Alaska Cruise Questions - We Got 'Em!!!

[PiMCTaylor]

Hello, everyone!

My partner, my best friend and her husband are counting the days (70) until we head off for Vancouver for our DCL Alaska Cruise! We have a bunch of questions that we are hoping those of you who have been on the Wonder in Alaska could help us with. Any help/info that would make out lives a little more enjoyable that week would be wonderful!

1.) When flying to Vancouver through arrangements by DCL, do you see your luggage before getting on the ship? By that, I mean, do you take it with you to the hotel, or Disney arrange for it to meet you on the ship the next day?

2.) Please tel me about the check in process in Vancouver, especially in comparison to Port Canaveral. I've heard you get on the ship later. I'm assuming lunch isn't available (like at Cabana's/Enchanted Garden) when first getting on the ship.

3.) Is there a way to predict what night the Taste of Alaska night is? We have Palo's reservations set up for dinner (good luck trying to get brunch ) and don't want to miss ToA stuff.

3.) Is there a formal night like on the Carribean cruises?

4.) I've see Alaska-specific DCL Tervis Tumblers and iPhone cases in some of your DISboard photos and when I searched the hashtag in Instagram. Other than tshirts and sweatshirts (which I'm assuming), is there other cool merchandise we should keep an eye out for? How about Alaska DCL Christmas Ornaments?

5.) Can anyone recommend a great place to eat in Vancouver close to the hotel? How about in the ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau)? Also, is there a Starbucks close by at any of the ports? (we collect the mugs).

6.) If we catch a baby polar bear, will Disney have an issue with us keeping him in our stateroom until we get back to Vancouver? Will the room service staff be willing to bring him raw salmon? Can we drop him off at the Oceaneer's Club to play? We would be willing to bring home a penguin if a polar bear proved to be too challenging for DCL crew to accommodate.

7.) I know the Wonder has been renovating all of their rooms, but we heard that one or two of the clubs have been renovated as well? Any truth to this rumor?

8.) Are there Alaska-specific classes or activities on board that we should be signing up for as soon as we get on the ship? (I know when we cruised for Christmas last year, we were told to sign up for the gingerbread house classes ASAP because they filled up.)?

9.) Re: excusrions - Members of our party have signed up for the following:
-Denver Vally Wilderness and White Pass Rail Adventure
-Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Experience
-Whale Watching, Salmon Bake and Mendenhall Glacier Experience
-Helicopter and Dog Sled Experience
-Mountain Point Snorkeling
-Misty Fjord and Wilderness Explorer

Any of these stand out as amazing, or a "oh, NO!" to you, and why?

Thank you all, like I said before, ANY help you could provide us would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Answers are in bold within your post

Hello, everyone!

My partner, my best friend and her husband are counting the days (70) until we head off for Vancouver for our DCL Alaska Cruise! We have a bunch of questions that we are hoping those of you who have been on the Wonder in Alaska could help us with. Any help/info that would make out lives a little more enjoyable that week would be wonderful!

1.) When flying to Vancouver through arrangements by DCL, do you see your luggage before getting on the ship? By that, I mean, do you take it with you to the hotel, or Disney arrange for it to meet you on the ship the next day?

Its delivered to your hotel.

2.) Please tel me about the check in process in Vancouver, especially in comparison to Port Canaveral. I've heard you get on the ship later. I'm assuming lunch isn't available (like at Cabana's/Enchanted Garden) when first getting on the ship.

Its a bit different firstly there is other cruise lines there, its under the Pan Pacific hotel in whats like an underground car park . Jointly with other cruise lines you go through security and then border control for USA and into a waiting area, then the cruise lines call you, you go to the DCL counter which is split up like PC, so concierge gold etc. Then you go on I found you could get to security early like 10.15 but DCL opened up later than the other cruise lines and we got on a bit later than PC

3.) Is there a way to predict what night the Taste of Alaska night is? We have Palo's reservations set up for dinner (good luck trying to get brunch ) and don't want to miss ToA stuff.

Look at Navigators we had it in Juneau, it was bad so we booked Palo that night.

3.) Is there a formal night like on the Carribean cruises?

Yes first sea day

4.) I've see Alaska-specific DCL Tervis Tumblers and iPhone cases in some of your DISboard photos and when I searched the hashtag in Instagram. Other than tshirts and sweatshirts (which I'm assuming), is there other cool merchandise we should keep an eye out for? How about Alaska DCL Christmas Ornaments?

5.) Can anyone recommend a great place to eat in Vancouver close to the hotel? How about in the ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau)? Also, is there a Starbucks close by at any of the ports? (we collect the mugs).

6.) If we catch a baby polar bear, will Disney have an issue with us keeping him in our stateroom until we get back to Vancouver? Will the room service staff be willing to bring him raw salmon? Can we drop him off at the Oceaneer's Club to play? We would be willing to bring home a penguin if a polar bear proved to be too challenging for DCL crew to accommodate.

