ALASKA - August 30th, 2011 - Mickeys Mooseketeers & the last Alaskan Cruisade! New Th

[BetsyRNBSN]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear about your broken ankle. I hope that there isn't too much red tape for you and that you will be able to keep your vacation.

Two months before we took our last DCL cruise in 2007 I had a bad bicycle accident and broke my ankle. Thankfully, it was a clean break. I worked from home for the first week and then took 5 weeks of disability. No weight bearing for 6 weeks. When we went on the cruise, I had to wear my boot and use my crutches on excursions. On the ship I alternated between my boot, a sneaker or a flip flop. I was lucky because I had full pay between state disability and my employer and didn't lose any time. My fingers are crossed for you!

Well, I think I will still be able to make this trip... yippee!
I have only been no weight bearing for one week, and it has not been fun so far... I go in for re-xrays on monday to see how it is going and if I need surgery. The first person who read the xray missed the fracture, so I actually walked on it for a week before it became displaced, so I don't what the plan is yet... but thankfully the cruise is far enough out that I will be ok.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I noticed today there are a whole bunch of 10A rooms available all of a sudden. I wonder if a lot of people changed to 2012 cruises or people got the 'upgrade call' and they opened up cheaper rooms!

 

[staffieri]

Spent hours today working on excursions...............I think I FINALLY Have them narrowed down to 2 per port! I don't know why I am being so indecisive............

Would love to hear what your doing in each place.

I noticed today there are a whole bunch of 10A rooms available all of a sudden. I wonder if a lot of people changed to 2012 cruises or people got the 'upgrade call' and they opened up cheaper rooms!

Lollipop mom - I didn't realize your on this cruise. Aren't you a little bit of an expert about Canada? I think I have read the wonderful info you have been giving out. Thank you.

I have a question we fly in so late the night before 5pm that I don't think there is time to do anything. I was thinking about going to Grouse Mountain the day of our cruise. You see I think we will have a late check in so no reason to get to the port early and I REALLY WANT TO SEE SOME OF CANADA. So what do you think about my family going to Grouse Mountain from 9am to 1:45 pm. We would leave the mountain at 1:45? Thought. Would love them. And Thanks.

 

[staffieri]

SORRY I HAVE BEEN SO ABSENT!!!!


I feel like I don't know what is going on with the cruise or with our group. Back to back I had family members get sick and be the hospital. My sister first and then my dad was rushed to the hospital for pain and bleeding. He loss so much blood he need a transfusion. I tend to be the car taker so I have been busy and so tired. But coming out of the tunnel now. So hoping to get to know you all and be more involved.

CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR THE FIRST REPORTS OF ALASKA GROUPS!!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Would love to hear what your doing in each place.



Lollipop mom - I didn't realize your on this cruise. Aren't you a little bit of an expert about Canada? I think I have read the wonderful info you have been giving out. Thank you.

I have a question we fly in so late the night before 5pm that I don't think there is time to do anything. I was thinking about going to Grouse Mountain the day of our cruise. You see I think we will have a late check in so no reason to get to the port early and I REALLY WANT TO SEE SOME OF CANADA. So what do you think about my family going to Grouse Mountain from 9am to 1:45 pm. We would leave the mountain at 1:45? Thought. Would love them. And Thanks.

Hahaha yes I am the person who started the Vancouver thread way way back. One of the mods asked me if I could, as I have been around the DIS for a long time and live about 40 mins from the port! I wasn't going to do an Alaskan, but having DCL in our backyard was too much of a temptation.

I strongly do NOT recommend going to Grouse on the morning of the cruise. Reason being is Vancouver is an island, and it is connected by 2 bridges to North Vancouver, where you would need to go to see Grouse. If there is an accident on one bridge (and in tourist season this seems to be a weekly occurance), you are really screwed (my nice way of putting it) for getting back to the ship on time. You could put your whole vacation in jeopardy! If one bridge shuts down, the other bridge is a nightmare, or worse, you are already in traffic for the bridge that shuts down and have to turn off your car and sit and wait it out - people have sat there for 2-3 hours - and its no picnic.
Now chances are 99.9% you will be fine, but don't risk it - its not worth it.
Also, Grouse is going to be similar to some of the stuff you see in Alaska, the view, the mountains, native culture.

