice, however, still small and not room for a lot to sit. I imagine it will get quite crowded with adults on Tracy Arm day.

 

[MouseFaninQueue]

I am expecting problems with the B2B check in procedure in Vancouver. For the simple fact that it will be the first time it is happening. Regardless, not too worried about it we will still get on board the ship and head to Alaska.

I'm just hoping that because it is in Vancouver, BC, Canada - Canadians get to sleep in this time and Americans get the 6am wake up call in the theatre...

 

[sdlong329]

Following up to a few PM questions we seem to be getting, regarding the location of our private motorcoach transportation from Disneyland to San Pedro port ...

Since we expect everyone will be familiar with the location of the Disneyland hotels, we will be selecting one of the hotels (likely DisneyLand Hotel or Grand Californian ... depending on how many guests are coming from each hotel). Personally, DW and I will be staying at Paradise Pier, but I'm guessing there will be more cruisers staying at either D/L Hotel or Grand Californian ... and the latter two are likely easier to access.

We've had a few inquiries from guests who will be staying off property. I realize there are several hotels literally across the street, which would entail a 1 or 2 minute walk. However, some of you may want to utilize your hotel's Disneyland shuttle service (with luggage, upon check out). This will make it much easier for you (and your luggage) to access the motorcoach.

Remember, the motorcoach transportation is slated at $15pp ... and will take us NON STOP to the pier. When you consider that Disneyland Express costs $16pp just to get you back to LAX, then DCL charges another $30pp to get you to the pier ... our private motorcoach will not only save you money ... but lots of time as well.

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

 

[sdlong329]

I am expecting problems with the B2B check in procedure in Vancouver. For the simple fact that it will be the first time it is happening.

DCL recently upgraded their online check in. There is now a special PRE/POST CRUISE LINK on the website, where you indicate where you will be going after the cruise. If you are doing the B2B, you will need to check the *DISNEY CRUISE* box (indicating you are going on another cruise). We noticed a few non.Disney.like hiccups in the process, so we checked the *Private Transportation* box ... and indicated we were heading to the Vancouver Port:
(CANADA), 999 Canada Place, British Columbia, Vancouver, V6C 3E1

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

DCL recently upgraded their online check in. There is now a special PRE/POST CRUISE LINK on the website, where you indicate where you will be going after the cruise. If you are doing the B2B, you will need to check the *DISNEY CRUISE* box (indicating you are going on another cruise). We noticed a few non.Disney.like hiccups in the process, so we checked the *Private Transportation* box ... and indicated we were heading to the Vancouver Port:
(CANADA), 999 Canada Place, British Columbia, Vancouver, V6C 3E1

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

When we chose "disney cruise" it just automatically put "wonder" in the drop down box and unable to change it. I mean I couldn't type in that box if I wanted to. It didn't do that for you?

I, too, hope it's not like I've heard recently for b2b'ers. I liked the idea of off the ship a bit and then back on.. getting off and waiting like everyone else arriving would be uncool IMO. And I'd kinda like to know ahead of time because if I'm gonna have to do all that- I might as well get off and spend some time in Vancouver. sigh

 

[trimix]

Sadly my husband and I will no longer be able to go on this cruise. He is being transferred from Texas to Washington (state), and we will not be able to get the time off for the cruise. Please remove our names from the roster, FE list, etc We are now cruising on the last Alaska cruise, and we hope to see you there!

I'm sorry you won't be joining us, Sarah. Where in Washington are you moving? I have lived in seven states, and so far western Washington is my favorite!

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Not sure if this has been posted already....I was completing my online check-in paperwork and of course the port arrival time came up...we are taking the DCL transfers from the Disneyland Hotel so I called DCL to see if they could give me the departure time from the hotel. I was told that although the form says you *must* arrive at the time selected, it is a tool being used by DCL to ensure that they have the port properly staffed. I was told that if you arrive earlier or later than your selected time you will not be denied entry.

Also, if you are taking the DCL tansfers from the Disneyland Hotel, I was advised that at this point in time the paperwork the CM had advised pick up time was noon. I was told to select 11:30 - 12:00 time slot.

Another thing for the B2B cruisers. I was told since we are in the same stateroom, we will not need to pack our suitcases but we will be requested to have everything put away so the stateroom host can clean the room as they normally do when the cruise turns over. Not sure what happens if you are changing rooms because the CM said they were told you *might* have to pack your stuff and claim it at the terminal. I was told we would be required to leave the ship and then reboard. Hopefully we will be allowed to do this before everyone else gets to board.

 

[sdlong329]

When we chose "disney cruise" it just automatically put "wonder" in the drop down box and unable to change it. I mean I couldn't type in that box if I wanted to. It didn't do that for you?

Nope! We had previously completed our online check in information a week or two ago. With the old software, there was no option for going on another cruise. Accordingly, we were instructed to select PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION, and input the Vancouver Port address as our destination (in the space provided).

When the software was upgraded, it overwrote the information we previously entered. Accordingly, we had to reenter the information ... this time, selecting PRE / POST CRUISE link. When we selected DISNEY CRUISE, it would not process the selection, and bounced us backwards (one step). We had to speak with DCL Tech Support, who had us use the previous walkaround. DCL was unaware the new software overwrote previos data ... and was also unaware the PRE / POST CRUISE link was not fully functional. Hence, the whole idea behind the previous post, was to point out the hiccup (glitch), and provide a walk around for others.

