10 Things To Pack For Your Disney Alaskan Cruise

1.  Binoculars: Before our trip we found a great deal on Amazon for binoculars for the whole family.  We got them small enough to fit in a pocket and our kids loved whipping them out to view the wildlife up close.  From just getting a closer look at a glacier to spying bears, and eagles they enjoyed them.

2.  Telephoto Lens: Bring the best camera you’ve got and if you can get a telephoto lens for it bring that too.  You will absolutely want to take pictures of the amazing scenery in Alaska.  I’m just an armature photographer but the Alaskan exposure is great for taking pictures.  The overcast days keep out harsh light and the perfect combination of blues and greens in the mountains, ocean, and glaciers is stunning in pictures.  Take that telephoto lens so that you can get a close up picture of the things you see through your binoculars.

3.  Knit cap, scarves, and gloves: I had been to Alaska before in the summer and from what I remembered it was not all that cold.  When I was there they were having a heat wave and the weather was in the high 70’s and low 80’s. Perfect weather!  What I didn’t take into account was that on my previous trip I was mostly inland not near the ocean.  Out on the decks on a cold misty day you will want your knit cap and gloves. Here’s my account of our cold and misty day on deck.  As for your scarf, you should plan on wearing these as fashion accessories the weather will always be breezy enough to appreciate them. 

4.  Rain proof coat: As I stated I was not really expecting it to be very cold and was planning on only bringing a windbreaker.  Thankfully my husband talked a little sense into me and I brought a heavier jacket.  You don’t have to bring your parkas but certainly something heavier than a windbreaker could be nice to have on those unexpected rainy days.  And yes make sure it is water resistant. 

5.  Tennis Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must.  And no, your flip flops and sandals won’t really work for Alaska, that’s another cruise.  Something water resistant and good for walking is what you need.  Keep those tootsies warm and dry, you and the little ones you travel with will be much happier.   

6.  Your Dining Attire: This was one of the best things about the Alaskan cruise.  The dining room was much more casual so bring a couple of outfits for the formal and semi formal evenings but the rest of the time your jeans and tennis shoes will be just fine.  No last minute rush to scramble and get ready for dinner after a day of sight seeing and excursions. 

7.  Swimsuits: The pools are heated on board and trust me your kids will swim.  On those at sea days even when you are using the warm fleece blankets provided for you on deck your kids will be in and out of the pool and the hot tubs.  And, if you are truly brave at heart you may just want to join them. 

8.  Cell Phone: Because when in Alaska you’re on American soil and if you have a smart phone it works.  When at the ports and on land in Alaska you are able to text home and access the internet using your phone.  It is great for sending photos back to your family and friends at home, or finding your way to a destination point at your port.  Being able to use our phones on a cruise was a first for us and we loved it.  Just remember to stow it away when out at sea and in Canada.

9.  Pirate costume: Don’t bring it!  Because pirates are not environmentally friendly.  While sailing up the inside passage you are in environmentally protected waters and so the ship has to follow specific rules in relation to noise on deck.  There are no movies played on the Tunnel Vision or outdoor deck parties including fireworks.  However, do be ready for some Pixar Party fun indoors in the main atrium.

10. Reservation for Palo: Unlike the Caribbean cruises when you are out at sea and there is really nothing but open sea to look at in Alaska you are surrounded by Mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.  A meal at  Palo with all of its windows will be extra special.  You can go in the morning for brunch one our favorite things to do or the evening for dinner since it won’t be dark till at least 11:00 you can still enjoy the views.

Bonus Tip:  While on the ship you really won’t be bothered with mosquitoes you may still want to bring some insect repellant for those wilderness adventures you will be going on while at your Ports of Call.

Now be sure to check out my other articles on 10 Things To Pack For A Better Cruise and my biggest tip for the Tracy Arm Fjord day at sea. 

Other Disney Alaskan Cruise related articles: Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan

 

Tracy Arm Fjord Disney Cruise Line Excursion

We woke up that morning slowly moving thru the Inside Passage.  Through our cabin window we could see the enormous mountains that made us feel small in comparison.  Out in the distance we noticed a small boat sailing along with us.  As we continued to watch, it grew closer and closer to us.  It almost seemed as if it were going to collide with our big ship.  How could this be? Surely he could see us!  And yes, as we watched, the boat did indeed collide with us, so to speak.  Just below our window we watched the boat link up with our ship and then two men walked over the bow of their boat and into ours.  Not long after, we heard the announcement from our Ship’s captain that our Naturalist Guides for the day, who would narrate our journey through the Tracy Arm Fjord, had boarded our ship and would begin their narrative shortly.   We looked forward to our day sailing through the icy wilderness ocean waters, of the Tracy Arm Fjord. 

It was cold and misty and since most of our day we planned to be on deck taking in the view I was a little put out by the weather.  I’m sure if you spoke to my husband my attitude about sitting out in the rain all day stunk, really stunk.  However, even in the cold and wet they were some of the most breath taking views I’ve ever seen .  And, in all honesty maybe when traveling to Alaska it should be cold and wet. It is part of the magic that reminds you that you are in a special place reserved for only the brave and strong.   So, cold and wet on a Disney Cruise qualifies as brave and strong.  My husband is among the brave and strong he absolutely relished the day even in the cold.  I eventually found a warm chair inside the Outlook Café on deck 10.  It was a nice place to take in the view and still be close enough to hop outside and take a few pictures. 

