June 25, 2012 - WONDERful 7 night Alaskan cruise

[DCLShel]

Any rough estimate on how many have signed up for the FE? I'm trying to see if I have enough or if I need to get more. My friend that was going on the cruise with us cancelled so there's one more balcony room free. She realized she just didn't have the money for a cruise right now.

I have an FE list on the first post. I think its pretty accurate but we'll do a "last call" in the next couple of weeks or so.

Sorry your friend won't be joining us. She sounds like a practical person. Better to cancel the cruise than spend money and regret it later.

 

[Mean Queen]

I have an FE list on the first post. I think its pretty accurate but we'll do a "last call" in the next couple of weeks or so.

That helps! I should have plenty as long as a bunch of large groups don't join up over the next few weeks.

We started packing this weekend! We had to make sure the kids still fit into their winter clothes. We have been in shorts and t-shirts for months since we barely had a winter. I'm really looking forward to the break from the heat!

 

[joyjanet]

I have an FE list on the first post. I think its pretty accurate but we'll do a "last call" in the next couple of weeks or so.

Sorry your friend won't be joining us. She sounds like a practical person. Better to cancel the cruise than spend money and regret it later.

Would like to join the FE group and the meet. We have 2 rooms.
Me (Donna) and DH (Gary) in room 6654
DD (Joy), DGS (Cameron - 9) and DGD (Gabriella - 7) in room 6604.
We just booked so I wonder how crowded the cruise will be. Trying to figure out what excursions to do. Any thoughts?

 

[DCLShel]

Would like to join the FE group and the meet. We have 2 rooms.
Me (Donna) and DH (Gary) in room 6654
DD (Joy), DGS (Cameron - 9) and DGD (Gabriella - 7) in room 6604.
We just booked so I wonder how crowded the cruise will be. Trying to figure out what excursions to do. Any thoughts?

Glad you're joining us! I've added you to the roster and the FE group. We're still discussing a meet on the first day. We'll firm up those plans as the cruise gets closer.

I can tell you which excursions our family is doing. In Skagway, we're doing the Skagway Street Car City Tour in the morning and the Grizzly Falls Ziplining in the afternoon. Juneau - Helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier w/ dog sledding. And, in Ketchican - the Bearing Sea Crab Boat tour.

There's a thread on the cruise boards that has reviews of different Alaska excursions. You might want to check it out~

 

[MN Dis Fans]

I've only gotten one (free) upgrade and it was on my very first cruise in 2004. (this will be #12 for me, too) I have always been under the assumption that if you reserve a specific stateroom, DCL won't ungrade you for free. You can request an upgrade at the port and pay the difference. Thoughts?

Paul - I noticed we are on the port side, directly across from you! I love staying on Deck 5. We stayed in 5022 on our last Wonder cruise and really liked the SPH. However, I'd love to upgrade to a verandah at the port. It seems like verandahs will be available so it will depend on the additional cost.


Upgrades: From everything that I have read on the Disboards, there is no rhyme / reason on how upgrades are given. Historically, it seems that most of these are handed out 4 / 5 weeks before cruise date, at the same time they are assigning the GTY rooms, although with the invention of the OGT & VGT classifications, it seems that these are only being handed out about 2 weeks prior to sailing date. (Note: most of the comments I have read about OGT & VGT cabins specifically mention the Dream & Fantasy.)

or, as you mention, you can pay for an upgrade at the port, at a significantly reduced price, assuming that there are cabins available.

Still showing plenty of availability on pretty much all verandah category cabins, still keeping fingers crossed.

We love Deck 5 as well. Great location on the ship and easy access to everything.

Would like to join the FE group and the meet. We have 2 rooms.
Me (Donna) and DH (Gary) in room 6654
DD (Joy), DGS (Cameron - 9) and DGD (Gabriella - 7) in room 6604.
We just booked so I wonder how crowded the cruise will be. Trying to figure out what excursions to do. Any thoughts?

Welcome Aboard!

Excursion recommendations: Obviously dependant on what your family likes to do, but I would very highly recommend the White Pass Scenic Railway (Skagway). The scenary is stunning, and it's quite an engineering marvel. There are a bunch of variations of this excursion, some have extra's like gold panning, etc.

In Juneau, I don't think you could go wrong by going to Mendenhall glacier.

 

[MN Dis Fans]

Yikes! I don't even want to think about what the DW will be bringing along.

Luckily, I am Diamond with Delta, so we get 2x bags free as well (70lbs. each bag) I think the boys / myself will get by with a bag each, so if the DW reckons that she needs a 2nd bag, I'm sure we'll manage. Mind you, saying that, FE exchange gifts & holders / cruise magnets, (drinks for me) all take up valuable baggage space.


Cruise Meet: We're up for that should everyone want to set up a meeting time on the boat somewhere. I'd also be happy to join a FB group should someone want to start one.

 

[joyjanet]

Glad you're joining us! I've added you to the roster and the FE group. We're still discussing a meet on the first day. We'll firm up those plans as the cruise gets closer.

I can tell you which excursions our family is doing. In Skagway, we're doing the Skagway Street Car City Tour in the morning and the Grizzly Falls Ziplining in the afternoon. Juneau - Helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier w/ dog sledding. And, in Ketchican - the Bearing Sea Crab Boat tour.

