Ahoy, Tamara!
Welcome back to planDisney! I'm thrilled to hear you and your mom are looking forward to a MAGICal voyage in
Alaska next summer. I know how excited you must be to add this itinerary to your cruise list, as it offers some fabulous ports of call and unique experiences from the warm-weather cruise you experienced on the Disney Treasure.
Tamara, since you'll be flying into Vancouver, I suggest checking for flights around 12 months before your sailing. July is a popular time to vacation, so the earlier, the better, but you can always keep an eye on pricing between the 6-12 month range for any drops. I suggest coming in at least a day early and exploring local spots like Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park. Disney Cruise Line
partners with three hotels, and two are within walking distance of the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, and one is at the Vancouver International Airport. There's nothing quite like waking up to see your Disney Cruise ship out your window. If you arrive early, I think you'll love the convenience and the stunning views from the Fairmont Waterfront or the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel. When you are looking to return home, I recommend a flight no earlier than 12:30 pm to allow plenty of time to get back to the airport and go through customs.
There will be so many wonderful
port adventures to select when your
booking window opens, Tamara. One of my top tips, based on having done this itinerary twice, is to book excursions that offer different modes of transportation. It's so fascinating to see this area of our country from a boat, a seaplane, a helicopter, a train, a trolley, a jeep, a sled, a tram, or on foot! I'd make a list of each port of call and pick 2-3 options, paying attention to the duration, activity level, and accessibility, so you are comfortable with how long you are off the ship and how strenuous the excursion will be. Some more popular port adventures might sell out, so it's great to have a few options in case that happens. There are so many fabulous opportunities to learn the rich history, see a variety of wildlife, and take in the breathtaking scenery, so you really can't go wrong with your list.
Tamara, I'm excited for you and your mom to experience the
Disney Magic next summer! We know an Alaskan adventure feels a little different than a Caribbean cruise, so please let us know if we can help you further.
Nancy