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

[YenSid1222]

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v...&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=15791407&encType=1

 

[lyn9856]

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v...&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=15791407&encType=1

Got it
wow....well good..that is truly magic
Curiosity is that the Magic is deserted....but there are some peops playing basket ball lol

 

[YenSid1222]

Obviously taken on a Saturday morning after the previous cruise left but before next group boarded. Must be some crew members enjoying a few minutes of R&R.

 

[airtime247]

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v...&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=15791407&encType=1

Too cool. Okay, am I the only one geeky enough to have found their cabin? Mine is easy to spot as it is the first cabin behind the rear "porthole" verandahs on Deck 5 starboard side. Check this site again in a few weeks and you'll see my sandaled feet resting on top of the rail!

I updated the site with a great picture of Lyn and Bob.

Still no cruise docs here. I really do think this is a conspiracy on Disney's part to get us good and stressed out so we spend more money trying to unwind on the cruise. It's working...

The things we generally bring small bills for are airport and cruise terminal porters, cab/limo/shuttle drivers (including rental car shuttle), room service, WDW bell services, food/drinks while on the plane, and finally tolls. We also bring some 10's and 20's for shopping in non-US ports. I'm a little paranoid about using credit cards there.

As for what we are budgeting? I wish we kept better track. We're splurging a little since it's our 10th anniversary. Ideally it will be paid off in time for our 20th! Actually, we've been planning this since 2007 so hopefully the only pain I feel upon return is a sunburn and a belt that's too tight.

-steve

 

[dollysmom]

I just took a look at that map and was wondering what that little pool at the front of the ship is? Crew pool?

 

[Eeyore77]

I always seem to forget the part where I need to take cash on the ship. I will have to try and remember that this trip. I just always seem to put all my tips and everything on my room charge. I just find it so much easier that way.

So after hearing that everyone else is taking their laptops I think that we will definately be taking ours as well. It will be nice to be able to to look at pics on the big screen with my grandmother.

I am so excited about taking this cruise with her. I have not had a long trip with her since I was young and I am just looking forward to having a full week with her on the ship. I miss getting to spend time with her. Ever since I moved to FL from NC I have missed her so much. This will be a great oppurtunity to show her why it is that we love DCL so much. Sorry I was having a mushy moment. LOL

 

[Eeyore77]

I just took a look at that map and was wondering what that little pool at the front of the ship is? Crew pool?

Yep that is exactly what it is!

 

[1stime74]

Too cool. Okay, am I the only one geeky enough to have found their cabin? Mine is easy to spot as it is the first cabin behind the rear "porthole" verandahs on Deck 5 starboard side. Check this site again in a few weeks and you'll see my sandaled feet resting on top of the rail!

I updated the site with a great picture of Lyn and Bob.

Still no cruise docs here. I really do think this is a conspiracy on Disney's part to get us good and stressed out so we spend more money trying to unwind on the cruise. It's working...

The things we generally bring small bills for are airport and cruise terminal porters, cab/limo/shuttle drivers (including rental car shuttle), room service, WDW bell services, food/drinks while on the plane, and finally tolls. We also bring some 10's and 20's for shopping in non-US ports. I'm a little paranoid about using credit cards there.

As for what we are budgeting? I wish we kept better track. We're splurging a little since it's our 10th anniversary. Ideally it will be paid off in time for our 20th! Actually, we've been planning this since 2007 so hopefully the only pain I feel upon return is a sunburn and a belt that's too tight.

-steve

You’re not the only geek, we have a Navigators Verandah on the seventh deck, second one in from the rear, real close to the “secret verandah”.

 

[lulu0506]

Here is a way to make the time pass... tell yourself that you have 4 weeks left before vacation then believe that for a few days, then look at your calendar and realize you were mistaken and in fact you are only 3 Weeks away from your trip Yippie!!! I just lost a week!!!

Silly me.. I was emailing DH at work saying "4 weeks before we are in sunny Florida" He emailed me back saying "Not sure what vacation you are going on, but the kids and I are leaving in 3 weeks"

Wow! Time is flying for me

 

[DisneyMommy1022]

LOL that is Funny

 

[Eeyore77]

Here is a way to make the time pass... tell yourself that you have 4 weeks left before vacation then believe that for a few days, then look at your calendar and realize you were mistaken and in fact you are only 3 Weeks away from your trip Yippie!!! I just lost a week!!!

Silly me.. I was emailing DH at work saying "4 weeks before we are in sunny Florida" He emailed me back saying "Not sure what vacation you are going on, but the kids and I are leaving in 3 weeks"

Wow! Time is flying for me

I have done that before too... LOL... This time I have been right on the ball though. I am sooooo ready to be on the road to WDW in 3 weeks... I would be there right now. LOL....

 

[YenSid1222]

Too cool. Okay, am I the only one geeky enough to have found their cabin? Mine is easy to spot as it is the first cabin behind the rear "porthole" verandahs on Deck 5 starboard side. Check this site again in a few weeks and you'll see my sandaled feet resting on top of the rail!

I found my cabin for this cruise first....

....then I discovered the little button that rotates you around the ship (which incidently makes everything even cooler) and found my cabin from my last eastern.

Then I started looking at the other doors on the lower decks...

Then to the crew door where I first ever boarded the Magic for a tour...

Then I started looking at the baggage guys loading up stuff in the terminal...

Then I went to Paris and looked at the Eiffel Tower...



I got no work done today.

 

[ufcabear]

As you can see by the time of my post it is almost 1:00 a.m. I am now 2/3 of the way through my FE gifts. I have got to get the majority of them completed this weekend. I have that trip to Charleston with all those teenagers this week and won't have time for anything.

