Disney Cruising to Alaska???

[Disneyphile]

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Lookie what's been found:

http://www.nps.gov/glba/parknews/cruise-ship-proposals.htm

[cirquelover]

Woohoo, then maybe I'll make it on a Disney cruise!

[Disneyphile]

I'd totally be staying out on deck the whole time, not wanting to take my eyes off the sights. Just me, some glaciers, and my iPod. Dream vacation!!!

[innerSpaceman]

Just win me the lotto and I'm there!

[Stan4dSteph]

Very tempting...

[Chernabog]

I'd totally be staying out on deck the whole time, not wanting to take my eyes off the sights. Just me, some glaciers, and my iPod. Dream vacation!!!

Hahah or me and my DS!!! ;) muahaha

OH FYI DP -- I beat FFIII DS, finally! I'm on FFIV now!

Dammit I miss the cruise. It seems like aeons ago that it happened. Perhaps a cruise reunion dinner needs to happen before the end of the year?

[Disneyphile]

Perhaps a cruise reunion dinner needs to happen before the end of the year?
That would be fun!

And, the the DVD is going to be ready in the next month or so too. :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

How cool! My coworker who worked on cruise lines says Alaska is amazing.

[Disneyphile]

And, Alaska would only be more amazing with Mickey. :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

Yeah!

[wendybeth]

We're planning on taking another Alaskan cruise- I would definitely consider waiting for this one! I wonder if it would go out of Seattle- that's really the best way to go.

[Melonballer]

I hope it goes out of Seattle. I would put some Disney magic in the area. I would go to the pier they sail from to wave bon voyage.

I went on an Alaskan Cruise a few years ago and was not that impressed. Of course the weather was real cloudy and all the ports were the same for the most part. But the glacier we saw was cool and I did enjoy parts of it (especially Victoria, B.C.). I told my mom the only way I would go to Alaska again was if it was on a Disney Cruise.

[libraryvixen]

I would SO go!!

[Disneyphile]

Heh. Swank Cruise 2011. ;)

[wendybeth]

Or 2010. The app goes from 1/1/10 to 1/1/19.

:D

[Alex]

But probably 2011. They're almost certainly going to wait until the new ships come online before repositioning to the west coast. And someone on MousePad posted a Q&A transcript between the park service and the submitting applicants where one of them (the specific company asking each question is not identified) asked if the rights were lost if not used in the first year.

[Moonliner]

2011 eh? That's a long time. Until then here is a little something to hold you over...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/Moonliner/gla2.jpg

[Chernabog]

I'm reading a book right now where these people are searching for the Northwest Passage among the ice in the 1840s, and this monster is stalking them, and they get beached on the ice, and they resort to cannibalism.

Sorry, it just popped into my head. :confused:

[wendybeth]

Well, whenever it takes place I'm sure we'll be there. We really liked our last cruise there- it was much better than the Hawaiian one.

[Disneyphile]

.....and they get beached on the ice, and they resort to cannibalism.Bacon is people! :eek:

[Moonliner]

Bacon is people! :eek:

Oh my God! This is NO sauna. It's a smokehouse! Help!!!

[Disneyphile]

Man-Eating Mutiny on the Magic!

[innerSpaceman]

Hmmm, this could be baby's first cruise. But, like $6,000, no? (Keeping in mind that I don't travel Steerage)

[Stan4dSteph]

Any ideas how long the cruise would be?

[Tenigma]

But probably 2011. They're almost certainly going to wait until the new ships come online before repositioning to the west coast. And someone on MousePad posted a Q&A transcript between the park service and the submitting applicants where one of them (the specific company asking each question is not identified) asked if the rights were lost if not used in the first year.

I'd love me an Alaskan Disney cruise. I might even want to do the maiden voyage.

[wolfy999]

Alaska is one of the most amazing cruises!

I'm going to save my next Disney Cruise for one of the new ships though, so I'll pass on Alaska if it comes to pass.

[Alex]

I'd love me an Alaskan Disney cruise. I might even want to do the maiden voyage.

Depends on when that is. I'd really want to combine it with the other thing I mentioned to you which means a mid- to late-summer date would be necessary, I think.

But I'll need to research once this is officially announced (if it ever is).

[Kevy Baby]

I'd really want to combine it with the other thing I mentioned to you which means a mid- to late-summer date would be necessary, I think.Hmmm...

[Prudence]

Yay! I wanna Disney cruise to Alaska!

[Tenigma]

Hmmm...

Shhhh... he was gonna try to go find the elusive Cola-Bear.

[RStar]

Any ideas how long the cruise would be?

It's a three hour tour.

No, wait. That's the S.S. Minnow. Sorry.

Anyway, I think if you can make it in 2011 you should go. They say that due to global warming all the earths' glaciers will be melted and gone.

