1/15/2005

[pershing]

........was wondering if we could share all our lists so that if we have forgot something then we could help each other out? This is our first cruise and I am sure I won't remember everything! What do you think?

Sure! But what I'm doing now is printing the thread on the main DCL forum page that has "All the best tips summarized". Specifically, the link on that thread that has all the best tips. I'm going to sit down with my highlighter and highlight the packing lists. Then condense what's applicable for me.

So many of the suggested items seem great, but you could fill up an entire suitcase with just the suggested items and never end up using them.

My motto for this trip is: Less is More!

 

[Houzer]

We're falling behind on our post so I thought I better bump us up. Pauline

 

[pershing]

I've said it before, this is gonna be one 'packed' cruise. According to the Disney website, only Cat. 4 is left to be offered online. (Cat. 1,2,3 have to be phoned for, I believe)

We know from one of the earliest posts on this thread that there is a large group from, I think, the disneydollarless website going on this cruise. I visited their yahoo. thread once and I think they numbered over 100 or so.

That group, the holiday weekend, and the lower number of eastern departures due to Magics California visits really booked up the ship.

I know our last cruise was nowhere near as full. However, all seasons travel still lists availability in most catagories, probably 'cause they had the right to buy in blocks. (even though I may sound confident, I'm actually clueless as to why) The prices have gone up hundreds of dollars though.

This is when we all congratulate ourselves for booking early!

 

[kellimomo3]

So is there a disadvantgae to having a large group sailing when we are?? I think I remember reading a post once where a large group was sailing and "took over the ship". I believe the poster said they acted like they owned the boat!! But...if I remember correctly that group was MUCH larger than 100 people. I always thought January was the slow season????

Kelli

 

[karebear1]

I remember that post too ! But you're right- it was a much bigger group then 100.

Does anyone have plans for Cozumel yet? I'm just kinda stuck on what to do there and was looking for some suggestions.

 

[Meshee]

karebear1, We have the Fury Catamaran Sail, Snorkel and Beach Party booked with DCL. Houzer has it booked as well.

 

[kellimomo3]

We are spending the day at Paradise Beach. I have read all the rave reviews and we are a beach loving family. I was born and raised on Cape Cod!!!

Kelli

 

[karebear1]

Meshee- We've booked that too! But it doesn't last very long and we'll be at this port for 12 hours! I was wondering if there was maybe something else we could do in addition to that? What else do you have planned to do that day?

Kellimom- I've not heard about this beach. What can you tell me about it? Is it someplace we can go after the Fury catamaran Sail thing?

 

[mark & sandra]

Originally posted by kellimomo3
We are spending the day at Paradise Beach. I have read all the rave reviews and we are a beach loving family. I was born and raised on Cape Cod!!!

Kelli, where did you find reviews or links to Paradise Beach.

 

[kellimomo3]

If you go to the DCL Discussion Forum and search Paradise Beach you will see a lot about it. I have not read one negative thing. It's clean, it's not too crowded and the cab ride is approx $4 per person.

Kelli

 

[pershing]

I had read about Paradise Beach and the other Cozumel beaches on other sites too. The main website I went to is down right now, but some of the others were:

(I put them in non-linkable language 'cause I can't recall the forum policy as I belong to a couple forums and some will allow and some won't allow...so)

cozumelmexico dot net/Paradise_Beach.html

travelnotes dot cc/cozumel/links/beaches.php

cozumelinsider dot com/beaches/beachchart.htm

They have some great printable maps, but as I say this I remember I can order them from AAA as a member and should do so soon!

(Yet another excuse to avoid refining the packing list! )

 

[karebear1]

Thanks for those links Pershing!

Meshee and Houzer- I'm thinking about changing our Stingray ressies from DCL to Capt. Marvins because I think it'll be less crowded and we'll have a better chance of getting to meet those stingrays up close and personal if I do. Are you (olr anyone else) interested in joining me and changing your ressie from DCL to Capt. Marvins? Everything I've read about them is very good. I posted a question about this on the cruise forum. Maybe you can go and check it out and see what others have to say. What do you think?

 

[mark & sandra]

karebear1- Last year we used Capt. Marvins and we were very happy. Whichever tour company you use, they all go to the same place, Stingray City. Every time a boat drops anchor the rays flood the area looking for handouts. We saw about a dozen boats in the 1/2 hour we were there. As long as someone is feeding a ray they'll all stay around. As far as being upclose and personal, any tour company is going to let you go into the water. You'll be surprised just how close and personal wild stingrays can be!!! You'll be laughing and sreaming at the same time!!...Mark

 

[Houzer]

karebear1: Just spoke with Annie about your post last night and by all means if you'd like to change that is fine it is your vacations and its important to do what you like doing not what other want to do. Have a great time. Pauline

 

[cruiser]

So what are everyone's plans for Key West? I was looking for parasailing but I have not found much information yet. What little I have found is much cheaper than DCL.

Also, for Grand Cayman we booked Sato's Cruises, a 3 hour snorkel & stringray trip for only $24pp.

Lee

 

[mark & sandra]

When we were in Key West last year, my wife and daughter were feeling under the weather and stayed onboard. An ABC sitcom was filming on our cruise and they took over some of Key West for the entire day. Hopefully this time we'll get to explore some more of it together. I rented an electric car for a few hours and drove around exploring, but due to the street closures and people mobbing the closed streets, it was too much of a hassle to really enjoy...Mark

 

[Houzer]

My 12 year old is a history buff so we are going to check out some of the museums with him and just walk around and see what is there. Pauline

 

[pershing]

I didn't really plan on doing anything. I was just going to wing it and probably not do anything. My kids need settling time so skipping Key West and letting them gel seemed to be a good idea.

They'll probably want to bond with the pools doing that time. Isn't our cruise meet on that day around 10?

 

[cruiser]

I am guessing we will probably not book anything at KW either. From the research I have done there is not a heck of a lot there outside of touring the city. Sure seems like it is getting closer by the day...

 

[kellimomo3]

My DH and I are planning on doing a little exploring on Key West but we are probably going to leave the kids in the clubs as long as they are comfortable with that. Will we still be there for the sunset or does the ship leave before then??

Kelli