Talk to me about Alaskan Sailings

[wendlle]

I've only ever done 1 Disney cruise and it was out of Florida.

I'm thinking of doing the 8nt sailing in September 2023 but I am worried about a lot of rain.

Anyone have any experience with Alaska Sailings?
We are just wanting to do something different for our annual vacation - we are from Australia and typically do WDW or Disneyland.

 

[Lillebelle]

We did Alaska in 2019 and loved it! Things that distinguish it from the cruises out of Florida:

- You have land on one side of the ship almost the entire cruise so there's always something to look at
- No humidity! We sailed in May and had great weather (think the only rain we had was in Vancouver lol); I have no idea what September is like
- Unique menus, 'Frozen night', and fun Alaska-specific character outfits
- Alaska has gorgeous scenery and a lot of really cool excursions (we did a float plane, the Skagway train, and a helicopter to a glacier!)
- It's on the Wonder, which is an awesome ship, plus you'll experience a different vibe/crowd than the typical Bahamian cruise

The biggest downside to Alaska, especially with Disney, is the cost, as it's more expensive than the Florida cruises. That said, if you can swing it, and you're already flying all the way from Australia, I say do it!

 

[Mathmagicland]

I've only ever done 1 Disney cruise and it was out of Florida.

I'm thinking of doing the 8nt sailing in September 2023 but I am worried about a lot of rain.

Anyone have any experience with Alaska Sailings?
We are just wanting to do something different for our annual vacation - we are from Australia and typically do WDW or Disneyland.

September is a rainier time in Alaska. Just got off the DCL Alaska cruise that sailed August 29-September 5. It rained a bit half the afternoon in Juneau (September 2) and all day in Ketchikan (September 3). It also rained a bit off & on our last sea day September 4 and early the morning of our return to Vancouver before we got off the ship. There was some rain predicted for Skagway that never came, but at least one port excursion out of town that day was cancelled due to weather…not sure if it was because of rain out of town or winds as it was very windy in Skagway. Most of the rain was light soft rain, nothing really heavy.

That being said, Alaska is beautiful! And the rain didn’t really negatively impact the cruise, but then a lot of people weren’t in the pools as it was cooler with temps in the 50s Fahrenheit. We had rain coats & umbrellas for off ship. The only day we were out in the rain was Ketchikan, and that was a light, soft rain as it rains a lot in Ketchikan. None of the rainy days had rain very hard when we were in the ports. Our sail back into Vancouver, at around 0500-0600, was the hardest rain we saw all trip before it stopped as we were docking.

For context, I’m in southern California where it never rains, so any rain is more than I’ve seen this year, and I didn’t think the Alaska rains were bad. And it can rain most any time in Alaska; I was on an Alaska cruise in May 2015 where we had sunny 70-degree temps each day and locals were saying that never happened, and it then poured rain every day the following week.

If you want to track the amount of rain happening this year for your proposed travel dates next year, go to www.noaa.gov and click the Find Your Local Weather at the top left. Type in the city, ie Skagway, hit Go. When the brief results come up, click See full local forecast, then scroll down below the map on the right under Additional Resources to Hourly Weather Forecast & click that. It will take you to more detailed information where you can see in 6-hour increments how much rain is expected. Within 24-36 hours it is most accurate in my experience; farther out things can change but you can get a general idea. I like this site because while a general forecast will tell me it’s going to rain in the afternoon, this will tell me both whether it’s likely, occasional, or a slight chance, and also whether it’s less than a quarter of an inch or more than an inch or two during those six hours.

 

[wendlle]

We did Alaska in 2019 and loved it! Things that distinguish it from the cruises out of Florida:

- You have land on one side of the ship almost the entire cruise so there's always something to look at
- No humidity! We sailed in May and had great weather (think the only rain we had was in Vancouver lol); I have no idea what September is like
- Unique menus, 'Frozen night', and fun Alaska-specific character outfits
- Alaska has gorgeous scenery and a lot of really cool excursions (we did a float plane, the Skagway train, and a helicopter to a glacier!)
- It's on the Wonder, which is an awesome ship, plus you'll experience a different vibe/crowd than the typical Bahamian cruise

The biggest downside to Alaska, especially with Disney, is the cost, as it's more expensive than the Florida cruises. That said, if you can swing it, and you're already flying all the way from Australia, I say do it!

That's the thing, the price is the same as a Florida Cruise - cheaper in fact as it is an 8nt and the Florida ones are 7nt for the same price. So I think we are going to do it, I'm so excited.
I know it will be very different, the kids won't be able to swim etc but we really need to get out of our comfort zone and experience something different I feel, plus we will be visiting Disneyland on the way home so will also have that for Halloween decorations.

