August 16, 2011 – 7 Night Alaska Sailing

[CubCatsK&D]

We finally got our airline ticket purchsed. We've been watching for weeks, and it's been about $480 each for the last 2 months or so. Down to $410 today so we got them. One step closer!!

 

[mmouse37]

Just curious if there are any others on this group that are in their late 40s or early 50s. DH and I are 50 and 51 respectively.

Hubby and I are 52 and 54 respectively traveling with an even dozen, many who have never cruised before!!!

Getting very excited about this cruise...I have not posted much but try to read what I can here....working two jobs and being a mod takes a lot of time!!

Hope to see everyone onboard!! I am getting a bit worried about where we are staying after reading the Vancouver Planning Thread, though....we are staying at the Hilton Metrotown in Burnby for 4 night pre cruise.....it is right by the SkyTrain so I hope not too difficult to get into Vancouver. On the morning of the cruise I would like to take a car service for our group...don't really want to drag luggage on the SkyTrain and walk it to the terminal.

Anyone else staying that far out of town??? I really want to save money on the hotel as the excursions are so dang expensive!

MJ

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

It turns out, we will be staying at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel instead.

 

[siburdue]

Hubby and I are 52 and 54 respectively traveling with an even dozen, many who have never cruised before!!!

Getting very excited about this cruise...I have not posted much but try to read what I can here....working two jobs and being a mod takes a lot of time!!

MJ

Wow, traveling with a dozen people, mind boggling Looks like you two are seasoned Disney Cruisers. Hope to be able to meet/see you on board. We are taking a bus from Seattle, so no overnight stay for us in Vancouver

 

[wisegal]

Hubby and I are 52 and 54 respectively traveling with an even dozen, many who have never cruised before!!!

Getting very excited about this cruise...I have not posted much but try to read what I can here....working two jobs and being a mod takes a lot of time!!

Hope to see everyone onboard!! I am getting a bit worried about where we are staying after reading the Vancouver Planning Thread, though....we are staying at the Hilton Metrotown in Burnby for 4 night pre cruise.....it is right by the SkyTrain so I hope not too difficult to get into Vancouver. On the morning of the cruise I would like to take a car service for our group...don't really want to drag luggage on the SkyTrain and walk it to the terminal.

Anyone else staying that far out of town??? I really want to save money on the hotel as the excursions are so dang expensive!

MJ

Hi
We are traveling from home on the SkyTrain. It was not my first choice but is the one my bank account is deciding on. I looked into a limo for us, we are a goup of 12 as well, and the cost for the size that we would need when you factored in laugage was way more than my family was prepared to pay. The train ride from Metotown is an easy one. I would suggest getting on after rush hour (9:00/9:30 am). It will be as busy then. The walk from waterfront station to the terminal is short and easy.
Nicole

 

[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, DGD (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, 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

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

dkmjgal

Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel

Mrs. Gumdrop

The Landis Hotel

msnoble

Fairmont Waterfront

Kgsmith
Aby

Pan Pacific

Godalejr
Inkmahm

 

[mellers]

DSMIL is doing much better. She is out of the main Swedish Hospital building, and in the Orthopedic Center. They're transferring her to a rehabilitation facility tomorrow. She is already up and walking with her new hip.

to everyone for your warm wishes and good thoughts.

 

[kgsmith]

DSMIL is doing much better. She is out of the main Swedish Hospital building, and in the Orthopedic Center. They're transferring her to a rehabilitation facility tomorrow. She is already up and walking with her new hip.

to everyone for your warm wishes and good thoughts.

That's good to hear, Mellers. I hope she continues to have a smooth recovery.

 

[mmouse37]

Hi
We are traveling from home on the SkyTrain. It was not my first choice but is the one my bank account is deciding on. I looked into a limo for us, we are a goup of 12 as well, and the cost for the size that we would need when you factored in laugage was way more than my family was prepared to pay. The train ride from Metotown is an easy one. I would suggest getting on after rush hour (9:00/9:30 am). It will be as busy then. The walk from waterfront station to the terminal is short and easy.
Nicole

Thanks Nicole....does not sound so bad then!!! We will each only have one bag each and they all roll....and everyone is capable of handling their own bag so it should be OK...thanks again!!

MJ

 

[mellers]

Hubby and I are 52 and 54 respectively traveling with an even dozen, many who have never cruised before!!!

Getting very excited about this cruise...I have not posted much but try to read what I can here....working two jobs and being a mod takes a lot of time!!

Hope to see everyone onboard!! I am getting a bit worried about where we are staying after reading the Vancouver Planning Thread, though....we are staying at the Hilton Metrotown in Burnby for 4 night pre cruise.....it is right by the SkyTrain so I hope not too difficult to get into Vancouver. On the morning of the cruise I would like to take a car service for our group...don't really want to drag luggage on the SkyTrain and walk it to the terminal.

Anyone else staying that far out of town??? I really want to save money on the hotel as the excursions are so dang expensive!

MJ

FWIW, we're not staying much closer than you are, and we're not worried. We're like you--we'd rather spend the money on other things. We got the FourPoints, well, for points

 

[Aby]

Mellers - that's so good to hear. Isn't it amazing how fast the healing starts with such a big injury?? Continued good healing vibes to her

The countdown is now on for my family - only 3 days left until I can book our excursions! I'm so excited! I'm sure there are others on this boat with me (pardon my pun!) so I hope you all get what you are looking for too! I plan on booking my excursions first because I really hope to get certain ones. If I don't get Palo this time around, I'll keep my eye out for any openings later or book on the ship.

