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

[megan511]

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


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


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.

Yes! I get claustrophobic sometimes too. Especially on airplanes. Chad & I flew to Las Vegas one year and I couldn't stand it. If I ever fly cross country again I will have to change planes about halfway through.

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.


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

I was talking to Chad about this the other night. On the one hand I feel like my kids have always been here and it's hard to think back to before we had them but on the other hand it feels like just yesterday they were babies & school was so far in the future.


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

They are cute. I know what you mean about looking older. I was looking at pictures from a couple years ago and to look at my kids now they look so different. Bittersweet for sure.


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.

I'm glad you all had such a wonderful time.

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.

Anthony has to go next week for a screening. Sounds like Maddie has a busy week. I can't believe she's going to start loosing teeth! Anthony always picks out the most outrageously expensive shoes. That is one thing his grandparents like to buy him though so we luck out there. We will have to go school shopping soon. The only thing we have got so far is his backpack.

I know! It seems like yesterday he was a baby. Now he's Mr. Independent and going to school!

 

[pas130]

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

Just thinking about it has me in AWE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RGirl]

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!

Well, maybe you can just update us here! What did you have at Artist Point? How did you like the place? We have never been! I hope you had a great time at AK and DHS!

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.

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!

We are doing a mommy-daughter day on Saturday - heading back to the larger city about an hour away along with DD's best friend and her mommy to do our backpack/lunch box/supplies shopping. Seems unreal to me! At DD's last dentist appointment, they said that a couple of her teeth are starting to get loose. I did not expect that we would be there within the next 6 months or so, but maybe.

Anthony has to go next week for a screening. Sounds like Maddie has a busy week. I can't believe she's going to start loosing teeth! Anthony always picks out the most outrageously expensive shoes. That is one thing his grandparents like to buy him though so we luck out there. We will have to go school shopping soon. The only thing we have got so far is his backpack.

I know! It seems like yesterday he was a baby. Now he's Mr. Independent and going to school![/SIZE][/FONT]

Sounds like we are all doing school shopping right now!

Just thinking about it has me in AWE!!!!!!!!!!!

It was very cool. Hoping to get an update posted as soon as I get these replies done.

Hahaha! No shame!

 

[RGirl]

18. “Iceberg, Right Ahead!” (Day 3)

And let the Titanic quotations begin!

Seriously, today was the day I started feeling a little Titanic-y. I’m not saying I freaked out or anything, but I am saying that every night from here on out at dinner, I kept flashing to that scene in Titanic, when they hit the iceberg and all the rich folks notice is the tinkling of the ice cubes in their glasses. I spent an unusual amount of time staring at my water glasses this week.

Anyway, when I last left you, The Judies and I were enjoying our Tracy Arm day from the “secret” aft deck on 7. Soon, we started spotting icebergs!

And another ship on its way out of Tracy Arm.

I had brought my Kindle and the Minnie snuggy, but it was so beautiful that I really couldn’t be bothered to sit down and read.

We were really enjoying it out here. But we were starting to get a little hungry - they were grilling on these huge grills outside the Beach Blanket Buffet, which was directly above us. So we could smell that delicious BBQ! Eventually, the kids club texted me to say that Willow wanted to be picked up. I ran to get her, and when I picked her up, she informed me that she had already had lunch at the club. So the two of us stopped by our stateroom to get her some warmer clothes. We then made our way to the “secret” deck, and I sent The Judies to get their lunch. Willow was slightly more interested in the new Minnie snuggy than the view.

She did enjoy seeing what there was to see though as well.

As you can see, it still wasn’t exactly crowded on this “secret” deck!

When The Judies returned with their lunch, I ran up to the Beach Blanket Buffet to get some lunch myself. The food was really good. I got some salmon right off the big grill as well as a baked potato from the potato bar. The halibut from the regular buffet was tasty too. I snagged some chocolate chip cookies for Willow too.

When I returned to the “secret” deck with my food, we started talking about changing our location. There were a few isolated rain drops, and we were feeling like it would be nice to be able to see without standing - plus, let’s face it, this was a bit boring for the five year old in the group who couldn’t even see what was going on unless I lifted her to see over the railing. Where should we go???

Up next: 19. “Will the Lifeboats Be Seated According to Class?” (Day 3)​

 

[amandaw]

You're cracking me up talking about the Titanic & watching the ice in your drink. i just get very angry with Rose in that movie. I will always think that she somehow could've shared the door with Jack.

Anyway, back to your TR.

Those pictures really are beautiful! It just seems so peaceful.

The lunch sounds really good, too!

 

[pas130]

You're cracking me up talking about the Titanic & watching the ice in your drink. i just get very angry with Rose in that movie. I will always think that she somehow could've shared the door with Jack.

I know, right???

Roni Beautiful~ but the pic of Willow with the snuggie is just about as precious as the icebergs

Seriously, thank you! Those are amazing! I'd be cowering in fear, because of Titanic though

 

[RGirl]

You're cracking me up talking about the Titanic & watching the ice in your drink. i just get very angry with Rose in that movie. I will always think that she somehow could've shared the door with Jack.

Anyway, back to your TR.

