The 2011 Alaskan Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[sabrecmc]

You're not the only worrier! If it were just me, I'd happily do it all on my own. With my daughter...I just don't want to deal with it and would rather DCL handle the logistics. On our DCL Med cruise, there was one excursion we were on that had issues. By the time I got back to my room that night, there was a message on my VM letting us know they were crediting us back 50% of the cost, which was more than fair. I didn't even have to ask. I guess I just like the comfort of having DCL people along on the excursion and dealing with unexpected issues, rather than trying to follow up with some random excursion company once I got home. I'm sure everything would be fine, but I don't mind paying a bit of a premium for DCL, especially if they offer some particularly kid-friendly things like they did for the Med.

Of course, I can't really say for sure until they POST THE EXCURSIONS ALREADY!!!

 

[lenzs4]

Well, I went ahead and booked air and amtrak to bellingham and then to Vancouver. I got a hotel for Bellingham and I am working on a room in Vancouver. I think we want the Pan Pacific in Vancouver - anyone know what that usually runs? It is 195 a night at the moment and I do not know if that is low or a normal price. Nothing is available through priceline yet...
OR does anyone recommend any other hotel?
Shirley

 

[LKFan]

As you have read the weather in Ketchikan is rain, rain, and more rain. So my best advice is to invest in a nice water proof jacket and pair of shoes, and may you never have to unpack them

We cruised Alaska in August, 2009 on NCL. It rained in all three ports as well as on our days at sea. The pools were closed as were the food services and bars that were exposed to the elements.

Alaska is beautiful and we had an amazing time. Just make sure that you are prepared for rain. Bring extra shoes as you can't just put wet, soggy shoes on the verandah to dry when it is raining outside.

 

[poohj80]

For those of you who have been successful getting a AAA rate at the Pan Pacific for the cruises next summer, what dates are you sailing? I just called and they told me no AAA rates available for August yet.

Thanks for the help!

I think we want the Pan Pacific in Vancouver - anyone know what that usually runs? It is 195 a night at the moment and I do not know if that is low or a normal price.

I just called and the $195 is the pre-paid non-refundable price. Even though I have no thoughts of canceling our cruise, you just never know what can happen between now and then so I am hesitant to book a non-refundable rate yet.

 

[SDGoofy]

The Pan Pacific now has the AAA rates available on the Webite. Click on the AAA Bed and Breakfast package and it will show you the promo codes for Room only as well. Right now cheapest room is $240 a night.

 

[littleskippy]

Does anyone know about the tours Disney will be offering on their new Alaskan Cruise next year? Thanks.

 

[jilljill]

Does anyone know about the tours Disney will be offering on their new Alaskan Cruise next year? Thanks.

I've merged your thread with the other thread on the Alaska cruises.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say they will be announced about 125-130 days before the first AK cruise to allow concierge/platinum cruises time to look them over and then be able to book them online at 120 days out.

 

[lenzs4]

Where did this get merged to? I can not find another thread like this....

 

[Rat-a-too-ee]

You're not the only worrier! If it were just me, I'd happily do it all on my own. With my daughter...I just don't want to deal with it and would rather DCL handle the logistics. On our DCL Med cruise, there was one excursion we were on that had issues. By the time I got back to my room that night, there was a message on my VM letting us know they were crediting us back 50% of the cost, which was more than fair. I didn't even have to ask. I guess I just like the comfort of having DCL people along on the excursion and dealing with unexpected issues, rather than trying to follow up with some random excursion company once I got home. I'm sure everything would be fine, but I don't mind paying a bit of a premium for DCL, especially if they offer some particularly kid-friendly things like they did for the Med.

Of course, I can't really say for sure until they POST THE EXCURSIONS ALREADY!!!

Wow, you got lucky. We had a (very bad) situation with one of our excursions on the Med cruise and we had to go back and forth with on-board management and finally they gave us 30% of the cost back.

 

[Rat-a-too-ee]

Ok I know it's a little early to plan (but never too early right?)

Have a few questions for those who have been to Alaska...


2) Juneau: Is it possible to book through Disney (have never cruised) to book 2 different short excusions on 1 day. On the website when you reserve, can you pick different times of the excursions or are excursions times assigned?


