Frozen Fireworks: Alaska on the Wonder July 2, 2012

[steves100]

Still debating what to do on Sat before the cruise, Sunday is booked. Should we drive out to see Ranier or go whale watching? Or maybe something else. We are going to the Mariner Redsox game on Sun. then the Space Needle.

 

[lucky1]

Still debating what to do on Sat before the cruise, Sunday is booked. Should we drive out to see Ranier or go whale watching? Or maybe something else. We are going to the Mariner Redsox game on Sun. then the Space Needle.

I love Mt Rainer. But seems that every time I get to Paradise it is fogged in and Can't see the mountain being at the base.

How about a Duck Tour? we did this last Summer and had a good time. Or driving out to Leavenworth (a German mountain town over the pass, probably the same distance as Mt Rainer). Deception pass was interesting as well (but haven't been there in years) I have never been on the Underground Seattle Tour, but have wanted to go. Might have to tell DH about the Mariner game, forgot they are in town, but he will probably go Friday since he is there before I get in.

 

[lucky1]

Ok.. I am packing and started freaking out about how much Warm clothing to take. I have seen pictures of those are on a July cruise and during Tracy Arm days they are wearing Parkas. Yikes.. the best we have is some fleece coats. Will we be okay with just fleece coat, gloves and hats?

 

[Bunless]

I love Mt Rainer. But seems that every time I get to Paradise it is fogged in and Can't see the mountain being at the base. It's one of those things to decide on the day of. If you can see The Mountain, and there are no clouds in the sky, go. If not, well, out of luck.

How about a Duck Tour? I've never been on one, but have always heard the thumbs up on it. we did this last Summer and had a good time. Or driving out to Leavenworth (a German mountain town over the pass, probably the same distance as Mt Rainer). Great idea!Deception pass was interesting as well (but haven't been there in years) I would suggest doing the loop, take the ferry to south whidbey island, then drive all the way up to Deception Pass, cross over and take I-90 back down. There are a couple of cute little towns, an old army base that you can play on (it's super fun, and super creepy, a little boys paradise)I have never been on the Underground Seattle Tour, but have wanted to go. Might have to tell DH about the Mariner game, forgot they are in town, but he will probably go Friday since he is there before I get in.

Ok.. I am packing and started freaking out about how much Warm clothing to take. I have seen pictures of those are on a July cruise and during Tracy Arm days they are wearing Parkas. Yikes.. the best we have is some fleece coats. Will we be okay with just fleece coat, gloves and hats?

I've had two different experiences on cruises with the glaciers. The first time it was parka weather, everyone bundled up and shivering. The second time it was the opposite, it was sunny and warm(ish). Most people had on light jackets, but there were plenty like myself who took it as an opportunity to get a tan. Both cruises were at the beginning of July. Fleece should be fine, just have layers that can go under it if need be.

 

[lucky1]

I've had two different experiences on cruises with the glaciers. The first time it was parka weather, everyone bundled up and shivering. The second time it was the opposite, it was sunny and warm(ish). Most people had on light jackets, but there were plenty like myself who took it as an opportunity to get a tan. Both cruises were at the beginning of July. Fleece should be fine, just have layers that can go under it if need be.

Thanks... you make me feel better, but then again you are from the NW. It is 107 here today and it definitely feels toasty. Not sure how 40 or 50 degrees will feel out.

 

[2PrincesseInTow]

We got our cabin assignment 2037 which is a 10B. I haven't been able to find any previous cruiser reviews of that cabin. It's under Wavebands.... We're still going to try to upgrade at the port.

 

[Tikifamily]

I live in tropical Texas but I ice skate. You are best to bring layers you can take on and off. Instead of different cute tropical wear, you will see me in one of three outerlayers (heavy weight fleece, light weight fleece, or vest) every day. I have read that rooms and halls are overly warm. So, maybe you will see a travel tshirt.

I was able to find underarmour and columbia brand warm layers on clearance at Sports Authrorty this week. I even got a pair of hiking boots that I am breaking in. They look great with my swimsuit and coverup.

Does anyone know how much space we have to store luggage? I had a 3 piece nesting set I was going to bring, but DD couldn't find the largest piece when she came home from grandma's house this week. Grandma sent her stuff in a couple duffle bags. FYI it was in the closet the whole time. So now my luggage will take up more space.

 

[lucky1]

Does anyone know how much space we have to store luggage? I had a 3 piece nesting set I was going to bring, but DD couldn't find the largest piece when she came home from grandma's house this week. Grandma sent her stuff in a couple duffle bags. FYI it was in the closet the whole time. So now my luggage will take up more space.

