August 16, 2011 – 7 Night Alaska Sailing

[mellers]

Fish Extender List

Mickey Group CLOSED

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Mrs. Gumdrop (Happy Birthday and Anniversary!) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6098, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)
msnoble, Stateroom 6034, Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ) and Russell (age 10)
MonicaW, Stateroom 2629, Mike and Monica (adults), Kimberly (14)
CubCatsK&D (Happy Birthday!), Stateroom 7134, Kim and Deb (adults), Cameron (12)
Aby, Stateroom 7126, Kim and Chuck (30-somethings)
Elfinjojo, Stateroom 2134, Jojo (38), Rob (39), Holly (9) Evan (7)
Juldara, Stateroom 2090, Julie, Maya (9)
Pops711 (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 6613, Jerry, Melanie, Faith (10.5 months), Bella (10.5 months)
Imben (Happy Silver Anniversary and Happy Birthday Chrissy), Stateroom 6630, Lisa, David, Chrissy (13)
G'sMaman (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 7620, G'sMaman, DH, DD (3)
Siburdue (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 2588, Siburdue, DH
Hal001's DM, Stateroom 5509, DGM, DGS (10)

Pluto Group CLOSED

Godalejr (Happy Birthday!), Stateroom 2574, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Wisegal (Happy Birthday to the little guys!), Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith (Happy Anniversary!), Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)
AppleGuy, Stateroom 5138, Gary and Donna (adults)
AppleGuy's Friends (Happy Anniversary!), Stateroom 5136, Lee and Sharon (adults)
Dancing Mickey's (Happy Birthday!), Stateroom ????, Dancing Mickey's, DH, DD (4) DS (10)
Pops711 (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 6613, Jerry, Melanie, Faith (10.5 months), Bella (10.5 months)
MercoBear, Stateroom 5462, Gretchen, Dustin (30-Something)
Nickcapp, Stateroom ????, Nick (30), Kristin (27), Joey (1)
Juldara, Stateroom 2090, Julie, Maya (9)
Imben's Parents (Happy Golden Anniversary), Stateroom 6632, Ted, Julie
Imben's Parents' Kids, Stateroom 6145, Erin (20), Eric (18)
G'sMaman (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 7620, G'sMaman, DH, DD (3)
Hal001, Stateroom 5508, Hal001, DH, DD (7)

No sticky, chewy candy for Erica, Kate, Julie or Maya, and no food, please, for Mellers or G's Maman's family

And here's the Day-Before Meet List:

Mellers (5 people)
Scothen (1 person)
ALawley (11 people)
Mrs. Gumdrop (2 people, maybe)

Here's the First Seating List:

Mellers
Mrs. Gumdrop
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL
Wisegal
CubCatsK&D
Godalejr
Inkmahm
Imben
Imben's Parents
Imben's Parents' Kids
Siburdue

Here's the Second Seating List

MercoBear
Appleguy
Appleguy's Friends
Dkmjgal
Kgsmith
Disneymath
Pops711
Aby
Dumbofan
Juldara

Here's the night-before lodging list:


Hilton Metrotown (Burnaby)

mmouse37

FourPoints Sheraton Vancouver Airport (Richmond)

Mellers

Fairmont Vancouver Airport (Richmond)

Scothen

Aviawest Resort

aunursa

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

dkmjgal

Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel

Mrs. Gumdrop

The Landis Hotel

msnoble

Fairmont Waterfront

Kgsmith
Aby

Pan Pacific

Godalejr
Inkmahm

 

[G'sMaman]

Take your DD with you! The float plan is great. We did Misty Fjords in 2008 and the plane is really no different than any other prop plane, it just has floats added to it. I take that back. Takeoff and landing with a float plane is actually much smoother than a plane on land!

Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Much appreciated. Part of my reluctance was because I don't want to ruin anyone else's flight, but DD is a good flyer generally so I'm probably being overly cautious. She loves airplanes so I think she will really enjoy it.

