Alaska Cruise for us DISers on RCCL Jewel of the Seas 6/12-19/2015 (Official Thread)

[TeresaR]

Great. I need to look into a car service for that. Don't want to be sampling the wines and have to drive back to the hotel.

You might look into Bon Vivant Wine tours http://www.bonvivanttours.com/tour_description.html. I saw that they had a Woodinville Wineries Day Tour for $80 + tax/per person. Though not sure what price range you were wanting to spend.

 

[jcb]

In planning vacations, I've become a Google street view fanatic. I find it really helps to virtually see where I will be going. In case it helps, I thought I would provide links to the street views of Pier 91. Many cruise lines use Pier 66 which (but for luggage) is within walking distance of most downtown hotels. Pier 91, however, it is a decent bit north of downtown Seattle.

https://goo.gl/maps/bJW9B shows the pier from the "Magnolia" (RR) bridge.

https://goo.gl/maps/Wugs0 shows the exit off of Magnolia bridge to the Pier.

 

[TeresaR]

Actually Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International all dock at Pier 91 (aka Smith Cove Cruise terminal). NCL and Oceania are the two lines that dock at Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal). And yes I know this for a fact as I can see Pier 66 from my home. And Pier 91 is only 10 minutes away from downtown Seattle and the Space Needle.

 

[LisaCat]

Was just checking the thread to see if there was any new chatter or info on this cruise. I'm looking at shore excursions and was checking to see if there are any DIS group activities planned? I also see I'm still not showing on the list of who's going. I'll be sailing with my friend, Trish (not on DIS, but a definite Disney fan!).

 

[OKW Lover]

I understand that there will be some group activities planned. I'd suggest people considering making reservations for shore excursions be sure that they can cancel without penalty.

I don't know how long it will take before details are worked out and an official announcement can be made though.

 

[DisneyFanInPA]

We have booked some excursions that we were interested in, and most can be changed or canceled up to 10 days before the cruise. However, I definitely second following Jeff's suggestion and making sure that you can cancel without penalty if you would want to participate in any group activities instead! I am also very excited to hear about any group plans!

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Update in Original Post - information on Dreams Unlimited Travel Exclusive Shore Excursions and other cool stuff

 

[KathyTX]

These excursions sound GREAT! I'm in!

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Update in original post - details for signing up for credentials and shore excursions!!

 

[OKW Lover]

Woo Hoo! Shore excursions sound awesome!

 

[jcb]

I've been trying to figure out whether to purchase a beverage package. I don't drink enough to make the alcohol packages worthwhile so I am leaning towards investing in the "Royal Replenish Package" ($19 a day per person). It includes (per the RC website) the "full selection of premium coffee, premium tea, and bottled water, including sparkling and still" as well as "fresh squeezed orange juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, and any fountain soda."

My thoughts are that (1) I have a snobbish and out of control coffee habit (about 40 ounces of coffee in the morning) (2) even in June, Alaskan waters can be rather coolish (though some ports can be comfortably warm) and (3) the prices for premium coffee drinks (e.g., cappuccino or mocha) onboard seems to be between $4.50 and $5.00 (or more) for a "Venti." The Jewel also reputedly serves Starbucks as its "premium coffee" (don't tell Pete) though unlike the larger cruise ships, there isn't a Starbucks "store" on board.

The package is probably worth it for me if the "full selection of premium coffee" includes the lattes, cappuccinos and mochas etc. But since I parse words for a living, I'm leery of making this assumption. I'm also wondering whether the only place to get the "full selection of premium coffee" is "Latté-tudesSM" and, if so, whether the wait for a cup of coffee might get rather long. If anyone has any experience, I'll appreciate the input.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Am I the only one awake at this hour (pacific time)???
All registered and signed up for the whale watching and the salmon bake.

 

[BillyFan]

I'm sadly up too! I booked the train ride.
Can't wait!

 

[DisneyFanInPA]

We are signed up for the train excursion too! Looking forward to cruising with all of you in only 72 days!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I didn't get on the train excursion - so bummed. We did sign up for the salmon bake, though.

 

[racefans44]

I signed up for the Whale Watching and Salmon Bake. I couldn't get the train ride, which I really wanted, but I am on the wait list. Can't wait to meet everyone.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

I didn't get on the train excursion - so bummed. We did sign up for the salmon bake, though

The train is our most limited excursion - but there's always a chance space could open.

Don't forget to send an email to Tracey (TraceyH@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com) if you want to be placed on the waitlist.

MaryJo - I got your email and will forward it to Tracey.

 

[MinnieGarden]

We missed the train excursion too. But, we're all signed up for the salmon bake!

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

Like John said, if you are wanting the train excursion email me and let me know! Don't be discouraged just yet!!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The train is our most limited excursion - but there's always a chance space could open.

Don't forget to send an email to Tracey (TraceyH@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com) if you want to be placed on the waitlist.

MaryJo - I got your email and will forward it to Tracey.

Like John said, if you are wanting the train excursion email me and let me know! Don't be discouraged just yet!!!

THANK YOU!!!! Keeping our fingers and toes crossed. This is one excursion we have been looking forward to going on!