The 2011 Alaskan Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[sayhello]

Rhanks for this thread. We are on the June 14th sailing with two nights in Vancouver beforehand. I had a fleeting thought of booking the June 24th ABD Alaska adventure but couldn't figure out flights from Vancouver to Fairbanks. maybe too early. Anyway it us probably too pricey anyway.

OMG, if you could work that out, that would be an ideal combination! I've taken the ABD Alaska trip, and being able to see the inland parts of Alaska that the ABD goes to would really make this an excellent Alaska adventure!

If I hadn't just done the ABD Alaska tour, I'd be seriously tempted to do this!

Sayhello

 

[catislander]

As far as the Ketchikan arrival time goes; I'm on the May 31 sailing and the documents from my TA list a 1:30 p.m. arrival time, with 7:30 departure.

 

[LKFan]

We went kayaking in Ketchikan with http://www.kayakketchikan.com/ and it was SO much fun. We saw lots of wildlife and it was just the two of us plus two guides.

We also did this. Great guides, great company. Our only complaint was that we were were kayaking in the rain but that's what happens when you're in a rain forest.

By the way, we booked this on our own (not through the ship). It was two adults and two kids - 7 and 10.

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

We also did this. Great guides, great company. Our only complaint was that we were were kayaking in the rain but that's what happens when you're in a rain forest.

I lived in Ketchikan back about 30 years ago and learned never to buy a coat which did not have a hood. Everything gets done in the rain--it rains about 347 days out of the year, there! I remember the t-shirts in the gift shops that said "In Ketchikan, you don't tan, you rust!"

 

[MJGirl]

OMG, if you could work that out, that would be an ideal combination! I've taken the ABD Alaska trip, and being able to see the inland parts of Alaska that the ABD goes to would really make this an excellent Alaska adventure!

If I hadn't just done the ABD Alaska tour, I'd be seriously tempted to do this!

Sayhello

Just read your trip report ... Sounds like a fantastic trip! Isn't ABD the best! I've done London & Paris and Backstage Magic!

 

[mmmears]

This is a great thread -- thanks for starting it!!! I'm looking forward to reading lots of great information here.

As for the Ketchikan timing, the June 14th itinerary lists a 10:30 arrival time.

 

[disney minnie]

As far as the Ketchikan arrival time goes; I'm on the May 31 sailing and the documents from my TA list a 1:30 p.m. arrival time, with 7:30 departure.

My TA confirmation for the May 31 cruise says that we arrive at 10:30. I guess I need to call and see which is corret.

 

[smb6]

The Disney website lists Ketchikan has a possible arrival of 10:30 or 1:30- I guess depending on travel time. I think the bottom line is, they will get us there as quickly as they can, but we should not plan any excursions before 1:30 "just in case". OR maybe they will firm up the time before we set sail

 

[sayhello]

Just read your trip report ... Sounds like a fantastic trip! Isn't ABD the best! I've done London & Paris and Backstage Magic!

It *was* fantastic! I've taken a Princess cruisetour, also. I just *love* Alaska! And yes, ABD *IS* the best. I've done Southwest Splendors, the ABD/DCL Med Cruise, and, of course, Alaska. I'm thinking of doing the London & Paris trip next year. My biggest problem should be deciding which ABD trip to take!

The Disney website lists Ketchikan has a possible arrival of 10:30 or 1:30- I guess depending on travel time. I think the bottom line is, they will get us there as quickly as they can, but we should not plan any excursions before 1:30 "just in case". OR maybe they will firm up the time before we set sail

No, DCL will give you a specific time for each individual sailing. You will know well in advance which time your particular sailing will arrive in Ketchikan (barring unforseen circumstances). They probably have to vary the route to get from Juneau to Ketchikan depending on the time of year, and one route is less direct & takes longer. Or perhaps they couldn't get an early berth at the port for some of the days. Since they are the "new kids" on the block, they probably have to settle for what they can get.

