05/09/2009 May 9, 2009 7-Night Eastern St Maarten... Watch Out!

[scottie]

Welcome aboard Matey! Lets get through these long months ahead of us until the Magic arrives to pick up the bounty and all us Pirates at PC in 09'! :woohoo: Looking forward to seeing who all is sailing on this fun adventure on the high seas!pirate:

We booked two SPH rooms today for the May 9, 2009 Eastern sailing! This will be our 5th Disney Cruise, but first 7-night cruise. :dance3:

LINK (http://pages.suddenlink.net/airtime247/) to one-stop shop for everything you ever wanted to know about our group! :)

**Below is a list of all those who have joined our Magical sailing. I will do my best to keep it up-to-date based on the info posted in the thread or sent to me via PM.**
DIS NAME(s)
ADULTS
KIDS/AGES WHEN SAIL
ROOM #

Scottie
Scott, Sunny, Susan (MIL)
Meghan 12, Morgan 8, Dylan 3
5522 and 5524 SPH
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don604
Donald & Christina Bert (FIL) & Olivia (MIL)
Janeya 7, Andrew 2.5
5020 and 5520 SPH
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airtime247
Steve and Amy
Emma 3
5642
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wfma
DH, DW & BF
DD 11, DD 6, Friend DD 17
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j2bmickey
J.P. and Jenn
Braelyn 6
6516
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Ka-chow
Keith and Laurie
Logan 6, Jensen 6, Haven 2
6518
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Wildcatmickey
Harold and Sheila
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Pooh's-Honey-Pot
Sonya and Tony
Cat 11
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Mastiff
Jack & Kim
DS 10 & DD 6
8510
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LJC1861 & Lakeeter
Linda Carney & Lisa Keeter
7074
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DisneyMommy1022
Kristen, Mike, Bethany (DS), and Matt (DBIL)
Courtney 7 & Hailey 4
Two Cat 10 rooms
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Dollysmom
Allison, Mike & Eva (DM)
Kennedy 8, Chloe 5, Cooper 3
Room 6604 & 6605
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Wingawh
2 Adults
1 yr old
---------------------------------------
Ufcabear
Debi & Cal
2532
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lyn9856
Lyn & Bob
6148
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Eeyore77
Jennifer, Chris and Betsy (DG)
7594
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Matilda
Matilda
DS 13, 10 & 7
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Sagbrook
Marilyn-Grandma, Kim (DD) and Pete (DSIL)
Matthew 8, Kyle 4, Kate-19 months
#6564 & 6566
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YenSid1222
Scott & Friends Jeff and Ken
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SCDizneyDawn
Dawn, Brian, Brian’s DM&DF
Cat 11 Deck 6
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Luliemouse
Luliemouse, DH & Inlaws
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Jumba17
Julie & Tom, Wayne & Diane, (DM&DF)
Mia 5, Dominic 5
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Moebear
Bonnie & Gerry, Lorraine & Brent (DM&DF)
Emma 7, Morgan 8
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mopsey25
Mopsey25, mom, fiance, sister, brother-in law
Dylan 3 Jack 4
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MouseNDaHouse
Jeremy & Natalia
Hannah 5, Sarah 3, & Leah 1
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Royfam
Jen & Shantu (DH),
Brandon 14, Mariah11, & Josh 5
Room: 2079

Gary & Shash (DW)
Alec 1
Room: 2075
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Enchantednana
Eva, DD & her family, DS & his family
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lulu0506
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Scdizneydawnshubby
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NMDisneyMom
Jennifer & Lynette (DFriend)
Hannah 4
2560
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CWO4DVC
Tammie & Mark
Tyler 11
2578
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1stime74 & vtinkterbell
Steve & Josie
7626
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Rominet
Valerie & Christophe
Max 5, Sophie 3 & Gabe 3
Room: 7582

(Family to Rominet)
Muriel & Jean-Yves
Maya 7 & Lilou 18 months
Room: 7574

(Family to Rominet)
Laurent & Sylvie
Marie 7
Room: 7578

(Family to Rominet)
Andre & Ginette
Room: 7592

(Family to Rominet)
Karen
7586
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akl432
2588
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chubbyjen
DS 2.5 & DS 7 months old
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auburn0667
Andrea (30) & Scott (37)
Anna 2
6138

DM (aka: the babysitter)
6139
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Disneykricket
Disneykricket, DD & DSIL +
DSIL’s Father & GF and DSIL’s Grandmother
DGD Allie 4
2598
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Anngel26
Anngel26 & DH
DD10 & DS 10
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Dilmaluvs2cruise
Dilma, DH Elier & DM Dilma
Jillian 4
6134

BFF Kirsty & Jeff
Brett 10
7512
---------------------------------------
Buick86
Joe DW Shelly,
Kaylei 5, Brandon 2
6618
---------------------------------------

[alanapapa]

Hey Scottie,
It looks like you beat me get the Cruise Meet Thread started.
Caropooh & I will be on deck 6, no DDs this time. We are celebrating 25 years of Marriage Bliss:cloud9: :bride: . This is our 3rd DCL, 2nd Eastern. We look forward to getting to know you all.

[alanapapa]

Got to Bump this back up.

:dancer:

[scottie]

Sounds like a great way to celebrate your 25th! I am taking my DW on a short 3-nighter that sails out on this coming valentines day. We will be leaving the kiddies with my MIL while we enjoy a little time away.

[alanapapa]

Sounds like a great way to celebrate your 25th! I am taking my DW on a short 3-nighter that sails out on this coming valentines day. We will be leaving the kiddies with my MIL while we enjoy a little time away.

Have fun.

Anybody else joining us??

[alanapapa]

BUMP:dancer:

[don604]

Hey guys! Looks like my family and I will be joining you on the 5/9/09 cruise. It will be our first cruise ever and we cant wait. Looking forward to it! :cool1:

[scottie]

Welcome aboard Don604! pirate: Is any of your traveling party in the age groups to utilize the various kids clubs? If so, they should have a blast in them and give you some downtime! thats one of my favorite parts of cruising with disney, but dont tell my wife! :rolleyes1

[alanapapa]

Hey guys! Looks like my family and I will be joining you on the 5/9/09 cruise. It will be our first cruise ever and we cant wait. Looking forward to it! :cool1:

Welcome aboard. Where in this great Evergreen State do you live?

[don604]

Scottie... I will be taking along my two children Janeya (age 5 now, 7 when we go) & Andrew (age 1 now, 2 & 1/2 when we go). Andrew doesn't really know whats going on yet but Janeya is ecstatic and I'm sure they both will love it!!! I also do love the fact that we will get a little breather from the kids while on the cruise. :) Being that Andrew will be only 2, we will have to pay for him to be at the nursery. We most likely wont leave him there a lot but just to know that it's available to us is a good thing.

Alanapapa... Hello! I was born in raised in Los Angeles but have lived in Moxee, Washington (YAKIMA) since 2001. I love it out here but do occasionally miss L.A. So you're from Auburn, huh? Cool. How do you like it there?

[alanapapa]

Alanapapa... Hello! I was born in raised in Los Angeles but have lived in Moxee, Washington (YAKIMA) since 2001. I love it out here but do occasionally miss L.A. So you're from Auburn, huh? Cool. How do you like it there?

I love living in the Puget Sound area. It really does not get too cold or too warm for any length of time. There is enough different things to do with out a long drive. The only thing I miss (other than In & Out) is good authentic Mexican food. I too grew up in the greater LA Basin and while I miss the friends and family down there, I love being here. Yakima is like the High Desert area of So Cal isnt it?

[don604]

I love living in the Puget Sound area. It really does not get too cold or too warm for any length of time. There is enough different things to do with out a long drive. The only thing I miss (other than In & Out) is good authentic Mexican food. I too grew up in the greater LA Basin and while I miss the friends and family down there, I love being here. Yakima is like the High Desert area of So Cal isnt it?

I miss In & Out too! :) Yakima does remind me of Palms Springs at times. What I do like about Yakima is that we get to see & enjoy all 4 seasons which is something I never saw in L.A. It was a definite culture shock going from there to here but I'm used to it now and it's a great place to raise my kids and live comfortably. But if I had my choice to live anywhere in Washington I'd probably pick up in the Seattle area somewhere.

[alanapapa]

I miss In & Out too! :) Yakima does remind me of Palms Springs at times. What I do like about Yakima is that we get to see & enjoy all 4 seasons which is something I never saw in L.A. It was a definite culture shock going from there to here but I'm used to it now and it's a great place to raise my kids and live comfortably. But if I had my choice to live anywhere in Washington I'd probably pick up in the Seattle area somewhere.

We have to drive :car: to Orange County and I will have a Double Double for you while we are down there next week. :thumbsup2

[don604]

:laughing: How lucky. Sounds awesome!! Have a great time ;)

[scottie]

don604- This past May was our first time to give the Nursery a try. Our youngest, Dylan was about 1.5 yrs at sailing and is a real handful. We didnt plan intially on using the nursery but soon found out during the first dinner with him that it was going to be an adventure on the high seas. We headed down to the nursery and booked two hour stays for the remainder of the dinners. He had a nice time with all the other kids in there and we got to enjoy dinner. The girls both ate dinner with the kids clubs and hung out there while we were at the late seating dinner.

[don604]

That's great to hear Scottie. My son Andrew normally does great at dinner time but we will see how it goes. Do you happen to know how much it costs to leave a child there in the nursery?

[scottie]

I cant recall the exact price, but something makes me think around 8.00-10.00 per hour and a two hour minimum per visit, though you can check them out early but still get hit with the 2 hour charge.

[don604]

wow, ok. Thanks. Is that true that for a 7 day cruise the total of hours I could leave my son in the nursery is 10 hours?

[scottie]

some good news, according to the DCL site I was off on the pricing. The price is 6.00 per hour for the first child, with a max of 10 hours. I think if they have openings you may be able to get more then 10 hours, but it doesnt say that online.

[don604]

good to know, thanks. I looked on the DCL site but wasn't able to find that info...maybe I just didn't look hard enough. :surfweb: Being a member of this site is already proving to be a good thing thanks to people such as yourself. My wife is always asking me questions... now I can give her answers :)

[scottie]

Happy to help! I too have been very thankful for the info that I have been able to learn while on this site. Heck, I even managed to find a travel agent recently via a posting from the boards that is willing to give me an addtional 200.00 per room shipboard credit just to transfer this 2009 cruise to her.... cant beat that!

[don604]

Wow!! $200 credit? That's great :thumbsup2 I only got a $25 stateroom credit for my booking :sad1:

[scottie]

If you booked directly thru DCL, then you can transfer the reservation to an agent any time up till final payment is due. This is how you can secure the extra shipboard credit.
You should seriously consider it as you will be surprised how high your shipboard account will run up and any money to cover that, that is coming out of someone elses pocket is well worth it to me!

[don604]

I did book directly through DCL. I am new to this, so is there an agent or company you recommend for this? I appreciate your help Scottie. Merry Christmas!! :santa:

[scottie]

I hope everyone is having a happy holiday season!
don604-
-We have used Dreams Unlimited (sponser of this board) once and had good service with them.
-For our upcoming Feb cruise we used Michelle with Mousefan Travel and she has been great to work with, also had pretty nice shipboard credit offering. I would not hesitate to use her services again if the deal was right. If you want her e-mail address let me know.
-For our May 09 cruise we are considering either flipping the reservation from Disney to Michelle again or Carol with Cruise Planners. Carol is offering the highest shipboard credit I could find for our two rooms and seemed to have good reviews from everyone I could find on DIS that has used her before.
-People also say they get gift cards when booking going thru Costco Travel. Hold times to talk to them seem to be longer then I would like but some report getting giftcards for up to $800 or so after they return from their cruise! You have to be a Costco member though to book/transfer with them.
There are others out there too but these are some I have used or would consider using to flip a reservation over to a travel agent.

[airtime247]

Wow, the cruise isn't until May '09 and we're already on page two!

Hi everyone. We've got a few more to join you. Better stow yer valuables (at least on pirate night!) We are Steve, Amy and Emma who will be 3 as of sailing. It's our third time on the Magic (W. Carib in '04 and Panama Canal in '05) but our DD's first. She has sailed with us twice with Royal Caribbean.

It will sure be nice having her old enough for the kids clubs and also great to see some little ones with the group here.

I look forward to chattin' with you.

Steve

[scottie]

Welcome Aboard Steve... it is nice to know someone else will be sailing with us :thumbsup2 We were beginning to worry the few of us would have the whole ship to ourselves ;)
pirate:

[don604]

Steve - Hello & Welcome!! Which part of Cali are you from?

Scottie - Thanks for sharing that info with me, I will be sure to check them out to see if I could get some credits ;) Thanks again!!!

[alanapapa]

:welcome: Steve & Family


Where about in central CA? As I type this, I am at a Motel 6 in Bakersfield getting ready to continue the long drive back to Seattle.

[airtime247]

We're actually in Northern California...way north! We're near Eureka which is on the coast around 5 hours north of San Francisco. We're about 90 miles south of the Oregon border. Where is everyone else from?

We've got family and friends all up and down the west coast so we get to L.A. at least once a year and have been up to the Seattle/Tacoma area a few times as well.

I'll also be curious to see how many other families with kids 4yo and under will be with us.

It's nice to be excited about a cruise again although this is really far out. Our last two cruises felt like more work than relaxing since our DD was too young to do much and dinners were a real chore!

Steve

[alanapapa]

We are back home.

We ended up staying Saturday night in Yreka and getting a flat just north of Grants Pass on Sunday. The flat and repair took about 3 hours so we decided to go only to Eugene and drive the last 4 hours today.

