Just back from Alaska, let me know if I can help with any question.

[l4dk]

It was an amazing trip for our family. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[jubjubrsx]

how about a weather report? im leaving to alaska on monday

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

How was the fjord day? I've heard that Tracy Arm is still closed so ships have been cruising Endicott Arm instead. I'm on the July 18th sailing, so I don't know the likelihood that we'll get into Tracy Arm at this point. Did you still enjoy Endicott?

Also, any report on merchandise? Did you do any shopping that you could tell me which of the Alaska specific items were available?

Thanks!

 

[Mrs Green]

How old are your kids? How many cruises have you been on before?

 

[Richard Howren]

I gather from this forum that the checkin process in Vancouver has changed this year. I will be keeping a car in the cruise terminal parking garage. After I drop off our bags at the bag drop, where do you go after that? I believe you proceed to Disney check-in. From there, Disney CM's will direct you I presume. I have read that they did that to speed up customs/border patrol processing. The Norwegian Sun will also be in port.

 

[xlxo]

• What was embarkation like?
  • did you arrive by taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have pre-cruise plans?
  • what was your PAT time? When did you get there? When did you board? Was there significant delays?
• What was debarkation like?
  • what time did you walk off? was there significant customs delays?
  • taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have post-cruise plans?

 

[ajo]

Ww

• What was embarkation like?
  • did you arrive by taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have pre-cruise plans?
  • what was your PAT time? When did you get there? When did you board? Was there significant delays?
• What was debarkation like?
  • what time did you walk off? was there significant customs delays?
  • taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have post-cruise plans?

We took an earlier Alaska cruise in June but thought I would provide our experience in case it's helpful.

Embarkation

We walked to Canada Place from our hotel on Hornby. It took maybe 15-20 minutes and we actually beat the people in our group who opted for a taxi (which was only $9).

PAT was 11:30. Got there about 11:20. Check in was a breeze. Waited in line 10-15 minutes to check in for the kids club to get the oceaneer band.

Customs was very easy and we cleared before our boarding group was boarding, so we waited about 10-15 minutes in an area with chairs before our boarding number was called.

Debarkation

We had second seating and took our time getting off the ship. We walked right through customs and got our bags. I don't remember what time we walked off, but we did hear last call, so I would guess it was around 10.

We checked our bags with CDS and enjoyed several hours downtown before catching a taxi to the airport.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Do you remember what the dining themes were and on what days? We cruised 2015 and I believe it was the following, (going by old photos and the four Navigators that made it back with us).
Day 1 - casual dress - normal dining menu
day 2 - formal dress - normal dining menu
Day 3 - casual dress - normal dining menu
Day 4 - casual dress - Frozen menu
Day 5 - Toy story menu?
Day 6 Taste of Alaska menu?
Day 7 - Till We Meet Again menu

Thanks!
Kate

 

[Peanutzz]

Do you remember what the dining themes were and on what days? We cruised 2015 and I believe it was the following, (going by old photos and the four Navigators that made it back with us).
Day 1 - casual dress - normal dining menu
day 2 - formal dress - normal dining menu
Day 3 - casual dress - normal dining menu
Day 4 - casual dress - Frozen menu
Day 5 - Toy story menu?
Day 6 Taste of Alaska menu?
Day 7 - Till We Meet Again menu

Thanks!
Kate

We just got back on Monday and since I was here I figured I would just go ahead and answer your question. The only thing different from what you have is that Day 6 is the Prince and Princess Dinner. They no longer do Taste of Alaska. Also for additional information, Day 5 was the semifinal night. Hope this helps!

 

[ajo]

Do you remember what the dining themes were and on what days? We cruised 2015 and I believe it was the following, (going by old photos and the four Navigators that made it back with us).
Day 1 - casual dress - normal dining menu
day 2 - formal dress - normal dining menu
Day 3 - casual dress - normal dining menu
Day 4 - casual dress - Frozen menu
Day 5 - Toy story menu?
Day 6 Taste of Alaska menu?
Day 7 - Till We Meet Again menu

Thanks!
Kate

Night 5 was Captains Gala and as the PP said, no Taste of Alaska. It's Prince and Princess instead.

 

[l4dk]

how about a weather report? im leaving to alaska on monday

Our first day in Vancouver was cold for us kepp in mind we are Floridians. Lol the other 3 days were a lot warmer and in the upper 60s lower 70s depending the time of the day.
During the cruise we were lucky to have beautiful sunny days. Ketchikan was the only port in which we got a lot of rain.

