Ski Mom

Haven't been to Alaska in July but have gone twice in early/mid August. We love our LLBean 3 in 1. I bought matching color with my daughter which comes in handy to show people we are together. Silly, perhaps, but it works on tours or taking photos. We like the versatility and have used all 3 ways. A great, great jacket. And lots of pockets in both jackets so I can go without a bag.

Seamingo

Thanks for the input! It definitely looks like a nice looking jacket! Would you say they run true to size? Is it long enough to cover my backside?

Ditch any thought of a fleece-lined jacket made by anyone - totally impractical for July in Alaska as odds are good you'll need water/windproof top layer but there may be no actual warmth layer requirement. The downside of 3-in-1 jackets is the custom fit - better to stick with a simple shell and then wear nothing or as many layers as needed underneath of other, multipurpose clothing.

 

Separate layers are much more useful than a combo coat - you probably already own fleece jackets/sweaters, T-shirts, etc. that can be used for base and midlayers. If you don't have a good shell already, you'd probably find good use for it in Illinois - so investing in a breathable, waterproof shell (goretex or similar) could be a good plan. But unless you're planning long hikes rather than typical cruise excursions where you're mostly in vehicles, a cheaper non-breathable shell will do the job - and these you can pick up for $30+ on Amazon...

martincath,

Thank you for your response. Yes I do have plenty of warm clothes including fleeces, down jackets all of which I thought were over kill until I read through the posts of how cold it is cruising through the glaciers and on the Kenai fjords and Major Marine boat tours. I also plan on whale watching in Juneau with Dolfin tours.

I do not however own a waterproof breathable shell because I've never really needed one. I don’t want to spend a lot on one as I will probably never wear it again because I am disabled and don't do any hiking unless its in a manual wheelchair or motorized scooter.

I will take your suggestion and look for a reasonable waterproof shell that I can layer over my fleece. Thank you again.

Hi all! I am in the market for a multi purpose jacket for my July 2018 Alaskan cruise. Has any one owned either of these jackets? I am looking to order on line either the Llbean Discovery fleece lined jacket or the 3 in 1 Challenger jacket. I have tried on three in one jackets in the past in other brands and always found them combersome and uncomfortable but also like the idea of it's versatility. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

We have done Alaska 2x with HAL with a manual chair. First time round trip Vancouver, and second did 7 day land/7 day sea with HAL, because we found the cruise did not show us enough of that wonderful state. The cruise employees and the excursion operators were all fantastic in making it work. The Alaska railroad was amazing, and the staff so helpful. There is a wheelchair lift to get you up to the domed car and down to the dining car. We did Fly Denali in the park and Island Wings in Ketchikan. Both are very experienced with mobility issues. The Tundra Wilderness tour is great, but may be too tiring for you. The White Pass train in Skagway is fully accessible, we hired DYEA Dave to take us to Carcross Yukon and drop us at the train station in Frasier BC, then he met us at the station in Skagway and took us back to the ship. My suggestion is, if there is something you want to do, the people there will make it happen for you! Enjoy, and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Thank you so much for the info and encouragement! Planning this trip was initially overwhelming but I am much more confident now having found cc and the wonderful advice given by you all! I do agree with you that the Tundra tour would be too taxing on me but I'm sure Iwill find other ways to see the wonderful state of Alaska thanks to the information given to me. I am really excited to start booking some excursions thanks to everyones help!

Why not use the scooter when you get off the ship? I do with no problem. It makes it easier on everyone.

I am having the scooter delivered to my stateroom. I will be bringing a wheelchair with me to the airport so I will have it for my pre cruise excursions that do not allow power equipment.

