June 28, 2011 Disney Wonder 7-day Alaska

[nordkin]

I'm wondering if there will be room to store 3 suitcases and 3 carry ons...

Put the carry ons inside the suitcases and put them under the bed. You may have to lift the bedframe up to get them under, but they do fit. We always store our suitcases under the bed. You can also store some in the closet if you don't mind loosing space in there.

 

[cryssi]

Put the carry ons inside the suitcases and put them under the bed. You may have to lift the bedframe up to get them under, but they do fit. We always store our suitcases under the bed. You can also store some in the closet if you don't mind loosing space in there.

Ah, good idea. We always put them in the closet but I hate taking up all that space.

 

[cozit]

LOL, I had to look the word up because I had never heard it. You taught me something new!

I am taking advantage of a somewhat quiet weekend to get the packing mostly done. We are headed out of town for Father's Day Weekend and the week before we leave will be crazy for me at work since I am taking two weeks off. I will be trying to get as much as I can done in advance - not fun!

I have been "gathering" things for several weeks and thinking about mix and match outfits for all of us to give more variety. This packing is just so different that what we normally pack for a "summer" trip. I keep reminding myself of the rule - it must be worn at least twice to make it into the suitcase. I am hoping that our suitcases are large enough. We'd like to each only bring one but I am thinking we may have to have one 21" carryon in order for everything to fit and have room to bring home things we purchase up there. It is turning into "The Packing Challenge" for me, i.e. three adults, three suitcases, two weeks of travel, what do you really need?

We'll actually be traveling for 12 days... so I'm packing for 5. I'll be doing laundry either the day we board, or the first day at sea... then probably the day in the middle of the ship time (probably Juneau day) as well, which means only 4 nights worth of "dinner clothes"... I can always do another wash if need be... debating making that 3 days - or at least for the skirts/pants. Layers will be our big thing - t-shirts for each day, and then either sweats and/or a lighter long-sleeved shirt to go with (told the kids no more than 3 sweatshirts each, two if they're hoodies). If we have the hoodies, we may just leave the fleece jackets at home, and bring the rainjackets... buying a fleece jacket at the first stop (I hear the one place is pretty inexpensive for that, from all accounts), since both kids (at least) need a new one anyway before fall.

Bug repellent - pump, or lotion, so it can fly... and sunscreen is the one major "must remember" that is non-clothing. Mosquito activity should be picking up by now, since it's getting warmer there - and while it might not be awful in port (or it might), for the trips in-land, I hear it can get pretty miserable (not as bad as the grasslands and tundra area, but bad enough). Camera and small binoculars are coming as well

(and yes, I'm bringing laundry detergent - "Dropps" (other drop-in types are out there now, but they worked the last time, and I don't like the powders, since they all tend to make me itch - which means I can't rely on the machines in the laundry rooms)... they've gone on two airplane trips before, so they should be fine in the suitcase - but I'll be double-ziplock bagging them just in case)

Anyone think of any other "must haves"? - besides a change of shoes, at least for the ship... considering probable mud on the outings, with all the rain the Pacific Northwest gets - and that includes the stretch of Alaska we're visiting.

-Liz

 

[cozit]

I'm wondering if there will be room to store 3 suitcases and 3 carry ons...

There is, if you don't bring too much that needs to be hung up in the closet - we've managed 2 large suitcases in there - one side, with room to spare (at least going up). Beyond that, if you're in a room with a connecting door, there's often a little space right near that. There is *no* room in the room proper - not under the bed, etc. We use small carry-ons ... largish daypack backpacks and a soft weekend bag to help lessen the space needed... all containing our traveling "activity stuff" for the plane and train as well as the change of clothing.

One day of clothing (including swimsuit, if the weather looks good, and night clothes) is the only *really* needed carry on clothing... after all, if you *have* to, you can do laundry every day.

-Liz (yes, I really *am* an overpacker... so I try *very* hard to figure out what I can do without on trips like this.... driving to the beach, on the other hand, the car gets *stuffed*

 

[cozit]

Would love to do mani...I have a pedi scheduled on the first day at sea. Was thinking of canceling it but maybe I'll keep it? It's the sole delight foot ritual at 12:15pm on Wed. Let me know

Wish they did them for teens, too on this ship... would be something I'd *definitely* sign up for with my daughter. But oh, well... more to spend on souvenirs

 

[mybelle01]

Thanks Michelle I posted earlier but will repeat... it was GREAT meeting you guys too! Sorry I had to bolt at the end. Would love to do mani...I have a pedi scheduled on the first day at sea. Was thinking of canceling it but maybe I'll keep it? It's the sole delight foot ritual at 12:15pm on Wed. Let me know

Luau should be fun...Looks like it warmed up a bit from this am. Still overcast but not too cold.