TIA

I can answer question 2... On the Baltic cruise I booked 2 tours on one day while in St. Petersberg. It was tight, but I made it. I think it depends on the amount of time between the tours. On paper, we had an hour and a half between the tours, but when it came down to reality and traffic we got on the ship at 6:10 pm, and had to meet for the next excursion at 6:30 pm Just had time to run up to Pinochio's for pizza

On the Med cruise in 2007, we did two excursions in one day. We booked the earlier one online. Then, in person, we verified with Disney cast members that we would be able to go on both without the chance of missing one (basically confirming that the end time on the first one was accurate) before we committed (and paid) for the second one. It worked out perfectly and we were thrilled we got to do two things in one port.

 

[Cliffside]

What a great thread. I just found it and read through it. Now that the DCL excursions are out...Has anyone decided what they want to book? It is hard to decide. We are sailing towards the end of August. Looking forward to hearing excursion reviews from the earlier sailings. I think in Juneau I want to do the dog sledding....but I am a little hesitant due to price. In Skagway I am looking at one of the excursions that do the Whitepass railroad. Ketchikan ...I am a little bit more confused...Happy planning everyone.

 

[poohj80]

Ok I know it's a little early to plan (but never too early right?)

Have a few questions for those who have been to Alaska...

2) Juneau: Is it possible to book through Disney (have never cruised) to book 2 different short excusions on 1 day. On the website when you reserve, can you pick different times of the excursions or are excursions times assigned?

We are hoping to do the same thing, but now that the excursions are posted the times are not included. We may have to call DCL to see if they know the excursion times.

 

[RedSox68]

Well, I went ahead and booked air and amtrak to bellingham and then to Vancouver. I got a hotel for Bellingham and I am working on a room in Vancouver. I think we want the Pan Pacific in Vancouver - anyone know what that usually runs? It is 195 a night at the moment and I do not know if that is low or a normal price. Nothing is available through priceline yet...
OR does anyone recommend any other hotel?
Shirley

This may have been mentioned already, but where is Bellingham? Is that in Washington or Canada? Thanks.

 

[poohj80]

This may have been mentioned already, but where is Bellingham? Is that in Washington or Canada? Thanks.

Bellingham, WA is between Seattle and Vancouver but Southwest flies there.

 

[RedSox68]

Bellingham, WA is between Seattle and Vancouver but Southwest flies there.

Thank you!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Bellingham, WA is between Seattle and Vancouver but Southwest flies there.

That is not correct. Alaska and Allegiant fly there. Southwest does not (sadly).

 

[jackieinJuneau]

Does anyone know which port is the best port for CRAB LEGS??

I know I'm doing whale watching in Juneau & a dog sledding/heli ride in Skagway. Haven't decided anything yet about Ketchican.

TIA!

Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau it is so good and only 2 months until they re-open yum!

 

[jackieinJuneau]

A correction to something on the Disney website, when they are talking about places to explore they say "The Shrine of St. Therese
Dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of Alaska, this 60-year old site includes a stone chapel, a small stone labyrinth and a gift shop. Located on a tiny island (easily reached by a causeway) 9 miles from the Juneau's dock, it offers all who visit a serene sojourn, as well as views of nearby Lynn Cana"

This makes it sound like the Shrine is 9 miles from the cruise ship dock, but the dock that they are talking about is the Alaska Marine Highway dock(the ferry). The Ferry dock is no were near the cruise ship docks, it is about 23 miles out the road and then the Shrine is another 9 from that. The shrine is a great location but harder to get to then the Disney website makes out.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

A correction to something on the Disney website, when they are talking about places to explore they say "The Shrine of St. Therese
Dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of Alaska, this 60-year old site includes a stone chapel, a small stone labyrinth and a gift shop. Located on a tiny island (easily reached by a causeway) 9 miles from the Juneau's dock, it offers all who visit a serene sojourn, as well as views of nearby Lynn Cana"

This makes it sound like the Shrine is 9 miles from the cruise ship dock, but the dock that they are talking about is the Alaska Marine Highway dock(the ferry). The Ferry dock is no were near the cruise ship docks, it is about 23 miles out the road and then the Shrine is another 9 from that. The shrine is a great location but harder to get to then the Disney website makes out.

Thank you for that clarification Jackie! It is great to have some locals around to keep us straight.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau it is so good and only 2 months until they re-open yum!

And can you suggest a 'foul weather' alternative too?

(Tracy's WILL be the #1 choice!)

.