"DCL Klondike Kruisers" - August 23, 2011 PART 2

[eandesmom]

If anyone has any questions about the drive up (to Vancouver, to Whistler or both) from Seattle or things to do in Whistler (zipline, bike, hike, accommodations, dining, etc) just let me know.

We were gone for 5 days, 4 nights. Stopped in Horseshoe Bay on the way up to eat and then Bellingham on the way down. While there rented bikes and rode around a bit but mostly just hung out, ate and relaxed poolside and walked around. Village was crazy busy due to a BMX event and I didn't have a ton of free time (there for a work thing) but despite starting out cold (50-60's) we ended up with 2 gorgeous days and the tan (and bug bites) to prove it. Amazing what 2 days of vitamin D (after being rather deprived here in Seattle all summer) can do to refresh you!

We were unable to as Evan is still in his cast (and have ziplining booked for the cruise) which limited us a little. As it was biking was probably not the most responsible choice...or at least the part we went onto the unpaved (and steep) trails given some rear brake challenges posed by the cast. Many of those at my function did the Bear Tour with Ziptrek and LOVED loved loved it.

We did opt out of peak to peak as well, primarily based on cost. though the peak to peak itself is new to us, we've been to the top of both before and couldn't justify the cost just for that. That said, everyone who did it, LOVED it.

Oh well, at least he had the cast on.

The funniest part was walking around and trying to figure out what was new versus old since the Olympics. It is so well blended we kept getting confused, which is a good thing (I think!).

If anyone wants, who isn't on the FB page/group me to post pictures here too, just let me know.

 

[smeecanada]

Brunch just opened up for day 2 if anyone was looking!

All gone. Drat!

 

[skelster]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to introduce my family and I to our fellow seafarers. Brian Skelly here. My DW Betty, DS Benjamin (7.95 - turns 8 two days after cruise), DD Mary (4.8), and I will be joining you in cabins 2635 and 2637. This is our 3rd time on DCL, first to Alaska as a family.

By the way, I see we missed the deadline on it, but just what is this fish extenders thing anyways? Oops, never mind...it's been a while since I was on the boards and just found the search function...heh heh.

 

[MarkRG]

WE too are flying in on Saturday,, Doing the hop on off bus Sunday and renting a car and going to Whistler on Monday.

Did you do the suspension bridge?

We did A suspension bridge on our tour in Skagway..The White Pass rail and suspension bridge tour, the train ride was very fun! If you're going up, take the left side of the train, if you're riding it back to Skagway, right side. The view is incredible, the color of the lakes up there are something. The suspension bridge is just ok, it's not a historical thing of any kind, it was built literally for the tourists to have something to do.

(Click the pictures for bigger ones)
​

Mark, Where did you eat in Vancouver?

Was there enough time with excursions to wander the towns?

We ate mostly at the hotel or an adjoining food court, have to admit we wern't very adventuresome on that part. Part of it was the hotel has a cruise package that included breakfast every morning.

For our day in Victoria we ate at an excellent Irish pub right on the main street in town.

One thing we DID find out well after the fact is there's a paddlewheeler that runs dinner cruises not far from the Pan Pacific where we stayed.

http://www.vancouverpaddlewheeler.com/index.html

​

As far as the ports,

Skagway; took the train, had plenty of time to walk the town and back to the ship way before it sailed.

Juneau; did the Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier then a ride up in the Tramway for some excellent views and still had time in town. We had an incredible time on the whale watching tour! Saw an amazing amount of marine life, seals hanging out on buoys, eagles fishing, and whole families of whales doing something called a bubble feed that the naturalist on board insisted is a very rare event. Had plenty of time at the glacier, the official park map, if you've looked it up, REALLY overestimates the times needed to walk places, took us all of 5 minutes to walk out to the photo point that it said 15. Didn't see any calving, it had done so a few days before.

​

Ketchikan; Now THIS is where you might have some time limits, we did the Saxman Village and Lumberjack show tour. This was something I was very looking forward to and was not disappointed. It was fascinating learning about the First Nation and their culture. The Lumberjack show was entertaining in a cheesy way, more corny than anything at Wis Dells or at the HoopDeDo in Fla. We got back to town with about a half hour to sail, and some tours actually showed up AFTER our official sail time.