Somehow skipped right over your post Okay well all the reservations are booked for the first sea day and most of the other days! I guess I should have known the spa would be popular. Hmm.. maybe we can do a wine tasting instead

 

[cozit]

Put the carry ons inside the suitcases and put them under the bed. You may have to lift the bedframe up to get them under, but they do fit. We always store our suitcases under the bed. You can also store some in the closet if you don't mind loosing space in there.

We weren't able to put our suitcases under the bed during either trip - though we *might* have gotten the rolling duffle under - can't remember. I know we ended up with the suitcases in the closet, as they were too thick for under the bed - so best to plan as if you can't... then take advantage of it if you can.


-Liz

 

[mybelle01]

I was reading on another thread about two families that have their daughters on board as counselors. They are working with the 3-10 age group. Their names are Allison and Lois. I'm sure their mom's would love for us all to say hi and send their love

 

[buddywesley]

Somehow skipped right over your post Okay well all the reservations are booked for the first sea day and most of the other days! I guess I should have known the spa would be popular. Hmm.. maybe we can do a wine tasting instead

I'm up for that!!! Let's do it We should have a girls wine tasting...would be FUN (not that the boys couldn't do it too)

 

[nordkin]

We weren't able to put our suitcases under the bed during either trip - though we *might* have gotten the rolling duffle under - can't remember. I know we ended up with the suitcases in the closet, as they were too thick for under the bed - so best to plan as if you can't... then take advantage of it if you can.


-Liz

You must have very large bags. We use a 25" suitcase and have no problems getting them under the bed. You do have to lift the bedframe to get them under as the bedframe hangs a little lower on the edges of the bed. We have never had any problems storing them there in all eight cruises.

 

[elderfam]

Starting to panic trying to figure out what to pack. Thanks to everyone who has posted on this topic...hadnt thought about bug spray or getting shoes muddy. That's a game changer.

On the luggage issue. We have had some large luggage and we had to store it opened under the bed to get it to fit. I think we have to pick up the bed to get it under the frame, but no problems after that.

I'm way behind reading the thread, i've got a week until the real madness sets in!

I have to say I am truly excited to take a trip and not know what to expect. It feels so weird not to be packing for the beach and pool!

Dusting off my reading glasses....

 

[KYDIZFAN]

Off to Madison WI for a conference this week. Home next week pack etc... then Off to Alaska!!

 

[cryssi]

I was just thinking of how we are going to lug our bags through the airport and thought how spoiled we were ashlar cruise with just driving to the port...lol

 

[mybelle01]

I'm up for that!!! Let's do it We should have a girls wine tasting...would be FUN (not that the boys couldn't do it too)

Okay we will see the times when we get on board and plan wine tasting!!

I need to start making lists of what everyone is going to wear. I still can't believe we're leaving in two weeks..

 

[Pocahantas]

I worked on our packing over the weekend and am happy to say that I have most of it done. I even sprayed our jeans and shoes with waterproofing spray to help keep us dry in the event of rain in the ports. I found that tip on Cruise Critic and I am hoping it works. I didn't pack much in the way of sweatshirts/fleece since I know we will want to buy new ones up there.

 

[buddywesley]

Okay we will see the times when we get on board and plan wine tasting!!

I need to start making lists of what everyone is going to wear. I still can't believe we're leaving in two weeks..

 

[Pocahantas]

I can't believe we're sailing in two weeks either

 

[lalo]

Just got off the phone with DCL rep. Here are the movies that will be playing during our trip (subject to change):

Cars 2 in 3-D!!! (yay, saved a trip to the movie theater)
Toy Story 3D
You again
Secretariat
Tangled 3D
Tron Legacy 3D
Gnomeo & Juliet
I am Number 4
Mars needs Moms 3D
African Cats
Prom
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

 

[cryssi]

Nice!

 

[cryssi]

I finally have all the stuff I need to make my FE gifts! Hope you guys like them. Have to get the FE made too. if we end up with a jerry rigged one, you will know I ran out of time...lol