You’ll never get me on a cruise. Unless it’s to ALASKA! Recap and New PTR Link! 2/1

[Nermel9]

Joining in, a little late, but for some reason yesterday, I clicked on your cruise TR and read the entire thing, thanks to your chapter links, and I love it! I want to do an Alaskan cruise now!!! Your pictures are amazing, and the boat looks awesome! And how cute is Minnie in her little coat?

Can't wait to read more!

 

[merky]

subbing

 

[eandesmom]

Great updates, Cynthia. Very fascinating info on the beers (I'll ahve to show that to Mark when he gets home). I think you did the right thing letting the boys try. I do have to tell you that I don't miss those days at all though.

Thanks Kathy!!! It waa the right thing, didn't make it any less stressful though!

Joining in, a little late, but for some reason yesterday, I clicked on your cruise TR and read the entire thing, thanks to your chapter links, and I love it! I want to do an Alaskan cruise now!!! Your pictures are amazing, and the boat looks awesome! And how cute is Minnie in her little coat?

Can't wait to read more!

Hi and Never to late to join, I'm only about 1/2 of the way ! We loved our cruise, I can't recommend it enough.

subbing

It's new reader Sunday! I love it.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Caught up again..... Wonder how long before I fall behind again.

You sure had some amazing scenery - I would love to take an Alaska Cruise! I would definitely pass on the ziplining. It looks like an absolute blast, but I would be beyond terrified.

Good for the boys "manning up" and going back to the ship on their own. Our oldest loved going off and doing things on his own. We started with letting him go on a ride by himself in a "land" while we took the two younger ones on something else, moved up to spending an hour or so in the same park as us with a meeting time, to eventually doing his own thing regardless of where we were at. Since he is 22 now, this was obviously many years ago....pre-cell phone days. We did get radios to keep in touch, but they were pretty much worthless since the signals weren't great, or other people would be on the same channel. My youngest had much less confidence. He was always afraid that he would get lost, or that we would leave him. That may have been because he was are orneriest child and we may have threatened to sell him on occaision so he may have thought if he was away from us we may take that opportunity to escape

 

[merky]

after showing DH your photos I almost have him convinced to go on a alaska cruise in 2013 but I am unclear about the flights cruise leaves Seattle ends in Vancouver do you get a flight leaving vancouver and how do Disney transports work ?

 

[MEK]

You really DID go to a bar? How did I know? Both beers sound wonderful. I would have been all over those places. That Onion place looks too cute. I was trying to find all the brew pubs in Savannah and Charleston. I don't I have your brew knowledge, but I certainly enjoyed tasting some beers. I need to go back with Denny so I have someone to share the samplers with.

Great update and I didn't even miss that many pictures!

 

[eandesmom]

Caught up again..... Wonder how long before I fall behind again.

I know the feeling, I'm behind everywhere!

You sure had some amazing scenery - I would love to take an Alaska Cruise! I would definitely pass on the ziplining. It looks like an absolute blast, but I would be beyond terrified.

It was a ton of fun but it isn't for everyone that's for sure.

Good for the boys "manning up" and going back to the ship on their own. Our oldest loved going off and doing things on his own. We started with letting him go on a ride by himself in a "land" while we took the two younger ones on something else, moved up to spending an hour or so in the same park as us with a meeting time, to eventually doing his own thing regardless of where we were at. Since he is 22 now, this was obviously many years ago....pre-cell phone days. We did get radios to keep in touch, but they were pretty much worthless since the signals weren't great, or other people would be on the same channel. My youngest had much less confidence. He was always afraid that he would get lost, or that we would leave him. That may have been because he was are orneriest child and we may have threatened to sell him on occaision so he may have thought if he was away from us we may take that opportunity to escape

Eric is the same way (less confident). I am grateful for cell phones, the not knowing is the scary part.

after showing DH your photos I almost have him convinced to go on a alaska cruise in 2013 but I am unclear about the flights cruise leaves Seattle ends in Vancouver do you get a flight leaving vancouver and how do Disney transports work ?

I'd imagine there are a number of ways you could do it if that's the itinerary you choose. You could fly into Seattle, out of Vancouver. You could do round trip out of Seattle and take Amtrak down from Vancouver to Seattle, or bus down. I'd think it would just depend on what the best flight deals are for wherever you are coming from.

I honestly don't know how the transport works since we drove but imagine there is some. Guessing it would show you the options during the booking process? There are some FAQ threads that might have that info. What you could do is mock up a reservation using the 2012 dates since the Wonder isn't booking for 2013 quite yet, and that would give you and idea on the transportation options

 

[eandesmom]

You really DID go to a bar? How did I know? Both beers sound wonderful. I would have been all over those places. That Onion place looks too cute. I was trying to find all the brew pubs in Savannah and Charleston. I don't I have your brew knowledge, but I certainly enjoyed tasting some beers. I need to go back with Denny so I have someone to share the samplers with.

