ELEVATE! Is that a whale out there? A three-generation cruise to Alaska!UPDATE 8/29

[RGirl]

Just had to chime in about the pilot getting on board. This does happen at every port and any area of specialized cruising on a ship. Unfortunately I found out the hard way, when on a cruise to the Baltic Sea our room was right over the hatch (well 3 floors above) where the pilots get on and off. Every morning (when we had a port day) at around 4:30 in the morning the door would open and a pilot would get on. Being that the ships are all metal the noise was horrendous and woke us up every single time.

Beware of your room location!!!

Thanks so much for the info! I am sure that we just missed it on some of the days because we got into port so much earlier. And thankfully it did not wake us up!!!!!

 

[pas130]

You are right - the Doulsons won't be the problem. I just hope Willow has better taste in boys than I did!

Completely understood...I wish the same for my girls...at the same time I feel sorry for their future Boyfriends

 

[CandleontheWater]

Miss Willow looks so cute with her new earrings! I love that she chose the most expensive pair, thats a girl who knows what she wants!

Your character breakfasts looked like a lot of fun! I think they looked so cute dressed up in their island attire. I guess thats a little weird for Alaska, but fits in great in the Caribbean!

Willow's little girl crush is so sweet! Then again, I would love a guy who brought me yummy food, so I think she has good taste!

 

[RGirl]

Completely understood...I wish the same for my girls...at the same time I feel sorry for their future Boyfriends

Good point - I kind of pity the boy who takes in Willow! Awww - not really!

 

[RGirl]

Miss Willow looks so cute with her new earrings! I love that she chose the most expensive pair, thats a girl who knows what she wants!

Your character breakfasts looked like a lot of fun! I think they looked so cute dressed up in their island attire. I guess thats a little weird for Alaska, but fits in great in the Caribbean!

Willow's little girl crush is so sweet! Then again, I would love a guy who brought me yummy food, so I think she has good taste!

We really did have fun at the breakfast. And the island clothes were so funny in Alaska and yet so fitting for Parrot Cay.

You're right! There was a lot about Doulson to love so I can see why Willow thought he was so great.

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

Hi Roni and Willow! I'm using some quiet time at work to catch up and I'm loving your TR! I don't get pictures on my work computer so I'll have to wait until I'm home to see Willow's new earrings! My DDs got their ears pierced when they were about her age. It always struck me as funny how little girls are willing to do something that they know hurts just for fashion's sake - I'd say that's a pretty mature thing to decide for a little girl! I saw the pilot boat when we were pulling out of port in Halifax - I didn't know the pilot crawls up a ladder to board - why doesn't he just get on the normal way!? But then he'd still need to get off some special way, so whatever! I think that could be on the "Craziest Jobs" show!
Looking forward to the next installment

 

[RGirl]

Hi Roni and Willow! I'm using some quiet time at work to catch up and I'm loving your TR! I don't get pictures on my work computer so I'll have to wait until I'm home to see Willow's new earrings! My DDs got their ears pierced when they were about her age. It always struck me as funny how little girls are willing to do something that they know hurts just for fashion's sake - I'd say that's a pretty mature thing to decide for a little girl! I saw the pilot boat when we were pulling out of port in Halifax - I didn't know the pilot crawls up a ladder to board - why doesn't he just get on the normal way!? But then he'd still need to get off some special way, so whatever! I think that could be on the "Craziest Jobs" show!
Looking forward to the next installment

Hey there! I thought the whole pilot boat thing was so weird too!

 

[RGirl]

17. A Little Me Time (Day 3)

(Let me apologize in advance for the lack of photos in this update - the next one will more than make up for it; you will be begging me to put the camera away.)

When I last left you, DD and I had enjoyed a breakfast with character sans The Judies. After we finished visiting with Pluto, DD wanted to go to the kids’ club, so we headed in that direction.

Now, I should tell you what today was. This was the day I was most looking forward to of the entire cruise! This was Tracy Arm day! The ship would be making its way down Tracy Arm, a fjord, to see the Sawyer Glacier. Pictures I had seen of this journey were amazing, and I was so excited for this day. At this point, it was still very early, and the ship was just starting down Tracy Arm (I believe).

I wanted DD to see the glacier, icebergs, seals, etc., but I agreed to take her to the kids club with the understanding that I would pick her up when the ship was part way down the fjord and when the characters were supposed to be wandering the upper decks.