Steve- Next time you (or anyone else from the DIS) are up here near the Puget Sound send me a PM and we can try to meet for lunch or dinner someplace.

[scottie]

We are back home.

We ended up staying Saturday night in Yreka and getting a flat just north of Grants Pass on Sunday. The flat and repair took about 3 hours so we decided to go only to Eugene and drive the last 4 hours today.

Steve- Next time you (or anyone else from the DIS) are up here near the Puget Sound send me a PM and we can try to meet for lunch or dinner someplace.

Welcome Back! Happy to hear the flate repair went well... always a bummer though!

[alanapapa]

Did everybody give up talking or something? I would have thought we might have picked up a few more Cruisers as Christmas gifts.

[don604]

Alanapapa - Welcome back! Did you get that Double Double for me? :laughing:

Steve - Eureka, huh? Cool, I haven't been there in a while. I was born & raised in Los Angeles but have lived in Yakima, Washington for the last 7 years.
We will have our 2 kids with us on the cruise. My DD who will be 7 at the time of cruising and my DS who will be 2 & 1/2 years old by then. I know my DD will be fine but I hope my DS behaves himself. We shall Sea :boat: :)

[alanapapa]

Alanapapa - Welcome back! Did you get that Double Double for me? :laughing:

Steve - Eureka, huh? Cool, I haven't been there in a while. I was born & raised in Los Angeles but have lived in Yakima, Washington for the last 7 years.
We will have our 2 kids with us on the cruise. My DD who will be 7 at the time of cruising and my DS who will be 2 & 1/2 years old by then. I know my DD will be fine but I hope my DS behaves himself. We shall Sea :boat: :)

I actually had two of them, both were quite good. I hope you like onions as I had both grilled and raw on them. Caro did not want to talk to me for a day or so.:rotfl2:

[don604]

Wow! Two? Awesome!! I'm not an onion fan but would probably prefer the grilled onions over the raw. My DW doesn't like onions either :)

Did you get to go to DLR while down in Orange County?

[Caropooh]

Wow! Two? Awesome!! I'm not an onion fan but would probably prefer the grilled onions over the raw. My DW doesn't like onions either :)

Did you get to go to DLR while down in Orange County?

Then lets say that my 2 double doubles were yours! Mine only had grilled onions!
We did go to DLR for one afternoon/evening. Didn't get there till around 4:00 but still had a good time.

[scottie]

Did everybody give up talking or something? I would have thought we might have picked up a few more Cruisers as Christmas gifts.

I too suspected we would pick up some more over the holiday... maybe everyone is recovering first?? We still have a while to go though!

[scottie]

Does anyone think it would be a nice idea to try to keep a running list of who is sailing on the first post on this thread? I was thinking of listing the DIS name, along with real names of all those sailing and ages of kids in each family. If someone doesnt want the real names of their group posted we could leave that off. I
would be happy to try my best to keep the first posting edited to reflect everyone who joins the thread.

Thoughts, comments?? :)

[alanapapa]

Does anyone think it would be a nice idea to try to keep a running list of who is sailing on the first post on this thread? I was thinking of listing the DIS name, along with real names of all those sailing and ages of kids in each family. If someone doesnt want the real names of their group posted we could leave that off. I
would be happy to try my best to keep the first posting edited to reflect everyone who joins the thread.

Thoughts, comments?? :)

Works for me. It is just CaroPooh & I this trip.

[don604]

Then lets say that my 2 double doubles were yours! Mine only had grilled onions!
We did go to DLR for one afternoon/evening. Didn't get there till around 4:00 but still had a good time.

Great! Hope your time there was awesome!! :thumbsup2 I have a sister who lives in Buena Park (right behind Knott's Berry Farm) and she has annual passes to DLR and gets to go quite often... I sure do miss living there :sad2:

Scottie - Sounds good to me as well, let's do it ;)

[alanapapa]

Great! Hope your time there was awesome!! :thumbsup2 I have a sister who lives in Buena Park (right behind Knott's Berry Farm) and she has annual passes to DLR and gets to go quite often... I sure do miss living there :sad2:

Scottie - Sounds good to me as well, let's do it ;)

Caro & I used to live just down from Knott's. If you continue down the street that the Chicken Dinner and shops are on and keep going straight instead of turning on Crescent we lived on the second right (Fillmore). We had dinner at Mrs Knotts and waited almost two hours in line. It was worth it though.

[don604]

Caro & I used to live just down from Knott's. If you continue down the street that the Chicken Dinner and shops are on and keep going straight instead of turning on Crescent we lived on the second right (Fillmore). We had dinner at Mrs Knotts and waited almost two hours in line. It was worth it though.

Cool. I know where thats at :) Yeah, they serve good food there. My sister took my family & I there this past August. We also went to DLR in August for 3 days and stood at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel... we had a blast!! We try to go annually but I doubt we will be doing much this year due to our big Disney Cruise in 09... cant wait! :yay:

[scottie]

I updated the first posting to include a list of those who are sailing with us. Please feel free to let me know of any corrections or stuff I missed!

[alanapapa]

I updated the first posting to include a list of those who are sailing with us. Please feel free to let me know of any corrections or stuff I missed!

looks good:thumbsup2

[don604]

I updated the first posting to include a list of those who are sailing with us. Please feel free to let me know of any corrections or stuff I missed!

Thanks Scottie! Looks good. :)

[don604]

Anyone here ever stay in a SPH (Secret Porthole) stateroom? I ask because we have 2 booked for the cruise. Let me know, thanks!! :thumbsup2

[scottie]

Anyone here ever stay in a SPH (Secret Porthole) stateroom? I ask because we have 2 booked for the cruise. Let me know, thanks!! :thumbsup2

WOW sounds like between the two of us we have almost all the SPH rooms booked. We are in 5522 and 5524. Hopefully we arent sharing the same rooms!!:rotfl:

Havent stayed in them before but always wanted to so we are giving it a try for 09'. We will love the proximity to the kids clubs if not anything else. A lady thats posts on DIS has a site that gives info and pics for the SPH rooms. If you havent seen it and want a link I can try to get it to you, the boards wont let me post it.

[don604]

WOW sounds like between the two of us we have almost all the SPH rooms booked. We are in 5522 and 5524. Hopefully we arent sharing the same rooms!!:rotfl:

Havent stayed in them before but always wanted to so we are giving it a try for 09'. We will love the proximity to the kids clubs if not anything else. A lady thats posts on DIS has a site that gives info and pics for the SPH rooms. If you havent seen it and want a link I can try to get it to you, the boards wont let me post it.

We are booked in 5020 (us) and 5520 (the in-laws) ... I think I saw those pics before, is it the castawayclub site? I guess by booking early we were able to get those rooms, huh? I heard they tend to go pretty quick. I didnt reaize they were SPH's until after I booked them... the family was pretty excited about that (especailly the in-laws) :)

[scottie]

We are booked in 5020 (us) and 5520 (the in-laws) ... I think I saw those pics before, is it the castawayclub site? I guess by booking early we were able to get those rooms, huh? I heard they tend to go pretty quick. I didnt reaize they were SPH's until after I booked them... the family was pretty excited about that (especailly the in-laws) :)

If all works right, maybe my daughter Morgan and son Dylan will become best-cruise friends with your children. They will be within about a year of each other it appears and maybe they can spend time togther in the clubs, pools etc. Who knows!

Hopefully we wont be too loud for your in-laws as we will be sharing a wall with them. :) It will be DW, myself and DS in the room next to them. My MIL and two DDs will be in the room next to us (5524). We actually tried to get 5520 but it was taken already so you beat us to the punch. I booked just an hour or two after bookings opened, when did you book?

Forgot to add, Castaway Club site of Barbs is the right site!

[don604]

If all works right, maybe my daughter Morgan and son Dylan will become best-cruise friends with your children. They will be within about a year of each other it appears and maybe they can spend time togther in the clubs, pools etc. Who knows!

Hopefully we wont be too loud for your in-laws as we will be sharing a wall with them. :) It will be DW, myself and DS in the room next to them. My MIL and two DDs will be in the room next to us (5524). We actually tried to get 5520 but it was taken already so you beat us to the punch. I booked just an hour or two after bookings opened, when did you book?

Forgot to add, Castaway Club site of Barbs is the right site!

That would be cool. My kids love playing with others especially Janeya, she loves to make friends.

My in-laws are deep sleepers so not much wakes them up but on the high seas... :boat: who knows?

I first inquired about the cruise mid last year but was told that the dates for 2009 were to be announced in December so I kept my eyes :eek: and ears :listen: open and I booked on December 13th. I must have booked at the right time :) Pretty good for a first-timer, huh? :thumbsup2

[scottie]

That would be cool. My kids love playing with others especially Janeya, she loves to make friends.

My in-laws are deep sleepers so not much wakes them up but on the high seas... :boat: who knows?

I first inquired about the cruise mid last year but was told that the dates for 2009 were to be announced in December so I kept my eyes :eek: and ears :listen: open and I booked on December 13th. I must have booked at the right time :) Pretty good for a first-timer, huh? :thumbsup2

Should be a blast! Are you set up with late or early dining? We went with late dining again. Not sure if the kids will eat with us or the kids clubs for dinner as they have in the past.

And yes, you did a good job for sure picking up those rooms! Im surprised a travel agent didnt scoop them up by then. We booked on the 4th of December.

[don604]

Should be a blast! Are you set up with late or early dining? We went with late dining again. Not sure if the kids will eat with us or the kids clubs for dinner as they have in the past.

And yes, you did a good job for sure picking up those rooms! Im surprised a travel agent didnt scoop them up by then. We booked on the 4th of December.

We booked main dining... I guess we picked main because it was closer to the time that we normally have dinner. Have you ever booked main before? Is there any difference?

Well... early in the day on December 13th, we had 2 other rooms saved but in the evening when I booked the room numbers switched to the ones we have now.

[scottie]

We have always went with the late seating even with kids. It is a couple of hours after we normally eat at home, but at home we are not on a vacation in which we find a million and one things to keep everyone busy or happy all day long... from the early morning hours on. So we have been pleased with the later seating because we can spend more time doing all the neat stuff before having to head back to the room to clean up then if we went with an early seating.
The kids were fine usually with eating at the later time too because there was never an issue with getting them a late day something to eat to hold them over like a bite to eat from room service or something else like chicken fingers or a fruit plate by the pool. We also learned that the kids old enough to go to the clubs quickly found out about the dinner with the club and tended to eat dinner meals with the club, which is more around our normal dinner time. I guess they like being with all their new friends and getting to eat all that kid type food at the buffet.

I have also read people who were never happy with the late seating. I guess it is just up to what everyone feels best with!

[don604]

What you said makes sense...we will try main dinning this time and see how it goes :) and if we find ourselves rushing back to the room to get ready for dinner then next time we will choose late dinner.

Where's everyone else?? Hopefully we get some more to join in soon :grouphug:

[airtime247]

We've always done late seating before our DD was born. Now we do main seating mainly to keep in line with her schedule. Her witching hour begins around 7:30pm! :stir:

Our one big complaint about late dining with Disney is the lack of availability of good food when we get back on the ship after port. If we aren't eating dinner until after 8pm, we'd like something around 3pm or so and all that was available on our last two cruises is the "theme park food" on Deck 9. I really wish Topsiders had longer hours! On our 14-day cruise, Pluto's and Pinocchio's got really old.

The thing I really like about having early dining is that I don't feel like I have to rush out to make the late night shows. When we had late dining, we always got out too late to get a good seat for the shows in Beat Street. I guess we're too chatty with our tablemates!

I think generally families with young children traditionally take the earlier seating. I thought I read a while back that Disney tends to put those families in the APLAPLA rotation with the extra seating at Animator's Palate and families with no kids in the LAPLAPL rotation to have an extra night at Lumiere's. We like to try to request the rotation that will give us Parrot Cay on tropical/pirate night and Lumiere's on formal night. I thought that was APLAPLA when we sailed the western three years ago.

-steve

[don604]

We've always done late seating before our DD was born. Now we do main seating mainly to keep in line with her schedule. Her witching hour begins around 7:30pm! :stir:

Our one big complaint about late dining with Disney is the lack of availability of good food when we get back on the ship after port. If we aren't eating dinner until after 8pm, we'd like something around 3pm or so and all that was available on our last two cruises is the "theme park food" on Deck 9. I really wish Topsiders had longer hours! On our 14-day cruise, Pluto's and Pinocchio's got really old.

The thing I really like about having early dining is that I don't feel like I have to rush out to make the late night shows. When we had late dining, we always got out too late to get a good seat for the shows in Beat Street. I guess we're too chatty with our tablemates!

I think generally families with young children traditionally take the earlier seating. I thought I read a while back that Disney tends to put those families in the APLAPLA rotation with the extra seating at Animator's Palate and families with no kids in the LAPLAPL rotation to have an extra night at Lumiere's. We like to try to request the rotation that will give us Parrot Cay on tropical/pirate night and Lumiere's on formal night. I thought that was APLAPLA when we sailed the western three years ago.

-steve

Thanks for your input Steve. Yeah, that was our main reason for choosing main dining... I know how my kids can get when they are hungry :mad: :sad:
whether or not it will suit us...we shall see but I have a feeling it will. :thumbsup2

[airtime247]

I'll be searching around on the boards and on CruiseCritic in the upcoming months but I wanted to ask you all first. Have any of you sailed the Eastern before and have any excursion ideas you could recommend that would be fun (or at least easy) for a three year old?

We've been to Castaway Cay before but have no idea about what to do in the other ports.

