23 Tips for your Disney Alaskan Cruise!!
1. Book as early as you can! The best pricing and availability is when cruises first release! With such a short season and only one ship these sailings fill up fast! I have a list for every Disney Cruise Line release, send me an email to get updates and quotes as soon as possible!
2. Verandah is worth every penny on these cruises. Nothing more relaxing then sitting out on your balcony eating room service and watching nature go by. Or so I can imagine. When we sailed we were actually in an inside room because we didn't know better. However, if that is the way you can get on one of these sailings. DO IT! Plenty of spaces on the ship to pull up a chair and do the same thing.
3. Pack like Utah Spring and Fall. What does this mean? We went from FREEZING to getting sunburned on our last day. Bring your flannels but also bring some T shirts! You are covering such a large area and the temps vary more than you would think!
4. Drink your weight in hot chocolate. Up on deck you can get it all day and it is delightful and INCLUDED!
5. Take the time to take pictures with the Characters. Lines can seem long and not worth waiting in, but the only ones you will regret are the ones you don't wait for!
6. This goes with #5. My favorite way to collect autographs is bringing a blank frame mat and having them all sign it. Then went you get home print off your favorite picture and frame it!
7. Research the excursions before they open up. After final payment you will be able to book excursions through the cruise line. There are many perks to this but the biggest ones are, assurance the ship won't leave you, you don't have to pay for them until you sail , they are Disney approved and the biggest one is the exclusive excursions! These book up FAST so you want to be able to get on and select your "Port Adventures" the first day you can! PRO TIP - I will stay up and do this for you while you are sleeping!
8. Book the Character dining, tea parties, spa days early as well!
9. Ah the SPA. Disney Cruise Line has the most impressive Spas. From couples treatments, hair appointments, fitness center and even the Rainforest Room they have something for everyone! I LOVE the Spa and make a point to use it every time we sail!
10. Kids Clubs. Do not for one minute feel bad about putting your kids in the kids clubs. I have had multiple clients tell me they feel bad for hauling them to their destination and leaving them with a "babysitter." Your kids will beg to go back to the kids clubs. They have activities all day long and they will meet so many friends!
11. Teen Club! I never experienced the kids clubs myself but I was fortunate and got to experience the teen clubs a few times! It has been a very long time but I still am facebook friends with some of the kids I hung out with! Worried about if your teens will have a good time? Trust me, they will. Plus if you are worried about the "supervision" the counselors are awesome and have activities planned down to the minute!
12. Decorate your stateroom door! This is so much fun to do and just adds to the magic of your sailing! I love walking the halls and seeing all the creativity. You also can join groups for your sailing and take part in a gift exchange with Fish extenders!
13. DO make sure you make it to dinner every night. Alaska has 7+ night cruise itineraries so you will have dinners in the same restaurants 2 or 3 times! In true Disney fashion even though it is the same venue - you will have a different experience and dinner menu! PRO TIP - get the beignets. Every night you can. You actually can even ask for them if they aren't on the menu!
14. Become friends with your wait staff and housekeepers. They will remain the same throughout your cruise. We have loved getting to know them on every cruise we have been on!
15. Book your flight to give you a day or two to explore your port city! We sailed out of Vancouver and loved being able to bike around Stanley Park and visit the Suspension Bridge!
16. Bring tide pods and dryer sheets! I NEVER thought I would be the person doing laundry on a cruise but after our 10 day Mediterranean and learning how easy it is, I will never go back! Spill something? Clothes a little wet or stinky? Just wash them in the nice laundry room on the ship!
17. DRESS UP on Formal night! When do you ever get to dress up nice? For us - only on a cruise! This also is the night of the "Golden Mickeys" on the Disney Wonder for most sailings.
18. Bring extra hangers! A weeks worth of clothes for your family and heavy winter gear is a lot of closet space. You will be glad you have extras!
19. Bug Spray, Dramamine and Sea Bands. The only time I got a little sea sick in Alaska is when we took a small boat out to an island in Ketchikan. You also can buy these in the gift shop, but you will save a bit of time and money by doing it beforehand!
20. Binoculars! Invest in some nice ones. I think the most enjoyable part was the hunt trying to see a whale, bear, anything in the distance while cruising!
21. Bring a small bag with you when you board with anything you will need for the day! When you get to the port they will take your luggage and you won't see it again until you get to your stateroom. This will take a few hours so be prepared for that.
22. Do bring a swimsuit. Yes it is cold but the pools are heated and sitting in the hot tub watching the mountains go by is an experience by itself!
23. Biggest tip? Make this bucket list vacation happen! May/September are the cheapest months to go. June/July/August is the best weather and most animal sightings. That being said - who really knows the weather and what wild animals will do each season? ;)
Want more tips and tricks specific for YOUR family?! My services and advice are FREE when you book with me! I can't wait to help you plan your Alaskan Adventure!