Alaska on July 19th, 2011 "Where a good tan is hard to find"

[mouseclick1]

I know that's true generally speaking, but I was wondering about packing shoes for Alaska.

All right ladies, just how many pairs of shoes are you all packing for this cruise & any pre or post cruise side trips?

Last time we cruised I think I brought 9 pairs of shoes, but plan to scale it back this time around. I think I will only bring one pair of black dress shoes. While they aren't my dressiest pair, they can still be worn with any of my dresses/slacks that I plan to bring. Sneakers and sketchers definitely for excursions/port days, and probably a pair of flip flops. I will probably end up throwing in a few more pairs, but I'm going to try to stick with those four.

 

[wdhinn89]

We leave NY on the 17th. Our flight is a red eye. It leaves JFK at 10:50pm and arrives at YVR at 1:30am (4:30am NY time). We booked the Fairmont Airport Hotel with DCL for 2 nights and then have transfers with them to the pier on the 19th. Since we are getting to Vancouver so late, it just made sense for us to stay at the airport hotel.

On the 18th, we are probably going on this tour around Vancouver.

http://www.vancouvertours.com/vancouver-tour

When we get off the ship, our flight does not leave until 10:50pm so we rented a car and are going to the Vancouver Aquarium and we will also revisit any of the sites that interested us on our tour. We may zipline as well. We are just going to wing it. We don't have to be at the airport untill 8:00pm so we will have a good 10 hours to explore.

 

[Meskamooska]

Hi All!

It sure is getting exciting around here. I got a call earlier today asking about my services for a birthday party next weekend. I actually hope this booking comes through, extra cash would be welcome. I have a kids entertainment company and entertain both as myself and as my clown character "Ellie". I am, among other things, a world renowned balloon sculptor (really!). I was actually debating about bringing balloons on the cruise just for fun but I think the DH would kill me if I did .

As for what we are packing... Jeans, one pair of long underwear each (just in case), 1 pair of dockers for the DH for dinner, his suit for formal night and Palo, he will wear the suit pants and his dress shirt and tie for semi formal night. Sweatshirts for both, my Mickey sweaters (2), a couple fleece pullovers, a couple rain/windbreakers, bathing suits (which we won't wear because we never do but I bring them on every vacation ). I have dressy tops for dinner, one pair of black pants to go with them, an evening gown for formal night and a dressy dress for semi formal night. I also have an assortment of Disney tops as well.

Regarding shoes... He will bring his sneaks, his hiking boots and a pair of dress shoes. I will bring one pair of heels for formal, semi formal and Palo dinner, my sneaks, uggs and hiking boots. Four pair total for me.

I am going to do my best to get everything into two bags. Actually the thing that is going to be the most difficult is juggling the items that need to be hand carried. My camera equipment alone fills a small rolling suitcase as does the DH's. But I have a few odds and ends that are fragile or can't be put in luggage like the DH's wine and my root beer. So, if you see a redhead with long braids and glasses who is loaded down like a pack mule, be sure to say "hi" as you and your unencumbered selves laugh and waltz by .

I hope everyone has an amazing fourth! We are having a bbq tomorrow so if you are in the neighborhood and hungry feel free t stop by!

Take care all, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day?

Tisza

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I hope everyone has an amazing fourth! We are having a bbq tomorrow so if you are in the neighborhood and hungry feel free t stop by!

Dang. I was too early. I was in the neighborhood today.

 

[Meskamooska]

Dang. I was too early. I was in the neighborhood today.

So swing back by tomorrow... What's a few hours between friends?

Have a bang up fourth!

Tisza

 

[1Goofy]

Saw this yesterday in a new post from Lonely Planet:

Amongst the spectacular gardens of Stanley Park sits the historic Fish House restaurant. Relax and dine in our Fresh and Casual concept featuring exceptional seafood, freshly shucked oysters or indulge in our famous Flaming Prawns. Sit back with a micro-brewed beer, a glass of wine from our award-winning wine list or enjoy a seasonal, specialized martini. For private events we have 3 distinct rooms, 2 which feature patios opening onto the scenic natural beauty of Stanley Park. Whether it is a boutique wedding, corporate party or business meeting, the Fish House caters to your needs and wishes!

