May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[MoonDaughter23]

Woke up this morning obsessing about the cruise (it's going to be a long 16 months )

I was worried I was the only one. I'm a super planner and super excited about this cruise. As soon as I booked I read through every single Alaska port excursion. I'm sure the Sitka excursions won't even come out until 2 weeks before Platinum can book. But on another thread I was reminded by how thorough DCL is about choosing which vendors to use so I can wait.

Did you book both of you with points? Do you mind my asking how many points it took?

I would also like to know since I haven't looked at a chart is the number of points based on category?

I had to call DVC directly because the chart was not up yet on Opening Day. But it's up now if you are DVC. (I don't think it would be ok to post it here)

But yes, I was able to book both of us with points. This will be my 4th cruise but the 2nd I was able to book with points. How many points of course depends on what you want, when you want it and how you want to use them. After my most recent cruise, I decided no more verandahs for me because I was hardly ever in the stateroom to enjoy it. I was undecided between Cat9 or 10 for this cruise (I don't like that 11 doesn't have split bathrooms). I got lucky with a 10A being available and snagged it! Because of double occupancy and peak season I ended up using 648 total points for the 10A. But if my mom had decided to come with us this time (who pays cash for her portion) the points for my daughter would have been almost 100 less because she would have been considered the "3rd adult". On the NYE Fantasy I was able to get a Navigator's for 498 points because (even though it also peak) was it was a 7 night on a Caribbean itinerary and my mom was with us.

I'm sure some expert DVC members out there would find me foolish for doing it this way. But I actually just banked a bunch of points forward and was trying to figure out how to use them up before they expired so it was a win win for me.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

No judgement from me on how you use your points. If it works for you, that is all that matters. Yes, we are DVC, have owned since 1999.

 

[MousseauMob]

We have snow here today, which we almost never get, and it is so beautiful, huge puffy snowflakes and beautiful cardinals swarming to my backyard feeders. If I get a descent picture, I will post one.

Great pictures!

As soon as I booked I read through every single Alaska port excursion.

I did the same, and I've been to all of the ports (multiple times) except Skagway. Didn't matter - was obsessed anyway.

 

[pequele]

Woke up this morning obsessing about the cruise (it's going to be a long 16 months ) and I decided I wanted to watch some Disney Wonder Alaska videos on YouTube.

The very first video that we pull up is their day at Tracy Arm and they show some shots of the inside of their cabin and the outside of their door, and you won't believe it, but they were in the cabin that we have booked-so I have already seen the inside and some of the views we will have. How cool is that?

I have actually been trying to move us down a deck from 7 to 6 because it would be the same views and still have cabins above us (no clubs etc.), and a little bit cheaper, but I think this is a sign I need to stay put in the cabin we have booked right now.

That's awesome! On our 3 night in May I happened across a thread where someone was asking about the 2 porthole rooms and someone linked to another thread where someone had posted pics...it is the exact room we are in in May for our Bahamian! I love being able to see something more than just a generalized example!

I also want to know how we are going to make it another 16 months! My son and I were watching videos on YouTube today (thanks for the idea!). He was getting all excited after he was done asking about the people in the videos ("who is that" "will they be on our boat" "what's her name"). I almost feel like I am slighting our first DCL cruise this May ahaha. I'm excited but honestly not as excited as Alaska! tick tock tick tock haha.

Oh, I have no doubt about that, I was just trying to keep the same accommodations and maybe save a couple hundred bucks, but I am going to stay put.

We have snow here today, which we almost never get, and it is so beautiful, huge puffy snowflakes and beautiful cardinals swarming to my backyard feeders. If I get a descent picture, I will post one.

I absolutely love the cardinals! We get a lot of them here and they are so strikenly red right now.

I was worried I was the only one. I'm a super planner and super excited about this cruise. As soon as I booked I read through every single Alaska port excursion. I'm sure the Sitka excursions won't even come out until 2 weeks before Platinum can book. But on another thread I was reminded by how thorough DCL is about choosing which vendors to use so I can wait.

