June 16, 2014 Wonder to Alaska

[mdurette]

Ok - I did it an made final payment today. For months I have been going back and forth about not doing this trip because of the cost. But, we have been planning this with other family and friends (16 in total) and it would have been hard to back out. So....we are doing it! I have been putting off planning because every time I looked at anything (flights, hotels, port adventures) the cost would make me gag!

I don't have a FB account....because I don't want one. But, every time we do a DCL cruise, I'm tempted. Maybe this will be the time! For the person who is keeping DIS updated with FB stuff. I thank you!!!

So far, our plan:
Fly into Vancouver on Saturday on United. (I have a Marriott reserved for now, but not tied to it, still researching cheaper options).
Fly out of Seattle on Wednesday on SW. (Airport Marriot reserved, will probably keep that).

Port Adventures:
We did an Alaskan cruise about 12 years ago. We did the pilots choice helicopter ride. LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT. Highly recommend. But, since we have already done and we are trying to save a few bucks, will pass this time around.

I'm actually thinking about renting a car while in each port. We did this on a cruise to Hawaii and it was PERFECT! We were able to visit 3 or 4 of the port adventures at a fraction of the cost and do our own thing. Explore all the interesting spots in the area big and small and also eat at some great places that we would have never experienced with the cruise line. But, that when it was just DH and I......I'm not sure how well that will work with extended family in tow.

My DD8, loves FEs, but I'm not sure this time around. We are flying into VC on United and don't have the baggage freedom like we are use to with SW. Packing an extra suitcase with FEs stuff may not work out. But, I am thinking...if I come up with some smaller items - we will do it.

Others have mentioned hotels with free parking while cruising and others with free shuttle service. I have been searching, non of this is jumping out at me. Any of you with info on this.....please share!

 

[mdurette]

Oooh yeah....anyone here from New England?

 

[KnightRail]

My family is from Florida...yet my mom is originally from New Jersey and she's thinking she gonna be needing "heavy winter jackets" I know it's all based on what you define as 'cold' but really? She's thinking ski jackets basically. I think she's crazy. I'm just bringing a comfy sweatshirt & water resistant jacket...

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

My family is from Florida...yet my mom is originally from New Jersey and she's thinking she gonna be needing "heavy winter jackets" I know it's all based on what you define as 'cold' but really? She's thinking ski jackets basically. I think she's crazy. I'm just bringing a comfy sweatshirt & water resistant jacket...

From several sources I compiled this information regarding the Inside Passage.

Mid-late June
Average High Temp is 64
Average Low Temp is 48
Short sleeves during the day, have a windbreaker or light jacket.

 

[mdurette]

Correct about the definition of cold. I know when we vacation in Florida in the winter we are usually running around in shorts while the natives are wearing parkas!

Last time we did an Alaskan cruise it was the 1st week of June. Walking around the ports we were comfortable with a heavy sweatshirt and lightweight rain jacket. But, for on board sight seeing from outside (we went to Glacier Bay on that cruise - I assume similar for Tracy Arm) It was downright cold and all the layers came out. Plus with the mist/rain it can be raw.

We are bringing our ski jackets. But, they are super lightweight and waterproof. Hardly any bulk to them at all.

 

[KnightRail]

Thanks for the tips about the cold!

My mom wants to have magnets for her door this cruise...and I'm gonna be making them myself, anyone have any links for blank templates?
Thanks

 

[mdurette]

I have used thee in the past - but I haven't gone through them yet to see what she may have for Alaska.

http://s628.photobucket.com/user/milliesky/library/Disney Cruise?sort=6&page=1

 

[misseulalie]

Just booked all our excursions, Palo and Palo brunch!!!! Wanted to try and get two excursions in each day, but the timings didn't make it possible. Most were around 11am.

We booked Palo at 6pm on Tracey Arm day. Debating whether this was a good or bad decision.

Got all 18 hours of nursery booked, and two spa appointments!!

 

[SandyandKaren]

Is this just for Alaska? I don't remember them being so spread out before? Seems silly to have such a large gap?

Just booked flights and that was painful!

I just read it is 120 days early for Platinum, 105 for Gold and 90 for Silver…That sounds not quite as spread out..I think one of our members booked her excursion today and we can book (we are gold) March 3. SO its more like 2 weeks apart.

 

[misseulalie]

I just read it is 120 days early for Platinum, 105 for Gold and 90 for Silver…That sounds not quite as spread out..I think one of our members booked her excursion today and we can book (we are gold) March 3. SO its more like 2 weeks apart.

I booked today!!!! whoo-hoo!!

 

[KnightRail]

Hooray I'm PIF!! Now to wait till MY BIRTHDAY to book Palo

 

[KatHuss]

Southwest Airlines, R/T $278 Dallas-Seattle-Dallas.

I hear you there! That's what we are doing too!

 

[KatHuss]

Thanks for the tips about the cold!

My mom wants to have magnets for her door this cruise...and I'm gonna be making them myself, anyone have any links for blank templates?
Thanks

I have created three for this cruise that you can get from my flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/117992883@N07/

Enjoy!

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

I have created three for this cruise that you can get from my flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/117992883@N07/

Enjoy!

Thank you! You will see those on our two doors!

 

[SandyandKaren]

Check out the May 24, 2014 Wonder Cruise Meet group. There are some really good threads there on an Alaskan Cruise. Excursions, tips...Found some really helpful reviews.

118 Days according to my new APP!!

 

[DVC4US]

I just read it is 120 days early for Platinum, 105 for Gold and 90 for Silver…That sounds not quite as spread out..I think one of our members booked her excursion today and we can book (we are gold) March 3. SO its more like 2 weeks apart.

This is correct. Sorry about the earlier post and the misinformation, I missed a step in there.

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

Check out the May 24, 2014 Wonder Cruise Meet group. There are some really good threads there on an Alaskan Cruise. Excursions, tips...Found some really helpful reviews.

118 Days according to my new APP!!

Though I have been on 17 DCL cruises, I have never been on an Alaska cruise and I now need help.

Can someone give me their recommendations of good excursions at each port, that do not include planes and helicopters and don't cost a whole lot. Looking for something fun, but not extravagant. Would like to see interesting things in the area. I know that's asking a lot, but there are so many excursions to look at!

 

[chellez]

Aloha, all!

My husband and I will be joining everyone on this cruise! Our first Disney cruise was last May (3-days Bahamas) for our honeymoon. We're so excited on booking a longer cruise so soon after our first one!

Btw, does anyone know if the new D&B bag are available fleet wide? More specifically... on the Wonder?!

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

We are in! PIF'ed and good to go.

Our party consists of
Me
DW
DS (9)

We booked while on the Eastern Caribbean on the Fantasy in December and now I just need to book the flights. We plan on flying into Seattle a couple days early and taking the Amtrak to Vancouver. It should be awesome. We live in Tampa so the climate in Alaska in June should be a welcome relief. DW and I will be celebrating our anniversary on board (our 24th) as well. Can't wait until March 18th to book Palo brunch and dinner and excursions. I'm so excited already.

 

[kyirish25]

Curious if we have a close date on the FE exchange?