We usually like to snorkel but won't be doing that on this trip with her. Long tours would be difficult too.

Have any of you travelling with toddlers given any thought about what to do at these ports yet?

TIA!
-steve

[Caropooh]

I'll be searching around on the boards and on CruiseCritic in the upcoming months but I wanted to ask you all first. Have any of you sailed the Eastern before and have any excursion ideas you could recommend that would be fun (or at least easy) for a three year old?

We've been to Castaway Cay before but have no idea about what to do in the other ports.

We usually like to snorkel but won't be doing that on this trip with her. Long tours would be difficult too.

Have any of you travelling with toddlers given any thought about what to do at these ports yet?

TIA!
-steve
we did the Eastern last March, but not with a 3 year old, so can't help you there. We did the 3 Flags tour in St Maarteen and Blackbeards Castle in St Thomas. On CC, we did the Eco Tour. I personally won't do the Eco tour again, but that is due to DD13 and I falling off the Waverunner. I couldn't get back on and was scared to death. I went parasailing when we went in July '05 and LOVED it!

[scottie]

I'll be searching around on the boards and on CruiseCritic in the upcoming months but I wanted to ask you all first. Have any of you sailed the Eastern before and have any excursion ideas you could recommend that would be fun (or at least easy) for a three year old?

We've been to Castaway Cay before but have no idea about what to do in the other ports.

We usually like to snorkel but won't be doing that on this trip with her. Long tours would be difficult too.

Have any of you travelling with toddlers given any thought about what to do at these ports yet?

TIA!
-steve

We too will have a 3 yr old when sailing, but will be our first time on the Eastern. We have always done the 4-night sailings with DCL. I haven’t begun to look at the excursions yet, but figured I would start up on that task in the spring. We will likely try to get some shopping in at the ports- that is an excursion as far as my DW and MIL are concerned :eek: So that’s all we have planned at this point.
However, since we haven’t been on the 7-night before I am sure we will try to do an excursion or two that the whole family can enjoy.

[DisneyTampa]

We booked our cruise today!! This will be our first ever cruise! We booked a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah (Cat. 4). We booked directly through DCL.

Sailing with me will be my mom and dad. In my 23 years of life, this will be our first family vacation where it's just the 3 of us and no other extended family :love:

While on the ship my parents will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary since it is just a couple weeks before the ship sets sail :lovestruc

[don604]

Welcome, glad to have you all aboard!! :boat:
This is also my family and I's first cruise as well. My FIL & MIL will be celebrating their 32nd anniversary on the ship and it will be an early (1 month) 10 year anniversary vacation for my wife & I. We cant wait!! We are all gonna have a blast!! party:

[alanapapa]

Welcome DisneyTampa and parents. Glad to have you with us.

[scottie]

We booked our cruise today!! This will be our first ever cruise! We booked a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah (Cat. 4). We booked directly through DCL.

Sailing with me will be my mom and dad. In my 23 years of life, this will be our first family vacation where it's just the 3 of us and no other extended family :love:

While on the ship my parents will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary since it is just a couple weeks before the ship sets sail :lovestruc

Welcome aboard for sure DisneyTampa! We are happy to have someone else join our ever-growing small group!

We have sailed in a Cat 4 room a couple times in the past and really loved it. We are doing two cat 10 SPH rooms this time.

[wfma]

Name WFMA

ME,
DW,
DD=11
DD=6

Our Best Friend and her DD=17 in the next room

[scottie]

Name WFMA

ME,
DW,
DD=11
DD=6

Our Best Friend and her DD=17 in the next room

Welcome aboard wfma! Will this be your first sailing with DCL?

[scottie]

Everyone, Anyone: What are thoughts about also adding room number to the first thread where we are keeping a friendly list of all those sailing? I was thinking it may be fun to see who may be in a room near you? Of course participation would be optional!

[alanapapa]

:welcome: WFMA and friend. I hope you can convince them to join the DIS too,

[don604]

Everyone, Anyone: What are thoughts about also adding room number to the first thread where we are keeping a friendly list of all those sailing? I was thinking it may be fun to see who may be in a room near you? Of course participation would be optional!

Scottie - Sounds fine to me...I don't mind at all :thumbsup2

WFMA & Friend - Welcome...great to have you here!! :yay:

[wfma]

Welcome aboard wfma! Will this be your first sailing with DCL?

No this will be our 2nd and Our firends 1st.

[scottie]

No this will be our 2nd and Our firends 1st.

Cool, I'm sure we will have a nice mix of returners and new fans of DCL. Was it an Eastern cruise you did in the past or another?

[wfma]

The Wastern (May 2007) Last one before it went to TransAtlantic

[DisneyTampa]

Thanks everyone!!

Oops, I forgot to give yall our names:

Me - Amanda
Mom - Brenda
Dad - Gary

[scottie]

The Wastern (May 2007) Last one before it went to TransAtlantic

I would love to give the Western a try sometime!!

[scottie]

I updated the 5/9/09 cruiser list this morning that is included in the first posting. When you have time, feel free to take a peek and let me know if anything needs changed.

:idea:

[don604]

Thanks Scottie! Looks good :thumbsup2

[j2bmickey]

Aye me hearties! The triplets be setting sail again, and this time there be a fourth. :scared1: May Triton have mercy on us all!

To protect the innocent until I have full approval, I will leave off names and cabin numbers for now. (Although some can be found on other posts).

j2bmickey
DH - me
DW
DD - 6

Ka-chow
DNH
DNW
DNS1 - 6
DNS2 - 6
DND - 2

[alanapapa]

Aye me hearties! The triplets be setting sail again, and this time there be a fourth. :scared1: May Triton have mercy on us all!

To protect the innocent until I have full approval, I will leave off names and cabin numbers for now. (Although some can be found on other posts).

j2bmickey
DH - me
DW
DD - 6

Ka-chow
DNH
DNW
DNS1 - 6
DNS2 - 6
DND - 2
pirate: pirate: Arrgh!!! Tis a fine crew we be havin'. :welcome:

[don604]

:welcome: Aboard!!

[scottie]

Aye me hearties! The triplets be setting sail again, and this time there be a fourth. :scared1: May Triton have mercy on us all!

To protect the innocent until I have full approval, I will leave off names and cabin numbers for now. (Although some can be found on other posts).

j2bmickey
DH - me
DW
DD - 6

Ka-chow
DNH
DNW
DNS1 - 6
DNS2 - 6
DND - 2


Welcome Aboard... our crew is filling out fast!pirate:

[j2bmickey]

Thanks for the hearty permission to come aboard. I have also been given the green light for all ahead full.

Cabins 6516 & 6518

j2bmickey
----------
J.P.
Jenn
Braelyn - 6

Ka-chow
---------
Keith
Laurie
Logan - 6
Jensen - 6
Haven - 2

[scottie]

Thanks for the hearty permission to come aboard. I have also been given the green light for all ahead full.

Cabins 6516 & 6518

j2bmickey
----------
J.P.
Jenn
Braelyn - 6

Ka-chow
---------
Keith
Laurie
Logan - 6
Jensen - 6
Haven - 2

I will get ye crew updated on the front page the start of next week!

[scottie]

Got the front page updated... boy our ship is filling fast with DISers!

Don- Just wanted to tell you that I really like your new signature image... great job!

[don604]

Got the front page updated... boy our ship is filling fast with DISers!

Don- Just wanted to tell you that I really like your new signature image... great job!

Thanks Scottie! I had a little free time over the weekend and whipped it up real quick. :wizard: I designed it much bigger but as I posted it, I found out that there is a maximum signature height... so I resized it and it worked!!

You must be getting anxious...your Valentines cruise is coming up quick, huh? Sure wish my wife and I were going :sad1:

[scottie]

You must be getting anxious...your Valentines cruise is coming up quick, huh? Sure wish my wife and I were going :sad1:

Anxious to say the least!! Just waiting for the cruise docs package to arrive. Everyone on our thread has received theirs already but no luck for us. I know I don’t need the package since we did registration online, but it would be nice to have to kind of cement the deal if you know what I mean! Can’t wait till next Wednesday when we check in the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a night before setting sail!

[DisneyTampa]

Don604 - what program did you use to make your banner? I see all these cool banners that people make but I have no clue how to make my own. They loook like they are hard to make!

[don604]

Anxious to say the least!! Just waiting for the cruise docs package to arrive. Everyone on our thread has received theirs already but no luck for us. I know I don’t need the package since we did registration online, but it would be nice to have to kind of cement the deal if you know what I mean! Can’t wait till next Wednesday when we check in the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a night before setting sail!

Wow! Animal Kingdom Lodge, huh? Very Nice :thumbsup2 I haven't stayed there but have seen it and it is really nice.
You leave next week and you haven't received your docs yet? Who did you book with?

Don604 - what program did you use to make your banner? I see all these cool banners that people make but I have no clue how to make my own. They loook like they are hard to make!

I designed it in Adobe Photoshop... I do Website & Graphic design so for me its a breeze. :) Photoshop is one of the top programs for design however there are other alternatives such as Photoshop Elements... a friend of mine uses this program and loves it and the cost is way less than actual Photoshop. Let me know if you'd like a banner, I really wouldnt mind designing one for you. If not, no worries :)

[scottie]

Wow! Animal Kingdom Lodge, huh? Very Nice :thumbsup2 I haven't stayed there but have seen it and it is really nice.
You leave next week and you haven't received your docs yet? Who did you book with?

Yep, we stayed there one time a couple of months after it opened way back when and now that it has DVC rooms we booked one on the concenigere level for the night before we sail. I wish it was a longer stay there because I love that hotel!
We booked thru Mousears Travel. I dont think they are holding them... I know someone else who booked the cruise before us with them and theirs arrived the other day. I am going to follow up the end of the week if they arent here by then. They should be able to ship them 1 or 2 day shipping if needed I would imagine.

[don604]

Yep, we stayed there one time a couple of months after it opened way back when and now that it has DVC rooms we booked one on the concenigere level for the night before we sail. I wish it was a longer stay there because I love that hotel!
We booked thru Mousears Travel. I dont think they are holding them... I know someone else who booked the cruise before us with them and theirs arrived the other day. I am going to follow up the end of the week if they arent here by then. They should be able to ship them 1 or 2 day shipping if needed I would imagine.

Have fun Scottie and good luck with your docs man :)

I remember when I booked our Disneyland trip last year for my family and I... We booked 3 nights at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and the trip was paid for and everything but once you get those docs, it kind of it gives you the feeling that its now totally offical so I do understand how you feel.

oh by the way... I switched over my trip to Dreams Unlimited and got the $100 per stateroom credit plus the credit that Disney had already given me. So thanks for that tip!! :thumbsup2

[scottie]

Have fun Scottie and good luck with your docs man :)

I remember when I booked our Disneyland trip last year for my family and I... We booked 3 nights at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and the trip was paid for and everything but once you get those docs, it kind of it gives you the feeling that its now totally offical so I do understand how you feel.

oh by the way... I switched over my trip to Dreams Unlimited and got the $100 per stateroom credit plus the credit that Disney had already given me. So thanks for that tip!! :thumbsup2


Happy to hear you landed some extra room credit... which is MUCH needed with the bill a family can rack up onboard a disney ship for several days... Trust me I know all too well!
We have used Dreams Unlimited before and had great service. I am still deciding if we are going to go with them or the new agent I was sent to by a fellow DISers who is willing to offer double what Dreams is offering.

[don604]

I know its a bit early but I love to plan ahead... so does anyone here know of any good excursions for families? My DD will be 7 and my DS will be 2.5... any info is much appreciated. Thanks!! :thumbsup2

[scottie]

I know its a bit early but I love to plan ahead... so does anyone here know of any good excursions for families? My DD will be 7 and my DS will be 2.5... any info is much appreciated. Thanks!! :thumbsup2

I too love to plan early! My wife and MIL on the other hand will likely just go with the flow and do what I tell them is good (I like that!)
I have been subscribing to threads that talk about St Marteen/ St John so I can refer back to them to get tips. I haven’t looked into excursions much yet, figured would as spring/summer rolls around. However, I can see us doing some shopping for sure, some time at one of the beautiful beaches- cant stop the kids from enjoying water and sand, and maybe a quick island tour.
All subject to change as I look into it more but I am pretty certain we will be hitting a beach somewhere besides just Castaway Cay!

Heck if we don’t alienate ourselves by the time the cruise rolls around maybe we should plan something together as we will already be forced into seeing each others family onboard with our rooms so close and two of the kids being within a year or so of each other. And of course all our other DIS friends can join along too!

[DisneyTampa]

Thanks for the offer Don, that is so nice! I think I will take you up on it. I will send you a PM.

[scottie]

oh by the way... I switched over my trip to Dreams Unlimited and got the $100 per stateroom credit plus the credit that Disney had already given me. So thanks for that tip!! :thumbsup2

I am still shopping companies and was surprised to get an e-mail from one yesterday informing me that DCL cut travel agent commissions by almost 40% recently to help avoid large shipboard credit offers from agents. I don’t know that I believe it but interesting none the less!

[don604]

Thanks for the offer Don, that is so nice! I think I will take you up on it. I will send you a PM.

Not a problem at all :) PM me and let me know what you want, pics, text, etc... and I'll whip it up for you. :thumbsup2

I am still shopping companies and was surprised to get an e-mail from one yesterday informing me that DCL cut travel agent commissions by almost 40% recently to help avoid large shipboard credit offers from agents. I don’t know that I believe it but interesting none the less!

Wow. I wonder if thats true? I hope it doesn't affect my onboard credit.

[scottie]

Wow. I wonder if thats true? I hope it doesn't affect my onboard credit.

