June 16, 2014 Wonder to Alaska

[Kirbo]

I'd like to hear others plans for getting to Vancouver. Especially those that have been there before. There are so many options to consider. Pike's market in Seattle is def. on my bucket list.

I think our plan (right now) is to fly to Seattle a day or two early, rent a vehicle and spend the day in Seattle. Drive to Vancouver and keep the vehicle. There's a hotel by the port that will let us keep the car there as long as we stay there. Turns out it's only a few dollars more to keep the car for 8 days then it is to rent in US and return in CA. Then spend a day or two recovering after the cruise in Vancouver and head back to Seattle.

I know there is a train that runs from Seattle to Vancouver which might be another option but I don't know. It would be nice to store extra 'non-cruise' items while we're cruising.

Anyone else have plans yet?

Currently we plan on driving to Seattle and parking at the house of family. Then we'll take the Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver the day before and stay the night in Vancouver. We'll need to find a hotel that is affordable.

 

[KatHuss]

I'd like to hear others plans for getting to Vancouver. Especially those that have been there before. There are so many options to consider. Pike's market in Seattle is def. on my bucket list.

I think our plan (right now) is to fly to Seattle a day or two early, rent a vehicle and spend the day in Seattle. Drive to Vancouver and keep the vehicle. There's a hotel by the port that will let us keep the car there as long as we stay there. Turns out it's only a few dollars more to keep the car for 8 days then it is to rent in US and return in CA. Then spend a day or two recovering after the cruise in Vancouver and head back to Seattle.

I know there is a train that runs from Seattle to Vancouver which might be another option but I don't know. It would be nice to store extra 'non-cruise' items while we're cruising.

Anyone else have plans yet?

That sounds like a great idea! We are planning on flying out Saturday morning (I believe) and spending some time in Seattle as well. What car rental company are you looking at? And what is the hotel in Vancouver?

 

[DVC4US]

Hi Everyone!!

Finally found a minute to get back on this thread. Spring Break cruise on the Fantasy was fantastic and we had a blast. Booked a 4-day on the Dream in September to celebrate my 50th birthday! Been doing a lot of planning for the wedding so I may be in and out until the end of June.

Welcome to the new cruisers!

Requested to join the FB page - name is LeiLani Naylor

 

[Kirbo]

We have our EBTA coming up in ten days I'm so excited about that and the first Med that I haven't had time to obsess about this one. Give me a few weeks and I'll be here checking this thread constantly

 

[csims]

Currently booked on Bahamas cruise for October - planning on booking this one while on board as a surprise for my DD16 birthday... SHHH!!

:

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

Currently booked on Bahamas cruise for October - planning on booking this one while on board as a surprise for my DD16 birthday... SHHH!!

:

two things...

1) Which October cruise are you on? We are also on the 10/26 Wonder.
2) If I were you, I would book this one now and then try to book one again while on board to see which benefits you more. You will be able to cancel whichever one. I have done this several times and often the earlier booking benefits me more than the onboard credit and 10% off. That way you can pick between them and have an option. If you find the one onboard is better, they can simply transfer the deposit you already paid to your new one. I am so frugal when it comes to getting a good deal, so just wanted to give you my two cents worth.

 

[CampWDW]

One year from today, many of us will be in, or on our way to Vancouver! Let the countdown begin!

Don't forget to come and join us on our FB page as well: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/groups/109132235923764/

 

[csims]

two things...

1) Which October cruise are you on? We are also on the 10/26 Wonder.
2) If I were you, I would book this one now and then try to book one again while on board to see which benefits you more. You will be able to cancel whichever one. I have done this several times and often the earlier booking benefits me more than the onboard credit and 10% off. That way you can pick between them and have an option. If you find the one onboard is better, they can simply transfer the deposit you already paid to your new one. I am so frugal when it comes to getting a good deal, so just wanted to give you my two cents worth.

We are on the Oct 12 sailing ... Awwwh ~ Good thinking!! I appreciate that - every penny helps me to get a little closer to our next Disney Vacation!

 

[trang112]

Hi everyone! 2nd time Disney cruiser here. I can't imagine cruising anything but Disney now! The first one was last year to Mexico and this time it's Alaska! I'm super excited to finally go see the glaciers and hopefully take a ride on a dog sled.

We have a DD (4 y/o at time of cruise) and DS (2 y/o at time of cruise.) I just found out about fish extenders and I definitely want to get one of those. The kids will love it! I'm hoping to get more family and friends to join us, but we'll see.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Hi guys!!

A few of you might remember we were originally booked on this sailing but then jumped to this year (6/17-6/24 sailing) due to the health of my Dad and me being a little nervous about next year.

I told you guys I'd come back and update you so here I am. I'm in serious "really missing my servers and cruise to Alaska" state of mind but I have awesome memories to last me!

The cruise was absolutely amazing and breath taking! I know we all read nothing but wonderful things about Alaska, well they are all true!

We flew in to Vancouver on Sat before lunch and stayed at the Pan Pacific. We loved, loved, loved Vancouver and the Pan Pacific was well worth it - a nice splurge! If you can schedule time before or after the cruise to see Vancouver it's definitely worth it. We were very lucky we didn't have a drop of rain the 9 days we travelled which means not even in Alaska did we have rain. They are having warmer weather this season and the weather was perfect for us and so beautiful. Definitely check the weather forecast before you leave but we didn't need heavy jackets or even our fleece jackets. Most days we were fine in long sleeve shirts and I wore capris and tshirts on the ship. Tracy Arm was the only day it was cooler and I wore my DCL hoodie jacket and was perfectly fine - didn't need gloves or any warmers.

