Our original countdown for this trip was 730! I booked the minute the cruise went on sale so that we could get the exact rooms that we wanted.
Joining on the trip is a redo from our April Disney trip consisting of DNana, DPapa, DH and DS7 and DS10. We ended up putting my parents in a mini-suite room and our family got 2 inside rooms across the hall. We saved easily $4,000 doing this and we still have access to a balcony.
We are doing the “Northbound Voyage of the Glaciers” from Vancouver to Whittier.
So excited for you! I just got back a few weeks ago from my inside passage cruise (with HAL) out of Vancouver with my inlaws and DH, DS10 and DS8. I’m pretty sure it was your planning thread that even planted this idea in my mind, so thank you! We had an amazing time, and I’m sure you and your family will too!
Ha, this haunted me too! A mix of layers with a backpack so you can add/subtract as needed seems to be the way to go.
For us in early July, Juneau wasn’t too bad. I wore a t-shirt, fleece, and rain jacket (because it was cloudy/misting/drizzling). And I had my fleece-lined leggings on for our whale-watching tour. I was comfortable, but I would have been fine with regular leggings. I was glad to have my hat on the water though!
When we got off the ship in Skagway, the wind was so strong, and we were freezing! We quickly pulled out the kids’ puffer jackets and put those on with hats and gloves while we waited for our tour to depart. Actually DS10 insisted he was fine with just his fleece with the hat and gloves, and DH didn’t need his coat, but DS8 and I were glad we had ours.
In Glacier Bay I didn’t need my jacket at all! Just the fleece and hat. I could have added my rain jacket, but I didn’t mind getting slightly wet since it wasn’t super cold.
When we were in Ketchikan it poured buckets. We were prepared for the rain, and it would have been fine, if unpleasant, if we’d stayed in port, but we went kayaking. This was both the best and worst thing we did. Best, because we saw sea lions close up, and worst because even with all the gear that was provided we got so wet. The kids were completely soaked. The temperatures were cool, but not cold, in port.
Vancouver was perfect. It’s such a great city, and we got nice summer weather when we returned from the cruise.
Our family did just as much swimming on the ship in Alaska as they did in the Caribbean, so bring your swimsuits!
I think we were a little too early to see bears , but I think you’re right on time. We did get to see bears very close up in Vancouver by visiting Grouse Mountain, and even though that viewing was through a protective fence, it was incredible to be that close to real bears. Those claws!!
Ok I think that you are making me lean towards bringing more warm clothes! I’m going to bring like 2 pairs of shorts just in case. But my boys will only want to wear sweatpants I am sure.
We are definitely going to swim though. This pool is calling my name!
Be prepared for it all! Maybe my July weather was more like June. Early August is probably your best chance for warmer temperatures. How many pairs of shorts do you really need though? It’s not like you’re going to get sweaty like you would in Orlando.
That wake pool looks lovely. Does Princess have an indoor/covered pool too?
Ya I think that 2 pairs should be plenty! If I do wear them I doubt it will be for the full day anyway, so easily re-worn or washed. I’m thinking obviously Vancouver or Anchorage are probably the most likely warm places. Maybe Seward.
There are no indoor pools on this ship so we’ll see how it goes. But my kids are pretty hearty and I think the water will be warm.
We have the age-old (no pun intended) sibling kids-club dillemma where DS10 is in one room (age 8-12) and DS7 is supposed to be with 3 year olds . He is only 2 months away from turning 8 so I hope that they will have pity on us. I have also heard that depending on the sailings that they combine the groups. So we shall see! There will be plenty of things for them to do on the ship. DS10 is already looking forward to the “fruit and vegetable carving” demonstration! A step above his usual towel folding interests.
Have fun! We did DCL to Alaska last August and loved it. We also did the Chilkoot tour in Skagway, but the bus only version. The free “wildlife museum” included at lunchtime is great if you like taxidermy But the scenery on the tour is amazing!
We didn’t do the dog carts, the excursion we did in Juneau was a dog sledding summer camp so we didn’t feel the need to. I think one couple in our group might’ve done it? If I remember correctly, there would’ve been enough time to do it and make it back to bus on time.
You’re making me jealous! I would love to do an Alaska cruise someday, but apparently I will need someone else to plan it for me. There is too much that needs to be booked in advance!
That said, I am not overly adventurous. I would not be doing any kayaking, dog-sledding, snow-shoeing, ice cragging, volcano repelling, or glacier skydiving.
And there is no way in hell you could get me on a helicopter. I’m sure it’s perfectly safe, but my anxiety would blow a gasket.
Lol only ONE of these things is happening! And dog-sledding has to be one of the most kid-friendly of them all.
It is a very far in advance planning type of trip, but it was not anywhere near as complex as a Disney trip. Like I have maybe 6 or 7 things “booked" but they are all one per day and none required any alarm setting!
I was exaggerating a little on that one - I would probably enjoy the dog sledding. Though I wouldn’t necessarily seek it out either. (I am more afraid of dogs than I am of sledding, but I’m sure in that environment I would be fine.)
I booked the minute the cruise went on sale so that we could get the exact rooms that we wanted.
, but I think you’re right on time. We did get to see bears very close up in Vancouver by visiting Grouse Mountain, and even though that viewing was through a protective fence, it was incredible to be that close to real bears. Those claws!! 
. He is only 2 months away from turning 8 so I hope that they will have pity on us. I have also heard that depending on the sailings that they combine the groups. So we shall see! There will be plenty of things for them to do on the ship. DS10 is already looking forward to the “fruit and vegetable carving” demonstration! A step above his usual towel folding interests.
But the scenery on the tour is amazing!
(I am more afraid of dogs than I am of sledding, but I’m sure in that environment I would be fine.)