Hi everyone! Does anyone own a Breezy Gold wheelchair? I am looking to replace mine before my 2018 Alaskan cruise. I actually have two. One is a transport chair which is garbage and my regular one that was ordered for me when I was in the hospital 2 years ago. The problem with my regular wheelchair although it folds up it is very heavy to put in the trunk, there are no hand breaks for steep ramps and the push handles are so low for my 6'2 husband. I was looking through old threads and the breezy was recommended and I was just wondering if anyone had one and how they liked it. I looked it up on line and the gold and platinum model were the only ones with handbrakes and adjustable push handles. The only difference being the thickness of the seat cushion. My problem is that I don't want to order something online this pricey that I haven't sat in or tried. I did find a dealer in my area that said they could probably locate a demo to give me an idea but they weren't sure because they don't keep this brand in stock anymore. Any thoughts or recommendations on a lightweight but sturdy wheelchair with hand breaks would be greatly appreciated! I am 5'4 and 120lb so a standard size would work great. Thank you!

I forgot to mention I will be renting a scooter for on board the ship. The wheelchair will be used on shore excursions and for my personal use at home.

Hi everyone! Does anyone own a Breezy Gold wheelchair? I am looking to replace mine before my 2018 Alaskan cruise. I actually have two. One is a transport chair which is garbage and my regular one that was ordered for me when I was in the hospital 2 years ago. The problem with my regular wheelchair although it folds up it is very heavy to put in the trunk, there are no hand breaks for steep ramps and the push handles are so low for my 6'2 husband. I was looking through old threads and the breezy was recommended and I was just wondering if anyone had one and how they liked it. I looked it up on line and the gold and platinum model were the only ones with handbrakes and adjustable push handles. The only difference being the thickness of the seat cushion. My problem is that I don't want to order something online this pricey that I haven't sat in or tried. I did find a dealer in my area that said they could probably locate a demo to give me an idea but they weren't sure because they don't keep this brand in stock anymore. Any thoughts or recommendations on a lightweight but sturdy wheelchair with hand breaks would be greatly appreciated! I am 5'4 and 120lb so a standard size would work great. Thank you!

Also have Multiple Sclerosis and fully understand your concerns regarding fatigue and traveling with meds especially if one is a MS disease modifying drug (DMD).

 

First off I'm going to suggest that you rent a scooter for on board ship from one of Princess' approved vendors. www.Scootaround.com or www.Specialneedsatsea.com It gets very tiring operating a manual wheelchair on all the varying floor coverings throughout the ship. One thing having MS you learn that energy management is key to how successful your day is thus the reason to seriously consider renting a scooter.

 

 

 

As far as the cruise/land tour goes a friend of mine who has Spina Bifida and is in a wheelchair did this as it was on her bucket list. She said that Princess' land staff bent over backwards to make her comfortable on the daily bus trips and all through out the land portion. My point in saying this is that if this is a bucket list item than perhaps you should consider combining it now. After all MS is an incurable progressive disease and you don't know if you'll ever be able to handle such a trip again. As far as packing/unpacking goes for the 3 days my friend packed what she needed for the land portion in a duffle bag so she did not have to deal with her large suit case. In fact by packing this way she didn't even see her suit case until onboard the ship. My sister and BIL are doing the same for their upcoming Princess Alaska land/cruise and they don't have a disability. It just makes things easier.

 

If you forgo the land portion you certainly will have a wonderful Alaska experience. Been on 3 Princess Alaska Cruises as well as 1 with RCCL and all were wonderful unique experiences. Never regretted not having done the land tour portion.

 

If you plan to do the 6hr cruise to Kenia fjords national park suggest that you stay in Seaward rather than go back to Anchorage. Reason being it's all about energy management. Why take a 2 hour train ride back to Anchorage after having been on a boat for 6 hours only to do take the train to Whittier the next day. You can take a shuttle from Seaward to Whittier . Check out this link http://www.alaskashuttleservice.com/ Also check the Seaward Chamber of Commerce Website. http://www.seward.com/chamber-information/

 

Please don't hesitate to post any questions specific to traveling with MS as well as traveling with any DMD for MS. After all you don't get MS until you get MS. I'm sure this isn't the first time you've heard that statement. Also please post any other questions you might have in general as I'm certain those on this forum can assist you.

