June 14, 2011 - Father's Day on the Wonder in ALASKA!

[Smileneyes]

Gosh, a girl goes away for a few days and things get busy -

So glad to see a bit more chatter on the boards. For other cruises, my DH and I have enjoyed "knowing" folks before we board the ship. Lots of fun.

I bit the bullet tonight and paid the balance on the cruise. Sure didn't want to forget So I think we are all set with the basics: flights ; precruise hotel ; paid for cruise ; signed up for FE's .

now just need to plan port adventures. I'll wait until Dh gets home. We have time before we can book them.

hope everyone has a great weekend.

Janie, you're probably seeing a lot of chatter because many of us are "snowed in". Matthew has been on two "four day weekends"...and his school is over the allotment for calamity days already (Ohio currently only allows 3, and I think his district has 6 now).

ward3 is in the same boat. We haven't seen DVCMary in a while, but I imagine they've had their fair share of snow too.

Congrats on the final payment!!! We're doing ours in two weeks. Was "hoping" to use tax refund...but since we aren't able to file until mid-February, will pull from the savings and then reimburse when our refund comes in.

I'll say one thing about this snow...it gets me thinking about glaciers!!!

--Drew

 

[ward3]

Drew, info for FE

David (A)
Andrea (A)
Emma (12)


Stateroom 6104. Anyone close by.

 

[Smileneyes]

Drew, info for FE

David (A)
Andrea (A)
Emma (12)


Stateroom 6104. Anyone close by.

Thanks...I will add to the spreadsheet and the list at the beginning of this thread!

--Drew

 

[mmmears]

Gosh, a girl goes away for a few days and things get busy -

I bit the bullet tonight and paid the balance on the cruise. Sure didn't want to forget So I think we are all set with the basics: flights ; precruise hotel ; paid for cruise ; signed up for FE's .

now just need to plan port adventures. I'll wait until Dh gets home. We have time before we can book them.

hope everyone has a great weekend.

Yikes! Time is running out!!! I'm planning another trip (non-Disney) between now and Alaska, so I've kind of left Alaska on the back-burner! I'd better pay closer attention if it's getting time to pay for it. I've forgotten our "date" for that, plus I think I read somewhere that if I want to book any excursions early I have to pay early... Guess I need to ask my TA really soon (but she's at WDW just off the Dream -- tough life, huh? ).

 

[Smileneyes]

Yikes! Time is running out!!! I'm planning another trip (non-Disney) between now and Alaska, so I've kind of left Alaska on the back-burner! I'd better pay closer attention if it's getting time to pay for it. I've forgotten our "date" for that, plus I think I read somewhere that if I want to book any excursions early I have to pay early... Guess I need to ask my TA really soon (but she's at WDW just off the Dream -- tough life, huh? ).

My TA has February 14th as our "due date" for the balance on Alaska. We will be able to book our excursions on March 1st. Yep, gettin' anxious....

 

[lsutigger2]

Sorry about all the snow I tend to forget not everyone has the lovely winters that we have in Louisiana One day it is cold, the next not so much.

Anyone who has cruised to Alaska about the same time as this cruise, what were the temperatures like? Trying to start thinking about packing and what types of clothing to bring. Suggestions and tips will be appreciated .

And a great big welcome to the groups that have joined the thread in recent days. It's going to be a fun time!!

 

[mmmears]

My TA has February 14th as our "due date" for the balance on Alaska. We will be able to book our excursions on March 1st. Yep, gettin' anxious....

Thanks for the info! I remember the 2/14 date, too -- I remember thinking "nice -- I get a big bill for Valentine's day" . If you can book on 3/1 -- is that for silver, gold, or something else? Trying to figure out when I can book. It's our 2nd cruise, so I think we're silver this time.

Sorry about all the snow I tend to forget not everyone has the lovely winters that we have in Louisiana One day it is cold, the next not so much.

Anyone who has cruised to Alaska about the same time as this cruise, what were the temperatures like? Trying to start thinking about packing and what types of clothing to bring. Suggestions and tips will be appreciated .