7.) I know the Wonder has been renovating all of their rooms, but we heard that one or two of the clubs have been renovated as well? Any truth to this rumor?

8.) Are there Alaska-specific classes or activities on board that we should be signing up for as soon as we get on the ship? (I know when we cruised for Christmas last year, we were told to sign up for the gingerbread house classes ASAP because they filled up.)?

9.) Re: excusrions - Members of our party have signed up for the following:
-Denver Vally Wilderness and White Pass Rail Adventure
-Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Experience
-Whale Watching, Salmon Bake and Mendenhall Glacier Experience
-Helicopter and Dog Sled Experience
-Mountain Point Snorkeling
-Misty Fjord and Wilderness Explorer

Any of these stand out as amazing, or a "oh, NO!" to you, and why?

We booked all private tours in all ports of call which were cheaper than DCL and we choose the times we wanted to do it and often it was just us.

Thank you all, like I said before, ANY help you could provide us would be greatly appreciated!

Click see all to see answers in your post.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Hello, everyone!

My partner, my best friend and her husband are counting the days (70) until we head off for Vancouver for our DCL Alaska Cruise! We have a bunch of questions that we are hoping those of you who have been on the Wonder in Alaska could help us with. Any help/info that would make out lives a little more enjoyable that week would be wonderful!

1.) When flying to Vancouver through arrangements by DCL, do you see your luggage before getting on the ship? By that, I mean, do you take it with you to the hotel, or Disney arrange for it to meet you on the ship the next day?

If you are not flying in the day of the cruise, you will need to pick up your luggage after going through customs.

2.) Please tel me about the check in process in Vancouver, especially in comparison to Port Canaveral. I've heard you get on the ship later. I'm assuming lunch isn't available (like at Cabana's/Enchanted Garden) when first getting on the ship.

You may get on the ship an hour later than in PC, but lunch will be available at Parrot Cay until about 2:00 and Beach Blanket until about 3:00.

3.) Is there a way to predict what night the Taste of Alaska night is? We have Palo's reservations set up for dinner (good luck trying to get brunch ) and don't want to miss ToA stuff.

If you look up previous Alaskan navigators, you will be able to tell the menus for each night of the cruise. The Taste of Alaska menu is on Ketchikan night. You can try getting brunch at Palo once you get on the ship. They hold some spaces back from online reservations.

3.) Is there a formal night like on the Carribean cruises?

Yes, the first sea day will be formal night.

4.) I've see Alaska-specific DCL Tervis Tumblers and iPhone cases in some of your DISboard photos and when I searched the hashtag in Instagram. Other than tshirts and sweatshirts (which I'm assuming), is there other cool merchandise we should keep an eye out for? How about Alaska DCL Christmas Ornaments?

Yes, there will be ornaments, shirts, photo albums, ornaments, pins, etc.

5.) Can anyone recommend a great place to eat in Vancouver close to the hotel? How about in the ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau)? Also, is there a Starbucks close by at any of the ports? (we collect the mugs).

If you are staying at the Fairmont, there are several good places near Canada Place and near the Gaslight District. We ate at the Cactus Club.

In Juneau you have to eat at Tracy's Crab Shack. In Ketchikan we ate at the Alaska Fish House not far from where the boat docks. Had the best halibut fish and chips.

6.) If we catch a baby polar bear, will Disney have an issue with us keeping him in our stateroom until we get back to Vancouver? Will the room service staff be willing to bring him raw salmon? Can we drop him off at the Oceaneer's Club to play? We would be willing to bring home a penguin if a polar bear proved to be too challenging for DCL crew to accommodate.

LOL! You'll be lucky to see any bears at all this early.

7.) I know the Wonder has been renovating all of their rooms, but we heard that one or two of the clubs have been renovated as well? Any truth to this rumor?

Don't know.

8.) Are there Alaska-specific classes or activities on board that we should be signing up for as soon as we get on the ship? (I know when we cruised for Christmas last year, we were told to sign up for the gingerbread house classes ASAP because they filled up.)?

9.) Re: excusrions - Members of our party have signed up for the following:
-Denver Vally Wilderness and White Pass Rail Adventure
-Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Experience
-Whale Watching, Salmon Bake and Mendenhall Glacier Experience
-Helicopter and Dog Sled Experience
-Mountain Point Snorkeling
-Misty Fjord and Wilderness Explorer

Any of these stand out as amazing, or a "oh, NO!" to you, and why?

Thank you all, like I said before, ANY help you could provide us would be greatly appreciated!

Responses are above. Have a great trip.

