To Alaska and Beyond! Updated 4/28 x 3 and it's COMPLETE!! - Page 34 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
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There are other changes as well.
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PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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We were really complaining by the time we made it back to the ship- it was a good walk. Headed straight to Windjammer and literally had the buffet to ourselves- which was great. All my favorite salads were on offer so I was in my element. .
I loooove all the salads in the Windjammer! I could fill up on just those, but there are usually so many other yummy looking things that I end up only getting small portions of the salads!
We saw the capitol building in Juneau, and visited the governor's house. We didn't see Palin, sigh.... We also toured the Alaskan Brewing Company, where they give out free samples! I don't drink, so I didn't participate, but my family enjoyed it!
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MVC Owner - HHI, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Orlando
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Yearly trips (or more!) to Orlando since 2007
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8 cruises on Royal Caribbean, 2 on DCL
Great update! Too bad you weren't able to take the Mt. Roberts Tram- that is also one of the things I was looking forward too.... I'm really LOVING this TR! What you've been saying about the excursions have hit home- my initial plan was to do one excursion per port and spend the rest of the time in town, I've learned from your experience and will be booking plenty of excursions- I've been telling the other adults about your trip, and they are in agreeance that we want to do lots of excursions to see the outer areas! The one thing your killing me on- is raving about the balcony- we are booked for inside cabins and it's really not in our budget to get a balcony, especially since we want to splurge on excursions. But every time I read your TR, I rethink that
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to hearing about your last day
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Maureen, I can't wait to see glaciers! Your photos are awesome! We also have a balcony room and I'm looking forward to spending quite alot of time out there. We're doing an independent whale watching excursion in Juneau that has smaller boats. I swear when I think about seeing humpback whales I get goosebumps!
Before turning in last night, I called Marcilano and told him we were sleeping in late in the morning and would let him know when we were leaving the room.
After a extremely restful night, we were up around 9:30. I had totally forgotten about the View From The Top presentation hosted by our cruise director, featuring the ship's senior officers, including Captain Michel.
We were able to make it with a few minutes to spare. The presentation was essentially a giant Power Point with some really great photos of the bridge, the crew areas- including their rest lounges, cafeteria as well as good views of the galley.
For a cruise junkie, it was heaven. The mechanics of the ship, the Serenade's history were all talked about. After the presentation part was over- there was a Q and A- and somehow I got the nerve to ask a question- I asked Captain Michel how long senior officers stayed with one particular ship and he answered the average was 2-3 years.
Afterwards, we stood in line to meet Captain Michel. That's something I have done every trip- was have a photo made with the ship's Captain- and usually it's one of my favorite photos from every cruise.
By the time we were through with the View From The Top, it was nearing lunchtime so we headed to Windjammer and another good meal. I was seriously impressed with this place over the course of the 7 days. Of course, not everything they offered was something to rave about- but overall, it was very, very good. Matt's only complaint were the size of the ice cream cones- but I am sure that has something to do with an effort to contain portion control.
The boys headed out to the arcade with a promise to return within the hour. Kevan and I just wandered the ship- I emailed home and Lynn to check on the "store", and then went into the shops for a bit.
At about 2:00, we headed back to the room to start the depressing task of packing up. The boys held true to their word and were back when they were supposed to be. As I was glancing over the Cruise Compass, I noticed that 2 performers we really liked in one of the shows from earlier in the week were having their own matinee performance. At 3:00.
Sounded like fun to me so I asked for anyone to join me and the only taker was Kevan. Matt and Aaron headed to the balcony with their iPhones and kicked their feet up. Must add the visibility on the ship this day was less than ideal but they didn't seem to care.
Jay and Shivonne, the performers, are a married couple and that clearly showed. The performance was a great blend of R & B, gospel and 70's. They were energetic and tons of fun to watch. At the end of the show, they mentioned they would be out front for a meet and greet, so I jumped all over that. I think it's funny how Jay has his eyes closed- clearly he wasn't ready but oh well, good times!
By the time we had gotten back, the boys were ready for dinner but wanted room service pizza again. We ordered for them, waited for them to eat and then we all headed up to the top deck to see if there was any chance of spotting some orcas- as we were approaching some known orca feeding grounds.
We gave it our all, despite freezing temps, foggy conditions but the only thing we spotted were some porpoises riding our waves.
Also, we saw the pilot ship approach and that really bummed me out- a sure sign the cruise was almost over. Landforms became a constant part of the landscape.
One more trip to the Centrum shops on Deck 5 and to check email, then we headed to Guest Services to let them know we wanted early departure. We received a ticket and were directed where to go in the morning at 7:00 am.
