01/04/05 4 Day Magic Roll Call

[Verandah Man]

Hi Gail, say it ain't snow!!! It's chilly here in South Jersey, but no snow yet, thankfully!!!

I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music. Hazel and Angelina are getting ready to head to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. My wallet has already started crying, LOL!!!

 

[gail1771]

Andy, where do you and your family live in South Jersey????
I practically grew up in Cherry Hill and Salem, NJ many years ago. I was there once a month to see my mom's side of the family. MY mom grew up in Salem, NJ. My uncle now lives in Pensgrove and my aunt is still in Cherry Hill. I have cousins in Elkins Park. What a small world. We also have close friends that live in Clifton, NJ and Haworth-near Riverside Square Mall. What a mall world we all live in. I grew up on Long Island in Port Washington, NY. It is about 24 minutes by car to NYC or 30 minutes by train. We now live a litte more east on Long Island in Syosset NY. TTYL-Gail

 

[Verandah Man]

We live in Gloucester County, near Woodbury. My mother's side of the family is from Cumberland and Salem Counties, NJ. A large number of the family lived in the Friesburg, NJ area, dating back to the 1700's, after their arrival from Germany.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi fellow cruisers,

At last measure, we got 5" of snow. The kids spent the morning sledding and DH just got the cars all cleaned off.

I love the snow, but this is still pretty early for us. To cheer myself up, I called Debbie at DCL dining and put in my request for Palo's and a dining rotation.

It's getting close!

 

[gail1771]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
We live in Gloucester County, near Woodbury. My mother's side of the family is from Cumberland and Salem Counties, NJ. A large number of the family lived in the Friesburg, NJ area, dating back to the 1700's, after their arrival from Germany.

Andy, DM family came from Russia and ended up living in Salem. Before AC had Casinos our family owned a beach house there and there are pictures of me at 2-3 years old playing on the beach. I use to love to go see the family and have Birch Ber as that is where the factory for birch beer was. I loved the old diner and hot dog stand in the middle of town. I know that it is such a depressed area now. DM family owned a large shoe store on the main road and rented out a few store fronts as well. Fond memories. We have been to Cape May twice and love it there. My cousin owns a condo there but we stay at the Avondale Motel right accross the street from Henry's and the beach. We are thinking about going for long weekend this summer sice we have not been in 2 years.

Tammi-I am thinking about surprising DH with the Ressie package. I spoke to Debbie and dhe told me I should book it by the first wek in December. I know it has gone up from $299.00 to $329.00. It is a nice Delayed Chanakah gift. Does any one know how much the massages are if you do it seperate??? TTYL-Gail

 

[Praise2Him]

Well, it's not snowing here (raining, though), but we did put our Christmas tree up yesterday! I know, we're crazy, but we LOVE Christmas and want to enjoy it as long as possible...plus, we'll be at WDW from Dec. 15-24, so we'll miss a week of enjoying our decorations here (we can rationalize anything, LOL)!

Have a Blessed Saturday, everyone!

War Eagle!

Lisa

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Praise2Him
Well, it's not snowing here (raining, though), but we did put our Christmas tree up yesterday! I know, we're crazy, but we LOVE Christmas and want to enjoy it as long as possible...plus, we'll be at WDW from Dec. 15-24, so we'll miss a week of enjoying our decorations here (we can rationalize anything, LOL)!

Have a Blessed Saturday, everyone!

War Eagle!

Lisa

Angelina has been asking me if we could put our Christmas Tree up for the past few days. We usually start decorating for Christmas while we are watching the Thanksgiving Parade on TV from Philadelphia. Since the channel that airs the parade is an ABC station, we get so see and the rest of the Disney Gang during the telecast!!!

 

[gail1771]

Andy, thanks for the e mail

Have a great weekend everyone. Gail

 

[TammiMcMan]

Tammi-I am thinking about surprising DH with the Ressie package. I spoke to Debbie and dhe told me I should book it by the first wek in December. I know it has gone up from $299.00 to $329.00. It is a nice Delayed Chanakah gift. Does any one know how much the massages are if you do it seperate??? TTYL-Gail

Gail, the couples massage price is listed at $242. That takes up a good chunk of the REAS price tag right there. The other amenities include a romantic gift at sailaway, romantic turn down which I think is rose petals placed all over your bed, Palo's (not sure if you are looking to do this twice on the cruise) and a champagne breakfast in bed. I'm not sure how much you'll get to enjoy these others with your children

I'd probably opt for booking the massage separately and then going with something that the whole family can enjoy. You can arrange to have your stateroom decorated for $30, which includes a cake. Also, check out Shirley's website, www.theperfectgift.cc . She's a fellow DIS'er and has some great selections or will make up a basket based on your specific requests.

Tammi

 

[gail1771]

Hi Tammi. I am actually going to have Shirley do two baskets for the children. If I were to do the rssie pckage I was told I could subsitute the Palo dinner for the Palo Brunch and we could do the Champagne breakfast I guess the morning we get into Nassau but would want the children in the CP. To much to schedule in 4 days and with the children along. I would love to do the couples massage on CC. I know that you have to get on line early to sign up for that one. DH will be on a fishing trip in the am. The ressie couples massage is only on the boat-right??? I still have to think about all this as we also want some time to go with the flow and relax a bit. We do want to do the Palo Brunch as I heard that is awesome. Thanks for the info. Gail

 

[Praise2Him]

I was also thinking about the Palo brunch as everyone says it is wonderful, but I think it's only on the day at sea, which is the same night as our Palo dinner, right? I was wondering if that would be too much in one day - what do y'all think?