​

Shopping in the ports:
In every port you'll find those same 'valuables' stores you find in the Carribbean, Diamonds, Intl and such.. most are run by people from India, not exactly local goods.

What you DO want to look for is a sticker on the window of the store and on goods. It's a sticker with a polar bear on it and says Made in Alaska, look for this if you want truly local souvenirs.

And in case you missed my post over on the main forum, this is how close the Wonder got in to Tracy Arm. Taken unzoomed from Deck 4. Hope you guys get as much access.

​

 

[JOANNEL]

Thanks Mark, We are doing the white pass train up and bikes down.
Whale watching in Juneau and the Lumber jack show.

Great pictures and good to know about the made in Alaska sticker.

I am not much of a shopper, but I do want some specific to Alaska stuff!

 

[womanredress]

I am really ready. Door magnets and signs are done. All the FE gifts are done. Suitcases are out and started packing. Got a new pair of sneakers today so I am ready for walking. AM considering bringing boots or buying rain boots. I have been tracking the weather and it as been in the 50's and rainey. We packed ALL our Mickey ponchos and an umbrella. Bought covers for the strollers too.

I have a couple sweatshirts, but no fleece. Hmm wonder if I should order one?

I'm so impressed by your organizational skills.

Shopping in the ports:
In every port you'll find those same 'valuables' stores you find in the Carribbean, Diamonds, Intl and such.. most are run by people from India, not exactly local goods.

What you DO want to look for is a sticker on the window of the store and on goods. It's a sticker with a polar bear on it and says Made in Alaska, look for this if you want truly local souvenirs.

Thanks for the info about local shops and souvenirs. I've heard from a couple people to look for this sign. I ordered a small guide book from Ketchikan and they had pictures of the sign so I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for it.

 

[smeecanada]

I am not much of a shopper, but I do want some specific to Alaska stuff!

When we went the last time.

In Skagway:

There is a really good quilt shop and needlework shop - if you like that type of thing. Up the main street and to the left. It was in a brochure that we got in the terminal in Vancouver before we left. Also, on that street is a small bakery that the crew was raving about, but was closed for the day by the time we got there.

There was also an interesting shop up the Main Street near the top on the right. They had wonderful Russian stacking dolls from Russia.

Nothing really stuck out in Juneau - just the usual tourist shops.

Looking forward to checking out Creek Street in Ketchikan. I've heard they have some really unique shops there.

 

[1DisneyQueen]

We did A suspension bridge on our tour in Skagway..The White Pass rail and suspension bridge tour, the train ride was very fun! If you're going up, take the left side of the train, if you're riding it back to Skagway, right side. The view is incredible, the color of the lakes up there are something. The suspension bridge is just ok, it's not a historical thing of any kind, it was built literally for the tourists to have something to do.

(Click the pictures for bigger ones)
​

We have decided to rent a car and the suspension bridge was one of the things we had planned to stop at. We have pre-teens. Would you recommned we pass on this. It is a little pricey and I hate to waste the money if it is not worth it.

 

[caniac27]

We leave here on the 13th and I've done NOTHING!!!! Just gather a few things that are thrown on the couch in the sitting room. I have a feeling that by the 12th we would have wished we had booked the all-nekid version of an Alaskan cruise!!!! Much less packing that way!

OK, I need to be on that cruise too, because I haven't done anything except dump stuff on the spare room bed as I think of it! I'm actually afraid to go in there now because it's going to take forever to sort it all out and figure out what I still need. I have bought so much FE stuff that everyone may need another suitcase to bring it home with you. (And no I can't pay for your shipping - LOL). Thank goodness I have 2 more cruises booked so any overflow can go to them! I'm usually much more organized than this!

 

[MarkRG]

We have decided to rent a car and the suspension bridge was one of the things we had planned to stop at. We have pre-teens. Would you recommned we pass on this. It is a little pricey and I hate to waste the money if it is not worth it.

You're renting a car in Skagway?