Sayhello

 

[DisneyCruiser2008]

How about a little packing help for Alaska from those of you with experience? I have heard weather can vary from shorts/capris type weather to COLD... So I know layers will be key... I am wondering if we need to pack our big warm jackets (i.e. the ones we take on ski/snow vacations) or if layers with a fleece and a thinner rain jacket wil be adequate?? Those big fat jackets will take up our entire suitcase I'm afraid... And I am all about packing light... Suggetsions? Thanks so much!

 

[aquamindy]

I did an Alaska cruise in 2001 or 2002 on Princess. You'll want to pack for layers. Some times you'll want shorts and t-shirt. Mostly pants, with a shirt, jacket or sweatshirt.

The train ride is not to be missed. A helicopter trip is well worth the money, especially if you go out to a glacier to walk around on. Skip the Salmon Bake land options. All the ships go to the same ones and it's over priced and over cooked.

 

[sayhello]

How about a little packing help for Alaska from those of you with experience? I have heard weather can vary from shorts/capris type weather to COLD... So I know layers will be key... I am wondering if we need to pack our big warm jackets (i.e. the ones we take on ski/snow vacations) or if layers with a fleece and a thinner rain jacket wil be adequate?? Those big fat jackets will take up our entire suitcase I'm afraid... And I am all about packing light... Suggetsions? Thanks so much!

Layers, definitely. I took one of those big fat jackets, and never touched it. I wore a light fleece under a gortex rain jacket, and that was perfect. Remember to bring gloves & a hat (or at least something to cover your ears) for the Tracy Arm day, as it can get pretty chilly on deck while glacier cruising.

Sayhello

 

[bluemoon1070]

I figured this may be the best place to post this question. My Dh and my parents have decided to book the August 3- 2011 Alaskan cruise. What I am struggling with if whether we should book it now or wait until our December trip and book onboard. I am worried that the price may increase over the discount we would receive and that we will still pay more in December even with the rebooking discounts. Any help would be great!!!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I figured this may be the best place to post this question. My Dh and my parents have decided to book the August 3- 2011 Alaskan cruise. What I am struggling with if whether we should book it now or wait until our December trip and book onboard. I am worried that the price may increase over the discount we would receive and that we will still pay more in December even with the rebooking discounts. Any help would be great!!!

Book it now. If the price goes up you can compare which is better - the new price with a 10% discount and onboard credit, or the price you have now. You can choose which to keep and you win either way.

 

[PE_TCR]

It is Aug 2 by the way. That is the one I am going on with my wife and our parents. Join our facebook group if you are joining us. Or send me a PM and we will get you all set up with our group!

 

[bluemoon1070]

It is Aug 2 by the way. That is the one I am going on with my wife and our parents. Join our facebook group if you are joining us. Or send me a PM and we will get you all set up with our group!

I actually meant to write 30 and not 3. Sorry! So I can book now and then if the onboard option is better I can book it on the ship and transfer the payments to the new reservation?

 

[trekkie518]

Does anybody have any ideas on formalwear rental? It looks like Cruiseline Formal operates out of Vancouver too, but they don't list the Disney Wonder anywhere. Is there a place in Vancouver that would work with you?

Just curious, still have 38 weeks, but would like to know if we could use a service, or just better to buy a new suit for DH.

 

[jilljill]

I actually meant to write 30 and not 3. Sorry! So I can book now and then if the onboard option is better I can book it on the ship and transfer the payments to the new reservation?

Yes, that is what you can do.

 

[vatchr]

Does anybody have any ideas on formalwear rental? It looks like Cruiseline Formal operates out of Vancouver too, but they don't list the Disney Wonder anywhere. Is there a place in Vancouver that would work with you?

Just curious, still have 38 weeks, but would like to know if we could use a service, or just better to buy a new suit for DH.

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[poohj80]

Every Disney Cruise I've been on has a formal night. It's not required to dress up, but we do, because it's one of the few times we get to..

On the Disney Criuses we have been on, it's not called Formal Night - it's Dress-up Night which to us means the difference between wearing tuxes/gowns and ties/dressy casual.

We're cruising AK Aug 30 - Sept 6.