A Golden-Grand-Slam-Outta-the-Park Alaskan Cruise! COMPLETE 7/18!!!!!!

[jenseib]

I am so hungry now Ellen! Darn you!
I love the chicken parm....My mom and I shared it and it was so good we were tempted to lick the plate. I hadn't read any reviews on it at all before I got it, but now I see everyone loves it too.

 

[KristiMc]

Pods was VERY well behaved at this one, I think you would be impressed, Kristi!


Glad that he behaved. I think he had more fun at the Martini class on the Fantasy though

Outside, the wilderness awaits-



Beautiful - I can't wait to see this scenery!

Hi Kristi! Will you let me know if he is? If so, I will request him too. Thanks!

Jodie

Will do

 

[Flossbolna]

Wow, you are posting so much that it is difficult to keep up to date!! I love it!!!

We had Sasha on my first cruise and I loved him! We requested him again on the Panama Canal cruise, but unfortunately for us he had just gotten off the boat before our cruise for his vacation.

I love the scenery! I am expecting that we are going to see similar scenery when we cruise to Norway, I just hope that we will have such nice sunshine as you had! If it is rainy and foggy one might not see as much of it...

The book you mention sounds like just the thing I need! I love maps (got that from my father) and love to follow along on a map when in a car (or on a train). I think I need to buy a map of Norway to figure out where we are going with the Magic. Thanks for giving me that idea!

The naturalist sounds great! From what I read about other cruise lines, they seem to have more of this kind of entertainment and I wish Disney would have more of it as well. It was great on the Panama Canal cruise, but nothing on the 5-night Wonder cruise. The Fantasy was better as there were at least two talks during the cruise. I rather would have more "lectures" than cooking classes. But that's me.

 

[podsnel]

I love Sasha. He was our server on our Pacific Coast cruise in the MDRs. He was awesome. Unfortunately, (not for him, but for us), he was on vacation for our Alaskan cruise.

Seems like a lot of people have been cruising while Sasha is at home in Croatia. He did have such nice things to say about his family, I am sure his visits there are never long enough.

I am so hungry now Ellen! Darn you!
I love the chicken parm....My mom and I shared it and it was so good we were tempted to lick the plate. I hadn't read any reviews on it at all before I got it, but now I see everyone loves it too.

HEY! We are all in this TOGETHER! If I am drooling at my computer screen, then so should you be! I am really enjoying catching up on your Princess cruise, Julie. Kept me up waaaay too late last night!

Will do

WE had much more fun doing martinis on the Fantasy- we were with YOU! And Jodie!

Wow, you are posting so much that it is difficult to keep up to date!! I love it!!!

We had Sasha on my first cruise and I loved him! We requested him again on the Panama Canal cruise, but unfortunately for us he had just gotten off the boat before our cruise for his vacation.

Another one! Clearly Sasha's schedule needs to be posted on the DCL website so we can all choose our dates accordingly.

I love the scenery! I am expecting that we are going to see similar scenery when we cruise to Norway, I just hope that we will have such nice sunshine as you had! If it is rainy and foggy one might not see as much of it...

About the fog....and rain...don't worry about that. It will add to the mystique of it. I was worried about it too- when we did have rainy/fog- it was really fine. REALLY. We had much different weather from these two first days for the next 3 after this. You will still see, I bet.

The book you mention sounds like just the thing I need! I love maps (got that from my father) and love to follow along on a map when in a car (or on a train). I think I need to buy a map of Norway to figure out where we are going with the Magic. Thanks for giving me that idea!

If there is anything like what I have, DEFINITELY get it- it was fascinating to read before-hand, and the map was EXCELLENT!!

The naturalist sounds great! From what I read about other cruise lines, they seem to have more of this kind of entertainment and I wish Disney would have more of it as well. It was great on the Panama Canal cruise, but nothing on the 5-night Wonder cruise. The Fantasy was better as there were at least two talks during the cruise. I rather would have more "lectures" than cooking classes. But that's me.