 

[AngelDisney]

I am not sure how much this year's dining rotations and menus are different from last year's. Here are some personal navigators from last year's Alaska cruises: Click here. Hope it may help. Have fun planning!

 

[xlxo]

2.) Please tel me about the check in process in Vancouver, especially in comparison to Port Canaveral. I've heard you get on the ship later. I'm assuming lunch isn't available (like at Cabana's/Enchanted Garden) when first getting on the ship.

3.) Is there a formal night like on the Carribean cruises?

4.) I've see Alaska-specific DCL Tervis Tumblers and iPhone cases in some of your DISboard photos and when I searched the hashtag in Instagram. Other than tshirts and sweatshirts (which I'm assuming), is there other cool merchandise we should keep an eye out for? How about Alaska DCL Christmas Ornaments?

5.) Can anyone recommend a great place to eat in Vancouver close to the hotel? How about in the ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau)? Also, is there a Starbucks close by at any of the ports? (we collect the mugs).

Some thoughts...

• What's your have your chosen as a PAT time? The lunch trough closes at 2pm. The mouse starves you for the emergency procedures briefing. I prefer the earliest available PAT time.
• Diamond International offers a charm bracelet you can collect when you pull into each Alaskan port. Your collection begins with the lectures on the cruise ship. It's kinda kewl to visit each port store like a treasure hunt.
• Yes the second night is the formal night while we were at sea. They want you to dress up before you spend too much time at the buffets. There is also a second semi-formal night. It was either the 5th or 6th night on my trip. Remember to stalk the photographrs around the atrium during the Golden Mickey's
• Which hotel? Vancouver has hundreds of hotels in the downtown core. Closest Starbucks is across from the cruise terminal in the Waterfront Centre.
• Which Vancouver cuisine? Vancouver is a land of immigrants... there so much to choose from. I even think it serves a better King Crab dinner than Alaska can.

 

[sambycat]

now come on. EVERYBODY knows you can't bring a baby polar bear on board. only baby orcas are allowed in your tub if you are in concierge. penguins are fine, but only if they are therapy penguins.

we had the best vacation ever on our cruise last may. i don't recall being denied lunch. we stayed at the pan pacific and were on the early bus over to the port and we ate on board. you will have a great time!

 

[artnerds]

Re: your Starbucks question...there is a Starbucks on the street level of the hotel that is connected to the cruise terminal.

 

[artnerds]

Re: Excursions...The Musher Camp excursion run out of Juneau is superb. It is a breathtaking helicopter ride out onto the Norris Glacier and the mushers who camp and train there are fantastic. It was the highlight of our trip. (Also, they had three Husky puppies and we got in some serious snorgling time.)

 

[xlxo]

now come on. EVERYBODY knows you can't bring a baby polar bear on board. only baby orcas are allowed in your tub if you are in concierge. penguins are fine, but only if they are therapy penguins.

Too bad one can't bring some fish line, bend a fork then hook some of that jumping Ketchikan sushi off your balcony. They even sell you "shore licenses" in town.

 

[Skylarr29]

Taste of Alaska is on Ketchikan night. We will make reservations for Palo, we found it awful last time.

Polar bears are only in Northern Alaska.

There are no penguins in Alaska... they're only in the Southern hemisphere. I like the baby Orca in the bathtub idea, though.

Yes, lots of Alaska merchandise. Our favorites were Alaska Mickey and Minnie plush and Christmas ornaments.

 

[Luvzmy3boys]

Yes, lots of Alaska merchandise. Our favorites were Alaska Mickey and Minnie plush and Christmas ornaments.[/QUOTE]

Be aware: They can sell out of some of the stuff by the end of the cruise since the shops are much smaller than the ones on the newer boats. I ended up buying 3 of the big Alaska plush Minnie's for my friend's nieces on day 1. Friends were on the cruise in June (we went in August) and those Minnie's were sold out after a few days. DS wanted the Mickey captain's hat and that was sold out by the end of our cruise.

Regarding boarding, the terminal is much smaller than PC and it seemed to go more smoothly IMHO. Same situation with photo ops with Mickey, kids club check in etc.

We stayed at Fairmont waterfront right across the street. Bellman there will also drop ur luggage at cruise terminal for tips. There is a pretty big complex of mall type dining options (including Starbucks) there for quick bites. Lots of restaurants along the water front. We ate at cactus club-- little pricey but good food with beautiful views. No kids menu though-- Right next to Olympic cauldron. Have a great trip!!

 

[sambycat]

true dat on the merch. i got a coffee mug (which i love) sold out like day two - they dug one up at the coffee shop but then they were gone. and they will have shirts but some of the sizes will sell out. we bought also the cute mickey totem pole and pins. which i just typed as buttons.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

I am interested in the replies because we are going on the June 22 sailing. I thought I had Palo all figured out, but with the addition of the Frozen day/night/dinner, I am not that confident anymore. I was planning on missing the Taste of Alaska for Palo. Tomorrow night I get to check-in, so I am going to stick with my original plan, and then move things when I get on board if need be.