 

[l4dk]

How was the fjord day? I've heard that Tracy Arm is still closed so ships have been cruising Endicott Arm instead. I'm on the July 18th sailing, so I don't know the likelihood that we'll get into Tracy Arm at this point. Did you still enjoy Endicott?

Also, any report on merchandise? Did you do any shopping that you could tell me which of the Alaska specific items were available?

Thanks!

We did the 3pm excursion at Endicott Arm, it was breathtaking beyond words. Loved the excursion and we were told by the captain and some crew members that actually Endicott was their favorite.
Alaskan merchandise I really can't help you much there. I only got a really cute throw blanket and some Ulu knife/bowl set.

 

[l4dk]

How old are your kids? How many cruises have you been on before?

My kids are boys 10 and 17years old. We traveled with family including 3 more kids 16,17 and one that just turned 18 and was super happy because she was able to enjoy Palo for the 1st time. Lol
This was our DCL cruise #12 but 1st one to Alaska.

 

[l4dk]

I gather from this forum that the checkin process in Vancouver has changed this year. I will be keeping a car in the cruise terminal parking garage. After I drop off our bags at the bag drop, where do you go after that? I believe you proceed to Disney check-in. From there, Disney CM's will direct you I presume. I have read that they did that to speed up customs/border patrol processing. The Norwegian Sun will also be in port.

Yes. Just like that. It was a fast and easy process.

 

[Disneybridewifemama]

Did they have alaskan dressed character plushes this year? They didn't last year and my daughter was so bummed.

 

[l4dk]

• What was embarkation like?
  • did you arrive by taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have pre-cruise plans?
  • what was your PAT time? When did you get there? When did you board? Was there significant delays?
• What was debarkation like?
  • what time did you walk off? was there significant customs delays?
  • taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have post-cruise plans?

Hi,
We stayed at the Hampton Suites Downtown and they had a free shuttle to the port. We selected this hotel because we are HHonors members and used points for our 4 nights prior to cruise. We loved the hotel, super convenient location, service and all. We didn't have a PAT because we are Platinum. We just walked in and were able to check in without lines very early and waited a little to board.
I believe about 11:30am or so.
Debarkation was also really fast since we had the second dining our breakfast was late around 8:45am. We got a cab back to the Hampton by the airport this time because our flight was very early the next morning.

 

[polynor]

How was the fjord day? I've heard that Tracy Arm is still closed so ships have been cruising Endicott Arm instead. I'm on the July 18th sailing, so I don't know the likelihood that we'll get into Tracy Arm at this point. Did you still enjoy Endicott?

Also, any report on merchandise? Did you do any shopping that you could tell me which of the Alaska specific items were available?

Thanks!

We were on the June 27th sailing. Went to endicott - I thought it was beautiful. My sister who has been to Tracy arm says that Tracy is more impressive but with endicott,they were able to haul in a block of glacier ice on board for guests to touch it (they brought in too much and spent a good bit of time chipping at it to fit through the doorways).

 

[polynor]

• What was embarkation like?
  • did you arrive by taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have pre-cruise plans?
  • what was your PAT time? When did you get there? When did you board? Was there significant delays?
• What was debarkation like?
  • what time did you walk off? was there significant customs delays?
  • taxi or subway to/from the airport if you didn't have post-cruise plans?

Went by taxi from our hotel (Rosellen). We had 5 ppl, and had to take two taxis -- if you have more than 4 people, you have to take 2 unless coming from the airport where the van taxis can take 5.
PAT was 12, but we took our time waiting for others to come in (group of 22)
By the time we were through with customs, it was free board. Security and customs were pretty simple. There is a place to do the kids activity registration, but if you've preregistered, then get the band when you're on board instead (no line on the ship).

Debatkation, wait about 20 min for our group to be called. Customs is just handing in your card. No further scrutiny.

 

[polynor]

How was the fjord day? I've heard that Tracy Arm is still closed so ships have been cruising Endicott Arm instead. I'm on the July 18th sailing, so I don't know the likelihood that we'll get into Tracy Arm at this point. Did you still enjoy Endicott?

Also, any report on merchandise? Did you do any shopping that you could tell me which of the Alaska specific items were available?

Thanks!

Merchandise, fleece blanket that you could buy after buying 40$ worth of other stuff. Alaska Disney shirts, long, short, etc. Alaska cruise pins, the store right by wave bands had First Nations decorated merchandise ( shirts,cups, thermos, purses,etc.

 

[Mrs Green]

What was your favorite, "don't miss", dinner items in the MDRs?