April 2, 2009 3 Night Bahamian Cruise

[chrisnglenn]

I'm starting a new thread because I can't seem to find this cruise already started! We just booked it yesterday. Our last cruise was the 7-night western Caribbean in October, 2006 on the Magic. This time out, we don't have as much time, so we're doing the three night on the Wonder! Our son will be three years older (12), so we're hoping to still have a "Wonder"ful time!

Any advice on the three day or what to see (or not) in Nassau would be appreciated. Castaway Cay was my favorite part of the last cruise we were one, and I'm SO looking forward to going there again.

Looking forward to meeting some of you!

Chris, Glenn and David
pirate:

[chrisnglenn]

Just found out that DVC booked us a "secret porthole" room -- and I didn't even realize it until I got out my old Passporter's Guide to Disney Cruise Line book from 2006! Woo hoo!

:yay:

[2cats1kid]

Hi, long time lurker here, but I have registered now I've found this thread.

We are on the same cruise as you, also in a secret porthole room, so we will be neighbours.

As you may have guessed from the spelling, we are from the UK, and this is our first Disney cruise, though not our first Disney holiday (twice to Paris, and twice to WDW with DD, once pre-kid). Our daughter is 11, so might be nice to chat here so the youngsters have someone to head to the club with that first night. Even if they find their own friends thereafter!

We're planning on doing the Aquaventure in Nassau. DD loves water parks and we won't have as long in WDW, so won't get to do Aquatica or WnW, although might do a quick trip to Blizzard Beach, so figured although it is expensive it would give her the water park fix she needs.

[chrisnglenn]

Greetings! It will be lovely to meet you! David has usually played with just about anyone, so I'm hoping that the two will have a good time. We will be spending the first four days of our trip in WDW, but the last time out in 2006, we did a whole week in the world before doing the 7 day cruise. Time is shorter this time, since we're limited to just spring break, so we're trying to squeeze in as much as possible. I looked over the excursions in Nassau, and there just weren't any that "spoke" to us. We have more or less decided to see the "Pirates of Nassau" museum, have lunch at the pub there, and then wander about a bit.

We were actually in England on vacation in 2001 -- just three weeks after 9/11. I have personally never felt safer on a plane flight than then. I knew they were checking EVERYTHING. Of course, I didn't expect my carryon to be totally unpacked when we left England -- in the States, once you send it through the x-ray, you're done. I had that carryon packed with so many souveniers that I didn't think I'd get them all back in -- not to mention the two bottles of fabulous single-malt Scotch I'd picked up in the duty free shop! Yikes! However, we spent five days in Harrogate that trip (my husband's cousin was based at Menwith Hill for the US Navy at the time), then a couple days in Edinburgh, two in Inverness and a week in London. Such beautiful architecture and so much history!! We're from Denver, Colorado, and Denver has only been in existence for 150 years. There was nothing like walking around the Tower of London that's been there for a thousand years! Very cool.

Which dinner seating did you select? We decided on late seating this time, we did early last time and felt rushed to get back on board from the excursions we did.

My son needs a water park fix, too, so right now, we're tentatively planning either the Tuesday or Wednesday before the cruise. I don't do water parks (shall we say, I'm extra fluffy, and no one needs to see me in a bathing suit), although I'm sure I'll go in the water at Castaway Cay -- it was absolutely my favorite day of our trip in 2006. We'll be staying at the Saratoga Springs resort before the cruise, perhaps we could meet up before??

Also, after the cruise, we're going to go up the short distance (in our rental car) to Cape Canaveral. Didn't get to see enough of it the last time we were in Florida, so we decided we'll book a late flight back to Denver and try and see more of the Space Center before heading home. If you've got the time, it's absolutely worth the cost. There is a space shuttle that you actually get to board and see -- at one time, I think it was the Enterprise (the hubby is a huge Star Trek fan).

Looking forward to exchanging emails with you!

Chris, Glenn and David
:flower3:

[2cats1kid]

Sounds like you covered a lot of ground in the UK. Part of my dad's family were from Inverness. The rest, and most of my mum's family were from an island off the west coast of Scotland, although my maternal grandmother was born in Kansas (long story LOL!). My DH has been to Denver on a conference years ago. We currently live about 60 miles north of London, not far from Cambridge as DH works for Microsoft Research there.

Yeah, security is pretty tight with us. DH is from Northern Ireland, so most of our flights are to/from there to visit in-laws, and we are always well checked out. Not quite so much these days, but when I first knew him it was very tight. Even going into shopping centres etc. you'd have your bag checked.

We went for early seating, but I know you don't always get what you ask for. We normally eat about 6-6.30 and I get pretty ill if I eat too much too late, so early seemed to work better for us.

We're staying in Port Orleans Riverside before the cruise, and then Coronado Springs for a few days after. We have only done values before, so we are excited to try a moderate! When I get my itinerary firmed up maybe we can see if we overlap anywhere.

We went to KSC in 2006 (DD was 8) and she really didn't like it, although I love it as I remember being glued to the Apollo missions as a kid. Our new place to try is Busch Gardens this time. DH and I went years ago, but there seems to be way more there now, and DD is just getting into coasters, so hopefully will enjoy it.

Oh BTW, I have checked and we are in 5020. And I've realised I haven't told you our names - I'm Ann, DH is Gavin and DD is Kathryn. Normal spelling over here is Katherine/Catherine, and I gather Kathryn is more an American spelling, so she is hoping for all the personalised merchandise over with you that she can't get over here!

[chrisnglenn]

It's been a busy week -- so I'm just getting back to you! In 2006, we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and loved it. Very nice room, definitely a step above the value room we had for our honeymoon in '95. We married in our 30's -- the best is worth waiting for -- and since we were paying for everything ourselves, we went with the All Star Music Resort for our honeymoon. When we went back in '06, we wanted an upgrade -- someday, I'd like to stay in the Grand Floridian, but that will require some saving! :)

We're in 5524, so you're on the opposite side of the ship and two cabins up from where we are. Our cabin is the first down the hall on the starboard side after you get off the elevators on deck five. Last time, we were on deck 7, in a cat 10 cabin but all the way forward. It was kind of nice, but very, very dark! I'm thrilled with the secret porthole and can't believe we were lucky enough to get it. I didn't even ask, because I figured it was long gone, but maybe being a DVC member helped.

