2007 Alaskan Cruise

[Ladybug]

Mike and I will be going, along with my sister and her husband.

Lynette, what kind of clothes do we need.  I have two  pair of slacks and a light jacket.  It really doesn't get cold here except for a few days out of the year, then you freeze.  I think I wore my jacket maybe a week total last year.

Billie

[mingy]

I so wish I could get my courage up to fly to Seattle.

[DotG]

Billie,
When we were to Alaska in June, we did the land tour and it was actually pretty warm then on land.   When we arrived at the ship in Anchorage, it was more like in the high 60's in day and a little cooler at night.  A lightweight jacket is a must, I had a zippered sweater that I seemed to wear a lot and also a waterproof jacket is handy because it can get misty on the ship.   You might also want a jacket for shore excursions.   Jeans, slacks, capris would be good. I brought two jogging type suits - one was velour type and I wore it pretty often.   I think I wore shorts once.  There will still most likely be two formal dinner evenings like there are on all cruises.   If you have any questions, just call Lynette at her number 800-584-6724.   She is easier to reach by phone than on here. She has done several Alaskan cruises so she will have good info for you.   A sweatshirt for shore excursions might be handy too.

Glad to hear that you and Mike will be going!!

Dot & Bob 

[Ladybug]

Thanks for the info Dot.  I have a lot of capris, but not much of anything else.  Guess I will invest in some jeans.  I do have my Jimmy sweatshirt.  Might have to purchase another one to make sure I stay clean.

My sister and her husband have decided to join us this year.  She knows what fun we have had during other cruises.

My reservations are made and we are ready.

Billie

[Nina Fortune]

I know what you mean about flying. I have been trying to think of any way not to fly. I might not be able to get out of it this time. I haven't flown in about 3 years. My fear of flying gets worse the longer I don't do it.
Nina

[DotG]

Nina,
I have a very good friend who is terribly afraid of flying and had not done so in over 20 years.   Her fear has prevented her from taking nice vacations.   Last year a bunch of her female friends planned a reunion in Florida.   She finally got up her courage to fly there to join them.   Her doctor gave her some medication, and guess what, she did fine, surprising herself, and now she is planning a trip to Ireland where she has always wanted to visit.

So if you need to fly to Seattle, perhaps if you get a non-stop flight it would lessen the anxiety.   There are non-stop flights from Memphis, Columbus OH, and Washington DC.  We would be flying non-stop from Philadelphia.   I am not real fond of take offs, so I try to plan the least amount as possible.

Take care,
Dot 

[mingy]

I know a friend who also takes medication to make flying more bearable for her.  It beats the double screwdrivers that she used to drink - one at the airport and the other as soon as she was on the plane!  Since she is not much of a drinker these really did her in.  I make myself a wreck anticipating the whole flying thing.

[Nina Fortune]

My anxiety starts days ahead of time, it's actually starting right now just thinking about it. The night before I fly it gets so bad I get sick, and forget about sleep. I was not always like that. Maybe there's some class I can take to help me get over this.
Nina

[DotG]

Nina,
I have heard that there are therapy sessions for the fear of flying.   Maybe you should look into that so that you don't have to go through such a long period of worrying.

By the way, we just signed up online with Lynette.   We plan on taking our granddaughter with us.   She will be "almost" 7 by the time the cruise rolls around and I think it will be quite an adventure for her.   Tell Jimmy that he will have a new young fan by the end of the cruise!!

Dot 

[mandyjean60]

Nina,
You need to go to an airport and get a woman to teach you to fly a small plane, it will take away your fears.
I never was scared to fly, I really liked it.
You don't want a license to fly or ground school. just get familar with an airplane.
I have enough hours for my license but I have no sense of direction and my feet are too short, size 5, to taxi and brake ,
you do  both with your feet. Well I can do it but it's hard.
try it you may learn to love it.     Mandy

[Ladybug]

Nina, there is medication you can take for anxiety attacks.

I do OK flying if I have somone to babble to the whole trip.  This keeps my mind off of things.  I don't even care if they answer, just give me a grunt every once in a while.  Mike falls asleep and doesn't wake up much while flying and I know the person next to me doesn't care about my life story or how grass grows or the funny part of the book I am trying to read.

I have even held my breath until Mike has told me to breathe.

Mike said he is going to pack a tote with things to try to keep me busy on our way to VA next month.

Billie

[DotG]

Mandy - you are kidding!!!!

Our poor Nina!!!!  

Dot

[mandyjean60]

No, not kidding she could just go one time, it;s easier with a small plane you can land anywhere and it wan't fall form the sky. Or try a helicopter first.   

[prissasnam]

Nina, I DON'T BLAME YOU ONE BIT AND I UNDERSTAND!!  These people get to me that say "There are more car wrecks than plane crashes"!!! GARBAGE!!   Hello, there are more cars than planes! Plus I'll take my chance in a car 100 times over instead of a plane at least if my engine goes out all I have to do is pull over and I don't have to worry about falling 30,000 feet!!!
I couldn't do it anyway because I could not stand the confinement!! I would be soooo claustrophobic knowing I'm up in the air in a flying tube with no where to walk around! I would be NUTS!!! Plus I can't stand heights!!!

[mingy]

Nina, I certainly understand about the anxiety.  I was trying to picture myself flying to Seattle and my stomach got very queasy.  Clyde was thinking about me getting some help with my stress anxiety issues but I am not sure I want to get over it.  That scares me too.  I see it as a self protection thing and without it I might get myself into some big mess. 

Nancy, I too am afraid of heights and I can't stand being confined in a plane.  Then there is my plain old fear of flying.  I guess I am a mess.