Cruise to Alaska

[Balmacara]

Just booked a Disney Cruise to Alaska for June 2011. Tried for July but disappointingly nothing available, and limited availability for June - despite ample for cash purchase! Anybody know how much allocation DVC get? Also having only cruised from UK before wanted to check how "casual" dresscode for US cruising is? e.g boarding - are shorts OK?

 

[CarolAnnC]

Just booked a Disney Cruise to Alaska for June 2011. Tried for July but disappointingly nothing available, and limited availability for June - despite ample for cash purchase! Anybody know how much allocation DVC get? Also having only cruised from UK before wanted to check how "casual" dresscode for US cruising is? e.g boarding - are shorts OK?

This has been a hot topic in recent weeks as DVC ran into a snag with limited availability for cruising on points particularly for the 2011 Alaskan itinerary. Inventory for DVC points reservations is a different pool than reservations booked by the public on cash. I think it is actually excellent news that you were able to book one for June!

Shorts will be fine for boarding, no problem there. The weather while on the cruise may vary from chilly (sweaters/jeans) to warm (shorts/tshirts). Most recommend dressing in layers so if the day warms up one can easily remove some clothing to be comfortable.

There will be a formal nite and semi formal nite, but we found even on our Med and Baltic Disney Cruises that we did fine with DH in khakis, dress shirt and tie for those. Myself and DD's usually wear nice pants, sweaters or jackets. Some will bring suits and evening wear or rent tuxes, but it is strictly a personal decision and not required. Otherwise, cruise casual is fine - on regular nights even jeans are allowed in the dining rooms.

Please visit our Cruise Board here on the DIS where you will find lots of cruise specific information on this subject.

 

[Balmacara]

Thanks Carol - that makes me feel a lot better and may explain why the DVC telephonist sounded very surprised ("and they said there was availability!!!") when I said I wanted to proceed with a booking for this cruise following an earlier call that day when they had provided me with the options open to me.

 

[Inkmahm]

I wouldn't bring too many pairs of shorts. I've been in Alaska for two trips so far, two weeks in May/June and 2 weeks in August. I never wore shorts even one day. We are going again next August with DCL and I will bring one pair with me, just in case. Hope lives on.

 

[LakeTopaz]

Yea, I agree. - the weather can be rather chilly and rainy at that time of year which is when we went a few years ago. We almost didn't get to take a helicopter ride because of overcast and rainy weather, but it cleared up just in time.

 

[CarolAnnC]

My sister and BIL cruised to Alaska on Princess this August and were delighted with weather in the 80's most days! They had just one day that required a windbreaker. Though June may tend to be a tad cooler.. So one never knows - that's why layers are best to plan.

 

[Balmacara]

Thanks for the input - coming from Scotland we are used to pretty cool weather during summer anyway so maybe we won't notice so much! My cruise departs 28 June so fingers crossed we will see some sun! I must use these boards more often they are really useful. I also discovered from the site on Sunday that we had reserved a stateroom which didn't get a very good review. Thankfully I was able to change it to a better room (5 rating) no problem