September is a rainier time in Alaska. Just got off the DCL Alaska cruise that sailed August 29-September 5. It rained a bit half the afternoon in Juneau (September 2) and all day in Ketchikan (September 3). It also rained a bit off & on our last sea day September 4 and early the morning of our return to Vancouver before we got off the ship. There was some rain predicted for Skagway that never came, but at least one port excursion out of town that day was cancelled due to weather…not sure if it was because of rain out of town or winds as it was very windy in Skagway. Most of the rain was light soft rain, nothing really heavy.

That being said, Alaska is beautiful! And the rain didn’t really negatively impact the cruise, but then a lot of people weren’t in the pools as it was cooler with temps in the 50s Fahrenheit. We had rain coats & umbrellas for off ship. The only day we were out in the rain was Ketchikan, and that was a light, soft rain as it rains a lot in Ketchikan. None of the rainy days had rain very hard when we were in the ports. Our sail back into Vancouver, at around 0500-0600, was the hardest rain we saw all trip before it stopped as we were docking.

For context, I’m in southern California where it never rains, so any rain is more than I’ve seen this year, and I didn’t think the Alaska rains were bad. And it can rain most any time in Alaska; I was on an Alaska cruise in May 2015 where we had sunny 70-degree temps each day and locals were saying that never happened, and it then poured rain every day the following week.

If you want to track the amount of rain happening this year for your proposed travel dates next year, go to www.noaa.gov and click the Find Your Local Weather at the top left. Type in the city, ie Skagway, hit Go. When the brief results come up, click See full local forecast, then scroll down below the map on the right under Additional Resources to Hourly Weather Forecast & click that. It will take you to more detailed information where you can see in 6-hour increments how much rain is expected. Within 24-36 hours it is most accurate in my experience; farther out things can change but you can get a general idea. I like this site because while a general forecast will tell me it’s going to rain in the afternoon, this will tell me both whether it’s likely, occasional, or a slight chance, and also whether it’s less than a quarter of an inch or more than an inch or two during those six hours.

thank you so much for the detailed information, where I live we have half the year rain and half not, so we are well used to it. We don't usually go out in it, but we can certainly invest in some raincoats and beanies!!
The excursions we will be doing would be fairly mild as my kids are little, so no helicopters etc which is where I hear a lot of the excursions can get cancelled but I'm sure we will find plenty to see and do in the towns or on board anyway.

 

[KGmomoftwins]

That's the thing, the price is the same as a Florida Cruise - cheaper in fact as it is an 8nt and the Florida ones are 7nt for the same price. So I think we are going to do it, I'm so excited.
I know it will be very different, the kids won't be able to swim etc but we really need to get out of our comfort zone and experience something different I feel, plus we will be visiting Disneyland on the way home so will also have that for Halloween decorations.



thank you so much for the detailed information, where I live we have half the year rain and half not, so we are well used to it. We don't usually go out in it, but we can certainly invest in some raincoats and beanies!!
The excursions we will be doing would be fairly mild as my kids are little, so no helicopters etc which is where I hear a lot of the excursions can get cancelled but I'm sure we will find plenty to see and do in the towns or on board anyway.

We just went with our 2 children and it was hands down the best vacation ever! I’m doing a tr that goes into everything. https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...-will-there-be-bears-and-mulled-wine.3894990/
If we could do that 8 night next year we totally would! It’s a great itinerary!

 

[KashasMom]

We've done 3 Alaskan cruises. One was a repositioning cruise at the end of April, one was 2nd week of August, and one was last week of August. The only we had rain on was the last week of August. It poured in Juneau and because of heavy fog we were unable to get into see the glacier. Excursions in Alaska are awesome though! Here's some of what we did.

In Ketchikan we've done seaplanes with Island Wings 3x (twice to - successfully - see bears at Anan Creek and Traitor's Cove - and once Misty Fjord Sightseeing). Awesome company and excursions.

In Juneau we went whale-watching twice and did a Pilot's Choice double glacier landing with Temsco Helicopters. Very cool to walk on the glaciers. We've also gone up the Tramway which provides great views over the town and beyond. We stopped at Red Dog Saloon for lunch.

In Skagway we did the dog-sledding/glacier excursion with Temsco Helicopters and twice we rented a car and using Murray's Guide to the South Klondike Highway drove to Emerald Lake. (Google for the guide which lists things to see/do by mile marker. Some of the places we stopped at along the way - Tutshi to see the Sled Dogs(puppies), Yukon Suspension Bridge, and the Welcome to Alaska highway sign.) Be sure to bring a passport for when you cross into Canada.

