lobsternight

Never knew about the cards, will look for them next cruise.  Also if you have kids in the fun factory they do a fantastic job.  I believe they are not part of the gratuity program, at least the case on some other lines.  Always make a point of sending an envelope their way too.

Another great resource is on the Celebrity web site, look for Autism Social Story PDF.  You can print it out and go through the worksheets.  It gives the kids an idea of what to expect, embarkation day, stuff on board and what not.  I think its a great idea even if a child is not on the spectrum, probably best for kids K through 4th grade.

Well not sure about a balcony drink but I will suggest if you stop in Juneau, go to the Red Dog Saloon and have a Duck Fart.  Nice shooter and a fun place

4 hours ago, Denny01 said:

 

 

Thankfully, we didn’t have internet to ‘share’ all the craziness when I was a kid and we were being inoculated for Polio, which we’ve defeated.

 

 

This reminds me of a conversation I recently had with my dear old aunt who worked as a nurse throughout 3rd world countries.  She told me how in one area they had their doubts if the locals would take the polio vaccine.  To their delight the day the vaccine arrived there was a line around the whole village, everyone wanted protection from this hideous disease.  

Renewing all of ours right now.  I guess it depends on where you want to cruise.  I assume the enhanced drivers license is fine for entry into Canada, US, and Mexico.  Would doubt other counties or even the cruise line may accept it.  I would do it sooner than later, as there will probably be a backlog when travel resumes.  I renewed our family trusted traveller cards and 1 got stuck in covid shutdowns.  Just shows pending for almost a year now

Oddly I only get sea sick on the large cruise ships.  Anyhow, we always see whales of all types right from the ship.  Its all about looking out and scanning the horizon and watching for them to blow, then keep looking in that vicinity.

All 3 of your destinations are in good protected waters, however the companies make their money and good ratings by showing you whales, so depending on where they are that day you may have to go out in some swells or chop.

FYI on our first trip to Icy Strait we had 2 orcas just hanging around right next to the cruise ship, excellent view from top deck.  Also on your last day at sea if you are heading back to Vancouver, get top side as you enter Johnstone Strait at the north end of Vancouver Island.  As the channel narrows look for groups of small sport fishing boats grouped together, usually around a point or somethimg.  If its a good year for salmon returns the whales are often very close by.  Seen this many times, usually enter the strait later in the afternoon, on a sunny day its glorious.

What??? Towel animals on X?  Never had one on X, not even a snake.  They make me so happy. 

Twenty years ago if you asked me, the two things I would never do is cruise or RV camp.  Now I sit here in frustration waiting to see if my 2021 sailings will take place, and my RV is stuck in storage in the US as the border remains closed to car travel.  Ugh.

We took the Vancouver to Oahu cruise last year but it was on Celebrity.  We had to tender at both Kona and Lahaina (overnight), so essentially 3 tender days. I watched the crew on many occasions help passengers with reduced mobility assist passengers get on board.  Even crossing the gap, they had a crew member either side of the entrance and another on board the tender. I belive the boarding staff are well trained and experienced for this situation. On one tender even say them load a lighter mobility scooter.  Much impressed.

Heated debate, so for the first time ever here is my troll:

I'm sure if you go on Ebay you will be able to get fake vaccination certificates, probably from the same guy that sells mock service dog vests.

Disclaimer: I do belive service dogs are valuable and needed for those with legitimate conditions, just as i belive in medical exemptions for vaccination if diagnosed by a real medical doctor.  

My wife and I both received them at first, then she was suddenly dropped off the PUP emails.  Even trying to fill in here CC number or notifying a CC member not receiving emails did not work.  

My son on the other hand could not and still does not have access to his basic account.  I called CC about it and they said it was because his email was linked to my email from sailings past when he was a minor.  Will try again and see.

The final odd thing is that my wife and I have the same points balance, even though I have taken more cruises than she has.  Not sure how that works.(took my mother on a few cruises without the whole family)

The thought of being on a cruise ship was repugnant, it was in my mind everything I did not want in a vacation.  In 2004 my mother had gone through some health issues.  It had always been her dream to see Alaska, so I held my nose and booked a cruise with her and my family.

Well what a mistake I had made.  Should have started cruising at least 10 years earlier.  Within a half hour of leaving port my mind was changed forever.  The luxurious accommodations, wonderful food, friendly staff and so on.  We had a glorious week of sunshine, entertainment, and adventure. As for the 3 books I packed as I expected boredom, never opened a single page.

Since then we have been on numerous cruises and currently have 2 booked for 2021.  

I know this is an older thread but would like to post my suggestions.  My youngest son is autistic and not afraid of water.  In fact (not on a cruise ship) he has bolted and jumped into water on various occasions. Fortunately this behavior seems to have passed.

Our last cruise we had a balcony, and I booked an obstructed view.  it was above the life boats, so should he decide to climb the rail, he would probably bounce off the boats, and/or land on the deck below. Obviously he was never allowed out on his own, and the thought never crossed his mind.

Secondly, I was looking at the website for Autism on the Seas.  They had a very cheap and effective alarm system for the sliding door.  Bought it just in case he decided to wake up and check out the view.  Never happened but it was peace of mind.

Greetings.  A coworker of mine always swore by using CastleRock Kennels located in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast.  They had done a lot of research of various kennels and felt this one was the best for their critter.  I have never used their service and am only familiar with it because it is near where we used to have a cabin, seemed nice from the outside.

So I guess the catch here is that it is located outside of metro Vancouver.  To get there you have to take a 45 minute ferry ride followed by a half hour drive.  The ferry will cost about $110CDN by the time you factor in a couple of burgers, that's return trip.  Nice senic boat ride. I just did a quick check on the web site before posting this and I see they now offer pick up and delivery in Horseshoe Bay, the ferry terminal in West Vancouver. Check it out and good luck