.png)
This is a long one so get comfortable. There's a ton of information here but it's all so important, editing was just too hard. So, here goes:
Day 1, Embarkation:
When cruising, you always want to fly in the day before in case of any travel delays. We stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront which was AMAZING. This hotel is literally across the street from the Port. It’s walking distance from some great restaurants and on top of a food court. So convenient and comfortable.
The morning before we embarked, we did the Flyover Canada show which is basically Soarin’ (from Epcot) but over Canada. So much fun.
Once we boarded, we had to go to Cabanas for a plate of crab claws and shrimp, it’s a tradition. This was the 3rd time I’ve been on the Disney Wonder so it was like coming home.
Dinner at Animators Palate where the Big Cheese made an appearance!
Day 2, Day at Sea:
Today, you are mostly in open ocean as we head north to Alaska. Seas were rough but everyone was fine. In fact, I took a 3 hour nap! I think it was the combination of the rocking and our Palo brunch.
Palo Brunch…..a must do on every Disney Cruise. Palo only accepts guests age 18+ and, finally, my son was old enough to join us. He couldn’t believe food this good existed. I had the chicken parmesan (a favorite) and he had the lasagna. It’s literally the best lasagna in the world.
The Golden Mickey was this evening’s show and, as usual, it didn’t disappoint. I may or may not have cried.
It didn’t get dark until 11pm which is so weird.
We ended the evening in Azure, laughing at Match Your Mate. That show is hysterical, you laugh till you cry.
Day 3, Day at Sea:
We are finally in the straits in Alaska and the views are UNREAL. Everywhere you look are snow-capped mountains, water smooth as glass and, every once in a while, you see a whale or seal surface.
We were lucky enough to book the Glacier excursion which did not disappoint. The Disney Wonder sails deep into the channels for great glacier views but it can only go so far. On this amazing excursion, you board a smaller boat that takes you right up to the glacier. You sail through a sea of ice where seals are hanging out. A good eye can spot mountain goats on the high cliffs and bald eagles are everywhere. Of the entire week of excursions, this was the one I will remember the most. We brought our own binoculars, which totally made the day.
Tonight was the Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and friends and was really cute. I saw some families dressed up like Olaf and Oaken which was hilarious.
Day 4, Skagway:
Our first port day! Skagway is a small town with a lot of history. The big star is the White Pass Railway that takes you in a vintage train over the pass that gold rush prospectors traveled over 100 years ago. It’s amazing to imagine the lives they lived in hopes of striking it rich. The views, again, were magnificent. Nothing seems real here.
The really cool thing about Alaskan cruises is that the ship is in port for most of the day so you can book more than one excursion, if you choose. And there is so much to do! But we just wandered around town and had the best lunch at Skagway Brewing Company. I hate to admit it but their Fish and Chips were better than the ones in Epcot.
Day 5, Juneau:
Now we’re in the “big city” of Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Beautiful town nestled between 2 mountains. It’s more touristy here, as expected, so we didn’t spend much time in town. It was also freezing and rainy.
We did a Whale Watching and Rainforest Hike. Juneau is very wet, windy and cold. We saw a couple whales but heard another boat had better luck with seeing a whale’s flukes and even her head above water. We saw a little bit of whales so it was exciting. The excursion had a whale expert on board so we learned a lot about them. They are amazing creatures.
I really loved the Rainforest Hike. It was an easy hike but in the most dense forest I’ve ever experienced. It was like being on a movie set for Jurassic Park. Our tour guide was a botanist and geologist so she was extremely knowledgeable on everything around us. It was so interesting!
Tonight’s show was Frozen and I didn’t cry. Twice.
Day 6, Ketchikan:
Ketchikan is the cutest town and one of my favs. My husband and son went salmon fishing and didn’t have much luck. We didn’t dock until after noon and that’s a tough time to start fishing so it wasn’t very surprising. My daughter and I did the Lumberjack Show. It was so cheesy but equally awesome. It was Remy’s favorite thing we did all week.
We met up with the guys after and had an early dinner (late afternoon snack) at the Alaskan Fish House which was AMAZING. I had fish tacos but in crispy shells. That was a first and now a forever more.
Elemental premiered in the states and, as is custom on Disney Cruises, when a movie premieres back home, they show it on board, too! The movie isn’t good. That is all.
Day 7, Day at Sea:
This is it. Our last day. And I'm very sad. We spent the day watching the scenery and playing trivia and other games on board. What a fabulous week!!
Day 8, Debarkation:
Sigh. Time to go. Our flight departs at 11:45am so we were in the lobby by 7:20am and off the ship by 8:15am. We got to the airport in plenty of time to eat breakfast and board. Back home to 105 degree heat and reality.
I may, or may not, be researching for another Alaskan cruise next summer.
Thanks for reading!
Comments