I know you are talking about ALL cruises, but in Alaska, many cruiselines no longer have a naturalist onboard, is my understanding, and that FLOORS me. Luxury cruiselines always have lectures onboard- because they are appealing to a more highbrow crowd, I think. No jugglers, magicians, broadway shows, Quest, Match, hypnotist, etc. Music might be a string quartet or a piano player. I love to learn, and I REALLY enjoyed the Naturalist, I think, because I can't IMAGINE seeing all that Alaska has and just staring at it thinking that's pretty! I would like more naturalist/history lectures, too- but not at the expense of the other, it's so much fun, and we really enjoy all of that every cruise (there was a ventriloquist on this cruise who I think Pods would have left me for- she was SO funny!!). I hope they have someone lines up for Norway for you- that would DEFINITELY add to the experience! PS- I have yet to make it to a cooking class on DCL- not because I don't want to, though, but because it always conflicts with something else I want to do at the same time.

 

[pillow]

I know you are talking about ALL cruises, but in Alaska, many cruiselines no longer have a naturalist onboard, is my understanding, and that FLOORS me. Luxury cruiselines always have lectures onboard- because they are appealing to a more highbrow crowd, I think. No jugglers, magicians, broadway shows, Quest, Match, hypnotist, etc. Music might be a string quartet or a piano player. I love to learn, and I REALLY enjoyed the Naturalist, I think, because I can't IMAGINE seeing all that Alaska has and just staring at it thinking that's pretty! I would like more naturalist/history lectures, too- but not at the expense of the other, it's so much fun, and we really enjoy all of that every cruise (there was a ventriloquist on this cruise who I think Pods would have left me for- she was SO funny!!). I hope they have someone lines up for Norway for you- that would DEFINITELY add to the experience! PS- I have yet to make it to a cooking class on DCL- not because I don't want to, though, but because it always conflicts with something else I want to do at the same time. [/COLOR]

I'm so excited about the naturalist! Did your kids go to his lectures? I can see this as being one of those things I STRONGLY SUGGEST they do, and then getting the, "this is why I don't like family vacations" line from DS17. I suppose I just need to get over it and just let him do what he wants on vaca.

I did go to one of the cooking classes (Kristie was there with her kids). It was some sort of pastry if I remember correctly. Honestly, I thought it was pretty lame. We weren't really doing any cooking. Rather listening to a lecture about it. Could have just read the recipe. Kristi, what did you think?

Jodie

 

[JKSWonder]

Look at that view out your balcony window! Completely awe inspiring.

 

[KristiMc]

I'm so excited about the naturalist! Did your kids go to his lectures? I can see this as being one of those things I STRONGLY SUGGEST they do, and then getting the, "this is why I don't like family vacations" line from DS17. I suppose I just need to get over it and just let him do what he wants on vaca.

I did go to one of the cooking classes (Kristie was there with her kids). It was some sort of pastry if I remember correctly. Honestly, I thought it was pretty lame. We weren't really doing any cooking. Rather listening to a lecture about it. Could have just read the recipe. Kristi, what did you think?

Jodie

We were at the Apple Strudel demo together Jodie. I have been to a few of the classes. They are ok - I mainly go for the wine sample just kidding .

I have also been to the Mushroom Risotto one before. That was good and something that I make at home now.

Ellen - We find sometimes that there are multiple things that we would like to go to. I know I want to make it to the Naturalists talks but I'm sure some of them will interfere with BINGO - and we can't have that. The McCormick family loves our DCL BINGO.

 

[pillow]

We were at the Apple Strudel demo together Jodie. I have been to a few of the classes. They are ok - I mainly go for the wine sample just kidding .

I have also been to the Mushroom Risotto one before. That was good and something that I make at home now.

Ellen - We find sometimes that there are multiple things that we would like to go to. I know I want to make it to the Naturalists talks but I'm sure some of them will interfere with BINGO - and we can't have that. The McCormick family loves our DCL BINGO.

Wine sample? Now that would be a wonderful addition to the cooking classes! Perhaps we should write that on our evaluation forms!?

I have to tell you that on that NYE Fantasy cruise, I tried Bingo for the first time with DD14. We LOVED it! My girlfriends here at home think its hilarious that I enjoyed Bingo so much. Not sure I'd give up the Naturalist talk for it though. Hopefully, we can fit both in.

Back over to you, Ellen . . .