I think you're looking to go here in Vancouver: http://www.capbridge.com/

Totally different thing than what I'm talking about. And that one looks far more interesting than the one we went to as part of the tour off the ship.

 

[danandnan]

GOOD MORNING ALL

http://www.**************/id/1314082914.png


IM READY

 

[JOANNEL]

GOOD MORNING ALL

http://www.**************/id/1314082914.png


IM READY

Me too!!!!

 

[JOANNEL]

You're renting a car in Skagway?

I think you're looking to go here in Vancouver: http://www.capbridge.com/

Totally different thing than what I'm talking about. And that one looks far more interesting than the one we went to as part of the tour off the ship.

Does any one know if there is a bus here or how much a taxi would be?

 

[goslingl]

Me too!!!!

Me three!!!

 

[mvlimmex]

Hi and Good Morning Everyone! We too are so ready for this cruise
I have a quick question for those playing FE. If someone wants to join after the cut off date--should I post a 2nd list and then if there are those that have extras or just want to add them to their list then they could. I know we always have extras. This would be optional and you could let me know if you wanted to join the 2nd list or not. What does everyone think?

Thanks,

Vicki

 

[seamour]

I got this in an email in case anyone is interested, someone on a Vancouver thread had mentioned it to me and said it's quite fun.

Fair at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
When: August 20 to September 5
Now in its 101st year, the Fair at the PNE continues to get better with age. This year, children 13 and under will receive free admission throughout the entire fair’s run. The annual fair is B.C.’s premier summertime event, offering a wide range of new and classic family entertainment, including more than 55 thrilling rides, live performances, mouth-watering food from around the globe, a motorsports spectacular, the beloved Superdogs and more.

 

[seamour]

Klahowya Village returns to Stanley Park for its second year, once again transforming the miniature railway and surrounding plaza into an aboriginal tourism experience. More than just a fun diversion, the Village is also a historical tribute: Stanley Park was once home to the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, whose millennia-old village sites were in use there until the 1880s.

This family adventure immerses visitors in the First Nations cultures of the region through traditional dance, Aboriginal cuisine, storytelling, wood carving and weaving demonstrations. Visitors can also take a ride on the Spirit Catcher Train, where they’ll journey into the thick of the forest and hear the ancient story of how the raven stole the sun.

Klahowya Village, operated by the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC, is open until September 11. General admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children (additional cost applies for the Spirit Catcher Train)

 

[seamour]

can't remember it if was here or on FB but I am not sure if you knew about this one.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (June 2 - September 24) - Every June through September, Bard on the Beach professional Shakespeare Festival brings to life the magic of Shakespeare’s great plays. The Festival site is located on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, adjacent to the downtown core. Staged in two open-ended performance tents, the productions are set against a spectacular natural backdrop of mountains, sea and city skyline.

 

[seamour]

GOOD MORNING ALL

http://www.**************/id/1314082914.png


Good morning!

IM READY

Does any one know if there is a bus here or how much a taxi would be?

you can take the bus, I read it on a thread somewhere will see if I can find it, one suggested water taxi to North Vancouver then a bus up to the Cap.

Here is what I am finding take a seabus from the waterfront station to Lonsdale Quay, there you can transfer to a bus. You can get planning information here on but routes and such http://tripplanning.translink.bc.ca/hiwire

hope that helps!

 

[womanredress]

OK, I need to be on that cruise too, because I haven't done anything except dump stuff on the spare room bed as I think of it! I'm actually afraid to go in there now because it's going to take forever to sort it all out and figure out what I still need. I have bought so much FE stuff that everyone may need another suitcase to bring it home with you. (And no I can't pay for your shipping - LOL). Thank goodness I have 2 more cruises booked so any overflow can go to them! I'm usually much more organized than this!

I'm so far behind in packing! At least you have a pile going. My mom, suellennapa, has a duffel with our cruise necessities started, but I'm nowhere near ready to start taking clothes out of the closet to make piles.

Plus, I'm going to Disneyland for the weekend, so I was too busy packing for that to even think about the cruise packing! Oh well, I'll have fun at Disneyland and when I return, I can start getting ready for the cruise.