If you want to do something that morning I would go to Stanley Park or Granville Island. Those are great places. Stanley park is the closest to the port and there is a little train in there the kids love, also you can take a ride around the park - its really fun.
Granville Island is a big 'market' - there is the kids market and also a great food market with so many options to eat.

Oh another option is Lonsdale Quay - you take the seabus (which is beside the port) over to it, and its a big market and really fun over there.

If you only have 4 hours, stick to one of those!

 

[staffieri]

Hahaha yes I am the person who started the Vancouver thread way way back. One of the mods asked me if I could, as I have been around the DIS for a long time and live about 40 mins from the port! I wasn't going to do an Alaskan, but having DCL in our backyard was too much of a temptation.

I strongly do NOT recommend going to Grouse on the morning of the cruise. Reason being is Vancouver is an island, and it is connected by 2 bridges to North Vancouver, where you would need to go to see Grouse. If there is an accident on one bridge (and in tourist season this seems to be a weekly occurance), you are really screwed (my nice way of putting it) for getting back to the ship on time. You could put your whole vacation in jeopardy! If one bridge shuts down, the other bridge is a nightmare, or worse, you are already in traffic for the bridge that shuts down and have to turn off your car and sit and wait it out - people have sat there for 2-3 hours - and its no picnic.
Now chances are 99.9% you will be fine, but don't risk it - its not worth it.
Also, Grouse is going to be similar to some of the stuff you see in Alaska, the view, the mountains, native culture.

If you want to do something that morning I would go to Stanley Park or Granville Island. Those are great places. Stanley park is the closest to the port and there is a little train in there the kids love, also you can take a ride around the park - its really fun.
Granville Island is a big 'market' - there is the kids market and also a great food market with so many options to eat.

Oh another option is Lonsdale Quay - you take the seabus (which is beside the port) over to it, and its a big market and really fun over there.

If you only have 4 hours, stick to one of those!

I am so bummed!!! I was excited about the tram up and my son and I were going to soar down. Also, loved the idea of my younger daughter getting hick around and see the beauty. We are very adventurous and love excitement, not into shopping. My daughter is 5 and son is 13. Know this any other ideas then a market. Or do I not get it the market thing? we want to see some of Canada. Were from California so we done lots of boating and have wonderful Aquarium here ( this was suggested for us to do) Let me know. Value your thoughts. So thinking no on the Mountain. THANKS!!!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

There is a tram like that at one of our stops in Alaska - is it Juneau?? I remember seeing it.

Ok no markets- they are basically fun with a 'festive' type atmosphere -usually street performers, good food, neat gifts - we love those types of places. At granville there is the kids market and it is really fun - even my daughter who is almost 15 still loves going there. Outside there is a waterslide and water play area too (not sure how old your kids are -its geared 12 and under). You can take the water taxi over to it.
http://www.granvilleisland.com/

Ok how about Stanley Park? It is close to the port. http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/
You don't have to do the aquarium. There is the train, you can walk the seawall, see the sites- its very 'Canada'.

Canada really is not much different from the USA -BC is just like WA state.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Ok guys i need you to talk me out of this and reign me in.....

As you all know, the alaska cruise is not for itinerary for us - its for the ship -and the fact that DCL is 30 mins from my house. This cruise is costing me about $2000 for the 2 of us. Its paid in full - ready to go.
But now I am having 2nd thoughts - cold weather, snowy moutains, glaciers - (ie: no beaches - and we are beach girls) - and then I started looking around -I can get the 2 of us on the carnival dream or an NCL cruise with airfare and spending money for what we are paying for our DCL cruise!
Im so torn, because the DCL final payment date is the same day as my daughter's birthday - so I can't say 'which would you prefer?' and talk it out with her - we love DCL, but are we going to seriously miss the beach?
Or are we seriously going to be disappointed on carnival because the entertainment is sucky (been on a short 4 night carnival and while the food and service were good, the entertainment sucked).
Im torn - help!
Just had to vent this out to people who get it- wwyd?

