Anyone back from Alaska yet?

[laceltris3]

I thought all of the beverage tastings were at really bad times. My husband did one at 10:30 but the time change made that seem late. We also have 3 kids up at the crack of dawn but something like 10:30 in the morning right before we get to port or 12:15 just seem like odd times to drink up.

 

[missyp]

Yeah, I see only one Mixology. Maybe not enough people booked it to warrant setting up another one? There are lots of Tastings, however.

Art of the Theme Show tour was on day 2 at 4 pm and day 7 at 1:45 pm.

What is Art of the theme show tour? And is it a ticketed event?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What is Art of the theme show tour? And is it a ticketed event?

No, it's an adult only tour of the ship. They show you the various "Disney touches" and why they were used where they were. Usually begins at Palo (on the classic ships).

 

[missyp]

No, it's an adult only tour of the ship. They show you the various "Disney touches" and why they were used where they were. Usually begins at Palo (on the classic ships).

Bummer! I saw it was in Palo and I thought it involved food! Oh well sounds interesting anyway

 

[Carie Baker]

The CC gift was the sling backpack (at least for Silver).

Awesome... if it's the same in Aug I won't have to pack a bag. YEA!

 

[sharksfinatic17]

Well, you're in Tracy Arm for most of the day, right? Mixology only takes about an hour.

The tour was listed in the grid schedule at the back of the Navigators.

I've had my eye on the Chocolate and Wine Tasting. Tequila doesn't really appeal to me.

From what I read, it takes until 2ish to get to Tracy Arm and spends about 30 minutes there. As much fun as mixology is, I don't want to do that instead of Tracy Arm. I have done mixology once, and I have never been to Alaska. Easy decision, but I really wanted to do both.

 

[pixie*duster]

Here's a random question....what color is the background on the embarkation photo? I like to secretly pack clothing for my family that half way coordinates on embarkation day. And they have always ended up being my favorite photos! Although my teenage son caught on last year, so I'm gonna have to be extra sneaky...

 

[poison ivy]

Question about dressing for the helicopter/dogsledding excursion... were you in a full-blown winter coat or just alot of layers? I'd rather not have to pack my puffer coat! But I don't want to be cold! Thanks!

Btw, your photos are amazing!

Thanks so much.

I debated packing a winter coat and left it home. Glad I did. I packed a black llbean thin lined waterproof jacket; a white zipped hooded sweatshirt; a black fleece pullover and a gray fleece zipped cardigan type jacket. I really didn't need that black fleece pullover this trip but wanted options just in case. I usually alternated between the white sweatshirt and the gray fleece cardigan most of the time with or without the waterproof jacket and wore a short sleeved shirt underneath.

In fact it was in the mid 80's in every port with clear blue skies and perfect views as far as the eye could see for both land and sea days. We were so blessed.
So I was walking around in a short sleeved shirt!

For the dogsledding (we booked it for Skagway): the rule of thumb is plan on 20 degrees cooler than the temp on the ground. The high was in the 80's that day but by the time of our excursion at 2:30pm the temps had dropped to mid 70's. check out the short sleeves! (including my son walking in front of me)






As we approached the glacier, the temp reading in the chopper was 48 degrees but it felt much warmer on the ground in the sun. (mid/high 50's) a bit cooler of course when you're sledding. The instructors were not wearing much.



You will be given glacier boots with velcro straps which fit over your shoes and an orange safety vest with pockets to wear before boarding the helicopter. You cannot bring a bag but you can fit your camera in the pockets.



this is me wearing my LLBean jacket.



Here - you can see our safety vests.
I'm wearing the llbean waterproof jacket and the gray fleece zipped cardigan with a t-shirt and jeans. My son has only 2 layers on since his jacket was lined.
My husband wore a waterproof rain jacket shell from The North Face (on sale at REI), plus a very thin black nylon hooded pullover and a t-shirt.



another of shot of my son and DH



When we arrived at the camp, we were offered gloves, hats and sunglasses to borrow if needed.

OMG spectacular views from the helicopter. I LOVED this cruise! So jealous for those getting ready to go.

