10/19/13 Wonder. Galveston to W Caribbean.

[Justacruiser]

Any VGT been assigned yet? Anyone Still waiting?

18 days all!

 

[61maris61]

My family and I will be joining too! There are five of us. My kids are 13, 8 and 5. We just booked today!

Glad to have you joining us. Being the nosey person I am, I clicked on Tyler's wish trip and read your first post on there. What an inspiring story!

So, welcome to you and thebaddruid. Not sure if you're aware of it (others on here might not know either), but the most active posting for this cruise is on Facebook. It's a closed group, but if you're on the cruise you're welcome to join, and there's some talk starting up about having a "Meet & Greet" onboard.

 

[BLTris]

Kona is one of my favorites too and if they have it then I will be drinking it. Thanks for the list.

 

[kdzbear]

Glad to have you joining us. Being the nosey person I am, I clicked on Tyler's wish trip and read your first post on there. What an inspiring story!

So, welcome to you and thebaddruid. Not sure if you're aware of it (others on here might not know either), but the most active posting for this cruise is on Facebook. It's a closed group, but if you're on the cruise you're welcome to join, and there's some talk starting up about having a "Meet & Greet" onboard.

Thank you for the welcome! Tyler is an amazing little guy. I did find and join the facebook group!

 

[kdzbear]

I was reading through the thread and I have some options for shore excursions for you.

Cozumel: Paradise Beach - It is about $30 round trip by cab that you can hail right off the pier at the bottom of the shopping center.

You could also go to the all inclusive Mr. Sanchos. It has both an a la carte and an all inclusive side. We did a la carte side and it had a small pool, beach and a restaurant. It was about $50 an adult to do the all inclusive side.

In downtown there is a chocolate factory that is $10 an adult to tour and kids are free.

Grand Cayman: The Turtle Farm is great and you can book through their site online. If you end up not going they will issue you a refund. I noticed a lot of travel agents on here and they get in free. It has snorkeling, a beach with a water slide, turtle touch tanks and more. If you book on your own a van picks everyone up and takes them there and you still get your private tour just like those booking on the Disney ship. You also get free admission to the dolphin farm right across the street, but you cannot get in the water with them. They do try to sell you photos with a dolphin for $10.

As for Jamaica: I have no ideas yet.

 

[61maris61]

I was reading through the thread and I have some options for shore excursions for you.

Cozumel: Paradise Beach - It is about $30 round trip by cab that you can hail right off the pier at the bottom of the shopping center.

You could also go to the all inclusive Mr. Sanchos. It has both an a la carte and an all inclusive side. We did a la carte side and it had a small pool, beach and a restaurant. It was about $50 an adult to do the all inclusive side.

In downtown there is a chocolate factory that is $10 an adult to tour and kids are free.

Grand Cayman: The Turtle Farm is great and you can book through their site online. If you end up not going they will issue you a refund. I noticed a lot of travel agents on here and they get in free. It has snorkeling, a beach with a water slide, turtle touch tanks and more. If you book on your own a van picks everyone up and takes them there and you still get your private tour just like those booking on the Disney ship. You also get free admission to the dolphin farm right across the street, but you cannot get in the water with them. They do try to sell you photos with a dolphin for $10.

As for Jamaica: I have no ideas yet.

I've been posting about this cruise on 3 different boards and my DW is on the Facebook Page, so I can't remember if I posted our excursion info here or on the other boards. I usually book private excursions rather than through the ship, but Disney was reasonable for what we chose, which is:

Grand Cayman: Turtle Farm and Tour (I didn't know they had a beach - that helps)

Cozumel: Playa Mia Resort

Jamaica: we'll decide when we get there, probably a beach trip.

Personally, I think a highlight of the cruise for me would be meeting Tyler, because he seems to be a very special person.

 

[Double Trouble]

Hi to all,

Looks like we're joining in on the fun now as well!

Never sailed from Galveston, but this will be our 10th on DCL...Platinum here we come! Happy to answer any questions about the ship, etc.

Sorry, but we don't do Facebook (are we the only ones left in the world who don't?), so can anyone pass along any info about meetups (if there isn't one yet, I can get one organized), etc. please? Also, are there any kids around our girls' age (twin DD10s)? They're always looking for others to hang out with.

And, is anyone interested in sharing a van to/from Hobby Airport to the Galveston Port? We have 2 adults and 2 kids, and sharing the van is extremely cost effective. We arrive in Houston Friday night around 10pm, but were looking at spending the night there and shuttling down on Saturday morning after hitting the grocery store for beer/wine/supplies. Obviously, we will be doing the reverse after the cruise. Or, is anyone else looking for someone to join them?

Been to GC many times. Rented a car (they drive on the left!) and did the beach and turtle farm on our own last time...it was nice. Hoping to take the girls to Stingray City this time as they are a little older and swim like fish. Might do a beach resort in Mexico, or may just stay on the boat (been there too). What are others doing in Jamaica? New port for us.

I know it's short notice, but thanks for any updates anyone can provide, and we're looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[Double Trouble]

20 days out and I had to go to the 3rd page to find this thread. So as I am new to cruising my PAT is 11 or 11:30 something early like that. I assume earliest we would be allowed on the ship is 1 with no shot at our room until 3 or 4? Sound about right? Not that I will need the room I will have what I need in a carry on.