In Sitka we walked around on our own and went to the Raptor Center, Sitka National Historical Park/Totem Park, St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral, and had a reindeer hot dog.

We were one of the first ships when we went to Icy Strait Point and there wasn't much going on so other than taking a bus around the town, we didn't do much.

In Victoria we did a hop on hop off bus with a stop at Craigdarroch Castle and a stop to explore downtown, walking as far as Fan Tan Alley. Then we walked to the wharf and had some fish and chips at Barb's while we watched the sea planes landing amongst the float homes.

We always had an amazing time and had time to walk through the town (Ketchikan has totem poles and Creek Street, Juneau has the tram for great views, etc.) - and there's plenty of shopping although most stores in each port and from port to port are very similar.

We booked everything on our own - nothing through the cruise line. Whatever you do, you'll have a blast!

 

[Cheburashka]

We had an unforgettable Alaskan DCL cruise. Enjoy!

 

[brent02139]

we just went on Disney Alaska cruise on the Wonder on 8/22, it was our first cruise. That week, weather started clearing up, we got a glacier excusion spot, did helicopter glacier excusions. Didn't end up doing Ketchikan nature center because of rain and cold. We were lucky because the 8/15 cruising saw worse weather and rain.

Disney Alaska cruises are very very expensive, Both Disney and Alaska factors makes it more expensive than other cruises out of Florida or elsewhere. After oceanview room and excusions and such, we spent $12k making it one of our most expensive vacations.

I think it's important to go at a time when it's not raining as much. Of course, can't guarantee good weather, but August/Sept will see significantly more rain. Significant rain and weather is an issue because so much of what Alaskan cruise is about is the outdoors. If you have heavy fog, you can't see the scenary. Heavy rain, fog, and wind will cancel helicopter and float plane excusions. It's miserable walking to glaciers and nature hikes when it's cold and rainy. We heard a guy cursing and mad in the streets of Juneau because his helicopter excursion got canceled and ours was 2 hours later that we got to go.

Even by 8/22, things were starting to shut down. Businesses were packing up. Some excursions companies were on their last week of operations.

We were in forward part of the ship, where as when AFT was shaking violently when it was sailing somehwere. I understand that's the case for most cruise ships but seems like Wonder might be more so than others.

Just our opinion, but we disliked Triton's and we had that 3 nights during our 7 night cruise. We wished we could have gotten more Tiana's or Animator's. Triton's didn't have much entertainment and was too dark.

 

[CamillaF]

We did our first Alaskan cruise 8/8-8/15 with our 8 year old twins. We had no rain except some light drizzle in Ketchikan. We had a blast on the slide. It was empty so no line and the water was heated and they had some sort of hot air blowing at the top of the slide. It was delightful. We liked it so much we booked a Norwegian fiords cruise next summer. Have fun!

 

[mlayton14]

we just went on Disney Alaska cruise on the Wonder on 8/22, it was our first cruise. That week, weather started clearing up, we got a glacier excusion spot, did helicopter glacier excusions. Didn't end up doing Ketchikan nature center because of rain and cold. We were lucky because the 8/15 cruising saw worse weather and rain.

Disney Alaska cruises are very very expensive, Both Disney and Alaska factors makes it more expensive than other cruises out of Florida or elsewhere. After oceanview room and excusions and such, we spent $12k making it one of our most expensive vacations.

I think it's important to go at a time when it's not raining as much. Of course, can't guarantee good weather, but August/Sept will see significantly more rain. Significant rain and weather is an issue because so much of what Alaskan cruise is about is the outdoors. If you have heavy fog, you can't see the scenary. Heavy rain, fog, and wind will cancel helicopter and float plane excusions. It's miserable walking to glaciers and nature hikes when it's cold and rainy. We heard a guy cursing and mad in the streets of Juneau because his helicopter excursion got canceled and ours was 2 hours later that we got to go.

Even by 8/22, things were starting to shut down. Businesses were packing up. Some excursions companies were on their last week of operations.

We were in forward part of the ship, where as when AFT was shaking violently when it was sailing somehwere. I understand that's the case for most cruise ships but seems like Wonder might be more so than others.

Just our opinion, but we disliked Triton's and we had that 3 nights during our 7 night cruise. We wished we could have gotten more Tiana's or Animator's. Triton's didn't have much entertainment and was too dark.