There’s my husband braving the cold and wet

On the excursion up the fjord we saw seals, whales, and Eagles.  Along with icebergs, and waterfalls.  The crew even lifted a small iceberg out of the water and brought in on deck for us to see and touch.  He reminded us the air escaping from the melting iceberg on the deck was thousands of years old.  It sort of made licking the berg unappetizing, thank goodness for my children’s sake.

When we got to the end of the Fjord at the foot of the Sawyer Glacier we, along with every other passenger on board clamored to the bow of the ship to get our pictures and see the amazing view. 

Here’s the view we had from the bow of the ship with everyone else.  Spectacular huh?

After pushing our way thru the crowds to see the glacier we found a nice surprise as the crew had set up a hot chocolate station and was passing out warm chocolate chip cookies.  This along with the deck side salmon bar-b-queue in the Beach Blanket Bingo Buffet was a welcome treat to our misty day at sea.  Just after we had settled back into our cozy seats in the Outlook Café our Captain announced overhead that the ship would be making a full 180 degree turn and that everyone should have a spectacular view of the glacier from where they were on deck, not to worry.   This is the biggest tip I would pass on to other cruisers excited for their excursion on the Tracy Arm, be patient and wait, the view will come to you. And, it did without the crowds and the heads in my way.  We even got to see the glacier calve as we stood and admired how beautiful and powerful it seemed.  It was an amazing moment as we stood unencumbered on the deck sipping our  hot chocolate.  Even the weather cleared up bit and stopped raining.  Aaah, this was the Alaska I was hoping for.

So You’ve Booked Your Cruise Now What?

10 Things To Pack For A Better Cruise

10 Things To Pack For Your Alaskan Cruise

Preparing For Your Disney Cruise

Choosing The Right Port Excursions For Your Family

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show–Ketchikan Alaska

Our last stop in Alaska was Ketchikan.  I think that if I was going to move to Alaska Ketchikan is the place where I would chose to live.  Being it is the most southern city and sits right on the sea it has the most mild winter climate.  Of course, I’m not sure their mild would compare to the mild winter climate I’m used to here in the Central Valley of California, but if it is less extreme than some of those other places I’ll take it.  It also has a lot of local charm.  It reminded of San Francisco’s wharf area, busy and bursting with tourist attractions at every turn.  One of things we really liked about this port of call was that our ship was virtually parked across the street. 

A picture of our ship taken from the restaurant window where we had lunch

After having lunch at the “Fish Pirates Saloon” we browsed thru some of the shops as we made our way to the amphitheater where we had tickets for the “Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show”.  However, since everything was so close and easy to walk to we were early for the show.  We had noted that the Tongass Historical Museum was across the street from the theater and decided to go in and look around.  It was a short look and took about an hour to go thru (just the right amount of time we had).  It was fun for all of us and we even learned something too.  I do think it was a bit pricey for the amount of time we spent but I’m sure my husband thought he was getting a better deal than if he just continued to let me shop for another hour. 

The lumberjack show however was a huge hit for all of us.  One of the things they do really well is get the audience involved.  From inviting youngsters to come up and help to encouraging the audience to cheer and boo for their favorite team.  It is a fun and exciting show to watch.

So You’ve Booked Your Cruise Now What?

10 Things To Pack For A Better Cruise

10 Things To Pack For Your Alaskan Cruise

Choosing The Right Port Excursions For Your Family

Preparing To Go On Your Disney Vacation

Skagway-From Soapy Smith to Sarah Palin Discovering This City’s Rich History

Don’t be fooled by the looks of this quaint little Alaskan town. It may look tame and quiet now but according to our tour guide, this city is rich in scandalous history.

 

Our excursion for the day was the Skagway Street Car Tour. We choose this tour for a couple of reasons. First, it was at the right price point for us. Second, it was short, only an hour long. We did not have many expectations as to how this tour would be since we could not find that many reviews on it. How pleasantly surprised we were. Our tour guide did an outstanding job of making the history come alive for us. Dressed in the gold rush period times she entertained us with stories of “Soapy Smith” the infamous town scoundrel who embezzled from the citizens. The “Hero” who gave his life to take him down in a bloody duel only to be found out he, himself was wanted for murder back East. In addition, she shared the story of how the original Street Car Tour was a spur of the moment decision when President Warren G. Harding visited the town in 1923 and the local coal deliveryman brightly painted his coal truck and took the President on a tour of the town in it calling it his “Street Car.” Our tour would not have been complete without a drive by the childhood home of former Governor, of Alaska, Sarah Palin, where “On a clear day” according to our tour guide “You can see Russia.”