I will say that the nice thing about the early dinner seating was that you can go to the stage shows after dinner, but we didn't want to be rushed this time and opted for late dining, instead. I'm not sure what shows will be on the three day cruise, but the ones we took in last time were wonderful. I especially loved "Twice Charmed" which is the Cinderella story, sort of.

My husband's cousin's daughter is named Kathryn, although I've seen both other spellings of the name. There are all kinds of touristy places in Orlando with your name on just about anything, so I'm sure she'll find a lot to satisfy her!

I'm so glad you chimed in -- I met a lovely lady last cruise, and when we went to England, I spent about 18 months prior to that getting to know a wonderful bunch through a Recipe website. What started as a place to just exchange recipes turned into a great meeting -- one of the ladies met us in her home of Edinburgh and spent the afternoon with us, even invited us to dinner at her place. The rest of the group, including Siobhan, came to London the Sunday we were there. Two of the ladies were actually fairly well-known -- Suzie Hayman and Karen Jankel, whose father wrote the Paddington Bear books. Karen was kind enough to have her father autograph one of his books for David, who was 4 at the time we were there. I've since lost touch with them, unfortunately, although we still exchange Christmas cards. It's a lot of fun to get cards from all over the world, and before I dropped out of the group, there were members from Ireland, Cyprus, South Africa and Australia.

I'm looking forward to getting to "know" you a little better. My DH, Glenn, is a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, and I am a systems analyst for a health insurer, Kaiser Permanente. We'll be taking this trip during our son David's spring break from school. Unfortunately, he only gets one week, so we're squeezing a lot into that small amount of time this trip (in '06, we did two weeks, which was wonderful).

Cheers!

Chris, Glenn and David

[TAKitty]

I just booked this cruise for our family. We are taking a quick trip before my brother 19 goes in the Navy. It will be me and dh, brother 19, ds 14, and ds 11.

I have cruised RCCL before but the rest of my family has never cruised. It will be a short trip for us. We are staying one night at WDW and then the cruise.

[TAKitty]

Bumping--I hope others will be on this cruise.

[ladypoo]

We are on this cruise with you guys. We took advantage of the kids cruising for free. We are adding on the cruise after a trip to WDW.
This will be our first 3 day cruise in a while, we plan on just not doing a whole lot of anything. LOL... just relaxing.
There will be my self, best friend and 2 grand children 2 years and 8 years.

[TAKitty]

Hi Cruisers!

We are all looking forward to this trip! Do you have your airfare yet? We are still looking for a rate that I am happy with.

Enjoy the holidays!

[ladypoo]

we will be driving down, as we live in south georgia. it is about a 3 hour drive for us and then another hour or so across to the cruise terminal.

[MMLong3996]

We'll be on this cruise with quite a bit of family. We live locally but have family coming down from OH to cruise with us and we're all so excited! This will be everyone's first Disney cruise and most of our party's first cruise...period! Here's who's traveling:

My family of four - DD9, DS6
My parents
Mother-in-Law
SIL/BIL & Kids - DD18, DS12, DS8
Cousin & Family - DS6, DD3
Cousin's parents

So, a total of 18 of us!!!! We can't wait to see what Disney has to offer on this beautiful ship!

[knawest8]

We booked this cruise a few weeks ago. I can't wait! It will be the second cruise for dh and I, first Disney cruise and first cruise for our DD's, age 4 and 5. They don't know about the cruise yet, because I want to find a fun way to tell them. My oldest dd has been obsessed with DCL and watches the planning dvd religiously. She is going to flip when she finds out we are really going! We are in room 2004, all the way in the front of the ship. Anyone ever been this far forward?

[ladypoo]

We were out at the mall tonight and since KBToys is going out of business, all their costumes were 70% off. We found a cute little pirate girl dress for pirate night.
is anyone else going to dress for pirate night?

[TAKitty]

Yeah, I see more people are joining us!

I am not sure if we are going to dress up for pirate night. If anything, we will wear tropical shirts. I might make us pirate shirts, but I am not sure yet.

[knawest8]

Thanks for the tip! Maybe I will swing by FL Mall tomorrow. :) We haven't been before, so I didn't know about dressing up for pirate night. Also, we haven't told our girls yet, so I have to be sneaky!

[knawest8]

TAKitty, where in MI are you? I grew up near Grand Rapids and moved to Florida just a few years ago for a teaching job.

[TAKitty]

TAKitty, where in MI are you? I grew up near Grand Rapids and moved to Florida just a few years ago for a teaching job.

We live south of Lansing in a small town called Stockbridge. I am a teacher in Marshall but grew up in Trenton. We just got a huge dumping of snow this weekend, don't ya just miss it :rotfl: ! I would love to teach in Florida but my dh isn't ready to leave Michigan. I keep telling him that I have to retire someplace warmer! :goodvibes

[knawest8]

A teacher with a job in MI!? I would be jealous but I don't miss the snow one bit. There are some definate perks to teaching down here, but the approach the state has towards education is a bit behind the times. It can be frustrating at times, but I am happy to have a job doing what I love to do. Now that my daughter is in Kinder, its nice that she is able to accompany me. How many disney cruises have you been on? This will be our first. We have only ever been on RCCL.

[TAKitty]

A teacher with a job in MI!? I would be jealous but I don't miss the snow one bit. There are some definate perks to teaching down here, but the approach the state has towards education is a bit behind the times. It can be frustrating at times, but I am happy to have a job doing what I love to do. Now that my daughter is in Kinder, its nice that she is able to accompany me. How many disney cruises have you been on? This will be our first. We have only ever been on RCCL.

Michigan has changed its approach to education as well. Most of us are beginning to wonder if anyone will graduate with the strict standards.

This is our first Disney cruise. I have also been on RCCL. I think it was sov. of the seas. The rest of my family has never been on a cruise before, so this will be an experience for them. It took me a long time to convine my dh to try cruising.

[may_baby06]

Dh and I will be on this cruise with 2 of our friends. :banana: This is our first cruise ever. what better way to start then with Disney! :yay: :woohoo: We are leaving DD home this time. I'm kind of sad about that but its our late anniversary present and luckily its only 3 days. Can anyone tell us what to expect on the cruise? I heard a lot about dressing up nights but can anyone give me some more details so i know what i have to pack for us? TIA for any help!