[Mrs. Nesbitt]

There is no guarantee they will get approval for this. They needed to apply if they wanted any shot at doing Glacier Bay in the next ten years. These are handed out in ten year increments. Chances are it will be 2012 or beyond if they get approval. Holland America, Princess and some of the other cruise lines have higher priority as they have been going there longer and have well established land operations.

Disney's 2010 sailings will be made available OCT 7, 2008

[Disneyphile]

Some friends of ours and we plan on cruising with DCL every year to two years, so no matter when it happens or where it goes, we'll always be there. :D

We love our Magic! :snap:

[Disneyphile]

So, the Magic is now in dry dock for the next three weeks, and will be receiving these upgrades, among others, according to this article (http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/09/disney-to-add-f.html):


Swivel arm-mounted 22" LCD televisions in all staterooms
New "Fantasia" themed splash area at the Mickey pool
Waterfalls from the two spas at the Cove Pool


:snap:

[Chernabog]

Ooooooooh I wanna play in the splash area at the Mickey pool! Oh.. wait ;)

[innerSpaceman]

That's ok, I want to, too. And we're both short enough to pass.









or did you mean something else entirely?

[Chernabog]

or did you mean something else entirely?

Haha it was irony, not a euphemism. I saw on a few occasions the HazMat team in the kiddie Mickey pool, and no I am not kidding about that. :rolleyes:

[Disneyphile]

Haha it was irony, not a euphemism. I saw on a few occasions the HazMat team in the kiddie Mickey pool, and no I am not kidding about that. :rolleyes:They're not HazMat. All the ship's maintenance crew wear yellow jumpsuits, even the painters. :p But, they are constantly draining that pool and cleaning it because somebody's befouled it. ;)

Here's an article that gives more detail about the upgrades:

CELEBRATION, Fla. – An exciting collection of enhancements awaits the Disney Magic as the ship heads into dry dock Sept. 6-24, 2008. The 2,700 passenger cruise ship will undergo a series of upgrades for guests of all ages.

Here is a glimpse at what’s in store:


Indulgence and Relaxation
Quiet Cove, the serene pool retreat reserved for the enjoyment of adults, will undergo a makeover including upgrades to Cove Café, the pool and the deck area. Cove Café, the ship’s sophisticated coffee lounge, will incorporate a new seating area with plush, comfortable chairs providing the perfect venue to relax while sipping a cup of gourmet coffee. Meanwhile, the adult pool will be outfitted with soothing, cascading waterfalls from the two hot tubs. Teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions will line the pool, creating an inviting, stylish ambiance in line with the Vista Spa and Salon.

Fun for the Little Ones
The Oceaneer Club, a Neverland-themed play space for 3-7 year olds, and the Oceaneer Lab, a whacky and interactive laboratory exclusively for 8-12 year olds, will be enhanced with new registration areas that make the check-in process more efficient and hassle-free. This sets the stage for incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the youth activity areas later this year, which will further enhance and streamline the check-in process. The technology uses RFID tags embedded on wristbands, allowing children to simply tap a sensor to check in and out of the clubs.
Even the youngest cruisers will have a splashtacular time in “Mickey’s Splash Zone,” a new toddler water playground inspired by Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. This 385-square-foot extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 will feature star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones; creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers.

New Conveniences
The guest staterooms onboard the Disney Magic are receiving an infusion of technology with the installation of flat-screen LCD television sets. The new 22-inch units will be mounted on a swivel arm to allow easy viewing from multiple locations within the stateroom.

[Disneyphile]

DCL is making announcements for 2010 itineraries on October 7th. :)

Rumor has it... Baltic Sea baby!!! (The Magic is listed on port schedules for Copenhagen, etc.)

Me thinks they might be "testing the waters" for Alaska???

Oooooh, I love the thought of the Magic with some fjords in the background.

That would also mean another TransAtlantic too.

Yeah, I need to score a huge contract like NOW.

[Disneyphile]

For those of you not following the D23 Expo thread:

DCL is cruising to Alaska in the summers, starting 2011! It has been confirmed. Prices will start at just $949.

The Wonder will be permanently based out of Los Angeles, after passing through the Panama Canal in January of 2011. 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises will start at just $649.

Ken and I are moving our current placeholder reservation to the Panama Canal transit to bring her home!

We're also planning our first Alaska sailing too.

The Wonder is the sister ship to the Magic, identical in structure, but with slightly different interior decor.

Reservations for the 2011 sailings begin September 28th of this year. :)

With that knowledge, it really gives me motivation to clear out and sell unnecessary clutter and make some crafts to raise the funds. And, with the affordable price point, it's totally doable! :D

[Melonballer]

I am still disappointed they are not setting out from Seattle. I would have loved to see the ship come and go. Sigh.