Dear xxoocruiser,

Thank you so much for taking the time to post all the information and advice regarding my trip to Alaske. I am much more confident now that I am armed with all the information to begin planning my trip. Thanks to you and the other members .I am so glad I found your forum and I apologize again for having trouble navigating the threads and how to respond so thanks againfor your help on that too!

Of course done of us want t break the bank....but if possible do what you truly want to do...within physical limits and don't let cost stop you. Your trip is a year away sock away a little cash here and there.

 

I guess my post is more cheer leading then helpful...have a great cruise.:D[/quote

 

👍thanks!

Thanks! You will love Alaska and the Coral!

 

I loved having rain gear, I was so glad I brought it. Basically be prepared for anything! :)

.

 

We really enjoyed our time in Seward and everything we did there. It was a wonderful vacation and I already want to do it again! Maybe we will do the SB next time. Enjoy your cruise!

Can I ask you if you had any trouble finding seating on the Kenai fjords tour boat? I am debating between that tour company and Major Marine tours. The only difference is Major Marine has reseve seating and a buffet which I'm not really interested in because I'd like to have dinner in town. But I do have mobility issues and reseve seating may be a plus for me.

Thanks! You will love Alaska and the Coral!

 

I loved having rain gear, I was so glad I brought it. Basically be prepared for anything! :)

Dear Beachiekeen,

I really enjoyed reading all about your Alaskan cruise. I really appreciated your packing tips because I am a chronic over packer! I will be doing the same cruise next July only Southbound from Anchorage. I am seriously considering adding a pre cruise trip to Seward via the Alaskan RR. from Anchorage. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the 6hr Kenai fjords national park boat tour as well.Thank you so much for your detailed descriptions of all the tours you took as well?

If you are going to Juneau on the cruise - consider reading "A Wolf called Romeo:" by Nick Jans - a true story about a black wolf in the Juneau area.

Oh I definitely have to read that one. I still remember reading White Fang when I was a child. Thanks!

Good luck and have fun! Nadine

Thanks! Glad I figured out how to respond now thanks to xxoocruiser!

Both books are great. I can't believe what they went through to get the gold. The second book The Good Time Girls is about the woman who mined the miners! If you go to Skagway go to the Red Onion Saloon where the famous Diamond Lil turn her tricks. They have a tour a couple of times a day. All so Dolly's house on Creek Street.

Another colorful person to read about is Soapy Smith.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soapy-smith-killed-in-skagway-alaska

I heard about The Red Onion but not Dollies House. I put that on my list thanks!

We like just looking around the port town. A lot to see in them. Here are some places in Ketchikan that we went too.

 

http://tourketchikan.com/listing/ton...orical-museum/

 

http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/en/Th...and-Historical

 

Creek Street

http://www.experienceketchikan.com/c...ketchikan.html

Dolly's House (Famous Brothel)

http://creekstreetketchikan.com/dollys-house/

 

 

funicular (cable railway

http://youralaskacruise.com/reviews/...ular-1320.html

http://www.explorenorth.com/alaska/i...ular-1168.html

 

I also read some books about the gold rush before my trip. This is what made Alaska come alive for me.

Klondike Fever by Pierre Berton

 

Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush: Secret History of the Far North

By lael Morgan

 

Gold Rush Women

by Claire Rudolf Murphy.

Wow! Thank you for the info! I am just as obssessed with reading a good book as traveling so I definitely will be downloading at least one of those books or heading to the library to borrow it!

You may also want to post on the Disabled Forum where those who may be in your situation that has done tours you are interested in can share their experience.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

Thank you for directing me to the disabled forum I will search that as well. You all have been so helpful!