This was our first stop in Alaska and the picturesque town looks very turn of the century. From the wooden plank sidewalks to the western themed storefronts it looks like a place where you could walk back in time and join the gold seekers who came here in the late 1800’s to search for gold. Today the population is around 800 full time residents but, during Cruising season it can be upwards if 8000. Squeezing 8000 people into this tiny seaport town that is only 4 blocks wide and 1 mile long can make one think of what this place may have looked like during the Klondike gold rush. During its heyday, the city’s population was over 10,000. Skagway was the final stop before the miners would make the infamous hike over the White Pass trail to get to the gold fields in the Yukon. The pass was so strenuous and difficult, that many animals perished and, it became known as Dead Horse trail. Just a couple of years later a rail line was built to take the miners over the pass making things much easier on those that could afford the passage

fee.

After our tour, we enjoyed shopping along the main street named “Broadway” and grabbing some lunch at “Bites on Broadway” a small eatery where my son discovered German Chocolate Cake. When he tells people about Skagway, he only mentions the cake. It was that good I guess. One thing I noticed was all of the flowers. The city is also known as the “Garden City of Alaska” and my pictures reflect that. Finally  did I mention that our ship was the tallest building in the town “That day.”

   

 

10 Things To Pack For Your Disney Alaskan Cruise

So, You've Booked Your Cruise Now What?

10 Things To Pack For A Better Cruise

Choosing The Right Port Excursions For Your Family

Preparing To Go On Your Disney Vacation

Photo Friday–The Canada Border Through the Windshield

I was able to snap this quick picture as we drove up to the border crossing on our Alaskan vacation this summer.  I like this picture as it reminds me that we are neighbors. 

Enchanted Taku Glacier Lodge and 5-Glacier Sea Plane Discovery

 

By far the most amazing experience of our Alaskan Cruise was our port adventure in Juneau, the "Enchanted Taku Glacier Lodge and 5-Glacier Sea Plane Discovery". When going to Alaska everyone looks forward to seeing the wildlife and scenery this untamed country has to offer. On a cruise however, the only way to fully experience it is through your port excursions. After determining that this was going to be the big splurge on our trip we had high hopes and expectations that this would give us the taste and experience of Alaska we all wanted. We boarded the 10 seat float plane and took off from the port of Juneau where our ship was. The forty five mile and thirty minute trip was narrated and told us all about the Juneau ice fields we were getting to discover by plane. The view was incredible as we flew over the glaciers that from the air look like rivers of ice.  Everyone had a window seat and their own headphones to listen.

  

The landing at the Taku Lodge was exciting. Upon our arrival the visitors were telling us about a bear in a tree just to the right of the lodge. We scrambled up the hill to take a look and could see his nose peaking through the pine branches. One of the lodge employees was standing close by advising us where to look and cautioning us about getting to close. He held a big walking stick in his hand and I wondered if that was really just for walking or could possibly be more for protection.

 

We wandered around the grounds and took in the scenic views. Directly across the river was the "Hole in the wall" glacier. This glacier is considered a small arm of the much larger Taku glacier. It measures 2 and half miles wide and a mile high. From our view it looked enormous. It didn't take long before the smell of our grilling Wild Alaskan Salmon lunch began to waft through the air and entice us over to take a closer look. We watched as the cook prepared the basting sauce and tried to take mental notes. Of course a quick Google at home and I found the recipe to share with you. As he grilled we asked him how it was he cam he to be the cook. He said that basically there is a small handful of employees that live and work here in the summer season and you take on the roles that you are the best at. It sounded like a very family/team kind of atmosphere and I wondered what kind of job I would get if I worked here.

  

Soon our Salmon was ready and they called us to lunch. Along with our salmon they served us home made herb biscuits, that were amazing, freshly baked sourdough bread, baked beans and coleslaw it was a feast. Our drinks were served with authentic glacier ice compliments of the " Hole in the wall".  Not only was there plenty of food on our plates there was plenty of food for seconds of everything and my kids ate they're fill of salmon. While eating the employees told us the history of this nearly 100 year old lodge and of the fascinating Mary Joyce who ran it. While eating our lunch we watched, through the big glass window in the dining room, our bear come back and begin to lick the sand in the bottom of the grill where the salmon drippings had fallen while cooking. Our lunch was interrupted as we snatched up the cameras and ran outside to get an up close picture. Seeing the bear was just another reminder of how remote we were and of the rich wildlife surrounding us.

  After lunch our guide, along with his big walking stick and the camp dog, took us on the short glacier view trail. This route offered panoramic views of the glacier and a look at the rainforest environment we were in. Our time at the lodge was coming to an end and we headed down to the docks to watch our planes arrive loaded with new guest to drop off.  Watching the small fleet come in and land one at a time on the river was just one more indication of how exclusive and special this adventure really was. Our son Stuart got to ride in the cockpit with the pilot on the way back and our daughter Leah having been thrilled with the sighting of the bears and filled the delicious salmon actually fell asleep on the way back with gentle hum of the engine coaxing her.

Steve and I looked back over the spectacular views of the ice fields knowing that we had just experienced an adventure of a lifetime giving us some wonderful memories to look back on.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Things To Pack For Your Disney Alaskan Cruise

Choosing The Right Port Excursion For Your Family

10 Things To Pack For A Better Cruise

So, You've Booked Your Cruise Now What?

Preparing To Go On Your Disney Vacation