No, you wont have any problem with that!! I do like to follow up as my cruise nears to confirm with the agent how much credit they have on file for me, to catch any possible issues though. For example, for our trip next week I double checked with my agent a couple of weeks ago and she quoted me an amount of onboard credit that was about half of what she originally promised and what was on the paperwork. She quickly corrected it after I repled back. Had I waited till onboard I would have likely been only provided the smaller amount.

[don604]

No, you wont have any problem with that!! I do like to follow up as my cruise nears to confirm with the agent how much credit they have on file for me, to catch any possible issues though. For example, for our trip next week I double checked with my agent a couple of weeks ago and she quoted me an amount of onboard credit that was about half of what she originally promised and what was on the paperwork. She quickly corrected it after I repled back. Had I waited till onboard I would have likely been only provided the smaller amount.

Oh good. Thanks Scottie!

[don604]

No, you wont have any problem with that!! I do like to follow up as my cruise nears to confirm with the agent how much credit they have on file for me, to catch any possible issues though. For example, for our trip next week I double checked with my agent a couple of weeks ago and she quoted me an amount of onboard credit that was about half of what she originally promised and what was on the paperwork. She quickly corrected it after I repled back. Had I waited till onboard I would have likely been only provided the smaller amount.

Yeah... thats a good thing to do just to make sure that you get all you are promised. I sure wouldn't want to get on board and find out that my onboard credit was chopped in half!!:scared1: :scared1:

[j2bmickey]

Hi all. I thought I would drop a post so that everyone wouldn't think we had just wanted to see our names mixed in with some pirate talk.

We took a short trip up to Sunrise Ski Park since they have a 108" base and that doesn't happen often in Arizona. The skiing was good but it was strange to leave Greer this morning with 20 degrees and get home to almost 80 degrees. I do love winter in southern Arizona.

Scottie, have fun on your trip this week. Hopefully your docs have arrive and everything is ready to go.

Don, awesome signature graphic. :thumbsup2 We all may have to find a way to bribe you for some graphics for possible door signs.

We haven't given a whole lot of thought to excursions either. We will probably try to scuba dive and I have heard that St. Thomas is a little better for that. There is a dive shop on Coki Beach so that might work out well for tieing into some family beach time also.

[scottie]

Hi all. I thought I would drop a post so that everyone wouldn't think we had just wanted to see our names mixed in with some pirate talk.

We took a short trip up to Sunrise Ski Park since they have a 108" base and that doesn't happen often in Arizona. The skiing was good but it was strange to leave Greer this morning with 20 degrees and get home to almost 80 degrees. I do love winter in southern Arizona.

Scottie, have fun on your trip this week. Hopefully your docs have arrive and everything is ready to go.

Sounds like you have lots of fun!! And yes, the cruise docs arrived the end of last week so I have been reading them over and over to help the time pass ;) I cant wait to get to AKL on Wednesday and jump in the pool! We are in the negatives with windchill here tonight!

[don604]

Scottie - Glad you finally got your docs. Have a GREAT trip and be sure to tell us all about when you return :thumbsup2

j2bmickey - Glad you like the signature graphic! Would love to design door graphics :) I dont know much about what belongs on a door graphic but I'm sure they will turn out nice. I havent cruised yet but I did see a few posts about door graphics.. pretty cool :thumbsup2

[scottie]

Scottie - Glad you finally got your docs. Have a GREAT trip and be sure to tell us all about when you return :thumbsup2

Thanks! Really looking forward to getting away from this COLD weather for a few days. Now just need to hope my MIL is able to fly here tomorrow so we can head out Wednesday! A big winter storm is supposed to start in a couple of hours and run till dinner time tomorrow. Her flight is scheduled to arrive around lunch time tomorrow.

[scottie]

So we are fresh back from our couples-only Disney cruise and night at AKL. We both had a fabulous time and I wouldn’t hesitate to do another 3 or 4 night Disney cruise without the kids in a couple of years. Even my wife who was so worried about leaving the kids at home had a wonderful time and kept talking about how she couldn’t wait to sail again in 15 months! I can tell you she has never talked about a future cruise during our prior sailings so this one must have really won her over! I was amazed how many things we spotted or did that we never realized on prior Wonder cruises when we had the kids along.


Wow didn’t even realize we are over 100 posts already!

[alanapapa]

Welcome Back Scottie,
Glad to see you two had a great trip. Are you going to do a TR?

TTFN

[scottie]

Welcome Back Scottie,
Glad to see you two had a great trip. Are you going to do a TR?

TTFN

Not sure on a TR. Maybe I will see if I can throw a brief something or another together so that I don’t have to rush back to reality so soon :)

[don604]

So we are fresh back from our couples-only Disney cruise and night at AKL. We both had a fabulous time and I wouldn’t hesitate to do another 3 or 4 night Disney cruise without the kids in a couple of years. Even my wife who was so worried about leaving the kids at home had a wonderful time and kept talking about how she couldn’t wait to sail again in 15 months! I can tell you she has never talked about a future cruise during our prior sailings so this won must have really won her over! I was amazed how many things we spotted or did that we never realized on prior Wonder cruises when we had the kids along.


Wow didn’t even realize we are over 100 posts already!

Welcome back Scottie!! Glad to hear that your trip went well. I saw that you took a peek :eek: of 5520 SPH... cool. Anyways, glad to hear you're back safe :)

[scottie]

Welcome back Scottie!! Glad to hear that your trip went well. I saw that you took a peek :eek: of 5520 SPH... cool. Anyways, glad to hear you're back safe :)

Thanks, glad to be back... kind of! Yep, we snuck into all the SPH rooms before we left the ship yesterday to see what the view etc. was like. I am pleased with the view from our room. The view from MIL/girls room is not that great but oh well we have connecting rooms so they can walk over and look out our window if needed :thumbsup2

[don604]

Thanks, glad to be back... kind of! Yep, we snuck into all the SPH rooms before we left the ship yesterday to see what the view etc. was like. I am pleased with the view from our room. The view from MIL/girls room is not that great but oh well we have connecting rooms so they can walk over and look out our window if needed :thumbsup2

Thats cool. Glad you got to check em out. Gets you looking forward to the next cruise even more, huh? How was the weather?

[scottie]

Thats cool. Glad you got to check em out. Gets you looking forward to the next cruise even more, huh? How was the weather?

Made me look forward to the next cruise too much maybe! 15 or so months away is a long time! But we do have softball season starting up for the girls in a couple of months so that will keep us busy for the spring and summer and we have a big family outing planned to Disneys Hilton Head Island resort for a week in June and a DisneyWorld trip for 4 nights over Thanksgiving to get our Disney fix in before the cruise.

As for the weather...
-Arrived in Orlando Wednesday and it was around 70 and sprinkled later in the day. No biggie since we just hung out at the hotel.
-Thursday we sailed out and it was in maybe low/mid 70s with sun and breeze so very nice for the sailaway party.
-Friday we were in Nassau and it was in the low/mid 70s again and started to rain right when we finished up shopping and were heading back to the ship. DW was so worried her new purse purchase was going to get wet!
-Saturday Castway Day woke up to low 70s and headed to the adult beach. Left there quickly because it was WAY too windy on that beach. Headed over to the family beach with little wind and warmed up to low/mid 80s by 1pm and Sun beat down on us. Got a solid sunburn in just a couple of hours on the family beach.

We talked and plan to re-book while onboard in May for a future cruise so we can try one of the new ships out!

[don604]

Made me look forward to the next cruise too much maybe! 15 or so months away is a long time! But we do have softball season starting up for the girls in a couple of months so that will keep us busy for the spring and summer and we have a big family outing planned to Disneys Hilton Head Island resort for a week in June and a DisneyWorld trip for 4 nights over Thanksgiving to get our Disney fix in before the cruise.

As for the weather...
-Arrived in Orlando Wednesday and it was around 70 and sprinkled later in the day. No biggie since we just hung out at the hotel.
-Thursday we sailed out and it was in maybe low/mid 70s with sun and breeze so very nice for the sailaway party.
-Friday we were in Nassau and it was in the low/mid 70s again and started to rain right when we finished up shopping and were heading back to the ship. DW was so worried her new purse purchase was going to get wet!
-Saturday Castway Day woke up to low 70s and headed to the adult beach. Left there quickly because it was WAY too windy on that beach. Headed over to the family beach with little wind and warmed up to low/mid 80s by 1pm and Sun beat down on us. Got a solid sunburn in just a couple of hours on the family beach.

We talked and plan to re-book while onboard in May for a future cruise so we can try one of the new ships out!

Wow! Sounds like you guys have alot planned to help make the year pass quicker :)
A sun tan in winter...sounds awesome!! :beach: Sounds like the new ships will be great!! I have a feeling I am going to love our first cruise and will most likely become a DCL regular :thumbsup2

[scottie]

One thing we have learned, if you think there is ANY chance you may want to sail with DCL again while onboard the ship it is usually well worth it to book onboard for a future cruise date. You get 10% off and a room credit. You can book any date and move it to another date if you decide you want something else say after you return home and have time to consider your options. They only require a deposit onboard.

[don604]

One thing we have learned, if you think there is ANY chance you may want to sail with DCL again while onboard the ship it is usually well worth it to book onboard for a future cruise date. You get 10% off and a room credit. You can book any date and move it to another date if you decide you want something else say after you return home and have time to consider your options. They only require a deposit onboard.

Wow...sounds like I might have to consider doing that. How much is the deposit to book on board or does it vary?

[MickeyCruiser]

We just booked on the 05/09/2009. This is our second Disney Cruise. Went on the 7 night Western 05/06/2006.

[scottie]

Wow...sounds like I might have to consider doing that. How much is the deposit to book on board or does it vary?

If I recall correctly we paid $250 per person when we re-booked onboard this past May. If you book a cat 1-3 room then I think it is $500 per person deposit.
The amount of shipboard credit they offer varies at $100 per room for a 3/4 night cruise and $200 per room for a 7 night cruise.

[scottie]

We just booked on the 05/09/2009. This is our second Disney Cruise. Went on the 7 night Western 05/06/2006.

Welcome Aboard MickeyCruiser!! pirate:

[don604]

If I recall correctly we paid $250 per person when we re-booked onboard this past May. If you book a cat 1-3 room then I think it is $500 per person deposit.
The amount of shipboard credit they offer varies at $100 per room for a 3/4 night cruise and $200 per room for a 7 night cruise.

ok cool...thanks for that info. Thats gives me an idea of what to expect, you da man!! :thumbsup2

We just booked on the 05/09/2009. This is our second Disney Cruise. Went on the 7 night Western 05/06/2006.

Yeah... :yay: Welcome MickeyCruiser!!! Good to have you aboard :boat:

[scottie]

Well all, I have a dream :cloud9: ... a dream to own a dSLR camera before our next trip (June)! Anyone have experience with one? We have been a digitial point and shoot family forever and I think it may be nice to move up the ladder.

[don604]

Well all, I have a dream :cloud9: ... a dream to own a dSLR camera before our next trip (June)! Anyone have experience with one? We have been a digitial point and shoot family forever and I think it may be nice to move up the ladder.

I actually own one :) I have a Canon Digital Rebel EOS camera and I love it :thumbsup2 I have 2 Canon lenses for it, a 58mm & a telescopic zoom lens and a Canon flash. It takes great pictures... my FIL & I actually run a side business taking photos and videotaping special events such as Weddings, Anniversaries, Quinceneras, etc... You can basically point & shoot with this camera and it will take great shots but it also has manual settings for people who are more knowledgeable with photography. The only drawback for taking our camera on trips is that its bulky and a drag to carry around sometimes (especially on HOT days :sunny: ) Besides that a dSLR camera is a great thing to have. :)

[scottie]

Thats a great side business! I think I am finding myself settling on The Nikon d40 with and upgrade from the standard kit lens of 18-55mm to the kit lens of 18-135mm. I was looking at Nikon, Olympus and Cannon and found myself leaning towards the Nikon more and more as the best starter camera after reading a bunch online. I think getting the larger lens from the start will help me avoid having to carry around two lenses. That is until we become SLR pros :) For the current time I think we will mostly use the automatic setting on the camera.
Look at me acting like I know something about this whole dSLR thing and I have only been reading about it for a few days so I actually know little to nothing about the whole dSLR world!
Tell me your thoughts please Don and anyone else out there in 5/9/09 land!:surfweb:

[don604]

Thats a great side business! I think I am finding myself settling on The Nikon d40 with and upgrade from the standard kit lens of 18-55mm to the kit lens of 18-135mm. I was looking at Nikon, Olympus and Cannon and found myself leaning towards the Nikon more and more as the best starter camera after reading a bunch online. I think getting the larger lens from the start will help me avoid having to carry around two lenses. That is until we become SLR pros :) For the current time I think we will mostly use the automatic setting on the camera.
Look at me acting like I know something about this whole dSLR thing and I have only been reading about it for a few days so I actually know little to nothing about the whole dSLR world!
Tell me your thoughts please Don and anyone else out there in 5/9/09 land!:surfweb:

The Nikon d40 is a nice camera :thumbsup2 and takes awesome pictures. I think that lens is a great overall lens that should work great for all of your needs. I do recommend a UV Lens Filter for outside shooting though and a lens hood. Those make the pictures look so much better by blocking out excess sunlight, haze, etc... I normally get my stuff through BHPHOTOVIDEO.COM but there are tons of places to get good camera gear online now and then theres that other little site called eBay too :thumbsup2

[scottie]

The Nikon d40 is a nice camera :thumbsup2 and takes awesome pictures. I think that lens is a great overall lens that should work great for all of your needs. I do recommend a UV Lens Filter for outside shooting though and a lens hood. Those make the pictures look so much better by blocking out excess sunlight, haze, etc... I normally get my stuff through BHPHOTOVIDEO.COM but there are tons of places to get good camera gear online now and then theres that other little site called eBay too :thumbsup2

You have helped put my mind at ease with this possible purchase, thanks!:thumbsup2 I will have to go with one of those filters for sure, and when the time comes you can expect me to come a knockin' with more questions! :worship:
I was thinking BH or Amazon for the camera/lens kit purcahse both about same price. I wish there was somewhere I could land a sweet deal on a new or gently used 70-300vr lens for the camera too but havent stumbled upon any yet.