Here is a tip... When you empty your Suitcases, put one inside of the other. Then someone lift up the end of the queen bed and slide the suitcase under the bed. We were able to 2 suitcases under the bed that were not nested. Don't waste your closet space with trying to store suitcases, we always slide them under the bed.

We will have at least 2 big and 1 medium suitcase and possible duffle. Yikes we are over packing.

 

[calihannah]

Here is a tip... When you empty your Suitcases, put one inside of the other. Then someone lift up the end of the queen bed and slide the suitcase under the bed. We were able to 2 suitcases under the bed that were not nested. Don't waste your closet space with trying to store suitcases, we always slide them under the bed.

We will have at least 2 big and 1 medium suitcase and possible duffle. Yikes we are over packing.

Yep, we always store ours under the bed, too We will be bringing 3 big rolling duffels. I am starting to get nervous about the need for warm clothes, though! I have planned a fleece and rain jacket (windproof/waterproof) for each of us, but maybe that's not going to be enough....?!?

Saturday we're flying into Seattle, dinner with some family who live in the area...Sunday now we're thinking either the Duck Tour (have done in Boston, the girls loved it) or the Children's Museum (did it last summer, loved it). Probably the Ducks so that we can do the Children's Museum on the following Monday after we leave the port, before heading to the airport. We're going to be booking a limo company to pick us up, hang on to our luggage, and schlep us to do *something* before we head to the airport for a 2pm flight home -- eases the pain of having to leave the Wonder, or so the theory goes!

 

[Bunless]

Thanks... you make me feel better, but then again you are from the NW. It is 107 here today and it definitely feels toasty. Not sure how 40 or 50 degrees will feel out.

Oh I know! I was trying to think of what I saw various people wearing the last two years, not just what I was needing.

In my bag in the winter, I always have a couple of scarves (one think, one thick), a hat, and gloves. If I leave the house without a sweater layer, I have a cardigan in my bag. Unless it's freezing, I'm always all good.

If you're worried, I'd also take hand and foot warmers. For the hand warmers, you can wrap them in paper towels and put them *ahem* under the shirt for extra warmth.

 

[Dgreenshield]

Hi all! I guess I am late to the party but we booked on this cruise and are super excited. It will be my DH, DS (12) and I. We are from Houston and this is our first cruise ever!! Any last minute pointers?

Is it possible to sign up for the meet up?

 

[Cagirl767]

Hi Dgreenshield and welcome. I believe we have another family here in our group from Texas. And quite a few from the southwest.

Lucky1 - I know, I've seen the pictures of people all bundled up. We do have winter coats and I'm checking the weather forecast just before we leave, but otherwise we're planning on hoodies, long sleeved shirts, mittens, rain ponchos and a change of shoes. We get flurries here most winters, how bout you? We've had a sand storm the other day, that ominous cloud rolls in in the late afternoon.

I'm a little perplexed about another thread that says the pirate party is at 9:45pm and the characters don't come until after 10. Why on earth would DCL do that???? DH and I can't even stay up that late, much less a 5 and 7 year old. And I see the Avengers doesn't show until 8pm and the shows are after dinner too. Can anyone verify these? I'm getting a little worried.

 

[lucky1]

Hi all! I guess I am late to the party but we booked on this cruise and are super excited. It will be my DH, DS (12) and I. We are from Houston and this is our first cruise ever!! Any last minute pointers?

Is it possible to sign up for the meet up?

Welcome Dgreenshield. Everyone can come to the Meet up. It will be 3pm on 7/2 in the Promonade lounge on Deck 3 (Right behind the atrium).

Lucky1 - I know, I've seen the pictures of people all bundled up. We do have winter coats and I'm checking the weather forecast just before we leave, but otherwise we're planning on hoodies, long sleeved shirts, mittens, rain ponchos and a change of shoes. We get flurries here most winters, how bout you? We've had a sand storm the other day, that ominous cloud rolls in in the late afternoon.

I'm a little perplexed about another thread that says the pirate party is at 9:45pm and the characters don't come until after 10. Why on earth would DCL do that???? DH and I can't even stay up that late, much less a 5 and 7 year old. And I see the Avengers doesn't show until 8pm and the shows are after dinner too. Can anyone verify these? I'm getting a little worried.

Saturday was one of those strange days here, were a Thunderstorm popped up and we missed the dust storm. Your area has been getting the brunt of the dust storms (ha****s) this year.