On our way back to the room, we found Marcilano and inspiration struck, I ran to get the camera so I could have Kevan take a picture of us. Marcilano was by far, the BEST stateroom attendant I have ever had on a cruise ship, and that does include DCL. So sweet, friendly and took care of every possible need we have. We had pre paid gratuities but I added another amount- he deserved every penny.
I sent this picture to Royal Caribbean, along with a long letter about him- and they assured me they would get the pic to him. Hope they did.
We finished packing and getting set for the morning. Funny how a day of lesiure makes one tired. I guess all of it caught up with us, because we were very happy to get in bed and watch movies for the rest of the evening, until we were ready to call it a night.
Continued Next Post: Disembarking and Final Thoughts!!
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Kevan set the alarm for himself early, and being the gem that he is- he headed up to Windjammer and brought back the best breakfast he could fit on a tray. The kids and I were up, showered and ready to go by the time he had returned, so we ate on the balcony. By the time we got out there, we were already back in Vancouver.
We seemed to time everything just right- as soon as we finished up, there was a call for the express departures. As we opened the door to the hallway, there was Marcilano, so we got to say good bye one last time- I did try to get him to come with us but he politely declined.
Literally as we approached the area for staging express departures, the line had come to an end, so we were directed to the back of the line. We literally walked from our room, right off the ship. I couldn't believe how easy it was.
Customs was also quite efficient and only about a 15 minute wait to clear through. Porters were everywhere and we recruited one for a little help with the bags as well as finding us a larger van taxi.
By 8:00, we were on our way to the airport. Our flight to Las Vegas was on Air Canada and I found their ticket counter staff very courteous and efficient as well. Getting through customs there was a bit of a mess but we had arrived so early it wasn't an issue.
We had an 11:50 flight to Las Vegas and were at the gate at 8:40. I love kids. They had just eaten breakfast and announced that they needed another one. So we headed to Burger King and filled them full of French Toast Sticks.
At 11:20, we boarded the flight for Las Vegas and right on time, away we went. This is where my trip report ends friends. I wasn't really fond of Las Vegas at all so I'm hard pressed to write about anything else other than to say seeing Cirque du Soleil's LOVE and presenting at the National Kindergarten Conference made it worthwhile. Even though I wasn't particularly fond of it- I would go back to see LOVE again.
Continued Next Post: Final Thoughts (after B.M's reply just below. )
It pleases me to no end that soo many of you are going to be journeying to Alaska. I felt that this trip was indeed life changing and most memorable. It wasn't really on my bucket list- this was more Kevan's dream than mine. However, I had the time of my life. We all did.
In general, this was the best cruise I have ever been on. On the flight to Las Vegas, I acutally made a running tally of my experience on Serenade and my previous experiences on the Disney Wonder. I assigned each criterion a point- there were a total of 15 and the Serenade won by a score of 9 to 6. That really shocked me but in a good way- it opened my eyes and mind to sailing with other cruise lines.
Aaron and Matthew STILL talk about this trip. We all do. Every once in awhile, we quip one of the catch phrases we made famous and burst into laughter. We've viewed all our pictures and videos 5 or 6 times since getting back. That's how great a time we truly had. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity.
Kevan "got" my cruise bug, which was probably my biggest thrill overall. I wasn't sure if he was going to see what I saw in crusing- but thankfully, he did. Matt and Aaron were hooked.
Speaking of getting hooked, we've got our next adventure lined up. Aaron took Roman Studies in high school this year and in October he started talking to my MIL about wanting to see many of the things he was learning about- especially things in Rome. She told him maybe for graduation and low and behold, 2 weeks ago, we booked our next big adventure.
Next summer, we are cruising the brand new Carnival Magic to Italy. Stops in Monte Carlo, Citavecchia (Rome), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Naples, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast are on the itinerary. We've booked two cabins- a balcony and an inside stateroom across the hall as this time we have an extra adventurer- Miss Emily. We all are really, really excited about it but it seems so far away.
You'll find me in the WDW Trip Reports forums for the time being- with 3 trips planned before the end of the year- including a surprise Christmas trip- so Kevin, Katie and Connor get a vacation too.
Thank you to so many of you for your comments and feedback- it's a motivator to keep going- and I apologize it took me so long to finish. For those of you who are Alaska bound in the near and not so near future, please pm me if I can help you in any way possible- I would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Wishing you and yours safe travels.. whenever and wherever they take you!
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Great finish Mo!! Thanks so much for coming back and finishing it!! I hope to get to Alaska on a cruise one day!! Looking forward to all your Disney trips!!
Maureen, thank you so much for sharing your cruise. I really enjoyed reading about it and seeing all the great pics. I still can't believe I'll be there myself in about 3 1/2 weeks!
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Not sure I like the sound of those stuffed bears... 
- we are booked for inside cabins and it's really not in our budget to get a balcony, especially since we want to splurge on excursions. But every time I read your TR, I rethink that
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
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