Those pictures really are beautiful! It just seems so peaceful.

The lunch sounds really good, too!

My brother and I have never stopped discussing Rose and that dang door! My brother especially is just irate that she didn't just move over a little!!

The really great pics are coming up in the next update. I don't know if you can tell from the pics, but that blue on the icebergs was just amazing - if I had not have seen it myself, I would have called it a "color not seen in nature."

I know, right???

Roni Beautiful~ but the pic of Willow with the snuggie is just about as precious as the icebergs

Seriously, thank you! Those are amazing! I'd be cowering in fear, because of Titanic though

There were a few times when I felt those bergs got a little close to us. Much more up-close-and-personal pics in the next installment.

 

[amandaw]

My brother and I have never stopped discussing Rose and that dang door! My brother especially is just irate that she didn't just move over a little!!

Sounds like your brother & I would get along fabulously! I could seriously go on an hours-long tirade about Rose & that stupid door she hogged up.

 

[Momma2Jax]

Seriously, today was the day I started feeling a little Titanic-y. I’m not saying I freaked out or anything, but I am saying that every night from here on out at dinner, I kept flashing to that scene in Titanic, when they hit the iceberg and all the rich folks notice is the tinkling of the ice cubes in their glasses. I spent an unusual amount of time staring at my water glasses this week.

okay I just laughed for a good 3 minutes about this. I honestly think that I could have written that same exact paragraph! I feel like I am going to be clenching the rear cheeks every time we go by one of those suckers!

 

[LittleGirlGrey]

18. “Iceberg, Right Ahead!” (Day 3)

And let the Titanic quotations begin!

Seriously, today was the day I started feeling a little Titanic-y. I’m not saying I freaked out or anything, but I am saying that every night from here on out at dinner, I kept flashing to that scene in Titanic, when they hit the iceberg and all the rich folks notice is the tinkling of the ice cubes in their glasses. I spent an unusual amount of time staring at my water glasses this week.
​

See, when I look at glasses that move...or the water that moves in them I think Jurassic Park...Really. That or Earthquake. But mostly just that the T-Rex is behind me!

LOVE the Minnie Snuggie. I kinda want one now. Hee hee.

Can't wait for more!​

 

[pas130]

Much more up-close-and-personal pics in the next installment.

I feel like I am going to be clenching the rear cheeks every time we go by one of those suckers!

See, when I look at glasses that move...or the water that moves in them I think Jurassic Park...

 

[jenf22]

Love the pictures! Thanks for doing this trip report. While I LOVE the trip report, please STOP telling people about the "Secret deck"! That's mine! Just kidding. There are about 10 cabins from our cruise meet on deck 7, so I think our secret is out Keep the pictures coming! We sail in one month!

 

[shan23877]

I probably would have been making Titanic comments all day too. I'm with you ladies, looked like plenty of room for two on that door. That's always made me crazy!

Love the pics of Willow in her snuggie! Lunch sounded really good! I'm glad that you guys liked the food so much. It seems like I read that people either rave about the food on DCL, or they hated it.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Your minnie snuggie is awesome, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! (I may or may not own a snuggie or two myself )

What gorgeous pictures! Please keep them coming! When I thought we were going to have to move to Everett WA, the only thing I was excited about was the possibility of taking an Alaskan cruise. I would so love to see those glaciers in person!

 

[RGirl]

Sounds like your brother & I would get along fabulously! I could seriously go on an hours-long tirade about Rose & that stupid door she hogged up.

I was going to say, "Don't get him started!" But then I realized that you would probably enjoy it!

okay I just laughed for a good 3 minutes about this. I honestly think that I could have written that same exact paragraph! I feel like I am going to be clenching the rear cheeks every time we go by one of those suckers!

The bergs were awesome to see, but there are always those thoughts in the back of your mind......

Seriously, though, you will have an amazing time!

See, when I look at glasses that move...or the water that moves in them I think Jurassic Park...Really. That or Earthquake. But mostly just that the T-Rex is behind me!

LOVE the Minnie Snuggie. I kinda want one now. Hee hee.

Can't wait for more!

I remember that scene! There was a lot of wildlife in Alaska, but luckily, I felt pretty safe from T-Rex!

The snuggie is VERY soft. I am sure that we will be dragging it out when winter returns.

Love the pictures! Thanks for doing this trip report. While I LOVE the trip report, please STOP telling people about the "Secret deck"! That's mine! Just kidding. There are about 10 cabins from our cruise meet on deck 7, so I think our secret is out Keep the pictures coming! We sail in one month!

Sorry. I figure I read about it so many times on here, everyone on the DIS must know! And it was still almost empty.

How exciting that your trip is so soon!

I probably would have been making Titanic comments all day too. I'm with you ladies, looked like plenty of room for two on that door. That's always made me crazy!

Love the pics of Willow in her snuggie! Lunch sounded really good! I'm glad that you guys liked the food so much. It seems like I read that people either rave about the food on DCL, or they hated it.

I think some people just go in with expectations that are way too high. The food is good, but they are still preparing it for a bazillion people in less-than-ideal conditions (I mean, hello! we are on a ship at sea!). I expected it to be just fine, and it was almost always better than that. Of course, I tend to have a very positive attitude about vacation stuff!