I had to call DVC directly because the chart was not up yet on Opening Day. But it's up now if you are DVC. (I don't think it would be ok to post it here)

But yes, I was able to book both of us with points. This will be my 4th cruise but the 2nd I was able to book with points. How many points of course depends on what you want, when you want it and how you want to use them. After my most recent cruise, I decided no more verandahs for me because I was hardly ever in the stateroom to enjoy it. I was undecided between Cat9 or 10 for this cruise (I don't like that 11 doesn't have split bathrooms). I got lucky with a 10A being available and snagged it! Because of double occupancy and peak season I ended up using 648 total points for the 10A. But if my mom had decided to come with us this time (who pays cash for her portion) the points for my daughter would have been almost 100 less because she would have been considered the "3rd adult". On the NYE Fantasy I was able to get a Navigator's for 498 points because (even though it also peak) was it was a 7 night on a Caribbean itinerary and my mom was with us.

I'm sure some expert DVC members out there would find me foolish for doing it this way. But I actually just banked a bunch of points forward and was trying to figure out how to use them up before they expired so it was a win win for me.

You've only read each and every port excursion once so far? I LOVE looking at them, too! I can't wait to see what they have for Sitka. Have you checked out the port/city just on its own? I looked quickly once before booking but nothing like really investigated it only because I will stick with Disney excursions since it is just myself and my son, we don't need to be totally adventurous. I'm perfectly cool with letting them do the work for me haha. I wonder how many they will offer for Sitka being that it will be only one call to port for them this year.

We just joined DVC a year ago. I've been busy booking trips to WDW with the points I've gotten. I'm going to check out the charts though. I don't have many points so I would hate to have to combine the current with borrowed and stored to use for a cruise for us. No WDW for 3 years? OMG I couldn't do it

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Great pictures!

I did the same, and I've been to all of the ports (multiple times) except Skagway. Didn't matter - was obsessed anyway.

Heck, I am already looking at flight options from the East Coast. Things can change, but it looks like our best option pricewise (flying out of Raleigh/Durham) is to go into Seattle and take the Amtrak. Airfare directly into Vancouver looks pretty expensive.

 

[pequele]

Heck, I am already looking at flight options from the East Coast. Things can change, but it looks like our best option pricewise (flying out of Raleigh/Durham) is to go into Seattle and take the Amtrak. Airfare directly into Vancouver looks pretty expensive.

yes I have heard this is a good option, also a one way car rental isn't very expensive either. I am comptemplating (even though I cannot spell it) flying into Seattle so I can see some family in Olympia and then make my way up to Vancouver either by train or car. Then again, it being just me and my son who will be 5, I'm thinking of just biting the bullet and flying to Vancouver. Oh thank God we still have awhile before we can book ahaha. I do recommend putting in a "request" on airfarewatchdog (add a dot com) and they will notify you of the cheapest flights between destinations via email. You can set up as many as you want if you have multiple airport options like I have in New England, plus you can set SeaTac and Vancouver (well I assume you can do Canadian as I haven't tried yet), but it is GREAT not to have to stalk the airlines yourself!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

yes I have heard this is a good option, also a one way car rental isn't very expensive either. I am comptemplating (even though I cannot spell it) flying into Seattle so I can see some family in Olympia and then make my way up to Vancouver either by train or car. Then again, it being just me and my son who will be 5, I'm thinking of just biting the bullet and flying to Vancouver. Oh thank God we still have awhile before we can book ahaha. I do recommend putting in a "request" on airfarewatchdog (add a dot com) and they will notify you of the cheapest flights between destinations via email. You can set up as many as you want if you have multiple airport options like I have in New England, plus you can set SeaTac and Vancouver (well I assume you can do Canadian as I haven't tried yet), but it is GREAT not to have to stalk the airlines yourself!

Great suggestion on the airfarewatchdog site--I haven't used them before.