 

[gdstone04]

Hello, everyone!

2.) Please tel me about the check in process in Vancouver, especially in comparison to Port Canaveral. I've heard you get on the ship later. I'm assuming lunch isn't available (like at Cabana's/Enchanted Garden) when first getting on the ship.
Lunch is available. I think there are a couple of places that serve lunch. Go to the one (name escapes me at the moment) at the top of the ship--it's less crowded and you get an awesome view of Canada Place if you sit outside.

3.) Is there a way to predict what night the Taste of Alaska night is? We have Palo's reservations set up for dinner (good luck trying to get brunch ) and don't want to miss ToA stuff.
Meh. I'd pass on that to go to Palo any day.

3.) Is there a formal night like on the Carribean cruises?
Yes, although it didn't strike me as *that* formal at all.

4.) I've see Alaska-specific DCL Tervis Tumblers and iPhone cases in some of your DISboard photos and when I searched the hashtag in Instagram. Other than tshirts and sweatshirts (which I'm assuming), is there other cool merchandise we should keep an eye out for? How about Alaska DCL Christmas Ornaments?
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our Alaska travel coffee mugs. We used our mugs today for coffee. Such a good mug even (almost) two years later.

5.) Can anyone recommend a great place to eat in Vancouver close to the hotel? How about in the ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau)? Also, is there a Starbucks close by at any of the ports? (we collect the mugs).

There are so many bars and little restaurants in Vancouver to discover! We ate at the Vancouver Art Gallery Bistro for lunch one day. Then, we just wandered around and stumbled upon tons of wonderful places!

6.) If we catch a baby polar bear, will Disney have an issue with us keeping him in our stateroom until we get back to Vancouver? Will the room service staff be willing to bring him raw salmon? Can we drop him off at the Oceaneer's Club to play? We would be willing to bring home a penguin if a polar bear proved to be too challenging for DCL crew to accommodate.
Sadly, no polar bears. Also, penguins to do not live in the Northern Hemisphere. Bald Eagles are a big NoNO legally speaking. Hmmm...that leaves you with brown bears, seals (at Tracy Arm), or sea lions. Honestly, though, I'd probably go for a cute, chunky baby from the nursery--just, you know, to play with and return. I hear their rental rates are pretty reasonable.

Thank you all, like I said before, ANY help you could provide us would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Weedy]

Dear Taylor's
I have a huge favor. On our Alaskan tour I forgot to pick up a baby seal would it be possible for you to pick up one for me?? I'll be happy to pay the shipping

 

[nrexxma44]

Are you on the DVC Members cruise? If so, i am in concierge and will let you store you baby orca or seal in there
Lots of great questions we are cruising to Alaska for the first time and will be stalking your answers...
I am really interested in the excursions...must haves and don't bothers.
Can i say for the millionth time love the Dis boards...it is filled with amazing people!!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

6.) If we catch a baby polar bear, will Disney have an issue with us keeping him in our stateroom until we get back to Vancouver? Will the room service staff be willing to bring him raw salmon? Can we drop him off at the Oceaneer's Club to play? We would be willing to bring home a penguin if a polar bear proved to be too challenging for DCL crew to accommodate.

Ha!

If you're in concierge, ask.

Great way to remember where polar bears and penguins are is to remember where ONE of them lives, then realize that they will never ever meet.

Can anyone recommend a great place to eat in Vancouver close to the hotel? How about in the ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau)? Also, is there a Starbucks close by at any of the ports? (we collect the mugs).

So much good stuff in Vancouver.

After you get the mugs, go get coffee at Waves or Blenz or another local place. You're in Canada, so go with that.

Juneau has a Mexican restaurant that we found and years later, without us talking about it *at all* to my stepdad, he and his wife found and loved. I just googled, and it seems there's more than one. I don't remember the name of the place. It was in walking distance but also sort of behind the normal tourist areas.

If you're willing to branch out, we LOVED this place in Skagway: http://www.jewellgardens.com/tours/ They have a restaurant and you can tour the gardens, and now they have glassblowing.

Ketchikan I know nothing about. We did not like it and went back to the ship.

The store locator on Starbucks shows a Starbucks in Juneau...not much else.

 

[xlxo]

Dear Taylor's
I have a huge favor. On our Alaskan tour I forgot to pick up a baby seal would it be possible for you to pick up one for me?? I'll be happy to pay the shipping

Have you tried Amazon?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=baby+seal

 

[glk2009]

Does anyone know which night/day is the Frozen event?

TIA!

 

[Tigger1313]

does anyone know if the Frozen event will be on the DVC cruise May 25 2015