August 16, 2011 – 7 Night Alaska Sailing

[Elfinjojo]

Would you like to be added to the day-before cruise meet list, or the FE list? If so, let me know. The day-before cruise meet will be in Richmond, near the airport.

PLease count us in on the FE list, but sorry won't do the day-before meet as we fly into Vancouver late afternoon on the day before and after a 10hr flight will need to rest up for the rest of the trip

How is the FE working for this group? I noticed that you have split the list does that mean you only gift to the group that you are listed in?

thanks

 

[Elfinjojo]

subbing

 

[mellers]

Okay, here are the rules (more like guidelines) for the FE:

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. You may request to be added to both lists, up to a limit of 15 cabins, and I will put you on both lists.

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. Nobody will be added to the FE list after 6/18, although latecomers may form their own FE exchange group if they wish

6. Anybody who wants to be on both FE lists, or on the same FE list as somebody else, or on a different FE list that the one they're in, post a message or PM me, and I will make the changes, up to a limit of 15 cabins per FE list, and before the 6/18 cutoff date. After that date, the lists are fixed.

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]

Fish Extender List

Mickey Group

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 6090, 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)

Pluto Group

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, 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)

No sticky, chewy candy for Erica, and no food, please, for Mellers family (all 3 have MAJOR dietary issues)

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

Here's the Second Seating List

MercoBear
Appleguy
Appleguy's Friends
Dkmjgal
Kgsmith
Disneymath
Pops711
Aby

Here's the night-before lodging list:

FourPoints Sheraton Vancouver Airport

Mellers

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

Mrs. Gumdrop

Fairmont Waterfront

Kgsmith
Aby

 

[pops711]

Hi All,

Still super excited, and I think I am getting more everyday. Am I the only one flying in same day??? I wish I could but can't work the hotel out Also does anyone know what kind of clothing we should be bringing?? I am sure I can work it out for me, but i need to find clothing for the girls.

 

[mellers]

Hi All,

Still super excited, and I think I am getting more everyday. Am I the only one flying in same day??? I wish I could but can't work the hotel out Also does anyone know what kind of clothing we should be bringing?? I am sure I can work it out for me, but i need to find clothing for the girls.

Hi! I don't know if this would cost too much to change, but the Four Points Vancouver Airport is usually quite inexpensive, close to stores for last-minute items, and not very far from the Canada Line.

This kind of thing would be perfect for a cold day:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=2492X&codesProcessed=true

 

[mellers]

From a Pacific Northwesterner, here is my packing list:

I'm planning to do laundry twice during the cruise

3 pairs fairly decent-looking slacks
3 short-sleeved polo shirts
1 sweater or polar fleece turtleneck
3-in-1 jackets (http://www.landsend.com/pp/SportSqu...=::IVO&CM_MERCH=search-_-3+in+1&origin=search is an example)
warm gloves
1 pair lightweight pajamas
1 pair flannel pajamas
1 swimsuit
4 pairs socks
(I'm wearing black tennis shoes--I can't wear dress shoes for very long)
Dress shoes for formal and semi-formal night
Pantsuit (for me), Dress (for DD), and DH is renting a tux for Formal and Semi-Formal night (sorry, we're going to be outre and wear the same thing both nights)
Nice shoes for formal and semi-formal night

My daughter is also packing exercise clothes

Here's the reasoning:

90 degrees (it does happen in Vancouver sometimes): Short sleeve shirts and slacks, the swimsuit for my water exercises.

50 degrees--I can wear the jacket with the liner zipped out, and the short sleeve shirt with the sweater or turtleneck

20 degrees--I can wear the flannel pajamas under the slacks and turtleneck (a Seattle trick a friend taught me), zip in the liner, wear the 3-in-1 and the gloves and be comfortable.

For babies and young children, you want polar fleece on top with lightweight clothes underneath.

 

[disneymath]

This kind of thing would be perfect for a cold day:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=2492X&codesProcessed=true

I agree ... great suggestion Mellers ... my nephews lived in their suits similar to these. They've now graduated to fleece-lined nylon windsuits with hoods. (We still have snow on the ground where I live ... so they get a lot of use out of their "between season" gear.)