It's getting close guys!!

Aby

 

[mellers]

Mellers - that's so good to hear. Isn't it amazing how fast the healing starts with such a big injury?? Continued good healing vibes to her

The countdown is now on for my family - only 3 days left until I can book our excursions! I'm so excited! I'm sure there are others on this boat with me (pardon my pun!) so I hope you all get what you are looking for too! I plan on booking my excursions first because I really hope to get certain ones. If I don't get Palo this time around, I'll keep my eye out for any openings later or book on the ship.

It's getting close guys!!

Aby

Three days for us, too! We're also first-timers (and thanks for the nice note!)

 

[mellers]

A harbour tour on a paddlewheeler:

http://click.e.groupon.com/?qs=acd5...ccb0ae1edd5c02676995133370ade02ebb9bc82d7b3f7

 

[Elfinjojo]

All kitted out!

We took a trip to a huge "Go Outdoors" store today in a nearby town and got waterproof over trousers for everyone and good sturdy walking shoes that are also waterproof (DD and I have matching shoes LOL) Earlier in the year DH purchased down filled jackets for us all, and we have gloves and hats etc... Now are we going over the top for August weather or is it best to be prepared?

We are planning on wearing layers under the outerwear, mainly long sleeve T's and sweaters and jean/cargo pants. Does this sound good?

JoJo
x

 

[disneymath]

The countdown is now on for my family - only 3 days left until I can book our excursions! I'm so excited! I'm sure there are others on this boat with me (pardon my pun!) so I hope you all get what you are looking for too! I plan on booking my excursions first because I really hope to get certain ones. If I don't get Palo this time around, I'll keep my eye out for any openings later or book on the ship.

It's getting close guys!!

Aby

Three days for me also, but I'll only be looking for a Palo brunch to surprise my parents with (their Anniversary is at the end of August).

We've opted for the ABD add-on, so we'll be three less first-time cruisers vying for coveted excursion spots! As for spa treatments, if something is available on the ship and the mood strikes, so be it. Otherwise, no big deal.

 

[godalejunior]

Im glad things are heading in a positive direction mellers!

So...since we are PST in WA state, this means I can start booking at 9pm PSTon 6/2?

We have the Bear and Wildlife Expedition booked through the sanctuary and Im glad I did so because in the last excursion update I see that it is full. We are booked between the two Disney time slots and were told we get the same exact tour booking direct.

DH is wanting to do the Yukon Expedition but its a full day..worried I wont have time or feel like shopping afterwards...

Still not exactly what to do in Juneau...it sounds like you see plenty of whales from the ship and not sure if its worth booking an excursion to do the same thing.

Im going to try for Palo...brunch and dinner.

 

[G'sMaman]

That's wonderful news Mellers! So glad to hear that you DSMIL is doing much better and that she's already up and around.

For those who like to plan ahead, I just checked and here's the latest on availability at Palo's and the excursions (not much has changed):

Juneau:
Disney Exclusive Glacier Dog Musher for a Day
Exclusive Whale Encounter and Mendenhall Glacier (New)
Glacier View Bike and Hatchery
Juneau by Private Jeep
Private Boat - Salmon Fishing Charter
Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

Ketchikan:
Bear Country and Wildlife Expedition
Private Skiff – Touring by Sea

Skagway:
All Aboard Steam Train

The 3 Port Adventures were also showing up as not available.

For a table for 2 at Palo, these times/dates were still available:

High Tea - Nothing Available
Brunch - Day 2 at 11:30 am (only one slot)

Dinner:

Day 1 > 6:30 - 8:30 pm (in 1/2 hour increments, 8:30 being the last time slot)
Day 2 > Nothing
Day 3 > 6:30 pm
Day 4 > 6 - 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm
Day 5 > 6 - 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm
Day 6 > 6 - 8:30 pm
Day 7 > 7 - 8:30 pm

Hope this is helpful.

 

[Inkmahm]

Still not exactly what to do in Juneau...it sounds like you see plenty of whales from the ship and not sure if its worth booking an excursion to do the same thing.

After doing 2 previous Alaska cruises and seeing next to no whales from the cruise ship, I'd highly suggest doing a whale watch in Juneau. The whales you do see from the Wonder will be tiny specs compared to the whales you will see from a much smaller boat much closer to the whales. We had one whale surface SO close to us on our Harv and Marv whale watch in 2008 that it scared the XXXX out of me!

 

[mellers]

Thanks again for all the good wishes! Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend.

I'm checking in on Thursday as well, but there's no competition from me. I'm not doing Palo, and I've booked everybody's excursions already.

 

[Aby]

Thanks alot G'sMaman!

Again, another excursion on my list has sold out, but it isn't my top choice for that port, so I still have lots of hope! I've realized that I would really love to have my 1st choices for all the ports, so I'm going to go ahead and book excursions first instead of Palo.

Godalejr, I believe you are correct that us west coasters should be able to book at 9pm PST, but I believe it would be on June 1st, since June 2nd at 12am EST is 9pm PST on that day. So we should be good on Wednesday night. I'll be planted here in front of my computer probably all evening until it opens! I hope there are no website issues!

Thanks again for all those posting updates for sold out excursions! I'm sure everyone here appreciates the help. I'll probably beg one more update late Tuesday night or Wednesday during the day just to get my last bit of planning in before the window opens.

Aby