06/24/2006 - Special Western Cruise - Who Else!?

[jtjcwise]

Jillpie-My Mom and Dad are not smokers. We stayed on deck 7 on the Wonder this past June, but at the other end. In fact we were the first cabin, but on the other side of the boat. We really liked deck 7 because it is not too far down or up to most of the dining rooms and theaters and kids clubs. We did WDW in June before our cruise, so we decided to skip the parks, but you never know, I may be able to talk my wife into 1 park before it is over with.

Lorie, just got back from Columbus and saw the manatees. However, my sons favorites were the baby elephant and the gorillas. Will keep you in mind if we get to do the Jack Hannah meet.

Thinking about trying to talk my wife into the spa on the Magic, but she is not real excited about it. Help!!! Anybody done the psa and have suggestions?

 

[musicgirl]

jtjcwise,
I've done the "sleep" capsule. In my opinion it wasn't worth it. 25 min. for $45 plus a tip for the attendant who doesn't really do anything except put you in it and give you a headset. It was right below the courts, so I heard the balls bouncing. Hopefully, in the re-model they will fix this problem.

I've also done the rainforest. It is now $75 for the week. While I did enjoy it, I probably only went 4 times for about 30-45 min each time. It was $50 at the time. I'm not sure if I'll do it again.

 

[Jillpie]

Jtjcwise, thanks for letting me know about your non smokers! You have no idea how much that made my day. Now I just gotta find the people on the other side of us...hmmm...do you think they'll show up on the Dis, what are the odds?

 

[dmensing]

Hi Everyone!

Between soccer practices, games, and back to school mayhem, I haven't been able to devote my normal time on the boards!

I did have enough time to finally confirm our Cozumel excursion for the Dolphin Discovery. My wife and I have visited Dolphin Cove in Orlando a couple of years ago, but the kids were too young to come with us at that time. We are really excited to see what they think about it. Of course, since they don't know about the cruise yet, we can't tell them about the dolphin swim yet! It is hard to keep these secrets!

Now to figure out what to do at Costa Maya and CC!

Talk to you later!
Dan.

 

[Jillpie]

Thats terrific Dan, it sounds like lots of fun! We'll be going to the Eagle Ray Divers excursion that day to snorkle for the first time, I can't wait. My DH wants to see some Mayan ruins probably on Costa Maya, but I really don't have any interest in that. So I'm not sure what I'll be doing that day.

 

[dmensing]

Jillpie:

The Eagle Ray Divers excursion looks really cool too!

The ruins at Costa Maya don't appeal to me either. My wife always make fun of me because I don't enjoy historical things. We go to Williamsburg all the time, but rarely visit the historic sections. I'm not a good example for my kids!

Thanks!
Dan.

 

[musicgirl]

Ok, just when I thought I was pretty set with the big plans, my airline Delta is declaring bankruptcy. It sounds like they're having troubles and are closing a few hubs. So far, Columbus is not one.

We actually had this happen before as well for our land/sea trip. It happened pretty close to the trip. What really annoyed my about the situation was that while the news was saying the airline was done, they sold airline tickets that very day!! My BIL was one.

They kept telling me that that would handle it. I waited and waited...nothing. So finally I asked if I could get a refund and book my own flight.

Well, I'll have to wait and see.

Based on the available excursion information for CM, I think we might do something simple like going to Maj. beach and rent some waverunners.
I hear the massages are cheap!!! Maybe DCL is working on some excursions.

 

[Jillpie]

Lorie, you and me both are holding tickets thru Delta, but no worries. Even if they declare bankruptcy, they'll still operate as usual. I confirmed this with them today as a matter of fact. They were being inundated with phone calls about it. I also asked DCL if they have excursion info on CM yet, and as of today there aren't any, but they will. Hey, we're going to drop enough $$ in Cozumel, that a beach trip might not be a bad idea at CM! Oh shoot, that just reminded me I have to send my deposit in! I still don't think I'll do it till Uncle Sam gives us his present in January though .

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Are you guys booking excursions through Disney? I thought we had to be at 90 days to do that?

 

[Jillpie]

No, not thru Disney. We booked our snorkeling one right thru the Eagle Ray's website. Very nice people!

 

[jlawall]

Dolphin excursion..........your kids will love it!
Stingray excursion............the one in Cayman Islands is a blast.....I was creeped out too but then I did it again.....it's actually cool!

I still haven't booked my flights.........or room in WDW.....I'm planning on waiting alittle b/c I don't know how long we want to be gone yet!!

 

[musicgirl]

Jill,
Thanks for the Delta info. I hope it's just one of those "we need to get our money straightened out" things. It's actually on the news as we speak.

Yes, we are booking outside of DCL as well. The Cozumel DCL excursions are so overpriced. If you look into it, you can do most on your own in your own time frame.

We've booked with Eagle Ray as well. There have been some excellent reviews on it.

One of these days, I'll have to book a Dolphin excursion, but it is sooooo expensive.

 

[dmensing]

Lorie:

I don't know if it makes a difference, but right now the dolphin excursion is discounted. The four of us booked it for $356, about a 10% discount.

I know it is expensive, but we will probably just explore on our own at CM, so we won't be spending too much money there.

Now that we don't need passports, the money for those are going towards the excursions!

Dan.

 

[barbarac]

Hello everyone - can anybody give me some links to book excursions not through DCL - i've only booked through the cruise line before & they are so expensive.

Thanks,
Barbara

 

[dmensing]

Barbara:

Here are some links I have:

Cozumel:
http://cozumelcruiseexcursions.com/
https://www.dolphindiscovery.com
http://www.cozumelhomes.com/tours/

Costa Maya:
http://costamayacruiseexcursions.com/

HTH,
Dan.

 

[musicgirl]

this one is definitely cheaper on your own.

http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/CozumelChankanaab.htm

Here's one for taxi info for cozumel

http://www.travelnotes.cc/cozumel/links/taxifares.php

Maybe we should start a post like we did with the cruise list on page 1?
We could list all the sites on one post.

 

[jtjcwise]

Was wondering if anyone has ever been on any of the excursions though the Cruise or on your own in Cozumel or Costa Maya.? If so what is your opinion or recommendations. Looking at the Dolphin encounter since have 2 sons 6 & 9 who love animals as a possibility.

 

[musicgirl]

I haven't been to either place so I have no recommendations. We're probably doing CM on our own.

In Coz., Jill (and family) and I (and family)are hooked up to do the Eagle Ray snorkeling excursion outside of DCL by recommendations from others who have gone.

 

[Jillpie]

Hi Lorie and Jeff My, aren't we all up late! How are we all doin tonight??

 

[Jillpie]

Oh darn it, you both just went to bed. (just checked the little circle thingy to the left) Well, nighty night.