There's a thread on the cruise boards that has reviews of different Alaska excursions. You might want to check it out~

Thanks for the info and for adding us to lists. Guess I will make a trip to Disney this weekend to pick up some things for FE. My DH has bad knees so the excursions we do will have to be mild. I know my DD would love the zip lining. My DH is looking at the Yukon Expedition. Too many decisions. I am going to be busy helping my DD move. She is moving from Gurnee IL to Whitefish Bay Wisconsin. Going up there the end of this month and staying until we leave for cruise. Will need to pack clothes for 2 trips. Glad SW gives 2 free bags. Already got my cruise clothes packed. My DH has to work so he is going to join us in Seattle.

 

[Mean Queen]

I started a Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/227961623982839/

If anyone wants to join, just let me know your real people name in a PM so I know to accept you. I haven't started one of these before so there may be a few bumps in the road.

 

[DCLShel]

I started a Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/227961623982839/

If anyone wants to join, just let me know your real people name in a PM so I know to accept you. I haven't started one of these before so there may be a few bumps in the road.

Sent you a PM~

 

[CousinVinny]

I started a Facebook group

Great Idea (tm)! Unfortunately I can't PM (or even quote a post with links) until I post more messages. Maybe my dear sister will vouch for me, as I see she's already in the group.

 

[Deb in IA]

I started a Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/227961623982839/

If anyone wants to join, just let me know your real people name in a PM so I know to accept you. I haven't started one of these before so there may be a few bumps in the road.

Do you have to be on Facebook to join?
Because I'm one of the few relics who is not.

 

[CousinVinny]

Do you have to be on Facebook to join?
Because I'm one of the few relics who is not.

I'm pretty sure you have to be on Facebook.

 

[tripsmom]

YEAH!!!!! We got our travel documents today. That must mean the cruise is getting close!!!!!!

 

[beautygirlsmom]

Oh my gosh - I just found this thread today! Look at all this conversation I've missed out on!

My husband, myself, and my three daughters (ages 20, 11, and 7) are going on this cruise, and could not be more excited! We've been juggling around our excursions, based on reviews, and it's still a work in progress.

Looking forward to saying hi to everyone!

Anna
www.disneyworldmoms.com
www.beautygirlsmom.com

 

[Mean Queen]

Oh my gosh - I just found this thread today! Look at all this conversation I've missed out on!

My husband, myself, and my three daughters (ages 20, 11, and 7) are going on this cruise, and could not be more excited! We've been juggling around our excursions, based on reviews, and it's still a work in progress.

Looking forward to saying hi to everyone!

Anna
www.disnyworldmoms.com
www.beautygirlsmom.com

Hi and welcome! Glad you found us! It's getting close.

 

[Deb in IA]

Oh my gosh - I just found this thread today! Look at all this conversation I've missed out on!

My husband, myself, and my three daughters (ages 20, 11, and 7) are going on this cruise, and could not be more excited! We've been juggling around our excursions, based on reviews, and it's still a work in progress.

Looking forward to saying hi to everyone!

Anna
www.disneyworldmoms.com
www.beautygirlsmom.com

Hi Anna!

We have a just-turned 21 year old DD. It seems there are not a lot of things for 20 somethings. Maybe she and your DD can meet sometime!

I was just re-looking at our itinerary too. So many choices!! I think I am second- and third-guessing myself now. I think I will quit and just leave things as is.

We got our cruise docs today too! That always makes it more "real" to us. Wooo Hooo!!

 

[htmlkid]

YEAH!!!!! We got our travel documents today. That must mean the cruise is getting close!!!!!!

We just got ours today too..... Whoo Hoo

 

[beautygirlsmom]

Deb, I'd love for our daughters to meet! It's always better to have someone to hang out with.

We got our documents today, too! I think we've finalized our excursions - for the umpteenth time - and we booked all of our hotels to Seattle and back. My husband would never miss a chance to take a cross country road trip!

 

[DCLShel]

Oh my gosh - I just found this thread today! Look at all this conversation I've missed out on!

My husband, myself, and my three daughters (ages 20, 11, and 7) are going on this cruise, and could not be more excited! We've been juggling around our excursions, based on reviews, and it's still a work in progress.

Looking forward to saying hi to everyone!

Anna
www.disneyworldmoms.com
www.beautygirlsmom.com

Glad to have you joining us!

I have added you to the roster on the first page. If you like to give me the names of your family members, I'll add that information as well.

I also wanted to let you know that we have a FE group for this cruise, too. The list of participants is under the roster. Please let me know if you would like to join.

 

[beautygirlsmom]

Glad to have you joining us!

I have added you to the roster on the first page. If you like to give me the names of your family members, I'll add that information as well.

I also wanted to let you know that we have a FE group for this cruise, too. The list of participants is under the roster. Please let me know if you would like to join.

That is awesome - thank you so much!

I'm Anna (the mom)
My husband is Jim
And my Beautygirls (daughters):

Brighid - 20
Eilis - 11
Granuaile - 7

I would LOVE to join the FE group! Can you clue me in on the details? I know I have to find a FE to hang on my fish, but beyond that, I need a tutorial ;-)

Anna
www.disneyworldmoms.com
www.beautygirlsmom.com