Why Disney's Alaska Cruise Stands Out

For Jacqueline Dole, a traveler with experience on over a dozen cruises, one voyage stands out above the rest. Despite a preference for warm, relaxing vacations, her eight-night sailing on the Disney Wonder to Alaska became her all-time favorite trip. The combination of stunning scenery and Disney's signature hospitality created an unforgettable experience.

The journey featured exciting excursions and breathtaking views from the ship. Key highlights included upgrading to a stateroom with a veranda, booking essential shore excursions, and enjoying unique Disney touches like complimentary hot cocoa and exclusive character costumes. Even challenging weather conditions could not dampen the experience.

As a frequent traveler, Jacqueline Dole has sailed with several different cruise lines throughout the Caribbean, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean. However, she notes that out of everywhere she has been, her favorite vacation was the sailing to Alaska on the Disney Wonder.

Typically, Dole prefers to vacation in warm climates. She admitted she wasn't expecting an Alaskan voyage to top her list of favorite trips. Despite this, she loved the itinerary and was happy to swap her usual frozen drink for some hot cocoa. The trip proved to be a standout experience that she would absolutely take in the future.

Having a stateroom with a veranda was a great upgrade for the trip. Although Dole typically likes to splurge on a balcony room on cruises, she was especially glad she did so on this sailing. The favorite onboard activity was grabbing binoculars and sitting out on the balcony.

From the comfort of their room, they were able to see:

• Whales and porpoises swimming alongside the ship
• Eagles flying above and nesting in trees
• Stunning views of the shoreline

They did not book any formal whale watching excursions because they felt they had seen so much wildlife on the cruise itself. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line excels at hospitality and small touches that make a trip feel special. There was always complimentary hot cocoa waiting upon returning from the port or on deck during glacier viewing. Fleece blankets were provided for warmth, and Disney characters wore exclusive costumes seen only on board Alaska voyages.

Normally, Jacqueline Dole skips excursions to explore ports at her own speed. However, she considers Alaska an exception to this rule. Because of the difficult terrain, she believes it is vital to research and splurge on shore excursions to make the most of the trip.

During the sailing, they booked several activities:

• A bus ride to the Mendenhall Glacier
• The White Pass Railroad in Skagway
• An all-you-can-eat crab dinner at the George Inlet Lodge in Ketchikan

A major highlight was taking a glacier explorer boat near the Stikine Icecap. The excursion cost about $300 per person, and Dole was initially unsure if it was worth the price. Deciding to risk it because she wasn't sure when she would return to Alaska, she was glad she did. The smaller boat got closer to the glacier than the cruise ship and allowed for a three-hour cruise around the fjord, offering views of misty waterfalls, eagles, and mountains.

Another non-negotiable excursion was riding the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush and operating since 1900, the railroad offers a steep climb through the mountains. The roughly three-hour ride provided amazing views from inside the train car and open-air viewing platforms between cars.

The week spent sailing the coast included rain nearly every day. Jacqueline Dole was glad she packed for the worst-case-scenario weather, noting that waterproof outerwear, thermal layers, wool socks, and gloves were essential for staying warm. There was also rough water late in the season, which some guests and staff had a hard time acclimating to.

Despite the weather, the trip remained incredible. Dole noted that while Alaska is beautiful, seeing it on a Disney cruise made it even more special. She appreciated the storytelling and special touches the company is known for. Having hiked next to a glacier, eaten king crab legs, and ridden a train through mountain passages, she considers this a bucket-list trip she will never forget.