[j2bmickey]

So we are fresh back from our couples-only Disney cruise and night at AKL. We both had a fabulous time and I wouldn’t hesitate to do another 3 or 4 night Disney cruise without the kids in a couple of years. !


Welcome Back!!!!! I know we were all jealous, I mean happy that you guys got to try a cruise sans kiddos.

Are you guys getting hammered by all of the weather I heard about on the news? Yikes, that is scary.

[j2bmickey]

j2bmickey - Glad you like the signature graphic! Would love to design door graphics :) I dont know much about what belongs on a door graphic but I'm sure they will turn out nice. I havent cruised yet but I did see a few posts about door graphics.. pretty cool :thumbsup2

Just your signature is a good start. We did real simple clipart and lettering in Microsoft Paint last time. They weren't very stunning, but fun to make and the kids all liked seeing them on the door. In fact, our daughter made us put them on the fridge and freezer when we got home.

[j2bmickey]

We just booked on the 05/09/2009. This is our second Disney Cruise. Went on the 7 night Western 05/06/2006.


Welcome aboard!!! :banana: This party is starting to fill up. party:

[scottie]

Welcome Back!!!!! I know we were all jealous, I mean happy that you guys got to try a cruise sans kiddos.

Are you guys getting hammered by all of the weather I heard about on the news? Yikes, that is scary.

Yes we loved the cruise and would do it again in a few years without kiddos again im sure! A whole different world onboard disney ships without kids! Even with as much time as our kids spend in the clubs while cruising with us it was still way different!

Yep we got some crazy sleet and freezing rain all day today so it was a bit of an adventure heading out of work at rush hour today! But nothing much more then can be expected whent living in this part of the country! I guess its kind of nice to have seasons? :confused3

[j2bmickey]

Yep we got some crazy sleet and freezing rain all day today so it was a bit of an adventure heading out of work at rush hour today! But nothing much more then can be expected whent living in this part of the country! I guess its kind of nice to have seasons? :confused3

We used to live in Dallas so I can relate to driving in the freezing rain. :eek:

I've always been a desert rat so the only two seasons I truly enjoy are hot and hotter, unless there is skiing involved. Then I might tolerate another season for a short time. :)

[scottie]

I was just checking our cruise on the DCL site and if I am not mistaken it looks like prices have jumped up already for our sailing!

[scottie]

Checking in to see how everyone is doing and to let you know how our life is going these days!

Weather has been off an on in Ohio as we move into spring. 66 today and low 30s in another day or two. See off and on!:confused3

We have b-day parties out the wazoo this month. Meghan has a sleepover last Friday with a couple of friends and is having another this Friday for another group of friends to celebrate her 11th bday. Morgan is having a bowling party with about 10 of her friends the following weekend to celebrate her 7th bday and we are also having a big family party that weekend for both of them.:scared1:

I am still trying to bring myself to buy that new dslr camera but havent managed to force myself yet (not really having to force just having to decide which one for sure)... but plan to buy within a week as my bonus will be burning a hole in my pocket- right before it pays off our 09' cruise with all of you! :banana:

I am also trying to decide which of two travel agents I want to flip our reservation to. But knowing how much we manage to spend on a 4-night cruise I can only venture a guess at how much more will be spent on our first 7-night cruise so I guess I better go with the lady who is willing to reward us big time for flipping to her!:idea:

[scottie]

We just booked on the 05/09/2009. This is our second Disney Cruise. Went on the 7 night Western 05/06/2006.

Just realized your signature mentions "IBM" for the two sailings. Is that a company sailing, if you dont mind me asking?

[MickeyCruiser]

Just a mistake - cruises had nothing to do with IBM. Thanks for pointing that out, I have fixed it.

Cruise seems so far away - hard to stop thinking about it.

[scottie]

Just a mistake - cruises had nothing to do with IBM. Thanks for pointing that out, I have fixed it.

Cruise seems so far away - hard to stop thinking about it.

no problem! I was just thinking maybe the boat was going to be full from a large company outing, but I guess not :)

[don604]

Hello Everyone! I'm back (you may not have even noticed I was gone)... I was in the hospital :sick: for 7 days due to pancreatitis and I had to have my gall bladder removed because of gallstones but I am feeling way better now. It was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life but I am thankful that its over and things are getting back to normal. I have been completely healthy all of my life and have never had surgery before so it was definitely surprising that it came about all of a sudden. Anyways... just wanted to say hi and I still cant wait till we take this wonderful cruise with you all :)

[scottie]

Hello Everyone! I'm back (you may not have even noticed I was gone)... I was in the hospital :sick: for 7 days due to pancreatitis and I had to have my gall bladder removed because of gallstones but I am feeling way better now. It was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life but I am thankful that its over and things are getting back to normal. I have been completely healthy all of my life and have never had surgery before so it was definitely surprising that it came about all of a sudden. Anyways... just wanted to say hi and I still cant wait till we take this wonderful cruise with you all :)

We are glad to have you back, and healthier then ever!! :thumbsup2

[j2bmickey]

We have b-day parties out the wazoo this month. Meghan has a sleepover last Friday with a couple of friends and is having another this Friday for another group of friends to celebrate her 11th bday. Morgan is having a bowling party with about 10 of her friends the following weekend to celebrate her 7th bday and we are also having a big family party that weekend for both of them.:scared1:




Wow, and I thought we had a mess with Braelyn's party. It was just one day although it did involve about 10 of her friends and a bounce house in our backyard. I'm just glad the weather was nice so they could play outside most of the time.

Hello Everyone! I'm back (you may not have even noticed I was gone)... I was in the hospital :sick: for 7 days due to pancreatitis and I had to have my gall bladder removed because of gallstones but I am feeling way better now. It was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life but I am thankful that its over and things are getting back to normal. I have been completely healthy all of my life and have never had surgery before so it was definitely surprising that it came about all of a sudden. Anyways... just wanted to say hi and I still cant wait till we take this wonderful cruise with you all :)

Yikes, sorry to hear that you had so much pain. Glad to hear that things are better now.

[scottie]

I am happy to say my new toy arrived yesterday... a Nikon D40 w the 18-135mm lens. This is a new experience for me... but should be a fun one! I can just see myself tripping over something on the cruise because I am trying to snap too many pictures! :rotfl:

[don604]

I am happy to say my new toy arrived yesterday... a Nikon D40 w the 18-135mm lens. This is a new experience for me... but should be a fun one! I can just see myself tripping over something on the cruise because I am trying to snap too many pictures! :rotfl:

Congrats on your purchase :thumbsup2 A nice camera that will snap many great shots for years to come. :) Have fun!!

[scottie]

Not sure if anyone saw the thread on the main board but DCL or the Coast Guard has changed the policy and will no longer let you check in water or other liquid when you drop your luggage off to the porter upon arrival. We have always done water in the past and loved the cost savings and ease. We planned on bringing a case for the May cruise but will have to reconsider now... unless policy changes again! You can still bring it on via a roll-on soft sided cooler but I don’t think we want to mess with dragging that around.

As for the camera, I have taken a couple of hundred photos with the camera thus far and find myself really enjoying the quality... even on the auto mode!

[WILDCATMICKEY]

DW and I booked the cruise over the weekend. This is will be our 3rd Disney Cruise. Looking forward to another great Cruise, we did this iten. on our last cruise.:banana:

[alanapapa]

DW and I booked the cruise over the weekend. This is will be our 3rd Disney Cruise. Looking forward to another great Cruise, we did this iten. on our last cruise.:banana:

:welcome: WILDCATMICKEY, glad to have you with us. Is it just the two of you?

[scottie]

Yes, Welcome Aboard WILDCAT Mickey!! It’s great we have another past Eastern cruiser with us to share some tips for those of us (like me) who are new to the itinerary!

[don604]

Welcome WILDCATMICKEY, Great to have you aboard!! :thumbsup2

[WILDCATMICKEY]

:welcome: WILDCATMICKEY, glad to have you with us. Is it just the two of you?

Yes, it is just DW and myself. No kids here. We just enjoy the DCL, it's the best.

[WILDCATMICKEY]

Yes, Welcome Aboard WILDCAT Mickey!! It’s great we have another past Eastern cruiser with us to share some tips for those of us (like me) who are new to the itinerary!

DW wanted to do this ieinerary again because she like to jewlry sho in ST. Marteen. It was better than the shopping in St. Thomas fo her. We have never done an excursion, but might do one this trip.

[scottie]

DW wanted to do this ieinerary again because she like to jewlry sho in ST. Marteen. It was better than the shopping in St. Thomas fo her. We have never done an excursion, but might do one this trip.

Oh boy the magic word... shopping! :wizard: That is exactly what my wife and MIL are looking forward to for our first 7-night sailing. DW enjoys shopping in Nassau but we have been told St Marteen is way better for jewlery bargins. I already advised them last night they are limited to one of the two days for shopping because I want to plan a beach outing for the other day for all of us (and whoever else on our meet thread that would like to attend). I am dreading the day as we step off the ship and DW asks me for the credit card to buy a new ring! :scared1: :scared1:

[Mastiff]

Hello fellow shipmates!

We just booked our very first cruise ever! We will be sailing along with you all on May 9th.

We look forward to getting to know you all and a fun year of chatting.

We are booked in a Cat 4 room.

Thanks

[WILDCATMICKEY]

Hello fellow shipmates!

We just booked our very first cruise ever! We will be sailing along with you all on May 9th.

We look forward to getting to know you all and a fun year of chatting.

We are booked in a Cat 4 room.

Thanks

Welcome aboard, We are also in a CAT 4.

[don604]

Hello fellow shipmates!

We just booked our very first cruise ever! We will be sailing along with you all on May 9th.

We look forward to getting to know you all and a fun year of chatting.

We are booked in a Cat 4 room.

Thanks

Awesome! Great to have you aboard!! :thumbsup2

[scottie]

Yes, Welcome Mastiff!! Cat 4 has always been our fav cat to stay in but once our youngest came-to-be we were one too many for our beloved Cat 4 rooms! Looking forward to chatting the months away.

[DisneyTampa]

Welcome aboard to all the new people that will be joining us!!!


We are almost 1 year away:cheer2:

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Just wanted to say "hi everyone!"!

DH and I will be on this cruise - our first cruise ever!! :cool1: So excited!!

We are the Eastern Cruise by ourselves, then we are doing the Western cruise on 16th May with two friends (also cruise virgins)! It's going to be the best two weeks ever!!!!!!

[don604]

Just wanted to say "hi everyone!"!

DH and I will be on this cruise - our first cruise ever!! :cool1: So excited!!

We are the Eastern Cruise by ourselves, then we are doing the Western cruise on 16th May with two friends (also cruise virgins)! It's going to be the best two weeks ever!!!!!!

:welcome: Aboard!! Wow, sounds like fun!!!

[scottie]

Just wanted to say "hi everyone!"!

DH and I will be on this cruise - our first cruise ever!! :cool1: So excited!!

We are the Eastern Cruise by ourselves, then we are doing the Western cruise on 16th May with two friends (also cruise virgins)! It's going to be the best two weeks ever!!!!!!

Yes, Welcome Aboard! Boy you two are LUCKY... two super cruises in a row!!! :banana:

[scottie]

Well I am on a mission now, to decide which island we want to shop on and which island we want to hit a beach for the day. I figure do shopping one day and then use the other day for the beach.

[WILDCATMICKEY]

Well I am on a mission now, to decide which island we want to shop on and which island we want to hit a beach for the day. I figure do shopping one day and then use the other day for the beach.

Remember you always have Castaway Cay as a beach day. Since the last time DW got better deals on St Marteen she will shop there and we will do an excursion on St. Thomas.

[scottie]

Remember you always have Castaway Cay as a beach day. Since the last time DW got better deals on St Marteen she will shop there and we will do an excursion on St. Thomas.

We are long-time fans of Castaway Cay for sure but defiantly want to spend a day at a lovely beach on one of the islands we have not visited before too. So I guess we need to narrow down which island has the best shopping for jewelry etc. and which has the best beaches and go from there.
I have heard several people say St Maarten tends to hold better deals so we may use that for our shopping days. I would like to do St John for the beach day as they seem to have the best beaches but it seems like a slight adventure to get there and the ship leaves kind of early that day too. Thanks for the tip about better prices in St Maarten!

[MickeyCruiser]

My husband, son 8 and I love to hit the beach at each port and a snorkelling excursion at one as well. On our Western we went snorkelling in Grand Cayman and to the beach in the afternoon - this was our best day. I think St. Maarten will be beach day and St.Thomas/St.John day we will go on the doubloon snorkel excursion and then hit the beach for a couple of hours. I am thinking Maegens Bay, but still looking around for something that has good reviews and is easy to get to.

[scottie]

I am thinking Maegens Bay, but still looking around for something that has good reviews and is easy to get to.