[knawest8]

Welcome May_baby06! This is our first Disney cruise, so I can't be much help to you. I do know that people like to dress up for the Pirate Night. There isn't a formal night on this short of a cruise. I just paid off our reservation today, so it's official. I can't wait another two and a half months!!

[TAKitty]

I pay off our reservation today!

I really think that the three day is cruise casual. We might dress tropical for pirate night but that is about it.

If I had little girls I would dress them up in dresses and such but that is because I have boys and it just isn't the same.

[MMLong3996]

I handed my TA a check last Thursday night and that made it official for me and my parents! There are still several others in my party that haven't made their last payment yet and it's starting to worry me...Saturday's the deadline!!!

[knawest8]

Yes, I was getting nervous too with that day coming closer. How many people are registering their children for the kids club? It's only three days and my 3 yr. old is really shy in new situations. I wasn't sure if we should just plan on keeping them with us. On the other hand, I don't want them to miss out on fun activities or meeting characters.

[MMLong3996]

Well, I tend to agree with you - it's such a short trip and there's so many things I want to experience with my kiddos! They're older, 6.5 & 9 so they can do most things with us - and as of right now, don't want to go to the kids' clubs. I told them we're take a tour and they could decide for themselves.

[TAKitty]

I don't think our 11 year old will use them much. We like to have family time and it is such a short trip. I plan to register him just in case. Our 14 year old is not super mature, so I don't think he will like the teen area that much.

Are you guys planning on doing an excursions?

[TAKitty]

Anyone else book their shore excursions and spa treatments? I was able to book today.

[MMLong3996]

Now stop rubbing it in! The rest of us are patiently waiting for Saturday! LOL :)

[MMLong3996]

BTW, does anyone want to share their cabin #'s?

We're in: 6567 (my family), 6583, 6569, 6571, 6581, and 6587.

I'll be sure to have my DIS green Mickey heads on my door! :goodvibes

[knawest8]

That's what I was thinking- register them and just see what happens. I haven't booked yet, but I may be up till midnight tomorrow. :) I don't think we are going to do any excursions, just doing a walking tour at Nassau and hanging on the beach at CC. There aren't many exciting excursions with a 4 year old. I have never been a "spa person" but I am interested in checking out what is available. Any suggestions for either by those who have btdt? BTW we are in a Cat. 9, cabin #2004, at the very front of the boat. I hope I don't get sick!!

[TAKitty]

We are Cat 6 and 11; rooms 6082 and 6083.

We are doing some snorkle thing in Naussa. I am not a snorkle person but my dh and brother scuba dive and the boys will like seeing the fish too.

At CC we are enjoying the beach and we might rent one of those big water bikes or something similar.

We are not doing Palo because it is a short trip and we like the family time.

As far as the spa goes, I don't have any plans for anything but I am going to take a look and see what is offered.

Before we leave I am going to get my toes painted but that is usually the extent of my spa treatments.

[MMLong3996]

My DH and the kids and my parents all want to snorkle, but I have no interest in it. I do want to rent bikes and ride the island though, so hopefully we'll get to do that. I just hope the weather is nice and the water, warm! We cruised once before in mid-March and the water was too cold to touch. I think I went in to my thighs simply to take some pics of a sting ray swimming by but it was way too cold to swim in. Now, my OH relatives will think it's perfect! :)

[TAKitty]

My DH and the kids and my parents all want to snorkle, but I have no interest in it. I do want to rent bikes and ride the island though, so hopefully we'll get to do that. I just hope the weather is nice and the water, warm! We cruised once before in mid-March and the water was too cold to touch. I think I went in to my thighs simply to take some pics of a sting ray swimming by but it was way too cold to swim in. Now, my OH relatives will think it's perfect! :)

I only swim in pools :rotfl: . Oh the things we do for our families!

We are in Michigan right now with -23 temps. All the schools have been canceled. I never thought that the water temp might be cold. The kids and dh have water shirts. As long as it is sunny I don't mind what the water temp is like. :beach:

Are any of you decorating your door? We are a little bit. I am going to try to see if I can find a graphic we can use for our door to indicate we are Disers.

[MMLong3996]

I've lived here in Central FL my entire life, we have beautiful beaches, lakes, ponds, rivers, etc. and I ONLY swim in pools myself! However, the perfect clear water of the tropics is too hard not to get in. But yes, in March it was SO cold. It didn't help that it was real windy either.

I have been saving graphics and clip art since last summer to use for magnets for our doors. I'm making them up for everyone in our party and I'm so excited to get started on them. I found fabulous ideas from Dis'ers and on the web too. I have two Dis-green Mickey heads that I'll send to you. In fact, I'll just post them here. I found them on a Dis page anyway!

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/MMLong3996/green20mickey20head.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/MMLong3996/disboardsTfront-1.jpg

[2cats1kid]

I haven't been getting email messages that things were being posted here, so I thought it had all gone quiet! Yay, more people!

My 11yo is desperate to do the kids clubs. She said "it's nice to go on holiday with you and daddy, but I want to mix with kids my own age too". So that's me told, then! I hope they live up to her expectations.

[knawest8]

Do they have kids bikes on CC to rent or a carrier on the back of the adult bikes? I would love to take the girls on a bike ride, but I haven't seen anything about what to do with younger ones. I also never thought about the water temperature. It surely has been a cold one for us. Better warm up quick!

[MMLong3996]

I'm assuming they have kids' bikes to rent - I hope so anyway! My son finally starting riding without training wheels so we can't wait to rent them now!

Yes, my March cruise was too cold to swim on the ship and too cold to swim in the islands. I had to buy a long sleeve short on board because I had no ide it would be that cool at night! lol

[TAKitty]

I've lived here in Central FL my entire life, we have beautiful beaches, lakes, ponds, rivers, etc. and I ONLY swim in pools myself! However, the perfect clear water of the tropics is too hard not to get in. But yes, in March it was SO cold. It didn't help that it was real windy either.

I have been saving graphics and clip art since last summer to use for magnets for our doors. I'm making them up for everyone in our party and I'm so excited to get started on them. I found fabulous ideas from Dis'ers and on the web too. I have two Dis-green Mickey heads that I'll send to you. In fact, I'll just post them here. I found them on a Dis page anyway!

