Just returned from Alaska Wonder cruise - general musings

[#NotMyName]

They gave us a room with one bed. I was told by the manager when that when you book through a third party sight you have to take what you get. We didn't request 2 beds, but there were four of us on the reservation. He also said a lot of people sleep with their kids so they wouldn't know that we needed 2 beds without requesting them???? The room was also too small for rollaways. The manager was really bizarre. He said some other strange things I won't go into. Thankfully another manager stepped in and took care of the issue, but the customer service at the check in desk to the first manager was awful. I wasn't impressed with the service in the restaurant either. It wasn't a bad stay. I just didn't walk away from there feeling like it was worth the premium price they charge. There are other hotels a short walk from the pier which are a lot less money.

This also happened to me in Canada when booked I a room at a Sheraton via third party sight -- I specified # of beds but was told you get what they give you. Later during that same trip we had a problem with a confirmed room being given away when we arrived late. Absent unusual circumstances I now always book directly.

 

[#NotMyName]

I'm booking my excursions through Alaska Excursions. Skagway-dog sledding, Juneau- white water rafting, Ketchikan- Eagle and Bear sanctuary. The total price for 1 adult and 1 kid who luckily does not turn 13 until right after the cruise is 604.00. I'm saving a about 300.00 over booking any similar excursions through DCL. A lot of that has to do with my son being charged a child rate. I will report back my thoughts on the excursions, but the reviews of this company are very good. I recommend anyone with kids under the age of 13 not to book through DCL. Every excursion company I looked at charged child rates for 12 and under. Most other cruise lines do the same. I'm not sure why DCL thinks 10 year olds should be charged adult rates.

Thanks for offering to report back. I usually book through DCL, but am considering booking directly for lower prices and flexibility.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

I've heard mosquitos are really bad in Alaska. I am a magnet..unfortunately. Did you encounter this? Just wondering if I will be eaten alive?

We cruised Alaska over the Fourth of July week last year. Didn't even think to take mosquito repellent along and we did not have any issues with mosquitoes at any of our ports of call. Could be we were just lucky! Or had a little

 

[cruiser21]

This also happened to me in Canada when booked I a room at a Sheraton via third party sight -- I specified # of beds but was told you get what they give you. Later during that same trip we had a problem with a confirmed room being given away when we arrived late. Absent unusual circumstances I now always book directly.

The sight that I booked through now has a place where you put in bed request. I use "last minute travel club". I'm paying 160.00 a night vs over 300.00 a night if I booked direct with the Hyatt. I use them in the US all the time and never had a problem with beds. Of course in the US there are safety/fire codes about putting too many people in a room. There's only 2 of us this time. I still need two beds, but I'll request a rollaway if I have issues.

 

[richkaryn]

Hi! Happy to try to add some helpful info!

No - I didn't ask. I suppose if you asked concierge they would assist. But i did ask concierge how to get to myself and luggage to the cruise level and there was no suggestion of the hotel to assist. The person i spoke to didn't even seem to understand the process. I was expecting this to be more seamless.

Don't worry too much about customs... they will get you through. I think we showed our paperwork 3 or 4 times. Do yourself a favor and make sure the line you are in is the correct line. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I saw more than 1 set of travelers in the wrong ship queue. This is why i said the process was a bit confusing and could have used more DCL employees. Don't worry though, we arrived at 11am and it took 30 mins total.

We had read on here last year that if you ask they will come up and get it. We asked upon check in and they said yes, just call in morning for bell services. We just called and asked them to come get it when we had it all ready....he came within 5 mins of us calling.

 

[Racer X]

We had read on here last year that if you ask they will come up and get it. We asked upon check in and they said yes, just call in morning for bell services. We just called and asked them to come get it when we had it all ready....he came within 5 mins of us calling.

Yeah I understand. I expected more communication from them, especially at this price point! Why aren't they catering to their cruising customers with the port right there? Just beating a dead horse here, others mileage may vary, but at least can learn from all of us.

 

[cruiser21]

Do you have to pay in advance? What's their cancellation policy like?

Yes you have to pay in advance. Full refund if you cancel 7 days or or more in advance. They will refund your money if the ship does not make it into port. On our Europe cruises I booked some excursions in advance. In some ports I negotiated with taxis and tour guides at the port. I never book through the cruiseline. I don't like paying 30% more for a tour.