Great update and I didn't even miss that many pictures!

Well the first one was a brewpub, very family friendly. Second was was much more of a bar and best that the kids weren't with us.

Who needs knowledge? At the end of the day all that matters is if it tastes good

 

[Flossbolna]

Cynthia, I just wanted to say that I enjoyed all your updates since I last commented!! I loved the picture down the main road in Skagway with the Wonder just parked there. What a sight! And your beer adventure sounds like great fun!

You and your family really need to come back to Germany, there is so much beer to explore, especially in the area here. There is even a hiking trail which goes from brewery to brewery!

 

[MEK]

The Rainier bottles (did I spell that right?) are so pretty and that Onion place looks so cool in side. I would LOVE that!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia, I just wanted to say that I enjoyed all your updates since I last commented!! I loved the picture down the main road in Skagway with the Wonder just parked there. What a sight! And your beer adventure sounds like great fun!

Welcome back!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to hear about your trip. I really like that picture too, think it may make it into the kitchen counter frame rotation. The beer adventure was entertaining to be sure.

You and your family really need to come back to Germany, there is so much beer to explore, especially in the area here. There is even a hiking trail which goes from brewery to brewery!

And somehow I imagine my brother has been on that trail! we do want to come, I'm hoping for summer of 2013 but who knows right now. Currently we are on hold waiting for 2013 Magic itineraries which may change things..or not.

The Rainier bottles (did I spell that right?) are so pretty and that Onion place looks so cool in side. I would LOVE that!!!!

The old bottles are pretty, the can's I grew up with...not so much.

The Onion was a trip! Definitely a tourist trap but in a fun cheesy way. It was best that the E's weren't with us though.

 

[pixarmom]

Hi Cynthia!

I'm just joining in now and I LOVE your trip report! Great information and beautiful photos. Our boys are ages 4, 11 and 12 so I've really enjoyed reading about the Es! We tried a 3-night Dream cruise as a test last summer, and booked Alaska 2012 on board so I really appreciate the helpful tips.

Skagway Brewery is now on our list and we're all enjoying the photos of the ziplining. My husband and two older boys are very interested in that excursion, if it doesn't book up too fast. (I may be headed to Liarsville with our youngest.)

Just a few questions:

1) Did you mention your stateroom number somewhere along the way? I did a search in case I missed it, but could not locate anything. Looks like a perfect location! We're on Deck 8 midship and I'm getting a little worried about the noise, but maybe that's less of an issue when the Wonder is sailing to Alaska.

2) I absolutely love your scurvy dog t-shirt design! "Scurvy dog" is a big phrase with our boys - they started using it in any possible context around the time of our cruise last summer. Do you mind if I use your design on magnets for our stateroom and maybe t-shirts for our three boys?

Thanks again for the wonderful report and all of the helpful information!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Cynthia!

I'm just joining in now and I LOVE your trip report! Great information and beautiful photos. Our boys are ages 4, 11 and 12 so I've really enjoyed reading about the Es! We tried a 3-night Dream cruise as a test last summer, and booked Alaska 2012 on board so I really appreciate the helpful tips.

Hi and

We may be doing the opposite route! We are currently booked on a 4 night Dream, I'd love to know what you thought of it and stateroom location.

Skagway Brewery is now on our list and we're all enjoying the photos of the ziplining. My husband and two older boys are very interested in that excursion, if it doesn't book up too fast. (I may be headed to Liarsville with our youngest.)

I imagine you will be ok on the booking. I changed our time from an early am (which seemed all that was avail when I originally booked it) to an afternoon one maybe 30 days out, and there were lots of times open with no problems at all. It was a perfect first zipline and less pricey than the Ketchikan option. We loved it.

I kind of wish we could have done the brewing company for lunch, I have a feeling it would have been yummy!

Just a few questions:

1) Did you mention your stateroom number somewhere along the way? I did a search in case I missed it, but could not locate anything. Looks like a perfect location! We're on Deck 8 midship and I'm getting a little worried about the noise, but maybe that's less of an issue when the Wonder is sailing to Alaska.

I don't think I did actually, at least not here. We lucked out. I'd booked 6a for 4 people (wanting the cheapest verandah possible). In reality there are only 2 staterooms that fit that category and both are HA. So, our chances of an upgrade were good lol. We ended up with 6544 which is a Starboard 5c. We absolutely LOVED our location. Practically midship without midship pricing, close to both the mid and the forward elevators and stairs. I did like deck 6, it meant we could take the stairs 90% of the time as nothing was too far up or down. I would book it again in a heartbeat. In fact, we were briefly booked into 6542 on the Magic for April but the dates ended up not working

8 seemed very quiet in terms of foot traffic (I only waked through there once though) but I've no idea if you'd have much noise from the pools. Certainly there would be at sail away and pirate night (if it's outside, ours wasn't) but other than that the pools weren't that busy so....I don't know! If you aren't right next to a stairway I'd imagine it will be fine. I know the options are limited when you have 5 (I had an impossible time figuring out what would be best on the Dream since we have 5 for that one).