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/MMLong3996/green20mickey20head.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/MMLong3996/disboardsTfront-1.jpg

Thanks for the Mickey heads! I am going to but them on our two doors!

[MMLong3996]

You're most welcome!

[knawest8]

Well I got our two girls registered for the kids club this morning. We are really interested in renting bikes, but still not sure what to do with our youngest who can't ride on her own. I will have to do some more investigating into that. I just wish we were there already!

[chrisnglenn]

Wow! It's been a few weeks since I last logged on, and many new people! Yay! Happy to share our cabin #, it's 5524.

Let's see -- this is our second Disney cruise (second cruise, period), our last was the 7-day Western Carribbean, but we only have a week this trip, and wanted to spend some time in the World, too. I absolutely adored Castaway Cay last time, and intend to soak up the relaxation again. In Nassau, we're going to do our own thing (no one into snorkeling much), so we're planning to contact a local cab driver (recommended by a friend who just came back from a week in Nassau), who will give us a tour of the island for $30 u.s. a person. He has a mini van and there are only three of us, so there'd be room for more, if anyone would like to join us. Let me know and I'll make the reservation! The tour is only about three hours, so plenty of time for other stuff. My friend highly recommended a restaurant in Nassau, said I needed to try the conch items, which are apparently a local specialty. We're going to go to the Pirates of Nassau museum and then shop in the Straw market on our way back to the ship.

We dressed for pirate night last time, not sure if we'll do it again. It was somewhat crazy. May just do a Hawaiian shirt and be done with it.

Our DS will be 12 by the time we cruise, and I really don't anticipate him being in the kid's club, but we'll see. He had a ball there last time when he was 9, and the only time he paged us to get out was when they were going to do a "show" for farewell on the last night and he wanted no part of it.

We're doing second seating for dinner this time -- first seating just came too quickly, and besides, DS is older......

Looks like dress up for a three day is optional -- but sparkle is good. Last cruise, we did the whole shebang, needed an extra suitcase just for the tux, dress, pirate clothes, etc. Not going there this time, but may bring dressy clothes for dinner. Don't miss the show, though - "Disney Dreams" was fabulous!

We're arriving in Orlando on March 28th, spending the 29th at Magic Kingdom, 30th at Hollywood Studios, 31st at Epcot and 1st -- DH and DS are going to Blizzard Beach. I don't do those, although I'll swim at Castaway Cay, so I'm renting a car and going shopping!!!

Thursday is CRUISE DAY -- ought to be fabulous!

Looking forward to getting to know folks......the day will be here soon!

pixiedust:

[TAKitty]

I thought I would look back on this thread and summarize who we have so far. :)

Name: chrisnglenn aka: Chris
Kids: DS 12
Cabin: 5524
Dinner: Late

Name: ladypoo
Kids: 2 and 8
Cabin:
Dinner:

Name: MMLong3996 and company aka:Michelle
Kids: DD9, DS6,
Cabin: 6567 (6583, 6569, 6571, 6581, 6587)
Dinner: Main

Name:knawest8 aka: Angela and Kyle
Kids: DD4 Genavieve, DD5 Madison
Cabin: 2004
Dinner:Late

Name:2cats1kid
Kids: DD11 Kat
Cabin:5020
Dinner:Main

Name:May baby06
Kids: leaving kids at home :)
Cabin:
Dinner:

Name:TAKitty aka: Tracie
Kids: DS14, DS11, DB19
Cabin: 6082, 6083
Dinner: Main

[TAKitty]

We're arriving in Orlando on March 28th, spending the 29th at Magic Kingdom, 30th at Hollywood Studios, 31st at Epcot and 1st -- DH and DS are going to Blizzard Beach. I don't do those, although I'll swim at Castaway Cay, so I'm renting a car and going shopping!!!



We have only two days at WDW, April 1 and 5. One of the days will be at a water park. I was telling the kids that when they do the water park I may go to Epcot to see the flowers. Have fun shopping!

Where is everyone staying before the trip, if you are arriving early. We are staying at AKL. It will be our first time in the villas there.

[knawest8]

Name:knawest8 - Angela & dh Kyle
Kids: DD4, DD5 - Genavieve & Madison
Cabin: 2004
Dinner: Late

We live in Orlando, so we will be at home before the cruise and parking at the port. I don't think we will be dressing up much. Just going to play it as simple and easy as possible. The girls will probably bring all their princess dresses, I am sure. :P They love to dress up. How good are our chances of running to the princesses for a photo op?

[2cats1kid]

We are in 5020 and are down for early seating. I understand that if there are lots of little ones needing early we may be bumped, so I'm easy about which we are in, really. Early seating seems pretty early, but late seems way late! We normally eat about 6.30 at home, so early seemed the better option for us, but like I say we'll be happy with whatever as we're just excited to be going.

DD is Kathryn (likes to be called Kat, or KitKat LOL).

We are looking at doing the sealion encounter at Blue Lagoon when we are in Nassau. DH will do the observer program as he doesn't "do" water. We were going to do Aquaventure but it is seriously expensive, especially since the £ has weakened against the $, and I wanted something that we could do together really. At least at Blue Lagoon we can look at the dolphins and hang out on the beach together.

We'll probably snorkel at CC but chill out mostly as we're at the parks before and after so this is our recharge time. We are at POR before the cruise and CSR after - first time at both (we normally go to the values) so excited about new places to stay, too.

[TAKitty]

I really like POR. It is easy to find your way around and the landscaping is very nice.

[may_baby06]

we booked Palo, atlantis adventure (i think thats what its called) and the stingray thing on castaway cay. we are thinking about a bike rental too. i'm excited about snorkeling even though i don't know how lol.

[TAKitty]

Here is my pirate shirt find at Target. The shirt costs 7.99 in the boys' department.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c168/TracieCook/IMG_1124.jpg

[MMLong3996]

I thought I would look back on this thread and summarize who we have so far. :)


Name: MMLong3996 and company aka:Michelle
Kids: DD9, DS6
Cabin: 6567 (6583, 6569, 6571, 6581, 6587)
Dinner: Main



Just thought I'd repair mine a bit. :) We're traveling with A LOT of family but I only have these two little ones. :goodvibes

[MMLong3996]

Here is my pirate shirt find at Target. The shirt costs 7.99 in the boys' department.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c168/TracieCook/IMG_1124.jpg

CUTE! I bought my son the shorts when school started this year - I'm hoping they still fit him for the cruise!

