Need help with possible alaskan cruise?

[chaseg03]

We are wanting to try something new. We have done many caribbean cruises. I have some questions about the 5 night alaskan cruises.

1) How is the wonder in general? I know its an older ship but how does it compare do the dream class.

2) How is it for teens? Id be 15 at the time of sailing if we book. Will I get bored?

3) Whats the weather normally like?

4) Last, hows the cruise in general. Are the stops cool?

I have never been on the wonder before. Ive been on the dream and magic. Thanks for any tips and tricks!

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts...

• see if you can get a 7 day itinerary.... the 5 day excludes my fav ports Juneau and Skagway.
• there's a lot of sea days with the least fav AK port
• August is the start of the wet season. Try July or earlier for a better dry experience.
• the Wonder was great when I went 3 years ago.

 

[lorimay]

Its completely different than a Caribbean cruise for sure.
Its weird after packing for the warm beachy cruise then packing sweaters and jackets for a cooler cruise.
Its a wonderful cruise, the scenery throughout is just breathtaking.
I highly recommend it one of the most beautiful scenic cruises we have ever done.
Love The Wonder and The Magic ships!!!!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We just booked an Alaska 7 nite for 2018! I must admit I am giddy! We were considering the 5 nite, but it seemed like a long way to travel for us (east coast) to not see that much of Alaska. Our cruise is the beginning of August as that is what fit the budget, so hoping for some good weather. And we are in a small cabin, but we will be there. Plus-the Wonder was our first cruise ever, will be so nice to see her again!

 

[MarleneP]

1) We were on the Wonder right before the refurbishment. I think she was showing her age but we love the smaller ships.

2)My son was 15 at the time went he thought it was the best cruise we went on. He made friends with a group of kids and we really didn't see him much while on board

 

[cruisehopeful]

I have some questions about the 5 night alaskan cruises

5 night only has one port. I recommend doing at least the 7 night or you will basically be on the ship the whole time.

How is the wonder in general?

I love the Wonder. It is similar to Magic, which you mentioned you've been on. I think it is great.

How is it for teens? Id be 15 at the time of sailing if we book. Will I get bored?

Vibe was excellent when I had a teen with me. I rarely saw my teen, actually made dinner together mandatory so we could spend some time together. Vibe is apparently great for your age group.

Whats the weather normally like?

Cold. Can be rainy on port days. The day you sail to a glacier will be very cold because you are surrounded by ice. Wear layers.

Last, hows the cruise in general. Are the stops cool?

The cruise is great. If you like gorgeous scenery and/or wildlife, it is a great vacation. The ports are all about nature and unspoiled land.

 

[khsu]

1. We were on the Wonder the week of August 15 last year, before it was refurbished. It should be a similar size to the Magic. We have been on the Dream twice. One benefit is you notice it is less crowded than the bigger ships.
2. My son was 11 and went to the Edge for programming. I thought the counselors did a great job. Kids 14-17 are in the Vibe.
3. Mid-August 2016, it was forecast for rain most of the week, but once we were there, we only had 1 misty day! Sunny and mid-60s.
4. We loved seeing the wildlife -bears, salmon, eagles, whales. There is also a naturalist on board. My son went to all her talks. They loved seeing and learning about the glaciers.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Just wanted to mention quickly - the Wonder re-imaginging was much improved over when the Magic was done, my opinion. We were just on the Wonder 2/16-2/19 and have sailed with her twice to Alaska, with the most recent one this past August. They did an amazing job and much improved and she wasn't bad to begin with! I have a hard time picking a favorite ship as they all hold special meaning to me however they really did do an awesome job with the re-imagination this time and she was in awesome shape.

Scott, from www.disneycruiselineblog.com did a trip report during our trip (our families sailed together). He has some awesome pictures and write-ups for those interested.

Thanks,
Heather

 

[lklgoodman]

We went to Alaska on the Wonder before it went to dry dock for the updates. I enjoyed it then and can't wait until we cruise on it again. Have you checked out the port adventures for Alaska? I think there's a better variety of things to do than there is for Caribbean cruises. My dd was too young to do any thrilling ones, but we had family who went zip-lining and white water rafting and they really enjoyed them.

 

[xlxo]

Have you checked out the port adventures for Alaska?

And don't forget your bonus port.... Vancouver has lots of things to do for a few days... possibly a week!