03/29/08, March 29, 2008 Eastern Magic - Who else?

[Buckeye 218]

Deb, are you collecting this info from everyone or just the FE group?

As for the room stewards and other staff, I've heard that pre-paid phone cards are greatly appreciated since many of them are away from their families for months at a time. We left those for our staff during our first cruise.

 

[cruisecrzy]

Here is the problem with the phonecards that my crew member friends told me.

1) Many of them have cell phones so they do not have a need for those cards. They have ones with international call plans.
2) Those cards need to be used not just in port but actually off the ship and on the island. Sometimes they are not able to get off the ship and make it to a phone they can use the cards in.

Candy/food they are able to except and keep.
Gift cards to places the bus takes them to like wal-mart (if it is a non tipped postion make sure you put the name of the person you want to get the gift card...that way they are more likely to be able to keep it)
Internet cards for the ship....I asked them how I could get one and they thought you could get it at guest services.

That is all I can think of right now.

 

[cruisecrzy]

I am not sure if you want each persons stuff or one for the group. So I will do the group and use my daughters favorite.

Cruisecrzy-Stitch and Purple or Pink is her color of the month.

 

[cruisecrzy]

The weather today in South Florida felt great!!! The sun was shining and I was able to wear shorts and flip flops!!

Lisa

Are you wearing shorts and flip flops today??? I do not think your high is much more than ours in the mid 60's.

 

[Angelhalo]

yeah I too have heard that the phone cards USED to be a better gift than they are these days when so many of them have cell phones with international plans. I've read, that food is always the best option because the crew food is not that great and because food doesn't take up a lot of space, you eat it and then its gone, which is important in their teeny tiny crew cabins. She said they barely have a place to set down a cup in there. BUT, she said that they on ly eat stuff that is prepackaged as they are all leary of homemade goods. I can totally understand that, as I am the same way, but with them it could be even worse because if they get sick, they often can't stop working, and can't jet over to their own private physician to see whats wrong.

 

[Angelhalo]

High of 68 here today. I'm definitely wearing flip flops but maybe capris instead of shorts! LOL!

 

[ps17]

For the sake of bumping this group up, our evolving plans from repeat spring break cruisers:

- Family of 5. Eden Prairie MN. DW, DH, DSx3:5, 10, 15. Connecting cabins Deck 2 left side near aft elevators. Late dining by strong choice.....

- Palo reserved for St. Thomas night. By tradition we've always done Palos on Monday night (usually NCAA championship - showing on top deck as we leave). We may change once we get on board, but may keep it as well and go standby for a second night. No Palo brunch booked - all booked when we checked - will try when we get onboard.

- St. Maarten: We'll cab it on our own to Orient beach. Rent an umbrella, go with snacks/cocktails - maybe some grilled lobster for lunch - rent boogie. boards/waverunners for the boys. We've always considered cabbing over to Maho to check out the airplanes but that has never happened.

- St. Thomas: Chartered a private daysail. We'd like to get off the ship at 7:30 if we can for an 8:00-2:45 sailing. If we have to tender, I know that DCLs excursions get priorty but I wonder if we show up at the theater at 7:30, if they'll just let us disembark with the other groups?

- Pre/post cruise: Just purchased plane tix (frequent flyer). Flying in night before. Have dinner ressies at Boma - one of our WDW faves. Will either keep those and stay at AKL if we can get a good deal on APs when they come around. If there are more attractive options at the port, we'll go there instead. Post cruise, DCL transfers directly to the MCO.

 

[cruisecrzy]

Debbie I sent an email, but wanted to cover all my bases. There appears to be availablity for Thursday 6:30 at Palo. I tried to see if I could book for just two and it gave me a warning. So it may be a 4-top....but thought I would let you know in case you can make it work.

 

[cruisecrzy]

ps17 do you want me to add your info to the cruise list?

Are you doing the Fish Extenders.....or should I say are your boys doing it? If so I will update that list.