[TAKitty]

Page 3 post 43 is the updated post with who is going.

[TAKitty]

CUTE! I bought my son the shorts when school started this year - I'm hoping they still fit him for the cruise!

I like the idea of shorts! I didn't see anything like that. Sometimes boy stuff is so scary looking. I don't let the kids wear anything too evil.

I am having the kids try on shorts etc. in February to see what we might need to purchase. They grow so fast!

[MMLong3996]

I like the idea of shorts! I didn't see anything like that. Sometimes boy stuff is so scary looking. I don't let the kids wear anything too evil.

I am having the kids try on shorts etc. in February to see what we might need to purchase. They grow so fast!


Yep, I bought Jackson a pair of black shorts with little white skulls all over them back before school, they're REALLY cute! My daughter wanted a pair but I couldn't find them again - they sold out fast! I'll try to remember to scan them in for you.

I agree about the evil looking things. My kids both LOVE skull/crossbones items but I won't let them get any of the scary ones. And for my daughter if it has pink on it too, even better in her eyes! pirate: They were both pirates for Halloween and we decorated our car in the same theme for Trunk/Treat at our church. I have LOTS left to decorate our cabin with!! :goodvibes

[TAKitty]

Yep, I bought Jackson a pair of black shorts with little white skulls all over them back before school, they're REALLY cute! My daughter wanted a pair but I couldn't find them again - they sold out fast! I'll try to remember to scan them in for you.

I agree about the evil looking things. My kids both LOVE skull/crossbones items but I won't let them get any of the scary ones. And for my daughter if it has pink on it too, even better in her eyes! pirate: They were both pirates for Halloween and we decorated our car in the same theme for Trunk/Treat at our church. I have LOTS left to decorate our cabin with!! :goodvibes

I love that you decorated your car for Trunk/Treat.

I went back to Target and I found the shirts but not the shorts. The oldest is leaning toward a tropical shirt for pirate night since that is what my brother will probably wear. I was surprised that they didn't have the pirate polo shirts in mens too.

[2cats1kid]

Starting to get really excited! This morning we paid the balance on our hotels/DDP/Disney tix so it is starting to feel really close. :cool1: We also have all our ADRs made and the sealion encounter booked. Just need Seaworld/Busch tickets and Dine with Shamu to book (DD is desperate to do this, so I am indulging), and our transfers to/from the airport, and we are set!

Actually we still need to decide whether to go and see the Blue Man Group. Last twice we have done La Nouba, but fancy something different this time, but since we aren't going to the Universal parks I'm jibbing at paying a taxi fare to City Walk just for the show. Seems daft when we're paying so much for everything else, but that's me!

DD and I will dress up somewhat for pirate night, but I need to get DH a pirate t-shirt so at least I'll feel he's not being a total grump!

Anyone else feeling :cheer2: yet?

[knawest8]

I am totally excited!!

Just FYI- Dine With Shamu is awesome! The food is excellent and you can't get any closer to a killer whale than that. I did it last year and loved it. I can share some pics from the dinner you are interested. Also I saw Blue Man a few years ago and that show was amazing as well. You won't be sorry for splurging on either. There are also lots of things to do at CityWalk. I like eating at Margaritaville. It sounds like you have one heck of a trip planned!:thumbsup2

[2cats1kid]

Oooh you've just made me even more excited. DD is mad for killer whales - she was pumping the trainer at Seaworld last visit for how you get to be a trainer. But since she wants to be a musician I can't see her combining the two! Dine With Shamu bookings were only available up to the end of March last time I looked - I guess come February they'll put April up.

And yes, we do tend to do a lot when we are over as we figure we are crossing the Atlantic to do it, so no point getting home with lots of things we wished we had done. We are splurging a little more this time as DD got a 50% scholarship to her senior school (11+. Is that your high school? Sorry, your education system baffles me!) so we told her we could do extra bits this time as a well done for her.

Oh! And I'd love to see your Dine With Shamu pics, if you don't mind posting.

[MMLong3996]

I love that you decorated your car for Trunk/Treat.

I went back to Target and I found the shirts but not the shorts. The oldest is leaning toward a tropical shirt for pirate night since that is what my brother will probably wear. I was surprised that they didn't have the pirate polo shirts in mens too.

Oh, Trunk or Treat was a blast!!! We belong to a pretty big church and we ended up with about 3-4000 kids on campus for Halloween!!!

[MMLong3996]

Oooh you've just made me even more excited. DD is mad for killer whales - she was pumping the trainer at Seaworld last visit for how you get to be a trainer. But since she wants to be a musician I can't see her combining the two! Dine With Shamu bookings were only available up to the end of March last time I looked - I guess come February they'll put April up.

And yes, we do tend to do a lot when we are over as we figure we are crossing the Atlantic to do it, so no point getting home with lots of things we wished we had done. We are splurging a little more this time as DD got a 50% scholarship to her senior school (11+. Is that your high school? Sorry, your education system baffles me!) so we told her we could do extra bits this time as a well done for her.

Oh! And I'd love to see your Dine With Shamu pics, if you don't mind posting.

She can always work in one of the shows where they sing/dance AND perform with the animals! :) It sounds like you have a GREAT trip planned! How long will you be on holiday?

[TAKitty]

I have always wanted to do the Dine with Shamu, but we haven't even had the chance to make it to Sea World yet. We are trying to relax a bit this vacation but it seems we keep adding more and more to the agenda.

Almost two months away! I look at the Disney Cruise site every so often to see if our cruise price decreased. There are cat. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 still open! Up until yesterday there was even a cat 7.

[MMLong3996]

I have always wanted to do the Dine with Shamu, but we haven't even had the chance to make it to Sea World yet. We are trying to relax a bit this vacation but it seems we keep adding more and more to the agenda.

Almost two months away! I look at the Disney Cruise site every so often to see if our cruise price decreased. There are cat. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 still open! Up until yesterday there was even a cat 7.


Really??? My cousin looked about a week ago and they were booked through the end of the May promo...from what she said. I better tell her to check again!