Pops71! I would suggest bringing mittens and hats that cover the girls ears. (Not necessarily "heavy duty winter ones" but light wool or fleece ones. I'm thinking these would be great to have even if it's just windy on deck.

If you plan on exploring the ports with the girls, I would suggest getting them rainsuits and, if they are walking, rainboots. I would also make sure to have a rainshield and blanket for the stroller(s) ... this can double as a wind break. Nothing is worse than being cold and wet.

The general advice about layering for adults would apply to the little ones too ... it is much easier to add or remove a layer as needed than it is to have to worry about completely changing from "cold clothes" to "warm clothes".

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Hi All,

Still super excited, and I think I am getting more everyday. Am I the only one flying in same day??? I wish I could but can't work the hotel out Also does anyone know what kind of clothing we should be bringing?? I am sure I can work it out for me, but i need to find clothing for the girls.

Let me say upfront that I am not a parent, But! I would imagine that layers would be the key. Multiple thin-ish layers that can added and removed as needed. Which, lucky you! Means lots of tiny laundry.

 

[wisegal]

I am kinda at a lost of what to pack as well. . I think that I am going to pack like I do when we go camping -- a little bit of everything. Things that can be layered, a warm coat, shorts, pants, runners and flip flops and dress up clothes for dinner.

 

[mellers]

Pops71! I would suggest bringing mittens and hats that cover the girls ears. (Not necessarily "heavy duty winter ones" but light wool or fleece ones. I'm thinking these would be great to have even if it's just windy on deck.

The general advice about layering for adults would apply to the little ones too ... it is much easier to add or remove a layer as needed than it is to have to worry about completely changing from "cold clothes" to "warm clothes".

All very good suggestions and absolutely true. (Should have added--the raingear idea is also good).

Living where it rains so much, they have adorable raingear trios out right now in the Seattle area for kids. Some look like ladybugs, some frogs, some firefighters, some ducks--all quite cute.

 

[msnoble]

Just wondering if anyone else is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options when it comes to planning for the Port Excursions . I am having a very difficult time even just narrowing it down to which type of experience we'd like to have in each port. I know there isn't really a 'wrong' option, but I'm feeling a little silly that I'm so paralyzed by all the choices! We can book at 90 days--part of me almost hopes that some of the choices will already be full, making my decision easier

Part of the pressure is that I'm pretty sure this will be our one and only trip to AK as a family, and I don't know if DH and I will even go back on our own once the nest is empty...

So is anyone else struggling with picking excursions?

 

[mellers]

Just wondering if anyone else is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options when it comes to planning for the Port Excursions . I am having a very difficult time even just narrowing it down to which type of experience we'd like to have in each port. I know there isn't really a 'wrong' option, but I'm feeling a little silly that I'm so paralyzed by all the choices! We can book at 90 days--part of me almost hopes that some of the choices will already be full, making my decision easier

Part of the pressure is that I'm pretty sure this will be our one and only trip to AK as a family, and I don't know if DH and I will even go back on our own once the nest is empty...

So is anyone else struggling with picking excursions?

Actually, it wound up being pretty easy for us.

My Dad wanted the train
My Daughter wanted the Ducks
My Mom wanted to see Glacier Gardens, which took care of all three ports.

We had a few things we thought we might do, depending on time or interest, like the Lumberjack Show, or panning for gold, but we kind of left those as "filler". It was also made easier because a lot of the excursions aren't for people in wheelchairs, and they were all eliminated right off.

 

[Aby]

I have so many things I'd like to do for excursions, but since I'm a newbie cruiser, I'm sure that many of my choices will not be available by the time I get to book, so I'm thinking it will be easier to decide when the pool of options is smaller.

I've also decided to limit myself to 1 excursion per port. I know I'll want to do more, but I want to keep my costs in check and it'll also give me a reason to go back again!

Aby

 

[disneymath]

Just wondering if anyone else is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options when it comes to planning for the Port Excursions . I am having a very difficult time even just narrowing it down to which type of experience we'd like to have in each port. I know there isn't really a 'wrong' option, but I'm feeling a little silly that I'm so paralyzed by all the choices! We can book at 90 days--part of me almost hopes that some of the choices will already be full, making my decision easier

Part of the pressure is that I'm pretty sure this will be our one and only trip to AK as a family, and I don't know if DH and I will even go back on our own once the nest is empty...