I figured it could not be a coincidence...so booked a diner reservation. Pricey...but no more so than a Disney Signature dining experience -- so I figured what the heck!

...so if anyone is looking for a pre-underway party....come to the Fish House and Holler: " Any OneGoofy here!?"

Looking forward to meeting y'all at the first day meetup! Thanks to the "committee" for taking the laboring oar on that. (yes, intentional nautical reference!)

 

["Got Disney"]

Still working on my packing list...yet to finish the FE stuff....and still have shopping to do. I went with DH and older son yesterday to Macy's and they got new clothes...son is growing up and DH is growing out

Got a few things for Michael but need a few more things for him and myself...

Today being the 4th is a day of BBQ so won't get much done...getting ready to head to the park in a couple hrs to meet with friends...

Everyone have a great 4 th

 

[richmo]

My thoughts on packing (for me anyway):
- On the plane will wear jeans and sneakers. Will pack another pair of sneakers in case one pair get really wet and one pair of dress shoes.
- Will pack another pair of jeans and at least a couple shorts. I'm being optimistic on the temps. But, unless its *really* cold, I'm fine with shorts if I'm wearing a sweatshirt, which I'll also bring.
- Jackets: bringing layers...lightweight rain coat, sweatshirt and maybe (probably) a fleece. Hopefully, that'll be sufficient.
- No formal attire for me. I will bring a long sleeve dress shirt and tie for formal night, and dressy pants, but no jacket, tux, etc.
I'm really hoping to get away with one 50 lb. bag, since, for a change, I won't be flying on Southwest and will have to pay for it.

We're all dealing with the outside in Alaska, but I'm also wondering what it'll be like inside the ship, i.e., dinner and staterooms. I would think the staterooms would be pretty comfortable; has anyone seen any comments to this effect from folks that have returned?

 

[OKWMEMBER]

Two weeks!!! Are you hearing me!?!?!?!?!?! Only two more weeks!!!!!

 

[OKWMEMBER]

My thoughts on packing (for me anyway):
- On the plane will wear jeans and sneakers. Will pack another pair of sneakers in case one pair get really wet and one pair of dress shoes.
- Will pack another pair of jeans and at least a couple shorts. I'm being optimistic on the temps. But, unless its *really* cold, I'm fine with shorts if I'm wearing a sweatshirt, which I'll also bring.
- Jackets: bringing layers...lightweight rain coat, sweatshirt and maybe (probably) a fleece. Hopefully, that'll be sufficient.
- No formal attire for me. I will bring a long sleeve dress shirt and tie for formal night, and dressy pants, but no jacket, tux, etc.
I'm really hoping to get away with one 50 lb. bag, since, for a change, I won't be flying on Southwest and will have to pay for it.

We're all dealing with the outside in Alaska, but I'm also wondering what it'll be like inside the ship, i.e., dinner and staterooms. I would think the staterooms would be pretty comfortable; has anyone seen any comments to this effect from folks that have returned?

I is very comfortable inside the ship. The staterooms are larger than the industry average.

 

[richmo]

I is very comfortable inside the ship. The staterooms are larger than the industry average.

My question wasn't about the size of the staterooms. We've been on the Wonder before, and will be in the same stateroom this time. My question was more related to temperature in the stateroom: in the Bahamas, obviously air conditioning kept it cool, but in Alaska are the staterooms warm, or on the chilly side?

 

[mouseclick1]

If anyone is interested in doing the Granville Island Brewery tour, you can get a 2 for 1 coupon if you sign up on their site.

http://gib.ca/in-the-know/sign-up/

 

[wdhinn89]

Copying this from the Vancouver thread. Maybe useful to some of us.