[TAKitty]

Really??? My cousin looked about a week ago and they were booked through the end of the May promo...from what she said. I better tell her to check again!

I am not sure if she will get the kids free that is. The rooms are available but the promo might not be.

[knawest8]

Here are some pics from Dine with Shamu-

View from our table
http://westfamilyphotos.smugmug.com/photos/241621596_d9uDw-M.jpg

Swimming by us
http://westfamilyphotos.smugmug.com/photos/241621915_dgPWD-M.jpg

My girls meeting a trainer-
http://westfamilyphotos.smugmug.com/photos/241623309_ZafWt-M.jpg

This is not a zoom, this is how close he got to our table, yikes!
http://westfamilyphotos.smugmug.com/photos/241621958_er9We-M.jpg

Watch out for the splash!
http://westfamilyphotos.smugmug.com/photos/241623131_hNfXq-M.jpg

I hope that gives you an idea of what it's like! I wish I had taken video. Congrats on the scholarship! That is great. Don't worry about being confused. I am a teacher and I am most baffled by our education system. :confused3

[MMLong3996]

I am not sure if she will get the kids free that is. The rooms are available but the promo might not be.

That would be her issue then! It must not have been available with the kiddos!

[TAKitty]

That would be her issue then! It must not have been available with the kiddos!

There are more open rooms! I am hoping that our cruise price goes down. The prices are for two adults, but it shows all the open categories.

Category 04
Deluxe Family Stateroom w/ Verandah $ 2,968.96

Category 05
Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verandah $ 2,448.96

Category 06
Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verandah $ 2,348.96

Category 07
Deluxe Stateroom w/ Navigators Verandah $ 2,248.96

Category 08
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom $ 2,068.96

Category 09
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom $ 1,868.96

Category 10
Deluxe Inside Stateroom $ 1,728.96

Category 11
Standard Inside Stateroom $ 1,468.96

Category 12
Standard Inside Stateroom $ 1,128.96

[MMLong3996]

Cool! I'm going to forward this to her so she can watch for changes. :) Thanks!

[2cats1kid]

Thanks for those Dine With Shamu pictures - DD is going to love it. And your girls are beautiful - they have great cheeky smiles!

[knawest8]

Thank you! I believe they are pretty cute. :thumbsup2

We applied for our passports this past Wednesday. Boy was that expensive for four people! Now we are one step closer...:cool1:

[TAKitty]

Thank you! I believe they are pretty cute. :thumbsup2

We applied for our passports this past Wednesday. Boy was that expensive for four people! Now we are one step closer...:cool1:

We are in the process of doing the same. Where did you get your pictures taken? I am not sure if we will go with the post office or a store like CVS.

[MMLong3996]

Thank you! I believe they are pretty cute. :thumbsup2

We applied for our passports this past Wednesday. Boy was that expensive for four people! Now we are one step closer...:cool1:

I know...I chickened out and have decided to wait until the summer to apply for ours. I just didn't want to spend that much money right now when I don't *have to have them yet. I really wanted to get them though.

[knawest8]

I totally understand what you mean. The cruise itself cost too much, without having to pay for passports. We just didn't want to take any chances, since we are bringing our kiddos this time. If it had just been us, we would have skipped it. Plus now we can grab a last minute cruise from now on and not worry about it! At least that was part of my argument when convincing dh. ;)

ETA We had the photos done at the post office when we applied. It was just easier than making an extra stop.

[knawest8]

We just added an excursion!! I didn't plan on taking one, but I have always wanted to go to Atlantis. Since I can't afford to actually stay there, I signed us up for the Discover Atlantis excursion. I <3 aquariums! :cool1: Has anyone done this before? I hope my girls will enjoy it as much as dh and I.

[MMLong3996]

We just added an excursion!! I didn't plan on taking one, but I have always wanted to go to Atlantis. Since I can't afford to actually stay there, I signed us up for the Discover Atlantis excursion. I <3 aquariums! :cool1: Has anyone done this before? I hope my girls will enjoy it as much as dh and I.

I've been to the Bahamas twice and always visit the Atlantis, but I've never done any excursions/tours there.

The first time I visited the Atlantis was Thanksgiving of 1994, the year I graduated high school. My Dad worked for one of the construction contractors that was remodeling the resort and they flew us over for the holiday weekend. So we got to poke around while the aquariums/water park areas were being built. When my husband and I cruised in 2007 for the first time we walked through Atlantis and looked at what we could for free. lol

Now, my parents are going on the April cruise with us and I can't wait for my Dad to walk through there and see it finished!! It's been since probably 1995 that he was last there.

[ladypoo]

I didn't realize the thread had gotten so busy!!!!!! I went and checked my reservations and I am still on GTY status as far as a room goes. We do have late dining...
We arent planning on any excursions, the kids will play in the water on Castaway and we will chill.
Nassau, I dont know if we will even get off the ship.

We will have our door decorated. I have a huge 8x10 lime green mickey head with my dis name on it. and a few other magnets. It helps the older grandchild (Boo) find our room and she likes that.

We have pirate dresses for the girls and of course we will have to bring princess dresses.LOL!!!!!

We will have dresses with us for dinner, but nothing formal.. Just nice dressy dresses.

I have been spending a lot of time over on the DIS signs Creative boards and have been making t-shirts for our vacation... some have turned out pretty neat, others have had to have remakes of them..LOL

[knawest8]

Did you get the pirate dresses from KB Toy store? I have been trying to find some but they are all so "boyish" that my girls wouldn't like them. Also, should I bring a stroller, in Nassau, for my youngest, as she gets tired easy? Or does Disney have some you can borrow?

[guate]

Hi everyone, just found this great board. Our first DC, 13 of us, 3 generations. My DH and I, my daughter, her DH, 8 grandaughters ages 22, 17, 14, 13 (2), 12, 8 & 6 and 1 grandson age 12 (his birthday is April 2!!!). Would love him to meet some of your sons!! All very excited about this family getogether. Booked all kids in clubs in case they wish to go. Still thinking about excusions on CC. My grandson loves fishing. Anyone booked for fishing on CC?

[ladypoo]

we did get the dresses at KBtoys. during their sale. We havent decided whether to take our stroller on the ship for the baby or not. It did come in handy when she was smaller. HMM.... it would come in handy, just getting from one place to another on the ship even.