Having been ditched early by my date for the morning, I zipped back to the stateroom to grab the wave phone and my kindle. The Judies were just getting ready to go have some breakfast - Triton’s again! I decided that I would check out the adult area of the ship where you can find the Quiet Cove Pool and the Cove Cafe. I checked out that area a little, but Cove Cafe, where I had planned to plant myself for a bit, seemed a little crowded. I wandered up to Deck 10 and found another spot for coffee - I think this was actually the Outlook Bar. Whatever it was, they had a coffee menu and comfy chairs. So I ordered myself a latte, sat back, and enjoyed my book!

While I was enjoying my book, I watched as the deck chairs on Deck 10, which had been placed to look out as the ship made her way down Tracy Arm, were filling up fast - people were really staking out spots early. I could not fathom the idea of sitting out in the cold this far in advance, so I decided not to worry about it - I had some other ideas for good viewing of the glacier.

Eventually, I decided to wander down to the shops - I had seen a Minnie Mouse blanket that I thought DD and I might enjoy on this chilly outdoor day. I ended up purchasing that (which turned out to be a snuggy ), an Alaska Pluto for DD, a Christmas ornament, and DCL lanyard (I have to wear lanyards at work at all times so often pick up a new one on a Disney trip). While I was browsing in the shops, I ran into The Judies! We decided that it was time to find a good spot to enjoy the view.

I ran to the kids club to get Willow while The Judies headed back to the stateroom where we would all meet. When I arrived at the kids club, Willow was holding hands with an older girl (probably about 7 or 8) and heading off somewhere. She looked at me and said, “This is my new best friend” and that she did not want to leave the club. I was disappointed because I really wanted her to see what nature was going to show us today, but I also knew that you can’t force a 5-year-old to enjoy what nature is going to show you on any given day. I figured that there was still a lot of time to see Tracy Arm today, and if this is what was fun for her right now, that was okay. So I headed back to the stateroom to meet up with The Judies.

DD’s input: “Cuz it was my friend. And I wanted to play with her. And that’s why I didn’t want to come with you. And then I changed my mind. I thought you were still there. So that’s why I asked them to call you.” (Not entirely sure what she’s talking about here - she did not have them call me for quite some time. )

Back at the stateroom, I put on some warmer clothes - even socks, I hate socks! The Judies and I decided to give Deck 9 a try since Deck 10 was already looking pretty full (as far as scoring a lounger or chair) when I had been up there earlier. Deck 9 was indeed a lot less crowded, and we found a table. However, on that side of the ship (left - which is that, port? starboard? left?), it was very cold, and the table we found was against the plexiglass wall, which made picture-taking questionable. I went over to the other side of the ship (right??? starboard?? port???) to see if it was better over there, but that was a smoking area. So nope.

We decided to check out Deck 10. Judy 2 went up to look around and came back to say that she had found 3 loungers but been told that, at some point, the crew would be moving them out of that area (can’t remember why, but there was a valid reason). She had gotten someone to “hold” them for her, so we headed up. By the time we got there, the crew had moved them away!

At this point, I decided it was time to pull out my ace in the hole. I had read on the DIS that there is a “secret” deck on Deck 7 aft (which happens to be just a little way down from our staterooms). The Judies were ready to give it a try, so we headed down to Deck 7. We made our way aft, opened a door, and there was a small deck with loungers and maybe two or three people hanging out! We grabbed three loungers and settled in. Now the deck isn’t ideal - you have to stand up to really view anything, but there was no one there, it wasn’t too cold, and we weren’t complaining at all!

You can see a little bit of the glacier in the middle there!

Up next: 18. “Iceberg, Right Ahead!” (Day 3)​

 

[LittleGirlGrey]

I hate socks too!!!!

I'm excited to see more of your pictures!

Did you finish The Hunger Games? One of my favorite books EVER! I actually like Catching Fire better, but thats just me.

 

[shan23877]

I understand wanting Willow to see all of the "once in a lifetime" sights, but in the long run you can't fault a 5 year old for choosing her new BFF over nature.

That's an awesome tip about the secret deck! I'll likely never cruise to Alaska, but awesome to know if that ship ever takes me elsewhere! Love that you got the two of you a new blanket/snuggie to use!! So sweet!