I/we were lucky enough to see whales, dolphins, bald eagles, sea lions, sea otters, salmon, porcupine, and I'm sure I'm missing a few. We enjoyed our excursions (Skagway-White Rail Pass and Yukon Suspension Bridge, Juneau City Tour-Mendenhall Glacier and Salmon Hatchery, and the Lumberjack Show-Kethchikan).

On our last sea day the Captain made an announcement we were taking a different route back to Vancouver since we had amazing weather and conditions. We were really inside the inside passage and that was so amazing. We were so close to all the trees and land coming back to Vancouver and passed several ferries and other ships through there. I read a comment on cruise critic where someone mentioned they were on the Princess ship and we were traveling near each other but then they noticed we branched off for a different way back to Vancouver - I found it interesting they noticed.

The Wonder is a beautiful ship and the servers were amazing. You guys are in for an awesome adventure and trip! If I can answer any questions, I'll do my best. I teased my DH we should re-book this sailing with you all. Yes, we definitely want to go back so we'll see how it all works out in the plans. A girl can always dream....

Take care,
Heather

 

[Ohana 4]

Heather,

It sounds like you had a great time! I'm still holding onto the hope of you joining us next June! I agree with you that Alaska is definitely amazing. When we went, it was pretty cold, and I can't imagine wearing just capris! We were bundled all the time on the ship and always needed at least jackets on deck.
Our little Disboards group is getting excited that we are now less than a year away! And just a reminder that flights should be coming out in the next few weeks to Vancouver or Seattle for those who are flying. I e always found it tends to be cheaper the farther out you book.

 

[abayaflowers]

Our family just returned on Saturday (June 29, 2013) from the Eastern MedCruise. Absolutely wonderful and miss everything about it!

So, here I am. I booked our family on another cruise while I was on the ship. Looking forward to it!

We are looking forward to the FE. I need to make new magnets, because someone or some people stole our magnets off our doors on the 2nd day. Our next door neighbor (StateRoom) had their FE bag stolen. So, I took our magnets off our doors.

What's the weather like in June in Alaska?

Now, mind you, we just returned from an unusually hot and humid climate in Cinque Terre, Rome, Athens, and Kusadasi.

So, I thought returning back to CA, it would be nice. But, it's been over 100 degrees.

So, some nice cool weather in June of 2014 would be great!

Thanks!

 

[misseulalie]

Just booked! Family of 5. Two girls who will be 13 and 11. Little boy who will be almost 2. Never did Alaska before. Usually we do Bahamas and Med. Can't wait!!!
Hoping Florida resident rates come out-heard Alaska gets them sometimes.

We are Florida residents but live in Qatar 9 months a year

We need lots of info about the area and shore excursions.

Jen!

 

[Ohana 4]

So, I did some research today and found out the airline tickets to Vancouver are ridiculous for the upcoming year. Our best bet will be to fly into Seattle and figure out a way from there to Vancouver now. Thinking about renting a car maybe? Any case, our hotel in Vancouver is now booked and we are that much closer to getting there!

Only 327 days until we sail!!!

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

So, I did some research today and found out the airline tickets to Vancouver are ridiculous for the upcoming year. Our best bet will be to fly into Seattle and figure out a way from there to Vancouver now. Thinking about renting a car maybe? Any case, our hotel in Vancouver is now booked and we are that much closer to getting there!

Only 327 days until we sail!!!

Have you looked into Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver???

 

[Ohana 4]

Pigletsmomma,

We have looked into Amtrak, but I can't decide with them yet. I won't be able to purchase our air until Southwest comes out with their fares, probably in November or December. So that limits my decisions on times for any public transport. We did price some out and they came out to be more than it would cost to just rent a car and drop off in Vancouver, about 5 blocks from our hotel. We may end up doing something like that. It's fun to play around with things now that it's actually less than a year away. Time sure does go by slowly sometimes!

 

[DVC4US]

So, I did some research today and found out the airline tickets to Vancouver are ridiculous for the upcoming year. Our best bet will be to fly into Seattle and figure out a way from there to Vancouver now. Thinking about renting a car maybe? Any case, our hotel in Vancouver is now booked and we are that much closer to getting there!

Only 327 days until we sail!!!

We are looking at flying into Seattle too. Our plan right now is to spend 3 nights in Seattle and then transfer up to Vancouver. There will be 8 of us so renting a car is not really an option. We are going to look into Amtrak or I've also read there is a bus that will drop you off at your hotel.

 

[Kirbo]

The Amtrak to Vancouver is not a bad price and it looks like fun, so check into that!

Sadly, I don't think we're going to be joining you on this cruise. We still haven't decided for sure, but it doesn't look as if we're going to be on it. Enjoy your cruise, everyone

 

[Ohana 4]

Kirbo, I'm sad you won't be able to make it, but I know you'll plan something else for your family that will be great!
I'm thinking the Amtrak thing will take way too long. We researched and came up with around 6-7 hours. We could rent a car for less and be there in 4-5. We'll see. It's still undecided for now and we have lots of time to kill before a decision needs to be made. In any case, we have our hotel reserved for the 2 nights prior to the cruise in my favorite spot! Getting excited for what's to come in 10 months!

 

[PIGLETSMOMMA]

Kirbo, I'm sad you won't be able to make it, but I know you'll plan something else for your family that will be great!
I'm thinking the Amtrak thing will take way too long. We researched and came up with around 6-7 hours. We could rent a car for less and be there in 4-5. We'll see. It's still undecided for now and we have lots of time to kill before a decision needs to be made. In any case, we have our hotel reserved for the 2 nights prior to the cruise in my favorite spot! Getting excited for what's to come in 10 months!

Don't leave us hangingWhat's that favorite spot?! I may want to reserve it too!