[knawest8]

That what I was thinking! We will definately bring our umbrella stroller. Then I was thinking, my 5 yr old isn't going to want to walk far on the Nassau excursion. What to do? :confused3 I did see this woman at the mall with what looked like a double jogging stroller. It wasn't as wide as a regular side-by-side stroller and had a cover for the sun. Decisions, decisions... At least our passports have arrived, so that's one less worry.

[TAKitty]

I think March is going to fly by!

I am still trying to make sure that the kids have some summer stuff that fits.

Our oldest is already talking about when our next cruise might be. I told him we have to take this one first and make sure we like crusing!

[ladypoo]

My girls still dont know they are going on a cruise. We have done well at keeping it on the downlow. The oldest one has an idea tht something is up, but she just thinks it is a trip to WDW.

By the way, we got UPGRADED!!!!!! Yea... i knew we would at least get into an 11, but we got upgraded to a 9, we are in 2500, just about as far forward as you can get, but we have a Window!!!!!!! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KaiMima]

I'll be on this cruise! I've always read DIS boards but never participated, but now that I'm actually taking a cruise and know NOTHING about it, I figured I'd join in.

I have hubby coming and a 2 year old and 9 month old... I've obviously heard great things about this cruise for young kids, but I'm wondering if I'm going to regret taking them this young?

Has anyone here taken children this young?

[caspersmom]

We are so excited to be going on this cruise. We also got upgraded to a category 9 from category 12. It will be me, DH, DS 10, DS 4, DS 1, Great grandma & grandma and cousin 13. We have cruised with young kids and I definitly think it is worth it. Last year we did a 7 nt with a 3 yr old and 9mo and it was great. Just go at a slower pace, you will not be able to do everything.

[knawest8]

Congrats on the upgrade! I think you will be right across the boat from us. We are in 2004, all the way forward on the left side. It should be interesting. We just received our boarding passes and stuff a couple days ago. That got me pretty excited. Our girls still don't know about the trip. We told them we were going to drive out to the beach on Spring Break, so they will already have their bathing suits on. :) One more month!!

[may_baby06]

whooo hoo!!! :cool1: got my docs this morning!!!! :banana: i'm so excited! now i have to reseach a little and see what my room is like!

[knawest8]

I found this website costume craze (http://www.costumecraze.com/) yesterday. I ordered two girls pirate costumes for $12 each! :banana: I also got dd4 a Cinderella costume for $15. Not bad!

[guate]

I found this website costume craze (http://www.costumecraze.com/) yesterday. I ordered two girls pirate costumes for $12 each! :banana: I also got dd4 a Cinderella costume for $15. Not bad!

Thanks for sharing costume site. Just bought for my grandkids!!! Our first DCL also and can´t wait.

[radioclash2]

Hi everyone, just found this great board. Our first DC, 13 of us, 3 generations. My DH and I, my daughter, her DH, 8 grandaughters ages 22, 17, 14, 13 (2), 12, 8 & 6 and 1 grandson age 12 (his birthday is April 2!!!). Would love him to meet some of your sons!! All very excited about this family getogether. Booked all kids in clubs in case they wish to go. Still thinking about excusions on CC. My grandson loves fishing. Anyone booked for fishing on CC?

We're on this cruise too. And, my son will be celebrating his 12th birthday on April 2nd too.

We have the count down going here. Can't wait to get the heck out of Dodge. :banana:

[guate]

Hi radioclash2,

How exciting. My grandson will be 12 also. He is the only boy travelling with us. Hopefully your son and him can meet!!!

[guate]

Is anayone organizing or doing the the Fish Extenders exchange that I have been reading about? I am sure our grandchildren would enjoy it!! Thanks.

[ladypoo]

I'll be on this cruise! I've always read DIS boards but never participated, but now that I'm actually taking a cruise and know NOTHING about it, I figured I'd join in.

I have hubby coming and a 2 year old and 9 month old... I've obviously heard great things about this cruise for young kids, but I'm wondering if I'm going to regret taking them this young?

Has anyone here taken children this young?

We took my youngest on the Transatlantic in 2007, she was barely 5 months old and had a blast. We just had to go at a slower pace, which is what this cruise will be, a short relaxing trip. We will have spent the prior week at WDW and will need some wind down time.

I hope our documents are at home. LOL... we have 2 more weeks here in NM and then will be heading home!!!! Hopefully, bothe the cruise and the WDW trip papers will be home waiting on us.

[KaiMima]

Thanks guys, I feel better now. now I just have to worry about packing all those baby items. I read somewhere you can not bring a bottle warmer onboard!!

We're all very excited though!

[disneyjordan]

Hi everyone! So excited for the cruise. Although I am new to the site (logging in) I've known about this for a long time. I'm 14 and would love to answer any of your questions. :thumbsup2 My family and I are staying in 2 of the very few category 12 rooms aboard the ship :confused3
We are doing the main dining. YUMM!
We are doing a snorkeling excursion on Nassau.
And DB16 and I will be doing the Wild Side excursion on CC while my parents are doing the Walking and Kayaking excursion. My 2 sisters 11 and 8, will be in the kids club. :rotfl2:
cant wait to set sail. :cool2:

[chrisnglenn]

Hi radioclash2,

How exciting. My grandson will be 12 also. He is the only boy travelling with us. Hopefully your son and him can meet!!!

My DS just turned 12 last month -- we're on Deck 5 in one of the "secret porthole" cabins. We have just the one child -- David -- and I'm sure he'd love to meet up with all the other 12-yo boys on board. Maybe we can plan to meet somewhere on deck on Thursday after the ship launches???

[guate]

My DS just turned 12 last month -- we're on Deck 5 in one of the "secret porthole" cabins. We have just the one child -- David -- and I'm sure he'd love to meet up with all the other 12-yo boys on board. Maybe we can plan to meet somewhere on deck on Thursday after the ship launches???

Hi chrisnglenn,

Thanks for answering. Great idea!! My grandson´s name is Joseph. Wud luv to meet sometime after the sailaway party so the kids can get to know each other. We will go to deck 10 after the drill and try to get a good spot to see the sailaway show. Not planning to get off the ship on friday so the kids can enjoy the ship, club, activites, pool, etc. On Castaway Cay Joseph and my husband are going on the fishing excursion and I will go with all the girls to the stingray and snorkeling excursion.