I love socks. Wear 'em all the time. Wearing a pair right now even though it's 90 degrees out side! I think it's because I work on my feet. I'd need a pedicure 3x a week to keep the feet looking and feeling nice. You should try socks from Gap Body. They're awesome!

 

[amandaw]

Awww, I'm sure that had to be disappointing that Willow didn't want to leave the club to see the sights. But, I think that was great of you just to let her stay & do what she wanted to do.

So glad y'all were able to find a spot finally! Can't wait to see all the pictures!

I was constantly getting confused on our cruise about starboard and port. Finally, a CM taught me a way to remember which is which:

port is the left side - you can remember it b/c "port" & "left" are both 4 letter words

and then starboard is right

 

[pas130]

Wow the views from the secret deck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[megan511]

Wow, I got so far behind!

I took notes of everything I wanted to comment on though!

Palo looked sooo good! It sounds like you had really great service on top of the yummy food. All that for $20? I would never have guessed! I was thinking like $75. The souffle looks like it was worth the $20! But I think there can never be enough chocolate.

Seeing the whales sounds amazing! I have always loved whales. I really want to go whale watching sometime. The story about the woman and her dress was so funny!

I'm glad Judy 1 was enjoying herself. When you said she doesn't really laugh a lot any more my heart went out to you and her. I'm so glad she was having a good time.

Your pics from the veranda look awesome! I def think if I ever cruise I will want a veranda.

The character breakfast looked like a lot of fun! But the quiet time sounded even more fun! I'm glad you found the secret deck. Gotta love all the insider info on the Dis. I'm sorry Willow wanted to stay in the kid's club but I think you made the right call. If she's like my 5 year old he would have just complained until I wanted to take him back!

Anthony starts kindergarten this fall so I am right there with you and Shannon. Where did the time go? I am SO not ready!

Love Willow's earrings! She is so pretty.

An Alaskan cruise has always been DH's dream vacation. He really wants to go one year for our anniversary. I have never really been interested but your pictures are totally selling me. I can't wait to read about the excursions. If we book Disney should give you a commission!

 

[Clotho]

Enjoying the trip report!

We, too, like our wine time. You had me laughing at the beginning there.

 

[RGirl]

I hate socks too!!!!

I'm excited to see more of your pictures!

Did you finish The Hunger Games? One of my favorite books EVER! I actually like Catching Fire better, but thats just me.

Socks Suck!!!

I did - and I am on the third in the series now (The Mockingjay, I think?). I have really had a lot of fun reading them!

I understand wanting Willow to see all of the "once in a lifetime" sights, but in the long run you can't fault a 5 year old for choosing her new BFF over nature.

Exactly! And, really, no one is going to have fun if you try to force it. Also, I knew that the journey down Tracy Arm and back was going to take all day - she would have a lot of opportunities to see nature at her finest.

That's an awesome tip about the secret deck! I'll likely never cruise to Alaska, but awesome to know if that ship ever takes me elsewhere! Love that you got the two of you a new blanket/snuggie to use!! So sweet!

The Wonder is lovely; I hope you get to take advantage of the Deck 7 knowledge someday.

I love socks. Wear 'em all the time. Wearing a pair right now even though it's 90 degrees out side! I think it's because I work on my feet. I'd need a pedicure 3x a week to keep the feet looking and feeling nice. You should try socks from Gap Body. They're awesome!

I cannot stand socks (or shoes, really), and my feet show it. I have gotten worse in the last 8 years or so - those dang hot flashes make me want to rip everything off, so I compromise by leaving the socks off.

 

[RGirl]

Awww, I'm sure that had to be disappointing that Willow didn't want to leave the club to see the sights. But, I think that was great of you just to let her stay & do what she wanted to do.

So glad y'all were able to find a spot finally! Can't wait to see all the pictures!

I was constantly getting confused on our cruise about starboard and port. Finally, a CM taught me a way to remember which is which:

port is the left side - you can remember it b/c "port" & "left" are both 4 letter words and then starboard is right

I am pretty sure someone has told me that little trick before. But every time I try to come up with the right word, I doubt myself that I have actually heard that little tip instead of made it up in my own mind!!!!

Wow the views from the secret deck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hang in there - the scenery got insanely beautiful as the day went on. AND we eventually found an even better viewing spot.

Wow, I got so far behind!

I took notes of everything I wanted to comment on though!