 

[Jason Martin]

We were on the cruise last year and did the opposite - stayed at the Pan Pacific for one night after the cruise so we could easily drop things off and enjoy a day of sightseeing in Vancouver (Did the Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain excursion which was amazing). Anyway getting off the ship the porters did everything and escorted us and our luggage from customs to the hotel lobby. Before the cruise - stayed at the Westin which was in a great spot close to restaurants, and short walk to the hop on hop off trolley

 

[GPaLarry]

Several weeks ago, in Skagway, a mosquito landed on my hand and he/she was at least an inch high. They grow them big up there. Do take bug repellant and sun screen...I had the latter, wished I had the former. Loved the cruise, however, lots of memories with the family and mouse.

 

[xlxo]

The national bird is zika, dengue and west nile free.... they are safe to feed.

 

[KKRK Disney]

1st time cruise to Alaska on Wonder....
Saw conversations about the Pan Pacific Hotel having luggage transfer to the ship, but are there other hotels in the area that do that as well?

 

[cmwade77]

The national bird is zika, dengue and west nile free.... they are safe to feed.

You actually should never feed wild birds, it makes them dependent on people and ultimately very agressive. It is also usually illegal to feed national birds.

 

[xlxo]

You actually should never feed wild birds

 

[xlxo]

1st time cruise to Alaska on Wonder....
Saw conversations about the Pan Pacific Hotel having luggage transfer to the ship, but are there other hotels in the area that do that as well?

Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Pacific Rim offers cruise luggage transfers.

Note, you can save a lot of money looking at hotels without the cruise luggage transfer.

 

[cadien]

The really terrible mosquitoes are in the interior. Anchorage and Fairbanks. There's little issue along the actual cruise portion.

 

[lpandorf]

Kids: This was my only real CON of the trip. There were many many younger kids on the cruise. Those of which had absolutely no desire to enjoy the scenery or Alaska. Consequently, they seemed to be running rampant alone with no supervision. On the excursions, they cried, whined, and had no desire to be there. After 6 cruises this is the only time that i recall that it bothered me. Perhaps because of the nature and expense of this trip i would have thought perhaps it would be more "reserved"?

We were on the June 26 Alaska cruise and I have to agree. Even my teenagers made comments about all the whining children. We've been on two Fantasy cruises and my daughter said she didn't recall so many unhappy children. Maybe with the smaller ship and more time spent indoors we noticed it more.

 

[cruiser21]

We were on the June 26 Alaska cruise and I have to agree. Even my teenagers made comments about all the whining children. We've been on two Fantasy cruises and my daughter said she didn't recall so many unhappy children. Maybe with the smaller ship and more time spent indoors we noticed it more.

I think Its just the nature of young children. I don't know how many people on the ship were from the east coast, but the east to west time change can be rough. I live in the west and I'm pretty much a zombie the first few days home from the east coast or Europe. I don't even notice it going the other direction. It could be one reason why you saw more cranky kids.
One poster said he thought they might enjoy the beauty of Alaska. I think the beauty of any scenery is lost on young kids. At least it was on my kids when they were little. I'm heading to Alaska with my almost 13 year old. He's really excited about the excursions and seeing Alaska. 4 years ago he whined and complained every time he had to leave the ship. He's matured a lot in 4 years. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for some easy teen years. Wishful thinking I know.

 

[Rambler5678]

Splurging on a veranda for our Alaska cruise. Can someone recommend a clean/safe hotel for a couple nights stay prior to the cruise?

 

[cruiser21]

Splurging on a veranda for our Alaska cruise. Can someone recommend a clean/safe hotel for a couple nights stay prior to the cruise?

Hyatt, Pan Pacific, Westin bayshore, Hampton Inn, the list goes on and on. Vancouver has a plethora of hotels in a safe area. If your looking for cheap I'm not sure that exists in Vancouver. Hotels in Richmond by the airport are a little more reasonable.

 

[Dug720]

Splurging on a veranda for our Alaska cruise. Can someone recommend a clean/safe hotel for a couple nights stay prior to the cruise?

I found the Blue Horizon very reasonable and in a nice area.