We just had friends return from an Eastern Cruise and they went to Magens Bay and had a wonderful time… kids and adults. I have had trouble finding bad reviews for that beach so I think we may end up there. It seems to be about a 20 min tax ride which isn’t bad at all. Also appears they have a full array of facilities there such as food, restroom, rental stuff, etc. The $4 adult fee isn’t bad since we will have everything we need there. It appears to a popular beach for cruise excursions so it may be kind of busy but even reports I read where people went on a crowded day still had a great time and found a place to sprawl out.
I have also just started looking into Cokie Point Beach- St Thomas, as I am finding good reviews too and sounds less crowded. This beach is supposed to have excellent snorkeling.
I can’t find us heading over to St John at this point due to the extra 40 mins or so of ferry service on top of a taxi ride and the ship leaves out of port before dinner time I think. Something makes me think we would feel a bit rushed going to St John.

Here are two nice Links I found that has several beaches listed with info about each for St Thomas and St John:

St Thomas
http://www.vinow.com/stthomas/beaches_stt/

St John
http://www.vinow.com/stjohn/beaches_stj/

[MickeyCruiser]

These links are great - Thank you for posting.

[scottie]

These links are great - Thank you for posting.


Your Welcome! Hopefully they will come in handy for everyone planning to hit the beach. Who knows, maybe a bunch of our meet group will end up at the same beach and we can all have a blast togther- before Castaway Cay!

[scottie]

Not to do with our cruise exactly but we are fresh out of airline tickets for our trip to Hilton Head in June. We had tickets on Skybus- which closed up shop this past weekend. I hate to make long drives but I guess that’s what we will be doing because I cant see myself spending over $1800 on airfare for for an 11 hour drive.

As for our Thanksgiving trip to Disney- that is up in the air now too. Airfare for the dates we have to fly is about $500 per person. :scared1: We planned on using a low-cost airlines but they are all disappearing quickly! I will hope SouthWest comes out with some decent fares for Thanksgiving time. if not, I may have some DVC points up for rent for the first taker! :lmao:

Now for the big cruise.... I fully plan to be on this ship so let’s just hope the airfare gods are somewhat kind to us for this trip but I don’t imagine I will think twice about the price! Just get us on the ship! :banana:

[j2bmickey]

Evening all. I thought I would drop by and say hi!

Here's wishing all the new names a WELCOME ABOARD!!!!! :thumbsup2

I have started compiling a list (rather long) of all the different things to do at the ports and some websites. I cannot take credit for all of them as I found other sites that list links that I have copied.

St Maarten/St Martin

Orient beach
Rouge beach
Dawn beach for snorkeling
Little Bay Beach
Great Bay Beach (lots of vendors though)
Butterfly farm
zip line
Golden Eagle Catamaran snorkelling excursion
www.norushtours.com - 011-599-554-0961
stmaartencruiseexcursions.com – fax = 1-345-946-6444
www.stmaarten-activities.com - Ph: (599) 544 2640 / 544 2631 | Fax: (599) 544 2476
http://www.sunnylistontours.com/st-maarten.html
Caribbean-on-line : http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/sm/
Experience St Martin : http://www.experiencestmartin.com/
Jeff Berger's St Maarten : http://www.everythingstmaarten.com/
Sunset Beach Bar : http://www.sunsetbeachbar.com/index_html
Princess Juliana Airport : http://www.pjiae.com/main.html
West Indies Online : http://www.wiol.com/st-martin-st-maarten/default.taf
Sint Maarten Beaches : http://www.odrc.com/beaches/beaches.htm
Eagle Tours : http://www.sailingsxm.com/
12 Meter Regatta : http://www.12metre.com/
Butterfly Farm : http://www.thebutterflyfarm.com/
Aqua Mania Adventures : http://www.stmaarten-activities.com/
4FunStMartin : http://4funstmartin.com/
Dolphin Discovery Anguilla : http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/anguilla/
Atlantis Adventures : http://www.atlantisadventures.com/stmartin.cfm
St Maarten.com : http://www.st-maarten.com/
St Martin.com : http://www.stmartin.com/
St Martin.org : http://www.st-martin.org/
Rental Car Shopper : http://www.sxmcars.com/
Weather Underground SXM : http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=SXM
Loterie Farm Zipline Adventure : http://www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/LoterieFarmZipLine.htm


St Thomas/St John

Scuba

http://www.stthomasdivingclub.com/ - (877) 538-8734
http://www.cokidive.com/ - 1 800 474 COKI
http://www.admiraltydive.com - (888) 900-DIVE
www.diveusvi.com.home.htm -
Coral World & Coki Beach
Sapphire Beach
Paradise Point Tram and bird show
www.vinow.com
http://www.sunnylistontours.com/
USVI Tourism : http://www.usvitourism.vi/en/stthomas/st_Home.html
USVI Guide : http://www.usviguide.com/
St Thomas Traveler : http://www.stthomastraveler.com/
St Thomas cam : http://www.earthcam.com/usa/virginislands/stthomas/
Virgin Islands Map : http://www.virginislandsmap.com/
Trunk Bay - St John Guide : http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Trunk Bay.htm
Atlantis Adventures : http://www.atlantisadventures.com/stjohn.cfm
Coki Dive : http://www.cokidive.com/
Paradise Point Tramway : http://www.paradisepointtramway.com/
Coral World : http://www.coralworldvi.com/
Doubloon Sail and Snorkel : http://www.doubloon.com/Doubloon.htm
NPS Virgin Islands : http://www.nps.gov/viis
Virgin Islands Ferry Schedules : http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/
Budget Car Rental : http://www.budgetstt.com/
Havensight Mall : http://www.havensightmall.com/
Virgin Islands Ecotours : http://www.viecotours.com/
Weather Underground Charlotte Amalie : http://www.wunderground.com/US/VI/Charlotte_Amalie.html

[j2bmickey]

Not to do with our cruise exactly but we are fresh out of airline tickets for our trip to Hilton Head in June. We had tickets on Skybus- which closed up shop this past weekend. I hate to make long drives but I guess that’s what we will be doing because I cant see myself spending over $1800 on airfare for for an 11 hour drive.

As for our Thanksgiving trip to Disney- that is up in the air now too. Airfare for the dates we have to fly is about $500 per person. :scared1: We planned on using a low-cost airlines but they are all disappearing quickly! I will hope SouthWest comes out with some decent fares for Thanksgiving time. if not, I may have some DVC points up for rent for the first taker! :lmao:

Now for the big cruise.... I fully plan to be on this ship so let’s just hope the airfare gods are somewhat kind to us for this trip but I don’t imagine I will think twice about the price! Just get us on the ship! :banana:

What a bummer. :sad2: I have several coworkers who have run into the same problem with cheap fare airlines closing shop. If you end up driving, just think of it as an adventure (kind of like the Griswald's).:rotfl:

We found a good deal online for American Airlines to Omaha for the College World Series. I'm glad we went ahead and got them because they have gone up recently by about $50/person one-way.

[scottie]

Thanks for all the great info!!!

I have started compiling a list (rather long) of all the different things to do at the ports and some websites. I cannot take credit for all of them as I found other sites that list links that I have copied....

[scottie]

What a bummer. :sad2: I have several coworkers who have run into the same problem with cheap fare airlines closing shop. If you end up driving, just think of it as an adventure (kind of like the Griswald's).:rotfl:

We found a good deal online for American Airlines to Omaha for the College World Series. I'm glad we went ahead and got them because they have gone up recently by about $50/person one-way.


I think we are pretty set on driving now to HH. I already convinced my parents to take one of the kids down with them so we dont have some much fighting in our car.:headache: I dont mind the drive down so much. It is the drive back that stinks, nothing big to look forward to other then work the next day! :sad1:

I will just hope SWA comes out with some decent fares when they are released in a month or two for Thanksgving!

[scottie]

I was chatting with DW last night about the new limits on luggage and how we need to create a game plan for our cruise. With the nice dinners and 7 nights+ nights away from home we would likely be packing more then usual.
I am going to look into the ups/fedex ground shipping rates and see about sending some stuff to MIL in FL beforehand and she can drive up to the port with it.

[j2bmickey]

I was chatting with DW last night about the new limits on luggage and how we need to create a game plan for our cruise. With the nice dinners and 7 nights+ nights away from home we would likely be packing more then usual.
I am going to look into the ups/fedex ground shipping rates and see about sending some stuff to MIL in FL beforehand and she can drive up to the port with it.


I think if we fly on one of the carriers that is limiting checked bags to one/person, I will have to pony up the cash for the extra bags. With all the clothes, costumes, scuba/snorkel, snacks, etc. that we took last time, we barely made it with 2bags/person.

One of the best cruise tips I have seen about packing mentions taking dockers/capris that are a neutral color and could be worn for several dinners. It also mentions wearing a polo shirt at dinner and then wearing the same shirt the next day.

That reminds me, I had taken the several threads/spreadsheets/documents from the "best cruise tips summarized" posts and created my own spreadsheet. If anyone wants, I can try to post the spreadsheet or links to the original posts.

[scottie]

I know how much DW packs for our 4 night cruises with a couple of days at Disney so I am sure we are going to be spilling over for the big 7 nighter! :scared1: I plan at this point to fly SWA so we will see what kind of fee they decide on by then- if any. We will also likely be dragging along a booster seat and stroller on top of all the bags. I may just consider packing the kids in a suitcase to save on their airfare :rotfl2:

I am a solid fan of wearing my slacks to dinner on more then one night for the cruise. I just cant force myself to pack pants for every night so please no one say anything to me when you notice I have the same pants on! ;)

[scottie]

Now that I have slacked off on transferring our reservations, I have cost us some extra onboard credit...BUMMER! DCL changed their policy in Feb to limit the amount of funds a travel agent gets/pays out- I guess. We will still get something from the agent, just not as much.

[scottie]

I went ahead and finally made the transfer today to our agent we used for our cruise this past February... now just need to pay the darn thing off :thumbsup2 And I am very happy to avoid the new fuel surcharge too!

[ROIE01581]

if you are looking for a tour in St thomas look at Sunny Liston we did his in Arpil and was great. We were 6 adults and 6 children under 7. WE did a private tour of shopping, tour and beach...best time.


sunnylistontours.com

[j2bmickey]

I went ahead and finally made the transfer today to our agent we used for our cruise this past February... now just need to pay the darn thing off :thumbsup2 And I am very happy to avoid the new fuel surcharge too!


That's a bummer that you lost some of the credit. I have learned the lesson that if I see something that looks like a decent deal or something I am pretty sure I would like to purchase, go ahead and do it before it is not a deal or sold out.

At least you are avoiding fuel surcharges, for now.

[j2bmickey]

So it looks like American Airlines has joined the ranks of charging for more than one checked bag ($25 one way). :sad2: I guess I will just have to start travelling first class. :thumbsup2

[j2bmickey]

My daughter saw me posting and wanted to put some of the funny people in so here we go.



:cloud9: :joker: :rockband: :bored: :rose: :goofy: princess:

[j2bmickey]

if you are looking for a tour in St thomas look at Sunny Liston we did his in Arpil and was great. We were 6 adults and 6 children under 7. WE did a private tour of shopping, tour and beach...best time.


sunnylistontours.com


Thanks for the info. :thumbsup2

Are you returning with us in May of 09?

[scottie]

That's a bummer that you lost some of the credit. I have learned the lesson that if I see something that looks like a decent deal or something I am pretty sure I would like to purchase, go ahead and do it before it is not a deal or sold out.

At least you are avoiding fuel surcharges, for now.

I guess the thing that held me back from switching early to the agent who offered the higher credit was that I didn’t know a lot about her or the company. For some reason I am happier now (as hard as this may be to believe) that I ended up going with my agent again from this past Feb, who offered a lower onboard credit! I just feel safer with the transfer. On the plus side… with the onboard booking credit, and early booking credit for 09’ cruises from DCL, and the credit from the agent we have all our tips covered for the 6 of us plus a few hundred in spending money for the shops etc.!!

[scottie]

Thanks for the link to the tour operator! I checked into the Sunny Liston tours today to get us back and forth from a beach day. It would be $125 for transfers for the 6 of us. I am guessing we can land a taxi back and forth for a good bit less. If we were doing a tour of the area and not just a beach day I think I would go with Sunny Liston for sure!

[scottie]

I decided to take a look at airfare thru DCL for the cruise. I thought it might be nice to have everything in one package and easy to manage. I believe I will be passing on this offer! It was $430 per person, which included transfers. I am guessing I can find airfare for less then that, even with higher gas prices.

[scottie]

Not sure if anyone saw the posting on the main cruise board in regards to someones airfare quote from a 3/09 cruise... I believe it was over $1000 per person!!! Lets all hope airfare really doesnt skyrocket to that by the time we all need to buy tickets for our cruise!

[MickeyCruiser]

Booking airfare from Toronto Canada at a reasonable price is one of my biggest concerns for this trip. I think most airlines release dates about 9 months ahead, and I'll be sure to start shopping around right away. We always have flying out of Buffalo as an option but I'm hoping to go direct as I am not a great flyer. Our cruise is almost paid off with about $650.00 left. Now just have to save for airfare and the incidentals.

[scottie]

Our cruise is almost paid off with about $650.00 left. Now just have to save for airfare and the incidentals.

Isnt it a great feeling to have the room almost paid off already?! We have two rooms booked with one paid off as of last night and the other set to be paid off within the month! :banana:
We got a nice amount of onboard credit from our travel agent and DCL for rebooking onboard so we now have our tips covered and a few hundred in spending money left over for the shops onboard! :thumbsup2
Airfare is our big worry- mainly because we have a holiday trip to WDW scheduled for 6 months before the cruise.:scared1:

[MickeyCruiser]

I can't wait to be paid in full. We have a bit of onboard credit from transferring to DU and from Disney Cruise for booking our ressie ourselves online.