Have you considered taking the day trip to the Portage Glacier Cruise - Greyline offers a 5 1/2 tour which departs from Anchorage and goes to the Portage Glacier then you ride on an accessible boat - not sure if all levels are accessible but the view of the Glacier is very up close and personal. The drive to the glacier is quite stunning as you are going along the Turnigan Arm. Be sure to check what is the best side to sit on if you have a choice. This is a landlocked glacier - so it is different than the ocean ones you may have on your cruise. The water is less likely to be as rough on the Kenai tour. You need to check with the provider to ensure the bus has proper facilities to lift your chair. Anchorage is relatively flat and easy to get around if you have a motorized chve

Thank you for the information on Portage Glacier and Greyline tours. Again another great option for me! I really appreciate all the people who took the time to respond.

My daughter (wheelchair user) and I are doing the Golden next August. I have started researching also...so exciting. I have tentatively planned to take the Alaska railroad train from Anchorage and gets into Whittier about 12 pm. Then take one of the two Prince William Sound cruises then leaves minutes after we arrive in Whittier (I know.....no rest). The cruise returns about 5:30 pm . Both cruise lines that operate in Whittier have one wheelchair accessible boat each. It's a long day with not alot of time to jump from the train to the boat and then the cruise line, so I really need to think hard about committing to it.

That definitely sounds like a great plan! I am considering that option as well! Enjoy!

Of course done of us want t break the bank....but if possible do what you truly want to do...within physical limits and don't let cost stop you. Your trip is a year away sock away a little cash here and there.

 

I guess my post is more cheer leading then helpful...have a great cruise.:D

Thank you!

Thanks for the tip about the scenery in the first three hours of the cruise. I will definitely be taking in all the beautiful views I'll sleep when I'm dead haha! Seriously I know what you mean about over doing it. Travel days are exhausting! The cruise out of Whittier sounds great though!

Portage Glacier tour looks great! I looked up Grey line tours they offer many options.. Thank you for the info!

Hi Ski Mom:

I see you found the Princess forum, where you're going to get more pertinent answers (this is the Royal Caribbean line's forum).

 

You may also want to read/search the Disabled Cruising forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

 

and the Ports of Call: Alaska one:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

 

 

 

I don't know what advice you're getting on Princess board, but having taken the train from Seward to Anchorage, then driven back on ONE day, and done a Kenai Fjords boat-cruise on ANOTHER day, I can tell you that trying to do both in one day would exhaust a young able-bodied person. Staying over in Seward (how will you then get to Whittier?) is a slightly better idea but still very very tiring.

 

What I did for 5 family members who had never been to Alaska, to show them the most of Alaska in 7 days (the trip above included a 7-day NB cruise and 2 weeks self-driving) was a combination Mendenhall Glacier viewing/whale watching trip in Juneau and the train in Skagway (train up bus back for two scopes of views)... I'm not sure if the train is wheelchair accessible. If it is there is also a luxury car that goes up to the Pass and back. In Ketchikan we went to one of the totem parks and then shopping and eating fish-n-chips! but there are other excursions (like the sea plane you mention).

 

They all LOVED my choices. A number of the 'gang' did not want to do helicopter to glacier or small plane (vertigo sufferers!). They didn't even want to ride the gondola in Juneau!

 

Whatever you choose, have a great cruise and experience!

Those all sound like great excursions and I actually have looked at all f them. It's great to hear someones feedback on them thank you!

There is one small hotel in Whittier so you could actually either arrive the day before and spend the night and take the tour the day you board the ship, or take the tour the day before then rest until you board the next day. Be aware there is really nothing else to see/do in Whittier.

 

Also don't wear yourself out too much the at you sail. I consider the first 3-4 hours after you sail from Whittier some of the best scenery on your cruise. Most people miss it because they are too tired from getting to the ship and head to bed early.

Thanks for the tip about the scenery in the first three hours of the cruise. I will definitely be taking in all the beautiful views I'll sleep when I'm dead haha! Seriously I know what you mean about over doing it. Travel days are exhausting! The cruise out of Whittier sounds great though!

