Disney Cruise Alaska

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Are you thinking of a Disney Cruise to Alaska? This exciting new itinerary is a first for Disney cruise lines who have never sailed the spectacular Alaskan route before. The Disney Wonder will set sail out of Vancouver for the first Disney Cruise Alaska on May 3rd 2011. The 7 nights sailings will continue all summer until the last departure for the year on 13th September 2011.

Photo by vortech

The Disney Wonder Alaskan cruise dates for 2011 are:

3rd,10th,17th,24th and 31st May
7th,14th,21st and 28th June
5th,12th,19th and 26th July
2nd,9th,16th,23rd and 30th August
6th September and 13th September

The port of call for the Disney Alaskan cruises are:

Tuesday: Vancouver
Wednesday: At Sea
Thursday: Tracy Arm
Friday: Skagway
Saturday: Juneau
Sunday: Ketchikan
Monday: At Sea
Tuesday: Vancouver

An Alaskan cruise truly is an experience of a lifetime. This phrase is often over used but having experienced a cruise to Alaska it really is one of those must do itineraries. The spectacular scenery is breathtaking. Of course if you add the magic of a Disney cruise to that then you must have a winning combination.

Photo by johnnyshaw

The Disney Wonder has undergone some changes to get her ready for the Alaskan cruise. The new Outlook Cafe is a brand new feature designed to make the most of the view of the wonderful scenery. This 65 seater lounge is at the front of the ship on Deck 10. Passengers can reach the Outlook cafe from the Cove Cafe below via a spriral staircase.

The Disney cruise line if of course know for being one of the best cruise lines available for families. Perhaps Alaska has not always been a first choice for passengers with young children but the Disney Wonder will offer something for all members of the family whatever their age.

The ports of call offer an easy way to explore this huge state and experience the wildlife and beauty of the scenery.

Photo by iluvcocacola

The Disney Wonder home port for the summer will be Vancouver. This beautiful city is a great place to start a vacation. One of my personal favorite places in the world, Vancouver offers many places to see and things to do so you may want to think about adding some days there either before or after your cruise.

A must see is Stanley Park. Over 1,000 acres at the edge of the water front offers hiking,biking, roller blading, a train and even a children’s farm. It is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium – one of the finest sea life centers in North America.

If you have a head for heights then a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a great excursion. I have to admit this suspension bridge 230 feet above the river was not something on my to do list – but it is one of the most popular attractions with those not quite so wary of heights as I am!

Of course Vancouver offers excellent restaurants, shopping and entertainment for those who want to keep their feet a little more firmly on the ground.

There is a day at Sea to relax and enjoy the entertainment on the boat, or simply to sit back and watch the view. Then on the third day of you will cruise through Tracy Arm.

You will have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of this fjord which is just 45 miles south of Juneau. It is difficult to describe the beauty of Tracy Arm. The stunning glaciers are breathtakingly beautiful and there is a sense of quiet and peace which you so rarely find.

Enjoy watching for wildlife as you cruise slowly around – this is an experience which may be the highlight of your trip.

The Disney Wonder’s first Alaskan port of call is Skagway. Famous for the Klondike Goldrush in the 1880s this tiny town has a lot of charm and it is a pleasant walk from the dock to browse around the shops.

Photo by diannepike

Right next to the dock is the station for the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. One of the great train journeys of the world this historic railroad is an absolute must see in Skagway. This 3 1/2 hour journey takes you high up through unique scenery to the White Pass summit. Definitely book ahead as this is a very popular excursion.

The next port of call is Juneau the state capital of Alaska. The only way to arrive in Juneau is by boat or plane as it is truly a land locked place. There is plenty to see and many people head for the Mendenhall Glacier a few miles out of the port. This Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and seen as one of the most spectacular.

The Disney Wonder docks right at the center of the small town of Juneau and you can walk around and browse the shops and visit the restaurants. The Mount Roberts Tramway is also easily walkable from the dock. There is an amazing view (on a clear day) from the 2,000 foot high viewing platform at the top.

The Glacier Botanic Gardens are also worth a visit. Guests are driven around this tropical rainforest in golf carts up the sometimes worryingly steep hills!

The final port of call on Disney’s Alaska cruise is Ketchikan.

Photo byiluvcocacola

The charming port of Ketchikan is famous for having the largest collection of 19th century totem poles in the world. Once again you dock right in the center of the town so it is easy just to take a stroll around the town. Take a walk down Creek Street and learn more of the colorful past of this small town. Or take a floatplane or boat to the spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument.

When the season for Alaskan cruises is over the Disney Wonder will sail a repositioning cruise. This Pacific coastal cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles sails on 20th September to return to port for the Disney Mexican Riviera Cruise . The Pacific Coastal cruise ports are:

Tuesday: Vancouver
Wednesday: Victoria
Thursday: At Sea
Friday: At Sea
Saturday: Ensenada
Sunday: Los Angeles

Repositioning cruises are often a great chance to get a good deal on a Disney cruise as the rates tend to be lower for sailings which depart and arrive at different ports.