2) I absolutely love your scurvy dog t-shirt design! "Scurvy dog" is a big phrase with our boys - they started using it in any possible context around the time of our cruise last summer. Do you mind if I use your design on magnets for our stateroom and maybe t-shirts for our three boys?

Thanks again for the wonderful report and all of the helpful information!

I'm so glad you like it! Of course you can use it. I'd meant to post both over on the DISigns board but haven't gotten around to it. Let me know if you need it emailed at all, just pm me.

 

[pixarmom]

Thanks so much for the quick and helpful response!

Your question about the Dream prompted me to finish and post my quick review, including stateroom info (it was 6594 - category 4D, I think - loved it!) Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2826868. We stayed at BWI before the cruise and BC after the cruise. No parks, but we really enjoyed our SAB time after the cruise! After doing something new, it's always nice to know the familiar is at the end of the road.

Really looking forward to the rest of your report - we'll be checking in regularly for updates!

 

[EnchantedTikiGal]

Subbing

Love your report, and thanks for so many fantastic pictures! Our boys are going to be 9 and almost 13 on our MR cruise, so it's great seeing it from the view of 2 boys around that age.

 

[natebenma]

You really made the most of your day in Skagway! The Skagway Brewing Company and the Red Onion both sound like great places to visit that afternoon.

Good for you for agreeing to let the boys try to board the ship. It seems like this was a safe situation to demonstrate their ability to handle the responsibility. Both you and Jeff and boys, done good!


Loved your reminiscences about the Rainier beer commericals. I really enjoy a clever marketing campaign.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks so much for the quick and helpful response!

Your question about the Dream prompted me to finish and post my quick review, including stateroom info (it was 6594 - category 4D, I think - loved it!) Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2826868. We stayed at BWI before the cruise and BC after the cruise. No parks, but we really enjoyed our SAB time after the cruise! After doing something new, it's always nice to know the familiar is at the end of the road.

Really looking forward to the rest of your report - we'll be checking in regularly for updates!

Cool! I will check it out. Love SAB, were you there doing a pool reno so you were able to use it?

Subbing

Love your report, and thanks for so many fantastic pictures! Our boys are going to be 9 and almost 13 on our MR cruise, so it's great seeing it from the view of 2 boys around that age.

they will be a great age for it, it was perfect!

You really made the most of your day in Skagway! The Skagway Brewing Company and the Red Onion both sound like great places to visit that afternoon.

Good for you for agreeing to let the boys try to board the ship. It seems like this was a safe situation to demonstrate their ability to handle the responsibility. Both you and Jeff and boys, done good!


Loved your reminiscences about the Rainier beer commericals. I really enjoy a clever marketing campaign.

Thanks Dee! It was a really fun day

 

[heaven2dc]

I just found this thread and your TR and am having a blast catching up! The Alaska cruise looks so relaxing - would love to try it some time.

Besides movies and the shows, were there any other activities? I have only been on one cruise (the Grand Princess back in 2001 to the Western Caribbean) and I enjoyed the art auctions, scavenger hunts to name a couple activities). I'd love to treat myself to an Alaskan cruise in a couple of years but not sure if DCL would offer enough on "at sea" days. Of course, just sitting reading a book and enjoying the scenery doesn't sound bad

 

[eandesmom]

I just found this thread and your TR and am having a blast catching up! The Alaska cruise looks so relaxing - would love to try it some time.

Besides movies and the shows, were there any other activities? I have only been on one cruise (the Grand Princess back in 2001 to the Western Caribbean) and I enjoyed the art auctions, scavenger hunts to name a couple activities). I'd love to treat myself to an Alaskan cruise in a couple of years but not sure if DCL would offer enough on "at sea" days. Of course, just sitting reading a book and enjoying the scenery doesn't sound bad

Hi and

There were a number of activities. Wine tasting, beer tasting, martini tasting, walking ship tour, animation classes, various exercise classes, ballroom dancing, cooking classes, bingo, art, scrapbooking, gemstone seminars, etc.

They break it out into family activities, adult activities, teen, tween and kids.

There were only 2 at sea days in my mind, since Tracy Arm was a destination, and we kept plenty busy.

As you can see we didn't do much of it but there definitely were plenty of things available to do. We did see the naturalist and Jeff did one tour but we were very focused on the gym, walking, relaxing with our book or hitting the pool/hot tub. Then again we don't get much chance at home to just sit and read so we really loved that!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I have no idea why I didn't comment here - loved your last update! I just love history, and the places you went were so cool!

Do you remember the frog commercials? RAINIER! RANIER! RAAAAINEEER BEEER! We lived in the Seattle area when I was ages 7-11.