We were beyond excited for our cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage! We had booked this cruise as soon as it became available but the dream of it goes back many years. We couldn't believe it was finally time to board the ship!! We made our way across the street to the Canada Place cruise terminal without having to tote our luggage (Thank you Fairmont Waterfront Hotel!)
Once we were through the security and the passport areas, we came to the lines to check in for the cruise. The Castaway club line was longer than the regular line so we opted for the regular line. This check in area is NOTHING like the Port Canaveral terminal in Florida! Everything is temporary. What seating they had were folding chairs and the check in areas were all little kiosk type desks on wheels. It was a completely different experience. They did have Characters in the corner on the left hand side as you enter the check in area but we didn't get a chance to visit them.
After check in, we headed over to the other side and got the two younger ones their bands for the kid's club (you can preregister online). It wasn't long before they called our number for boarding. Everyone was all smiles! It had been a while since we had been on the Wonder (probably around 7 years) so I forgotten how much smaller it is from the Fantasy and Dream. But with that being said, it is kind of nice to have everything condensed. I love that first day on the ship, there is so much excitement and it's fun just walking around and seeing where everything is located.
We grabbed lunch at Beach Blanket Buffet and then walked around the ship. We passed by Shutters and it was helpful to know that if you had forgotten (or loose or break) binoculars and needed to purchase them that they are available on board. I was glad we purchased ours before we left on Amazon (Bushnell 10x50 wide angle $35 on Prime). They were probably not the quality of the Nikon's they sold on board but they were a lot less expensive and I am unsure when we will ever use them again. I purchased two sets before we left and borrowed another pair from my dad. Our little guy was happy with his binoculars from Chick-Fil-A so that worked (he is 3). They also had them for sale in the cruise terminal but I did not notice the prices there.
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| This is a quick picture I snapped while we were in line for check in. Can you see Goofy in the Corner? |
After check in, we headed over to the other side and got the two younger ones their bands for the kid's club (you can preregister online). It wasn't long before they called our number for boarding. Everyone was all smiles! It had been a while since we had been on the Wonder (probably around 7 years) so I forgotten how much smaller it is from the Fantasy and Dream. But with that being said, it is kind of nice to have everything condensed. I love that first day on the ship, there is so much excitement and it's fun just walking around and seeing where everything is located.
We grabbed lunch at Beach Blanket Buffet and then walked around the ship. We passed by Shutters and it was helpful to know that if you had forgotten (or loose or break) binoculars and needed to purchase them that they are available on board. I was glad we purchased ours before we left on Amazon (Bushnell 10x50 wide angle $35 on Prime). They were probably not the quality of the Nikon's they sold on board but they were a lot less expensive and I am unsure when we will ever use them again. I purchased two sets before we left and borrowed another pair from my dad. Our little guy was happy with his binoculars from Chick-Fil-A so that worked (he is 3). They also had them for sale in the cruise terminal but I did not notice the prices there.
I usually get the all inclusive photo package when we take cruises. I like getting the family pictures because we rarely have time for those at home and the photographers usually capture a moment that I miss on our camera. Plus a lot of times they have props which are really kind of cute. Especially the ones they did on deck on Tracy Arm Day. One of the things I missed this trip was Mickey Mouse kissing my 14 year old's hand on formal night. It was a sweet memory that I was happy they captured since my camera wasn't ready.
Here are a few tips for your first day on board:
- Get your Character Meet & Greet tickets as soon as you can from Port Adventures (they will be on the right as you board the ship) We were able to get tickets to see Olaf, Disney Junior Friends, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa, and also Princess Gathering. This was a total of 4 ticketed meet and greets that were on various days throughout the cruise.
- While you are at Port Adventures getting your meet and greets, check and see what excursions are still available if you haven't already done so (although I hope you already did this).
- Go to the open houses at the various kids clubs so your kids can see what they have to offer.
- Check on alternate dining times if needed
- Staterooms are ready at 1:30 pm. Luggage delivered throughout the day until 5:30
- Locate the drink area on deck 9. Those hot chocolates really hit the spot on this trip ;)
- Go to the sail away party. It's fun and on the Alaska Cruise you go under the Lion's Gate Bridge when leaving Vancouver!
- Make sure you have downloaded the Disney Cruise App. We found this to be a great tool this time. It has come a long way since the first time we used it.
SMILE!!! You are on a Disney Cruise to ALASKA!!!
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