Jodie

 

[Flossbolna]

I know you are talking about ALL cruises, but in Alaska, many cruiselines no longer have a naturalist onboard, is my understanding, and that FLOORS me. Luxury cruiselines always have lectures onboard- because they are appealing to a more highbrow crowd, I think. No jugglers, magicians, broadway shows, Quest, Match, hypnotist, etc. Music might be a string quartet or a piano player. I love to learn, and I REALLY enjoyed the Naturalist, I think, because I can't IMAGINE seeing all that Alaska has and just staring at it thinking that's pretty! I would like more naturalist/history lectures, too- but not at the expense of the other, it's so much fun, and we really enjoy all of that every cruise (there was a ventriloquist on this cruise who I think Pods would have left me for- she was SO funny!!). I hope they have someone lines up for Norway for you- that would DEFINITELY add to the experience! PS- I have yet to make it to a cooking class on DCL- not because I don't want to, though, but because it always conflicts with something else I want to do at the same time.

First, thanks for reassuring me about the fog and rain! I have to admit that I am a bit in the camp of thinking that cruise equals warm weather. But my sister was really keen on the Norway cruise (she is not a fan of hot weather!) and we really wanted to cruise in Europe to avoid huge travel costs. And (I know this sounds snobbish now ) the Baltic cruises were just too boring. I have been to all of the ports already, my sister is only missing St Petersburg... So, it was only Norway or the repositioning cruise from Dover to Barcelona. But the 7-night Norway was cheaper on opening day than the repo cruise (strange, isn't it?).

Knowing how much of a foodie you are I would have thought that you are a constant visitor to the culinary demonstrations!

And I am shocked to hear that the naturalist on board is not standard for Alaska cruises!! We have been looking into doing an Alaska cruise on Pricess or HAL one day as we like the option of the one way cruise and combine it with a land visit to Alaska. I will keep it in mind to check about the status of naturalists on board once we get serious about planning for Alaska...

 

[KristiMc]

Wine sample? Now that would be a wonderful addition to the cooking classes! Perhaps we should write that on our evaluation forms!?

I have to tell you that on that NYE Fantasy cruise, I tried Bingo for the first time with DD14. We LOVED it! My girlfriends here at home think its hilarious that I enjoyed Bingo so much. Not sure I'd give up the Naturalist talk for it though. Hopefully, we can fit both in.

Back over to you, Ellen . . .

Jodie

Now that I think about it I don't think there was a wine sample at the Apple Strudel class because it was for all ages. Some of the classes are adult only and offer you a wine sample with your food tasting.

 

[Mickdeb]

Yes, we were on this same cruise....Aug11th-Aug18th. We didn't arrive to the Pan Pacific until after 7pm Sunday, so we missed the meet-up. I was disappointed to be arriving so late, but ultimately it was ok, since upon arrival we were upgraded to a club level suite with views of the city from the living room and a harbor view from the master bedroom. Of course, I was up at the crack of dawn and watched the Wonder pass under the Lionsgate bridge and into the harbor.....amazing!

They also gave us a fruit and cheese platter with a bottle of wine. Of course, we took the wine with us on the cruise. A great way to start our trip.

 

[pillow]

Now that I think about it I don't think there was a wine sample at the Apple Strudel class because it was for all ages. Some of the classes are adult only and offer you a wine sample with your food tasting.

No there wasn't. I thought you were kidding about DCL giving wine sample at the cooking demos. Clearly, I need to do an adult class!! I can't wait for this trip.

Jodie

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hey!

I had no idea this TR was here! Didn't you think I'd be interested in Alaska, the one state I've never seen? Hmm? You're killing me, Smalls!

Ok, just teasing. This trip looks amazing. Looking forward to more!

 

[podsnel]

I'm so excited about the naturalist! Did your kids go to his lectures? I can see this as being one of those things I STRONGLY SUGGEST they do, and then getting the, "this is why I don't like family vacations" line from DS17. I suppose I just need to get over it and just let him do what he wants on vaca.

No! We did say you should come to this then you will understand what we are all seeing- and they said the "Alaska guy" came to Vibe to talk to them, too. So you do NOT have to be the bad guy, lol! And thanks for reminding me- I will add that to my next update.

I did go to one of the cooking classes (Kristie was there with her kids). It was some sort of pastry if I remember correctly. Honestly, I thought it was pretty lame. We weren't really doing any cooking. Rather listening to a lecture about it. Could have just read the recipe. Kristi, what did you think?

