11/14/09 - Special Western - 2 CC stops

[glindamood]

Yes, that's what I'm remembering (as much as this old brain can remember). My only concern is for those of us who can't book until 75 days out and whether we will be able to get ressies at all. Gail, do you remember - have we decided on a specific time yet for Monday's brunch?

Sharen, we were also planning to have a group lunch at Lumiere's one day as well - maybe Thursday, the other day at sea? I can't remember if we have decided on a day for that yet (Old Brain Syndrome again).

Palo brunch - they hold out some ressies for each group so if you can be right there when they open, you should have a decent chance. And then you just continue to watch as some people change or cancel theirs. Time - I am thinking 10:00 or 10:30 but I would also hope that whoever manages to get ressies that day, we can get it worked out. Or I will pester them daily the week prior and who in their right mind would want that???

Lumiere's lunch - that info (I think) is in the secret mickey link in Denise's signature. I would say noon - or 12:30 but we can make it anytime we want I guess.

 

[sharen24]

LOL! I also suffer from OLD BRAIN SYNDROME (apparently) but in my case it's a tad premature. I'll just blame it on too much Sesame Street, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Glad to see the dates have already been worked out. I get to make my resies on 7/31 (REAS and I live on the West Coast) so I'll let you know how it looks for availability.

 

[LindaBabe]

Received our cruise folder today from the TA. Getting excited now!

 

[sandiegosusie]

Hi Gang,
I was just checking out some excursions for Grand Cayman...anyone have any reccomendations? Thought my girls may like Boatswain's Turtle Farm. Then I noticed a combo dolphin encounter (which we already booked on Cozumel) and turtle farm entrance for free from Dolphin Discovery. What about Seven Mile Beach or Rum Point Beach? I am stumped!!!

 

[mousemom11]

Hi Gang,
I was just checking out some excursions for Grand Cayman...anyone have any reccomendations? Thought my girls may like Boatswain's Turtle Farm. Then I noticed a combo dolphin encounter (which we already booked on Cozumel) and turtle farm entrance for free from Dolphin Discovery. What about Seven Mile Beach or Rum Point Beach? I am stumped!!!

Decisions, decisions. Doesn't Boatswain's also have a swimming area? Do you think your girls would like to see the turtles and then swim? Or if you're into just relaxing on the beach, either Seven Mile or Rum Point are nice.

 

[sharen24]

I was considering doing the Rays Reef & Rum Point in Grand Cayman, but I think it is too long a day with a 3 year old. We are now considering the Dolphin/Turtle combo for me and DS and DH will do Stingray City on his own.

By the way - on another thread Lisa Graves posted that on the last double dip they opened up Palo for brunch reservations on a port day (Tuesday). The reservations did not appear until after the 90 day mark so it was a big surprise.

 

[Travelbee]

Hi Gang,
I was just checking out some excursions for Grand Cayman...anyone have any reccomendations? Thought my girls may like Boatswain's Turtle Farm. Then I noticed a combo dolphin encounter (which we already booked on Cozumel) and turtle farm entrance for free from Dolphin Discovery. What about Seven Mile Beach or Rum Point Beach? I am stumped!!!

I booked the Rays Reef & Rum Point in Grand Cayman with mousemom & another family (sorry, I can't remember the name) to get a $5 per person discount... there were a few posts on this excursion maybe 10 pages back?

 

[glindamood]

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

I hope that you all have a great weekend celebrating with family and friends. Stay safe with all the fireworks!

We have been to the turtle farm with Nativeway - went last year when we were there actually. Pretty interesting and they let those that want to hold the turtles. We were on the city/stingray city tour. I am not so sure we will do anything this year, maybe just a beach day somewhere. Cozumel sort of scares me without something booked since there will be so many ships in port. That is a lot of people to "digest" into the system. We had talked about Nichi but could be the adult pool will be it.