So the pirate party might be a bit different than it is on Caribbean and Mexican cruises. They generally start at 9:45pm with dancing and pirate fun. But Characters are out before shows and dinners during the evening, so if you want to see them in their pirate dress, you can meet them them. During the pirate party, generally they are dancing and part of the
"show".

The Evening shows are at 6pm (for those with late dining, they go to an early show) and 8:30pm (for those with main Dining). Some popular shows (dreams) they might have an afternoon show. Movies show through out the day, but some evenings, such as pirate evening, they will show a movie in the main stage instead of a show, this will be shown twice. Also they will show all shows in your stateroom live on TV. I hope that helps.

 

[lucky1]

Cagirl767 - I wanted to add, do not worry about trying to do it all. I know there are a lot of late night (for those of us with kids after 9am is late night) things to do. Honestly I wouldn't worry about pirate night party on an alaska cruise and save it for one of the other cruises that they can have the party outdoors. (Mexico, caribbean), but then again we are a family have have seen it a few times. I am wanting to get the pictures with the characters in their alaska dress.

Just so you know they do have some early morning kids things for those that do have young kids to do in the morning, since as a early wake up and dance in the promonade lounge most mornings somewhere about 8am or 9am. Also you might find your kids sleeping in and hanging out in the clubs and staying up late.

 

[WarEagleGirl]

All the packing talk has been very helpful...thanks. I've noticed that the temps in Juneau have increased quite a bit in the last two weeks and the forecasted rain has decreased. Hope that's a good sign for things to come.

We are all so excited. I have a constant running checklist of things to do, get, and pack and it is growing everyday - not the movement you want to see on a checklist. I'll need a vacation just from planning for this vacation.

 

[Cagirl767]

Thank you Lucky1. Unfortunately the pirate party is the one thing they were looking forward to. They were wearing their costumes the other day (that were not cheap
They may be able to stay up (doubtful though) but the next day would be a waste and torture on the entire ship with my dd screaming and throwing tantrums from being so tired. We have a rough time with sleep as it is, they are up many times during the night and ds sleep walks. We're just a mess.
I just don't understand the logic of having so many main activities scheduled so late.

Tikifamily - we've always put our luggage under the beds too, but that was on other cruise lines. I'm going to stop ASSuming now about DCL...

This vacation is tiring me out already too WarEagleGirl! If you hear "man overboard" that'll be me! I'll be sure to pass out my FE gifts first though.

 

[lucky1]

I just don't understand the logic of having so many main activities scheduled so late.

I think they do it late because of the 2 dinning rotations. But have no fear, before and after dinner, you will have plenty of time to meet with the the characters in their pirate costumes and then they also have some mini family activities in Studio Sea that are pirate themed. (At least they do on the other cruises). I know my DD did a "pirates life for me" game in Studio Sea.

 

[Travelbee]

We got our cabin assignment 2037 which is a 10B. I haven't been able to find any previous cruiser reviews of that cabin. It's under Wavebands.... We're still going to try to upgrade at the port.

I'm not sure about the noise from Wavebands but at least you have a split bath! That's almost the best category (except for 10A) under the interior room category so not bad for IGT!!

I have updated the FE list and just emailed everyone. If you did not get the list, please let me know.

I am so ready for a vacation. Last weekend was crazy with graduation parties, birthday birthdays AND Father's Day. Then DH left for a business trip yesterday and won't be back until Friday afternoon. We're somehow going to manage to make it to Malibu for a camping trip Friday night... That leaves us with M-Thur next week to pack as we fly out Friday (after working half day no less)! Did I say I'm ready for a vacation? Fingers crossed for good weather.

Looking forward to meeting up with you all!

BTW - we're doing the Duck Tour and the Underground Tour on Saturday before the cruise.

 

[2PrincesseInTow]

I'm not sure about the noise from Wavebands but at least you have a split bath! That's almost the best category (except for 10A) under the interior room category so not bad for IGT!!

Thanks.... I was kind of thinking the same thing and I was thinking on the bright side, if we don't get an upgrade we won't have to deal with the 4:00am sunrise and 10:30pm sunset.

My best advice for packing is to make sure you have a hat and gloves or mittens. A scarf or neck cover is not a bad idea either. When DH and I went to AK I remember on the glacier viewing day it was VERY chilly (you're surrounded by icebergs and approaching a mountain of ice of course ). That was in August. Other days we were fine in long sleeves and a vest. I do remember having a ton of luggage and I'm sure this time we'll be taking more bags than we'd like.

 

[lucky1]

Another Alaska trip report started...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2945238