Also, I want to order a basket from Shirley for my DD. When is the best time to call her (how far in advance)?

Lisa

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Praise2Him
I was also thinking about the Palo brunch as everyone says it is wonderful, but I think it's only on the day at sea, which is the same night as our Palo dinner, right? I was wondering if that would be too much in one day - what do y'all think?

Also, I want to order a basket from Shirley for my DD. When is the best time to call her (how far in advance)?

Lisa

It is best to call Shirley (800-950-4559) about 2-3 weeks before the cruise, especially if you want special items added in the basket.

Personally speaking, I think brunch and dinner at Palo, on the same day, might be a bit much. But, that's just my opinion.

 

[gail1771]

Hi everyone. Wow I did not realize the Palo Brunch was on the same day as the dinner. I guess we will be passing on the brunch.

Went out and did some holiday shopping. Toys R' Us was so busy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I than went to Marshalls and they were busy as well. Tis the Season as Chankauh is early this year!! TTYL-Gail

 

[dawne577]

We reserved a room at the Comfort Suites on Nassau Day for $218 + tax for 4 adults. I think this will be a great way to spend our day in Nassau since the pools, etc. are heated and we will be in port until 11 p.m..
I am considering the walking and kayak nature adventure on CC. Has anyone done this recently or read a review on it? Am wondering about the damage from the hurricane, since this is supposed to be a chance to see the natural habitat of the island.

 

[gail1771]

Hi everyone. Happy Monday night.

Very quiet on this thread. I wanted to bump us up so we do not fall to far behind. TTYS-Gail

 

[momof4aj]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it's possible to arrange a time for a group family photo onboard ahead of time. Also, what are the photo sizes and prices of the pictures they take onboard? Is there some sort of package rate through Shutters?
Our TA wants to buy a group photo for us and I wanted to get something for our in-laws as well and was wondering if the shipboard credit would be the best way to handle this.
Thanks for any info!

 

[neverlandclub]

I think a credit is the easiest way. Pics tend to be either 5 X 7 or 8 X 10.

For those who are considering the Brunch and dinner in the same day at Palos, here is my opinion.

I LOVE THE BRUNCH! I LOVE PALOS! I LOVE DINNER AT PALOS! DID I MENTION I LOVE PALOS?

My goal this trip with no kids is to eat at Palos as many times as they will let me. I have early seating so I can visit with my servers in the main dining rooms, but later I want to visit my favorite place in the world- Palos!

The brunch really is amazing. I would just get one of the first seatings. You are going to eat lunch that day anyway, why not make it stone crab claws and amazing pizzas? The way I see it, its vacation and all those calories are magical and don't count. If you don't have a big appetite, than it might be too much for you, but its my fav thing.
Should I ever manage to get tagged, it should really say something like "I would rather be in Palos". Maybe I can make myself a bumper sticker like that.
Anyway, not much longer now. Can't wait to meet you all.

 

[gail1771]

Hi everyone. Happy Tuesday.

Melissa-I was thinking about the brunch and dinner at Palo's on the same day as well. I have to agree with you. I love Palo's. I do not have a big appitite but I love Stone Crabs and Shrimp. DH will love the brunch as we have heard so many wonderful things about it. You are SO RIGHT that you would be eatting lunch anyway even if it was a light lunch. We will go for the early seating which I think is 10:30am. You should enjoy as I want to take it all in especially since I do not know when we will cruise again on DCL. We will be cruising on the Voyager out of NJ to Bermuda either 10/2 or 11/13. We have 11/13 booked but might move it because we will have better weather in NJ and Bermuda the beginning of October. Anyway reading your post has sealed doing both on the same day.

Is there anyone else intrested in the Dinner at Palo's that has not contacted me yet????????

Are there anymore cruisers out there that have not come and joined us on the thread yet?????????????

I also want to book a massage on CC.

I wish we had more time as I would of liked to do the Romance Ressie package but would not know where to fit the cabin champange breakfast in. Next time whenever that may be.

My girlfriend is hosting a party tomorrow night at my home. he is selling home intriors through Better homes and Gardens. All things to decorate the home and candles too. I love candles. They also have holiday stuff as well. Not to expensive. I hope to get some teacher gifts as well. I think I am having 20-30 women. Today will be a busy day cleaning up and picking out finger foods for tomorrow night.

Have a great day all. TTYL-Gail

 

[magicmaker1]

Did I see that you can make Palo reservations now? I'm interested in brunch and a dinner but thought I had to make them on the ship. Gail, is there still room in your Palo's private party? Last I saw, you were full. I'd like to do both since this is our first and may be our last cruise for a very long time. Airfare is the killer for us! Has anyone heard any more about a third ship- ported in LA (possibly)? Is the Palo's brunch only on our at sea day?
I think we are going to make a quick trip into Nassua since we don't have the funds to do Atlantis or much else. But we need to just experience it for an hour or two. Maybe a quick trip through the straw market, tool around a bit then back on the ship?

So many questions, so little time for this newbie!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I was able to make Palo reservations because we are staying concierge for this trip. That would be for categories 1, 2 & 3. The only other way that I know of to pre-book is if you purchase the Romantice Escape at Sea (REAS) package. I think Gail had mentioned that it's $329 to add it on. It also comes with a couples massage, champagne breakfast and romantic turn down service.

The Palo's brunch is available only on the sea day. You can make reservations once you board the ship.

Tammi