And a great big welcome to the groups that have joined the thread in recent days. It's going to be a fun time!!

I haven't, but my DM has -- twice. It can be cold -- everyone suggests layers. Her 2nd time it was really quite warm -- everyone was overheating because they didn't pack clothes for warm weather. From what I've been told -- many layers instead of heavy, bulky items. But be prepared for it being cold outside. I read someone on this board that DCL was planning to install outdoor heaters on one of the decks. Hope this helps.

 

[lsutigger2]

mmmears: We have completed two cruises so that makes us silver, I think. We can begin making port adventure reservations on March 16, which happens to be the day I leave for WDW with two girl friends. Gonna be a busy morning.

I asked someone at DCL if the reservations open up at midnight on 3/16 and they said 'yes' so if anyone else is planning on booking early, you might want to set your alarm. I am planning on getting on the web site before heading to the airport the morning of 3/16.

and thanks for the weather/clothing information. I'll start thinking thinner layers and may already have some pieces I can use.

Later -

 

[Smileneyes]

Thanks for the info! I remember the 2/14 date, too -- I remember thinking "nice -- I get a big bill for Valentine's day" . If you can book on 3/1 -- is that for silver, gold, or something else? Trying to figure out when I can book. It's our 2nd cruise, so I think we're silver this time.

Sorry, forgot that part...the 3/1 excursion booking date is for gold (this will be our 8th). I believe that silver is 15 days after that, so the 3/16 date sounds right for silver members.

I haven't, but my DM has -- twice. It can be cold -- everyone suggests layers. Her 2nd time it was really quite warm -- everyone was overheating because they didn't pack clothes for warm weather. From what I've been told -- many layers instead of heavy, bulky items. But be prepared for it being cold outside. I read someone on this board that DCL was planning to install outdoor heaters on one of the decks. Hope this helps.

I "think" that the June weather we have may be similar to the trip I took with DM in late August of 2006 on HAL. It will vary a little bit. Believe it or not, the interior passage of Alaska is warmer than you think, due to the currents that come across the Pacific...they say it's almost like a cooler rainforest. We had highs in the 60's, and lows in the 40's. Ketchikan had highs that were in the 50's, and lows in the 30's.

 

[mmmears]

mmmears: We have completed two cruises so that makes us silver, I think. We can begin making port adventure reservations on March 16, which happens to be the day I leave for WDW with two girl friends. Gonna be a busy morning.

I asked someone at DCL if the reservations open up at midnight on 3/16 and they said 'yes' so if anyone else is planning on booking early, you might want to set your alarm. I am planning on getting on the web site before heading to the airport the morning of 3/16.

and thanks for the weather/clothing information. I'll start thinking thinner layers and may already have some pieces I can use.

Later -

Thanks for the dates! Hopefully something we want to book will still be available by then.

The DCL midnight opening works in my favor -- it's only 9pm here! Don't worry -- I paid the price years ago when I had to wake up at 4am several days in a row to get DD breakfast in the castle at WDW and a few other dining reservations.

Sorry, forgot that part...the 3/1 excursion booking date is for gold (this will be our 8th). I believe that silver is 15 days after that, so the 3/16 date sounds right for silver members.



I "think" that the June weather we have may be similar to the trip I took with DM in late August of 2006 on HAL. It will vary a little bit. Believe it or not, the interior passage of Alaska is warmer than you think, due to the currents that come across the Pacific...they say it's almost like a cooler rainforest. We had highs in the 60's, and lows in the 40's. Ketchikan had highs that were in the 50's, and lows in the 30's.

Thanks for the info! I'm writing that date down in my calendar. As for the weather, it just sounds like it can be anywhere from cold to hot, so I guess we need to pack for anything. As carry-on only people (even before the baggage fees) this is going to be a challenge...

 

[mmmears]

Cruise schedule questions:

Any suggestions as to how to make a good guess about when to try for a PALO dinner reservation? I've never been on a 7-night cruise and have no idea what night would be a good night to choose/hope for. We wouldn't want to miss anything "special" going on in the main dining rooms.