 

[pequele]

Heck, I am already looking at flight options from the East Coast. Things can change, but it looks like our best option pricewise (flying out of Raleigh/Durham) is to go into Seattle and take the Amtrak. Airfare directly into Vancouver looks pretty expensive.

Great suggestion on the airfarewatchdog site--I haven't used them before.

obviously it is too far out there but you can watch trends and also get an idea of Vancouver vs Seattle, etc. I think I will likely have to go out of Boston for the cheapest fare but with the airline industry ya never know what it will be like in a year!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

No judgement from me on how you use your points. If it works for you, that is all that matters. Yes, we are DVC, have owned since 1999.

I did the same, and I've been to all of the ports (multiple times) except Skagway. Didn't matter - was obsessed anyway.

I spent a lot of my obsessing time waiting for news on the 2014 Alaska itineraries. When DCL released only half the year for 2014. I was beside myself. Once they finally released this week and I booked I was able to calm down....only a bit.

You've only read each and every port excursion once so far? I LOVE looking at them, too! I can't wait to see what they have for Sitka. Have you checked out the port/city just on its own? I looked quickly once before booking but nothing like really investigated it only because I will stick with Disney excursions since it is just myself and my son, we don't need to be totally adventurous. I'm perfectly cool with letting them do the work for me haha. I wonder how many they will offer for Sitka being that it will be only one call to port for them this year.

I never said I only read them once. Definitely read over them a few times and created a spreadsheet. Yep I have a sickness. (Hee hee). Haven't done YouTube yet, but I did look at other Alaskan sites last summer and Googled Sitka from the time the 9 night rumor started just to get an idea. I held myself back from looking at the DCL port adventures until I knew I could go. I have to curb my sickness sometimes to keep myself in check.

So far I think I'll stick with Disney excursions as well. Many look interesting to me and are reasonably priced. There have been other itineraries where I have said it's not worth it and did stuff on my own, but on this one I see a lot of potential for fun new things to try.

We just joined DVC a year ago. I've been busy booking trips to WDW with the points I've gotten. I'm going to check out the charts though. I don't have many points so I would hate to have to combine the current with borrowed and stored to use for a cruise for us. No WDW for 3 years? OMG I couldn't do it

I've been DVC for just over a year as well. But even with Disneyland being "right next door" (I'm in AZ), I haven't been able to use my points there yet. My daughter's school trip last year and one again in April of this year helped fill my yearly quota on DLR trips. Plus both times I'm one of the chaperones. Can't stay at the Grand Californian when the rest of the group is in a hotel 30 mins away. And then when we went opening week of Cars Land there was no chance of staying at the Californian so I had to go "Good Neighbor." So I booked Aulani for a week in 2013 and used most of the rest on Alaska. Not a bad trade off.

But soon, no more school trips to DLR and I can plan to use my points much closer to home and have less worry about losing unused points to expiration dates.

obviously it is too far out there but you can watch trends and also get an idea of Vancouver vs Seattle

It bugs me to have to wait 4 more months before flights are available to book. Time is already going too slowly. LOL.

I've been pondering the Seattle/Amtrak or rental car option too. I might do this if I can't find a good deal on the Vancouver hotel prices. The DCL recommended hotel is beautiful but pricey.

Also Bellingham, WA/Amtrak or rental car might be a good option for anyone who has Allegiant Airlines (or another budget airline) near them. Bellingham is only an hour south of Vancouver as opposed to 2 1/2 hours from Seattle.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

So, I spent the entire day yesterday watching the snow fall and reading threads and making notes in a word document. .

Regarding the excursions, I did read in several trip reports that you can book some of the same excursions on your own for less money and maybe a better experience. We tend to go with Disney's excursions, but since some of these are so expensive, I think I will be doing a lot more research.

I have seen reference to a specific "Alaska" thread, but I haven't been able to find one with search yet. If anyone has come across it, would you please post a link. I have no idea what the title is, I have just seen reference a couple of times to "you can find that in the Alaska thread."