Your minnie snuggie is awesome, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! (I may or may not own a snuggie or two myself )

What gorgeous pictures! Please keep them coming! When I thought we were going to have to move to Everett WA, the only thing I was excited about was the possibility of taking an Alaskan cruise. I would so love to see those glaciers in person!

You go, Snuggie Woman!

Well, now, see, you would have had the added benefit of living relatively close to me as well!

More very soon!!!

 

[RGirl]

I am going to try to bang out some updates tonight and tomorrow because I will be traveling for work on Sunday for a few days and will not be able to make actual TR updates.

19. “Will the Lifeboats Be Seated According to Class?” (Day 3)

When I last left you, I had a tray of lunch, and everyone wanted to vacate the “secret” deck. Where would we go?

I’ll tell you! We suddenly remembered that we had staterooms with verandahs! We were feeling very upper class and posh remembering that we had our private verandahs. Surely, it would be nice to enjoy the view from the comfort of our own verandahs with the added benefit of movies nearby for DD, our own bathrooms, etc. What do you think? Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

IT WAS!!! This was awesome. Judy 2 and I spent the entire rest of the journey down Tracy Arm on our verandahs. Judy 2 and I were feeling VERY first class! At first, The Judies were over on their verandah, and I was on mine (eating my lunch - finally!). Eventually, Judy 1 decided to lie down, and Judy 2 came over to my verandah. DD was happy to watch movies in the stateroom and come out to visit with us every once in a while.

Soon, we caught a glimpse of the glacier! So amazing!

Those pesky icebergs were becoming even more abundant.

At some point, while we were working our way closer to the glacier, Judy 1 joined us for a little bit, and Judy 2 ran up to one of the pool bars for Irish coffees. That sounded so good to us right then!!! However, the guy who made it clearly had NO idea what he was doing. They were big coffee to-go cups and must have been filled at least half full with whiskey, and then he threw in a shot of espresso. Now I enjoy a strong drink, but this was INSANE. Judy 1 and I could not drink them - I even tried to doctor mine up with hot cocoa. Judy 2 made a valiant effort, but I don’t think she succeeded either. These drinks were definitely NOT as posh as our staterooms.

As we sipped carefully at our disgusting beverages, we were getting closer and closer to the glacier.

And my favorite iceberg - it never got too close to us, and from certain angles, it looked like a big ol’ bear floating on its back. (Unfortunately, I did not get a shot of it at that great angle. )

All the little black specks on the icebergs were seals.

Um, doesn’t that seem kind of close????

At some point here, DD and I ran upstairs to get her some cocoa. Look who we ran into at the elevator bay!

DD’s input: “I liked it a lot. I liked seeing Minnie in her parka. I loved it.”

Judy 2 and I continued to enjoy every second that we could of the view as the ship turned around to head out of Tracy Arm. And, yes, that does mean that I will subject you to more pictures.

Okay, seriously, that is awfully close!

Hey, look, I wasn’t lying - seals!

Good-bye beautiful, glacier!

Up next: 20. We MUST Eat - It’s Been HOURS! (Day 3)​

 

[amandaw]

You were cracking me up about feeling all posh with your own balcony. But, it does make you feel a bit posh, right?

I think y'all had a great idea to just go & enjoy it all from your own room! Those pictures are truly beautiful! I never thought I would want to do an Alaskan cruise. But, man, you make it look nice! And the seals - how cute!

But the seals are not as cute as Minnie in her parka! OMG! That's adorable! Even Ed (he's sitting next to me on the couch) said that was cute!

 

[RGirl]

You were cracking me up about feeling all posh with your own balcony. But, it does make you feel a bit posh, right?

I think y'all had a great idea to just go & enjoy it all from your own room! Those pictures are truly beautiful! I never thought I would want to do an Alaskan cruise. But, man, you make it look nice! And the seals - how cute!

But the seals are not as cute as Minnie in her parka! OMG! That's adorable! Even Ed (he's sitting next to me on the couch) said that was cute!

Man, that verandah just makes me feel posh - what can I say?! It's so fancy and luxurious to be sailing the ocean on a beautiful ship like that and have your own private verandah.

I would honestly do the Alaska cruise again. I loved it. Everything was just so beautiful and unlike anything I have ever seen.

I loved the characters in their Alaska wear! But you know how much I love characters in costumes!!!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

Man, that verandah just makes me feel posh - what can I say?! It's so fancy and luxurious to be sailing the ocean on a beautiful ship like that and have your own private verandah.

I hear ya! I really enjoyed our verandah on the Dream. And the aft verandahs are HUGE so I made sure to book us another aft stateroom for next May. It was so peaceful to go out there whenever you wanted.

 

[RGirl]

I hear ya! I really enjoyed our verandah on the Dream. And the aft verandahs are HUGE so I made sure to book us another aft stateroom for next May. It was so peaceful to go out there whenever you wanted.

Hmm, yes, I need to discuss our room location for our next cruise. I want one of your giant verandahs. Not really sure why since there is more than enough room for just the two of us on a normal one.