Fairmont hotels

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For those of you staying at Fairmont hotels, I encourage you to sign up for the Fairmont President's Club. It is free, and gave us the following benefits:
1. Special line at registration desk
2. Free Internet (saved 13.95 CAD per day)
3. Free daily newspaper
4. Access to hotel's BMW bikes (see below)
5. Access to hotel's BMW car drop off; they will give you a ride on a "first come" basis to downtown Vancouver if the car is available; we didn't use this service.

You can register on-line and write down your member number in case your card doesn't arrive before you leave. Just give the number to them when you check in. We had one night on our own and three nights with DCL, and had the benefits all four nights because we added the reservation number to both reservations (which they linked so we could stay in the same rooms).

We stayed at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. The DCL rate was better than the on-line rate, but DCL couldn't do more than three nights. DCL's rate looked even better after they added over 15% in taxes to our one night booking. I know, this is different for those of you who used Hotwire or other services to book your room.

We contacted the hotel prior to our stay using the "contact us" on the website for Fairmont Pacific Rim. The concierge desk responded and we used that email address for future correspondence.

We booked four BMW bikes for Saturday morning and rode around Stanley Park. Great bikes, great route! We enjoyed it so much we did it again on Monday when my sister could join us. All for free, only cost was the tip we left for bell services. Note that we booked the Saturday ride weeks in advance, and the Monday ride only two days before.

 

[wdhinn89]

My question wasn't about the size of the staterooms. We've been on the Wonder before, and will be in the same stateroom this time. My question was more related to temperature in the stateroom: in the Bahamas, obviously air conditioning kept it cool, but in Alaska are the staterooms warm, or on the chilly side?

From what I hear, the inside area is the same as it always has been. People are wearing the same clothes they would normally wear on a cruise. It is when you venture on deck that warmer clothes are needed.

Two weeks!!! Are you hearing me!?!?!?!?!?! Only two more weeks!!!!!

I really wish I could get my crew serious about packing. They keep putting me off when I try to at least get their long pants and jackets together.

 

[Southfloridadisney]

oh wow two more weeks!!!

i think i have something for the FE but im not on the spreed sheet

oh well!(THE PRINTER IS OUT OF INK SO I DONT KNOW IF I CAN DO IT)opps had caps on

 

[PinkCosmo]

Hi, I just discovered the DISboard last week and this Meeting thread. Our group of 8 will be onboard 7/19. Is it too late to meet up with the rest of this thread group?

Also just found out what a FE is. Looks like we missed the cutoff. But have read about a DISboards lanyard. How do we get a lanyard so we can meet some of you all?!

I will be in Vancouver before hand and was thinking of eating at the Fish House too. Do I need to scroll thru all 153 pages to find out where every one is meeting and events that are happening before, onboard and after the cruise?

Thanks for your patience with this last minute newbie!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Hi, I just discovered the DISboard last week and this Meeting thread. Our group of 8 will be onboard 7/19. Is it too late to meet up with the rest of this thread group?

Also just found out what a FE is. Looks like we missed the cutoff. But have read about a DISboards lanyard. How do we get a lanyard so we can meet some of you all?!

I will be in Vancouver before hand and was thinking of eating at the Fish House too. Do I need to scroll thru all 153 pages to find out where every one is meeting and events that are happening before, onboard and after the cruise?

Thanks for your patience with this last minute newbie!

Welcome!!!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

We're meeting at 2:30pm on embarkation day at Diversions. All are welcome. I'll have lots of extra lanyards.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I still have the last batch of lanyards to make. If you want to give me first names, I can customize them. If you don't feel comfortable posting them here, you can email them to me (tom@wdwinfo.com).

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

oh wow two more weeks!!!

i think i have something for the FE but im not on the spreed sheet

oh well!(THE PRINTER IS OUT OF INK SO I DONT KNOW IF I CAN DO IT)opps had caps on

The deadline on the FE list was July 1st. Sorry.