Jodie

I would always pick the naturalist over cooking- even though I LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook- but I think I LOVE LOVE LOVE learning about nature as it happens even more. And I can see that on any cruise- maybe I'll save it for one day when I'm on a BTB or a Panama Canal cruise and I have time to burn....ahhhhh......

Look at that view out your balcony window! Completely awe inspiring.

YES!! It WAS!!!

We were at the Apple Strudel demo together Jodie. I have been to a few of the classes. They are ok - I mainly go for the wine sample just kidding .

No you're not....

I have also been to the Mushroom Risotto one before. That was good and something that I make at home now.

Ellen - We find sometimes that there are multiple things that we would like to go to. I know I want to make it to the Naturalists talks but I'm sure some of them will interfere with BINGO - and we can't have that. The McCormick family loves our DCL BINGO.

Well, he is in the theatre where the bingo is- so you might just have to spend a whole day in there! Not to worry if you miss one- you can catch it on the tv allllll the time.

Wine sample? Now that would be a wonderful addition to the cooking classes! Perhaps we should write that on our evaluation forms!?

LOL-

I have to tell you that on that NYE Fantasy cruise, I tried Bingo for the first time with DD14. We LOVED it! My girlfriends here at home think its hilarious that I enjoyed Bingo so much. Not sure I'd give up the Naturalist talk for it though. Hopefully, we can fit both in.

Back over to you, Ellen . . .

Jodie

Gee thanks, Jodie!

First, thanks for reassuring me about the fog and rain! I have to admit that I am a bit in the camp of thinking that cruise equals warm weather. But my sister was really keen on the Norway cruise (she is not a fan of hot weather!) and we really wanted to cruise in Europe to avoid huge travel costs. And (I know this sounds snobbish now ) the Baltic cruises were just too boring. I have been to all of the ports already, my sister is only missing St Petersburg... So, it was only Norway or the repositioning cruise from Dover to Barcelona. But the 7-night Norway was cheaper on opening day than the repo cruise (strange, isn't it?).

Doesn't sound snobbish at all- if you have been there, you may be done. They have ABDs in NYC and San Francisco that I won't do because I have been and done that. I could TOTALLY go for a weekend in Boston, though! I wish they would pick THAT city!

I think the Fjords will be BEAUTIFUL- and yes, that is very strange about the price!

Knowing how much of a foodie you are I would have thought that you are a constant visitor to the culinary demonstrations!

Not yet, lol!!

And I am shocked to hear that the naturalist on board is not standard for Alaska cruises!! We have been looking into doing an Alaska cruise on Pricess or HAL one day as we like the option of the one way cruise and combine it with a land visit to Alaska. I will keep it in mind to check about the status of naturalists on board once we get serious about planning for Alaska...

I know Princess has a naturalist (they have a whole program for kids on Alaska cruises based on its ecology and nature) and I am fairly certain HAL does too- I had a family on HAL last summer there, and I have a family on Princess this year- I can let you know what they say about Princess. I know the HAL family loved every port, and what they saw, but said the cruiseline was just ok, nothing spectacular.

Now that I think about it I don't think there was a wine sample at the Apple Strudel class because it was for all ages. Some of the classes are adult only and offer you a wine sample with your food tasting.

That makes sense. Surprised you stayed.

 

[podsnel]

Yes, we were on this same cruise....Aug11th-Aug18th. We didn't arrive to the Pan Pacific until after 7pm Sunday, so we missed the meet-up. I was disappointed to be arriving so late, but ultimately it was ok, since upon arrival we were upgraded to a club level suite with views of the city from the living room and a harbor view from the master bedroom. Of course, I was up at the crack of dawn and watched the Wonder pass under the Lionsgate bridge and into the harbor.....amazing!

Well that's a GREAT reason to arrive late!! OMG!! How incredible! I think I got the worst view of all of us booked there- but loved it nonetheless. I can only BEGIN to imagine how spectacular that view was Monday morning of the ship coming in under the bridge! I should have knocked on your door instead of going outside, lol!

They also gave us a fruit and cheese platter with a bottle of wine. Of course, we took the wine with us on the cruise. A great way to start our trip.

Ok- now you're just showin off...LOL!! That is REALLY great, so wonderful you got the VIP treatment.

No there wasn't. I thought you were kidding about DCL giving wine sample at the cooking demos. Clearly, I need to do an adult class!! I can't wait for this trip.