 

[G'sMaman]

She is 10. And no, I don't want her to walk around the ship alone. But I do want her to be able to leave the Club with my MIL, FIL, or SIL. Can I grant check-out authority to relatives who are not in my stateroom?

Aaunursa, when you registered your child there should have been a section that says "Check In/Out Authorization." As I recall, you can authorize anyone with Check In/Out privileges as long as they are linked to your stateroom. There should be a dropdown box with the names of the various adults who are in the linked staterooms. If that doesn't work, I'm pretty sure you can also add names when you check your dd into the club. That's what we did when we cruised with my brother and family last time, but our kids were all under 5 so I don't know if it's different with older children.

I think she fell down the stairs

Thanks for the good wishes--I hope so too.

Mellers - Gosh! I can't believe all the mishaps that are happening. That fall sounds like a very serious one and your friend is lucky to have you for support. I hope your friend has a speedy recovery and that you are taking good care of yourself as well with all that's been happening the last couple of weeks. Here's to a injury-free rest of the summer!

 

[hal001]

How old is your daughter? Knowing your kid, do you want her walking around the ship alone? You know your child best!

totally agree with this. my ds10 is really pushing us to give him check-out rights..and we're actually considering it. but he's the firstborn - responsible, cautious now my dd7 fearless, thinking things through is NOT a habit of hers so i dont know if she'll be able to check herself out of kids club until she's able to pay for the cruise herself

She is 10. And no, I don't want her to walk around the ship alone. But I do want her to be able to leave the Club with my MIL, FIL, or SIL. Can I grant check-out authority to relatives who are not in my stateroom?

unless anything has changed, yes you can grant other adults the privilege of signing your child out of kids club. as i recall we left the names of allowed adults (which cast members added to the computer file that is linked to the child's armband) and there was a password/passcode that everyone who checks them out had to give before the child would be released. my mom (the DGM on this cruise with us) regularly has the kids in and out at will. no prob.

Yes--it looks like I made a mistake. I'll fix that right away. Thanks.

sorry - i guess it kinda looks complicated on paper. we have 2 cabins right accross from each other on the kids deck (deck 5 forward). according to paperwork for disney: my mom and dd7 (jenna) are in one cabin and me, DH and DS10 (cameron) are in the other. however, one fe has the 4 of us (me, DH, DS and DD) all together and my mom will have her own separate fe.

that being said, which person is in which cabin, and which fe is hangin at which door may change at any time last cruise, moving the fe and door magnets became a game that not only my kids played back & forth accross the hallway, but at one time it got moved to cam's friend's cabin on deck 7 you could put the 4 of us in one fe group - or just go by the names on the pockets you could put ds10 in the pluto group if you want so he'll be with more boys his age. either way is fine with us - no stress

to complicate it a little more...we've been thinking about asking for an upgrade at the port to get a verandah. reading some of the other threads it seems it might be worth it? what do y'all think? (if we do change rooms we will let everyone know at diversions.)

 

[hal001]

more thoughts... (can you tell i work 3rd shift )

what time is our dis meet in diversions?

we are 2nd dinner seating if anyone is interested. we find that it helps to not be rushed to get ready for dinner and we dont stress coming off of excursions dd7 is a night owl (like my DH) so there's no problem with her being up that late. now DS10 is more of a morning kid. DD7 will proudly tell of the many places that Cam has been known to fall asleep - not the least of which the ship's photographers caught at pirate nite dinner...he just slumped over passed out in the chair

the word has been that there is a pirate nite but it is toned down a bit on the alaska sailings. who is planning to go full tilt into pirate night? i'm thinking of toning it down a bit myself - saving space in the luggage maybe we'll be able to fit the costumes and skip the hats and props.

 

[mellers]

what time is our dis meet in diversions?

3-3:30 p.m. I figure that should give everybody time to get to the boat and check in, and still give us time to get ready for the muster drill.

