May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[MousseauMob]

Im glad they got good reviews and they should for as nice as they are and accomadating.Ill try to post some of thw pics when im home.Looking forward to seeing you all again.I think were staying in vancouver 2 days prior.Lots to see and do there.

We're looking forward to it as well. We staying 2 nights at the Pan Pacific - so one full day to explore Vancouver!

 

[katiefried]

Does anyone have experience, recommendations or suggestions about Astoria, OR? DS is a budding filmmaker and is hearing the call of the Goonies! So, we're looking to maybe include a trip down post-cruise. Any details provided is greatly appreciated!

I'd love to see the pic! BTW - did you see the recent thread about Harv and Marvs? I think this is the link. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3131722

I lived in Astoria for one year 10 years ago, and went back for a couple days to visit in 2006 so someone else may have more current info! But it's a beautiful town if nothing else just to walk or bike on the path along the Columbia River or ride the trolley and take in the views of the river and impressive bridge. I did a little google search to jog my memory and turns out since I left they now have the Oregon Film Museum in the old historical jail. That would probably be right up your son's alley! I can't figure out how to copy and paste the link on my phone here but it should come up easily on a google search. I also saw that you can get a movie tour guide at the Astoria chamber of commerce (111 w Marine dr). When I lived there the Goonies house was a private residence and had lots of no trespassing signs but it was easily visible from the road.

Non-film related, if you're there on a clear day definitely go to the Astoria Column for beautiful views of the city, river and Saddle Mountain.

I think the main drag(s) were Marine and Commercial and there were lots of cute shops and restaurants. The one that stands out 10 years later was the Columbian Cafe which also has the Columbian Theater. They would have one or two shows a week and serve pizza and other food during the movie.

If you're already in Astoria I think you should not miss Cannon Beach and the spectacular Haystack Rock. I'm thinking this was a 20-30 min drive from Astoria? On the way you could also stop in the town of Seaside, which had sort of a beach town/boardwalk type feel. Canon Beach was also a cute town with lots of little shops but the coast is the real star!

Other notable Astoria destinations are the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Fort Clatsop National Park for Lewis & Clark history, and Fort Stevens State Park.

Driving down the Oregon Coast you'll pass state park after state park, they've done a wonderful job of keeping the coast public and protected. Oswald West State Park, just south of cannon beach is one I remember as particularly beautiful.

If you want to venture over the bridge into Washington the peninsula right across the river also has their own beach town (Long Beach) and a few state parks. I had friends that got married at the lighthouse in Cape Disappointment state park, it was beautiful.

Hope this helps! I feel like I should extend my trip south too now that I'm recalling all this!

 

[threebritts]

We're looking forward to it as well. We staying 2 nights at the Pan Pacific - so one full day to explore Vancouver!

We are going to stay at the pan pacific too....just looks so much easier. I'm sure will be exploring, we loved Grouse mountain last time but we didn't get to explore the park. How is your sister? Tell her we said hi.

 

[tink1963]

We are going to stay at the pan pacific too....just looks so much easier. I'm sure will be exploring, we loved Grouse mountain last time but we didn't get to explore the park. How is your sister? Tell her we said hi.

Heather, you will love the ease of it. I really liked that we could get up in the morning, take a walk by the Wonder and finding our veranda, have the bell man take our bags from our room for us. It made boarding so easy. Just a quick ride elevator ride down and you're there.

 

[MousseauMob]

I did a little google search to jog my memory and turns out since I left they now have the Oregon Film Museum in the old historical jail. That would probably be right up your son's alley!

That's for sure! he'll love this! I found the link - it looks like lots of fun. http://www.oregonfilmmuseum.com/default.aspx He is on a shoot right now and starts his second film apprenticeship next week, so this is right up his alley!

Thanks so much for all the information. I'm not sure how far down the coast we'll make it, but we have to make it to Haystack rock or he'll feel cheated. I'm hoping to make it to Fort Clatsop also, we'll just have to see how much we can fit in. Thanks again, this was very helpful.

We are going to stay at the pan pacific too....just looks so much easier. I'm sure will be exploring, we loved Grouse mountain last time but we didn't get to explore the park. How is your sister? Tell her we said hi.

That's awesome - we're getting to be quite a party of dis'ers at the Pan Pacific. I agree, it looks so easy, hopefully my totally irrational fear that they won't get the luggage to the ship isn't realized.