 

[sharen24]

Just an FYI for anyone who may want a Secret Verandah Room -
Cabins 6134, 6634, and 7120 were still available for our sailing when I checked a few minutes ago. These are the CAT 7's that have the open balcony as opposed to the "navigator" verandah. They have some minor obstruction, but are a great deal if you have 3 or fewer people in the room. I would get one myself, but I'm too big of a cheapskate. Personally, I could think of many other things to spend the extra $1800 on. I also am probably the only person in the world who loves the THRILL of the CAT 12. I love waiting for the cabin assignment - you never know what you might get.

 

[LindaBabe]

I'd go for one of those, but I need the cross ways bed of the cat 11. the ones in the verandah cabins rock side to side and that bothers my "internal gyroscope".

 

[sandiegosusie]

Decisions, decisions. Doesn't Boatswain's also have a swimming area? Do you think your girls would like to see the turtles and then swim? Or if you're into just relaxing on the beach, either Seven Mile or Rum Point are nice.

I thought the girls would like to see the turtles, but DH says he wants to enjoy the beach...I was thinking of doing the dolphins in GC rather than Cozumel, but thought since we wanted to go to Chanakanab it just seems to jell more if we stay there. Not sure what to do...What is the cancelation policy once you get onboard?

 

[RookieMouse]

We were thinking we might just stay on the ship at Grand Cayman. Our daughter suffers from motion sickness and the small boats (ship to shore tenders, etc) bother her the most. I noticed that a lot of the GC excursions have a 45-minute boat ride to get to them, so for her sake, we might just take advantage of the relatively uncrowded pools. Last cruise she was sick as a dog on the way to the Atlantis Submarine Adventure in St. Thomas, although at the end of it, she pronounced it "worth getting seasick for".

I just called DCL the other day and booked the Romantic Escape at Sea package (since DW will be celebrating her birthday on board), which also lets us book stuff 105 days out. I need to take a look at the dining schedule and see when we might want Palo.

Our cruise docs showed up in the mail on Friday. I checked our ressie online and we are still late dining (but waitlisted for early), and still GTY on the stateroom (but at least a Cat 6).

The time is getting closer...

John

 

[King Charming]

Hi all. I wanted to stop by with an update. The Hyper one is STILL doing battle with the never ending medical program. Although the end is near, there is a snag/modification mode that still has to be dealt with. The other big reason she isn't here is because she isn't here either! That's right, she finally left me (oops, that wasn't suposed to be visible). She took the kids but left me the dogs (us dogs got to stick together ya know). Yep, packed up the mini-van and took off for Columbia SC. Her Meme's house specifically. And for all I care she can stay as long as she wants! Look, I feel I've known you nice folks long enough to tell you the whole story. She's really the SC serial killer! No, huh? Well, we've been having problems for years. Not buying that one either? OK, how about her YOUNGER sister will be having triple by-pass surgery this week! It's enough to make you review your lifestyle also. So I'm sure my wife will be a tad more careful about the type of slop (McD's & BK) she eats after this is over. I'm guessing she will probably stay a few weeks to look after (grand)mama and her sister.

Now I'm not making excuses for her, far from it! Only King's are allowed to lurk while only posting monthly. From her it is unacceptable! Further occurences WILL result is banishment to the back of the line. If ya'll want to cut her some slack, I guess I can make a temporary exception. She does, after all, have a few things on her mind and several families to take care of.

On a completely different note, I've been scratching my head on how this situation is handled, and would love to know how you veteran cruisers have handled it. You see, we also haven't been assigned a cabin number yet. So how will folks find us if we get a late room assignment or pay for an upgrade at the port? Will there be an update sheet at the first DIS meet? Should I run around begging for gifts and trinkets from strangers? Or will it seem too much like bragging that we finally got a window? I would appreciate some edification here.

Thanks
Jim

 

[glindamood]

On a completely different note, I've been scratching my head on how this situation is handled, and would love to know how you veteran cruisers have handled it. You see, we also haven't been assigned a cabin number yet. So how will folks find us if we get a late room assignment or pay for an upgrade at the port? Will there be an update sheet at the first DIS meet? Should I run around begging for gifts and trinkets from strangers? Or will it seem too much like bragging that we finally got a window? I would appreciate some edification here.