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

oh and wait - I think I talked myself back into DCL after reading some recent carnival dream reviews on cruise critic... LMAO so hard! Yah ok...DCL. lol

 

[poohj80]

Or are we seriously going to be disappointed on carnival because the entertainment is sucky (been on a short 4 night carnival and while the food and service were good, the entertainment sucked).
Im torn - help!
Just had to vent this out to people who get it- wwyd?

No worries, been there done that! ;-)

It's not just the entertainment on Carnival but the lack of service, condition of the ship, and class of people (hope that doesn't offend) on board. For our money, we'd rather pay for Disney quality than be worried about some drunk 20 somethings stumbling down our hallway at all hours.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Yah I was reading reviews - the teens were drunk and stoned, they will serve teens if they 'tip', etc... My daughter is a GOOD kid and not into that scene at all - and I think I will stick with DCL!
And you didn't offend me with the 'class' of people comment - I get it

We did the 4 night carnival - first cruise ever, had NO idea what we were getting into, but by 9pm I seriously just kept my daughter in our room and watched tv, as it was a booze cruise and I didn't want her out and about with all that was going on out there! Lesson learned on that one. I hoped a 7 night would be better, but from what I am reading it can only get worse!

I am pretty confident Meg would choose DCL anyway - we can't keep away!

 

[PBader]

I've had this little thing called work and Uncle Sam get in the way of my planning. We have Thunder over Louisvile this Saturday, which is the big kick off to all the KY Derby festivities. My store is 2 blocks from all the Tunder action so it has been keeping me BUSY. BUT it is looking like it is going to be a really bad day weather wise it is now forecast for 47 degrees and rainy and just a few days ago it was 72 and sunny. I sure wish these weather people would get their act together But they are the only people that can be wrong 365 days a year, keep their jobs and get raises to boot!

I am going to have to ask Des, to check the link on the 1st post it gives me an error.

 

[PBader]

Would love to hear what your doing in each place.

Hi Kimberly, this is what I have it narrowed down to.

Skagway: I am pretty sure that we are doing the Carcross Yukon & Emerald Lake through Dyea Daves with lunch it is $89 for 6-7 hours.
Town tour: 
We pick you up at the Dock and includes where the white pass trail begins, the scenic Skagway overlook, a side trip to the Gold Rush Cemetery, return down Broadway where we fill in local information that is not available on any other tour.
Summit Tour and Beyond:
 Includes the Town Tour and can include the Rail Trip to Fraser and a return trip by Van.  We go further (to Summit Lake to see the best view of the Yukon and Beyond) and see more than the packaged Summit Tours.
Carcross, Yukon and Emerald Lake
Includes the Town Tour, Summit Tour and continues through the Town of Carcross and beyond to Emerald Lake which is more than all the Packaged tours offer.  You can take the train to Fraser or Carcross, where we pick you up for a continued Van Tour to many other scenic and historic points.  Or you can take our Van to Fraser or Carcross and return on the Train.  Or take the Van Tour both ways.  This gives much more flexibility to design your own tour for your group.  This personal touch is unique in Skagway
***********To add the train one way it is an additional $81 per person***********


JUNEAU---1. the adult Whales, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake (through DCL it's only $7 more than booking through Shoretrips)

2. The Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour and also take the
Mount Roberts Tramway through DCL.



Ketchican--1. I really want to take the plane to Misty Fjords but it is so expensive.
2. Shoretrips has SAXMAN TOTEM VILLAGE, HERRING BAY & MOUNTAIN POINT For 10 persons $591.00 2:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.One of the most popular sites in Ketchikan is the Saxman Totem Village. This is Alaska’s only totem park with 29 authentic totems carved by Tlingit and Haida natives. The poles were moved here from the original site in the 1930's and have been restored by native carvers. To truly appreciate the unique and artesian qualities, a visit is to Saxman is a must when in Ketchikan.

The next part of your journey will continue on to Herring Bay, a quaint area that takes you far away from the crowds and people. A small inlet cove that will allow sites and sounds of the beautiful wildlife that only Ketchikan can offer. During salmon season, black bears, bald eagles, blue herring and seals are often spotted in this area. Be sure to keep your eyes wandering and your cameras ready!