Jodie

Really? I couldn't tell. It's AMAZING!!!! You will love it- sooo nice- you can spend loads of time in your special chair on Deck 4.

Hey!

HEY!!!!! I was reading about the exploding diaper disaster last night! Made me as per usual on one of your TRs!

I had no idea this TR was here! Didn't you think I'd be interested in Alaska, the one state I've never seen? Hmm? You're killing me, Smalls!

IT IS????? I had no idea- I thought there were more states than just ALaska- or is that for all of you as a family? Amyway, I apologize for my giant oversight- HEY MARK!! THERE'S A NEW ALASKA TR!!!!

Good?

And who's Smalls?

Ok, just teasing. This trip looks amazing. Looking forward to more!

It most definitely was- completely amazing, and unlike pretty much anything we have done before. A great, great state to visit- if you are into that kind of thing.

 

[dizneeat]

Great first day, Ellen!
Starting a cruise off with sea days is just the BEST! And you did it perfectly in style, starting out with a Palo Brunch! LOVE all the photos, brings me right back to DCL.

Some of your photos of your "framed" veranda remind me of the rivercruises that are offered here. I guess yours get FAR more exciting than a river cruise here.

 

[OhMari]

Your family is so familiar with cruising,
it is like you are speaking a second language talking about a Disney cruise. I know nothing.

You are totally rockin the TR again.
I am skeptical too, I just don't know if I want to go somewhere cold in the summer. Wisconsin's summer's are just too short.

 

[franandaj]

Well, it was totally a financial thing- that was why we did it. BUT, like anything else, once you go there, you can't go back.

I will NEVER be able to stay Concierge based on this fact alone.

Actually our 2nd Disney Cruise (two years ago) we did Concierge on the Wonder. I had no problem going back to regular as Concierge on the Wonder doesn't really have that many perks. It was put to me this way, "would you rather go Concierge or go on twice as many cruises?"

It was easy, instead of having a standing order for breakfast, I would put the little tags out every night, and with just a little hustling on the first day, we could book all the events. I didn't miss the private reception with Mickey that much and there just weren't enough perks. Now on the Dream or the Fantasy, I've heard that Concierge is like HEAVEN!

It really is- there was so much more I wanted to do there- but Pods would not hear of it, he was only doing 1 night. Just too much going on last summer. This year we have our annual trek to Florida's Emerald Coast (to visit the family) in September instead- so that took the pressure off, and I could do 3 nites pre cruise (booked at VGF and AKV CL pre- Fantasy Western) in August. I like that WAAAAAAAYYYYY better!

There just isn't enough time to do everything that we want to do! BTW, I need to send you a PM, so you can link mine and Fran's reservation on the Wonder with Jenny's so that we can all sit at the same dinner table on our Cabo Cruise.

 

[podsnel]

Up on the top deck, we were walking around wide-eyed with our jaws on the floor- you know, like everyone else was. It truly just kept getting more and more spectacular by the minute.









I know it just trees, but it's JUST trees!!



Up front, oh boy oh BOY was it windy!!! Pods had to hang on!!



Hmmm...maybe that doesn't really show how windy it was. How about this?



This is where we were headed-



That glass wall is a VERY good thing on this cruise-



We started to see waterfalls, always a good thing-





Looking across to the Outlook Cafe-



Hey- I bet it's a lot less windy in there! So we ventured inside. I ordered a glass of Taittinger champagne (because it felt like a celebration, coming here!), and we relaxed and enjoyed the view. Which I ran outside to take photos of about every 2 minutes.





Doug Jones was also inside the Outlook Cafe- I pretty much threw myself at his feet and gawked at him while talking about whales and stuff.





It was not a bad way to spend an afternoon, I'll tell ya-



It did have to come to an end, though. Tonight was formal night, and we were planning to dress up- not our usual evening gown and tuxedo type dressing up- but men in suits and a cocktail dress for me. My dress was even Navy, not black- I was really embracing the dressed down style of the 49th state. LOL.



A photo or two with my handsome young men-





And we headed down to go see the mouse. As did everybody else-



Cont'd next post-

 

[KristiMc]

Love, love, love that you take so many pictures . This report is making me so ready for June 8th!!!

You and your boys looked WONDERful all dressed up.