 

[mellers]

Reposting the FE rules, with info about the get-togethers:

1. You can make (or purchase) any kind of gift you want, any way you want for the other cabins. It can be one gift for everyone, a package gift, one gift for kids and one gift for adults, or individual gifts for each person, or some other combination I didn't list.

2. If you are on the "Mickey Group" List, you are only responsible for giving gifts to the cabins on the "Mickey Group" List. If you are on the "Pluto Group" List, you are only responsible for giving gifts to cabins on the "Pluto Group" list. If you "arrh" on the "Pirate Group" List, you are only responsible for giving gifts to the cabins on the "Pirate Group" List. Each listed cabin should give a gift.

3. Nobody should feel like they need to "break the bank"--not on the gifts, shipping, or luggage fees. This should be fun, not a burden on anyone.

4. You can deliver your gifts any day or time you want, as long as they are delivered before noon on 8/22.

5. The Mickey and Pluto Groups have closed. All those adding between now and 6/18 will be added to the Pirate Group. On 6/18, all groups will close.

6. Existing Participants: If I have made a mistake on your celebrations, the list(s) that you want, or your information, please let me know ASAP. New Participants: You will be added to the Pirate Group.

7. Whether or not you are participating in the FE, you are welcome at the cruise get-together. We are planning to have it in Diversions at 3 p.m. August 16th (Children are allowed in Diversions at that hour). If somebody has reserved Diversions (I have not), and it is not available, we'll all meet in the Promenade Lounge at 3 p.m. Kids and teens are welcome.

8. Whether or not you are participating in the FE, you are welcome at the pre-cruise get-together. While you do not have to let me know you are coming, if you know you are coming, it's helpful for me to know so I can get a bigger table. However, if it looks like you can come last-minute, come anyway--it'll be fine . It will be at 5 p.m. August 15th at the White Spot in Richmond, BC (near the airport). If you need something before the cruise, we'll be near a large shopping mall (Lansdowne Center), so that might be of help.

The White Spot is at 5880 No. 3 Road (No. 3 Road and Ackroyd), Richmond, BC V6X 2E1. There are two White Spots on No. 3 Road, so you'll want to make sure you're at the closest to the Lansdowne Shopping Centre, at the Ackroyd cross street. If you are staying at Canada Place, and don't have a car or don't want to drive, take the Canada Line from the waterfront to the Lansdowne Station. It's just a short distance down No. 3 Road past the shopping centre. You'll probably see the big sign when you get down from the station (the station exits onto No. 3 Road). Kids and teens are welcome.

If there are any questions, or a rule becomes a problem for somebody, let me know.

Thanks,

Mellers

 

[mellers]

Mellers - Gosh! I can't believe all the mishaps that are happening. That fall sounds like a very serious one and your friend is lucky to have you for support. I hope your friend has a speedy recovery and that you are taking good care of yourself as well with all that's been happening the last couple of weeks. Here's to a injury-free rest of the summer!

Thanks for the good wishes. It's certainly been a rough week. Unfortunately, it's kind of been like this for the past 15 years or so.

Still, honestly, I'm glad to support my friend--she may have, indirectly, saved my husband's life, and quite possibly mine as well. She put my husband in for his job at Microsoft, and because of Microsoft medical benefits, they found my cancer before it was fatal, and they found my husband's heart condition before it was fatal.

She's also, in general, just a great person.

 

[Inkmahm]

the word has been that there is a pirate nite but it is toned down a bit on the alaska sailings. who is planning to go full tilt into pirate night? i'm thinking of toning it down a bit myself - saving space in the luggage maybe we'll be able to fit the costumes and skip the hats and props.

We have some pirate costume things for DH in our Owner's Locker in Florida but won't obviously have them with us in Alaska. Probably the most we'll do on this time is wear pirate T-shirts of some kind.