I recently checked historical rain amounts - august has approx 1 inch more per month on average than July , food for thought

 

[wendlle]

Thank you all so much for the input.
I went ahead and booked the 8 night sailing in September 2023
I know it's not an ideal time of year, but it was the time we can go and it was an OK price.

We may not get to see everything due to closures and winding down but my kids will have a blast and as long as I get to do some things I'll be OK.
I'll have to invest in some rain and winter gear as I don't need it where I'm from.

I was surprised by the price, most of the Caribbean cruises were the same price or more expensive, so feel like we are getting a pretty good deal.
I went with the Oceanview. I can't afford the verandah and last cruise we didn't use it, it was too hot and windy so OV will be fine for us.

 

[PlutoDisney]

My family are also from Australia and are booked on DCL Alaska cruise in June 2023. Making the long trip from Australia we usually do a 3-4 week trip to WDW with a Bahamas Cruise. We haven't been on a trip to WDW since 2018 due to COVID and a member of the family has a special birthday next year so we wanted to do something a bit different and more special for our first trip. I feel like this cruise will be very different from our usual Bahama cruises, so excited for the different atmosphere and amazing scenery. We are planning a week in Vancouver after the cruise to make the trip worthwhile.

The weather doesn't really bother me as it will already be chilly from winter when we leave so won't have too much adjusting to the cold to do and we see plenty of rain on and off all year anyway. Daily changes in weather will just give me a new way to view the scenery each day.

Enjoy your trip wendlle

 

[TNewman1024]

We are booked on the same cruise with ya!

We saw the 8 night and jumped on it.
This will be our 6th DCL cruise to Alaska, we are from AZ and the rain is one reason we go to Alaska July in AZ is brutal. Last year we had 60some days straight whee our low at 5am never dropped below 100degF and daytime it was 114-115 I think we even had a 118 or 119 but it was COVID year so no Alaska

Our First Cruise ever 2013 7 night Last cruise of the season Sept 10 or something. It was fun and we didn't have really weather at all. One morning the Juneau excurisons in the morning were canceled if they involved the float planes and Helicopters but by noon the sun was out and the afternoon trips were on schedule. We just skipped the float plane and went up the tram to the lookout (Mt Roberts?) Went into Tracy Arm for the South Sawyer Glacier and the fog and the light rain kept us from seeing the mountain tops but it was the beautiful quiet this with the low fog and light rain. It looked like the waterfalls running off the sides of the mountains were pouring out from the clouds. It was eerie quiet just breataking even though it was rainy. Soft rain with a waterproof jacket and a hat. It wasn't really cold just calm smooth water. It was really awesome. Crew served hot soup in bread bowls and grilled salmon on deck. Loved it so much we booked next year and book the inlaws. Ocean View room

2014 7 night June 25 or so. Sons Birthday is 6/27 and we were on the ship with Grandma and Papa. They loved it. 2 Ocean View Rooms Adjoining

2016 7 Night mid July It was actually hot they were talking about the heat wave as it was 79 and sunny in Ketchikan Veranda.

2017 9-Night July 24 Hubbard was the Bomb. Will try to get the 9 night and Hubbard time. This is the 1st time DCL was in Icy Straight Point the "tribe" greeted the ship at their new dock with costumes and dance. It was pretty cool. whale watching in Icy Straight, didn't see a bunch of whales but saw 2 different pods of Orcas. One had babies and came right up to our boat. On the way back from Hubbard we were in Tianas at the back of the ship and there were whales jumping just outside the windows. The entire dinning room ran to the port and the whales were between the ship and the shore. They were really easy to see from deck 3 windows. Veranda

2019 9-Night July 7 Hubbard again was the treat. Also Sitka Our first trip to Sitka, went on a wildlife watching saw whales, and hundreds of sea otters. Bunches of seals, Orcas. Did Salmon fishing in Ketchikan, caught a bunch and had them pack and ship home we ate our wild caught salmon for 6-7 months. Probably the most expensive salmon we ever bought but it was really good. They packaged and shipped it to us after we arrived home. Veranda

We have done Panama Canal East Bound, Star Wars Day at Sea in 2020 right before Covid, Marvel Day at sea, just a Magic 4 night, and 5 night to Nassau and Castaway, 5-night Mexican Riviera on the Wonder and of all the ones were enjoyed the Alaska the most with close second Panama Canal but that was 15 nights.

Look forward to another awesome Alaska Cruise even if it is Sept our first was Sept and we got hooked.