Next weekend I need to get them all finished and bagged (or whatever I am doing with them.) The following week I have mega work to do. Since I will be away in May (and I work at a school) I must complete many of the end of year things before I leave. Then my daughter's 26th b'day and I am giving her a dinner party, then my mom comes from Atlanta so she can watch our poodle. She is quite a woman - 75 years old and drives the long 5 hours on Int. 85 so she can come and take care of a little poodle who has anxiety attacks when he sees a suitcase. Plus, with his herniated disk issue I can't put him in a kennel. Oh my gosh, I have to pack in there somewhere.

Sorry - I am ranting on. It is late and I am sad that my Spring Break is over. Back to school-work on Monday.

 

[don604]

Here is what I am planning I need cash in pocket for:

Porter (port) and Bell Service (wdw) $15-$20 tips at arrival and departure for our party of six
Magens Bay Travel- $7 or $8 per person each way taxi fare plus tip of $6 each way
Magens Bay Entrance- $24
Room Service tips onboard- $10-$20 (we do not use room service a whole lot)
I also plan to have an extra $100 or so for small purchases off the ship at the ports and whatever else we can’t use the debit card for.

I figure we can use the debit card for most other stuff before and after the trip like a meal in an airport or any larger purchases somewhere at port or WDW.

Thanks Scottie! That gives me a good idea of how much to take

 

[Eeyore77]

Yeah I think this weekend I may actually get some of my shopping for the trip done. Yeah!!! So much to do and so little time. OK well actually I guess three weeks is plenty of time. LOL...

Have we talked anymore about a meet. I know that on other cruises we have either meet on the deck or at the Promanade Lounge after the Deck party. Meeting up on the deck during the party was always way too hectic. You just can't meet anyone. The one we did at the lounge was much better cause we could actually meet each other and not have as much going on. It was a good place to pick up final lists (in case there are room changes) for the FE or to just to hang out.

If we all can't work out a time that is ok too. We can look for the green bracelets and just introduce ourselves. I know I am going to be leaving a lot of the decisions to what we do up to my grandmother since this will be her first Disney cruise. I just thought I might mention it and see what everyone thought.

 

[scottie]

I don't have a travel agent, but would love to take advantage of some of these offers!!

My agent did say I could extend her offer to any of my "friends" cruising with me, so if you or anyone else would like more info please let me know via PM.
If you book onboard you will also get a discount for the future cruise and a shipboard credit from DCL (in most cases). This is on top of what an agent gives you.

 

[scottie]

Well, it's non-revving...so it's hit or miss. Right now the flight has lots of seats in First, I hope it stays that way. But come on down to DFW! We can have breakfast at one of the fancy restaurants in terminal D.

I didnt realize they had fancy joints to grab a bite to eat, more tempting... let me see if DW thinks it is worth going a couple of miles out of the way!

 

[YenSid1222]

I didnt realize they had fancy joints to grab a bite to eat, more tempting... let me see if DW thinks it is worth going a couple of miles out of the way!

Our new terminal is WAY fancy. Upscale restaurants, a whole art program...very nice. Of course, it seems like my flights always end up leaving out of old terminal A. Not fancy at all there.

 

[scottie]

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v...&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=15791407&encType=1

Way Cool... thanks!

Too cool. Okay, am I the only one geeky enough to have found their cabin?
As for what we are budgeting? I wish we kept better track. We're splurging a little since it's our 10th anniversary. Ideally it will be paid off in time for our 20th! Actually, we've been planning this since 2007 so hopefully the only pain I feel upon return is a sunburn and a belt that's too tight.

-steve

Not the only geek for sure! I quickly spied our secret porthole rooms and spent way too much time enjoying the view!

While I was typing my figures up yesterday I sat there wishing I could remember how much we spent on and off the ship on past cruises... but for some reason that part of the sailings always hides itself away in my memory! I guess its probably better that way because I know we spend more then we ever plan to!

Here is a way to make the time pass... tell yourself that you have 4 weeks left before vacation then believe that for a few days, then look at your calendar and realize you were mistaken and in fact you are only 3 Weeks away from your trip Yippie!!! I just lost a week!!!

Silly me.. I was emailing DH at work saying "4 weeks before we are in sunny Florida" He emailed me back saying "Not sure what vacation you are going on, but the kids and I are leaving in 3 weeks"

Wow! Time is flying for me

Great way to make the time fly!!

As you can see by the time of my post it is almost 1:00 a.m. I am now 2/3 of the way through my FE gifts. I have got to get the majority of them completed this weekend. I have that trip to Charleston with all those teenagers this week and won't have time for anything.

Next weekend I need to get them all finished and bagged (or whatever I am doing with them.) The following week I have mega work to do. Since I will be away in May (and I work at a school) I must complete many of the end of year things before I leave. Then my daughter's 26th b'day and I am giving her a dinner party, then my mom comes from Atlanta so she can watch our poodle. She is quite a woman - 75 years old and drives the long 5 hours on Int. 85 so she can come and take care of a little poodle who has anxiety attacks when he sees a suitcase. Plus, with his herniated disk issue I can't put him in a kennel. Oh my gosh, I have to pack in there somewhere.

Sorry - I am ranting on. It is late and I am sad that my Spring Break is over. Back to school-work on Monday.

You have your hands full for sure! Have fun on the big field trip!

Thanks Scottie! That gives me a good idea of how much to take

Happy to hear! After getting home last night we talked and think we may now budget a bit more cash in hand for the ports and limit the use of the debit card in the stores at the ports.

Our Rule #1 of crusing with Disney- Always budget/bring more then you could ever expect to spend... because you may very well spend it!!

 

[YenSid1222]

Our Rule #1 of crusing with Disney- Always budget/bring more then you could ever expect to spend... because you may very well spend it!!

Ain't THAT the truth!