So is anyone else struggling with picking excursions?

I totally understand where you are coming from. I was second guessing our decision to do the Adventures by Disney Add-On because it is pricey (the add-on was more than our total cabin fare), but after studying all the excursion options when they came out, I think we made the right choice. ABD is offering pretty much everything we really wanted to do and it's someone's else's job to figure out the logistics of it. (I can't tell you how much I'm liking that last part ... which is strange for me, because I am a planner by nature.)

 

[msnoble]

I've also decided to limit myself to 1 excursion per port. I know I'll want to do more, but I want to keep my costs in check and it'll also give me a reason to go back again!

Aby

Yes, I've also resigned myself to 1 excursion/port, which is why it feels like kind of a big deal to choose. Initially I was going to try to squeeze 2 excursions in, but it just doesn't sound like that will be possible with timing, plus I don't want to over-extend the activities to the point that we aren't having fun. Guess we'll have a top 5 or so for each port, and then I'll see on May 18 when my booking window opens up what is available.

I'm also getting excited for the Maiden AK cruise, which I believe is coming up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to see a set of Navigators, and hear what will be happening on board!

-Maureen

 

[msnoble]

ABD is offering pretty much everything we really wanted to do and it's someone's else's job to figure out the logistics of it. (I can't tell you how much I'm liking that last part ... which is strange for me, because I am a planner by nature.)

That's right, I remember now that you were thinking about the ABD. I looked long and hard at the ABD; my DH is our WDW planner, and I am in charge of the cruise planning . In the end, we just weren't able to swallow the cost, but I am feeling wistful atm about Disney doing the arranging for us. I did fine with our excursions on the 4 day Bahamas cruise, but there were far fewer choices that appealed to us, plus it seems more likely that we'd get back there.

All in all though I know it's a good problem to have

-Maureen

 

[mellers]

I'm also getting excited for the Maiden AK cruise, which I believe is coming up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to see a set of Navigators, and hear what will be happening on board!

Me too!

 

[kgsmith]

I totally understand where you are coming from. I was second guessing our decision to do the Adventures by Disney Add-On because it is pricey (the add-on was more than our total cabin fare), but after studying all the excursion options when they came out, I think we made the right choice. ABD is offering pretty much everything we really wanted to do and it's someone's else's job to figure out the logistics of it. (I can't tell you how much I'm liking that last part ... which is strange for me, because I am a planner by nature.)

This is exactly how I feel. It's a huge relief not having to worry about the excursions we want being full by the 75-day mark when we could finally book. The ABD includes everything we want to do (and a lot more!)

 

[disneymath]

Yes, I've also resigned myself to 1 excursion/port, which is why it feels like kind of a big deal to choose. Initially I was going to try to squeeze 2 excursions in, but it just doesn't sound like that will be possible with timing, plus I don't want to over-extend the activities to the point that we aren't having fun. Guess we'll have a top 5 or so for each port, and then I'll see on May 18 when my booking window opens up what is available.

I'm also getting excited for the Maiden AK cruise, which I believe is coming up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to see a set of Navigators, and hear what will be happening on board!

-Maureen

The one thing I can think of that might make it easier to narrow down your choices is to consider the "best of" excursions in each port. They seem to be set up to let you see the highlights of each port. (Not so great if you were looking for really in depth experiences.)

If we had chosen not to do the ABD afterall, we would have gone with pre-packaged excursions in each port.

Here's hoping you get what you want on the 18th!

[

This is exactly how I feel. It's a huge relief not having to worry about the excursions we want being full by the 75-day mark when we could finally book. The ABD includes everything we want to do (and a lot more!)

Avoiding that potential 75-day lack of availability thing is a major plus ... I just hope that we don't find out in the next few days that the ABD has been cancelled due to lack of interest! (90 days out is May 18th) I meant to ask how full the ABD was when I made my final payment last week, but I forgot. I wonder if (hope that) our two parties of three is enough to make it happen?!