 

[wendlle]

My family are also from Australia and are booked on DCL Alaska cruise in June 2023. Making the long trip from Australia we usually do a 3-4 week trip to WDW with a Bahamas Cruise. We haven't been on a trip to WDW since 2018 due to COVID and a member of the family has a special birthday next year so we wanted to do something a bit different and more special for our first trip. I feel like this cruise will be very different from our usual Bahama cruises, so excited for the different atmosphere and amazing scenery. We are planning a week in Vancouver after the cruise to make the trip worthwhile.

The weather doesn't really bother me as it will already be chilly from winter when we leave so won't have too much adjusting to the cold to do and we see plenty of rain on and off all year anyway. Daily changes in weather will just give me a new way to view the scenery each day.

Enjoy your trip wendlle

Yes, we usually go to WDW for 3-4 weeks as well! How funny, I've only ever done a Caribbean Cruise and that was back in 2014. We haven't been to WDW since 2019 due to Covid of course, I had a 2020 trip that had to be cancelled to DL for the Christmas decorations with one of my kids. But we are now going this November instead and I'm taking the two kids with me - Hubby is staying at home.

It's a long way but we love it.
I have been checking the Vancouver and Alaska weather the last few days and honestly this Winter here has been so brutal it won't be much different to home, so like you said the adjustment won't be too bad - it's not like when we land in September at Orlando - that can take a few days getting used to after coming out of Winter into direct Summer heat.

We are booked on the same cruise with ya!

OMG, awesome!! I am so excited, it will be so different for my family we've never done anything like this before, but in a good way we are very excited for it. My kids already just care about the kids club, so I know at least I'll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery with them doing their own thing in the club.

 

[holula]

The most amazing cruise! Did it in 2012 and am planning another for maybe 2024.

 

[Mathmagicland]

I'll have to invest in some rain and winter gear as I don't need it where I'm from.

Rain gear, yes; winter gear, probably not needed. It’s not really cold, temps in the 50s Fahrenheit, unless you plan to go to one of the glaciers. Layers are best. We went with unlined rain jackets, hoodies or sweatshirts, and both long & short sleeve t-shirts….things that could be layered up or down as needed. I’d also suggest leather or waterproof shoes, as it can get quite mucky in some places when raining and your fabric shoes will end up wet. Skechers makes some nice ones that look like athletic shoes rather than hIkers so pack easier. We also had fleece ear bands, think headbands that cover your ears. Ski caps not really needed if you’ve got another hat on or if you’re going up to the glaciers.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[malba2366]

I've only ever done 1 Disney cruise and it was out of Florida.

I'm thinking of doing the 8nt sailing in September 2023 but I am worried about a lot of rain.

Anyone have any experience with Alaska Sailings?
We are just wanting to do something different for our annual vacation - we are from Australia and typically do WDW or Disneyland.

To be 100% honest I would do Alaska with Princess as they have the north to south itineraries, they go in glacier national park and they have the most sailings in Alaska to fit your schedule. Alaska is more about the scenery and excursions vs the ship and you get to see a lot more on the north to south sailings vs the circle sailings from Vancouver/Seattle.

 

[wendlle]

Rain gear, yes; winter gear, probably not needed. It’s not really cold, temps in the 50s Fahrenheit,

For me this is very cold! I would need to put on a lot of clothes to handle that temp.

To be 100% honest I would do Alaska with Princess as they have the north to south itineraries, they go in glacier national park and they have the most sailings in Alaska to fit your schedule. Alaska is more about the scenery and excursions vs the ship and you get to see a lot more on the north to south sailings vs the circle sailings from Vancouver/Seattle.

I won't cruise with anyone who has a casino, and to be honest It's more about my kids enjoyment too, they really love Disney as much as I do.

 

[auntlynne]

I’ve cruised AK (Alaska) 5 times; mid-May, late May, late June, mid-July, and early September.

I’ve packed and worn the same type of clothes for each, just taking off layers when needed. Even within a week, temps vary. I am cold natured and need hat, gloves, a warm coat (puffy coats pack really small). And a rain parks to cover the coat. I wear closed-toe Keen sandals that can be thrown in the washer and dryer (There are self-serve machines onboard. Handy for longer cruises.). Kid sizes, too. And use them at the beach. Or DL.



Ketchikan is a very rainy city - it probably rains most days. But I have never had it rain all day on my trips.

You’ll notice the effects of the rain - lots of green. And the air is fresh and often crisp.

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Enjoy!

 

[TNewman1024]

You will be surprised. I don't know of anyone that has ever come away from a DCL to Alaska and not said "WOW" even when the weather is not perfect 70's sunny and no wind.

We are excited about as it hits Skagway and Sitka.