Here are a couple of threads that I have found of interest. If anyone comes across helpful threads, please share. And I am sure that as the Alaska sailing start up in May there will be more threads and trip reports to follow. I am surprised that I am not finding very many trip reports--maybe I should say not that many reports where the sailing starts in Vancouver.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2901147&highlight=seattle

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45323149&postcount=748

 

[pequele]

I've been DVC for just over a year as well. But even with Disneyland being "right next door" (I'm in AZ), I haven't been able to use my points there yet. My daughter's school trip last year and one again in April of this year helped fill my yearly quota on DLR trips. Plus both times, I'm one of the chaperones. Can't stay at the Grand Californian when the rest of the group is in a hotel 30 mins away. And then when we went opening week of Cars Land there was no chance of staying at the Californian so I had to go "Good Neighbor." So I booked Aulani for a week in 2013 and used most of the rest on Alaska. Not a bad trade off.


It bugs me to have to wait 4 more months before flights are available to book. Time is already going too slowly. LOL.

I've been pondering the Seattle/Amtrak or rental car option too. I might do this if I can't find a good deal on the Vancouver hotel prices. The DCL recommended hotel is beautiful but pricey.

Also Bellingham, WA/Amtrak or rental car might be a good option for anyone who has Allegiant Airlines (or another budget airline) near them. Bellingham is only an hour south of Vancouver as opposed to 2 1/2 hours from Seattle.

Yes I've been pondering Aulani, too. Maybe the later part of 2014 or early 2015. I'd LOVE a ABD trip but the price tag...ouch! I have to do a lot of saving for that.

We don't have Allegiant around here (that I know of but we have Southwest which goes into Sea Tac. I just don't want to make 47 stops either. Sigh. Plus I don't know about Allegiant but it takes JetBlue and Southwest forever to put out their schedule! I doubt I have that kind of patience BWAHAHAHA

So, I spent the entire day yesterday watching the snow fall and reading threads and making notes in a word document. .

Regarding the excursions, I did read in several trip reports that you can book some of the same excursions on your own for less money and maybe a better experience. We tend to go with Disney's excursions, but since some of these are so expensive, I think I will be doing a lot more research.

I have seen reference to a specific "Alaska" thread, but I haven't been able to find one with search yet. If anyone has come across it, would you please post a link. I have no idea what the title is, I have just seen reference a couple of times to "you can find that in the Alaska thread."

Here are a couple of threads that I have found of interest. If anyone comes across helpful threads, please share. And I am sure that as the Alaska sailing start up in May there will be more threads and trip reports to follow. I am surprised that I am not finding very many trip reports--maybe I should say not that many reports where the sailing starts in Vancouver.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2901147&highlight=seattle

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45323149&postcount=748

I don't have the link because I am on my phone but there is an Alaskan excursion one I'm subscribed to. I will post it when I'm on the computer.

 

[MousseauMob]

Oh you guys are NOT helping me curb my obsessive tendencies! Enablers that what you are - Enablers!!!!

We have cruised to Alaska 3 times all out of Seattle, this will be our first time out of Vancouver. We always drive up, so we'll have a car we need to park for the cruise. I looked at parking in Seattle and taking Amtrak but then I was looking at the Pan Pacific hotel and Oh My they are right at the cruise terminal, and I need to do a bit more research but I think they have parking for cruises also! You just take the elevator to the basement and you are in the cruise terminal - HOW COOL IS THAT! If this turns out as easy/nice as it appears, I may never cruise out of Seattle again. Just kidding - we love Seattle.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Oh you guys are NOT helping me curb my obsessive tendencies! Enablers that what you are - Enablers!!!!

We have cruised to Alaska 3 times all out of Seattle, this will be our first time out of Vancouver. We always drive up, so we'll have a car we need to park for the cruise. I looked at parking in Seattle and taking Amtrak but then I was looking at the Pan Pacific hotel and Oh My they are right at the cruise terminal, and I need to do a bit more research but I think they have parking for cruises also! You just take the elevator to the basement and you are in the cruise terminal - HOW COOL IS THAT! If this turns out as easy/nice as it appears, I may never cruise out of Seattle again. Just kidding - we love Seattle.

