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Old 04-19-2016, 01:52 PM   #1
Twinky2
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45 days till I leave for YVR and Alaska Few last minute questions..

I have been planning like crazy and have lined up all our shore excursions, Palo, and hotels/transportation. So I'm left with these few questions.

1. I recall seeing something about a Frozen party or an Elsa and Anna meet and greet but don't remember any details and can't find the thread. My daughter is 12 but would still enjoy it so I was hoping to figure that out so I would be in the know before we arrive.

2. Is there anything else I'm missing besides the Palo reservations and spa reservations. We are CC Gold members so is there something specific I need to do the day of the cruise to ensure we get to attend the gold/platinum meet and greet?

3. This is our 7th Disney cruise and I'm looking to do things we have not done before. Any suggestions.. We have done all shows, movies, spa and kids clubs.. Looking for tours of the ship type things.

4. Anyone that has been on AK cruises what cellular carrier did you have and did you have cell service at any of the ports?

5. Has anyone shipped their luggage previously to the ship because was considering doing that with one bag containing winter wear coats etc.

Many Thanks
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Old 04-19-2016, 02:29 PM   #2
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1. I recall seeing something about a Frozen party or an Elsa and Anna meet and greet but don't remember any details and can't find the thread. My daughter is 12 but would still enjoy it so I was hoping to figure that out so I would be in the know before we arrive.
There is a Frozen party called Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and friends, which took place on the Skagway night. We didn't make it, as we were too tired.

There is also an Anna and Elsa meet and greet. On our cruise, you got tickets on embarkation day at WaveBands - grab a Navigator as soon as you board for details of when and where to sign up. There were a couple of different days it was offered, if I remember right. I did it mainly to meet Olaf!

2. Is there anything else I'm missing besides the Palo reservations and spa reservations. We are CC Gold members so is there something specific I need to do the day of the cruise to ensure we get to attend the gold/platinum meet and greet?
No, details should automatically be left outside your room. It's a bit of a pain, as you don't know when the reception is until you get those details and sometimes it fits into your schedule, and other times it doesn't.

The only other thing I can think of is shore excursion bookings?

3. This is our 7th Disney cruise and I'm looking to do things we have not done before. Any suggestions.. We have done all shows, movies, spa and kids clubs.. Looking for tours of the ship type things.
Keep an eye out for wine tastings and mixology classes, if those interest you. We've done a couple of wine tastings and have really enjoyed them.

4. Anyone that has been on AK cruises what cellular carrier did you have and did you have cell service at any of the ports?
Oh goodness me, I cannot for the life of me remember our American cell phone company now. I know we had service in all the ports we visited.

5. Has anyone shipped their luggage previously to the ship because was considering doing that with one bag containing winter wear coats etc.
I can't help with this I'm afraid.
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Old 04-19-2016, 02:41 PM   #3
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I can't help you on most of your questions, however, regarding cell phone service: We have AT&T and Verizon and ACS and GCI (Alaska based companies) for sure. I know other companies have been moving into the market, but the movement is slow. Sounds like Sprint may also be available.

My sister has been working in Southeast (where you will be on the cruise ship) and she used to have to have GCI, but now she has AT&T and it works great.

Keep in mind that in the mountains, you will have issues but if you are sticking mainly to the towns and ports, you should be fine with one of the above.

And as to winter coats...sounds like you are going towards the end of May, beginning of June...What we consider winter coats will not be necessary. I would suggest coats (especially RAIN COATS), but dressing in layers is a much better idea. Today - at just before 11:00am - it is already 47 degrees. The beginning of June averages around 60 degrees. Oh and did I mention the rain...yeah, it rains, a lot!!! You will be in "rain forest" territory!!!!! Don't forget the rain coat. And extra shoes if you go on excursions where you could end up with wet feet! And wool socks - NO COTTON!!!!
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Old 04-19-2016, 09:33 PM   #4
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I would second checking out a mixology or wine tasting seminar. I really enjoyed the mixology seminar I tried. We also really enjoyed some of the activities on board such as trivia contests, etc.

I agree with Jennifer. Layers will be better than winter coats. We brought fleeces, and water proof jackets. Gloves and hats will be good too.
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Old 04-19-2016, 11:20 PM   #5
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Looks like we will be on that same cruise!

When I look at my cruise itinerary on the cruise planning site, it shows a "Frozen Deck Party" from 10:15 pm - 11:00 pm on Thursday, June 2--Skagway Day. I know that when I sailed on the Wonder this past November, they were giving out tickets to the Anna & Elsa meet and greet along with tickets to see the Princesses, character breakfast tickets, and tickets to make a ginger bread house. These were being handed out in Wavebands when we first boarded. (There was a pretty long line.)

I'm interested in cell phone service, also. I use Verizon.

This will be my first time cruising as a Gold Castaway Member, so I am also interested in the meet and greet.
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Old 04-19-2016, 11:30 PM   #6
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Oops-my cruise is sooner than I thought. Looks like we will be on the cruise right before you!
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Old 04-20-2016, 01:12 PM   #7
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The Frozen party replaces the Pirates in the Carribean party. No tickets, open to all. On our cruise, the crowds were MUCH smaller than for the PitC parties.
You do need to sign up when onboard for Olaf meet & greet, and the Character breakfast.
I agree - mixology or martini tasting (or both!) are great fun, and must be reserved onboard.
The Gold/Platinum party will be in the Navigator. No ticket needed, just your key that shows your CC status.
Enjoy! Wish I was going again this summer!
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Old 04-20-2016, 02:19 PM   #8
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I second the comments about layers with rain wear, although on our previous 2 sailings in mid June, we hit heat waves and barely needed any jackets. Hats and gloves are also a good idea. We have AT&T and had good service in all the Alaskan ports. Be aware to put your phone in airplane mode while in Canada, however, unless you have international service. We are taking our 3rd Alaskan cruise in June this year (2nd one on Disney). Hoping for another heat wave.
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Old 04-20-2016, 03:21 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris View Post
I second the comments about layers with rain wear, although on our previous 2 sailings in mid June, we hit heat waves and barely needed any jackets. Hats and gloves are also a good idea. We have AT&T and had good service in all the Alaskan ports. Be aware to put your phone in airplane mode while in Canada, however, unless you have international service. We are taking our 3rd Alaskan cruise in June this year (2nd one on Disney). Hoping for another heat wave.
Yeah, weather in Alaska has been MUCH warmer in the past few years...can be good or bad.

Hats and light gloves would be a good think to have as Pris mentioned. I always have them in my car or when I pack for outdoor stuff so I tend to forget about needing to mention them to tourists.

Good call on the international service...and thank you for knowing that Alaska is not an foreign country......so many times when calling down to the lower 48, I get people who are surprised that we use the same money as they do and you don't need a passport to fly into AK.
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