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

[PBader]

I am pretty sure that most of the carriers give you the 1st bag free on international flights----it's a shame they keep changing the rules all the time.

I try my darndest to fly Southwest for cruises---seems they are the only vacation where I need the 2nd bag.

I got my work schedules finished today through Sept. 1st and my Mom just let me know yesterday that she will be watching my nephews for the next 2 weeks (well all except Monday & Tuesday of next week)

Tuesday I am getting permanent eyeliner put on---I had it done 3 years ago, but it only lasted about 3 months. So hopefully it takes this time around---probably a good thing I'll be working from home for the rest of that week

 

[MPS516]

with over 90% of the flights into and out of our airport being Delta we are usually stuck with them, especially when the times are tight. the service was much better when they were Northwest but that is old news.

we still get 1st bag free on Delta for everyone traveling with me, holdover from elite status, when traveling same day i like to carry on which can be a problem on Delta with space filling quick.

no matter, we are cruising again so its all good

 

[PBader]

no matter, we are cruising again so its all good

Very very true!!!

 

[HiMagicFan]

Are you flying back from Canada via United? We are too, and I could have sworn that there was no charge for the first bag on an international flight. I had better check that out again and make sure.

I didn't actually do the booking - my mom took care of it but she said it was booked thru United but the actual carrier was Air Canada - so not sure how that works out. It would be cool to hear that you don't get charged on the international flights

 

[PBader]

Piikea, looks like United has has several changes since June, so it depends on when you purchased your ticket. http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,52482,00.html


Air Canada ww .iflyb usine ss. com/international-baggage-policies_Air-Canada.php

Good Luck!!

I'd print out whichever one applies to your ticket. I had to show a print out to Delta when they 1st started implementing baggage fees.

 

[HiMagicFan]

Yeah, kitchen sink - I have 3 cups from WDW that I was planning to bring so that if we get soda or hot chocolate, it won't be in those small cups.

And then I think I am bringing way more snacks that I am gonna need so I am rethinking that and may just go to the market in Vancouver and buy the snacks there.

And then I have a whole bunch of other goodies for some of the cruise staff, dis fe and my tour guides or some of the people who do something extra nice in port.

In addition, I bought a whole bunch of disney stuff to decorate our cabin for M/D's first Disney cruise and my Dad's and my Bday celebrations.

Then I started packing and before I knew it ~ over the 50!

So I am back to the drawing board and prioritizing.

 

[HiMagicFan]

On the above note: I bought a pair of men's coleman hiking boots but am wondering if I can get away with my sneakers since I plan on bringing them as I will be walking the deck and going to the gym.

So I am thinking I can get away with one pair of sneakers, one sandals for dinner and a pair of slippers.

Other than the decks I am guessing that the halls and cabins and the stores and such inside are all carpeted? I like to go barefoot alot so will probably walk around with my fuzzy socks instead.

 

[HiMagicFan]

Piikea, looks like United has has several changes since June, so it depends on when you purchased your ticket. http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,52482,00.html


Air Canada http://www.iflybusiness.com/international-baggage-policies_Air-Canada.php

Good Luck!!

I'd print out whichever one applies to your ticket. I had to show a print out to Delta when they 1st started implementing baggage fees.

Thanks for checking! I will look it up. A good idea to print it out - I may print both just in case. Thanks!

 

[HiMagicFan]

Boy ~ I sure hope that the Air Canada applies - cuz they allow for 2 bags free even in economy!

I still am trying to figure out the United as I didn't see one between the US and Canada. And then I need to figure out if they include Hawaii as some carriers consider Hawaii an international/other destination - go figure.

Melissa - what airline are you going on? We leave the night of the 26th.

 

[PBader]

Yeah, kitchen sink - I have 3 cups from WDW that I was planning to bring so that if we get soda or hot chocolate, it won't be in those small cups.

And then I think I am bringing way more snacks that I am gonna need so I am rethinking that and may just go to the market in Vancouver and buy the snacks there.

And then I have a whole bunch of other goodies for some of the cruise staff, dis fe and my tour guides or some of the people who do something extra nice in port.

In addition, I bought a whole bunch of disney stuff to decorate our cabin for M/D's first Disney cruise and my Dad's and my Bday celebrations.

Then I started packing and before I knew it ~ over the 50!

So I am back to the drawing board and prioritizing.

I bought a pack of coffee cups at the Dollar Tree--16 oz (6 in a pack). They are light weight and then I figure it will be a little less room for the return trip home. I actually use them at home for my "to go" cup on my way into work.

I bought 2 big bags of Starburst chews to give to guest services with my vinylmations to be signed. The only snacks I bring is a bag of Jolly Ranchers--there's always a Mickey bar or cookies to order from room service

We had several of our cruise friends have birthdays on the WBTA, it was a lot of fun.

 

[PBader]

On the above note: I bought a pair of men's coleman hiking boots but am wondering if I can get away with my sneakers since I plan on bringing them as I will be walking the deck and going to the gym.

So I am thinking I can get away with one pair of sneakers, one sandals for dinner and a pair of slippers.