 

[scothen]

Reposting the FE rules, with info about the get-togethers:

1. You can make (or purchase) any kind of gift you want, any way you want for the other cabins. It can be one gift for everyone, a package gift, one gift for kids and one gift for adults, or individual gifts for each person, or some other combination I didn't list.

2. If you are on the "Mickey Group" List, you are only responsible for giving gifts to the cabins on the "Mickey Group" List. If you are on the "Pluto Group" List, you are only responsible for giving gifts to cabins on the "Pluto Group" list. If you "arrh" on the "Pirate Group" List, you are only responsible for giving gifts to the cabins on the "Pirate Group" List. Each listed cabin should give a gift.

3. Nobody should feel like they need to "break the bank"--not on the gifts, shipping, or luggage fees. This should be fun, not a burden on anyone.

4. You can deliver your gifts any day or time you want, as long as they are delivered before noon on 8/22.

5. The Mickey and Pluto Groups have closed. All those adding between now and 6/18 will be added to the Pirate Group. On 6/18, all groups will close.

6. Existing Participants: If I have made a mistake on your celebrations, the list(s) that you want, or your information, please let me know ASAP. New Participants: You will be added to the Pirate Group.

7. Whether or not you are participating in the FE, you are welcome at the cruise get-together. We are planning to have it in Diversions at 3 p.m. August 16th (Children are allowed in Diversions at that hour). If somebody has reserved Diversions (I have not), and it is not available, we'll all meet in the Promenade Lounge at 3 p.m. Kids and teens are welcome.

8. Whether or not you are participating in the FE, you are welcome at the pre-cruise get-together. While you do not have to let me know you are coming, if you know you are coming, it's helpful for me to know so I can get a bigger table. However, if it looks like you can come last-minute, come anyway--it'll be fine . It will be at 5 p.m. August 15th at the White Spot in Richmond, BC (near the airport). If you need something before the cruise, we'll be near a large shopping mall (Lansdowne Center), so that might be of help.

The White Spot is at 5880 No. 3 Road (No. 3 Road and Ackroyd), Richmond, BC V6X 2E1. There are two White Spots on No. 3 Road, so you'll want to make sure you're at the closest to the Lansdowne Shopping Centre, at the Ackroyd cross street. If you are staying at Canada Place, and don't have a car or don't want to drive, take the Canada Line from the waterfront to the Lansdowne Station. It's just a short distance down No. 3 Road past the shopping centre. You'll probably see the big sign when you get down from the station (the station exits onto No. 3 Road). Kids and teens are welcome.

If there are any questions, or a rule becomes a problem for somebody, let me know.

Thanks,

Mellers

Thank you for all your planning for this cruise. I am getting in on the 14th now. Can you suggest what is the best way to see Vancouver? Also, does anyone have room at their 2nd seating for a single person?

It sounds like there is a lot of great folks on this cruise, and I look froward to meeting you all.

 

[mellers]

Thank you for all your planning for this cruise. I am getting in on the 14th now. Can you suggest what is the best way to see Vancouver? Also, does anyone have room at their 2nd seating for a single person?

It sounds like there is a lot of great folks on this cruise, and I look froward to meeting you all.

I don't know if it is the best way to see Vancouver, but we usually stay in Richmond (like you are) and we usually take the SkyTrain--I would recommend purchasing day passes from one of the vendors in the airport to avoid paying the SkyTrain surcharge. The one exception is the International Buddhist Temple Gardens--for that, you'll need to check the bus schedules or take a taxi.

Some of Our Favorite Things:

The International Buddhist Temple Gardens
The VanDusen Gardens
The Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens (we like gardens)
The Vancouver Aquarium
Gastown (just walking around)
My husband loves the Chinese food in Richmond, but if you're not used to the real stuff, it may be a little adventurous for your palate. Even so, the Dim Sum is not to be missed.

Unfortunately, we're in the first seating. Otherwise, we'd be happy to have you join us. We're looking forward to seeing you at the pre-cruise meet, though.