Let me try to clear up some confusion. I did post something (little snippy so deleted it) Guess it was seen before it was actually deleted. I had helped her with her same question in a different board, that is what she is referring too. Nadine

The post came to my email address and I just wanted to respond not offend. Thank you for taking the time to post all the great information.

RE: Kenia Fjords : as it gets closer to the cruise date you'll have to monitor the website for daily alerts as the park does get closed. For example today's alert posted on its website states:

• Alert Closure Toe of Exit Glacier, Ice Fall Hazard Zone
  An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice that have detached from the terminus. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Please follow signage and see photo for more details.
  

Thank you for the instruction on how to reply. I really appreciate all the suggestions you gave me . I am definitely going to rent a scooter for the ship and I will bring my manual wheelchair for shore excursions that involve transportation. I guess I'm pretty naive amout the weather patterns surrounding glaciers I never thought that a park would be closed because of ice in August! You've given me alot to think about and also some great alternatives to my original plans. Thanks again for taking the time to respond and for all the encouragement. Even with all my research it is very overwhelming. As you know with MS you just take it one day at a time but also prepare for the bumps in the road. Thanks again andd best regards.

Also have Multiple Sclerosis and fully understand your concerns regarding fatigue and traveling with meds especially if one is a MS disease modifying drug (DMD).

 

First off I'm going to suggest that you rent a scooter for on board ship from one of Princess' approved vendors. www.Scootaround.com or www.Specialneedsatsea.com It gets very tiring operating a manual wheelchair on all the varying floor coverings throughout the ship. One thing having MS you learn that energy management is key to how successful your day is thus the reason to seriously consider renting a scooter.

 

As far as the cruise/land tour goes a friend of mine who has Spina Bifida and is in a wheelchair did this as it was on her bucket list. She said that Princess' land staff bent over backwards to make her comfortable on the daily bus trips and all through out the land portion. My point in saying this is that if this is a bucket list item than perhaps you should consider combining it now. After all MS is an incurable progressive disease and you don't know if you'll ever be able to handle such a trip again. As far as packing/unpacking goes for the 3 days my friend packed what she needed for the land portion in a duffle bag so she did not have to deal with her large suit case. In fact by packing this way she didn't even see her suit case until onboard the ship. My sister and BIL are doing the same for their upcoming Princess Alaska land/cruise and they don't have a disability. It just makes things easier.

 

If you forgo the land portion you certainly will have a wonderful Alaska experience. Been on 3 Princess Alaska Cruises as well as 1 with RCCL and all were wonderful unique experiences. Never regretted not having done the land tour portion.

 

If you plan to do the 6hr cruise to Kenia fjords national park suggest that you stay in Seaward rather than go back to Anchorage. Reason being it's all about energy management. Why take a 2 hour train ride back to Anchorage after having been on a boat for 6 hours only to do take the train to Whittier the next day. You can take a shuttle from Seaward to Whittier . Check out this link http://www.alaskashuttleservice.com/ Also check the Seaward Chamber of Commerce Website. http://www.seward.com/chamber-information/

 

Please don't hesitate to post any questions specific to traveling with MS as well as traveling with any DMD for MS. After all you don't get MS until you get MS. I'm sure this isn't the first time you've heard that statement. Also please post any other questions you might have in general as I'm certain those on this forum can assist you.

Longstockingpippi

I loved all your suggestions and I said that in my replies. I only reposted because I was told I was on the wrong forum NCL instead of Princess. It was also suggested that I post on the disabled forum so that's what I did. You all are a wealth of knowledge and I really appreciate all the great information you all took the time to give me. In fact I have been following up on the information today. Never meant to offend or seem ungrateful. In fact I am still trying to figure out how to reply to each post individually but there is no rly button underneath their post. Going over the faqs now. I won't post anymore till I figure this out. Thank you all for your wonderful tips and advice I really appreciate it and I'm so excited to start planning my adventure!