Another question any beer drinkers on this thread that have cruised before? Beer mug worth it? Any better quality beers other than the major domestics? If not then I will bypass the mug.

Looking forward to the trip. Can't get here fast enough.

Sorry, but I joined the thread am and now going back to read it...

Beer: Haven't done the mug, but we've always brought our own beer and wine on board in our "carry-ons". Not sure if that's an option for you?

PATs are part of your online checkin and are desiged to keep the crowds down in the terminal. Enforcement varys, depending on the port. We haven't cruised out of Galveston, but boarding does seem to usually begin around noon in other ports.

Cabins: The cabins have always opened at 2pm, except once where they opened at 1:30. They generally give you a card at the check-in counter with whatever time it is for that cruise. They put barrier straps up to keep everyone out of the cabin areas until that time.

Don't forget to pack bathing suits, gym attire, etc, in your carry on, as the gym/pools are open right from the get-go. Luggage shows up as early as around 2-3pm, and as late as dinner time, so be prepared (don't think the ship is very full, so hopefully it will be fast). And, of course, food and drink available, so let the gorging begin!

 

[Double Trouble]

We are from the Dallas area! Love Fort Worth! We go there often for my daughter. She is in theater and has been in a show at Casa.

My Husband and I will be with our 12 year old daughter and our 9 year old son! Looking forward to meeting y'all!

My daughter is 12 too and will be going on this cruise maybe they can meet up on ship?

Our girls are just shy of 11, but they go to the Edge (11+) instead of the Lab/Club. They are very independent and know the ship (and most of the crew!) inside out, and I'm sure would be interested in at least meeting your girls to see if they want to "run" together. I can PM (private message) you their email addresses if interested so they can get to know each other. Or, if we have a meetup onboard, maybe they can hook up then.

 

[Double Trouble]

For those who didn't know, Disney does Halloween onboard (even though it's before the 31st)! We have been onboard before for it, and it's lots of fun, particularly for the younger kids. Follow the link below to the Disney site for details.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/holiday-cruises/halloween/disney-cruise-ships/

It may be different now, but last time, the cast members dress up, and so do the kids (although they don't have to) for trick-or-treating around the ship. They provide bags, a map to follow to all the trick-or-treat stations, and really good candy (full size candy bars last time)! The web site talks about "movies, parades, costume contests, and bags of candy in your room", so it might be a bit different this year, but still fun I'm sure. So if you still have room, you might want to pack those costumes!

 

[61maris61]

Nice to have someone with your Disney expertise onboard. Lots of newbies, it seems, and we're basically Dis novices (only a 4 day Dream under our belt).

Facebook has been the most popular thread for this cruise, but this one has picked up recently. Personally, Cruise Critic is my favorite, but that's because we usually cruise other lines.

10 Disney cruises? Our last cruise was Explorer Of The Seas, and we met a woman who had cruised that ship over 100 times. I'd have to live til about 160 to have a chance at matching her!

PS: you're not the only one who doesn't do Facebook. DW does and keeps me informed, and there are others on here who don't do FB, so I'll try to relay any important info that pops up on there.

 

[BLTris]

Looks like we got some one with all the answers with us. Thanks for all the good tips. Seems like there have been a lot of deals pushed for this cruise lately so I'm sure a lot of last minute bookers will be on board. I know Disney will not be in Galveston after this year so I'm sure they are trying to fill as much as they can.

Thanks for the tip on the cab in Mexico we are just looking to hit up a beach so that will be perfect.

17 short days until fun times.

 

[Hakele]

I've been trying to be good about posting and reading here since I'm leading a lot of the stuff on the Facebook group. I finally figured out how to subscribe to updates, so that has been helpful.
So, there is a meet up being planned, I will relay info as soon as we have it. Jon is setting up and getting us a room to have it. We aren't sure if it'll be day one or day two. If you have a preference, just let me know and I'll send that to Jon.

 

[1025cruise]

Wow, there's activity here

 

[jolly3]

This will be our 8th cruise but first on Disney. All other cruises furnished shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Can someone tell me if shampoo is furnished or do I need to bring my own.

 

[Hakele]

This will be our 8th cruise but first on Disney. All other cruises furnished shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Can someone tell me if shampoo is furnished or do I need to bring my own.

Shampoo is provided. As is conditioner and lotion. All H20 products.

 

[jolly3]

Thanks Hakele

 

[61maris61]

This will be our 8th cruise but first on Disney. All other cruises furnished shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Can someone tell me if shampoo is furnished or do I need to bring my own.

Very nice cabin amenities on Disney (much better than the shower dispensaries on many other lines).

What lines have you cruised before? Disney, IMO, is somewhat different (in a better way), than other lines, although I still love Royal Caribbean.

 

[61maris61]

I always check to see how many other ships are in port with us at the same time - it can make a difference if you're trying to book private excursions.

Falmouth: we may have it to ourselves if the info I saw is correct.

Grand Caymans: Us and Carnival Legend.

Cozumel: Us, Carnival Legend, Carnival Triumph.

 

[1025cruise]

I think when I looked, I saw other ships at the other Jamaica ports. I think Falmouth is only used by RCCL (and its brands) and now Disney. The port was built specifically by RCCL so that its two largest ships could dock in Jamaica.