I was hoping for a brunch or a tea (just for the experience) but judging by the first AK cruise (where even the Gold members were shut out of making those reservations), it's just not going to happen for us.

PALO is not a "make or break" event for us, so I'm not too worried about it. Just thought it would be fun to try it out.

So, any guess as to what the evening schedule will be in AK?

 

[disneyochem]

Getting excited!

One question though--should I be booking trip excursions outside of Disney? I'm concerned that all the trips will be filled before we can start booking. As this is our first cruise, we are waaaaaaaayyyy down on the priority list!

 

[Smileneyes]

Cruise schedule questions:

Any suggestions as to how to make a good guess about when to try for a PALO dinner reservation? I've never been on a 7-night cruise and have no idea what night would be a good night to choose/hope for. We wouldn't want to miss anything "special" going on in the main dining rooms.

I was hoping for a brunch or a tea (just for the experience) but judging by the first AK cruise (where even the Gold members were shut out of making those reservations), it's just not going to happen for us.

PALO is not a "make or break" event for us, so I'm not too worried about it. Just thought it would be fun to try it out.

So, any guess as to what the evening schedule will be in AK?

I haven't heard anything about the schedules yet. IF they base things anywhere close to the seven night trip that we took in 2009, the shows would fall like this:

Night 1) Welcome Aboard!
Night 2) Golden Mickeys
Night 3) Twice Charmed
Night 4) Pirate Night
Night 5) Variety Show (i.e. ventriloquist, magician, etc.)
Night 6) Disney Dreams
Night 7) Remember the Magic (farewell show)

The menus/dress codes would fall like this:

Night 1) Casual/Rotational
Night 2) Golden Mickeys/Formal
Night 3) Casual/Rotational
Night 4) Pirates/Pirate
Night 5) Casual/Rotational
Night 6) Captain's Gala/Semi-Formal
Night 7) 'Til We Meet Again/Casual

Based on the rotation, it's hard to suggest a night to skip the regular dining and rsvp Palo. I'd like to try it, DS will finally be 18, and I've been holding out for him...but no major loss if we can't fit it in.

--Drew

 

[Smileneyes]

Getting excited!

One question though--should I be booking trip excursions outside of Disney? I'm concerned that all the trips will be filled before we can start booking. As this is our first cruise, we are waaaaaaaayyyy down on the priority list!

I think you'll likely be able to book an excursion or two through Disney. If I may suggest, see if you can do a "dummy booking" outside of Disney (one that will refund your deposit in case of cancellation)...then keep your fingers crossed that the excursion you want will be available through Disney. I know there is an upcharge for the excursions through DCL, but I personally feel more secure in knowing that we'll be back before the ship sets sail.

 

[mmmears]

I haven't heard anything about the schedules yet. IF they base things anywhere close to the seven night trip that we took in 2009, the shows would fall like this:

Night 1) Welcome Aboard!
Night 2) Golden Mickeys
Night 3) Twice Charmed
Night 4) Pirate Night
Night 5) Variety Show (i.e. ventriloquist, magician, etc.)
Night 6) Disney Dreams
Night 7) Remember the Magic (farewell show)

The menus/dress codes would fall like this:

Night 1) Casual/Rotational
Night 2) Golden Mickeys/Formal
Night 3) Casual/Rotational
Night 4) Pirates/Pirate
Night 5) Casual/Rotational
Night 6) Captain's Gala/Semi-Formal
Night 7) 'Til We Meet Again/Casual

Based on the rotation, it's hard to suggest a night to skip the regular dining and rsvp Palo. I'd like to try it, DS will finally be 18, and I've been holding out for him...but no major loss if we can't fit it in.

--Drew

Thanks for the info. I know it's not "set in stone" but I appreciate having some kind of idea as to what it could be like.

We didn't even try for Palo on our first cruise, and it is not a big deal to us if we can't book it. I just thought it would be fun to try it out. But, I agree with you -- can't see what night I'd want to "skip." Our first cruise was a 3-day and we didn't want to miss any of the rotations.