And if your info is already on the cruise list sorry...I do not have it in front of me and cannot remember if all your info is on it.

 

[ps17]

Cruisecrzy: I don't think we are planning on it right now. I have not checked this thread or others for that matter, but please educate us on what the what the FE games are/is?

If we do decide to get FEs at all and join the game, we'll let you know. Thanks.
PS17

 

[cruisecrzy]

I think it would be great fun for at leat your younger one.

It just something you put out by your door. You can make a fancy one, a not so fancy one, or buy one. (Lisa bought one I think) I may be able to make some once I finish my daughters quilt.

Anyway, it has pockets on it. I can post a picture later if you need to see on.

Everyone that participates will take turns leaving tiny gifts in the FE. The kids come back and find little goodies that have been magically left. My DD had a gret time making deliveries in October. It was a great way for us to kill an empty half hour of time. Or get her out of the room while my husband got ready.

The gifts are small and inexpensive. For instance my mom picked up a pack of pirate tatoos and cut them up so that she can put a few in each FE. She also got a pack of Mickey pens or pencils to do the same with. I have little stick on earrings for the girls and trading cards for the boys. I have magnets for the older ones. Pens and pencils. Lots of random little things. And I am not yet done shopping. I wil have a big bag full by time I get on the ship.

You can do things like packages of gum or mints. My dad got fancy chocolate for the adults. My dad is all about finding adult stuff and my mom is all about finding kid stuff.

There is no set time to make the deliveries it is totally random and lots of fun for those that are little and big.

My daughter loved coming back to the room and checking to see if there were little surprises left for her.

ANd some of the neatest FE's I saw were handmade with felt or fabirc and hot glue and decorated by the kids.

Hopefully I have answered your question.

 

[cruisecrzy]

For those driving to the port are you aware they recently raised the parking fees. My friend in ground transportation told me they just raised the parking fees at the port. I am pasting in the info from the port website....not that I though he was lieing to me, but I wanted to see for myself.

Just thought I would share for those who were budgeting for $12.00 per day.

Parking Fees
$15/day for vehicles up to 20 feet in length
$8/half day for vehicles up to 20 feet in length
$26/day for vehicles over 20 feet
The total fee for the time the vehicle will be parked is due on entry. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard and Traveler’s Checks issued in U.S. dollars.

 

[dinghydeb]

I wanted information for each individual and for everyone on the meet - not just FEs. That gives me the best selection for what I want to do. Debby

 

[cruisecrzy]

Cruisecrzy
Michelle- Minnie Red
John- Stitch Blue
Jessica- Tinkerbell Pink or Purple

 

[dipdotdarlin']

Debby,
Here is the info you requested (even though we are not participating in FE). I kinda picked for Jim. He doesn't really have a favorite character. The high school he first taught at were Pirates, so he is partial to that. dipdotdarlin'
Teri- Snow White -pink
Jim- Capt. Hook- red

 

[meshellpnc]

Here is our list....

Michelle- Tinkerbell- Yellow Purple
Howie- Not sure on his character, but he is GRUMPY so if the shoe fits wear it, and color- red
Weston- Jack Sparrow- Blue
Mackenzi - Cinderella - Pink
Marty- Same as Howie....lol
Ruby - Tinkerbell - Yellow
Cannot wait to see what you have planned....we are having a BLAST looking for things to hand out

 

[Angelhalo]

Angelhalo - Pink, Tinkerbell

Bigheadedog - Stitch, Blue

 

[Angelhalo]

Bumpety bump

 

[TIGGERLUV]

Deb, this is the info you requested.

Sha - Tigger, purple
Caitlin - Stitch, black, red or camo

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Are you wearing shorts and flip flops today??? I do not think your high is much more than ours in the mid 60's.

Hi Michelle-

Yep...our high on Sunday was in the low 70s!! However, monday and tuesday were cooler in the morning.

Lisa