[chrisnglenn]

Hi chrisnglenn,

Thanks for answering. Great idea!! My grandson´s name is Joseph. Wud luv to meet sometime after the sailaway party so the kids can get to know each other. We will go to deck 10 after the drill and try to get a good spot to see the sailaway show.

Okay -- we'll see if we can meet you on deck ten, then. We missed the sailaway show the last cruise we went on -- now, I'm not sure why, except that I know we did a load or two of laundry that first day, mostly because we'd been in the World for a week and didn't have any clean clothes left!!!

DH is about 6' and follicly challenged. He sometimes (proudly) wears a shirt that says "Struggling Hair Farmer." I am short and extra fluffy. Sigh. I will most likely be wearing a broad-brimmed Tilley hemp hat, as my very thin, very fine hair allows the sun to beat down and burn my scalp, so I protect it at all times. DS is, as above, 12, very sturdy, with a buzz cut of his blond hair. Likely to be wearing either a Colorado Rockies shirt or a Denver Broncos shirt. Loves sports.

Let us know how we can find you -- and it will all work out great!!

Friday, we're planning to go ashore in Nassau and do a taxi tour - recommended by a friend whose folks spend a week in Nassau every January -- and see the Pirates of Nassau museum. Castaway Cay will be hanging around the snorkeling and swimming beaches, maybe doing a paddle boat or two and generally taking it very easy.

We're doing the late dining this trip, too.

Let me know!

[guate]

Hi chrisnglenn,

We will look for yu on deck 10 aftrer the drill so the kids meet. That night we will be celebrating Joseph´s BDAY at dinner (late also). Look for a group of 13, 4 adults, teens and kids. Probably speaking spanish (from Guatemala), though we all speak english!! Regards,

[1eyedguy]

When we went to disney this past november with my 5 year old son, we did not want to tell him until the day before b/c we had to cancel the trip once before and i did not want to disappoint him again. Then I came up with a great idea to surprise him. I went to a local card printing shop and picked out a blank card/invitation with a picture of mickey on it. Then I had them type up the following:
"Dear Matty, Your mom and dad called me and told me what a great job you are doing in kindergarten. They also told me about all the good choices you are making at home. I am so proud of you and I want you to come and visit me at disney today. So grab your suticase b/c your plane leaves at 8:30.
Love, Mickey"

We woke him up at 6:00 that morning and told him that the mailman just dropped off this letter that was addressed to him. We video taped him opening it and me reading it to him. The look of disbelief and amazment on his face that Mickey Mouse sent HIM a letter, was the most precious thing. If we had to do it all over again, I would not hesitate to do it the exact same way. My son even insisted on bringing the invititaion to disney so that when we meet mickey, he could thnk him for it!
It was not really hard keeping it from him b/c i know all i would hear for weeks was, when are we going?.....and I also knew that this surprise would be unlike any other. Not too many kids wake up in the morning and are told they are getting on a plane and going to disney?

[disneyjordan]

Any other teens planning on doing the Wild Side excursion on Castaway Cay?

[knawest8]

1eyedguy-
That was a great story! We aren't telling our girls about the cruise until we pull into port. We just told them that we were going to the beach during spring break.

Any previous cruisers have something good to say about Late Dinner? I figure we can always get the kids something to eat before the show, incase they don't make it through dinner. My 4 yr old especially will fall asleep on her own by 9pm.

[may_baby06]

whoo hoo! 6 more days! i'm trying to figure out something last minute to do for our friends birthday. His birthday is April 4th. I am thinking about getting some decorations for his stateroom to suprise him with.

[chrisnglenn]

We are just digging out from a blizzard here yesterday! Boy, is this cruise at the right time. Tomorrow morning, we hope to be on an airplane to Florida for a few days in the World before getting on the cruise. Yippee!!!!!!
:jumping1:

[knawest8]

Have a safe flight!!

[guate]

Have fun at WDW!! We leave Guatemala on wednesday straight to Cape Canaveral!!

[radioclash2]

1eyedguy-
That was a great story! We aren't telling our girls about the cruise until we pull into port. We just told them that we were going to the beach during spring break.

Any previous cruisers have something good to say about Late Dinner? I figure we can always get the kids something to eat before the show, incase they don't make it through dinner. My 4 yr old especially will fall asleep on her own by 9pm.

We started cruising when my kids were 6 & 9. We eat dinner at home between 5&6 o'clock. My kids go up for showers at 8:00 & lights out at 9:00. I thought late dining was going to be disastrous, but we loved it.

Some nights the kids had room service & then went to the clubs. Some nights they ate with me.

We have done early dining. I think it cuts into my day too much. Especially castaway day. We ended up missing a few dinners because I just didn't want to rush to get there.

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Hi everyone!

I am looking for help from someone going on the Wonder soon and I hope you don't mind this one post. I am active on the Diva Trip thread in the Disneyland forum here on Dis. I can get a whole lotta Divas to vouch for me and you can see my friends on my home page here.

I collect Vinylmations, it's a new figure/doll Mickey from Disney and there is one that is only sold on the cruise. ::MickeyMo I heard there are some left -- but only on the Wonder. I would be happy to Paypal the cost to you (plus tax and shipping and handling) or reimburse you any way you wish. I need this for my collection (yes, I'm an obsessed collector).

You can PM me here so I don't clutter up your thread. I would really appreciate this. I also live about an hour from Disneyland, so I can return the favor if there is anything you ever need.

Thank you for letting me post here and I wish you all a Bon Voyage!
:thanks:
Donna

[TAKitty]

Well, we are taking off tomorrow morning!

Just an FYI..I am writing a book about Walt Disney World and am looking for kid tips from kids between the ages of 8-13ish.

If your child is interested, please see the link in my signature. :)

[MMLong3996]

We had a fantastic time on the cruise!!! We can't wait to tak eanother and I have ZERO complaints....well, it was too short!!! :)

[TAKitty]

We had a great time too! My husband doesn't think he likes cruising that much, but me and the kids loved it.

We came back to about three inches of snow! Yuck!

[MMLong3996]

Really? Too bad for you but that's one less person you have to pay for on your next one! haha My cousins from OH had to go back to sleet and cold...yuck!