Other than the decks I am guessing that the halls and cabins and the stores and such inside are all carpeted? I like to go barefoot alot so will probably walk around with my fuzzy socks instead.

2 pairs of dress shoes, flip flops and I'll wear my tennis shoes.

 

[HiMagicFan]

thanks for the tips Paula!

bringing those cups might be better cuz then I will have room for souvenirs!

I think I am going to rethink my gift snacks - maybe something similar to what you are doing.

Thanks for sharing about the shoes - always takes the most room so I think I should be good based on what you are bringing.

 

[tracyvansmith]

I didn't actually do the booking - my mom took care of it but she said it was booked thru United but the actual carrier was Air Canada - so not sure how that works out. It would be cool to hear that you don't get charged on the international flights

Air Canda and United are partners. You might want to phone and see how it works when you book United but fly Air Canada with luggage. Air Canada you get your first checked one free so that might apply to you. If we book through Air Canada but get a United flight we have to pay United bag fees. So you would think the reverse would work the same way.

 

[tracyvansmith]

Boy ~ I sure hope that the Air Canada applies - cuz they allow for 2 bags free even in economy!

I still am trying to figure out the United as I didn't see one between the US and Canada. And then I need to figure out if they include Hawaii as some carriers consider Hawaii an international/other destination - go figure.

Melissa - what airline are you going on? We leave the night of the 26th.

Flying from the US into Canada is not international. He is Air Canada's bag fee you have to go down to travel between US and Canada. With Air Canada you are alowed one bag. http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/checked.html

 

[TDC Nala]

According to United's website it is a $25 charge for one checked bag flying between the US and Canada. they do not charge for the first bag if you are flying to Mexico, Europe or Asia but they do for Canada. They do have a lot of variations depending on when you purchased your ticket, so check their site

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,52482,00.html

 

[PBader]

Personally I think the airlines try to make things as confusing as they can for people. I put Adam (son) on my Delta Am Ex card and they overnighted him a card so that he wouldn't have to pay for his checked bag when he went to WDW in March. He still had to pay since the card is tied to my frequent flyer number not his.


I have had the strangest phone calls this morning. My cell ringing at 8 am so I answer it and the lady tells me she is from CPS and that she was returning my call from a couple minutes ago. It was an area code 281 and mine is 502. I told her it couldn't have been my phone as I was asleep and the only person in the house. 5 minutes later she calls back and said that I called her again and didn't say anything. And proceeds to lecture me about misusing the phone..........................

 

[sunshine1259]

Boy ~ I sure hope that the Air Canada applies - cuz they allow for 2 bags free even in economy!

I still am trying to figure out the United as I didn't see one between the US and Canada. And then I need to figure out if they include Hawaii as some carriers consider Hawaii an international/other destination - go figure.

Melissa - what airline are you going on? We leave the night of the 26th.

For the United flights, it is $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag.

For Air Canada, if you purchased your ticket prior to June 1st, your first bag is free and then your second bag would only be $30 CAD as opposed to $35 CAD if flight booked after June 1st.

Thanks everyone for posting the links to the baggages sites.

 

[Chirple]

Hi fellow cruisers!

I feel like such a slacker compared to all of you who are already preparing your packing lists. I think mine consist of about 4 items. I plan to do laundry to prevent overpacking. I am bringing 2 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair of dress shoes and 1 pair of flip flops for walking around the cabin. The contact at Harv & Marv's said that sneakers were perfectly fine on the boat and at Mendenhall Glacier.

We got our cruise booklet from the TA 2 days ago. We are flying Air Canada on a code share through Continental. Inside the booklet AC's checked bag policy is printed, not Continental's. I'm sticking to the first bag free theory.

We just purchased new backpacks to use as our carry-on bags and to use for our excursions in case we have to remove/add layers of clothes. We still need rain jackets. Has anyone purchased a waterproof camera case?

I haven't had a chance to get to my bank to see if I can exchange US dollars for Canadian money. I guess I should take care of that by tomorrow. I'm not sure how much I want to exchange. Since I know the credit card company will charge a transaction fee, I'm wondering if I should get enough to cover our one night at the Pan Pacific since that will be our biggest expense in Vancouver. Anyone else already do this?

 

[seaulater]

Hi fellow cruisers!

I haven't had a chance to get to my bank to see if I can exchange US dollars for Canadian money. I guess I should take care of that by tomorrow. I'm not sure how much I want to exchange. Since I know the credit card company will charge a transaction fee, I'm wondering if I should get enough to cover our one night at the Pan Pacific since that will be our biggest expense in Vancouver. Anyone else already do this?

I did the inaugural cruise on the Wonder in May for Alaska. (actually from Long Beach all the way up to Victoria, Vancouver and then Alaska).

We NEVER needed Canadian money. Every place we shopped and ate in Vancouver took US dollars. I wouldn't pay an exchange fee and a transaction fee.

 

[Chirple]

Thanks, Linda. I have been to Canada and used U.S. money as well. I got a different view by another poster on a general Alaska thread for asking the question so I'm a little apprehensive about doing the wrong thing. Maybe we'll just deal with the transaction fees so we don't come home with Canadian money.

This trip can't come soon enough for me!