[Alex]

I'm intrigued by the Alaska cruise but I must admit that I'm put off by the thought of there being 500 people on board I know. It won't feel like a vacation if I'm constantly running into people I know beyond my immediate travel companions.

But we'll probably put in a deposit and see how we feel as it rolls around.

[BarTopDancer]

I heard they didn't get passage through Glacier Bay.

That alone would make me think of using a different line for AK cruises, but I am excited about the Mexican cruises.

[Disneyphile]

Here is the port info for the Alaska cruises, including the repo from LA to Vancouver:

Click here. (http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/alaska-pacific-coast/ports/)

[Moonliner]

I heard they didn't get passage through Glacier Bay.


Here is the port info for the Alaska cruises, including the repo from LA to Vancouver:

Click here. (http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/alaska-pacific-coast/ports/)

So BTD is correct, no:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/Moonliner/gla2.jpg

:(

[Disneyphile]

So BTD is correct, no:Possibly - I'm not sure of what ports are around Glacier Bay.

[Moonliner]

It's not far from skagway/Juneau but if it's not listed as a stop, they don't go there.

http://www.cruiseweb.com/hal-imagelibrary/maps/hal-alaska-cruise-03-map.jpg

There are only 153 ships allowed in per season (2/day). So there is a competition between lines. Disney Cruise Line submitted a proposal but withdrew from the competition. (http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2176-11509-glacier-bay-awards-cruise-ship-contracts.html) Effectively freezing them out of glacier bay for the next ten years. (no pun intended).

I wonder why there is no mention of visiting Hubbard Glacier. Ahhh... They visit the "Twin Sawyer" Glaciers.

http://imagecache5.art.com/p/LRG/26/2624/5U7MD00Z/ralph-hopkins-blue-ice-calving-along-glacier-front-of-south-sawyer-glacier-alaska.jpg

They are new to me, has anyone ever seen them? How close can the ship get?

[katiesue]

I'm definately doing this - just looking at which dates.

[Stan4dSteph]

Might be cool to be on an Alaskan cruise on my birthday.

[wolfy999]

Tim will be getting up before the birds to book this one for anyone who wants to have him help them out with the booking.

[Disneyphile]

We are officially returning to Panama!!!! :D (Well, this will be Ken's first time.)

Stateroom 6503, January 6th-21st, 2011.

Thankfully, due to transferring our existing reservation, we were able to keep the 50% deposit benefit ($600 for two people instead of $1,200), our 10% discount, and our $200 onboard credit.

We were able to transfer our booking today instead of Monday, but that was due to a special connection with someone.

So, anyone else from here planning on going? There are presently 10 others in our immediate group. :)

I'm happy to have the chance to redo the trip, as I really wasn't in a good place for the last one. And this time, oh hell yes, I will be fulfilling the promise to my mom at Castaway Cay. :D

Now, to get to crafting and de-cluttering stuff via Ebay and Etsy to pay for this voyage...

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hoping!

Shawn's a little more concerned about how much vacation time he'll have, as it looks like we'll need to go up to Seattle and pack up his dad's house and that might take a few days. But we're hoping!

[Alex]

We're reserved for the first Alaska cruise, but haven't decided yet whether we'll actually go.

[Disneyphile]

Hoping!You're part of those 10 others already, so you're going, dammit. :p Besides, I'm totally serious about getting scuba certified next summer so I can join you on a dive in Aruba. :D

[Disneyphile]

Ya know, it just got better when I was just able to pull it up on the DCL site:

My Reservation

Only 469 days until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise: 15-Night Panama Canal Cruise
Ship: Disney Wonder
Sail Date: January 06, 2011
Stateroom: Standard Inside Stateroom Category 11B, #6503

Happy, happy, joy, joy! SQUEEEEEEEE! :D

[katiesue]

We're doing Alaska but can't book till Monday.

[Andrew]

We're reserved for the first Alaska cruise, but haven't decided yet whether we'll actually go.

Same.

[Prudence]

Hmmmm. I'm thinking about Alaska. I suppose I should look into a reservation.

[Stan4dSteph]

I put down a deposit for a sailing. Should be a cool trip.

[katiesue]

Madz and I are booked for Alaska June 21-28 - 2011. But I don't want to wait that long.

[blueerica]

Oooh, maybe that could be our honeymoon?

[Disneyphile]

Madz and I are booked for Alaska June 21-28 - 2011. But I don't want to wait that long.YAY!!

There's a chance I might be on that one too, with my sister. We're not completely deciding until after the first of the year though. I still have to work my butt off to pay for Panama.

[Disneyphile]

Oooh, maybe that could be our honeymoon?Come to the dark sea side.... ;)

[Disneyphile]

Here (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/10/06/first-look-construction-photos-of-disney-wonders-outlook-cafe-exterior/) is a recent look at some modifications to the Wonder, to give her more enclosed areas for Alaska.