Your last stop of the day will include a visit to Mountain Point. This hidden treasure is well known by the locals, but not the tourists.

Lollipop mom - I didn't realize your on this cruise. Aren't you a little bit of an expert about Canada? I think I have read the wonderful info you have been giving out. Thank you.

I have really gotten some great info from that thread!!!!

 

[PBader]

Liz, glad to hear your not jumping ship. Although I admit Alaska is not our usual vacation destination. I love the warmth, sun and beaches so it is usually the Carribbean we vist. We really made a change last year and did the WBTA repo from Barcelona. I have to say that I loved our visits to Paris and Barcelona before the cruise and I REALLY want to go back to Europe (not to cruise though) and spend some time over there. I'd love to spend 2 months IF I could talk Alan into it.

Betsy, glad to hear that you don't think your ankle will be a problem on the cruise.

Kimberly, glad that your life is calming down a bit now. Hopefully your family is well on the way to recovery and you can get some play time on here

 

[staffieri]

Ok guys i need you to talk me out of this and reign me in.....

As you all know, the alaska cruise is not for itinerary for us - its for the ship -and the fact that DCL is 30 mins from my house. This cruise is costing me about $2000 for the 2 of us. Its paid in full - ready to go.
But now I am having 2nd thoughts - cold weather, snowy moutains, glaciers - (ie: no beaches - and we are beach girls) - and then I started looking around -I can get the 2 of us on the carnival dream or an NCL cruise with airfare and spending money for what we are paying for our DCL cruise!
Im so torn, because the DCL final payment date is the same day as my daughter's birthday - so I can't say 'which would you prefer?' and talk it out with her - we love DCL, but are we going to seriously miss the beach?
Or are we seriously going to be disappointed on carnival because the entertainment is sucky (been on a short 4 night carnival and while the food and service were good, the entertainment sucked).
Im torn - help!
Just had to vent this out to people who get it- wwyd?

I wanted to tell you NCL is very nice. I understand how you are feeling. I am still sometimes wrapping my head around no beaches. I do live in Orange County so it helps. I think if your daughter is getting older she might love another cruise. Try to check out each one extra activities that they have. Your not crazy I think going to the beaches for ports is wonderful and laying by the pool is great. As if the prices is less take a good look. I have a young one so Disney is the only choice for me. But if I just was bringing my older boys I too would want to save $$ and spend it in the post and be around the Ocean. For, us Alaska is going to be so new a different to see. It will be fun. I will miss your knowledge. I know you will make the right choice.

Kimbelry

 

[staffieri]

Kimberly, glad that your life is calming down a bit now. Hopefully your family is well on the way to recovery and you can get some play time on here[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the nice thoughts Paula. Also thanks for the update on your plans at the ports.

Kimberly

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I think I have decided to stick with this cruise..
1. I know DCL is amazing and it will be money well spent
2. No airports, no shuttles, no taxis, no travel stress - just get dropped off at Canada Place!
3. If I do another cruise line, I want to do one of those new big mega ships like the Oasis, but thats not in the budget right now - we are on a strict $2000 budget for this one, and I have worked hard for that money, so I want to be sure we get our moneys worth, and DCL ensures that for me!

 

[tracyvansmith]

I can get the 2 of us on the carnival dream or an NCL cruise with airfare and spending money for what we are paying for our DCL cruise!
Or are we seriously going to be disappointed on carnival because the entertainment is sucky (been on a short 4 night carnival and while the food and service were good, the entertainment sucked).

It's not just the entertainment on Carnival but the lack of service, condition of the ship, and class of people (hope that doesn't offend) on board. For our money, we'd rather pay for Disney quality than be worried about some drunk 20 somethings stumbling down our hallway at all hours.

Yah I was reading reviews - the teens were drunk and stoned, they will serve teens if they 'tip', etc... My daughter is a GOOD kid and not into that scene at all - and I think I will stick with DCL!
And you didn't offend me with the 'class' of people comment - I get it

We did the 4 night carnival - first cruise ever, had NO idea what we were getting into, but by 9pm I seriously just kept my daughter in our room and watched tv, as it was a booze cruise and I didn't want her out and about with all that was going on out there! Lesson learned on that one. I hoped a 7 night would be better, but from what I am reading it can only get worse!