Palo looked sooo good! It sounds like you had really great service on top of the yummy food. All that for $20? I would never have guessed! I was thinking like $75. The souffle looks like it was worth the $20! But I think there can never be enough chocolate.

Seeing the whales sounds amazing! I have always loved whales. I really want to go whale watching sometime. The story about the woman and her dress was so funny!

You would love Palo and the soufflé! Such an amazing evening. Made even better by the show the whales gave us.

I'm glad Judy 1 was enjoying herself. When you said she doesn't really laugh a lot any more my heart went out to you and her. I'm so glad she was having a good time.

Yeah, it was really nice to see her having a good time.

Your pics from the veranda look awesome! I def think if I ever cruise I will want a veranda.

I would not bother going if I couldn't have a verandah. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. I do spend time in my stateroom (just as I do at a resort), and having the verandah makes that incredibly pleasant. It also cuts down on any feeling of claustrophobia.

The character breakfast looked like a lot of fun! But the quiet time sounded even more fun! I'm glad you found the secret deck. Gotta love all the insider info on the Dis. I'm sorry Willow wanted to stay in the kid's club but I think you made the right call. If she's like my 5 year old he would have just complained until I wanted to take him back!

Yeah, it was pretty funny that she wanted to stay there. I knew there would be plenty more time for her to see the beauty of nature.

Anthony starts kindergarten this fall so I am right there with you and Shannon. Where did the time go? I am SO not ready!

No way! How can all these little kiddos be growing up so fast???

Love Willow's earrings! She is so pretty.

Thanks! Now that I am over how much older she suddenly looks, I can appreciate how dang cute the earrings are on her.

An Alaskan cruise has always been DH's dream vacation. He really wants to go one year for our anniversary. I have never really been interested but your pictures are totally selling me. I can't wait to read about the excursions. If we book Disney should give you a commission!

Oh, it would be a wonderful anniversary trip. We loved it so much. We did not do a lot of excursions (and I could happily do a cruise with none), but you will see two on this TR.

Enjoying the trip report!

We, too, like our wine time. You had me laughing at the beginning there.

Welcome!! Thanks for reading along! I'm always happy to have another wino, uh, I mean, wine lover join in!

 

[Clotho]

Hahaha! No shame!

 

[shan23877]

Anthony starts kindergarten this fall so I am right there with you and Shannon. Where did the time go? I am SO not ready!

We got Maddie all signed up yesterday, and took her to buy her new school shoes tonight. (she had to have the sketchers that have the built in ballerina spinner thing ). We took her to the dentist yesterday as well, and they told us that she'll start loosing her teeth with in 6 months. Dr. appointment and signing up for dance/gymnastics tomorrow.

Make it stop!!!! I'm not ready for my baby to grow up.

I cannot stand socks (or shoes, really), and my feet show it. I have gotten worse in the last 8 years or so - those dang hot flashes make me want to rip everything off, so I compromise by leaving the socks off.

Shoes I hate wearing, but socks I love. I made the mistake of taking my shoes off while we moved (and kept them off for 3 days or so). Obviously not my finest hour. My feet have still not recovered!

 

[Clotho]

Shoes I hate wearing, but socks I love. I made the mistake of taking my shoes off while we moved (and kept them off for 3 days or so). Obviously not my finest hour. My feet have still not recovered!

As a dance teacher, am barefoot a LOT. You gotta build up callouses!

 

[JLCJMC]

You leave tomorrow???? How exciting. Our last trip was 10 days, and it was perfect. You will love it!!! And, hopefully, when you pass under that WDW arch, you will forget all about work or those 10 days!

Are you going to write a TR?

I tried to reply yesterday, but was having a little problem with the wireless....

Anyway - I a sure that between work and grad school there is no way I would be able to do a whole TR -- but we are having a wonderful time Once the flight was over (my son has a boat load of conditions that make flying just horrid for him) it was awesome to see him relax and start to enjoy himself! We have eaten at some of his favorite places (counter service in Morocco day one - he has been talking about it for weeks! and Artist Point for dinner last night -- lovely and delicious) and we got to ride all of our favorites at MK yesterday We are heading to AK for rope drop (or shortly there after -- he does best if we arrive about 5 minutes after the open show) and then the Studios after our mid day pool (me) and gym (him, not me!) break.

Okay -- back to Alaska! going to read what was posted yesterday!