Today is our 365 days out officially!

[DisneyTampa]

Woo-hoo exactly 1 year away!!!


:dance3: :cheer2: :yay: :banana: :cloud9: :woohoo: :dancer: party: :jumping1:


::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo :goofy:

[don604]

yeah!!!!! 1 year and counting!!! :cool1: :cool1: party: :dancer:
Just received our Stimulus refund and paid off a huge chunk of our cruise!!! Thank you Mr. President party:

[WILDCATMICKEY]

Flying out Sunday a.m. for WDW for a week at Saratoga Springs.:banana: :cool1:

[don604]

WOW! How nice!! Sure wish we were going... have a great time!!! :thumbsup2

[LJC1861]

Hi Everyone,

I will read the entire thread later, but wanted to jump right in on the thread. Lisa and I are just now off the May 3rd Western and re-booked the May 9th, 2009 Eastern.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Here is our info...

Linda Carney & Lisa Keeter
LJC1861 & Lakeeter

Cabin: 7074


Linda

[alanapapa]

Hi Everyone,

I will read the entire thread later, but wanted to jump right in on the thread. Lisa and I are just now off the May 3rd Western and re-booked the May 9th, 2009 Eastern.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Here is our info...

Linda Carney & Lisa Keeter
LJC1861 & Lakeeter

Cabin: 7074


Linda
:welcome: Glad to have you aboard

[scottie]

Hi Everyone,

I will read the entire thread later, but wanted to jump right in on the thread. Lisa and I are just now off the May 3rd Western and re-booked the May 9th, 2009 Eastern.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Here is our info...

Linda Carney & Lisa Keeter
LJC1861 & Lakeeter

Cabin: 7074


Linda

Welcome to our fun and ever-growing group of 5/9/09 cruisers! How was the Western cruise?

[scottie]

Not cruise related by any means but I will talk about it anyway! :goodvibes
My wife has the fear that gas will skyrocket and doesnt want her Durango any longer. Who is the world wouldnt want a Hemi?? :eek: So we started doing some shopping this weekend for a new Chrysler Town and Country. Found a used 08' but the dealer was being a dork and wouldnt knock a dime off the price or give us more for our trade. So I have decided to shop around town to see what kind of deal I can get.

[LJC1861]

The Western was amazing!!! We just walked around a bit in Key West, and booked a private all day charter in Grand Cayman. He took us to Stingray City where we were the second boat to arrive.....before all the big charter boats, snorkeling in an area where we were the only boat, to a beach with tons of starfish, Rum Point for lunch and tubing and a trip through the mangrove preserve. It was the best way to spend the day. On Cozumel we did the Royal Dolphin Swim at Chankanaab National Park and had a blast. Castaway Cay was just paradise as were the 2 days at sea. The ship was full, but never felt crowded. The food was excellent as was the service. I really like the Western itinerary and am looking forward to trying the eastern.

Linda

[scottie]

The Western was amazing!!! We just walked around a bit in Key West, and booked a private all day charter in Grand Cayman. He took us to Stingray City where we were the second boat to arrive.....before all the big charter boats, snorkeling in an area where we were the only boat, to a beach with tons of starfish, Rum Point for lunch and tubing and a trip through the mangrove preserve. It was the best way to spend the day. On Cozumel we did the Royal Dolphin Swim at Chankanaab National Park and had a blast. Castaway Cay was just paradise as were the 2 days at sea. The ship was full, but never felt crowded. The food was excellent as was the service. I really like the Western itinerary and am looking forward to trying the eastern.

Linda

Sounds simply wonderful!!

[lyn9856]

We have also just been on the May 3rd Magic
And have rebooked for this Eastern next year!
Hi Lisa and Linda!
We had great time too!
Hopefully should be able to post some kind of trip report before long, but we are still a way off home
Still in Orlando at the moment, been to Universal, Sea World, Aquatica etc.
Moving to Port Orleans Thurs for 10 days...but please help...where are my towel animals and chocs? And my great value fruity adult beverages?
After a few days around Universal we are even more convinced what good value the DCL is, and how reasonable the "extras" are, eg. drinks etc. We especially thought the service and the cabins were excellent
We keep staring at our lovely formal photos....
Will read through the thread properly in time, but just wanted to say hi
Lyn and Bob

[LJC1861]

Yeah Lyn and Bob!!! It will be nice to have buddies on this cruise. I was hoping that someone else from the May 3 would book the May 9. What dining did you get....early or late?

Linda

[scottie]

We have also just been on the May 3rd Magic
And have rebooked for this Eastern next year!

Welcome Aboard!! pirate:

[DisneyTampa]

:welcome: to all the new people that have come onboard!!!

[don604]

Yes... :welcome: aboard!!

[LJC1861]

So I was wondering.....any adults only parties who might want to link reservations for dining purposes?

On our 4 day Wonder cruise in '07 we were at a table for 8 and only one other couple spoke English. Rosemary and Frank were very nice people, but it was a bit awkward with the other 2 couples. So, looking to avoid that scenario....anyone interested?

We have requested early dining as Lisa is diabetic and we have found that dining early works best with blood sugar levels and such.

Let me know!!

Linda

[scottie]

So I think we have decided that we are going to shop and look around while in St Maarten and then the following day grab a taxi and head to Magens Bay in St Thomas for a family day at the beach.

[Tink113]

I'm Sooooo excited! We just booked the whole family on this cruise!!!!

Here goes:
1) Me:wave:
2) My new hubby :boat:
3) My Mom :tink:
4) My dad :goofy:
5) My younger Bro (21) :music:
6) My Big Bro :joker:
7) My Sister-in-law :eeyore:
8) Nephew #1 (8) :tigger:
9) Nephew #2 (6) :simba:

I have been on 2 Disney cruises before. One was my Honeymoon! :bride:

I was just wondering if anyone has started a FE list for this cruise yet??? If so, can we join?

[scottie]

I'm Sooooo excited! We just booked the whole family on this cruise!!!!

I have been on 2 Disney cruises before. One was my Honeymoon! :bride:

I was just wondering if anyone has started a FE list for this cruise yet??? If so, can we join?

Welcome to you and the rest of your family!! :thumbsup2

[don604]

:welcome: Great to have you all with us!!

[Tink113]

:welcome: Great to have you all with us!!

Thanks!!!

Again with names:party:
1) Me (Amanda) :wave:
2) My new hubby (Jason):boat:
3) My Mom (Carole):tink:
4) My dad (Bob):goofy:
5) My younger Bro (Kevin) (21) :music:
6) My Big Bro (Rob):joker:
7) My Sister-in-law (Alison):eeyore:
8) Nephew #1 (8) (Bobby):tigger:
9) Nephew #2 (6) (Adam):simba:

Yes, I do know that there are 3 Roberts on that list. 3 generations of Roberts to be exact (just all diff nick-names for Robert)! :goodvibes

[DisneyTampa]

I was just wondering if anyone has started a FE list for this cruise yet??? If so, can we join?

This will be my 1st cruise, what is a FE list?

[don604]

I was wondering that too :scratchin

[LJC1861]

I believe it stands for Fish Extender.

For those who want more info.......

Fish Extenders are banners with pockets that many people hang on the Fish that is on the wall outside each stateroom. On many cruises people from the DIS board get together to leave small gifts for each other in the Fish Extender pockets. It is lots of fun to both give and receive these little grab bag type gifts.

Linda

[Tink113]

This will be my 1st cruise, what is a FE list?

Look at me, starting trouble already! ;) LOL! Yes, FE's are Fish Extenders. You can search on ebay and purchase one, make one yourself, or (like me) have a wonderful DiSer make one for you. (Actually I had 3 made, as we have 3 cabins) :yay:

I found a thread that has a ton of info about them. I have never done one, but I have mine and I'm ready to roll. :woohoo:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

Anyone interested???? :banana:

[scottie]

Look at me, starting trouble already! ;) LOL! Yes, FE's are Fish Extenders. You can search on ebay and purchase one, make one yourself, or (like me) have a wonderful DiSer make one for you. (Actually I had 3 made, as we have 3 cabins) :yay:

I found a thread that has a ton of info about them. I have never done one, but I have mine and I'm ready to roll. :woohoo:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

Anyone interested???? :banana:

You can count at least one of our two rooms in! Heck lets do both rooms since our son will be in one room with us and our girls will be in the room next door with MIL.

[gottaluvEeyore]

Hello all!Our family will be joining you on the cruise too!!!!:cool1: This will be our second time on the Magic. Joining me will be DH Jim, DD Kati 13 and DD Addie 11. We are so excited!!!!

Teresa

[alanapapa]

Hello all!Our family will be joining you on the cruise too!!!!:cool1: This will be our second time on the Magic. Joining me will be DH Jim, DD Kati 13 and DD Addie 11. We are so excited!!!!

Teresa

:welcome: Glad to have you with us.

[don604]

:welcome:

[gottaluvEeyore]

Thank you!!! It's been a while since I've visited the Dis boards so I need to read up. I feel so out of the loop.

[DisneyTampa]

Welcome!!!

It is nice to have another member of our group who has been on the Magic and will be able to help all of us newbies out!

[scottie]

Hello all!Our family will be joining you on the cruise too!!!!:cool1: This will be our second time on the Magic. Joining me will be DH Jim, DD Kati 13 and DD Addie 11. We are so excited!!!!

Teresa

Hi Teresa... welcome aboard what is sure to be a GREAT cruise!! It is nice to see you have two girls that will be around the age of my oldest daughter, Meghan. She will be 12 when we sail.
:goodvibes

[WILDCATMICKEY]

WELCOME ABOARD! To all those newbies who have not cruised before remember you will need to get a PASSPORT.

[scottie]

WELCOME ABOARD! To all those newbies who have not cruised before remember you will need to get a PASSPORT.

Did I miss something? I was fairly certain the final rules released said US citzen cruise passengers would not need one for cruises such as our 7-night Eastern. It is a wonderful idea to have them I was under the impression they were not going to be required for a lot of cruise cases (due to a strong push I am sure by lobbyist for the cruise/travel industry).

[Tink113]

Did I miss something? I was fairly certain the final rules released said US citzen cruise passengers would not need one for cruises such as our 7-night Eastern. It is a wonderful idea to have them I was under the impression they were not going to be required for a lot of cruise cases (due to a strong push I am sure by lobbyist for the cruise/travel industry).

Odd, I was under the impression that everyone needs a passport to travel by air and sea... However, this is what is written on Disney website.

And by the way, coming from someone who works in a lobbying firm near the hill, you can be sure they were the ones to push the change if there was one.

"What proof of citizenship do I need to bring?

In order to board the ship, all Guests are required to provide proper travel documentation. Guests unable to provide proof of citizenship will not be permitted to sail. All Guests claiming U.S. citizenship, including children, must present one of the following as proof of U.S. citizenship:

* Valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
* Original state issued Birth Certificate; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.
* Original Certificate of Naturalization; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.
* Original Certificate of Citizenship; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.
* Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen; additionally, Guests 18 years of age and older must present a photo ID issued by a Local, State or Federal Government agency.

Copies of any of the above documents are not acceptable. We are unable to make any exceptions or accept any other forms of documentation for U.S. citizenship. If you do not present the proper documentation, you will not be permitted to board the ship.

Please visit our section on Travel Document Information for the most up to date proof of citizenship requirements.

All travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air as of January 23, 2007.

At Disney Cruise Line®, we ask that you provide your passport number at least 75 days prior to the start of your vacation in your Guest Information Form in My Online Check-In. Visit My Passport Page for the information you need to apply for a passport, including how much time is generally required to receive your passport. United States citizens can also visit the State Department's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at 877-4USA-PPT for more information.

In addition, on the day of your sailing, all Guests must board the ship no later than 4:00 p.m. Please plan your arrival accordingly to avoid the possibility of not being permitted to sail with us.

Please note that security guidelines require all adult Guests to show a picture I.D. to embark and disembark the ship in all ports, including Castaway Cay. Please be advised that anyone under the age of 18 wishing to go ashore unaccompanied will be required to have a consenting parent, guardian or other responsible adult with them at the gangway, to provide their signature as authorization."

[scottie]

I think the plan all along was going to be to require passports but with the final relase of the land/sea rules I guess they gave up on that requirment and just are sticking with the drivers lisc/birth cert for some cruises- like the one we will all be on. I would like the ease of having passports for all of us but the cost for the 5 is a bit too much for me to be willing to cough up for the 5/09 cruise if I can get away with drivers lisc/birth cert.

Must be interesting working in a lobbying firm!?!

[Tink113]

I think the plan all along was going to be to require passports but with the final relase of the land/sea rules I guess they gave up on that requirment and just are sticking with the drivers lisc/birth cert for some cruises- like the one we will all be on. I would like the ease of having passports for all of us but the cost for the 5 is a bit too much for me to be willing to cough up for the 5/09 cruise if I can get away with drivers lisc/birth cert.

Must be interesting working in a lobbying firm!?!

Interesting is a good word... LOL!

[WILDCATMICKEY]

This is the same route we cruised 4 years ago and we needed a passport if we got off at St. Thomas. I would check with your travel agent to make sure. At least now there is plenty of time instead of the last minute.

[don604]

Being that we are currently on the subject of passports... my wife and I already have our passport books however our 2 kids and MIL & FIL do not. So I was wondering if anyone knew if the new passport cards would work for our cruise?

Any help is appreciated! :thumbsup2

[granmaz]

Hi. We're just back from the Panama Canal Repo cruise and booked onboard for this one for the same time next year!! Very excited to have something else booked to ease the depression!!!