Thanks
Jim

I can only tell you what has happened on our previous cruises. On our last cruise, we made note of any changes at our DIS meet and the person in charge kept track of who she told and called those that were not in attendence. If you have a guarantee, you will know before you leave what you cabin is, or I would think so. I honestly can't remember from our Southern what we did. That was a HUGE group and there must have been changes. I was in charge of the SM that trip and we didin't have any changes that needed handled, that much I do remember.

 

[MSTXMOM]

KC -

I am so sorry for you all. I hope Denise's sister is doing better. I'm sure Denise is just swamped with care giving and her job. She is lucky in that she can take her job with her. I'm glad the boys went with her to help. Tell them to "keep their eys on the prize"! It's getting closer and closer. I know you can't enjoy being a bachelor again, either.

I don't know the answer to your question regarding your room. But rest assured we will find you no matter where they put you. You cannot hide from us - you will get what you deserve. (and you can interpret that anyway you choose - bwaahaahaa).

-vicki

 

[sandiegosusie]

KC,
Oh my...you had me going with that one. I was thinking, "if there splitting up, who gets the cruise?"

Anywho, my thoughts are with Denise. It is really hard on everyone when a loved one gets ill! Keep us posted!

Since I have your attention (major assumption) I am thinking of what to put in the teenagers FE. Any suggestions, since you have the boys...

I read on the general cruise thread a few days ago, that one disgroup had a sign in sheet at their cruise meet in the afternoon. Any cabin changes were announced by the lead honcho. Since we are having a map for both the FE and SM exchange we can write in any changes on the spot. Just an idea...

 

[LindaBabe]

Most of the GTY category know their room numbers before sailing. The few that remain can be updated at the meet.

Tell your dw to hang tough - WE'll keep an eye on YOU, King Charming!

 

[glindamood]

KC and Denise too if you get a chance to read - please keep us posted. My thoughts and prayers are with your sister and your family.

 

[Woobie]

Hi! Ok.. so now I feel like a schmuck. I JUST sent my PM to Hypermommy (BEFORE I got to the last post). I hope her sister has a speedy recovery. Anywhoo. This is esentially what I sent.

I can't sort through 120+ pages of posts, so what do I need to know (kidding!). I'll try to read as much as possible, but here are our stats:

DH, me, DS (10), DS (8) are DCL veterans. We also have first timers: DD (2), MIL & FIL. We have 2 cat 10 adjoining.

So far, we're not doing excursions (keep the boat to ourselves & DD is too young for most). Not sure about FE (need more info). MAY dress a little for pirate night. Waitlisted for early seating (really want that).

What else do you need to know besides how (obviously) excited I am?

Woobie

 

[mousemom11]

Hi! Ok.. so now I feel like a schmuck. I JUST sent my PM to Hypermommy (BEFORE I got to the last post). I hope her sister has a speedy recovery. Anywhoo. This is esentially what I sent.

I can't sort through 120+ pages of posts, so what do I need to know (kidding!). I'll try to read as much as possible, but here are our stats:

DH, me, DS (10), DS (8) are DCL veterans. We also have first timers: DD (2), MIL & FIL. We have 2 cat 10 adjoining.

So far, we're not doing excursions (keep the boat to ourselves & DD is too young for most). Not sure about FE (need more info). MAY dress a little for pirate night. Waitlisted for early seating (really want that).

What else do you need to know besides how (obviously) excited I am?

Woobie

Glad to have you and your family aboard with us! There are links in Hypermommy's signatures to links dealing with the FE exchange and the Saturday DISMeet. In a nutshell, the FE exchange is the exchange of little gifts between staterooms occupied by DISers. Just little things like notepads, candy, keychains, etc (think of the kind of things that you can get from Oriental Trading). We will have the stats on how many people, ages, and genders, so you can target your gifts accordingly. Then during the cruise on the day of your choosing, you wander the halls using the stateroom chart provided at the Saturday DISMeet and drop off your FE gifts.

Denise, my thoughts and prayers are with your sister and your family. Hope all goes well and she recovers quickly.