 

[scothen]

I don't know if it is the best way to see Vancouver, but we usually stay in Richmond (like you are) and we usually take the SkyTrain--I would recommend purchasing day passes from one of the vendors in the airport to avoid paying the SkyTrain surcharge. The one exception is the International Buddhist Temple Gardens--for that, you'll need to check the bus schedules or take a taxi.

Some of Our Favorite Things:

The International Buddhist Temple Gardens
The VanDusen Gardens
The Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens (we like gardens)
The Vancouver Aquarium
Gastown (just walking around)
My husband loves the Chinese food in Richmond, but if you're not used to the real stuff, it may be a little adventurous for your palate. Even so, the Dim Sum is not to be missed.

Unfortunately, we're in the first seating. Otherwise, we'd be happy to have you join us. We're looking forward to seeing you at the pre-cruise meet, though.

Thank you. I appreciate the advice on touring, and I hope that everything is getting better for you.

 

[mellers]

Thank you. I appreciate the advice on touring, and I hope that everything is getting better for you.

Thanks for the good wishes--we're doing the Seattle Hospital Tour tomorrow.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

more thoughts... (can you tell i work 3rd shift )

the word has been that there is a pirate nite but it is toned down a bit on the alaska sailings. who is planning to go full tilt into pirate night? i'm thinking of toning it down a bit myself - saving space in the luggage maybe we'll be able to fit the costumes and skip the hats and props.

I will be toning it down this year to save room for jackets and such, but my husband will still go full tilt! He has an amazing pirate hat that he refuses to leave at home. He can only where twice a year, at Halloween and on Disney crusise. i love pirate night, but I do wish the Wonder had switched up the theme for Alaska. At least we get the taste of Alska menu.

 

[aunursa]

unless anything has changed, yes you can grant other adults the privilege of signing your child out of kids club. as i recall we left the names of allowed adults (which cast members added to the computer file that is linked to the child's armband) and there was a password/passcode that everyone who checks them out had to give before the child would be released. my mom (the DGM on this cruise with us) regularly has the kids in and out at will. no prob.

Thanks -- that's good to know.

 

[Inkmahm]

Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Much appreciated. Part of my reluctance was because I don't want to ruin anyone else's flight, but DD is a good flyer generally so I'm probably being overly cautious. She loves airplanes so I think she will really enjoy it.

If she loves planes, she will definitely love the float plane. She won't ruin anyone else's flight. Enjoy!

 

[CubCatsK&D]

Only 10 weeks to go before we get to board the Wonder! The excitement for us, builds with each group that gets off the ship and posts their trip reports.

 

[pops711]

Can you believe that we have 2 months 1 week and 4 days until we board the Wonder I have a friend that is getting on today. I have my FE done and ready to go, I will be finishing magnets for a stateroom door today, will be starting my FE gifts tonight and hope to have my families shirt ordered by the end of the week. things are coming together. only bit on not so good news it that we have moved in since we have done any Disney vacation and i am not 100% sure where my pins are?!?!?!?! Little worried, not a lot just a little.

The good news for all of you is (like I said before) that in 2 months 1 week and 4 days you all get to meet the cutest set of twin girls you will ever see. I know I am a little bias

 

[Elfinjojo]

yay to meeting cute twins - do you know theirs is the only FE gift I have sorted ;o) still have the rest of the gorup to sort now. the ladies are easy, but the teens/tweens and men are not so easy!!

having never done an FE before I am just not sure what to do for the best - i am sure I will work it out!

 

[Elfinjojo]

WOOHOO!!

I found out at the weekend that DH has booked us B2B on this cruise along with the week after! I KNEW he was up to something, now all I have to do is decide if I want in on the FE for the second week.

DH's excuse was that because there is so much to see, and do in Alaska with the excursions that he just had to book another week for us. Being that it is a huge trip for us to come over from the UK to Canada to start with he thought while we are there we may as well make the most of it - so we are!!! I Love my DH

JoJo
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