There will be just myself, Marilyn, and my husband John.

[don604]

:welcome: Aboard!!

[alanapapa]

Hi. We're just back from the Panama Canal Repo cruise and booked onboard for this one for the same time next year!! Very excited to have something else booked to ease the depression!!!

There will be just myself, Marilyn, and my husband John.

:welcome: We are on the EB Repo Any good tips??

[granmaz]

:welcome: We are on the EB Repo Any good tips??

I'm sure we have loads of tips. Ask away or I will fill a whole thread!!!:rotfl2:

[scottie]

Hi. We're just back from the Panama Canal Repo cruise and booked onboard for this one for the same time next year!! Very excited to have something else booked to ease the depression!!!

There will be just myself, Marilyn, and my husband John.

I sure wish I had been on that repo cruise! Welcome aboard our not-so-long cruise!

[scottie]

This is the same route we cruised 4 years ago and we needed a passport if we got off at St. Thomas. I would check with your travel agent to make sure. At least now there is plenty of time instead of the last minute.

Thanks for posting this requirement for your last Eastern cruise. You peeked my interest with this so I sent an email to DCL today and here is the reply I got:

If using a driver's license and original birth certificate as proof of
citizenship, once you're on the cruise, you can get off and explore the
ports of call and re-board the ship without the need of showing your
drivers license and/or birth certificate again until disembarkation on
the morning of the cruise return and final disembarkation.

So I guess something must have changed since last cruise. Crazy how often such rules seem to adjust.

[scottie]

Being that we are currently on the subject of passports... my wife and I already have our passport books however our 2 kids and MIL & FIL do not. So I was wondering if anyone knew if the new passport cards would work for our cruise?

Any help is appreciated! :thumbsup2


You know I was thinking the cards could be used for the air travel in addtion to land/sea but maybe they are only good for land/sea based on this info emailed from DCL today:

The passport card is meant to facilitate entry and expedite document
processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. However, the passport card
cannot be used to travel by air. For example, if your family had to fly
home from Nassau due to an unforeseen emergency, your family would not
be able to present the passport card as proof of citizenship at U.S.
Customs.
It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport.

[Tink113]

Hi. We're just back from the Panama Canal Repo cruise and booked onboard for this one for the same time next year!! Very excited to have something else booked to ease the depression!!!

There will be just myself, Marilyn, and my husband John.

Welcome aboard!

On the topic of the Passport Cards:

They are an option for cruising. We are in the same boat with my parents and my nephews. My brother doesn't want to spend the money on passports since the kids are going to change in looks, so he was looking at passport cards....

The ONLY thing that worries me.... if for some unknown reason, someone in your party is really sick or gets left behind after the ship leaves and everyone needs to fly to the next port or home, the kids (or anyone with a Passpost card) would NOT be allowed on the plane. An actually passport is required to travel by air!!! Now, the chances of either of those things happening are slim to none, but still makes me a bit worried.

[DisneyMommy1022]

Hello,
I am new here and wanted to post that we too will be taking our first Disney Cruise on May 9th. Kristen (Me), Mike (DH), Courtney (DD 7 at time of trip), Hailey (DD 4 at time of trip), Bethany (DS), and Matt (DBIL) will all be in 2 cat 10 rooms. I wanted to save some money so I opted for the cheaper room because we don't plan on spending much time in there. I hope to get to know you all well and cant wait to meet you on the ship!

[DisneyMommy1022]

Where's everyone else?? Hopefully we get some more to join in soon :grouphug:

I'm new here and we too will be in the early dinning on the ship! We feel that it will work better for our DD's because they are only 4 and 7 a the time of sail. If you don't mind me asking how old are your kids?

[alanapapa]

Hello,
I am new here and wanted to post that we too will be taking our first Disney Cruise on May 9th. Kristen (Me), Mike (DH), Courtney (DD 7 at time of trip), Hailey (DD 4 at time of trip), Bethany (DS), and Matt (DBIL) will all be in 2 cat 10 rooms. I wanted to save some money so I opted for the cheaper room because we don't plan on spending much time in there. I hope to get to know you all well and cant wait to meet you on the ship!

I'm new here and we too will be in the early dinning on the ship! We feel that it will work better for our DD's because they are only 4 and 7 a the time of sail. If you don't mind me asking how old are your kids?

:welcome: DisneyMommy1022 and family.

[DisneyTampa]

I will have my portion of the cruise paid off in approximately 9-10 weeks!! Maybe not even that long if I budget more per month for the cruise. Mom and dad tell me that they won't be far behind me in paying their portion off.

Once I'm paid, then I'll worry about getting my passport.

I can't wait until i'm all paid because then it will kick in even more that I'm actually going on a Disney Cruise!!!!!!!!!! ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo :goofy: :tigger:

[scottie]

Hello,
I am new here and wanted to post that we too will be taking our first Disney Cruise on May 9th. Kristen (Me), Mike (DH), Courtney (DD 7 at time of trip), Hailey (DD 4 at time of trip), Bethany (DS), and Matt (DBIL) will all be in 2 cat 10 rooms. I wanted to save some money so I opted for the cheaper room because we don't plan on spending much time in there. I hope to get to know you all well and cant wait to meet you on the ship!

Welcome DisneyMommy! Sounds like a great way to gain the DCL cruising addiction- a 7-night cruise! :thumbsup2 Happy to see some more youngsters joining. Our youngest will be close to 4 yrs at sailing.

In regards to a cat 10 room, nothing wrong at all with saving some $$ to spend onboard in the shops or on some yummy drinks! :cool1:

[don604]

I'm new here and we too will be in the early dinning on the ship! We feel that it will work better for our DD's because they are only 4 and 7 a the time of sail. If you don't mind me asking how old are your kids?

:welcome: DisneyMommy1022!! Great to have you all here :)
Sailing with us is our DD (7 at the time of sailing) princess: & DS (2&1/2 at time of sailing) :earboy2: and we will be dining early as well :thumbsup2

[don604]

well... thanks for the passport card info guys.. this sure give me alot to think about. I may just want to play it safe and get the passport books just in case.

[Tink113]

Welcome DisneyMommy! Sounds like a great way to gain the DCL cruising addiction- a 7-night cruise! :thumbsup2 Happy to see some more youngsters joining. Our youngest will be close to 4 yrs at sailing.

In regards to a cat 10 room, nothing wrong at all with saving some $$ to spend onboard in the shops or on some yummy drinks! :cool1:

No worries... 2 of our cabins are Cat 11's! LOL! Just bought our first house and need to save all the $$$ we can. ;)

[scottie]

Ok gang, I have updated the first post with the all the cruiser info I could find. If you need something adjusted/added please feel free to let me know :goodvibes

Amazing how fast we are growing!

[DisneyMommy1022]

I wanted to post and thank you all for such a warm welcome! Its nice to see that there are other out there that LOVE Disney as much as me!! I think DH is going to kill if I say the words Disney Cruise one more time LOL!!! I have been doing so much reading and posting that my fingers and eyes hurt:surfweb: . I am trying to make this a trip of a life time so that I will not have trouble getting DH to rebook well on board:wizard: ! Again thank you sooo much I cant wait for what is in store for us over the next 11 months and 5 days that we have left to plan!:woohoo: Also I wanted to ask (It may be to early) but I have see a lot of other post on other thread about Fish extenders and meets and other things that cruisers are doing together.. Will we be doing that stuff to??? OK can you tell I'm a planer?

[DisneyMommy1022]

No worries... 2 of our cabins are Cat 11's! LOL! Just bought our first house and need to save all the $$$ we can. ;)

LOL that is to funny, we too just bought our first home so I am trying to save as much as I can for the fun stuff and not the room!:rotfl:

[DisneyMommy1022]

Ok gang, I have updated the first post with the all the cruiser info I could find. If you need something adjusted/added please feel free to let me know :goodvibes

Amazing how fast we are growing!


Thanks for adding our family!

[Tink113]

I wanted to post and thank you all for such a warm welcome! Its nice to see that there are other out there that LOVE Disney as much as me!! I think DH is going to kill if I say the words Disney Cruise one more time LOL!!! I have been doing so much reading and posting that my fingers and eyes hurt:surfweb: . I am trying to make this a trip of a life time so that I will not have trouble getting DH to rebook well on board:wizard: ! Again thank you sooo much I cant wait for what is in store for us over the next 11 months and 5 days that we have left to plan!:woohoo: Also I wanted to ask (It may be to early) but I have see a lot of other post on other thread about Fish extenders and meets and other things that cruisers are doing together.. Will we be doing that stuff to??? OK can you tell I'm a planer?

Don't worry about being a planner. I'm totally a planner too!!! Just ask my hubby. I planned our whole wedding with 6 bridesmaids, 6 groomsmen, 2 flower girls, and 2 ring bearers. We made most of the things for our wedding including the invitations, flower arrangements, wedding favors, programs, and my mom even made the cake!! And to think we had over 200 at the wedding. I'm starting the think planner is my middle name. My hubby jokes about it a lot. When we went on a family trip to Vegas, everyone laughed because I made everyone packets with everyones room number, flight info, cell numbers, Directions to the hotel, directions to the Grand Canyon, back ground info on the Grand Canyon and Hover Dam. You name it. I swear it was 50+ pages. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Anyway, I have mentioned something about a Fish Extender and I believe Scottie mentioned they were interested. I haven't heard anything from anyone else. I think it would be great fun! We should use the list from the first post!!! :banana:

Congrats on the first house, by the way. :cool1: How long ago to you purchase?

[Mastiff]

Wow, I haven't checked our cruise thread in a few weeks and I was pleasantly surprised to see some new cruisers!!!

Welcome to everyone! I can't believe it is less than a year away, we are so excited.

We too have early dining.

Can't wait to get to know everyone a little better over the next year.

Happy Planning!

[ufcabear]

Hi all! It looks like you all have been at this for some time. I just made our reservations 15 minutes ago. My name is Debi and my husband is Cal. We are in our early to mid fifties and love to cruise with the Mouse. We have cruised a few times on the Wonder and took a 30th anniversary cruise on the Magic two years ago. Of course, nothing is like Disney Cruise line. We have cruised several times on other lines, but love coming back to Disney every couple of years. I am looking forward to hearing from some of you. We live in the Charlotte, NC area.:yay:

[don604]

Hi all! It looks like you all have been at this for some time. I just made our reservations 15 minutes ago. My name is Debi and my husband is Cal. We are in our early to mid fifties and love to cruise with the Mouse. We have cruised a few times on the Wonder and took a 30th anniversary cruise on the Magic two years ago. Of course, nothing is like Disney Cruise line. We have cruised several times on other lines, but love coming back to Disney every couple of years. I am looking forward to hearing from some of you. We live in the Charlotte, NC area.:yay:

:welcome: Aboard!! Great to have some experienced cruisers with us :thumbsup2

[granmaz]

Hi all! It looks like you all have been at this for some time. I just made our reservations 15 minutes ago. My name is Debi and my husband is Cal. We are in our early to mid fifties and love to cruise with the Mouse. We have cruised a few times on the Wonder and took a 30th anniversary cruise on the Magic two years ago. Of course, nothing is like Disney Cruise line. We have cruised several times on other lines, but love coming back to Disney every couple of years. I am looking forward to hearing from some of you. We live in the Charlotte, NC area.:yay:

Hi Debi and welcome. John and I are both just out of our 50's and love DCL. Our friends think we have lost the plot!!!!:lmao:

[WILDCATMICKEY]

Hi all! It looks like you all have been at this for some time. I just made our reservations 15 minutes ago. My name is Debi and my husband is Cal. We are in our early to mid fifties and love to cruise with the Mouse. We have cruised a few times on the Wonder and took a 30th anniversary cruise on the Magic two years ago. Of course, nothing is like Disney Cruise line. We have cruised several times on other lines, but love coming back to Disney every couple of years. I am looking forward to hearing from some of you. We live in the Charlotte, NC area.:yay:

DW and I also love to cruise with the Mouse we are in our late 40's. this will be our thir Disney cruise. Also, cruising is freinds we met on our first Disney Cruise. We also have friends that think we are nuts and don;t understand the Disny Magic.

[scottie]

Hi all! It looks like you all have been at this for some time. I just made our reservations 15 minutes ago. My name is Debi and my husband is Cal. We are in our early to mid fifties and love to cruise with the Mouse. We have cruised a few times on the Wonder and took a 30th anniversary cruise on the Magic two years ago. Of course, nothing is like Disney Cruise line. We have cruised several times on other lines, but love coming back to Disney every couple of years. I am looking forward to hearing from some of you. We live in the Charlotte, NC area.:yay:

Welcome Aboard!! You just cant beat cruising with the mouse! We have been on the Wonder several times with our kids and decided to escape from the kiddies this past Valentines weekend and went on a 3-night Wonder cruise without them for the first time. We loved it as much (maybe more) as we do when we cruise as a family :woohoo:

My sister and BIL live outside of Charlotte, in Tega Cay. They moved down there maybe a bit over a year ago and really seem to love the area. We are actually planning to crash at their new place next Saturday when we drive down to the Disney resort in Hilton Head!

[DisneyTampa]

If a Fish Extender list gets started, my family would be interested!

Also, I was looking at the countdown on my signature and thinking about how close yet so far away the cruise is!

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

If a Fish Extender list gets started, my family would be interested!

Also, I was looking at the countdown on my signature and thinking about how close yet so far away the cruise is!

I'm a cruise novice . . . whats a fish extnder?!?! :confused3

[DisneyTampa]

Here is a great post all about Fish Extenders: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607