I feel so remiss and I'm truly sorry, my sister was here visiting a couple of weeks ago, and asked about all of you and wanted me to say hi! Things have just been really crazy stressful. We lost a well loved pet after 13 years. I will definitely tell her 'hi' from all of you! I heard that the name of my sister's cat is the same as Bethany's - how funny is that! Do the coincidences ever stop?

 

[pequele]

So excited! Had a garage sale yesterday and I raised just over half of my prediction (guestimate) of our excursion costs for the trip! So very excited about that. Would love to do another garage sale and raise the other half but alas, I think it is like gambling and I'd probably only make a dollar the next time! Not only that, it was the first I'd ever done and let me say, it wiped me out! I don't think I could stomach another one for a long long time at this point. Now if they would just post those dang Sitka excursions!!!!

 

[MousseauMob]

So excited! Had a garage sale yesterday and I raised just over half of my prediction (guestimate) of our excursion costs for the trip! So very excited about that. Would love to do another garage sale and raise the other half but alas, I think it is like gambling and I'd probably only make a dollar the next time! Not only that, it was the first I'd ever done and let me say, it wiped me out! I don't think I could stomach another one for a long long time at this point. Now if they would just post those dang Sitka excursions!!!!

That's awesome! Wanna come do one for me?

 

[pequele]

That's awesome! Wanna come do one for me?

hahaha there is a reason, I have learned, why I have never done one before! Holy Moly it is more than just sitting outside!!! CRAZY

BTW guys, I happened to notice on my TA website, it says my PIF date is 3/9. How does this correspond with anything? I know I have to do it sooner because I want to make my excursion ressies on 2/23 (silver). So this must be the 75 days in advance date? Is that right? I know we had been trying to figure it out but I don't know if I missed the answer.

 

[MousseauMob]

hahaha there is a reason, I have learned, why I have never done one before! Holy Moly it is more than just sitting outside!!! CRAZY

BTW guys, I happened to notice on my TA website, it says my PIF date is 3/9. How does this correspond with anything? I know I have to do it sooner because I want to make my excursion ressies on 2/23 (silver). So this must be the 75 days in advance date? Is that right? I know we had been trying to figure it out but I don't know if I missed the answer.

When I originally booked, my PIF was 3/10 so one day prior for your TA processing makes sense at 3/9. When I re-booked on board my PIF was 1/24. When I questioned this I was told that DCL has PIF date of 120 days when sailing from a foreign port. I don't know when you booked, and this is sheer speculation on m part, but I'm wondering if DCL didn't originally have this foreign port restriction in place when first offering the cruise, so anyone booking before they put the rule in place was "grandfathered" with the original date, but anyone booking after has the foreign port 120 day rule so 1/24 for PIF. I like the 10% and OBC from booking on board, but I sure wish I still had my original PIF date as 1 month after the holidays will be tight.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

When I originally booked, my PIF was 3/10 so one day prior for your TA processing makes sense at 3/9. When I re-booked on board my PIF was 1/24. When I questioned this I was told that DCL has PIF date of 120 days when sailing from a foreign port. I don't know when you booked, and this is sheer speculation on m part, but I'm wondering if DCL didn't originally have this foreign port restriction in place when first offering the cruise, so anyone booking before they put the rule in place was "grandfathered" with the original date, but anyone booking after has the foreign port 120 day rule so 1/24 for PIF. I like the 10% and OBC from booking on board, but I sure wish I still had my original PIF date as 1 month after the holidays will be tight.

I booked the cruise on 2/14/13, the first day it was available, and the PIF date was stated as 1/24/14 due to the foreign port rule you stated. I am thinking that anyone's TA that has a different date may have an error and I would inquire! I'd hate to miss the PIF date and have a problem!

 

[MousseauMob]

I booked the cruise on 2/14/13, the first day it was available, and the PIF date was stated as 1/24/14 due to the foreign port rule you stated. I am thinking that anyone's TA that has a different date may have an error and I would inquire! I'd hate to miss the PIF date and have a problem!

I booked the same day (2/14/13) directly from DCL (no TA) and I still have that old confirmation with the PIF of 3/10. I totally agree, better safe than sorry, checking with TA and DCL if needed to make sure you have the correct date.

 

[chris31997]

To all those staying at the Pan Pacific, tell my sis If you see her, they plan on arriving waaay late and just rolling out of bed and walking onto the boat.

We just got back from an unexpected trip back home, my Grandmother passed away . Now we are trying to get back into the swing of things. We are starting school back up. I managed to keep my mouth closed when the kiddos were around. I had the hardest time doing that My parents were and kept the secret. I am so proud of them. Considering my Mom, usually can't keep a secret for 5 minutes

Time to start with all do speed my Christmas shopping and get the kiddos working on making their Christmas presents

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Hi again Everybody! I can't believe it's been over a month since I last checked in. I'm catching up on the pages I missed and determined to not let this happen again. Life was just too busy this summer. My Goodness!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

welcome back! Don't despair, maybe we can pick a different night to get our pirate on!