I had read about the Pan Pacific as well, and it sounds really convenient, but flying into Vancouver instead of Seattle may be out of the question for us. How far of a drive do you have to get to Seattle?

 

[MousseauMob]

I had read about the Pan Pacific as well, and it sounds really convenient, but flying into Vancouver instead of Seattle may be out of the question for us. How far of a drive do you have to get to Seattle?

It's about 12 hours - we split it into 2 days, so adding the extra 3 hours to Vancouver shouldn't be a big deal and it is still much easier than our drive down to Galveston is going to be.

I recognized some Disnames from the Hawaii cruise. everyone!

 

[Himmin]

Hey all!!

We booked today!! We are booked on the California to Vancover cruise then the 9 Night Alaska cruise Eeek so excited and looking forward to sailing with you guys!!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Here are a couple of threads that I have found of interest. If anyone comes across helpful threads, please share. And I am sure that as the Alaska sailing start up in May there will be more threads and trip reports to follow. I am surprised that I am not finding very many trip reports--maybe I should say not that many reports where the sailing starts in Vancouver.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2901147&highlight=seattle

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45323149&postcount=748

Thank you for these. The 1st link helped me confirm my guesses on how to pack.

I'd LOVE a ABD trip but the price tag...ouch! I have to do a lot of saving for that.

I know. I had to stop looking at ABD. I would have to win the lottery to ever be able to afford those. Since I don't play the lottery...

We don't have Allegiant around here (that I know of but we have Southwest which goes into Sea Tac. I just don't want to make 47 stops either. Sigh. Plus I don't know about Allegiant but it takes JetBlue and Southwest forever to put out their schedule! I doubt I have that kind of patience BWAHAHAHA

Allegiant also takes forever to put out their schedules. They are a very limited route airline. We use them a lot to connect to Billings to see my brother. Southwest and JetBlue are rarely worth it for me anymore. I know a lot of people who get great deals with them, but for some odd reason I don't get the same luck.

Oh you guys are NOT helping me curb my obsessive tendencies! Enablers that what you are - Enablers!!!!

We have cruised to Alaska 3 times all out of Seattle, this will be our first time out of Vancouver. We always drive up, so we'll have a car we need to park for the cruise. I looked at parking in Seattle and taking Amtrak but then I was looking at the Pan Pacific hotel and Oh My they are right at the cruise terminal, and I need to do a bit more research but I think they have parking for cruises also! You just take the elevator to the basement and you are in the cruise terminal - HOW COOL IS THAT!

Staying on the waterfront and taking an elevator to the terminal is BEYOND awesome. Talk about stress free convenience!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Hey all!!

We booked today!! We are booked on the California to Vancover cruise then the 9 Night Alaska cruise Eeek so excited and looking forward to sailing with you guys!!

Welcome!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Good, our group is growing.

Cool that you will love doing a B2B. We did that on the Dream and would love to do it again. If DH could be away from the office that long, we would be doing the exact same thing. It would be so much easier for us to fly into San Diego rather than Seattle or Vancouver.

 

[pequele]

Great now you guys have me thinking a skip down to LA to go to Disney for a few days before or after. I was born and raised in CA so to me it is nothing...it's for my son! Man I love to have him to blame for stuff . I'm not even sure I would get to see any of my family while there since they are all teachers and would not like get to go so close to the end of the year. Other family lives in Olympia if we fly through Seattle. But shhh that just doesn't sound as fun ahahaha.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Hey all!!

We booked today!! We are booked on the California to Vancover cruise then the 9 Night Alaska cruise Eeek so excited and looking forward to sailing with you guys!!

OK, you have stirred things up. I have now booked the San Diego-Vancouver sailing as well. My sil says she is sailing with us, so she and I will go San Diego-Vancouver and then DH will join us in Vancouver.

I recognize that she can change her mind several times before any of this is to happen, but for right now we are B2B, San Diego-Vancouver-Alaska-Vancouver.