Having a background in computer programming, there is a major faux paux implementing a software upgrade which overwrites data that was previously entered into the system. This upgrade clearly was not thought through properly, despite DCL having worked on the upgrade for the past six months. To make matters worse, a preexistng glitch survived the upgrade, and was unknown to DCL after the upgrade. So, if anyone has issues with the PRE/POST CRUISE link ... the walk around is posted above.

To clarify ... no, we never typed anything into a drop down box. The system did not accept our entry in the new software. In the old software, we had to select OTHER TRANSPORTATION ... then type the physical data in the space provided.

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

 

[trimix]

This will be the first cruise I have taken where I knew the alternatives, and I almost feel ripped off because of the excursion markups! I think the wax museum is the only shore excursion not painfully marked up!

$99 for a tour of Alkatraz and Sausalito through Disney. You can buy a ticket for Alkatraz for only $26. Want to visit Sausalito as well? You won't ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, but you will have beautiful views from a ferry for $16.50 round trip. That's less than half!
The night Alkatraz tour is $33, an additional $8. Or an additional $20 through the cruise line.

Other tours I looked at were not marked up quite as much, but still made a lot of profit for Disney. I don't know if I'll ever book another tour through a cruise line again.

 

[sdlong329]

... I almost feel ripped off because of the excursion markups! I think the wax museum is the only shore excursion not painfully marked up!

You can ALWAYS opt for, or create an excursion on your own. However, in the information you noted above, you neglected to account for ANY transportation costs. Transporation to the Museum is NOT free, neither are the tour guides, or their contacts back on the ship. There is the known fact that booking an excursion through the cruise line pretty much guarantees the ship will not leave without you (they know where you are located at all times). Try booking an excursion on your own, arranging for your own transportation, making sure you do NOT get ripped off on transportation (or gratuity) ... THEN ... when you are 5 minutes late returning to the ship ... you get to wave GOODBYE to the ship as it pulls out of port, leaving you behind, to (once again) arrange and pay for your own transportation to the next port.

We did the April/May 2010 Eastbound TransAtlantic cruise on the Magic. We booked a full day tour to Montserrat ... which was late in returning to the ship. Since the excursion was organized through DCL, the tour guide (on the tour bus) was in touch with the Magic ... and the Magic altered its schedule to WAIT FOR US IN PORT. Cruise ships can be charged HUGE fees for staying in port longer than originally planned. Out of all of the above ... we were not left behind, did not pay any extra fees or costs, and didn't worry a bit!

Sometimes, looking at the difference in cost can be a rude awakening. Try to calculate the amount of time you spend researching options, making phone calls, sending emails & deposits (if any), and waiting for debarkation (cruise ship tours get priority debarkation). Time is money. How much is your time worth? Then again, like I said, if the taxi or rental car shuttle does not get you back to the port in time ... we will mss you! Consider that this is all handle for you by a third party, which is a business entity. They need to make a profit on all they do.

One other thought to ponder. We were on a DCL cruise to St. Thomas, with an excursion to Jost Van **** Island. As with several of the excursions on the ALASKA cruise, we were provided with priority debarkation, and had a chartered water taxi waiting for us. When our charter was ready, we departed for JVD Island. 30 minutes after we arrived on JVD, a non chartered ferry arrived. As it turns out, the tour operator (at the beach) neglected to provide the water activities in a timely manner. We pointed this out to our DCL tour guide who handled the situation. By the time we returned to the ship, we had already been given written notice that a credit had been applied to our shipboard account ... due to the *inconvenience*. Oh, BTW, the guests on the non chartered ferry ... did NOT get a credit.

Yes, you can save money by doing much of the leg work on your own. There are those who swear allegiance to doing everthing themselves. For me, personally, if I am not EXTREMELY familiar with the entire port, I will not risk the chance to screw up. Many (not all) of these excursions are detailed, lengthy, and / or involve extended transportation (including multiple stops along the way). It's quite different than hopping off the ship, and walking to an island beach, or hailing a cab to Atlantis (Nassau).

ANOTHER EXAMPLE: Having spoken with a friend who used to live in San Francisco ... we were told NOT to expect to be able to walk up to Alcatraz, and be able to buy a ticket, and walk right in. Often times, they are sold out, and / or there is a wait.

As Quint (ORCA Captain, Jaws, 1975) said, "sometimes you get the shark, sometimes the shark gets you!"

Steven (of Steven & Donna)

 

[trimix]

Steven, I attempted apples to apples comparisons - which is why I included the museum in my comment. And, by the way, the Disney description of the wax museum at leisure tour includes the phrase "Walk from the pier to the San Francisco Wax Museum..." Walking sounds free to me.

Today my wife mentioned a victorian house tour. Getting to the tour would involve two public buses, or one bus and a four block walk. The cable car costs $5 per ride, and buses are $2 per ride. But they sell a three day visitor passport for $20. Take one trip on each cable car route then two bus round trips and you've saved money on regular fares. The buses, cable cars, and F line can conveniently take us anywhere in town we want to go. And, since the ship will be in San Francisco for 32 hours, I won't be concerned about getting back on time - even if I went to Sausalito or Oakland on Friday.

The time argument didn't hold for me. Buying my Alkatraz tickets took less time than booking dinner at Palo.

You do make a valid point about getting back on time. If I were on Tortola and wanted to visit Virgin Gorda or Jost Van ****, or if I were on Cozumel and wanted to visit Tulum, the guarantee of getting back to the ship on time would make it worth the price to me. Knowing San Francisco, if I wanted to visit Napa or Carmel I would likely take the cruise tour. But the stuff in San Francisco or Victoria? I'll do it on my own.