 

[lsutigger2]

I have not been following any information on those traveling on the first cruises to Alaska - I guess they are in their booking window for port adventures and dining, spa, etc so I'm not sure what's been happening on that.

Any hooo- for those of us who are in the last group to book, does anyone really think we will get shut out of port adventures and dining at Palo's???

on our last cruise it was DH's birthday (a big one ) and we ate dinner at Palo's. It was very nice and we really enjoyed ourselves. This cruise we'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and I would love to eat their again. Do I have a chance??

And I'm with Drew on the port adventures. I'm not willing to take a chance on the ship sailing without me. I've heard that if for some reason a Disney booked port adventure is late, they do hold the ship. Who knows we might go panning for gold and hit a big jackpot of gold to bring home

Drew: you are doing a fabulous job on the FE list

 

[mmmears]

I have not been following any information on those traveling on the first cruises to Alaska - I guess they are in their booking window for port adventures and dining, spa, etc so I'm not sure what's been happening on that.

Any hooo- for those of us who are in the last group to book, does anyone really think we will get shut out of port adventures and dining at Palo's???

I went and looked at one thread. Here's what I read: For Gold CC Members -- there was no availability at Palo for either tea or brunch. I think dinner was available (but I'm not even Gold). I think it's hard to tell from cruise to cruise -- I think there are many, many loyal DCL cruisers going on the Repo & the 1st Alaska cruise. We were hoping for a tea or something; looks like we won't get that. I didn't see anything about not getting into the spa or excursions, so hopefully that won't be an issue.

And I'm with Drew on the port adventures. I'm not willing to take a chance on the ship sailing without me. I've heard that if for some reason a Disney booked port adventure is late, they do hold the ship. Who knows we might go panning for gold and hit a big jackpot of gold to bring home

I agree... in theory, that is. We booked something in Juneau that DCL isn't offering -- if they were we would have booked it through DCL even if it did cost a bit more. Hopefully we'll make it back onto the ship on time... I have to admit it's something I'm a bit worried about. But I know people who have booked with this company and they loved their day in Juneau. And got back to their ships on time.

Drew: you are doing a fabulous job on the FE list

Hope this helps!

 

[Smileneyes]

Drew: you are doing a fabulous job on the FE list

Thanks, Janie! I'm enjoying it...plus, I tend to go a little overboard with organizing for these trips...so creating the .xls spreadsheet for everyone is a little fun. Plus, it really is getting me psyched up for June!

--Drew

P.S. I modified the list a little bit, hopefully making it a little easier for everyone to view...

 

[disneyochem]

Thanks for the suggestions to 'dummy' book excursions. There is only one thing we really want to do--the train in Skagway. My hubby is a huge train buff. We have ridden every steam train in the Western US except this one!

So, my next question is what days are we in port? This is what I currently have (not sure where I got the info!):

Tuesday, June 14 Depart Vancouver
Wednesday, June 15 Sea Day
Thursday, June 16 Tracy Arm
Friday, June 17 Skagway
Saturday, June 18 Juneau
Sunday, June 19 Ketchikan
Monday, June 20 Sea Day
Tuesday, June 21 Arrive Vancouver.


Thank you!

 

[Smileneyes]

Thanks for the suggestions to 'dummy' book excursions. There is only one thing we really want to do--the train in Skagway. My hubby is a huge train buff. We have ridden every steam train in the Western US except this one!

So, my next question is what days are we in port? This is what I currently have (not sure where I got the info!):

Tuesday, June 14 Depart Vancouver
Wednesday, June 15 Sea Day
Thursday, June 16 Tracy Arm
Friday, June 17 Skagway
Saturday, June 18 Juneau
Sunday, June 19 Ketchikan
Monday, June 20 Sea Day
Tuesday, June 21 Arrive Vancouver.


Thank you!

This matches up with everything that I have seen as well.

I think your husband will love the White Pass RR excursion...I took it in 2006...lots of history, and some really beautiful scenery to boot!