I am pretty confident Meg would choose DCL anyway - we can't keep away!

I have done many Carnival cruises. I have number 8 and 9 booked for Nov. and number 10, 11 and 12 planned for 2012. They will not serve to under 21 even if they tip because they can't charge it to their card. But what can happen is when the kids go to shore most places will serve them and then they come back to the ship drunk. You also find more drunk young people on the shorter cruises. Then longer the cruise the older the cruises. Young people cant afford longer cruises and they cant take off as much time.

Now the entertainment yes I like the DCL entertainment over Carnivals. I found service to be about the same. Food I am worried about on DCL. I have read a lot of bad reviews of DCL lately about their food. I am bringing frist time cruisers with us on this Alaska trip and I hope the food is better than what I have been reading.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I wasn't overly impressed with DCL food. Especially after doing a 2 night NCL weekend cruise - the food was soooooo much better. DCL's buffet really sucks - its terrible and often inedible. Breakfast buffet was the worst and we started going to Parrot Cay or just get a muffin or danish. The buffet on the NCL pearl was downright incredible! They also had a restaurant called blue lagoon with good 'pub' type food and it was good.
We had just come from a week in the parks and did quick service dining and only a couple of table service, knowing we were going on the cruise, and by the time we got on DCL I was 'cheeseburger, hot dog and chicken finger'd out' -but it probably wouldn't be so bad if not spending a week on park food ahead of time.
We also had terrible service in the DCL dining rooms from our team - and everyone else at my table had cruised multiple times and assured me it was not normally like that (I thought maybe I was being too picky, but they were all complaining as well).
If I was cruising for food, it would not be DCL, but when I was on the other ships I found the evening entertainment so bad we couldn't even sit through it. It was laughable and we would last about 20 mins and leave.
I am pretty much happy go lucky on vacation, just happy to be away, so it takes a lot to really bother me.

But the atmosphere, the entertainment, etc... all made up for icky food!!
I did like NCL and would cruise it again, but I was just so torn because as much as we love the beach - DCL is for the first (and probably last) time in our backyard!

 

[MPS516]

I wasn't overly impressed with DCL food. Especially after doing a 2 night NCL weekend cruise - the food was soooooo much better. DCL's buffet really sucks - its terrible and often inedible. Breakfast buffet was the worst and we started going to Parrot Cay or just get a muffin or danish. The buffet on the NCL pearl was downright incredible! They also had a restaurant called blue lagoon with good 'pub' type food and it was good.
We had just come from a week in the parks and did quick service dining and only a couple of table service, knowing we were going on the cruise, and by the time we got on DCL I was 'cheeseburger, hot dog and chicken finger'd out' -but it probably wouldn't be so bad if not spending a week on park food ahead of time.
We also had terrible service in the DCL dining rooms from our team - and everyone else at my table had cruised multiple times and assured me it was not normally like that (I thought maybe I was being too picky, but they were all complaining as well).
If I was cruising for food, it would not be DCL, but when I was on the other ships I found the evening entertainment so bad we couldn't even sit through it. It was laughable and we would last about 20 mins and leave.
I am pretty much happy go lucky on vacation, just happy to be away, so it takes a lot to really bother me.

But the atmosphere, the entertainment, etc... all made up for icky food!!
I did like NCL and would cruise it again, but I was just so torn because as much as we love the beach - DCL is for the first (and probably last) time in our backyard!

Wow, sounds like you are in the 2% who do not list DCL as outstanding. We too have cruised NCL and the food on our ship was so bad we quit eating in dining room and just got snacks and hamburgers at Johnny Rocket. I have heard Disney is trying to improve on their food (although we have never had a bad meal) and the new ships will have premium menues. We generally go to the breakfast seating restaurant instead of the morning buffet, the menu is typical but we have found it good.

In all 5 of our previous DCL cruises we have found the service to be better than outstanding, can not say our NCL, Carnival, Crystal or Louis cruises had service that was even 1/2 of what we had with DCL. I guess just maybe we have been real lucky and hope our luck holds out through September.