 

[poison ivy]

So left side on the train up and left side on the bus down? Just checking in case I am missing something.

Thanks!

I'd like this confirmation too!

yes. left side train up. Left side bus down may offer the best vantage point since the road is on the opposite side of the ravine.
(photo taken from the train up) But there were some great views from both sides of the bus on the way down.
And the driver does pull over several times.

 

[the3dwizard]

Thanks for the info. Starting to get excited, June 29th can't get here soon enough!

 

[poison ivy]

Thank you! I didn't see either of these. Back I go to the Navigators.

Edit: Found it! I thought it was a ticketed event. I seemed to recall needing a ticket on the Fantasy two years ago. Well one mystery solved.

We will probably do the Tequila tasting, but I don't want to miss Tracy Arm for Mixolgy. #firstworldproblems

the mixology is ticketed. They were distributed first thing upon embarkation. People lined up early outside Triton's to sign up.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

I know mixology is ticketed. I thought Art of the Theme was because it was on the Fantasy two years ago, but it doesn't appear that it is. Thanks though.

 

[poison ivy]

must have misread that. sorry. We didn't do the Art of Theme so unfortunately, I can't help on that one.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

must have misread that. sorry. We didn't do the Art of Theme so unfortunately, I can't help on that one.

I had asked two questions, there had been replies, so it was kind of confusing. I just wish there was more than one mixology. We did one two years ago and was looking forward to another. But 2 on Tracy Arm day just isn't going to cut it. Hopefully there will be another one scheduled.

 

[xlxo]

We have a limited Budget, which one would you do in Vancouver Grouse Mountain of Capilano Suspensión bridge?

Hmm... while I personally like Grouse more for the gondola, chairlifts, birds and lumberjack show.... many find Capilano the better attraction, especially with the treetop and cliffwalk additions.

If you have time, but limited funds... another option is "walk" to the top on mother nature stairmaster... not recommend if you are not physically fit. 30 minutes for pro's, 2 hours for joe average, 5 hours for me.
https://grousemountain.com/grousegrind

 

[poison ivy]

The mixology my son attended was on Day 7 - at sea at 2:00 pm. They had 4 tastings that day, but this was the only mixology class offered on the Alaska Members cruise.

Tracy Arm day hosted a champagne tasting at 12:15 pm and nothing else.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

The mixology my son attended was on Day 7 - at sea at 2:00 pm. They had 4 tastings that day, but this was the only mixology class offered on the Alaska Members cruise.

Tracy Arm day hosted a champagne tasting at 12:15 pm and nothing else.

I was basing the scheduling/availability on last week's Navigators. I would be very happy to have mixology then. Last week that the tequila tasting was scheduled was Day 7 at 2.

 

[poison ivy]

right. hopefully they'll move things around again.

There were a lot of tastings on our cruise but they seem to be limiting the mixology to just once.

too bad.

As I mentioned, our day 7 did have 4: Cognac - 10:30 / Chocolate & Liquor - 12:15 / Mixology - 2 pm / Tequila & Margarita - 4 pm.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

right. hopefully they'll move things around again.

There were a lot of tastings on our cruise but they seem to be limiting the mixology to just once.

too bad.

As I mentioned, our day 7 did have 4: Cognac - 10:30 / Chocolate & Liquor - 12:15 / Mixology - 2 pm / Tequila & Margarita - 4 pm.

I wonder if they are limiting mixology because cruise meets schedule their own. Only time will tell, and I can do nothing but wait. So wait I will.

 

[tidefan]

The mixology my son attended was on Day 7 - at sea at 2:00 pm. They had 4 tastings that day, but this was the only mixology class offered on the Alaska Members cruise.

Tracy Arm day hosted a champagne tasting at 12:15 pm and nothing else.

Yep, on the Member Cruise mixology was at 2pm on the last sea day, and yes, we saw your son! BTW, it was nice to meet you guys!

One thing we did and enjoyed was going into the Yukon with TNTours98.com. We enjoyed our trip and sled ride, and our guide Michelle was the best. We also had a great Whale Watch/Glacier tour with JuneauWhaleWatch. Ask for Captain Steve and Jason.

Have a great time everyone.