I'm good to go on that! I will definitely pack a Pirate-ish costume for myself and my daughter to throw on spur of the moment.

It looks like we're all going to be at the Pan Pacific the night before the cruise. We should all meet to watch the Wonder sail into harbor Saturday morning!

I won't be at the Pan Pacific, but this is a GREAT idea! I can plan to meet you all at the Pan Pacific early in the morning. Watching the ship come in would be awesome to see!

hahah I know right! We've been posting at the same time. I'm soooo done with doc appointments. Who's kid do you know, when he's headed to one of the doctors' offices, says "am I having surgery today? I LOVE SURGERY!" yeh THIS one! *SMH!*

Wow he sounds like a trooper and a half!

 

[MousseauMob]

To all those staying at the Pan Pacific, tell my sis If you see her, they plan on arriving waaay late and just rolling out of bed and walking onto the boat.

I'm good to go on that! I will definitely pack a Pirate-ish costume for myself and my daughter to throw on spur of the moment.

I won't be at the Pan Pacific, but this is a GREAT idea! I can plan to meet you all at the Pan Pacific early in the morning. Watching the ship come in would be awesome to see!

The more the merrier!

 

[Autumn Fairy]

Hello fellow Alaskan cruisers! We are excited that we will be joining everyone. We've been on 2 DCL transatlantic cruises and are looking forward to Alaska!

We are:

Liz (myself)
Bobby (DH)
Autumn (DD 8)

Can't wait to get to know everyone!

 

[MousseauMob]

Hello fellow Alaskan cruisers! We are excited that we will be joining everyone. We've been on 2 DCL transatlantic cruises and are looking forward to Alaska!

We are:

Liz (myself)
Bobby (DH)
Autumn (DD 8)

Can't wait to get to know everyone!

I'd love to do a transatlantic - love those sea days! I don't know if you have cruised to Alaska before, but I remember one of the things that "surprised" me was always being in sight of land, and oh... what land... it's so beautiful. Having crossed the Pacific to Hawaii a couple of times, I was used to days with nothing but ocean. So this will be very different than your transatlantic's, but I'm sure you'll love it!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

FE question here, please explain what I just read in the FE thread:


* Right now there is a 3 way tie for groups of 20-30, 30-40, and 40-50. I will do my best to be accommodating for all 3 requests. Remember, you won't know who is in your group until the final list comes out.

Does this mean we could potentially have groups of 40- 50 cabins? or is it 40 - 50 people? I am hoping I just had a brain fart and freaked myself out for nothing. With three cruises in my future, I can't remember what was decided for which one.

 

[pequele]

Hello fellow Alaskan cruisers! We are excited that we will be joining everyone. We've been on 2 DCL transatlantic cruises and are looking forward to Alaska!

We are:

Liz (myself)
Bobby (DH)
Autumn (DD 8)

Can't wait to get to know everyone!

Hi!! Welcome. I'm the slacker who updates the list on page 1. Please forgive me. It's been crazy but I promise I will get you in there!! If you are on Facebook be sure to look us up there too.

FE question here, please explain what I just read in the FE thread:

* Right now there is a 3 way tie for groups of 20-30, 30-40, and 40-50. I will do my best to be accommodating for all 3 requests. Remember, you won't know who is in your group until the final list comes out.

Does this mean we could potentially have groups of 40- 50 cabins? or is it 40 - 50 people? I am hoping I just had a brain fart and freaked myself out for nothing. With three cruises in my future, I can't remember what was decided for which one.

Which trip is this? What I do not like is that some people call a "group" as it pertains to people and others call it per cabin. Was it said where you voted what it was you were voting on? Can you ask em to clarify? 40-50 cabins and I will DIE! I don't want to spend our whole cruise delivering gifts!

 

[chris31997]

Which trip is this? What I do not like is that some people call a "group" as it pertains to people and others call it per cabin. Was it said where you voted what it was you were voting on? Can you ask em to clarify? 40-50 cabins and I will DIE! I don't want to spend our whole cruise delivering gifts!

It is for this cruise

I took it to mean group = cabins. But I am a total Newbie when it comes to FE-thing. But I don't really want to be delivering gifts the whole cruise either.

Guess it is a good thing it is an extra long cruise 9 day